O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is (Psalm 63:1).

Heavenly Father, our heart’s desire is to seek You early this day. May we thirst after You and your Word? Help us as we drink of Thy truth.

Today’s Hymn

Words & Music: Haldor Lillenas, 1918.

WONDERFUL GRACE OF JESUS
Click here for tune.

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Refrain
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.
Praise His Name!

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost,
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Refrain

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven,
For all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Refrain

Thought Provoker

The next time you find yourself gathered with the church, take a look around and ask yourself, who are these people? You probably will not find anyone who is famous, or any world leaders, or any Nobel Peace Prize winners. You might say to yourself that, at best, it is just a bunch of everyday, normal people—in the eyes of the world, a whole bunch of nobodies. But when we look with spiritual eyes, what do we see? Paul gives us the answer in Romans 16.

Dad’s Study

Read the list of names in Romans 16. Do you recognize any of them? A few are familiar; they are mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. Names such as Priscilla and Aquila and Phebe we have read before. But what do we really know about any of these people. Scripture reveals very little. This might lead us to think that this is a list of names of nobodies. But look at the list again, and this time do not look at the names, but instead look at Paulís description of each. They give great insight into who they really are.

Who are these people? Well, there are those who are servants, helpers, fellow workers, hard workers, fellow workers in Christ, workers in the Lord, those who have worked hard in the Lord, kinsmen, my kinsmen, fellow prisoners, those who risked their own necks for Paul’s sake, the 1st convert in Asia, my beloved, beloved in the Lord, a choice man in the Lord, one outstanding among the apostles, one approved in Christ, one who was host to Paul, brother, brethren, and all the saints. When we see how Paul describes those in the church we see his expression of brotherly love shine through as he names each with a term of endearment. Any one of these descriptors would be quite a complement for any believer. As I read this and put myself in their position I asked, “What would be my heart’s response to such words if I was one who received this letter?” I found these words to be encouragement to my soul, words that build up the saints and fatten the bones.

Paul also gives instruction on how we are to be toward such people. First, we are to receive them in a manner worthy of the saints (verse 2). And how would that be? Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God (Rom. 15:7). Second, we are to help in whatever they need (verse 2). For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another (Gal. 5:13). Third, we are to greet one another with a holy kiss (verse 16). Fourth, we are to be hospitable to one another as Gaius was to Paul (verse 23). Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality (Rom. 12:13). Use hospitality one to another without grudging (1 Pet. 4:9).

As we can see these saints are precious in Paul’s eyes. He also gives instruction for the protection of the body from the attacks of the evil one. He gives a warning in verse 17 to be on guard for those who would come into the body and cause strife and dissension. (Gal. 5:19-21) “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Paul wants us to stay far away from these for the wages of their wickedness is death. He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself — But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Tim. 6:4-5, 11).

Paul not only warns, he also admonishes to godliness in verse 19. We are to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves (Mat. 10:16). Paul then closes with a doxology of praise to God in verses 25-27.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

So the next time you are in the congregation of the saints, look around. What do you see, nobodies, or the children of God who are precious in His sight? Praise God for the company of the righteous He has blessed us to fellowship with in the body of Christ!

Catechism

Question 69

Q. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace (Heb. 10:39), whereby we receive (John 1:12), and rest upon him alone for salvation (Philippians 3:9), as he is set forth in the gospel (Isa. 33:22).

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name (Psalm 18:49).

O Father of creation we long with Thee that a people from every nation of the world will praise Thy name in joyful song.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Walter C. Smith, Hymns of Christ and the Christian Life, 1876. Music: St. Denio, Welsh melody, from Canaidau y Cyssegr, by John Roberts, 1839.

IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE
Click here for tune.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish—but naught changeth Thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
But of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord, impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.

All laud we would render; O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, Almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.

Thought Provoker

I am personally blessed when I receive letters from missionaries from around the world. Does your family or church regularly receive letters from missionaries? They help us keep a world-view of God’s matchless grace to the nations. They are also a helpful tool in our prayer life. Through shared prayer requests we can participate in world missions by interceding before the throne of grace. In today’s chapter, Paul is sending us a missionary letter in which he brings to us his mission to the Gentiles!

