Romans 1:16

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 1:16 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” – Romans 1:16           

Paul claims here that he is not ashamed of the gospel.  Why does he think he needs to say this?  He declares in his first letter to the church in Corinth the following.  “For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,” 1 Corinthians 1:22-23. 

Regarding the Jews, Adam Clarke writes in his commentary on 1 Corinthians the following, “There never was a people in the universe more difficult to be persuaded of the truth than the Jews: and had not their religion been incontestably proved by the most striking and indubitable miracles, they never would have received it.”  In essence, if the Jews had not seen the miracles, they would never had received the message God gave them.  Remember the parting of the Red Sea. “As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD. Then they said to Moses, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” Exodus 14:10-12. They would not believe what God had told them because they saw the Egyptians and they feared.  Then, God parts the Red Sea.  We see this pattern throughout the Old Testament.  And this does not just refer to the Jews in the Old Testament.  “Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You. But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet;” Matthew 12:38-39.

As for the Greeks, the best example was Paul’s visit to the Areopagus.  They were more interested in wisdom than truth.  Paul gave a compelling argument regarding God, Him being the creator, that He is not in need of us but desires for us to seek after Him. However, when he brought up the resurrection, we read, “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.” Acts 17:32.

As we can see, the Jews required a sign, and the Greeks were seeking wisdom.  Paul was ridiculed by the leadership of both, essentially saying that he could not prove to them what he was saying.  They found his declaration ridiculous.  However, he continued preaching the gospel.  He did not stop because they laughed at him or called him silly. The Jews did not see a viable sign that Jesus, a meek, lowly and impoverished man would save the world, and the Greeks saw no wisdom in his words.  Do we not see the same thing today?  Are we strong enough not to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, or do we hide our belief from those who may ridicule or despise us because of the gospel?  It is important that we show there is no cost we will not pay to share the truth with anyone, and to share it with boldness and surety.  God is real, Christ is real, and the gospel is real.  Let’s show it by our not being ashamed of declaring the reality of it and not backing down. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

1 John 5:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 John 5:14 

“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” – 1 John 5:14          

John here is finalizing his first letter to the church.  According to I. Howard Marshall, author of the New International Commentary on the New Testament – The Epistles of John, there was a crisis in the church whereby teachers within the church were advocating a new understanding of Christianity which did not agree with the idea John and his colleagues were teaching.  Throughout the book, John is showing them the truth as opposed to what they taught.  We see this in chapter 2.  “Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.” 1 John 2:18-19.  He called those who taught wrong teachings antichrists, strong language but true if they taught a different gospel then Jesus presented.  So, many left and went out pushing their beliefs.

Now, in the final section of this letter, he lays out why He wrote it. “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.  It appears that one of the main teachings of the false teachers countered the idea of eternal life.  Note the phrase so that you may know that you have eternal life.  John wanted them to fully understand that eternal life was promised to those who believe Jesus, who He was and what He taught.  And based on our focus verse, because of their belief in Jesus they have confidence that if they ask anything, according to His will, that He hears them.  

Now, a very important phrase is found here that many either do not see or they ignore; “according to His will.”  It is not saying that anything we ask for will be heard, only those things that fall under His will. This is a very important concept, because note the next verse.  “And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” 1 John 5:15.  And if He hears us, then we shall have what we ask for.  Therefore, the great promise to believers is that if we pray to God, according to and within the scope of His will, then we can be assured what we ask for is ours.

Now, one last point of clarification. There are two ways to ask outside of His will.  The first is to ask for something that we know is not His will.  That would encompass such things as asking for something we know is wrong or sinful, or something that is not intrinsically wrong, but asking would be wrong for us, such as asking for something that may have a negative effect on ours or someone else’s life, such as if we win, someone else loses.  Remember what Paul said, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;“ Philippians 2:3. 

The other way to ask outside of His will is to ask for something that is not what God has in mind.  He has a better plan.  The basic idea is that we may ask for something, but God has something better for us.  For instance, we may ask Him to give us a ministry position at the church we attend, but He wants us to minister overseas.  This requires trust from us.  If we ask Him for something and He does not provide that specific thing, then we must understand it was not His will for us, He has another plan.  And we must be content when what we ask for does not come to pass.  God knows better, and we should learn to be content no matter which way it goes. 

