GPS Guide – December 27, 2018

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Thursday

Read: Romans 8:14-18, 31-32

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (NIV Romans 8:14-18)

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us,who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (NIV Romans 8:31-32)

Study:  The apostle Paul tirelessly preached Jesus in settings where both the Roman Empire and much of the Hebrew religious leadership strongly opposed him. Like those who opposed Jesus, Paul’s foes often seemed overwhelmingly strong. But Paul, though he was not devoid of human emotions, refused to let fear govern his life or determine what he would do. In his letter to Christians in Rome, he stated his view clearly: “If God is for us, who is against us?”

Pray: Dear God, teach me how to trust your steadfast love more completely. Teach me, in my relationships with others and with you, how to better live free from fear, always confident that you are “for” me. Amen.