Dad’s Study

I. Model Missionary.
Every missionary needs a model, a faithful example for proclaiming the Gospel to the nations of the world. Read verses 8-9 and discover Paul’s model missionary, Jesus Christ. The Son of God became a servant to the Jews in order to confirm the promises that God had made before, that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy! The mission of Jesus Christ was to seek and to save His lost sheep from all the nations of the world (verses 10-12). Christ came first to the Jew that through His death both Jew and Gentile might be saved. Paul followed the model of Christ. He began preaching the Gospel in Jerusalem and now He is expanding it to the Gentile nations of the world.

II. Main Ministry of Paul.
For 25 years Paul had been faithfully preaching around the eastern Mediterranean and by the time he wrote this letter to the church of Rome he could say that he had fully preached the Gospel from Jerusalem and around about unto Illyricum (verse 19). Obviously Paul did not preach to every single person in that region, but He preached to every major city so that he could conclude that the region had been reached. His missionary priority was to continue to preach the Gospel where Christ had never been named (verse 20). Here we see the ministry of a missionary to preach the Gospel where Christ has not been preached and then move on to a new people that have not heard. It is the role of the local church to continue the ongoing preaching and teaching after the missionary has moved on. Where was he going next? He had a God-given burden to set sail for the distant country of Spain (verse 24). Whether he achieved his desire is not known for certain. According to Clement of Rome, writing 30 years after Paul’s death, the apostle went to the “limits of the West.”

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

The ministry of missions has not changed in the last 2000 years. There are still unreached people of the world. In fact, there are even nations that were reached with the Gospel earlier in church history but no longer have a Gospel witness today. Perhaps God is stirring up the heart of someone in your family to take the Gospel to remote Africa, pockets of South America, or unreached portions of Asia.

Catechism

Question 68

Q. How may we escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?

A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, we must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16), trusting alone to his blood and righteousness. This faith is attended by repentance for the past (Acts 20:21), and leads to holiness in the future.

Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders (Psalm 107:32).

Lord of heaven and earth, grace us with a glorious understanding of Your infinite being. Help us to exalt Thy name and praise You in the midst of our family this day!

Today’s Hymn

Words: Frances R. Havergal, February 1874. Music: Messiah, Louis J. Hérold, 1830; arranged by George Kingsley, 1838.

I went for a little visit of five days (to Areley House). There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted, but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the prayer, “Lord, give me all in this house!” And He just did. Before I left the house every one had got a blessing. The last night of my visit after I had retired, the governess asked me to go to the two daughters. They were crying, &c.; then and there both of them trusted and rejoiced; it was nearly midnight. I was too happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration; and these little couplets formed themselves, and chimed in my heart one after another till they finished with “Ever, Only, ALL for Thee!” —Havergal Manuscripts.

TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE
Click here for tune.

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

Thought Provoker

Here are some questions to ask your family. Is it sinful:

1. To have a Christmas tree?
2. For women to wear slacks?
3. For men not to wear ties to church?
4. To drink a glass of wine?
5. To send your children to public schools?
6. To eat meat as part of your diet?
7. To send your children to Sunday school?
8. To attend a movie theater?
9. For Christians to be involved in politics?

These are just a few areas where Christians have historically differed in their convictions and over which they have broken fellowship. Some view this list and believe that they have Christian liberty in one or more of these areas, because the Bible does not directly prohibit their behavior. Those with such liberty are sometimes critical of those who do not share their convictions. They call them legalists. On the other side, there are those with strong convictions that one or more of these areas are sinful. Frequently these believers are intolerant of those who believe they have liberty. This conflict often results in a breaking of Christian fellowship. The breaking of fellowship is a serious matter before God. Paul commands us to preserve the fellowship which He has created in us (Eph. 4:3)! When should Christians break fellowship? How should we relate to brothers and sisters in Christ who have different convictions than we do? Paul answers these questions in chapter 14.

