Category: Devotions

The life we have in Christ is purchased with a heavy price. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has to bear the penalty of God’s wrath for our sins. And this sacrifice of our Lord on the cross was enacted once in human history. All who have faith in His atoning work on the cross are freed from the bondage of sin and possess the blessing of eternal life in heaven.

It is not to say that the Christian ignores how fellow believers live their lives. Rather, his focus is on the building up of fellow believers in the faith. The thankful Christian a blessing to fellow believers. He encourages fellow believers to thanksgiving and praise for all of God’s goodness to His children. Many of the psalms express the psalmists’ praises and thanksgiving to God. One personal favourite is “The Old Hundredeth”.

The principle here is that we make any observance of days for the honour and glory of God and not any self-gratification as it is also being taught in 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Amen.

If believers would more spend time in self-examination than to keep an eye on the shortcoming of others, there would be needful peace and harmony amongst the body of Christ. The believer is precious in God’s sight. The Apostle Paul is moved by the Holy Spirit to instruct believers so that they become better Christians. Be rid of that critical spirit rather have a poverty of spirit as Jesus taught.

Matthew 5:3-4 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

The resulting blessings are given in Matthew 5:7-8 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

The Apostle Paul is exhorting the church in Rome to receive such Jewish converts into their fellowship even though they may not be a fully practising Christian. The reason given is that God has received such a one. We are not to reject him. Rather, to give them time to understand the faith more fully. Meanwhile, extend to them the right hand of fellowship, accord to them Christian love and kindness though there are these differences. Be willing to accommodate them.

The Apostle Paul cites the example when one believer eats everything whilst another believer whose faith is weak eats only vegetables. In such cases, believers are exhorted not to judge one another nor treat each other with contempt or reject one another.

Thank God for every care taken to foster Christian unity. It is so needful and glorying to God as the church presents a concerted effort to reach the lost, those who are outside Christ and looking to see true peace and joy on earth through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God’s people. Amen.

The believer is called to be vigilant to guard against yielding to sin. The Apostle Paul is exhorting the believer by a command from God to personally take charge of his life that it be guided by God’s Word and His Spirit. He makes a contrast that the believer cast off every work of darkness and walk in the light, in holiness.

The word “strife” speaks of contention and quarrels and “envy” speaks of a discontented and resentful spirit aroused by someone’s quality and possessions. The believer is to be contented with his lot in life trusting his all-wise and all-powerful to bestow what is best for him. These are sins of the flesh.