Tuesday January 10, 2017
“With eyes wide open”
But God be
thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form
of doctrine to which you were delivered – Romans 6:17
I. Knowing is for Living
The renewing work of God in us, which we looked at yesterday as “re-molding”,
will continue to work in us to produce a fruitful Christian living as our eyes
are wide open to the mercies of God. As we understand and appreciate the
mercies of God, we will live more fully for Christ. But what are the mercies of
God? How can we understand them? The answer is that God’s mercies are outlined
and revealed to us in Scripture. The text that we looked at yesterday, was from
Romans 12:1 – 2. Romans 1 – 11 laid out the meat of the doctrine of the
Christian life. As we consider the teachings in these pages, our eyes will be
opened wide to the greatness of God’s grace in our salvation. As we begin to
taste the wonder of what has been done for us, and settle in to the resources
of grace that are explained there, our being
set-apart for Christ and living a practical Christian life will become more
meaningful to us.
In our text for today, Paul speaks of Christians being delivered up to a ‘form
of doctrine.’ The word translated, ‘form’, means mould (mold). Some of us are familiar with various molds that are
used as patterns for different things. The picture that Paul wants us to
understand is that, when we became a Christian, our life was melted down by God
to be entirely reshaped by his grace, and molded by this ‘form of doctrine’.
The doctrines of the gospel are meant to mold us so that our lives begin to set
in the likeness of Christ!
Challenge: In what ‘form’
or whose likeness do you see yourself being made into? Take a moment to
reevaluate where you are in the beginning of this year. Do you allow yourself
to be molded by the pressure around you or are you sensitive to God’s Spirit
and the work that He is doing within you?
This Day in Christian History:
Jan 10, 1739 – George Whitefield was ordained as
an Anglican minister. Known for his electric sermons, vivid imaginations, great
memory and powerful voice (before sound systems). Toured the Americas at age 25
and was used to spark the Great Awakening. Called the greatest evangelist in
history, save Paul.
Memory Verse: (Sun Jan 8)
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in
faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 1:13
Ko e anga ē ‘o e ngaahi lea mo‘ui
na‘a ke fanongo ai meiate au, ‘i he tui mo e ‘ofa ‘oku ‘ia Kalaisi Sīsū. – 2 Timote 1:13
Puke ke ma‘u ‘a e sino ‘o e ngaahi lea haohaoa, ‘a ia na‘a ke fanongo ai
‘iate au, ‘io he tui mo e ‘ofa ‘a ia ‘oku ‘ia Kalaisi Sisu (Paaki ‘a Uesi)
Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)
Week 1 – Genesis 21-23;
Psalm 107; Mark 8
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