ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

Serving in a New Way

Romans 7:5-6
For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

 

 

Previously in verse 4, Paul told us that having died we are to bear fruit. Now he tells us that having been released from the law we are to serve. Both those statements seem to contradict one another. How can someone or something die and still bear fruit, and further, why would God release us from the Law just to have us serve in some other way?
The word "paradox" is a statement, proposition, or situation that seems to be absurd or contradictory, but in fact is true. I think we could all agree -- these passages are classic examples of "paradox." Here's the truth behind what Paul has been teaching: "the new way" we are to serve God is not motivated by guilt and the words "I should", but rather "I want to" because when I do it pleases God. In other words, we serve Jesus because we love Him.
The question God poses to a sin-infested world is: "What will you do with my Son Jesus?" However, the question for believers is significantly different -- John 12:17a: "The third time he [Jesus] said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?'" Jesus asks this same question of all believers: "Do you love me?" So how does Jesus know we love Him? His answer is in verse 19b: "Then follow me!" Obedience demonstrates our love.

 

 

John 14:21a: "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me." What does that verse mean to you? How do you demonstrate your love for Jesus? Do you obey His commands, or do you continue to do things your own way?

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