S – Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection.
Romans 6:4,5 CSB
O – We are united with Christ by identifying with who He is as our savior. To do that we have to believe that his physical actions enabled spiritual ramifications. His death allowed for him to be raised up physically. It allowed us to spiritually crucify our sin and be raised up forgiven and clean.
A – The only way to live victoriously over sin is through Jesus. Our hearts and lives must proclaim this truth in our thoughts, words and actions. We are only fooling ourselves if we say it but do not believe it by faith in Christ.
R – Heavenly Father, Jesus is the one true way to a relationship with you. We believe your truth and put our faith in you. We identify with Christ’s burial and resurrection as it is displayed in our own lives. We love you today!
S – For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. 8 But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:7–9 CSB
O – Commentary:
A person willing to die for a righteous man or for a good man obviously is offering himself as a substitute so that the righteous or good man can continue to live. This is the highest expression of human love and devotion. However, God’s love contrasts with human love in both nature and degree, because God demonstrates (“keeps on showing”) His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (hyper, “in our place”). Though a few people might possibly be willing to die to save the lives of good people, though that is rare, Christ went well beyond that. He died in the place of the powerless (“feeble,” v. 6), the ungodly (v. 6; 4:5), sinners (5:8), and even His enemies! (v. 10).
“Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
A – The message of the gospel is humbling. In our sins, Christ saved us by going to the cross. We are grateful for a savior who sees a value in us that goes beyond comprehension.
R – Heavenly Father, you are God. Your love for us is hard to comprehend. Thank you for Jesus dying on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Thank you for the bloodshed on our behalf. Please help us live today, honoring all you have done for us.
S – And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us
Romans 5:3–5 CSB
O – Commentary:
This is spiritual glorying in afflictions because of having come to know (from oida, “to know by intuition or perception”) that the end product of this chain reaction (that begins with distress) is hope. Suffering brings about perseverance (hypomonēn, “steadfastness,” the ability to remain under difficulties without giving in; cf. Rom. 15:5–6; James 1:3–4). Only a believer who has faced distress can develop steadfastness. That in turn develops character (dokimēn [“proof”] has here the idea of “proven character”), which in turn results in hope. As believers suffer, they develop steadfastness; that quality deepens their character; and a deepened, tested character results in hope (i.e., confidence) that God will see them through.
5:5. A believer’s hope, since it is centered in God and His promises, does not disappoint him. “Disappoint” means “put to shame because of disappointment” in unfulfilled promises
“Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
A – Distress brings the ability to remain, developing a proven character with confidence that God will fulfill his promises. Living in a relationship with God, we see this cycle routinely. The growth that comes from this is exponential – each level builds on the foundational levels beneath it. It is hard to embrace but necessary to mature in our relationship with God.
R – Heavenly Father, thank you for our relationship with you. We know there are challenges and you are with us at all times. Help us to mature in our perseverance and character so we can walk confidently in hope. We love and trust you.
S – But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance
Psalms 13:5 CSB
O – Commentary:
David expressed his trust in the Lord’s unfailing love (ḥeseḏ), the loyal love the Lord has for those who trust in Him. The enemies of David were challenging the faithfulness of God’s love to one of his covenant believers.
“Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
A – We face the same question today. What is our expression when facing challenges? Is it to trust in God’s unfailing love or do we dismiss God for not meeting our expectations? David’s enemies knew that if they could disrupt David’s relationship with God, he would be vulnerable. We are as well if we don’t continue solidifying our relationship with God daily.
R – Heavenly Father, we love you today. The enemy wants to bring distance between us. We fight for intimacy with you. We desire a relationship with you in which we know you fully as you know us. Let that closeness give us your presence, peace and power.
S – The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
Romans 3:22–24 CSB
O – Commentary:
Any prior privilege the Jews had is gone in this Age when God is offering a righteous standing before Him to all sinful people on the basis of faith in Christ alone. Since all are “under sin” (3:9), salvation is available “to all” on an equal basis.
3:23. Paul explained that “no difference” existed among human beings because all have sinned. The Greek is literally, “all sinned” (pantes hēmarton). The same two Greek words are used in 5:12 (cf. comments on that verse). Since the entire human race was plunged into sin with Adam, all (whether Jews or Gentiles) are sinners. It is impossible to say there is a “difference,” that the Jews’ privileges (2:12–21; 3:1) exclude them from God’s condemnation.
Not only did all sin, but also all fall short. This single Greek verb is in the present tense, stressing continuing action. It can be translated “keep on falling short.” The simple fact is that as a sinner not a single human being by his own efforts is able to measure up to the glory of God. God’s glory is His splendor, the outward manifestation of His attributes. God desires that humans share that splendor, that they become like Him, that is, Christlike (cf. “glory” in 5:2; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 1:27; 2 Thes. 2:14). Yet their sin keeps them from sharing it.
3:24. In view of man’s sin God has stepped in with His provided righteousness, because all who believe are justified (the pres. tense may be trans. “keep on being declared righteous,” i.e., each person as he believes is justified). “Justify” (dikaioō) is a legal term, meaning “declare righteous” (not “make righteous”; cf. Deut. 25:1).
“Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
A – We are all sinners and continue falling short each day. God loves each of us equally. Each of us must choose to believe Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Only then, is there a path leading us out of unrighteousness and separation from God.
