SUMMARY: Surrender
OVERVIEW: Paul reminds us God is merciful, just, and trustworthy.
BIG IDEA: Salvation comes only through faith, not religious dedication to rules, good living, or a particular heritage.
KEY VERSE: Romans 9:31-32 (Paul’s explanation)
But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
If you want to honor me, obey me. Don’t focus so much on living an extraordinary life that you lose sight of me. Don’t get so obsessed with doing good things that you don’t have time or energy to walk with me, rest in me, or trust me. I love it when you do those things. I love it when you encourage others, knowing I am with you and them.
Have faith, even though I am not who people expect me to be. Have faith, even when I ask you to be humble. Have faith, even though I am more interested in my purpose for you than your happiness. Have faith, even though others may not understand your obedience to me. Have faith, even though you cannot control or define me. Stop trying to be good and stop trying to do everything right. Be still, have faith, and breathe a sigh of relief. I am with you.
NEXT STEP
Thank God right now that he loves you. Thank him that there is nothing you can do to earn his love. If you have been defining your self worth by how good you can be or how much you can achieve, confess this to God. Turn away from an attitude that suggests you can be good enough to save yourself or earn God’s love. Surrender to God, trust him, and follow where he leads.
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