4 x 6 Plan | Read: Matthew 5:33-48 & Romans 3:9-20
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
Have you ever been told to “be perfect” or “never make mistakes”? It’s a heavy burden to bear, and one that can leave us feeling defeated when we inevitably fall short. But in Matthew 5:48, Jesus commands us to “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” How can we possibly live up to such a standard?
The good news is that God’s grace is not dependent on our own perfection. It’s not about earning His love or approval through our actions, but about receiving it freely through faith in Jesus. When we understand that our righteousness comes from Christ alone, we can stop striving to be perfect on our own and instead trust in His perfect work on our behalf. This doesn’t mean we give up on pursuing holiness, but rather that we do so with the assurance that our mistakes and failures do not define us, and that we can continually rely on His grace to transform us more and more into His likeness. So let us embrace the freedom of the gospel and the power of His grace to transform us, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God through Christ.
The “Great” News of the Gospel | Romans 3:9-20
In Romans 3:9-20, Paul highlights that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and cannot be justified by the works of the law. This may sound discouraging, but it actually highlights the good news of the gospel. No one can earn their salvation through their own efforts or goodness, but God has provided a way for us to be justified by faith in Jesus Christ.
The gospel is good news because it offers us salvation as a free gift through grace, not based on our own works or merit. We can trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross and receive forgiveness of our sins and eternal life. We no longer have to live under the condemnation of the law, but can experience the freedom and joy of living in the grace and love of God.
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
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