January 2, 2018

Delete This App?

Romans 1:4–6

Kari Kurz
Tuesday's Devo

January 2, 2018

Tuesday's Devo

January 2, 2018

Central Truth

We have an unmistakable opportunity to bring glory to the name of Jesus as we wholeheartedly choose a life of obedience that overflows from our faith in Him.

Romans 1:4–6

and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

Dive Deeper | Romans 1:4–6

The introduction. It is the part of the book we often skip because we are too anxious to get to the main reading. Think about men staring at their dainty appetizer salad waiting for that 10-ounce filet. But goodness! The introduction is pivotal. The introduction informs us of the direction we are headed. It primes our appetites so that we can fully enjoy and absorb the text.

In this introduction, Paul initiates a pretty hefty challenge to the readers. Not only does he remind us that Jesus is our holy God proved by His resurrection and defeat of death, but Paul also lays the foundation for this letter. In verse 5, Paul gives us the purpose for sharing the gospel with all peoples. Our goal is to bring glory to the name of Jesus. The means by which we bring Him glory is our obedience made possible by faith. This obedience is not the kind that rewinds us to the law of Moses operating between dos and don’ts, rather it is the choice to trust our God’s directions and His perfect design for our life. Obedience is the positive consequence of fully devoted faith.

This letter from Paul gives us the complete picture of God’s righteousness. It leaves us no reason to believe we could do or even understand this life in a way that glorifies Him apart from a surrendered faith in Jesus Christ. Reading Romans should produce an authentic desire for wholehearted obedience to God. If you find yourself dragging your heels in the pursuit of complete obedience, then please do yourself a favor and delete this app before you get lost in checking the box of daily devotion. We are about to embark on a journey through THE book that transforms our hearts to a better understanding of God’s love for us. If you do not want a heart renovation, stop now. But if you will patiently and obediently yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in your heart through this book, you will taste and see God’s goodness and righteousness.

This month's memory verse

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

– Romans 3:23

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways do you find yourself dragging your feet to fully obey God?

2. What steps can you take to practice obedience that gives God glory?

3. How would your life change each day if you chose to operate out of obedience to God?