Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

(Continued from Day 128)

The answer to sinful rebellion and sinful religion is a relationship with the Savior named Jesus. Jesus delivers you from rebellion and religion. He loves you and gives you grace. He forgives you, blesses you, and embraces you. Jesus loves you so much that He will take you as you are, but He also loves you too much to let you stay as you are. Righteousness is overcoming sin by obedience from the heart. Once God changes your heart, you want to obey. He is a loving, gracious, forgiving, and good Master.

We are not islands unto ourselves. Some people say, “I’m an adult, and I can do whatever I want.” The problem with that statement is other people are affected by your decision-making. God doesn’t need you to obey, but your neighbor does. Part of obedience from the heart is loving your neighbor. People are being broken and burdened by the devastation you cause from your decisions.

You don’t need to obey to be saved, but you do need to obey to be free. It is true that Jesus did all the work by dying in your place for your sins. You could be saved by doing nothing, but to be free, you must obey. Many believers are saved, but they aren’t free. Jesus has done what only He can do, but they have not done what He has told them to do. They are living in disobedience, which is why they don’t live in freedom.

Paul says people are the product of their teaching. Did your mom ever tell you, “You are what you eat”? Well, what is true physically is also true spiritually. The average person consumes 1,500–3,000 calories per day. An athlete consumes more, and an Olympic-level athlete consumes considerably more. In today’s world, you need healthier nutrition, and you need more nutrition. You need more teaching, not less; more Bible, not less; more worship, not less; more prayer, not less; more Jesus, not less; more Holy Spirit, not less. It’s the standard for teaching.

Today’s Reflection

Do your sins tend to be more religious or rebellious?