Bible Pathways - November 21, 2005
November 21
Read Romans 8
In Today's
Law of life in the Spirit; suffering versus future glory;
When we accept Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives, we receive the spiritual nature of God and thus sincerely desire that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh. . . . Because the carnal (fleshly) mind is enmity (opposition, alienation) against God: for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be (Romans 8:4-5,7). We can praise the Lord that we don't have to be controlled by our carnal nature but instead be led by the Holy Spirit: If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (bring the body into subjection) the deeds of the body, ye shall live (8:13).
True repentance results in a change of both heart and lifestyle. This change should manifest itself in our becoming involved in sharing the Good News, supporting mission ministries, and becoming involved in a local church when physically able. Sadly, some people join a church, attend worship services, give generously, and, therefore, assume that doing good works is sufficient for entrance into heaven. But, they may only be expressing a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof (II Timothy 3:5). God knows the heart and is concerned with what we are, as well as with what we do for Him.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. . . . Mortify (bring the body into subjection) therefore your members (physical appetites) which are upon the earth; fornication (sexual immorality), uncleanness, inordinate affection (uncontrolled lust), evil concupiscence (unholy desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy (profanity, cursing), filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him (Colossians 3:2,5-10).
Word Studies:
9:15 compassion = pity, loving-kindness; 10:21 gainsaying = self-willed, faultfinding.
Cross References:
For Romans 8:36: See Psalm 44:22. Romans 9:7: See Genesis 21:12. Romans 9:9: See Genesis 18:10. Romans 9:12: See Genesis 25:23. Romans 9:13: See Malachi 1:2-3. Romans 9:15: See Exodus 33:19. Romans 9:17: See Exodus 9:16. Romans 9:25: See Hosea 2:23. Romans 9:26: See Hosea 1:10. Romans 9:27-28: See Isaiah 10:22-23. Romans 9:29: See Isaiah 1:9. Romans 9:33: See Isaiah 28:16. Romans 10:5: See Leviticus 18:5. Romans 10:6-7: See Deuteronomy 30:12-13. Romans 10:8: See Deuteronomy 30:14. Romans 10:11: See Isaiah 49:23. Romans 10:13: See Joel 2:32. Romans 10:15: See Isaiah 52:7. Romans 10:16: See Isaiah 53:1. Romans 10:18: See Psalm 19:4. Romans 10:19: See Deuteronomy 32:21. Romans 10:20: See Isaiah 65:1. Romans 10:21: See Isaiah 65:2.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Kenneth Roy Roberts Jr. · Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson · Government Officials: Gov. Phil Bredesen (TN), Sen. Richard Durbin (IL), Rep. Chaka Fattah (PA), and Gov. Tim Pawlenty (MN) · Country: Venezuela (23 million) on the northern coast of South America · Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects · Religious freedom · 94% Roman Catholic; 1% Protestant; 1% Indian pagan religions · Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble; He will shelter you (Psalm 27:5).
Memory Verse for the Week: James 2:17
