May 11th

Scripture - Romans 6

Observation - Paul used the illustration of slavery to explain that his readers would end up obeying something - whether the sinful desires that so easily would lead to destruction, or discovering God’s freedom and choose to follow his way of living. Each of his readers had something or someone that serve and obey -would they choose to obey God or sin? The question is, who would be their master? Sin or righteousness? If they chose sin, they chose a road that would lead to death. But if they embraced righteousness, they would given holiness and eternal life in Christ. 

Application - Choosing the path of righteousness can be difficult. It often takes a lot of sacrifice in order to live a life God’s way. It is so easy to choose the master of sin -living after our own sinful ways. Have you felt that struggle? Paul was helping us understand that this is a struggle, a fight -and God has given us freedom from the sin that trips us up so often. “ Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” What does it look like to live FREE from sin today in your life, and instead to choose life in God’s grace?

Prayer - Jesus,  may nothing separate me from you today. It is so easy for me to fall back into the old way of living, but you have given me grace and freedom! Teach me how to choose only your way so each step will lead me closer to you. Help me walk by the Word and not by my feelings. Help me to not be distracted from your path. Guide my steps each and every day. In your name I pray, amen.