Read: Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:23; Romans 8:1-11
How is a person justified legally before God? What does Christ do with our condemnation? What are we free to do when declared free in Christ? What do you think that it means to be controlled by the Spirit of God? Where does the Spirit have to be to be controlled by Him?
Many Christians are glad that they are forgiven and in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. But too many don’t really pay attention to what it means to be planted with Christ and growing healthy and strong, where the roots grow down deep and there is much healthy fruit. Digging Deeper this week will look at what it means to live for the Lord.
Read: Micah 6:8; Hosea 12:6; Proverbs 24:24-25; Exodus 34:6-7
What is the main teaching found in Micah 6? What does the Lord consider to be good in a person’s life? What does it mean to you to act justly according to Proverbs 24? What does it mean to you to love mercy according to Exodus 34? How do you walk humbly with your God? Are you intentionally spending time just to walk with God? Choose today to spend time with the Lord, not with a laundry list of requests. Just be quiet and be…in His presence. You may be amazed how He gives you ideas for compassion and mercy.
Read: Ephesians 2:6; Hebrews 10:10; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53
There are different types of sanctification that a believer will have. What does Hebrews 10:10 say happens to a person because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice? Where are we positioned because of this sacrifice? This is called positional sanctification and occurs just once when we accept Christ. What do Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 3:18 and 2 Peter 3:18 suggest is a second phase of sanctification? Do you have to be perfect the moment you accept Christ? What does the Christian life look like for every believer? This second phase is called ‘progressive sanctification’ and changes throughout a person’s life. Are you growing more and more like Jesus? There is also a final phase of sanctification as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5; 1 John 3 and 1 Corinthians 15. What is true of this phase? When does perfection occur when you can no longer sin? Today rejoice that you are one day going to be able to live sin-free.In the meantime work at your life, laying down those sinful urges at the foot of the cross. Ask God for help when tempted.