We've been in Romans for our Bible Study. And last week I wrote how I felt like Romans 12 was a little instruction book for life. But how do we put it into practice? It's hard to love our enemies and be kind to them. Sometimes even doing right by those we care about requires more sacrifice than we are comfortable with. Practice hospitality? I'v worked all week, I'm tired and I'd have to clean the house!! And sometimes, isn't it easier, less lonely to follow the world around us, than to stand up and stand out? Living our the instructions in Romans 12 might seem a herculean task at times. I know for me it is. Some of it comes more naturally than other parts of the chapter.
This weeks sermon pointed to the answer for that how question. It's the power of God that makes it possible for us to do, what for us as humans, seems impossible. Our Pastor gave us some verses that I will share with you. He spoke of "embracing" certain aspects of our Christian walk and way of life. I believe as we "embrace" these verses, take them into us and make them our own, believe and rely on them, we will see changes in our hearts, and the ability to live out Romans 12 in our daily lives. What a wonderful blessing that will be for us, and for those around us!
Again it seems as if the Lord is stringing things together...a kind of part one, part two....to get His message across, and again He is using His wonderful Word to do it. It's the season of the Bible! (I'm pretty sure that the Bible is always in season though. LOL) On to the verses.
Philippians 3:10a I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead.
The same power that raised Christ from the dead, lives in me, empowering me to live the life God designed. Imagine that! Let it flow!!
2 Corinthians 12:8-9 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
It's about God, it's His power at work. It's not me! Let His power shine through!
Ephesians 6:17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
The Word of God contains an endless supply of promises and directions. Search it. Study it. Stay in it. Take it into our heart. Let's open our Bibles (and keep them open)!
When I look into Romans 12 I see the way I want to live my life. But it's the power of the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit that make it possible. I cannot do it by sheer willpower. And I know that it's all a process.....in Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way your think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
It's a process. It's a threefold effort....We put God's Word in us....through reading, listening, studying. The Holy Spirit then goes to work inside, transforming us, changing our hearts and our thinking. We listen for the Holy Spirit's leading, believe and obey. Our lives then, usually slowly, come to reflect the glory and character of Christ! 2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord And the Lord--who is this Spirit--makes us more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.
Thank You Lord for this answer, and for the power You have given us. Work in us today, let us be obedient to Your leading, believing You are more than able to make us into the people You want us to be, living lives that are holy and acceptable to You. Today I want to follow Your instructions!
Make a plan to study the Bible. Then do it.
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