The Normal Christian Life: A Journey Through Romans
Monday, February 6, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, you are worthy of all worship, glory and honor! Today, I chose to give you praise. I don’t want to make decisions that will offend you, but ones that will please you. Help me to not become corrupted in my thinking by listening to the lies of the enemy, but rather follow the truth of your word. I don’t want to be deceived, but I want to live in the light of your truth. I ask that you would grant me the grace to follow you this day. In Jesus’ name I ask. . . Amen.
God’s Word Today—Romans 1:21-23
21 “Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people, or birds and animals and snakes.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
The apostle Paul says in Romans 1:18-23, that humans have rejected God. They have chosen to follow idols rather than the One who created them! This rejection implies that humanity has choice. We all have the ability to choose to follow God and walk after righteousness or to follow sin. Our free will is a gift from God, yet we willingly reject worshiping Him. Because of this, God’s anger is being kindled against those who freely deny Him or His Lordship.
Today, you have many choices. The question is -- what will you do with them? Will you live according to the truth of God’s word, or will you follow your own desires? Make it your aim to follow God and to trust Him in all things. It is definitely a moment-by-moment choice, but we are called to obey at all times. Let live in a way that pleases God!
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
In Romans 1:21, who is the “they” Paul is referring to? (see verse 18-20).
Paul makes it clear that God reveals Himself to the world, but the world rejects Him anyway. Why is this true?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
In Romans 1:21a, the apostle Paul says that people know God, but chose not to worship Him. When this happens, they begin to make up foolish ideas about Him. What are some foolish ideas that people you know have, regarding God?
What are some things you can do this week to help them understand the truth about God?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
What is one lie you have heard from Satan that you have been listening to recently?
What is a truth from God’s word that counteracts the lie you have heard? (If you don’t know one, take time today to look into God’s word and find a verse(s) which challenges these lies).
Thoughts
Distorted thinking is the birthplace of idolatry. When Adam and Eve fell into sin, it was cause by distorted thinking. The serpent tempted Eve to eat of the fruit by challenging her thoughts about what God said. The serpent says in Genesis 3:1b-5, “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?’ ‘Of course we may eat of it,’ the woman told him. ‘It’s only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.’ ‘You won’t die!’ the serpent hissed. ‘God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.” Do you see the distorted thinking here? The serpent used crafty words to distort Eve’s thinking so that she would believe a lie. Deception is at the root of all sin and idolatry, for Satan is the “father of lies.” If he can deceive us by distorting the truth, we’ll fall victim to sin and idolatry. (The words “sin” and “idolatry” essentially are the same; for all sin is idolatry and all idolatry is sin).
The mind is the battlefield for our soul. When we entertain lies, we slide into the wickedness of sin. It’s vitally important that we listen to the truth of God’s word every day in order to combat the deception of the enemy. Victory comes to those who can distinguish the difference between truth and lies.
This Week’s Memory Verse:
And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people, or birds and animals and snakes. Romans 1:23