A Violator Cannot Forgive His Own Trespasses

Scripture: Colossians 2: 13-14

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

Scripture Commentary: Jesus is the sacrificial lamb to cleanse us of our trespasses

How foolish for us to think that our good deeds may one day cancel out our trespasses. Our good deeds are defective because we don’t honor God in the way we do them. Are our good deeds done in joyful dependence on God, acknowledging Him as the author of our life? Are we fulfilling the command to serve?

The strength that God supplies is so “that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”** Without Jesus’ exalting faith, our deeds signify nothing but rebellion.

God does not save through good deeds.

If we are saved from the consequences of our bad deeds, it will not be because they weigh less than our good ones. It will be because our debt was nailed to the cross of Jesus Christ.

God does not save sinners the way that we think. Jesus, with His suffering, death and resurrection, cancel the record of our trespasses so that they are blotted out. There is no balance, no debt!

The cancellation happened when Jesus was nailed to and died on the cross. God loves us, He will forgive and forget all our sins when we turn to Jesus, who is the light and path to the Father.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Colossians Chapter 2

**Additional Reading:
1 Peter Chapter 4

Content: The State of Peaceful Happiness

Scripture: Philippians 4: 10-13

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Scripture Commentary: Are you content in any circumstance that you face?

The secret to being content is drawing on Christ’s power for strength. Do you have great needs? And are you discontented because you don’t have what you want? Learn to rely on God’s promise and Christ’s power to help you be content. If you always want more, ask God to remove that desire and teach you contentment.

If you detach yourself from the non-essentials, you can concentrate better on the Lord.

The Lord will take care of all of your needs

Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in your life. The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do His will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it.

Ask yourself, is it need or is it greed? The Lord Jesus Christ fulfills all your needs.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Philippians 4

Do Not Despair; God Is With You

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4: 8-12

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

Scripture Commentary: God shows us again and again in the Bible not to despair

Paul reminds us that we often feel like we are losing the battle, living in despair, persecuted, abandoned, struck down, and destroyed. But hope and faith in Jesus Christ redeems us. Our flesh is perishable; it is subject to sin and suffering. God never abandons us, and his love and support will never perish.

Christ defeated death and gives us eternal life. All of our obstacles, humiliations, and trials are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate his power and presence in our lives. Paul suffered as he preached the Good News, but he knew that one day his trials would end. He held onto the promise of God’s rest and rewards.

Trust God to lift you out of your despair; He will never fail you

We all face troubles. It is easy to focus on our pain and the things we hate about our day to day lives. We must push through the negative and concentrate on our ultimate goal.

Athletes push themselves to the finish line, even when they’re tired and sore. Push yourself toward Jesus Christ. Let your faith guide you. Let Christ strengthen you. Do not let fatigue, pain, or criticism stop you from reaching the end.

Don’t forsake your eternal life because of the intensity of today’s pain. Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.

Read the Entire Chapter:
2 Corinthians Chapter 4

Be Strong in the Grace That Is Jesus

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2: 1-5

You then my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.

Scripture Commentary: The grace of Jesus is with you

Live by the grace that saves you, the grace you don’t deserve. Trust completely in Christ and his power. Do not try to live for Christ in your strength alone.

If the church lived by this advice, it would expand greatly and well taught believers would teach others and commission them, turning them into teachers also. Disciples must train before they pass on their faith. We complete our work when new believers can bring others to Christ and make disciples of them.

Jesus is the power and the glory

Like soldiers, we have to give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline. Like athletes, we must train hard and follow the rules.

Our suffering is worthwhile. We will reap what we sow when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, bringing people to Christ, and one day living eternally with him. God will supply the strength to endure his mission.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Galatians Chapter 2

Christians Are Sealed By The Spirit

Scripture: Romans 8: 8-11

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Scripture Commentary: The Holy Spirit intercedes for us

The Holy Spirit is a gift from God sent to guide us God’s only son, Jesus Christ, sacrificed himself as payment for our sins. If we ask for forgiveness and accept Christ, we receive God’s mercy.

Some of us struggle to fully accept Christ. We say we accept him, but then we live in the flesh and not in the spirit. Have you ever questioned your Christian identity?

A Christian is anyone in whom the spirit of God lives

We all have God in us, but we also have Satan. Do you try to go back and forth? Are you playing the dangerous game of walking between good and evil?

Trust Christ with your salvation and acknowledge him as Lord. The Holy Spirit will come into your life. If you are waiting for a certain feeling to know that the Holy Spirit is there, it will never come. You will know because Jesus promised it.

Read the entire chapter:
Romans Chapter 8

Additional posts on the Book of Romans:
Jesus Freely Died For Your Sins
Backbiters: There Is a Price for Being Disobedient
Being Saved Is Being Under Grace

With Christ Your Deliverance Is at Hand

Scripture: Luke 4: 18-19

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recoverance, of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Scripture Commentary: Your deliverance is come

Jesus quotes from Isaiah 61:1-2 where Isaiah pictures the deliverance of Israel from exile in Babylon. Isaiah views this deliverance as a Year of Jubilee with debts cancelled, slaves freed, and property returned to original owners.