Dad’s Study

This chapter is dealing with different convictions in those areas where the Bible does not directly speak. This includes those who differ on their diets (verse 2), holiday observance (verse 5), drinking wine (verse 21), or any one of the practices listed above. To practice what the Bible directly prohibits or abstain from that which the Bible directly commands is sin! Christians cannot reasonably disagree over sin. However, the Bible does not tell us specifically how to dress or whether it is sinful to observe Christmas or have a Christmas tree. How do we treat one another when our convictions differ in these areas?

1. Receive each other (verse 1).
The one who is weak (i.e. the one with the greater scruples) is to be received and not condemned by those who are strong (i.e. who have greater liberty of conscience). Those who feel they are free have a tendency to exclude and push out those who have more restricted convictions than they do. You must not form cliques within the church, but include others as part of your fellowship!

2. Don’t judge one another (verse 3).
The one who is weak (i.e. has greater scruples) must not judge those who are strong (i.e. have greater liberty of conscience). Those who have more restricted freedom are tempted to be judgmental towards those with greater liberty. You must beware of the temptation of self-righteousness for leading a more narrow life. You must beware of making standards or rules that are not found in the Bible.

Reasons we are not to judge:

a. Your brother is not your servant. Therefore you cannot judge him (verse 4). The Lord can change him. We are all in the process of change.

b. God can read hearts and you cannot (verses 5-8). See the other person as honoring God just like you desire to honor God.

c. God alone has the right to judge and He alone is equipped to judge on these matters (verses 9-12). If you want to judge, judge yourself!

What about Christians liberty? Are there any restrictions on our conduct in those areas where the Bible does not directly speak? Paul now gives some practical restrictions on our Christian freedom:

1. Don’t put a stumbling block in front of your brother (verse 13).
You must be careful that you don’t injure others in the exercise of Christian liberty. We are to consider others first in determining our conduct. It is sin if your liberty would cause one who has differing convictions to violate those convictions. If you have liberty in the Lord to eat meat, do not flaunt your liberty and bring it out for the visiting believer who is a vegetarian for Biblical reasons. That would be sin!

2. Stay Focused: The Kingdom of God is not dress, eating, or Christmas trees (verses 16-18).
Keep the right focus! The main point of the Christian faith is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit! I read of a church some time back that got into an argument over whether to have a Christmas tree as part of the Christmas program. Some thought that a tree was fine; others thought it was a pagan practice, and they got so angry with each other that they actually got into a fistfight over it. One group dragged the tree out, then the other group dragged it back in. They ended up suing each other in the court of law and, of course, the whole affair was broadcast in the newspapers for the whole community to read. The unbelieving world should see in us the fruit of the Spirit, not divided angry hearts.

3. Do those things that lead to peace and edification (verse 19-21).
No liberty should destroy peace or the building up in truth. Liberties, which leave a trail of anger and bitterness destroy the work of God!

4. Act out of faith (verses 22-23).
Make sure that your liberty is not motivated by pride or from an attitude of showing off. Make sure your faith is between you and God alone, not based on self-indulgence. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6).

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

What should be your response to your government? Let us respond as Christians! Thank God today for our rulers. Pray for them! Obey them! But above all, obey God!

Catechism

Question 67

Q. What does every sin deserve?

A. Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is to come (Eph. 5:6; Psalm 11:6).

And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah (Isaiah 22:21). Father, we thank you for the rulers you have placed over our heads. We ask you to use them to accomplish Thy perfect will and to further Thy kingdom of righteousness!

Today’s Hymn

Words: Frances R. Havergal, February 1874. Music: Messiah, Louis J. Hérold, 1830; arranged by George Kingsley, 1838.

I went for a little visit of five days (to Areley House). There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted, but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the prayer, “Lord, give me all in this house!” And He just did. Before I left the house every one had got a blessing. The last night of my visit after I had retired, the governess asked me to go to the two daughters. They were crying, &c.; then and there both of them trusted and rejoiced; it was nearly midnight. I was too happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration; and these little couplets formed themselves, and chimed in my heart one after another till they finished with “Ever, Only, ALL for Thee!” —Havergal Manuscripts.

TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE
Click here for tune.

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

Thought Provoker

Ask your family to name some of the great servants of God throughout history. I am sure they will name some of the great patriarchs of the Old Testament, the Apostles of the New Testament, and maybe some of the great saints from the Reformation. What about Adolph Hitler, Stalin, and Bill Clinton? One of the amazing truths from today’s passage is that all the political leaders of the world, both good and bad, are, is some sense, servants of our sovereign God. Where did governments come from? Who sets their boundaries? What function do they serve? What is a Christian’s relationship to his government? Read together Romans 13:1-7 for God’s answers!

Dad’s Study

Who puts the political powers (governmental leaders) into their positions (verse 1)?

God does! What an amazing truth! Our God is not detached from His creation. He is ruling and working out His sovereign purpose and decree. It does not matter if it is a democracy or dictatorship. God establishes the governments and places and removes each of their leaders. What a comfort to know that if your candidate loses an election God is in charge and has a higher purpose He is working out. Many of God’s children have been comforted with this truth during times of political repression.

What is God’s purpose for governments (verses 3, 4, and 6)?

God’s first purpose of government is to protect you from evil. Rulers are put into office to protect their citizens from attack from without, and from crime within. Secondly, rulers are servants (same word as deacons) of God. They are tools in God’s hands to carry out His higher purpose. Some rulers are brought in to bring about revival; others are brought as God’s hand of judgment to execute His holy justice!Governments by God’s grace have two powers given to them:

1. They have the power of force to execute their rule (verse 4). Paul reminds us that they beareth not the sword in vain. God has ordained governments to have the power to use force to defend itself and force, even to the point of capital punishment, to punish disobedience. God has the right to take human life and He has the right to delegate His authority to rulers He puts into place.

2. Governments also have the power to tax. Have you ever heard of one that didn’t tax? As a Christian, you might not like the amount of taxes you pay, however, remember that they are ordained of God and God tells you to pay them (verse 7).

How should Christians relate to their government (verses 1 , 2, and 5)?

Paul clearly directs Christians to not resist their rulers, but instead, be subject to their rule. To resist your government is to resist God Himself! This includes paying taxes and obeying the laws of the land, even if you do not like them (verse 6, Matt. 22:20; Mark 12:16-17).

Is there any time when we should disobey ungodly rulers?

In Acts 4:19, Peter and John were arrested and told not to preach the name of Jesus any more. What did they do? They went right on preaching! When they were arrested again Peter’s response was, We must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:28)! Where God has directly spoken and His expressed will contradicts the law of the land, we must obey God! As a young lawyer, I spoke to a group of Christian teachers. During the question and answer time one of the teachers asked me, what can I legally say in the classroom. I replied, you’re asking the wrong question. You should be asking, what would Christ command me to speak in the classroom? You must obey God rather than men. With your family, discuss other areas where you would ultimately have to disobey the government to obey God.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Worship is more than doing the opposite of the world; it involves a transforming from the inside out by the renewing of your mind. Paul’s use of the present tense in verse 2 implies that we are to be constantly in the process of being changed by the renewal of our thoughts and understanding, and in so doing you will discover (prove) the will of God. God renews our mind through His Spirit and Word. This renewing is an inward work of grace that kills from within the values of the world. It is the dying of the old ways of treasuring television, food, and money, and the awakening of new spiritual taste buds. The renewed mind perceives and approves and cherishes the will of God and this works its way out in doing the will of God unto the glory of God (Matt. 5:16). God will renew your mind as you immerse yourself in His Word and humbly ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, application, and a pliable will. Encourage all that are of reading age to spend time daily renewing their minds through personal Bible reading. Discuss together what God has been teaching them in His Word. Pray together that the Holy Spirit would wonderfully take His Word and cause it to transform each of you into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Worship God today by offering a living body that radiates His holiness in all that you do. Worship Him today and throughout eternity!

