May 27, 2016: SOAP #2367: Proverbs 4-6; Romans 8

Scripture: Romans (NIV) 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Observation: My heart rejoiced as I read the words “fully met!” God’s plan was that “the righteous requirements of the law might be FULLY MET in us!”   I see a tendency in the world to lower standards. It is done to help people having trouble meeting the requirements. They lessen the requirements. They do not have to run as fast. They do not need such a high test score.

Application: God’s plan was not to lower the standards, but to raise the individual. By the death of His Son on the cross, God took care of my past. By the indwelling life of the Holy Spirit I am enabled and empowered to live a life now that pleases Him. The Holy Spirit living in me continues raising me to meet God’s standards.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, how helpless I am to fulfill God’s requirements. I need your Presence, your teaching, and your empowering to live in a way that pleases my Heavenly Father. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!