Scripture:
Romans 12:9, 11-12
Tue, 2 May 2023

Loving God Together

Observation:

According to verses 11 and 12, what would a church that is loving God
together look like?

Deeper Reflection
First and foremost for Christians, our genuine love is to be directed towards God. Such love for God is expressed in our service to the Lord. The word translated as “serve” (v.11; Greek douleuō) literally means “to stand in the relationship of a slave”7. As slaves to the Lord our Master, we can only show genuine love towards God if our service is fueled by zeal and fervency in spirit. Because our service to God is to be a lifelong commitment, if it is merely powered by human eagerness and enthusiasm, then “losing steam” is only natural and to be expected, and deterioration to sloth and complacency only a matter of time. Paul’s reference to fervency “in spirit” is almost certainly a reminder to us to rely on the Holy Spirit.8 He is the true source of God-given zeal and fervency, and ultimately enables our lifelong, loving service to God.Such love for God is also expressed in our steadfastness in the Lord. Being “joyful in hope, patient in tribulation and faithful in prayer” (v.12, NIV) all demonstrate an unwavering steadfastness in our faith in the Lord. And “at the heart of this triplet is…hope, namely our confident Christian expectation of the Lord’s return and the glory to follow. It is to us the source of abiding joy. But it also calls for patience, as meanwhile we endure tribulation and persevere in prayer”9.Christians are called to love God by way of zealous and fervent service to Him, and joyful, patient and faithful steadfastness in Him. When we do this together as a church, we are loving God together. 
7 Karl Heinrich Rengstorf, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 261 8 Douglas J. Moo, The Epistle to the Romans, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996), 778 9 John R. W. Stott, The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World, The Bible Speaks Today (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), 332.
Application:

In what ways do I desire to grow in my service to the Lord and steadfastness in Him?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for pastors and staff: To lead the church through exemplary service to the Lord and steadfastness in Him
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

Download this Building Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for East QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for WDL QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

Download this New Life Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.