By: Arnie Cole and Michael Ross
Today's passage
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
Reflect
-Admitting my sins and committing my life to Christ forever means that I'll be spending it with Him forever. Have I allowed this radical truth to transform my life here and now?
-How often do I make excuses for my sins, unwilling to take responsibility for them, or even denying that I have engaged in sinful behavior at all?
-Am I ready to get real with God about my sins?
So often when we are accused of wrongdoing we get defensive, unwilling to take responsibility for our mistakes and eager to blame someone else. But God doesn't let us off the hook so easily. He holds us accountable--not because He requires us to "pay" for our sins, but because He knows that admitting our sins and asking for forgiveness is the first step in growing a real relationship with Him. In fact, the whole reason God gives us His law is so that our sins are more readily apparent to us, prompting us to approach Him in humility and repentance. It's true, we will err again and again, but with each return to God, our relationship with Him deepens.
Respond
Ask for Change: Lord, I am ready. I know I can't do this on my own. I need Your forgiveness.
Consider what's real: Today, come completely open and vulnerable to God and pray this prayer of repentance [fill in the blank with the sin(s) you hold most tightly]. "Lord, I come to You in trust and love. Please forgive me for --------. Give me an undivided heart; transform me from the inside out so that I will come to know You a little bit better each day."
Additional verses to consider: Romans 5:20-21, Romans 6:14
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