Your Identity in Christ
Ephesians 5:1-3
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ~ Apostle Paul
In Christ, we are disciples who are willing to set aside our personal rights if we are a stumbling block to others.
Pondering Point
"Be careful", Paul writes, "that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the
weak." This quote from 1 Corinthians 8:9 and the identity statement above set the stage for tomorrow’s Re-Centering Around God.
Setting aside personal rights is not an easy ask, but a bigger question is this: Are you willing to honor God with your life? Are you following Jesus as a disciple or are you merely a fan of Jesus who still runs your own life? Jesus gave up all kinds of rights – and not just human ones. He gave up God-rights, as Philippians 2:6 says, He – "being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing" – for our sake.
As disciples, we don’t just TAKE SIN seriously; we take JESUS seriously, letting our attitude be the same as His (Philippians 2:5).
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for setting aside Your rights so that I might experience grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation with my Heavenly Father. As I follow You, help me exercise my rights judiciously so that I don’t become a stumbling block to others. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Psalm 119:161-168 21st letter: Shin (ש)
- Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word. - I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil. - I hate and detest falsehood
but I love your law. - Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws. - Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble. - I wait for your salvation, Lord,
and I follow your commands. - I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly. - I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Colossians 3:12
As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
The Promise
Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Pondering Point
What does the Psalm’s line "seven times a day I praise you" (Psalm 119:164) stir within you? Skepticism? Legalism? Envy? Admiration? Does it spark possibilities? A challenge?