Romans 13 - 5.23.25

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.[c]

Observation

Paul is reminding believers that we are “Morning People”. The dawn is coming, the alarm is ringing, the day is at hand. We need to wake up and be aware of what God is doing in this world. We need to put on the Armor of God and fight our battles on our knees. We need to clothe ourselves in righteousness and anticipate the Coming of Jesus.

Application

Jesus has given us “Night Vision” so we can see the darkness, but anticipate the hope of His salvation.

Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

We need to wake up as Believers in Jesus Christ and fight against the darkness. We are summoned to battle, not with other people, but with the forces of destruction that enslave and divide humanity through hatred and fear. We need to be on our knees, praying fervently; we need to walk in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Not arguing and fighting amongst ourselves, but lifting each other up and encouraging them to fight. We need to have an urgency in our spirits to share Jesus with the lost and welcoming and embracing them just as Jesus did with us.

If you watch the news and see what’s happening around the world there is so much evidence that God is on the move and Jesus is coming back soon. Are you awake? Are you ready? Are you clothed in Jesus?

Prayer

Dear Lord, Wake us up! Help us to be the Men and Women of Christ that you died and rose again for. Make us Strong and Courageous knowing that you go before us in all situations. Help us to use our “night vision” so we don’t get swept away by lies and schemes of the devil. Help us to clothe ourselves in Jesus and shine our light. Let us live our lives as more than conquerors…Awake and Ready!

- Michelle Craig

Romans 12 - 5.22.25

S – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. “ Romans 12:2

O - Romans 12 serves as a pivotal chapter in the book of Romans, emphasizing practical Christian living and the transformation that comes from faith. It also marks a transition from the theological teachings of the first eleven chapters to practical applications for Christian living. Paul urges believers to respond to God's mercy by living sacrificially and using their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church and the world (Biblehub.com)

A – A few ways we can live out the practical application are Daily Dedication - begin each day by consciously dedicating your actions and decisions to God, seeking to honor Him in all you do. We need to be renewing our minds - engage in regular Bible study and prayer to renew your mind, which will allow God's Word to shape your thoughts and attitudes. We need to know what our gifts are and use them - identify your spiritual gifts and find ways to use them in service to the church and our community, which helps foster unity and growth. And we should all be practicing genuine love. Make a deliberate effort to show sincere love to those around you, including acts of kindness and forgiveness, even when it is difficult.

P – Lord I pray first and foremost our commitment would be to YOU. I pray for the strength and willingness to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, fully dedicated to Your purposes, and not our own. I pray for a renewing of our minds, giving us Your daily wisdom and guidance in all areas of life. I pray for humble hearts that seek to serve others with the gifts You have given each of us. I pray that we would fill our hearts with Love and Forgiveness and that you would help us to love others sincerely, and to forgive those who have wronged us, reflecting Christ's love in our relationships. And may we be inspired to live lives that are transformed by God's grace, marked by sincere love and humble service, which will draw out others to You! In Jesus’ name!

- Crystal Flory

Romans 11 - 5.21.25

Scripture: Romans 11:6

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Observation

Over and over in the book of Romans, Paul reminds us that it is only through God’s grace that we are saved.

Romans 3:10 As it is written:“There is no one righteous (free from guilt or sin), not even one;

Following the law will not save us, because we are imperfect and incapable of perfection. God is perfect.

Romans 4:4-5 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

Good works will not save us. We cannot work our way into God’s love and forgiveness. We cannot save ourselves. We need a savior.

Romans 4:6-8 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
“Blessed are those
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

All we have to do is believe and ask.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Application

I am so blessed to have my sins forgiven. And yet, I still struggle sometimes to understand and accept that forgiveness. I cannot comprehend how God can continue to forgive me when I don’t deserve it. But really, that is the point. I don’t deserve it. I never deserved it. And there’s no way I can ever do enough to deserve it. I continually try to make it about me, when it is really about Him - his love, his forgiveness, his grace, his righteousness.

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

Prayer

Thank you God that your mercies are new every morning. I am blessed because my sins have been forgiven. I am blessed to serve a righteous and holy God who hates sin, but loves me enough to show me grace. I am blessed to serve a God who has patience as I struggle and grow and learn. Thank you that through faith I can have relationship with you. Thank you for your grace.

- Debbie Dunn