A Lasting Solution
Have you ever faced an enormous problem that didn’t have an immediate solution? Some problems in life take time to find proper resolution.
In Romans 3, Paul begins to introduce the solution to a massive problem—sin. Sin is an act of disobedience toward God’s commands. And because God is holy and does not sin, our sin separates us from a relationship with God.
Paul goes on to explain that every person has fallen short of God’s standard for living
—we have all sinned (Romans 3:23). All of us have been separated from God.
The solution to our problem is found in Jesus. Paul says that Jesus came as a representative on our behalf, and that His death atoned for our sin problem. This means that Jesus took care of the penalty that we deserved, and He made a way for us to have a relationship with God again.
All of this was made possible through his death and resurrection. Jesus provided a permanent solution to a very serious problem, and we can partake in this gift for free. There are no prerequisites or payments necessary—other than having faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9).
Jesus’ death and resurrection not only made atonement for our present sins, but for both our past and future sins as well. This demonstrates that God is still just in dealing with our sins, but He made a way for us through Jesus.
Are there past sins you are still holding onto that have been forgiven by God? Remember that Jesus paid for every single sin so that you could walk in freedom.
First Things First
There are plenty of things in life that beg for our attention. Our days are filled with relationships and responsibilities, all of which take time.
In Jesus’ famous sermon in Matthew 6, He spends some time talking about the various things we give our attention to. He explains that instead of spending all of our time and energy worrying about our basic need and desires in life, we should first seek His kingdom and His righteousness. If we do that, everything else will fall into place.
So, what does it mean to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness?
God’s kingdom is about God’s rule and reign over all of creation. His kingdom was unleashed during Jesus’ ministry on earth, and is now growing and expanding throughout the global Church. The work of the kingdom is to continue to tell others about the hope of Jesus, and to teach everything that Jesus has commanded.
To seek God’s righteousness is to desire to live the way God intended. It's to live according to God’s...