Romans 7:4 - Building Wealth for God's Glory

Romans 7:4
Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God

Message: Building Wealth for God's Glory

Time: Another source cites this book as being written around 56-58 BC. Because Paul himself was a Roman citizen, he had a unique passion for those in the assembly of believers in Rome. Since he had not, to this point, visited the church in Rome, this letter also served as his introduction to them.

What the Lord is Saying: As we trust in Jesus, there is a union that takes place as we die to our achievement of works in order to gain God's acceptance, recognizing that Jesus through His body has justified us, and so we are joined together with Christ, almost like a marriage -- and all of this results in good works. Good works on their own do not merit salvation or merit God's acceptance of us, but instead good works or the result of the union with Christ.

And these series of lessons are looking at wealth and the fact that good works may include increasing wealth. What was mentioned in the Tabletalk lesson for this day (again, I'm behind and so today is actually November 5, 2015) is that we can build wealth for God's glory. It gave the example of Henry Ford and creating jobs through the assembly line of automobiles which also made them affordable to many. Yes, he made millions in the process, but he also produced a product not previously available, for many people. And with much responsibility, we also are responsible for giving our wealth to those in need.

Promise: When we seek first the kingdom of God, our pursuit of productivity and the building of wealth are holy endeavors that enable us to support the work of the church and assist many people who have great financial needs.

Prayer: Lord, remind me that I can help others in need. Thank you for placing people in my life that I know have needs, like James and Joyce and family and I'm now thinking about Raj and Sourn in Cambodia. Lord, provide for their needs and draw people to yourself. THank you for the way in which they are serving you.

Jesus Calling: December 26

I AM the Gift that continuously gives -- bounteously, with no strings attached. Unconditional Love is such a radical concept that even My most devoted followers fail to grasp it fully. Absolutely nothing in heaven or on earth can cause Me to stop loving you. You may feel more loved when you are performing according to your expectations. But My Love for you is perfect; therefore it is not subject to variation. What does vary is your awareness of My loving Presence.
     When you are dissatisfied with your behavior, you tend to feel unworthy of My Love. You may unconsciously punish yourself by withdrawing from Me and attributing the distance between us to My displeasure. Instead of returning to Me and receiving My Love, you attempt to earn My approval by trying harder. All the while, I am aching to hold you in My everlasting arms, to enfold you in My Love. When you are feeling unworthy or unloved, come to Me. Then ask for receptivity to My unfailing Love. 

I John 4:15-18
English Standard Version
¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. ¹⁶ So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. ¹⁷ By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Deuteronomy 33:27
English Standard Version
The eternal God is your dwelling place,
    and underneath are the everlasting arms.
And he thrust out the enemy before you
    and said, ‘Destroy.’
 
Psalm 13:5
English Standard Version
But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

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