LIVING SACRIFICES Devotion 2 of 24 In chapters one through eleven there has been an undeniable emphasis upon Deity. This emphasis is like a setting of gold in which the message of the Gospel is placed. If we fail to see this stress, we will find the admonition declared in the theme of these devotions too difficult to obey. – Tomorrow:
God is seen as the one who has purposed salvation in all of its aspects. Sin caused men to fall from the glory of God, and salvation reconciles them to Him through Jesus Christ.
• The Gospel of GOD (1:1)
• The Son of GOD (1:4)
• . . . beloved of GOD (1:7)
• The power of GOD (1:16)
• The righteousness of GOD (1:17)
• The truth of GOD (1:25)
• The glory of GOD (3:23)
• GOD set Christ forth as a Propitiation (3:25)
• It is one GOD which shall justify (3:29)
• GOD imputes righteousness without works (4:6)
• GOD quickens the dead (4:17)
• GOD commends His love toward us (5:8)
• The grace of GOD (5:15)
• The gift of GOD is eternal life (6:23)
• GOD sending His own Son (8:3)
• The Spirit of GOD (8:9,14)
• The children of GOD (8:16)
• The will of GOD (8:27)
• If GOD be for us (8:31)
• It is GOD that justifies (8:33)
• GOD is able to graft the Jews in again (11:23)
• GOD has concluded them all in unbelief, that HE might have mercy upon all (11:32)
• The wisdom and knowledge of GOD (11:33)
Jesus is declared as the One through whom God's purpose is being implemented. His atoning death satisfactorily and justly addressed all of the liabilities inducted by sin. His present ministry ensures that our faith is not in vain, and that the purpose of God will be brought to its intended conclusion.
• Concerning His Son JESUS CHRIST (1:3)
• I thank God through JESUS CHRIST (1:8)
• God will judge the secrets of men by JESUS CHRIST (2:16)
• The redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS (3:24)
• Peace with God through our LORD JESUS CHRIST (5:1)
• Joy in God through our LORD JESUS CHRIST (5:11)
• The gift by grace which is by one Man, JESUS CHRIST (5:15)
• Reign in life by one, JESUS CHRIST (5:17)
• Eternal life through JESUS CHRIST (5:21; 6:23)
• Baptized into JESUS CHRIST (6:3)
• Alive unto God through JESUS CHRIST (6:11)
• No condemnation them which are in CHRIST JESUS (8:1)
• The law of the Spirit of life in CHRIST JESUS (8:2)
• CHRIST . . . also makes intercession for us (8:34)
• The love of God which is in CHRIST JESUS (8:39)
The Holy Spirit is also declared as intensely active in the initiation, development, and consummation of our salvation. He works with the believers, directing, interceding, and empowering them to live in harmony with God's purpose and for His glory
• Jesus declared to be the Son of God with power by the SPIRIT (1:4)
• The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT (5:5)
• The law of the SPIRIT of life in Christ makes us free from the law of sin and death (8:2)
• The SPIRIT OF GOD dwells in us (8:9)
• The SPIRIT is life because of righteousness (8:10)
• The SPIRIT quickens our mortal bodies (8:11)
• Through the SPIRIT we mortify the deeds of the body (8:13)
• We are led by the SPIRIT OF GOD (8:14)
• The SPIRIT bears witness with our spirit, that we are the sons of God (8:16)
• We have the first fruits of the SPIRIT (8:23)
• The SPIRIT helps our infirmities (8:26)
• The SPIRIT makes intercession for us (8:26)
The work of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are central in all of these considerations. No person can come to God apart from Christ, or without the influence of the Holy Spirit.
In view of these things, to point the hearts and minds of men toward the capabilities and contributions of men becomes an utter absurdity. The absolute impotence of men is what necessitated the total involvement of Deity in their salvation. This was satisfactorily demonstrated in four thousand years of human history. Two thousand five hundred years WITHOUT Divine direction confirmed the Gentiles were incapable of correcting their condition. One thousand five hundred years WITH Divine direction corroborated the Jews were equally incapable of correcting their condition.
It is, therefore, a sin of the greatest magnitude to rely upon human wisdom or power to initiate or maintain spiritual life. That is apparent from both the words and the spirit of Scripture. When, therefore, we are exhorted to present anything to the Lord, it is axiomatic that it is to be done in the power of the Lord. Whatever the Lord admonishes us to do, he also empowers us to do. That is fundamental to a proper understanding of duty and obedience.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ for deliverance from the impotence of nature.