May 15, 2012 (1 Chronicles 25-27; 1 Thessalonians 4)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you.” 1 Thessalonians 4:8 NLT
Observation: While Paul was very much reliant on God’s grace he did not use grace as an excuse for sin or unholy living. He made it plain and clear that to be a Christian was to submit to God’s standards and rules. Before Christ receives a person they are in a lawless condition that has them bound to sins power. But when Christ receives a person they become free from the lawlessness of sin and bound to the Holy standards of God. It is a great honor to surrender and submit to the rules and standards of holiness God has put into place. His burden is light and His yoke is easy. Never is a person more free than when they are totally surrendered to God and His holiness.
Application: Many use God’s grace to justify their sinful behavior these days. People act as if they are hopeless and helpless to ever overcome sin, because they have believed the lie of satan that says it is impossible to do. But thanks be to Jesus Christ our Lord! He overcame sin and death and sent His Spirit to live within us so that we may be overcomers as well. We have the power to live according to God’s holy standards when His Spirit enters and empowers us. If we fall into sin it is because we moved away from His holiness, not because He moved His holiness away from us. If anyone refuses to live by God’s rules they are not disobeying human teaching, but they are rejecting the Holy God that gives His Spirit. God has called all Christians to live holy lives, not impure lives. Submit to His holiness and overcome sin, through Christ it is possible!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your word! Thank You for the power of Your holiness! Thank You for the Holy Spirit that works in me to overcome the power of sin in my life. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Help me understand how to submit to Your rules and standards and live in a manner that pleases You, in Jesus name, Amen!