READING: Romans 11-13
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: I love it when the Word of God makes application simple. Sometimes the commands are so clear that all we can do is simply decide whether or not we want to obey them. Paul helps us with these kinds of commands in today’s reading.
Under the power of God, we are to present ourselves fully to God and allow Him to radically transform our thinking (Rom. 12:1-2). As that happens, our very lives are to change. Using these exhortations from Romans 12:9-21, evaluate whether your life is being transformed. You might think about using a scale like 1-5, with 1=“not being transformed at all,” 3= “increasingly transformed,” and 5= “fully transformed.” If you use 100 as an evaluation scale, see where you land.
- ______ Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.
- ______ Show family affection to one another with brotherly love.
- ______ Outdo one another in showing honor.
- ______ Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit.
- ______ Serve the Lord.
- ______ Rejoice in hope.
- ______ Be patient in affliction.
- ______ Be persistent in prayer.
- ______ Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
- ______ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
- ______ Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
- ______ Be in agreement with one another.
- ______ Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble.
- ______ Do not be wise in your own estimation.
- ______ Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
- ______ Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.
- ______ If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
- ______ Do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath.
- ______ If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
- ______ Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
ACTION STEPS: Spend time with the Lord today doing the above personal evaluation. Rejoice where victory is occurring. Confess and repent where needed.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for Your Word. Let it pierce my soul today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Romans 14-16