“We rejoice”
Romans 5:2, 3, 11

I received encouraging feedback from my post yesterday in which I described my decision to conquer my sin. Sooner or later, this gluttony problem will be a thing of the past. It’s simply ridiculous to think that God wants me to tolerate and live with my own sin. Therefore, I need to be done with it. Where do I go for help? The bible.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Now, some will be quick to point out that the Holy Spirit is required to accomplish all of this, and I agree. However, I already have the Holy Spirit living inside of me, and I have already received all the spiritual blessings that God has deemed for me.

John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

I’m born again, so I have the Spirit. I have all the Spirit I’m going to get and all the spiritual blessings I’m going to get. Now, it’s a matter of discerning, understanding, and implementing the truth of God as presented through scripture.

So, I’m drawn back to Romans 5. I think I’m going to tackle this tomorrow; but for now, I want to focus on the word “rejoice.” Three times in eleven verses, Paul says, “we rejoice.” Rejoice in what? Bottom line – we rejoice in what God has done for us through what Jesus has done.

How do I rejoice? Do I fake it, like a paid audience that makes a laugh track like some of the old TV shows? Or, do I find a way to genuinely rejoice? I think it’s by reminding ourselves, often, of what Jesus has done for us. Not just reminding ourselves but really focusing on him.

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk some about the peace of God.

Father, thank you for answering my prayer to rejoice in my sufferings. I look forward as you build endurance, character, and hope in all this. Amen.

Copyright © 2019 Scott Powers