Paul relays to the church that there is a different mindset and a different lifestyle when one is transformed from the kingdom of darkness. Old values fade away, and a new life in Christ begins, with new values such as holiness that causes you to be ashamed of the old life that you once lived. There is a freedom that comes with your new life, that causes you to become slaves of God, by wanting to serve Him wholeheartedly. For He offers the free gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ! Meditate with me today as we consider this new life!
DATE POSTED Wednesday, 2022-03-30
WRITTEN AT: Astatula, FL
BY: Ed Algreen
SCRIPTURE FROM: Romans 6:20-23
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)
BIBLE TEXT: 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. 21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
APPLICATION: Paul found that believers need reminding of the world from which they came. This might be extremely troubling top some, because it makes them ashamed, and they don’t even want to think about it. However, as we ponder our past, it serves to remind the Christian of where our neighbors, family and friends might be at in their lives, and therefore gives us a deeper desire to share the Word of God with them. Friends, in verse 21 we are told that the end for the unbeliever is eternal doom. Is that what we want for those we love? I pray that this lesson today may be a reminder that time is short before the Lord returns to take His church home to glory. We have friends and family who are destined for hell – eternal doom; are we OK with that? Easter is right around the corner, and we will once again be reminded of the new life we have in our risen Lord. I pray that this will give reason for us to carefully and sincerely pray for those who are still deeply involved in sin and struggling to see the light and hope that we have in the glory of Easter and our risen Lord. This is a great time to encourage our loved ones to attend church with us, so let’s show them that we care, and pray earnestly for them that God will open their hearts to hear the truths of His Word. In self-preparation, let us examine our hearts and ensure that The Light of the risen, living, all powerful God is evident in our lives every day. Perhaps as family and friends see Christ in action through us, they will desire even more to accept Him and allow Him to change their destiny!
BLESSING(S) NOTED: Because of the free gift of eternal life, we can shout and sing of the glories of our Lord and King!
PRAYER: Lord, in the same way that we would be seriously upset over a neighbor or some other friend perishing in a fire, please make us just as desperate and upset in knowing that they have not accepted You as their Lord and Savior, for both lead to death. Please help us to always celebrate our risen Lord, and because of Your love for Your children, help us to strive to encourage others to accept and know You personally. Please make us ever mindful of the new life the sinner has in knowing You as personal Lord and Savior. May this inspire us to make every effort to rescue our unbelieving friends and family who are lost in the darkness of sin and need You as their Risen Savior. Help us to live victorious lives through which You may be glorified! AMEN!