I have always enjoyed reading the book of Romans in the Bible. I knew it was the book that has inspired numerous revivals through the centuries.
Months ago, I started doing the Daily Grace Company’s Romans Bible study. (Have I ever told you how much I love the Daily Grace Company’s Bible studies? I highly recommend them!)
Romans is a book that is full of rich theology, but also includes practical steps for Christian living.
It’s the why and the how (and the Who!) of the Gospel at work in our lives.
Being a Christian is more than just saying we believe in God (though a verbal proclamation is important). It’s also living like Christ. And that can be hard.
Romans 6:1-2 (ESV) says, “What shall we say, then? Are we to continue in sin that grace my about? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”
Life and death are two powerful, opposite words.
When I think of life, I think of warmth, breathing, doing. When I think of death, I think cold, unmoving, and I picture creepy skeletons in darkness.
Paul is saying we have DIED to sin. It should be behind us, no longer part of our lives.
True, while we are on this earth, we will continue to sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). But through the blood of Jesus, we are suddenly free to tell sin NO.
Do you spend more money than you should? (I’m talking, shopping is an idol – you’re trying to use it to make you feel better when you should be turning to Christ.) In Christ, you can say NO and put the credit card away.
Is your first impulse as a parent to yell at your kids when you’re overstimulated? In Christ, you can say NO and step away to take a few breaths and pray for wisdom and grace.
Do you reach for chocolate (or other food) when you should reach for your Bible for comfort? In Christ, you can say NO and reach your arms to our heavenly Father.
We are called to be living sacrifices. Romans 12:1 (ESV) says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
God wants all of us.
Cast off your sin (the Holy Spirit will help you, if you let Him), and give yourself to Jesus. He says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly,” (John 10:10b, ESV).
An abundant life.
Warmth – think love, care, smiles
Breathing – think of pouring into others and having others pour into you
Doing – God has big plans for you (Isaiah 43:7, Ephesians 2:10), plans you couldn’t begin to imagine. But they will be used for His good and His glory.
My dear friend, I encourage you today to dig into God’s Word. Find a Bible study you love (did I meant The Daily Grace Company yet?) and dig down deep.
God wants to spend time with you. He’s calling you to Him, because He loves you so much.