- For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4 – Imagine trying to get across a large body of water and your friend says they have the perfect tool for the job. They bring out a beautiful sports car. It’s top of the line, goes faster than any other car on the market, and even smells good. While this car can do a lot for you, it is pointless in helping you in your need to get across a body of water. Such is what Paul is getting at with the Law. The Law could do a lot of things well. It could reveal to us what sin was and it could point us in the right direction to go in following after the Lord. Yet there was something that the law could not do. The Law couldn’t save anyone from their sin. It could reveal sin, but it couldn’t save its followers from their sin. That’s though where Jesus steps in. Jesus was able to do what the Law could not do. Jesus put to death sin and made it possible that we could fulfill all the righteous requirements of the Law through Him. Meaning while the Law couldn’t save us from our sin, Jesus could and did. Take in as well the other truths from this chapter for followers of Jesus: you are an heir with Christ, you have the Spirit of life within you, we have an eternal hope, and nothing in all creation can tear us away from the love of God. What we have in Christ is beyond wonderful, set then your mind on Him and live this life He purchased for you for Him. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3431
- There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 – We need to remember who we are and what we are in Christ. This chapter is filled with such reminders for those who follow Christ. It says we are alive in Christ. It says we are free from sin. It says we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. We are children of God. We are conquerors through Jesus. One of the most defeating things for a Christian is when they forget who they are in Christ. Our enemy knows that and will seek out to label you the opposite of all these things. His goal is to convince you of his false labels. That’s not who you are though. Listen to your Heavenly Father who knows you and saved you. You are what He says you are. Listen to, lean in, and live by what He says you are. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1056
- What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 – We are back at it again with youth camp and last night was night one. I was in a room with over 400 students praising Jesus and learning about His word. Yet do you know what I also am aware is happening at camp this week in the midst of God powerfully moving? An enemy seeking to shut down all the wonderful things God is shaping to do this week. While our enemy is smart, sneaky, and practiced at is work, I have confidence in what this scripture speaks. If my God is with me and if His Spirit is within me and if my God is for me, what do I have to be afraid of! Sure the enemy is going try his best to ruin what’s happening here, but I know my God is going to protect and save. Thanks be to God that we serve a Lord that is present in our lives and powerful to save from our enemies. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2417
Daily DEVO 