PASSIONATE ZEAL
Romans 6:5-14
The Message vv. 2-5: [This happens in baptism] “When we go under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came out of the water, we entered into a new country of grace—a new life in a new land! That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going into our new grace-sovereign country.”
Romans 6:5-14
The Message vv. 2-5: [This happens in baptism] “When we go under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came out of the water, we entered into a new country of grace—a new life in a new land! That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going into our new grace-sovereign country.”
Our heavenly Father wants His kids to focus passionately on His plan (Matthew 28:19). The Great Commission is the motive for whoever’s a member of Jesus’ Universal Church (see Universal Church of Individuals devotion).
Regardless of whether a baby, child, or adult is baptized by the sprinkling of water, or total immersion, baptism is new life. The opening Scripture defines and explains what baptism means: Dead to sin, alive in Christ! This is reinforced at salvation—when believers accept Jesus as Savior—and are born again (John 3:7).
Apostle Paul planted a seed for us in Committed Zeal devotion. His life-changing conversion fueled passionate zeal because he was: Grateful for the amazing undeserved gift of salvation, Positive that the Gospel message is true, and that on the Cross, sin was utterly defeated.
Before salvation we are all slaves to sin, unable to break free. Being united with Jesus in his death and resurrection, gives us power to reject sin. Paul understood this better than anyone. He never forgot how he enthusiastically brought believers to Jerusalem, cheering their death for believing in Jesus. After his conversion, sin lost all power over him. Jesus’ love fueled passionate zeal for Paul to live for Christ, spreading the Gospel of Christ throughout the known world (Galatians 2:20).
Like Paul, we’re called to live a crucified life, one that’s passionate for Christ. Our zeal can be seen in our thinking, attitudes, and actions by making Jesus 1st in our lives. We embrace living by faith, standing firm against temptation.
Paul’s passionate zeal propelled him forward, even through times of great adversity (ad-VERS-i-tee means hardship, misfortune). He knew that salvation labeled him blameless before the Father. This badge of courage allowed Paul to complete his task, and cross his finish line in victory (Acts 20:24).
Does Paul inspire you to live your life with passionate zeal for King Jesus?
Take Home Nugget
While we’re unable to say “No” to temptations on our own strength, our indwelling Holy Spirit empowers us for godly living.
Victorious living in Christ blazes God’s grace brightest.
J.D. Griffith
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