One may think adding a rule or two, as the Galatians had done, is a harmless addition or perhaps needful to keep believers in line. But Paul considered such legalism as no gospel at all. Paul made it clear that the gospel is the good news of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
Keep us faithful to believe and proclaim the true gospel.
Psalm 78:38-39 (NASB)
But He, being compassionate, forgave their wrongdoing and did not destroy them; And often He restrained His anger And did not stir up all His wrath. So He remembered that they were only flesh, A wind that passes and does not return.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 2:14-4:6 Psalm and Proverbs: Psalm 70
2 Corinthians 2:14-16
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?
Last night, at a restaurant, as I passed a table, I could smell the food those sitting there were eating. The smell was so good that it made me want to try that dish the next I go there.
What aroma do we give to people far from God? Do they get the aroma of Christ from us? We represent Him in this world. Our lives should reveal Him to others with our actions authenticating our words.
Father, empower us to represent Christ well in this world.
Psalm 70:5 (NASB)
But I am afflicted and needy; Hurry to me, God! You are my help and my savior; Lord, do not delay.
Passage: Romans 9:30-10:21 Psalm and Proverbs: Psalm 52
Romans 10:8-15
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? 15 But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
The gospel of salvation is clear, but people must hear it. To hear it, someone must proclaim it. For those far away, the church must send people to proclaim it. Missions are taking the gospel to the least reached and unreached. The question is, do we care about the unreached? Do we really have a heart for them?
Give us Your vision to reach the unreached.
Psalm 52:8-9 (NASB)
But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the faithfulness of God forever and ever. I will praise You forever, because You have done it, And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.
Passage: Romans 9:1-29 Psalm and Proverbs: Psalm 51
Romans 9:1-5
I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons and daughters, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple service, and the promises; 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed [forever. Amen.
Many don’t understand Paul’s feelings in this passage. He said if it were the only means for his people to know Christ, he was willing to be accursed. He also spoke of being a debtor to the Gentiles as if he owed them the gospel’s proclamation. Most of us don’t have that passion for the gospel’s spread nor that depth of love for those far from God. Nothing was wrong with Paul, but if we don’t understand his passion, something is wrong with us.
Father, give me the same passion for the gospel’s spread and love for people that Paul had.
Psalm 51:6 (NASB)
Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in secret You will make wisdom known to me.
Passage: Acts 14:1-16:5 Psalm and Proverbs: Psalm 33
Acts 14:1-3
Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
A few emphasize God’s sovereignty to the degree that it seems not to matter what we do—people will get saved anyway. Others act as if it all depends on us, and we have to struggle and study to find the correct methodology. Paul and Barnabas’ ministry shows a balance. They “spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed” and also “boldly with reliance upon the Lord.” It is not “find the right method” or “rely on God.” It is both.
Father, help us to minister and make disciples relying on Your power.
Psalm 33:5 (NASB)
He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.
Church, Discipleship, and Missions 