PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
May
22

Be careful of single verse “Promises”

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture
[23]for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24]and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [25]whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. Romans 3:23-25
Observation
Paul never meant for verse 23 to be memorized alone, as many of us were taught, as part of the “Romans Road” of Scriptures that are used to lead someone to Christ. I like the Romans Road of Scripture memory, using it to share Christ with non Christians. But many Christians are led to memorize v23 - but not necessarily v24-25. Paul never meant to point out sin, unrighteousness through the law, the works of the flesh - without instructions guiding us to salvation and how to live a righteous life for Jesus. Ahhhh… the great news is by the grace and blood of Jesus - because of His divine forbearance, we are forgiven!
Application
Today, I was stirred to be careful how I teach young Christians involving memorize verses. While v.23 is not a promise, it has been memorized to clobber people over their life with.

As a spiritual leader, I want Christians to receive and walk in God’s promises, in context. So many Christians are damaged in believing and claiming God’s promises through a verse, but the passage’s context speaks of the “correct principle.”

Specifically, I am thankful for Jesus grace gift - which is His life, given so that through faith I amy receive forgiveness and acceptance into a clean and pure relationship with God!
Prayer
Dear God. I’m very grateful for Your righteous covering and protection - forgiveness and love - divine forbearance and righteousness. Through You, I have You and You have me!

Devotions for May 22

1 Kings 8
2 Chronicles 5
Psalms 99
Romans 3

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