Devotionals for July 20, 2023
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READ
ROMANS 4:13-17
It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed — the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed — the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
REFLECT
Paul’s audience in the Roman church had to have felt divided: The Jewish Christians, who were the literal heirs of Abraham and the Law of Moses, were fellowshipping with Gentile, non-Jewish converts who were now considered part of the same spiritual family. Paul’s letter to them addresses the divide. Fast forward to today, and Paul’s letter is still relevant to the large, diverse body of Christ. For example, one person may have more ‘religious pedigree’ because of their upbringing while another may be new to the faith, having not been raised in the church. But praise God because He “gives life to the dead” regardless of your background.
APPLY
Q: How is God “the father of us all” according to Paul?
Q: Since “the promise comes by faith” and now your own works, how does change your perspective on the way you approach God?
Q: And how does it challenge your perspective of others? In other words, how can you take on the perspective of Christ?
Q: Since “the promise comes by faith” and now your own works, how does change your perspective on the way you approach God?
Q: And how does it challenge your perspective of others? In other words, how can you take on the perspective of Christ?
SING
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, forgive me for trusting and taking pride in my own good words. Soften my heart and help me to take pride in King Jesus rather than myself. Help me to love others like you have loved me. Amen.
Lord, forgive me for trusting and taking pride in my own good words. Soften my heart and help me to take pride in King Jesus rather than myself. Help me to love others like you have loved me. Amen.