Catechism

Question 67

Q. What does every sin deserve?

A. Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is to come (Eph. 5:6; Psalm 11:6).

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes (Psalm 19:7-8).

Father, it is our heart’s desire to be true worshipers of You. We long to delight in Thy law and present unto You our bodies as instruments of holiness. We ask that You will take Thy Word and renew our minds and transform us into the image of Your Son for Your glory’s sake!

Today’s Hymn

Words: Frances R. Havergal, February 1874. Music: Messiah, Louis J. Hérold, 1830; arranged by George Kingsley, 1838.

I went for a little visit of five days (to Areley House). There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted, but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the prayer, “Lord, give me all in this house!” And He just did. Before I left the house every one had got a blessing. The last night of my visit after I had retired, the governess asked me to go to the two daughters. They were crying, &c.; then and there both of them trusted and rejoiced; it was nearly midnight. I was too happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration; and these little couplets formed themselves, and chimed in my heart one after another till they finished with “Ever, Only, ALL for Thee!” —Havergal Manuscripts.

TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE
Click here for tune.

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

Thought Provoker

Ask your family what time their worship service begins. Perhaps they will respond with an answer something like this: that’s easy, 10:45 Sunday morning. Although, that might be the time when you gather corporately to worship God, as we are going to see today from Romans 12:1-2, your service of worship is not to be limited to an hour-long gathering on the Lord’s day. Worship is eternal! For the Christian, worship is every moment, of every day, of every week, of every month, of every year of your life. And since you have been graced with eternal life, it is worship without end, commencing the moment you received the new birth.

Dad’s Study

After eleven chapters of the wonderful doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God now calls for a response of worship! This is always the pattern of Scripture. First, God presents doctrine and then He calls us to respond to His truth. Paul is beseeching you this morning to present your body as a living sacrifice. This picture is of the Old Testament sacrifices where an animal was slain and its blood shed. Now that God has saved you, take your body, that has been made spiritually alive by God, and present it as a living sacrifice to God. Offer up before Him your whole body, holy and undefiled. This is the only sacrifice that is acceptable and well pleasing to God. This is your reasonable worshipful service! Worshipful service is not external religious rigmarole, rather a continual offering of your living self, holy before God!

In verse 2, Paul gives a practical explanation of what it means to present your living body as a holy sacrifice as an act of spiritual worship. He presents one negative and one positive command. First, don’t be conformed to this world. The world is like a giant plastic-molding machine that powerfully takes individual lives and molds them into the fallen, temporal image of itself. It ejects one right after another with the speech, values, dress, priorities, thoughts, and behavior of the world. Paul is telling us, don’t be forced into the mold of the world. Don’t conform to its standards! Dads, are you letting your family be shaped by the world? Take an inventory of the impact that the world is having on each member of your family. Are there impure words and images that have become commonplace through video, TV, or the Internet? What about your priorities? Are they regulated by God’s Word? Does your dress represent hearts of modesty? Do Little League and school sports take a higher priority than family worship? Has materialistic gain overshadowed hearts of sacrificial giving? Where has the world made its greatest inroads in your family during the past five years? Spiritual worship is more than cleaning the cup of your life on the outside. Paul goes on and says that true worship is presenting before God a cup that is clean inside and outside!

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Worship is more than doing the opposite of the world; it involves a transforming from the inside out by the renewing of your mind. Paul’s use of the present tense in verse 2 implies that we are to be constantly in the process of being changed by the renewal of our thoughts and understanding, and in so doing you will discover (prove) the will of God. God renews our mind through His Spirit and Word. This renewing is an inward work of grace that kills from within the values of the world. It is the dying of the old ways of treasuring television, food, and money, and the awakening of new spiritual taste buds. The renewed mind perceives and approves and cherishes the will of God and this works its way out in doing the will of God unto the glory of God (Matt. 5:16). God will renew your mind as you immerse yourself in His Word and humbly ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, application, and a pliable will. Encourage all that are of reading age to spend time daily renewing their minds through personal Bible reading. Discuss together what God has been teaching them in His Word. Pray together that the Holy Spirit would wonderfully take His Word and cause it to transform each of you into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Worship God today by offering a living body that radiates His holiness in all that you do. Worship Him today and throughout eternity!

