Psalm 51:10
September 18, 2024
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 18 SEPTEMBER
September 18, 2024
THE 18th OF SEPTEMBER
THE REWARD OF LIVING RIGHTEOUSLY FOR GOD IS HOLINESS AND ETERNAL LIFE
“But now, having been set free from sin and having become servants of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” – Romans 6:22
At first glance, the idea of becoming servants of God might seem like we are entering a form of bondage. However, the reality is that we were all born into the bondage of sin. When we chose Jesus as our Lord and began to know the truth, we discovered genuine freedom. God respects our free will, and we are free to walk away from Him if we choose. In contrast, Satan enslaved us through the power of sin. Even now, the devil and his demons work to pull us back into our old sinful lives before we were born again.
The end result of a sinful life is death. But now that we belong to God, we are free from sin’s power, and we can choose to live without sinning. As we make this choice daily, the fruit we bear leads to holiness. To be sanctified means to be set apart for God’s purposes, to be made holy, to live righteously, to avoid deliberate sin, and to quickly repent when we do fall short. The result of living this way is eternal life in heaven, where Jesus has prepared a place for us. This is the true meaning of freedom!
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for freeing me from the bondage of sin and making me Your child. The more I understand Your Word, the more joy and freedom I experience. Please help me fulfill Your purpose for my life and truly live as intended by You. Help me maintain a pure heart and live in a way that is pleasing to You and that gives you glory. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen
