October 5, 2018
Romans 8:1-8 New Living Translation (NLT)
In our flesh, we tend to compare ourselves to others. These comparisons can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. But you know comparing ourselves to one another is really sinful. It’s like saying one person is of greater value than another. God never compares us to one another. Never. You see without being covered by the blood of Jesus, our sin causes us hostility with God; which demands the death penalty. We are all guilty of sin. The only person who would never deserve death is the one who actually gave his sinless life for us; Jesus. When God looks at believers, he sees the blood of Jesus and blesses us for Christ’s sake. Grace is such an extravagant and sacrificial gift!
Jesus wanted us to be able to enjoy life in the Spirit, as well as enjoy the Father. So, he freed us from sin and death and gave us a new beginning. Be joyful for who you are because God celebrates you as his child. Make your focus each day to please the Spirit. Value the gift of grace above anything this world has to offer. Set your mind on things above; the things that lead to real life.
Romans 8:1-8 Life in the Spirit
1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me a daughter of value by seeing the blood of Jesus covering me. Continue to do your work in my heart today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.