Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
In Romans 3:21–31, the apostle Paul discusses the theological concept of justification, a central Christian doctrine. He explains that God has provided a way for unrighteous people (sinners) to be made right with Him: “But now apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:21–24).
Paul states that all people are sinners, regardless of their social status, heritage, or upbringing. Every person ever born falls short of God’s perfect standard of righteousness (see Psalm 14:1–3; Romans 3:9; Galatians 3:22; Romans 11:32). We are all guilty in God’s courtroom and need a solution to the common problem of sin. The solution is to be justified freely by God’s grace. Let’s break down what this means word for word.
The term justified in Romans 3:24 refers to being declared righteous, just, or innocent in God’s sight. The Greek verb (dikaioumenoi) is a legal term meaning “being or becoming judicially vindicated as having complied with the requirements of the law (of God).” We are justified only when we stand before God in His courtroom, and He hammers down His gavel and declares us to be “not guilty.”
We are justified not based on our own merit or actions we have performed. Instead, justification and righteousness come “through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22; see also Romans 4:5, 16; 2 Timothy 3:15). Believers are made right with God by placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
The word freely emphasizes that justification is offered without cost to the recipient. It is a gift, free of charge or payment from the sinner. Humans cannot earn a right standing or status with God through good deeds or even adherence to the law (Galatians 3:11). Instead, justification is given unconditionally and graciously through the kindness, generosity, and love of God.
Grace is the unmerited favor and goodwill of God toward humanity. It is through grace that sinners receive what they do not deserve. Instead of being condemned and sentenced to death, we receive eternal life and reconciliation with God (John 3:16–17; Romans 5:16–17; 8:1). Paul wrote, “Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life” (Titus 3:7, NLT).
Nowhere else is God’s grace more magnified than in “the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24) and His sacrifice on the cross: “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” (Ephesians 2:4–5, NLT; see also John 1:16–17; Romans 5:1–2).
Redemption refers to the act of Jesus Christ saving humanity by dying on the cross. To redeem is to purchase something. Through His shed blood, Christ made the full payment we owed for our sins (Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:15). What was given to us free of charge was not without cost to God. The price He paid for our justification was immeasurable, as it required the sacrifice of His Son.
To be justified freely by His grace means that two things have happened. First, God canceled our debt. He met the legal obligations we could never fulfill (see Romans 8:3–4) by purchasing our freedom, paying our debt, and forgiving our sins (Colossians 1:14). Second, He applied the righteousness of Christ to our account (Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:9–11; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9), thereby declaring us innocent and free.
Placing our faith in Jesus Christ is the key to being justified freely by His grace (Romans 1:17; Philippians 3:8–9). This applies to everyone who believes in Him, regardless of background or identity.
In Romeine 3:21–31 bespreek die apostel Paulus die teologiese konsep van regverdiging, ‘n sentrale Christelike leerstelling. Hy verduidelik dat God ‘n manier voorsien het vir onregverdige mense (sondaars) om by Hom vrygespreek te word: “Maar nou is die geregtigheid van God sonder die wet bekend gemaak, waarvan die Wet en die Profete getuig. Hierdie geregtigheid word gegee deur die geloof in Jesus Christus aan almal wat glo. Daar is geen onderskeid tussen Jood en nie-Jood nie, want almal het gesondig en dit ontbreek hulle aan die heerlikheid van God, en almal word deur sy genade sonder verdienste geregverdig deur die verlossing wat deur Christus Jesus gekom het” (Romeine 3:21–24).
Paulus verklaar dat alle mense sondaars is, ongeag hul sosiale status, erfenis of opvoeding. Elke persoon wat ooit gebore is, skiet tekort aan God se perfekte standaard van geregtigheid (sien Psalm 14:1–3; Romeine 3:9; Galasiërs 3:22; Romeine 11:32). Ons is almal skuldig in God se hofsaal en het ‘n oplossing nodig vir die algemene probleem van sonde. Die oplossing is om vrylik geregverdig te word deur God se genade. Kom ons verduidelik wat dit woord vir woord beteken.
Die term geregverdig in Romeine 3:24 verwys na om regverdig, regverdig of onskuldig verklaar te word in God se oë. Die Griekse werkwoord (dikaioumenoi) is ‘n wetlike term wat beteken “geregtelik geregverdig word asof jy aan die vereistes van die wet (van God) voldoen het.” Ons word slegs geregverdig wanneer ons voor God in Sy hofsaal staan, en Hy met Sy hamer slaan en ons “onskuldig” verklaar.
Ons word nie geregverdig op grond van ons eie verdienste of dade wat ons verrig het nie. In plaas daarvan kom regverdiging en geregtigheid “deur geloof in Jesus Christus vir almal wat glo” (Romeine 3:22; sien ook Romeine 4:5, 16; 2 Timoteus 3:15). Gelowiges word met God reggemaak deur hul geloof in Jesus Christus te plaas.
Die woord beklemtoon vrylik dat regverdiging sonder koste aan die ontvanger aangebied word. Dit is ‘n geskenk, gratis of betaling van die sondaar. Mense kan nie ‘n regte aansien of status by God verdien deur goeie dade of selfs nakoming van die wet nie (Galasiërs 3:11). In plaas daarvan word regverdiging onvoorwaardelik en genadiglik gegee deur die vriendelikheid, vrygewigheid en liefde van God.
Genade is die onverdiende guns en welwillendheid van God teenoor die mensdom. Dit is deur genade dat sondaars ontvang wat hulle nie verdien nie. In plaas daarvan om veroordeel en ter dood veroordeel te word, ontvang ons die ewige lewe en versoening met God (Johannes 3:16–17; Romeine 5:16–17; 8:1). Paulus het geskryf: “Deur sy genade het Hy ons vrygespreek voor Hom en ons die vertroue gegee dat ons die ewige lewe sal beërwe” (Titus 3:7, NLT).
Nêrens anders word God se genade meer verheerlik as in “die verlossing wat deur Christus Jesus gekom het” (Romeine 3:24) en Sy offer aan die kruis nie: “Maar God is so ryk in barmhartigheid en het ons so liefgehad dat Hy, al was ons dood as gevolg van ons sondes, ons lewend gemaak het toe Hy Christus uit die dood opgewek het. (Dit is slegs deur God se genade dat julle gered is!)” (Efesiërs 2:4–5, NLT; sien ook Johannes 1:16–17; Romeine 5:1–2).
Verlossing verwys na die daad van Jesus Christus wat die mensdom red deur aan die kruis te sterf. Om te verlos, is om iets te koop. Deur Sy gestorte bloed het Christus die volle betaling gemaak wat ons vir ons sondes verskuldig was (Efesiërs 1:7; Hebreërs 9:15). Wat gratis aan ons gegee is, was nie sonder koste vir God nie. Die prys wat Hy vir ons regverdiging betaal het, was onmeetbaar, aangesien dit die offer van Sy Seun vereis het.
Om vrylik deur Sy genade geregverdig te word, beteken dat twee dinge gebeur het. Eerstens het God ons skuld gekanselleer. Hy het die wetlike verpligtinge nagekom wat ons nooit kon nakom nie (sien Romeine 8:3–4) deur ons vryheid te koop, ons skuld te betaal en ons sondes te vergewe (Kolossense 1:14). Tweedens het Hy die geregtigheid van Christus op ons rekening toegepas (Romeine 5:19; 1 Korintiërs 1:30; 6:9–11; 2 Korintiërs 5:21; Filippense 3:9), en ons daardeur onskuldig en vry verklaar.
Om ons geloof in Jesus Christus te plaas, is die sleutel tot vrymoedigheid deur Sy genade (Romeine 1:17; Filippense 3:8–9). Dit geld vir almal wat in Hom glo, ongeag agtergrond of identiteit.
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
—2 Corinthians 1:3-4
The Father of compassion comforts us because we are heartbroken
The Father of compassion comforts us because we need a blessing.
The Father of compassion comforts us because God loves us.
The Father of compassion comforts us so we can comfort others.
While each of the above statements is true, the last one is the most crucial. We cannot fully realize true comfort until we receive it and then share it with someone else. Sharing the comfort we have received is that final step in the healing process of grief, disappointment, hurt, and loss. Until we share the comfort we have received, until we pass it on to others, our understanding of God’s comfort is incomplete, shallow, selfish, and limited. We have a Father of compassion and comfort. He wants us, as his children, to pass that comfort to others!
Prayer
O Lord, God of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe, thank you for knowing my heart, caring about my concerns, and comforting me when I am wounded. Please help me share your grace, mercy, and comfort with someone who needs it today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen and Amen.
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Lof aan die God en Vader van onse Here Jesus Christus, die Vader van medelye en die God van alle vertroosting, wat ons in al ons probleme vertroos, sodat ons diegene in enige moeilikheid kan vertroos met die vertroosting wat ons self van God ontvang het.
—2 Korintiërs 1:3-4
Die Vader van medelye vertroos ons omdat ons hartseer is.
Die Vader van medelye vertroos ons omdat ons 'n seën nodig het.
Die Vader van medelye vertroos ons omdat God ons liefhet.
Die Vader van medelye vertroos ons sodat ons ander kan vertroos.
Alhoewel elkeen van die bogenoemde stellings waar is, is die laaste een die belangrikste. Ons kan nie ware vertroosting ten volle besef totdat ons dit ontvang en dit dan met iemand anders deel nie. Om die vertroosting wat ons ontvang het te deel, is daardie laaste stap in die genesingsproses van hartseer, teleurstelling, seer en verlies. Totdat ons die vertroosting wat ons ontvang het deel, totdat ons dit aan ander oordra, is ons begrip van God se vertroosting onvolledig, oppervlakkig, selfsugtig en beperk. Ons het 'n Vader van medelye en vertroosting. Hy wil hê dat ons, as sy kinders, daardie vertroosting aan ander moet oordra!
Gebed
O Here, God van hemel en aarde, Skepper van die heelal, dankie dat U my hart ken, omgee vir my bekommernisse en my vertroos wanneer ek gewond is. Help my asseblief om u genade, barmhartigheid en vertroosting te deel met iemand wat dit vandag nodig het. In Jesus se Naam, bid ek. Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
The gospel message is the good news of God’s grace, so it is important to know what grace is and to constantly seek to get a better view of what grace does in our lives.
Grace is an essential part of God’s character. Grace is closely related to God’s benevolence, love, and mercy. Grace can be variously defined as “God’s favor toward the unworthy” or “God’s benevolence on the undeserving.” In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us abundantly, in spite of the fact that we don’t deserve to be treated so well or dealt with so generously.
To fully understand grace, we need to consider who we were without Christ and who we become with Christ. We were born in sin (Psalm 51:5), and we were guilty of breaking God’s holy laws (Romans 3:9–20, 23; 1 John 1:8–10). We were enemies of God (Romans 5:6, 10; 8:7; Colossians 1:21), deserving of death (Romans 6:23a). We were unrighteous (Romans 3:10) and without means of justifying ourselves (Romans 3:20). Spiritually, we were destitute, blind, unclean, and dead. Our souls were in peril of everlasting punishment.
But then came grace. God extended His favor to us. Grace is what saves us (Ephesians 2:8). Grace is the essence of the gospel (Acts 20:24). Grace gives us victory over sin (James 4:6). Grace gives us “eternal encouragement and good hope” (2 Thessalonians 2:16). Paul repeatedly identified grace as the basis of his calling as an apostle (Romans 15:15; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 3:2, 7). Jesus Christ is the embodiment of grace, coupled with truth (John 1:14).
The Bible repeatedly calls grace a “gift” (e.g., Ephesians 4:7). This is an important analogy because it teaches us some key things about grace:
First, anyone who has ever received a gift understands that a gift is much different from a loan, which requires repayment or return by the recipient. The fact that grace is a gift means that nothing is owed in return.
Second, there is no cost to the person who receives a gift. A gift is free to the recipient, although it is not free to the giver, who bears the expense. The gift of salvation costs us sinners nothing. But the price of such an extravagant gift came at a great cost for our Lord Jesus, who died in our place.
Third, once a gift has been given, ownership of the gift has transferred and it is now ours to keep. There is a permanence in a gift that does not exist with loans or advances. When a gift changes hands, the giver permanently relinquishes all rights to renege or take back the gift in the future. God’s grace is ours forever.
Fourth, in the giving of a gift, the giver voluntarily forfeits something he owns, willingly losing what belongs to him so that the recipient will profit from it. The giver becomes poorer so the recipient can become richer. This generous and voluntary exchange from the giver to the recipient is visible in 2 Corinthians 8:9: “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
Finally, the Bible teaches that grace is completely unmerited. The gift and the act of giving have nothing at all to do with our merit or innate quality (Romans 4:4; 11:5–6; 2 Timothy 1:9–10). In fact, the Bible says quite clearly that we don’t deserve God’s salvation. Romans 5:8–10 says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. . . . While we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son.”
Grace does not stop once we are saved; God is gracious to us for the rest of our lives, working within and upon us. The Bible encourages us with many additional benefits that grace secures for every believer:
- Grace justifies us before a holy God (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:6; Titus 3:7).
- Grace provides us access to God to communicate and fellowship with Him (Ephesians 1:6; Hebrews 4:16).
- Grace wins for us a new relationship of intimacy with God (Exodus 33:17).
- Grace disciplines and trains us to live in a way that honors God (Titus 2:11–14; 2 Corinthians 8:7).
- Grace grants us immeasurable spiritual riches (Proverbs 10:22; Ephesians 2:7).
- Grace helps us in our every need (Hebrews 4:16).
- Grace is the reason behind our every deliverance (Psalm 44:3–8; Hebrews 4:16).
- Grace preserves us and comforts, encourages, and strengthens us (2 Corinthians 13:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; 2 Timothy 2:1).
Grace is actively and continually working in the lives of God’s people. Paul credited the success of his ministry not to his own substantial labors but to “the grace of God that was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Grace is the ongoing, benevolent act of God working in us, without which we can do nothing (John 15:5). Grace is greater than our sin (Romans 5:20), more abundant than we expect (1 Timothy 1:14), and too wonderful for words (2 Corinthians 9:15).
As the recipients of God’s grace, Christians are to be gracious to others. Grace is given to us to serve others and to exercise our spiritual gifts for the building up of the church (Romans 12:6; Ephesians 3:2, 7; 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10).
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Die evangelieboodskap is die goeie nuus van God se genade, daarom is dit belangrik om te weet wat genade is en om voortdurend te soek na ‘n beter beeld van wat genade in ons lewens doen.
Genade is ‘n noodsaaklike deel van God se karakter. Genade is nou verwant aan God se welwillendheid, liefde en barmhartigheid. Genade kan op verskillende maniere gedefinieer word as “God se guns teenoor die onwaardiges” of “God se welwillendheid teenoor die onverdienstelikes.” In Sy genade is God bereid om ons te vergewe en ons oorvloedig te seën, ten spyte van die feit dat ons nie verdien om so goed behandel te word of so vrygewig behandel te word nie.
Om genade ten volle te verstaan, moet ons oorweeg wie ons sonder Christus was en wie ons met Christus word. Ons is in sonde gebore (Psalm 51:5), en ons was skuldig daaraan om God se heilige wette te oortree (Romeine 3:9–20, 23; 1 Johannes 1:8–10). Ons was vyande van God (Romeine 5:6, 10; 8:7; Kolossense 1:21), en verdien die dood (Romeine 6:23a). Ons was onregverdig (Romeine 3:10) en sonder middele om onsself te regverdig (Romeine 3:20). Geestelik was ons behoeftig, blind, onrein en dood. Ons siele was in gevaar van ewige straf.
Maar toe kom genade. God het Sy guns aan ons bewys. Genade is wat ons red (Efesiërs 2:8). Genade is die kern van die evangelie (Handelinge 20:24). Genade gee ons oorwinning oor sonde (Jakobus 4:6). Genade gee ons “ewige troos en goeie hoop” (2 Tessalonisense 2:16). Paulus het herhaaldelik genade geïdentifiseer as die basis van sy roeping as ‘n apostel (Romeine 15:15; 1 Korintiërs 3:10; Efesiërs 3:2, 7). Jesus Christus is die beliggaming van genade, gekoppel aan waarheid (Johannes 1:14).
