Reflect
This passage reveals the tension that exists in the life of the follower of Jesus. We can imagine Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, revealing that even he, the leader of this revolutionary movement, struggles at the core of his journey. Verse 25 is, in part, a summary verse. Paul has looked inside himself, and has come to the conclusion that he does not have what it takes to live victoriously. However, “Thanks be to God (for deliverance) – through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Paul concludes with what we are invited to embrace, that the way of success, the true ‘good life’, is to look outside of self. Romans 3-5 have just revealed to us how to resolve sin, and in Romans 8 we’ll be introduced to the Holy Spirit’s power made available to us. Truly our hope is all in and through Jesus! How is your life evidencing that you (and I) do not have the resources (in ourselves) to truly live the Christian life? In a ‘self-focused’ culture it is radical to surrender our will to another. What area(s) of your life should yet be surrendered to the freedom that Jesus offers?
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for the Prime Minister, Premier Notley, Mayor Iveson, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to mind.
- Pray for Pastor Sam and his family. Pray for the effectiveness of his ministries.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, Youth Ministry Pastor and his interns, Erin Gibbard, Brianna Bukowsky, and Ben Cheung.
- Pray for our Daycare in its service to children and their families this week. Pray for the director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray that God would draw people to Himself through the ministry of our church.