4 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Deuteronomy 4:1-49
Luke 6:39-7:10
Psalm 68:1-18
Proverbs 11:28
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Luke 6:40 (NLT): “Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
When we repent of our sins and self-rule and trust in Jesus to save us, what is our goal? Simply put, to become more like Jesus.
After all, while it is true that we are saved by grace and live by grace, that grace will show up in our behaviors. What we do with the rest of our life will testify to our saving faith – or the lack thereof. Just listen to the next three verses to see how grace prepares us for works.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT): “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
That’s where the verse for today comes in. Our desire should be to be “fully trained” so that we can “become like (our) teacher.”
How can we become like Him? We’ve got to spend time in our Bibles – plenty of time. We’ve got to not only read it but study it. We’ve got to ask God’s Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds so that we can see the truths He wants to reveal to us. And then, we must have an ongoing commitment to making whatever adjustment to conform our thinking and behavior to Scripture.
If we are truly saved and are following Him, this isn’t an option. It is what we were called to do.
Are you spending daily time in God’s Word?
Are you studying it and depending upon God’s Holy Spirit?
Are you making the adjustments to your thinking and behavior?
These are the non-negotiables as we strive to become more like Jesus.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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