Salvation Is a Gift; I Don’t Need To Work for a Gift

In review of Romans 3:24 it says, ”All need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ” (NCV).

If I was to ask a hundred people on the sidewalk, “How do you get to heaven?” I’d likely get a lot of different answers that could be summarized by the idea that you have to earn your way to heaven. I’d hear things like, “Try to be good and do your best” or “Work really hard at being a moral person” or “Do more good things than bad things in life.” All of these ideas are based on works, not grace. But in reality salvation is a gift, and I don’t work for a gift. It’s free! I can’t earn it, I can’t buy it, and I can’t work for it.

Today’s verse is from the end of Romans 3:20-24 where I learn that I can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows me how sinful and off-track I am. However I have forgiveness of my sin through Christ who took my punishment. The good news is that God has shown me a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. I am made right with God by placing my faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter my situation. For everyone has sinned; all of us fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes me right in his sight, through Christ Jesus where his sacrifice freed me from the penalty for my sins.

Because of God's law, I see how far I'm off, and that I'm helpless on my own. I also see the moral code and standard that I can live and serve by. I can never earn my salvation by keeping the law, but I can please God when my life conforms to his revealed will for me. Fortunately there is a way God will declare me not guilty, and it's in my personal trust of Jesus Christ to take away my sins. Trusting means putting my confidence in Christ to forgive my sins, to make me right with God, and to empower me to live the way he taught. God's solution is available to all, regardless of someone's background or pas behavior.  

Some sins seem bigger than others because of their obvious consequences which are much more serious. But this does not mean that if I only commit "lesser" sins that I deserve eternal life. All sin makes me a sinner, and all sin cuts me off from my holy God. All sin, therefore leads to death, regardless of how great or small it seems. I should not minimize "little" sins over "bigger" sins. They all separate me from God, but can be forgiven.

God declares that I'm righteous, which means to be declared not guilty. When a judge in a court of law declares the defendant not guilty, all the charges are removed from their record. Legally, it is as if the person had never been accused. When God forgave me, my record is wiped clean. From his perspective, it is as if I had never sinned. He can do this, because Jesus took the penalty that I deserved. Christ purchased my freedom from sin, and the price was his life.

There is a fundamental difference between being a disciple / follower (Christian) of Christ and every other religion. Being a Christian is built on grace. Every other religion is based on works, and they can summarized in one word: “do.” There are certain things you have do in order to gain God’s approval, to gain bliss, to gain heaven. There are always rules, regulations, and rituals; something you have to do.

On the other hand, we summarize Christianity is with the word “done.” Jesus Christ has already paid the price for me and you on the cross. It’s done!

Romans 3:24 says, “All need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ” (NCV).

I won’t get to heaven based on what I do. I get to heaven based on what has already been done for me by Jesus Christ.

Accept it, because it is the greatest gift I will ever be offered.

Bottom Line:

God, in his grace, freely makes us right through Christ, who paid the penalty for my sins.

What this means to me:

God treats me much better than I deserve, in his grace, he freely made me right in his sight through Christ whose death paid my penalty.

In summary, I am not saved by works, but by God's grace. It's a gift, and I don't need to work for it. It's not a do, but rather a done. Accepting it was the best gift I could ever get.

Father this morning I thank you again for your free gift of salvation offered to me by my trust and belief in Christ. I pray this morning Father that you fill me with your continued wisdom and guidance in for how I handle myself and my work load. Assist me in being a leader who helps make a difference, who inspires, who shows each person their value, need and importance in life and in work. Help me to fill my conversations with grace. In Jesus name I pray, amen!

I Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Used By God

In review of 2 Timothy 2:21 it says, ”If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work” (NLT).

