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Romans 8:31: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
What is a Testimony?
μαρτύριον - marturion: It is a witness as borne; a declaration of facts
Webster’s Dictionary: A solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness A testimony is the statement of your faith. What you believe.
A testimony is an explanation of what God has done in your life.
A testimony represents your chosen lifestyle. Your reputation.
A testimony encompasses your purpose and future actions.
Speaking is a kingdom principle. Of course, we think it, but there is something divine in saying it. Speaking is consistent with the nature of God.
Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
Matthew 12:36, But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
Psalm 19:14, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
1 Samuel 17:34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
DAY 21
(Lesson from Day 27 of the Book, Romans Road)
Romans 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
One of the great dangers for Christians is complacency. Complacency is defined as: “A feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of a need”
Paul offers a powerful parallel using the word “sleep.” When we sleep we are unaware of our surroundings, oblivious to others, and unable to respond.
Christ Followers do not want to be “asleep in the light,” but alert and ready to serve God. While believers do not have darkness inside of them, we do not want to operate in darkness by failing to work with Christ or letting God have His way. Sometimes the works of darkness we need to cast off are things like simple distractions to living in God’s light. Simple things like watching too much television, engaging in too much leisure, or even constantly interacting on Facebook and social media can put us to sleep spiritually. None of these activities is wrong, but anything can become darkness when we fail to see the light of what God wants us to do.
The “armor of light” is a beautiful phrase putting us in the mind of being clothed with the power and grace of God. We are all wearing armor that both protects us and empowers us.
Reflection Question: What are 1-3 ways that you need to “wake up?”
Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:
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DAY 20
(Lesson from Day 24 of the Book, Romans Road)
Romans 12:9, Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
When the Spirit of Christ abides in you, God’s grace shapes your lifestyle. When the Bible provides direct instructions on how to live, understand that everything God requires, He has already provided. We are recognized by our faith and lifestyle. As Jesus said, “A tree is known by its fruit” (Luke 6:44). We are the “planting of the Lord.” (Isaiah 61:3)
God does not ask you to do anything that is not already part of your character in Christ. If this were not true, you would not be able to do what He asks. For example, in our own strength, it is not possible to be “kindly affectionate with brotherly love.” This is a virtue, like all the others, that comes from the grace of God within us.
You can always do what God said you can do!
Reflection Question: How is God helping you to help others?
Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:
Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon
DAY 19
(Lesson from Day 17 of the Book, Romans Road)
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Romans 8:28 is one of the most abused the scriptures in the Bible. Too often it is used as a catchall or a cliche, something for which God’s word was never intended. God is certainly merciful towards us, but if I write a bad check and pass it on nothing good will come of it! As a matter fact, it could result in a criminal prosecution. This is not was Romans 8:28 is talking about.
This text was not intended to cover our mistakes. This text, and all of God’s word, is given to encourage and teach us. The main focus of the text is not only “all things work together for good” but “those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” and “be conformed to the image of His Son.”
God’s purpose is the foundation of your purpose. God is deeply concerned about the circumstances of your life, but He frames your life in the larger context of His purpose. First we are predestined, which means that before you were born of God had a plan for you. Second, we are called, which means He gives us the opportunity to follow him through Christ. Third, we are justified which means He makes us righteous through the redemptive gift of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fourth, you are glorified meaning that you enter into the purposes for which you were born.
Reflection Question: What are the two qualifications having all things work together for good?
Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:
Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon
