Message from Scripture: 9/22/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today comes from Luke 17:10; “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.”

 

Have you ever heard anyone say, “I’m good enough, because I don’t do all the bad things other people do”? It’s easy to compare ourselves with those we believe to be worse off than we are, but no doubt there are others who could do the same with us. Everyone has a sin problem (Rom. 3:23), and any sin persisted in will condemn one before God. The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Just because one’s sin list is different than another person’s, doesn’t make one good enough before God.

 

The real question that needs to be asked is how we do we do in measuring up to God’s will for us? Paul reminds us this is the standard by which we are to live. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15). Christ lived a perfect, sinless life, so He could offer Himself as an atonement for our sins. By thinking just of our own, imperfect efforts, we sin and fall short. On our own, apart from Christ, we stand condemned.

 

Praise be to God, though, that in Christ His blood washes away our sins, and by walking in the light, His blood keeps on cleansing us of our sins (1 John 1:7). Only Christ can offer us the true life that offers us eternal life. How important it is, then, to know we are recipients of His grace and mercy through His shed blood, and that we can be acceptable to Him if our lives are lived for Him.

 

We are unworthy of God’s forgiveness, but the love of God sent Christ to die for our sins, that by submission to His will, we are worthy in Him, and can be more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37). Let’s serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, so the world can see the difference He makes in us. God bless.

 

Robert