Trust God that, because He knows the end from the beginning, that He understands who we are better than we know ourselves, and that He has been preparing us for His work even though we do not recognize all that He has done, He knows best, therefore rest in this truth.  

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

2 Timothy 1:7

Verse of the Day Devotion: 2 Timothy 1:7 

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7       

The apostle Paul is writing to Timothy, a young man called to work within the Church in Ephesus.  “To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.” 1 Timothy 1:2-4.  Paul left him there to instruct certain men not to teach heresy. 

In the writing of the second letter, Paul is encouraging Timothy to remain strong and resolute in his faith.  “I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”  He grew up in a family of faith, both with his mother Eunice and Grandmother Lois.  Paul knew Timothy had sincere faith, however, as a young man it appears there were things that held him back.  He had some reluctance , no doubt due to the message he was giving to the men regarding false teachings and the feedback he must have received.  Paul though tells him, “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6. He must have felt some reluctance in declaring this message, however, Paul tells him to stir up once again the gift of God.  And this gift from God was the Spirit of God. 

Now, Paul goes on to declare that this gift was not a spirit of timidity or fear.  There was no reason to experience this because the Holy Spirit would grant him the power to encounter foes and dangers, as well as to combat those who no doubt came against him as he was fulfilling the calling Paul gave him to declare to those in Ephesus regarding not teaching false doctrine.  He was not to back down, but through the power of God working in him, he was to declare boldly the truth to all, even those who did not want to hear what he was saying.  And also, the Spirit would aid him in doing all this in love.  John explains this in 1 John, where he states, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18.  There is no fear in love, actually, true love casts out fear.  If Timothy truly loves God, which he does, this love  will cast out fear because He will protect him and be there in whatever he is called to do. And the Spirit will guide him such that he will be shown how to do all with discretion and wisdom. 

Now, this promise was not just for Timothy, but it is for us as well.  We must be bold and declare the truth, correcting where necessary, doing the work of the Lord through the power of God’s Spirit, not being timid but with love, declaring the truth.  Paul suffered much during his ministry, but in boldness, preached Christ wherever he went.  We may feel reluctance as Timothy did, but we also must apply the same words that Paul spoke to Timothy.  We must kindle afresh the gift of God in our lives and allow Him to do His work in us.  For as Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

1 Corinthians 16:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Corinthians 16:14 

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14        

Paul here is closing out his first letter to the Church in Corinth.  He spoke to them throughout this letter about what love is.  There are four basic words for love in the Greek language. First there is ‘Storge’ which refers to a family type of love, such as a love of a parent to their kids, and vice-versa.  Second there is ‘Philios’ which is a love between friends.   Third there is ‘Eros’ which is a romantic love.  And fourth is ‘Agape’ which is an unconditional God-like love; the love God has for us.  Remember, God loves His people, however He also loves those who are not His people.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”  John 3:16. God loves everyone, and desires that all would be saved. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17.

The Greek word translated love in our focus verse is agape.  What Paul is saying is that whatever we do, it should be done with unconditional, God-like love.  A love that transcends and persists no matter what our circumstances are.  Whatever we do for someone else, we should do with a love that is not lessened by what they do, say, or react.  In fact, what we do should come out of our love not only to the person, but also our love for God.  We should desire to do the most we can in our service to God, which includes our service for others.  “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4. 

We should have the same love for others as Christ has when He came into the world.  “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8. 