R – Heavenly Father, we chose You as our God. We accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In doing so, we ask that you forgive our sins and unrighteousness today. We desire a relationship with you that leads us to live according to your Word and Truth.
S – A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense
Proverbs 19:11 CSB
O – Commentary:
Patience, extolled several times in Proverbs (14:29a; 15:18b; 16:32; 25:15), stems from and is a mark of wisdom (śēḵel, “prudence,” “understanding”). In contrast, is one who is hotheaded and impatient (14:17, 29b; 15:18a; 19:19; 22:24; 29:22). A prudent, patient man is not easily upset by people who offend him; in fact he overlooks offenses (cf. 12:16), knowing that to harbor resentment or attempt revenge only leads to more trouble. Overlooking them is his glory, that is, it is honorable.
“Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
A – Trouble is guaranteed in the Bible. Why invite more of it by our own impatience or lack of common sense? We need to slow things down, listen and ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in those times.
R – Heavenly Father, you are the one true God. As we face today, give us wisdom and patience. As things come up, let us see things through your eyes and listen with your understanding. Help us to act in a way that honors you.
S – He will repay each one according to his works:,7 eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but wrath and anger to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth while obeying unrighteousness.
Romans 2:6–8 CSB
O – Commentary:
A person’s habitual conduct, whether good or evil, reveals the condition of his heart. Eternal life is not rewarded for good living; that would contradict many other Scriptures which clearly state that salvation is not by works, but is all of God’s grace to those who believe (e.g., Rom. 6:23; 10:9–10; 11:6; Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:5). A person’s doing good shows that his heart is regenerate. Such a person, redeemed by God, has eternal life. Conversely a person who continually does evil and rejects the truth shows that he is unregenerate, and therefore will be an object of God’s wrath.
“Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
A – Our thoughts, words and actions reveal our hearts. We will never be perfect but we do need tenacity in aligning with God’s Truth and Word. God honors the integrity to pursue Him and will punish those who do not.
R – Heavenly Father, we come to you in worship and surrender. We want to know you more. Help our thoughts, words and actions align with your Truth and Word. Strengthen us as we pursue you. We want our hearts and actions to show your love for us and others.
S – They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen.
Romans 1:25 CSB
O – Commentary:
The truth of God is not only the truth concerning God but also God’s truth concerning all things, including mankind. This truth is that people are creatures of God and can find true fulfillment only in worshiping and obediently serving God the Creator. A lie (lit., “the lie”) on the other hand says that the creature—angelic (Isa. 14:13–14; John 8:44) or human (Gen. 3:4–5)—can exist independent of God, self-sufficient, self-directing, and self-fulfilling. Mankind made himself his god in place of the true God. Because God the Creator is forever praised (in contrast with creatures who are undeserving of worship), Paul added Amen. This word transliterates in both Greek and English the Hebrew word meaning “so let it be.” As an affirmation, not a wish, it places approval on what has just been said
“Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
A – We must worship God in spirit and in truth. To do this, we need to know the truth. Knowing God and His Word gives us the foundation of who God is, His heart and character and his power. When someone knows this and believes they can live separate from God, they are living a lie.
R – Heavenly Father, you are the one and only God. Continue to reveal your truth to us daily. Let us grow in our understanding of this so we are not distracted by any lies or false entities. We desire to walk in relationship knowing you fully and being fully known.
S – A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.
Proverbs 19:5 CSB
O – A person who bears false witness is acting against someone else and justice will be served. Also, someone who lies will not walk in freedom but is “imprisoned” by their own words.
A – Words are powerful. We must speak with character and integrity. How can we be a light if our words are not honest and true? For our own sake, how can we walk in personal freedom if our words cause us to be bound by lies?
R – Heavenly Father, we want to honor you today. Let our thoughts, words and actions align with your Word. Jesus said, “I am the Truth, the Way and the Light.” Let our conversation today reflect all of those. Let us walk in personal freedom, free from anything hindering our relationship with you.
S – Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance
Acts 28:30–31 CSB
O – Commentary:
Despite being under house arrest (28:16), Paul boldly proclaimed the Kingdom message. • And no one tried to stop him (Greek akōloutōs, “without hindrance”): This single word in Greek is the last word of the book of Acts and one of the keys to its meaning: God’s word cannot be chained, even when its messengers are (2 Tim 2:9; see Phil 1:12–14). Acts is the story of an unhindered message of Good News, available to all people throughout the world, whether Jew, Gentile, proselyte, rich, or poor. The mission of proclaiming this message is accomplished in the power of the Spirit (1:8); it embraces Jews (3:1–5:42), Samaritans (8:1–25), converts to Judaism (2:11; 13:43), “God-fearers” (8:26–40; 9:32–11:18), and Gentiles (13:1–28:28). • Luke ends his account with Paul still under house arrest in Rome (about ad 60–62). Paul was later freed and traveled freely (see chart, p. 1845). According to tradition, Paul was imprisoned again in Rome in about ad 64 and was martyred there during Nero’s persecution of believers.
A – Imprisoned, Paul writes a portion of the New Testament. He shares the gospel freely and is protected. God continues to make a way for Paul to do ministry where opposition appears. He will do that for us as well in our daily walk with him.
R – Heavenly Father, we are in awe of all that you do in our lives. We surrender and worship you. Continue to work in our lives when opposition comes. Bring the opportunities for your love and salvation to be shared. Let us be a light today.
Just Add Water . Chris Bonham 