The release from Babylonian exile did not bring the fulfillment expected by the people. Their oppression continued. Isaiah was probably referring to a future Messianic age.

Commit your future to Jesus; He is the firm foundation

Jesus boldly announced, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” He proclaims himself the catalyst of Isaiah’s good news. However, Jesus’ hometown rejected him as a prophet and grappled with the meanings of his words.

People around you will struggle to understand and accept your Christian lifestyle. Don’t be fazed by this. Leave your past behind and commit your future to Jesus Christ. Your life will grow from a solid foundation.

Read the entire chapter:
Luke Chapter 4

Read other posts on the Book of Luke:
I Once Was Lost but Now I’m Found
How Do Your Use Your Worldly Goods?
Lord, Remember Me When You Come Into Your Kingdom

I Once Was Lost but Now I’m Found

Scripture: Luke 15: 6-7

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Scripture Commentary: I have found my way back to the Lord

The parables recorded in The Book of Luke continuously stress that our God is forgiving. Stories like that of the woman who lost a piece of silver, and of the son who spent all of his inheritance also contain this theme. In the parables, each found what was lost and there was great joy.

We have all drifted from the path of righteousness. Think back on a time when you lost your way in your walk with God. Ask yourself, “how did I feel when I returned?” How did it feel to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

God’s love is above all

We do our best to forgive and forget, but God’s love is above all. God loves us so much that he gave his only son to save us. He gave his son on the chance that we might use our free will to turn to him. Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins. He gave us all direct access to God.

The shepherd found his sheep. The woman found her lost silver. The father rejoiced in recovering his lost son.

Find yourself in Jesus Christ. The angels and all of heaven rejoice over each of us repentant sinners who have found our way back to Jesus Christ.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Luke Chapter 15

Other posts on the Book of Luke:
How Do You Use Your Worldly Goods?
Lord, Remember Me When You Come Into Your Kingdom

You Must Believe That He Is

Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1, 3, 6

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.(1) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the world of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.(3) But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.(6)

Scripture Commentary: He is able to do all!

Do you have faith in Jesus Christ? Do you believe that he is your redeemer? Are you seeking him? Do you believe God’s promises?

In reading Hebrews 11, you will read about Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Joseph, Moses, Raihab, Samson, Jephithae, David, and Samuel. You will read about their faith and the promises God kept with them.

God’s plan for your life only comes when you choose to walk with him

God promises love, forgiveness, and mercy. We can accept this promise through faith in Jesus Christ. Our victories over oppressors directly relate to the plan God has for us. Those victories will only come if we choose to walk with him. Do not value worldly desires and possessions. God will not be able to talk to you if you do.

This world is not our home, we will not be here forever. Our best and greatest rewards await us in heaven with God. When our bodies deteriorate and die, our spirits will live forever because Jesus defeated death. Jesus promises that his father has many rooms for us in heaven.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Hebrews Chapter 11

Jesus Blotted Our Sins With His Blood

Scripture: Colossians 2:13-15

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Scripture Commentary:

It is foolish to think that good deeds alone will cancel out the sins that we have stacked against us. Good deeds are defective. We often do not honor God through our good deeds.

God gives us the strength to do all that we do, and he compels us to serve. Do you do good deeds out of joyful dependence on God? Do you acknowledge God as the author of that deed, as the spirit within you? Are you fulfilling God’s call to serve?

Without Jesus Christ and exalting our faith to him, our deeds will signify rebellion. The trespasses against us continue to mount. Good deeds alone are not the way God saves.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ washed away our deeds, good or sinful. Our deeds were nailed on the cross with Christ. We left them there, and now God judges us by our faith in him. And the sins mounted against us are washed clean by Christ’s blood.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Colossians Chapter 2

Know God’s Word So No Man Can Deceive You

Scripture: 1 John 3: 7-9

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Scripture Commentary: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

“No one who is born of God will continue to sin.” Let no man deceive you in this!

There is a difference between committing a sin and continuing to sin. The most faithful believers commit sins. What distinguishes them from sinners is their response to sin. Believers repent, confess, and ask forgiveness from God. They acknowledge that they have sinned, that they have done something wrong, and they strive to better themselves by not committing the action again.

Sinners are deceived for they do not recognize their error. They believe they are doing nothing wrong. . This is when the Christian community is valuable. We should help each other to stay on God’s path. Do not reject someone for stumbling in their error. Be a help to guide them to the walk of righteousness.

We all have areas in our lives where temptation is strong and habits are hard to conquer. Weaknesses give the devil an opening to interrupt our walk with God. We must deal with our areas of vulnerability.

Seek the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to gain victory over prevailing sin. Stay away from tempting situations. Let Jesus Christ take you through trying times, and put yourself in God’s hands and believe in him.

Read the Entire Chapter:
1 John Chapter 3
1 John Chapter 1