Friday: Forgiveness and Consequences: Navigating Sin's Aftermath

Week 11:  Position vs. Performance

BIG IDEA: A loving God will slow you down and even allow suffering so that you will do things the right way with the right heart.

Scripture: "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12

Reflection: Believers in Jesus are saved by their position in Christ, not their performance for Christ.  If you are anything like me, I sometimes equate my status with Jesus based on my behavior. If I give more, if I go on a mission trip, if I share the Good News, if I pray with all the passion and focus in my heart, that my position with God improves.  But this is actually NOT BIBLICAL.  We are not saved and we are not forgiven because of our works or performance. We are saved and forgiven because we have received for ourselves what we could never earn or grant ourselves. When we see that we are broken sinners that can be saved only by God, it can supercharge our worship. It can supercharge our giving. It can supercharge our mission. It can supercharge our ability to share the Good News.  We get to serve God FROM His grace instead of serving God FOR His grace. 

Application: Rest in your identity as God's child today rather than trying to earn His love through your actions.  Worship Him with all your heart.  

Devotional Jam: “Throne Room Song” or “New Name Written Down in Glory” or “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” by Charity Gayle.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for making me righteous through your sacrifice, not my own efforts.