Die Bybel noem genade herhaaldelik ‘n “geskenk” (bv. Efesiërs 4:7). Dit is ‘n belangrike analogie, want dit leer ons ‘n paar sleuteldinge oor genade:
Eerstens, enigiemand wat al ooit ‘n geskenk ontvang het, verstaan dat ‘n geskenk baie anders is as ‘n lening, wat terugbetaling of teruggawe deur die ontvanger vereis. Die feit dat genade ‘n geskenk is, beteken dat niks in ruil daarvoor verskuldig is nie.
Tweedens, daar is geen koste vir die persoon wat ‘n geskenk ontvang nie. ‘n Geskenk is gratis vir die ontvanger, hoewel dit nie gratis is vir die gewer nie, wat die koste dra. Die geskenk van verlossing kos ons sondaars niks. Maar die prys van so ‘n buitensporige geskenk het teen ‘n groot koste gekom vir ons Here Jesus, wat in ons plek gesterf het.
Derdens, sodra ‘n geskenk gegee is, het eienaarskap van die geskenk oorgedra en is dit nou ons s’n om te hou. Daar is ‘n permanensie in ‘n geskenk wat nie met lenings of voorskotte bestaan nie. Wanneer ‘n geskenk van hande verander, doen die gewer permanent afstand van alle regte om die geskenk in die toekoms te verbreek of terug te neem. God se genade is vir ewig ons s’n.
Vierdens, met die gee van ‘n geskenk, verbeur die gewer vrywillig iets wat hy besit, en verloor gewilliglik wat aan hom behoort sodat die ontvanger daaruit kan wins maak. Die gewer word armer sodat die ontvanger ryker kan word. Hierdie vrygewige en vrywillige uitruiling van die gewer na die ontvanger is sigbaar in 2 Korintiërs 8:9: “Julle ken die genade van onse Here Jesus Christus: alhoewel Hy ryk was, het Hy ter wille van julle arm geword, sodat julle deur sy armoede ryk kon word.”
Laastens leer die Bybel dat genade heeltemal onverdiend is. Die geskenk en die daad van gee het glad niks te doen met ons verdienste of aangebore kwaliteit nie (Romeine 4:4; 11:5–6; 2 Timoteus 1:9–10). Trouens, die Bybel sê baie duidelik dat ons nie God se verlossing verdien nie. Romeine 5:8–10 sê: “God bewys sy liefde vir ons hierin dat Christus vir ons gesterf het toe ons nog sondaars was… Toe ons nog vyande van God was, is ons met Hom versoen deur die dood van sy Seun.”
Genade hou nie op sodra ons gered is nie; God is genadig teenoor ons vir die res van ons lewens en werk in en aan ons. Die Bybel bemoedig ons met baie bykomende voordele wat genade vir elke gelowige verseker:
- Genade regverdig ons voor ‘n heilige God (Romeine 3:24; Efesiërs 1:6; Titus 3:7).
- Genade bied ons toegang tot God om met Hom te kommunikeer en gemeenskap te hê (Efesiërs 1:6; Hebreërs 4:16).
- Genade wen vir ons ‘n nuwe verhouding van intimiteit met God (Eksodus 33:17).
- Genade dissiplineer en lei ons op om op ‘n manier te leef wat God eer (Titus 2:11–14; 2 Korintiërs 8:7).
- Genade skenk ons onmeetbare geestelike rykdom (Spreuke 10:22; Efesiërs 2:7).
- Genade help ons in elke behoefte (Hebreërs 4:16).
- Genade is die rede agter elke verlossing (Psalm 44:3–8; Hebreërs 4:16).
- Genade bewaar ons en vertroos, bemoedig en versterk ons (2 Korintiërs 13:14; 2 Tessalonisense 2:16–17; 2 Timoteus 2:1).
Genade is aktief en voortdurend aan die werk in die lewens van God se mense. Paulus het die sukses van sy bediening nie aan sy eie aansienlike arbeid toegeskryf nie, maar aan “die genade van God wat met my was” (1 Korintiërs 15:10). Genade is die voortdurende, welwillende daad van God wat in ons werk, waarsonder ons niks kan doen nie (Johannes 15:5). Genade is groter as ons sonde (Romeine 5:20), oorvloediger as wat ons verwag (1 Timoteus 1:14), en te wonderbaar vir woorde (2 Korintiërs 9:15).
