Choose Life

Posted by Melissa

We are all familiar with the image of a street preacher standing on a box screaming about eternal death and damnation for those who do not repent. It may be hard to hear that way, but those words are true.

Read Romans 6:19-23. Focus on verse 23.

What does Paul mean when he says the Romans offered parts of themselves?

What fruit do you think the Romans were ashamed of? (See v. 21.)

Why do you suppose Paul says that fruit led to death?

What does it mean to be enslaved to God?

What fruit or characteristics do you believe come from Christ’s righteousness?

Do you see any of those things in your life? Why or why not?

What are the wages of sin?

What is the gift of God?

Have you received God’s gift?

When I was growing up, I often heard verse 23 used to scare us into obeying God. It was such a heavy verse, pointing out so blatantly that all sin really brings us is death.

But as I have grown, I have learned that this verse actually expresses God’s love. Because God loves me, He has given me eternal life through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. He has provided salvation, forgiveness, and His Holy Spirit to guide me to make daily choices that honor Him and point to eternal life. When I do make choices that lead to death (every time I sin), His Spirit convicts me so I can seek repentance. God has provided a way for me to choose life each day and for eternity. Listen to the Holy Spirit as you go about your day today. Choose life!

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Romans