November 20
Romans 4 -- 7
The more we understand the extreme suffering and death of Jesus and His resurrection, the more we will desire to walk in newness of life, daily manifesting the life of Christ. Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin (Romans 6:4-6).
To commit ourselves to only the likeness of His death, of bearing the cross, and of self-denial, would produce a dismal view of following Christ. But, it is the glorious indwelling power of His physical resurrection in the Person of the Holy Spirit that not only frees us from sin's control, but also strengthens us to walk in newness of life. As children of God, we are responsible to reckon . . . ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin (6:11). We are to accept the fact that sin is no longer to be our master, and that we are dead indeed to the old life of sin. This does not mean we are not able to sin but that we are enabled not to sin!
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof. . . . But yield yourselves unto God, as those who are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God (6:12-13). Our old "natural" man is still capable of yielding to the sinful desires of the flesh, but all sin is rebellion against God and His Word and cannot bring satisfying peace of mind or freedom from fear. Believers should recognize themselves as dead to sin (6:2), that sin shall not have dominion over you (6:14).
We may not triumph over Satan in every situation; but, as we desire the sincere milk of the Word, that we may grow. . . . The Word of God (becomes) powerful (in our lives) (I Peter 2:2; Hebrews 4:12).
The Kingdom of God is . . . righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). His Life in us makes the difference: Do you not know that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (6:16). The decision is wholly ours; and, by it, we determine our destiny: Now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life (6:22). But, to enjoy this wonderful relationship with Christ, we must yield our own will to His will.
As we allow the Lord to be Master-Controller of our thoughts, to be free from all condemnation, we must bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5).
Cross References:
For Romans 4:3: See Gen. 15:6. Rom. 4:7-8: See Psa. 32:1-2. Rom. 4:17: See Gen. 17:5. Rom. 4:18: See Gen. 15:5. Rom. 7:7: See Ex. 20:17.
Government Officials: Sen. Joseph Biden, Jr. (DE), Sen. Robert Byrd (WV), and Rep. James McGovern (MA) · BPM Staff: George Kopchak · Pray for The Spoken Word of God Ministries and Jack Turney · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast in memory of Harold Brown · Country: Kuwait (2 million) in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula · Major languages: Arabic and English · Increased religious freedom following Gulf War · 95% Muslim; 4% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Intercede for others (Exodus 32:31-32).
Memory Verse for the Week:
James 2:17