Victory in Christ

Everything we have is from God. Just like Abraham, we have nothing to boast about. “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.” (Romans 4:2) Since he was not justified by his works, was a strong faith all he needed? James 2:14-26 tells us that our faith must be accompanied by works to back it up.  Talking again about Abraham, James 2:22 explains, “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;”  We should live in a way in which our works will show our active faith in the Lord.

Today’s reading: Romans 4-7

Have you ever been ashamed of something?  There are things that should cause us to be ashamed, but as Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans, the Gospel is not one of them. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)  In the next chapter he shares with us that along with that believing the Gospel of Christ, we must also live for Him.  “He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” (Romans 2:6-8)

Today’s reading: Romans 1-3

Paul endured his share of sufferings while working for the Lord.  In 2 Corinthians chapter 11 he lists some of the trials he has been thru. Then in the following chapter we read how he stayed content no matter what kind of burden was cast on him. “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) In his letter to the Philippians he also shares his secret for contentment. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

Today’s reading: 2 Corinthians 10-13

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians he knew that he might have hurt their feelings a little bit.  “For though I made you sorry with my epistle, I do not regret it: though I did regret it (for I see that that epistle made you sorry, though but for a season)” (2 Corinthians 7:8)  Even though it might have bothered the people for a short time, Paul’s motive was backed by love for them.  “I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing.  For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)  Sometimes it’s not a bad thing to get our feelings hurt a little bit if we will look honestly at ourselves and repent when necessary.

Today’s reading: 2 Corinthians 5-9

Early in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he reminds them of the source of comfort.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” (2 Corinthians 1:5)  Later in this epistle he lists some of what he had endured; 5 times he received 39 lashes, 3 times beaten with rods, stoned one time, 3 times shipwrecked, and the list goes on.  With all that he went thru, Paul is definitely qualified to give advice about enduring affliction.

Today’s reading: 2 Corinthians 1-4

Paul knew that the fruits of his labors were abounding and visible to all.  He admitted this fact, but did not take credit for them.  “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)  Paul knew that whatever good things or talents he had, it all came from the Lord.  His desire to work hard he says was a gift from God, but he did not hold back that desire.  We can all have that zeal to serve if we will look for ways (and pray for guidance) to use what God has given us.  Each of us was blessed with different abilities to use in His kingdom.  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

Love is something hard to define.  In that famous chapter of love, 1 Corinthians 13, we are given many of it’s characteristics.  It is patient, kind, does not envy or boast, is not arrogant, is not rude, does not insist on it’s own way, is not irritable or resentful, does not rejoice at wrongdoings but rejoices with the truth, it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things, and it never ends!  Putting all of these characteristics together is no easy task, but Paul tell us that without love whatever we do will be of no value. (1 Corinthians 13:2-3)

Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 12-14

Paul warns the Corinthians to not get conceited and think that they are above committing sin,  “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)  But right after the warning he explains to them where they can look for help in staying away from sin.  “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)  That promise continues to be true for us today.

Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 9-11

Paul reminds the Corinthians that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. (1 Corinthians 6:9)  He then starts to name off many types of sinful people.  All this negative talk begins to turn positive.  “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)  We know that each one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but we also have the opportunity Paul is talking about here.  We can all be washed, sanctified, and justified, but we have to turn from sin, obey His word completely and follow Him every day.

Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 5-8

The book we know as 1st Corinthians is a letter Paul wrote to the church at Corinth to “water” the seed he had previously planted there.  Word had gotten back to him that there were contentions among the brethren there.  He knew that they needed correction and he rebuked them for having divisions in the church.  “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13)  Paul did not have a big ego that got him puffed up when he heard that people were following him.  He had the humble heart that wanted everyone to be followers of Christ and Christ only.  Following any man or man-made creed will never keep us on the right path.  Following our Lord and His word will keep us on the one and only right path.

Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 1-4