Catechism

Question 67

Q. What does every sin deserve?

A. Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is to come (Eph. 5:6; Psalm 11:6).

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech (Psalm 17:6). Father of all mercies, may you incline your ear unto our worship and prayers, that we might know thee and Thy infinite beauty!

Today’s Hymn

Words: Verses 1, 2 & 4, George W. Frazer, in Hymns of Grace and Truth (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1904); verse 3, Alfred S. Loizeaux, 1952. Music: Beecher, John Zundel, Christian Heart Songs, 1870.

GOD OUR FATHER, WE ADORE THEE
Click here for tune.

God, our Father, we adore Thee! We, Thy children, bless Thy Name!
Chosen in the Christ before Thee, we are “holy without blame.”
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!

Son Eternal, we adore Thee! Lamb upon the throne on high!
Lamb of God, we bow before Thee, Thou hast brought Thy people nigh!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!

Holy Spirit, we adore Thee! Paraclete and heavenly Guest!
Sent from God and from the Savior, Thou hast led us into rest.
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed:
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One! We give Thee praise!
For the riches we inherit, heart and voice to Thee we raise!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!

Thought Provoker

In Romans 11 Paul provides an explanation of God’s dealings with the nation Israel and how salvation shall come to them. In essence, this is an in-depth explanation of a statement Paul makes in Chapter 10, For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom. 10:11-13).

Dad’s Study

Paul begins Chapter 11 with another of his rhetorical questions, “God has not rejected His people has He?”. Obviously not, because the Apostle of Christ to the Gentiles, Paul himself, is a Jew. God does not reject those whom He foreknew (verse 3). The chain of salvation is an unbroken chain; those whom He foreknew, will be justified. How is it God has done this? He has kept a remnant for Himself that is kept solely by His grace, not works (verses 5 and 6). For those of Israel who attempted to obtain what they were seeking by works did not find it, those who were chosen obtained it by grace, and the rest were hardened (verse 7). Once again we see God’s sovereign electing choice of His people. He grants grace and life to those whom He chooses, and He hardens those whom He chooses. Whether Jew or Gentile, salvation comes by grace through faith.

What then of the nation Israel? Paul wants us to be properly informed that there has been a partial hardening of their hearts for a time. How long of a time? Until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. Then God will turn again to His chosen nation Israel and bring salvation to them. This is explained to us in verses 11-24. The nation Israel has been cut off for a time that salvation might come to the Gentiles. Now, we Gentiles should not be prideful or arrogant. The nation Israel is the natural branch of the olive tree, the root of which is Christ. They were broken off because of their unbelief and the wild olive branch (Gentiles) was grafted into their place by faith. Paul warns that if we do not learn from the mistake of Israel, and become conceited and proud of God’s choice of us, and walk in unbelief we too can be just as easily broken off. If the natural branch (Israel) repents and turns to God in faith, they too shall be grafted back into the root.

We see God’s mercy to the disobedient (verses 30-32). We (Gentiles) were once disobedient, and because of Israel’s disobedient rejection of the Savior, God has shown mercy upon the Gentiles. He has brought salvation to us in order to drive His people (Israel) to jealously. Just as God brought His merciful grace to us in our disobedience, He will do likewise with the nation Israel. We have all been disobedient and it is God’s grace that removes us from that state of sin and makes us children of God. Therefore, God has shown mercy to all.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Verses 33-36 ought to be set to music. They are a glorious praise of the greatness of God. They bring forth the preciousness of His wisdom, knowledge, judgments, and His ways. Finite man can offer nothing to God that He needs, and God owes man nothing. All things come from Him as the creator source; grace comes to us through Him (Christ), and all things are for His glory. To Him and Him alone be the glory forever, Amen.

Catechism

Question 66

Q. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of various aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than others (John 19:11, 1 John 5:15).