So, what is our focus verse saying?  That everything we do should be done with an unconditional, sacrificial, God-like love that does not look at how we benefit, but how the recipient of our deeds benefit.  We should see others higher than we see ourselves, thus doing things in humility and not out of self-aggrandizement.  Anything we do for another should exhibit and, as much as possible,  be seen by them as an act of love toward them and that we are doing it because of our love for them and God.  When we do this, our brothers and sisters in Christ will be encouraged that God is bringing us there way, and those who are not saved will see the reality of this Christian life and the love God has for them. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

1 Peter 1:8

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Peter 1:8 

“And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,” – 1 Peter 1:8       

This Epistle from Peter was addressed to those who were scattered abroad throughout the land.  They were scattered throughout, based on 1 Peter 1:1, “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.  They were not around where Jesus had been, and therefore they never had the opportunity to see Him directly.  Peter blessed the God and Father of Jesus, who by His great mercy caused them all whom he was speaking to be saved by the sacrifice of His Son and His resurrection from the dead.  He continues, “to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:4-7.

They were told of this great salvation that was provided to them by the death, burial and resurrection of someone they had never seen or probably heard of as well.  However, their hearts were open to the words spoken to them and they accepted this is reality and became followers of Christ through the disciples that brought them the message.  This reminds us of what Jesus spoke to Thomas after revealing Himself to him.  “After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said,  Peace be with you. Then He *said to Thomas, Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing. Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God!  Jesus said to him, Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” John 20:26-29  Notice what Jesus said.  ‘Blessed are those who do not see, and yet believed.”  Those that Peter was speaking to had not seen Him, yet they believed because they knew He was with them, inside.  They loved Him because they believed.  Note what Peter specified. “and though you do not see Him now”.  He was telling them they would one day see Him, and they ‘greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

This is our testimony as well.  We have not seen Him with our eyes, but we have seen Him with our heart and our faith.  He has revealed Himself to us in ways this world does not understand, because they choose not to.  But we know He is real.  And we will one day see Him, with our eyes in all His glory.  I will say that I look forward to this time more than anything else. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Matthew 9:37

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 9:37 

“Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” – Matthew 9:37      

Jesus and the disciples were ministering throughout the land.  “Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.” Matthew 9:35. They were traveling throughout Galilee teaching the people in their synagogues.  He was proclaiming the good news to them, speaking of the kingdom of God as well as healing them from every kind of illness. 

He saw many Jewish converts, and though there were many scribes and teachers in their towns, they did not teach the truth about the gospel.  They taught the old ways, the law and keeping it strictly to stay in good standing with God.  And with their arrogance and pride, none of them really cared for their souls, just about their living the Jewish life.  There were none to teach them about the grace of God and the idea that He was the Messiah who came to pay the penalty for their sins.  And with this, they were not able, even if willing, to heal or deliver them from their diseases or sicknesses.

Seeing this, Jesus felt compassion for them.  “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36. They only had people to guide them in the ways of Judaism, but not in the new life He presented to them.  They were fatigued, not in body but in their minds and spirit. He was touched by their infirmities as the merciful High Priest.  He was the good shepherd and He felt saddened that there were no other teachers at their disposal to help them understand the gospel.  There were so many who needed a good shepherd, but there was no one to lead them.

We find the same situation today.  There are many in this world who have not yet heard the truth of the gospel because no one took the time to go to them.  There are also many who have heard the truth but have not fully understood it because no one has taken the time needed to explain it to them so they can accept it as truth.  There are also many who hear and accept it with joy, but there is no one to help them become rooted in this new life, and when affliction or persecution arises because of their choice to accept the gospel, they fall away.  Or, they accept it but when they begin to worry and fret, or become enamored with worldly things, they focus on their trials and desires and become unfruitful. 

As Christians, we are called to be shepherds; to reach out to the lost and help those who are new to the faith build their foundations on the Word of God.  We are also called to help our brothers and sisters in Christ through difficult times, praying for and encouraging them.  We are to pray for the lost that God will lead us to those who need Christ in their lives, even though they do not realize it themselves.  We are to pray that God will lead us to fellow Christians who need fellowship and desire help in growing in the fear and admonition of the Lord.  We are called to help everyone we come into contact with to come to the faith and help them grow.  This is the role of the shepherd.  To guide and lead and protect.  As Jesus said, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Lets be hard workers for the cause of Christ.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Matthew 7:15

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 7:15 

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” – Matthew 7:15   

Jesus in this verse is warning His followers that they need to beware of false prophets.  The word ‘prophet’ has various definitions.  One is a person who foretells the future.  This is how the word is generally used today.  Now Jesus’ use of the word can in some ways be applicable to those who declare future events.  However, in the time of Jesus it was normally used to describe a public instructor on the subject of religion.  These religious teachers go out and instruct those in the ways of their religion. 