Today’s verse is from the middle of 2 Timothy 2:15-26 where Paul tells Timothy about being an approved worker. He explains that I need to work hard so that I can present myself to God and receive God’s approval. I should strive to live a good life with nothing to be ashamed of. Be one who correctly explains the word of truth and avoids foolish talk that leads others astray. The Lord know those who are his, and all who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil. For in a wealthy home some utensils are made of choice materials for special occasions, however lower quality utensils are for everyday use. If I keep myself pure, I'll end up being a more choice utensil for honorable use. My life will be clean and I'll be ready for the Master to use for every good work. So run from things that stimulate lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Don't get involved in foolish ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change them.

I should build my life on his Word and build his Word into my life. His Word tells me how to live for and serve him. Ignoring it will only make me feel ashamed when he judges me at the end. This requires a constant and diligent study of God's Word, otherwise I can be easily lulled into neglecting God and my true purpose for living.

In these passages, Paul urges Timothy to be the kind of person Christ could use for his noblest purpose. I too shouldn't settle for less than God's highest and best. I need to allow him to use me as an instrument of his will. I can do this by staying close to him and keeping myself pure so that sin and its consequences do not get in the way of what God could do in my life.

As a teacher, Timothy helped those who were confused about the truth. Paul's advice to Timothy, and to myself who teach God's truth, is to be kind and gentle, patiently and courteously explaining the truth. Remember to listen to people's questions and treat them respectfully, while avoiding foolish debates. If I can do this, those with differing opinions may be more willing to hear what I have to say and perhaps turn from their error.

So, If I want to be used by God, I need to purify my heart. I don’t have to be a perfect person, but I do have to have a pure heart. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:21, “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work” (NLT).

The good news is that God uses all kinds of people. He uses shy people. He uses outgoing people. He uses people from all different races, ages, stages of life, and backgrounds. He uses men and women. God will use plain vessels, and he’ll use ornate vessels. He’ll use big vessels and small vessels. But there is one thing that God will not use: He will not use a dirty vessel. I need to be clean on the inside.

I do this through confession. Augustine said, “The confession of bad works is the beginning of good works.” The Bible says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing” (GNT).

The word confess in Greek is the word homologeo. Homo means “same,” and logeo means “to speak.” So homologeo literally means “to speak the same about my sin that God does.” It means I agree with him: “God, you’re right. It was a sin. It was wrong.” It doesn’t mean I try to bargain with God (“I’ll never do it again”). It doesn’t mean I try to bribe God (“I promise to read my Bible every day if you’ll forgive me”). I just admit it.

It may seem too simple, All I’ve got to do is admit it, and God will forgive me?” Yes! It’s called grace!

If I really want to be used by God it is suggested that I take time to sit down with a pen and a pad of paper, and say, “God, what’s wrong in my life? Show me. I’m going to write it down, and I’m going to admit it. I’m going to confess it to you.” Then, when God gives me an idea, write it down.

So make a list, and then write 1 John 1:9 over it and say, “God, I admit these to you. These are wrong. I don’t want them in my life.” Ask God to cleanse your life. God will forgive you!

This is the starting point to being used by God. I must purify my heart.

Bottom Line:

Our goal should be to live a pure life, and be a special utensil that God can use.

What this means to me:

I should strive to keep myself pure, so that I can be a special utensil that can be used for honorable use. My life should be clean and ready for the Master to use to do his good work.

In summary, I need to adjust my way of living and obtain a pure heart, through confession. Know and correctly explain the word of truth. Avoid foolish talk. Become a tool that God can use for his good purposes. This means continuing to build my life on his Word and building his Word into my life.

Today Father I want to work toward being a tool that you can use to make a difference in the lives of others. I ask for your forgiveness from my tailoring my life toward work. Work is important but not above having you at the center. Today I place you and your leadership back into the center of my life. Let all that I do in every area stem from how I want to live for you and live by your Word. I pray for your wisdom and guidance. I ask for your assistance in how I handle my responses to others. Let me be helpful and loving. In your son Jesus name, amen!

