Completely Frustrated: A New Relationship
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God." Romans 7:4 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Because Christ died on the cross, when we become a Christian, we die to the Law and are set free to have a relationship with Christ and not the Law.
We can learn much about the new relationship from the apostle Paul, especially in the book of Romans. Before coming to Christ, Paul thought he was serving God well. He was, to the best of his ability, but our ability is never enough. Paul was bound to the law and missed the heart of God. But when he came to know Jesus, that all changed. He finally knew he couldn't win God's favor on his own. He knew he had to depend on Christ's righteousness to make him acceptable to God. And so, he found a new relationship - in Christ. Listen to what he said . . .
For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort.
Philippians 3:3 NLT
Consider this …
Do you have that kind of a relationship with Christ? Perhaps you have never accepted him as Lord and Savior. Maybe you are trying your best to live a good life . . . and hoping it will be enough. Here is what the Bible says about that.
But-"When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit."
Titus 3:4-5 NLT
You don't have to earn your way to heaven - in fact, you can't. But Jesus died on the cross for your sins. He paid the penalty for all the wrong you have done. God sent his only son to earth to die for your sins because he loves you so much.
You can stop the struggling, the frustration, right now, and receive the gift of forgiveness and life Jesus is offering you. And then you will begin a new relationship. Forgiven. Never alone. No matter what struggles in life you may deal with, Jesus will be with you. Lean on his strength, not your own.
Prayer
God, I haven't done such a good job of living the way you want me to. You know the many times I've done wrong. I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I want to receive the forgiveness he offers and have a new relationship with you. In Jesus name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from … Completely Free! A Group Study of Romans 1-8 by Dan Strickland. Everyone struggles from time-to-time, but we can have confidence that in Christ we are completely free from sin's slavery, from condemnation, and from fear of failure. This group study of Romans 1-8 and 12 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can transform any believer into a person eager to follow God's will. This study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the message of salvation as presented in Romans. Suggested uses include home Bible studies, cell groups, Sunday school classes, support groups and personal enrichment.
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