Now, in our focus verse Jesus is warning them that these false teachers will attempt to instruct them in incorrect doctrine, claiming falsely that they have learned these through divine inspiration.  Their purpose is to lead them into heresy.  This statement from Jesus is probably in reference to false teachers regarding the Jewish faith.   He spoke specifically of some of the Jewish scribes later in His ministry.  “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” Luke 20:46-47.  These scribes referred to here are those who have a different outside appearance then what is inside.  They take advantage of people using religious words and distorted principles, yet outwardly, before the people, they pretend to be great and devout teachers, teaching false doctrine and principles for their own profit, while pretending to be God’s servants. Notice what it says at the end of the verse; these will receive greater condemnation.

 As in those days, we need to be as careful now  because there are many false teachers in our churches today.  They profess incredible knowledge and credentials but teach doctrine that is counter to what the Word of God actually teaches.  Just because they have many followers does not mean they are true children of God.  They may look and act godly and have a great outward spiritual appearance, however, their goal is to deceive us into following them and what they have to say.  This is why it is so important that we study God’s word on a regular basis.  We need to have this knowledge deep within is us so we can compare what they are saying with the truth.  Comparing the differences between the two if they exist will tell us if they are a true teacher of the word.  We must be as the Bereans Paul describes in the book of Acts.  “The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.”  Acts 17:10-12.  Never just accept what anyone tells you if you have any questions as to what they taught.  Check it out.  This will prevent a wolf from deceiving you who comes across as a wonderful sheep but proclaiming great deception in the hope of leading you astray. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

1 Timothy 6:7

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Timothy 6:7 

“For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.” – 1 Timothy 6:7    

This seems like an obvious statement, however, when we look into this verse a bit, it says a lot more than what many have seen.  Let us first look at the verse just prior to this one.  “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.” 1 Timothy 6:6. When we live a godly life, we are living as He has commissioned us to live.  We make God our ultimate priority, we live as He has called us to live, we share the gospel with all who need to hear it, we love everyone, seeing them as more important than ourselves.  These are but a few of the characteristics of a godly life.  And when we find ourselves content in living this life then we receive great gain from our Father. However,  this is not mean in worldly possessions. 

What Paul is referring to is a life content with what we have, no matter how little that may be.  If we are satisfied with what God provides, then we will not be looking at how we can get more things, but how we can strengthen the relationship we have with God.  Looking forward we see a picture of what this means.  “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:8. If we have these basic resources, then we should be happy and content, because we also have access to the almighty God who desires to spend time with us.  Contentment has the idea of satisfaction.  Whatever God’s provision is, in that we should be content / satisfied.  Remember God’s promise to us as stated again by Paul.  “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.  God will provide all of our needs.  If He does not provide it, then we really do not need it.  Often, we say we need something when in reality we just want it.  And He did not say He would provide our wants, though He may.  But He did say He will provide our needs. 

Now, back to our focus verse.  When we were born, we could not bring anything into this world.  He created us and placed us in our mother’s womb.  Everything we have then is provided after we are born.  And likewise, we cannot take anything of this world with us when we die.  No matter how much importance we place upon it, we must leave it behind.  This is so because these things are not actually necessary in the next life, whether it be in Heaven or the lake of fire.  And to be perfectly honest, they are not all the important here also. I am not saying our possessions are bad, I am saying that we place too much importance on them.  As Christians, what really matters is our relationship with God Almighty.  Things do not really matter that much, except for as Paul said to the Timothy food and covering. He will provide what we need to live here and to fulfill His calling on us. 

It is a good idea sometimes to examine ourselves regarding what we find important, and if we discover we desire or place too much attention on ‘worldly things’ than maybe we need to make adjustments with the help of or Father in heaven.  God is to be of ultimate importance, and we need to be content with what He provides us while here in this life.  He will provide our needs.  Let us not be dissatisfied because we do not have certain things found here.  Be content with God and His provisions.  The satisfaction we will have will be worth much more than anything the world has to offer.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Hebrews 12:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: Hebrews 12:14 

“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.” –  Hebrews 12:14  

God has called us to live at peace with all men.  Note that the writer of Hebrews states ‘peace with all men’.  He is not in anyway saying that there are some, such as antagonistic unbelievers, who are not included.  He is not saying that if we disagree strongly with someone that we do not need to seek to live at peace with them.  And those who cheat or hurt us are not to be excluded either.  Paul put it this way regarding peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” Romans 14:19.  However, God declares ALL men, therefore He is saying with those who are not Christians, including those who are our enemies.

So, how are we to live at peace with our enemies?  By loving them, by helping them when needed and praying for them, and not just walking by and ignoring their suffering.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:43-45.  We are to love our enemies; we are to seek peace with them.  Jesus said here that this is how His Father works.  He brings the blessing of sunlight to both the righteous and unrighteous, and He allows the rain that waters the food bearing plants to fall on the land of the righteous and the unrighteous.  He calls us to love as He loves and do for them as He does.  “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2.

We are called to go out and to preach the gospel to all men.  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19. We are called to go out to those who do not know Him.  Now Jesus said to His disciples that only those called by the Father will come to Him.  “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:44. So, who is called?  There are many who believe that only some of mankind is called.  However, this is in contrast to what Jesus said.  “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” John 12:32  He calls all men to Himself because He was lifted upon a cross and was crucified.  And again, as is said in Matthew 28:19, He has sent us out to reach all in all nations.

Now, looking at this in totality, the only way people will listen to us is if we show them that we love them and desire to live at peace with them.  If we constantly cause animosity to arise between us and others, they will stay clear of us, and how can we preach the gospel to them if we do not desire peace between us?  Looking back at our focus verse, we must desire peace with all men, even when we must disagree in order to profess the truth of the gospel and showing the holiness of God; but doing it in love, for without that , no man can see God.  The idea of seeing God here is not with our eyes from a distance but living with Him, being in His presence in peace.  And that is our calling, to lead all men to know and see God, making disciples.  And only through desiring at all cost peace with them, can we make this happen.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Romans 8:31

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 8:31 

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” – Romans 8:31   

 Paul starts out this chapter with the following verse, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1.  And why is this true?  “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:2.  Christ freed us from condemnation by His death on the cross.  This is how He set us free. 

In the gospel of John, we read, “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32.  It is the truth of the gospel, if believed that will set us free from the law of sin and death.  The Jews then asked how can you set us free if we have never been enslaved.  Jesus then answers as follows.  “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:34-36.     

Now, as a result of being free through Christ, we will also be hated.  “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” Matthew 10:22.  He also says, “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” Matthew 24:9. We will be hated and persecuted.  We will suffer for the cause of Christ.  It is really showing itself now, what with all the limitations placed on Christianity that is applied to no other, particularly Islam which hates us and shows it openly.  Jesus warned us well ahead of time regarding this. 

However, Paul declares the following in our focus verse, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Romans 8:32-35. Jesus, who died for our reconciliation who now sits at the right hand of God, intercedes for us.  We may have to go through the trials and persecution, just as many throughout history has.  Look at what Paul suffered.  Look at what many Christians in China, North Korea and the Islamic countries endure.  He may not take away their trials, but He is with them every step of the way.  He gives them the strength to stand strong in the midst of suffering.   “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.  And, “Oh let those who fear the LORD say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting. From my distress I called upon the LORD; The LORD answered me and set me in a large place. The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6

We must always remember that God is for us.  He sent His son to die for us for He loves us with an everlasting love.  We can rest in Him no matter our circumstances for there is nothing He cannot do.  “Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You” Jeremiah 32:17.  If a God who is all powerful and all loving is for us, who in reality can be against us?

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.