Memory VerseTherefore what will we say? The law is sin? May it never come to be! But I would not have known sin except through law. For indeed the covetousness I would not have known except the law says, “You will not covet.”The Mosaic Law is righteous and logical, but it is not a means by which we
Memory VerseBut now we have been rendered ineffective from the law, having died in that which we were confined, so that we serve in newness of Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:6). “Rendered ineffective” refers to something that no longer functions properly. In Christ, the body of t
Memory VerseFor when we were in the flesh, the passions of the sins, the ones through the law working out in our members, resulted in fruit to death (Romans 7:5). The law does not bring life. Rather, through the law, the sin nature worked out its desires to produce fruit that pertains to death—that
When a person believes that Christ died on behalf of sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, God saves him (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This salvation is not based on works of righteousness that a person has done, but according to God's mercy, through the washing of regeneration and the renewi
Memory VerseWherefore, my brethren, also you are dead to the law through the body of the Christ, to come to be unto a different one, to the One Who was raised out from the dead, in order that you should bear fruit to God, Romans 7:4Since Christ’s death and resurrection have been imputed to us, we ar
Memory VerseOr are you ignorant, brethren—for I speak to those knowing the law—that the law lords over the man for as long as he lives? Romans 7:1Moses wrote that “the man who does those things shall live by them” (Romans 10:5), literally meaning that if a man breaks the law, his failure to do the t
In Romans 1:21 the reasoning of those who reject God is described as having an emptiness in outcome (ματαιόω). Because they were not thankful, nor desired to express a proper opinion of God, their foolish hearts were darkened. They professed themselves to be wise, but in reality are foolish.Today we
Memory VerseI have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And that which I now live in flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, the One who loved me and gave Himself on my behalf (Galatians 2:20). When a person believes that Christ died on behalf of
Memory VerseAnd it is necessary he also have a proper testimony from those outside, in order that he does not fall into disgrace and a snare from the devil (1 Timothy 3:7). A man who desires the position of a bishop must also have a good testimony among those outside the congregation. He is to be re
Memory Versenot a novice in order that he is not puffed up, falling into condemnation of the devil (1 Timothy 3:6).A pastor is not to be new to the faith. While it may seem advantageous to keep a new believer engaged by placing him in a teaching role, doing so is neither loving nor beneficial—for hi
When it comes to our thought life—the workings of our minds—we need to learn how to manage it. Thoughts are not sin, but they can be unrighteous. Both sin and unrighteousness are not aspects of the new life we have in Christ and, therefore, should be repulsive to the spiritual believer.The Apostle w
Memory Versestanding before his own house well, having children in submission, with all dignity. Indeed if someone does not know how to stand before his own house, how will he care for an assembly belonging to God? 1 Timothy 3:4–5A pastor is to know how to stand before his own house. This emphasizes
Memory Versenot given to wine, not quarrelsome, but gentle, peaceable, not fond of money (1 Timothy 3:3). A pastor is to be a man who is not given to much wine—not one who frequently consumes alcoholic beverages. He must not be quarrelsome—marked by physical aggression, a pugnacious spirit, or a con
Memory VerseTherefore, it is necessary the bishop is blameless, a one-woman man, temperate, sober minded, respectful, hospitable, able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). As the shepherd of an assembly, the character requirements for a pastor are clearly laid out in Scripture. He must be above reproach—exhibi
“Vain” (εἰκῇ) denotes an action performed arbitrarily, without valid justification, purpose, or reason—essentially, done in vain. The term conveys the idea of acting without cause or meaningful intent. In contrast, “vain” (κενός) is an adjective meaning “empty,” “without content,” “without effect,”
Memory VerseA faithful word: If someone aspires concerning the position of a bishop, he desires a proper work, 1 Timothy 3:1. A bishop is a man appointed to the position of a pastor over an assembly. The term bishop is derived from the concept of overseeing or visitation; it refers to one who carefu
“To turn” carries both a literal meaning—physically changing direction and returning to where one came from—and a metaphorical meaning, referring to a change in mental attitude that results in a corresponding change in actions.When a woman who had been sick for twelve years had the opportunity to to
Memory VerseBut now, having known God—indeed, rather, having been known by God—how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you again desire to be enslaved from above? Galatians 4:9. The saints in Galatia were deceived by men who claimed to be sent from the apostles, pro
Memory VerseBut the one who doubts, if he eats, condemns himself because it is not out from faith. Indeed, all that is not done out from faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Doubting involves a thorough judging for the purpose of justifying actions that are known to be wrong. When we do something that we kn
Memory VerseThe night is far advanced, indeed the day is near. Therefore, let us lay aside the works of darkness and clothe ourselves with the instruments of light (Romans 13:12). The wickedness of this world is coming to an end. Those who belong to the night walk in revelry, drunkenness, licentious