Learning to Stay Focused on God’s Plan for My Life

In review of Luke 9:62 it says, ”Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the kingdom of God” (TLB).

Today’s verse comes from the last part of Luke 9:51-62, where Jesus teaches about the cost of following Him. As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Although Jesus knew he would face persecution and death in Jerusalem, he was determined to go there. He tells me, If I’m going to follow him, then move forward and follow. Don't wait for the conditions to be right or things to all come together first. When I follow I can't get too comfortable in my situation or keep looking back at my old life or ways. Truly following brings new things, adventures and even troubles. I am called to follow and not look back. Jesus tells me that anyone who starts to follow, but keeps looking back at his past and former ways, isn't worth anything to God's kingdom.

Jesus example of resolve should characterize my life as well. When God give me a course of action, I must move steadily toward my destination, regardless of the potential hazards or troubles that await me there.

True discipleship requires instant action. I am not to forsake my responsibilities, but I need to be careful of my motives. Following Jesus has a cost, and I must be ready to serve, even when it requires sacrifice.

Jesus wants total dedication and not a half hearted commitment. I can’t pick and choose among Jesus' ideas and follow him selectively; I have to accept the cross along with the crown. I must count the cost and be willing to abandon everything else that has given me security without looking back. With my focus on Jesus, I should not allow anything to distract me from following him.

I need to be careful that I’m too busy with my own plans, work or ambitions, that I don’t have any time. For in the midst of busyness, I can’t just try to carve out a little sliver from the pie of life and say, “I’ll give this to God.” It doesn’t work that way.

If I want to be serious about being used by God, I have to say, “Lord, what do I need to let go of? What do I need to cut out? What barriers are holding me back and keeping me from running the race you have for me?”

Lots of different barriers will hold me back from God’s plan for my life. One of the biggest categories: distractions. Jesus said in Luke 9:62, “Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the kingdom of God” (TLB).

Here are a few of the many things that are likely distracting me from my life's mission:

The expectations of others. I’ve got to decide whom I’m going to please first in life. I can only have one number one.

Hobbies. There’s nothing wrong with these things. But if they distract you from the most important things, then I need to let go of them.

My past. Maybe you refuse to let go of your past—whether it’s guilt or resentment or grief. If I’m stuck in the past, I cannot get on with the present, and I certainly can’t get on with God’s future for me. My past is past. It’s over! I need to let it go.

What do I need to let go of? The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is helpful” (HCSB). This means: A lot of things aren’t necessarily wrong; they’re just not necessary. Life often means choosing either “Am I going to do something good?” or “Am I going to do what’s best?”

If the Enemy can’t make me bad, he’ll make me busy. He’ll get me so busy that I don’t have time for the important stuff—time alone with God, ministry, and mission.

I need to simplify my life and eliminate distractions so God can use me. Don’t try to do it all. Do what matters most!

Bottom Line:

If you allow yourself to get distracted from the work He has planned for you, you are not fit for the Kingdom of God.

What this means to me:

If I start to follow, but keep looking back at my past or former ways of life, or get distracted with this world I will not be fit for the kingdom or the work he has planned for me.

In summary, If I"m going to follow him, then move forward and really follow. Don't wait for things to come together. I can't start and then keep looking back or get distracted. Jesus example of resolve should also characterize my life. I must move steadily toward my destination, regardless of the hazards or troubles that await me. True discipleship requires instant action. I must be ready to serve, even when it requires sacrifice. Jesus wants my dedication. I need to be careful that I'm not so busy that I don't have time for anything else. I need to consider today what needs to be cut out or reduced. Don't allow distractions from getting me off the course to really following and serving him. I need to simplify and eliminate distractions, and not try to do it all. Do what matter most.

Father I pray for your wisdom and guidance for the work items and tasks i have in front of me. Allow me to lead others and interact in a loving and caring manner. Help me to live with integrity, humility, generosity and purpose today. In your son Jesus name, Amen!