Bible Idea: Paul warned the “strength” of the strong to be receptive to the “weak” regarding convictions and liberties about food, wine, and special days so that no one may fall into spiritual ruin. Timeless Truth: Abiding in God’s mercies in Christ cultivates an obedient receptivity toward one another. Today’s Message: Work on the technique of your liberty in Christ.
Scripture: Romans 14:1–12 Bible Idea: Both “strong” and “weak” Christians in Rome needed to practice receptivity toward one another because it is the Lord, and he alone, who has the right to judge the believer’s status and conduct. Timeless Truth: Abiding in God’s mercies in Christ cultivates an obedient receptivity toward one another. Today’s Message: Receive people and personal growth.
Bible Idea: Paul expected the mercies of God to create a transformed community among the Roman house churches. Timeless Truth: Abiding in God’s mercies cultivates obedience. Today’s Message: Make a transformative decision this week to purify the genuineness of your love.
1. David surprised Mephibosheth by his kindness (2 Sam. 9) 2. God has surprised us by his kindness to us in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:7). 3. God gives Believers his Spirit so we can surprise others with his kindness.
Text: Paul believed God’s faithful grace to be the driving force behind his patience with Israel and his expansion to the Gentiles. Timeless Truth: God's faithful grace gave Jesus who called out a remnant to continue his mission. Today: Fuel life and ministry with grace.
Text Summary: Paul positioned life in Christ nearby to all through the preaching of the gospel. Timeless Truth: God’s freedom to accurately elect positioned Jesus’ salvation near to all through preaching. Today: Step and Speak into Timely Situations to Bring Christ’s Salvation Near.
Text: A glorious future freedom that outweighs the present shared lament awaits God’s children and the creation as they endure for the unseen hope and as they experience the Spirit’s aim. Timeless Truth: As the Spirit fulfills his aim from suffering to glory, he fixes the gospel of Jesus Christ as the lens through which we interpret our hope, our suffering, and our prayerful participation. Today: Aim with the Spirit!
Text: Paul explained how adoption into God’s family legally changes our spiritual life obligations. Timeless Truth: Adoption introduces you to the hope-filled realities of your new family. Today: Embrace your place in the family.
Text: Our union with Christ awakens the Christian to sin’s exploitation of the good law, which arouses an internal conflict, in which we long for Christ’s deliverance. Timeless Truth: Sanctification has always been a struggle for every believer. Today: Mortify the flesh with the power and hope of Christ by the Spirit.