Read: Romans 8:1-17 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (v. 1) The devotionals of the past two days reminded us that through faith, we are saved. Saved from sin, guilt, and condemnation. The salvation we receive from God is eternal and it saves us from the condemnation we deserve because of our sin against God. Our sin separates us from God. It hurts us and hurts others. It saddens a holy and loving …
Our Continual Battle with Temptation
Read: Romans 7:21-25 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. (v. 21) We all know a perfectionist or two. They may try to do everything perfectly, but no one is truly perfect. Paul knew this. After addressing the first part of the gospel (admitting our sinfulness and need for a Savior), the apostle Paul makes an important point before calling us to believe in Jesus Christ. He …
The Consequences of Sin Is Death
Read: Romans 6:15-23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (v. 23) Parents try to teach their children that certain actions result in painful consequences. We warn them not to touch a hot stove, cross the road without looking both ways, get into a car with a stranger, engage in sexual activity outside of marriage, or harm their body with drugs or alcohol. There are consequences …
Repentance and Turning from Sin
Read: Romans 6:1-14 How can we who died to sin still live in it? (v. 2) How do you feel when someone says or does something evil toward you? That’s how God feels when we sin and disobey him. Sin and evil lead to pain and separate us from God. This hurts us and hurts others. It keeps us from a holy and loving God who wants us to follow him rather than our own selfish pursuits. When we repent …
Salvation Is Possible Because of God’s Love
Read: Romans 5:6-11 God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (v. 8) We give gifts to those we love. A gift is a way of saying “I love you,” or “I’m glad you are a part of my life.” The joy we find in giving a gift to someone we care about reflects the joy God feels when he gives the gift of salvation, for he is the greatest gift …