Today's Verse: Romans 8:3-4

Saturday, March 9, 2013

For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
— Romans 8:3-4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When the Spirit lives in us, we don't need a law to guide us. The Spirit produces the character that God desires, which is well beyond what any law would require (cf. Gal. 5:22-23). While the Law can teach us God's will and reveal to us what is sinful, the Law can't fix our sinfulness nor empower us to live according to God's will. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit can cleanse, transform, empower, and inspire us to be what God calls us to be in ways no law can (Romans 8:1-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Let's thank God for his loving and empowering presence in us through his Spirit!

My Prayer...

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew me by your Spirit dwelling within me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Romans 8:3-4 — For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.