Today's Verse: Romans 8:3-4

Saturday, March 9, 2013

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, 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.
— Romans 8:3-4
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We shouldn't need a law to guide us when the Spirit lives in us. God had promised that under his new covenant, he would put his law in the minds and write it on the hearts of his people (Jeremiah 31:31-33). The Holy Spirit does this in us. The Spirit produces the character God desires in us, well beyond what any law would require (Galatians 5:22-23). The law can teach us God's will and reveal what is sinful and righteous. However, the law can't fix our sinful inclinations nor empower us to live according to God's will. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit can! The Spirit cleanses, transforms, empowers, and inspires us to be what God calls us to be in ways no law can (Romans 8:1-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Let's thank God for his loving sacrifice in Jesus and empowering presence in us through the Holy Spirit!

My Prayer...

O God, create a pure heart in me and renew me by dwelling within me through your Holy Spirit. Please empower me through your Spirit to have the character you desire, as the Spirit transforms me to be more like Jesus daily. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, March 9, 2013

A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"[Jesus continued:] "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can....."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"God examines both rich and poor, not according to their lands and houses, but according to the riches of their hearts."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, my faithful God, Thank you now and forevermore for the grace which you gave in Christ Jesus. In every way you have enriched me in all..."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well. She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make...."

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 8:3-4 — 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, 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.

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.