As ontvangers van God se genade, moet Christene genadig teenoor ander wees. Genade word aan ons gegee om ander te dien en ons geestelike gawes te gebruik vir die opbou van die kerk (Romeine 12:6; Efesiërs 3:2, 7; 4:7; 1 Petrus 4:10).
Today’s Devotional
First Corinthians 15:31 says, “I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily” (NASB). Other Bible versions word the last clause this way: “I face death every day” (NIV) and “Every day I am in danger of death!” (NET).
Chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians is a strong defense of the doctrine of the resurrection. In verse 14 Paul writes, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Then verses 30–32 make the point that Paul and his associates face death and suffering every day for preaching about the resurrection. If the resurrection were untrue or a hoax, then they are wasting their lives. Why should he “die daily,” if his message is a lie?
Paul expresses a similar thought in Romans 8:36: “As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter’” (cf. Psalm 44:22). Here, as in 1 Corinthians 15:31, Paul references the constant persecution that he and his companions endured.
“I die daily” echoes Jesus’ command to those who want to follow Him: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23, ESV). The mention of a cross by a Jewish rabbi would have been shocking to first-century Jews. The cross was a torture tool introduced by the Romans to terrorize those who would speak against Caesar. The cross was a public humiliation that always represented death. Always. So, when Jesus said that in order to follow Him we must carry a cross, He meant that something must die before we can live. We must die to ourselves, our rights, and our desire to be our own boss. We must die daily.
Paul saw his life as a daily death to himself. He expressed this understanding to the church elders of Ephesus: “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24, ESV). This dying to self empowered Paul to face unimaginable suffering and many persecutions for the sake of the gospel.
When Paul said, “I die daily,” he reminded the church that he faced the possibility of death every time he strode into a new synagogue and proclaimed Christ to those who didn’t want to hear (Acts 17:2–5; 18:4). In 2 Corinthians 11:24–28, Paul lists some of the dangers he had faced that threatened death, yet he was undeterred. Acts 14:19–21 records Paul being stoned and left for dead. But he miraculously survived, got up, brushed himself off, and went to the next town to preach. He did not fear physical death because he had already reckoned himself “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20).
Paul wrote often about dying to sin (Romans 6:11), to the flesh (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:24), and to self (Galatians 2:20). He lived what he preached and urged believers everywhere to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1; 4:16). He was able to impact untold millions for the kingdom of God because he refused to be distracted or consumed by earthly interests. Not even death scared him, so he could not be threatened away from obeying Jesus (Philippians 1:20–23).
We, too, can say, “I die daily.” Paul was totally sold out to God, and we can be, as well. Sin, the flesh, and this world will continually vie for our attention and demand our participation. But when we die daily, we consider ourselves unable to respond to those temptations. A dead man has no personal agendas or rights. He is not tempted to sin because he is dead to everything around him. “You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world” (Colossians 2:20, NLT).
Vandag se Bemoediging
Eerste Korintiërs 15:31 sê: “Ek bevestig dit, broeders, deur die roem wat ek in julle het in Christus Jesus, onse Here, dat ek daagliks sterf” (NASB). Ander Bybelvertalings verwoord die laaste klousule só: “Ek staar elke dag die dood in die gesig” (NIV) en “Elke dag is ek in gevaar van die dood!” (NET).
Hoofstuk 15 van 1 Korintiërs is ‘n sterk verdediging van die leer van die opstanding. In vers 14 skryf Paulus: “En as Christus nie opgewek is nie, is ons prediking nutteloos en so ook julle geloof.” Dan maak verse 30–32 die punt dat Paulus en sy medewerkers elke dag die dood en lyding in die gesig staar omdat hulle oor die opstanding preek. As die opstanding onwaar of ‘n bedrogspul was, dan mors hulle hul lewens. Waarom sou hy “daagliks sterf” as sy boodskap ‘n leuen is?
Paulus spreek ‘n soortgelyke gedagte uit in Romeine 8:36: “Soos geskrywe is: ‘Om U ontwil word ons die hele dag gedood; ons word gereken as skape vir die slagting’” (vgl. Psalm 44:22). Hier, soos in 1 Korintiërs 15:31, verwys Paulus na die voortdurende vervolging wat hy en sy metgeselle verduur het.
“Ek sterf daagliks” weerspieël Jesus se opdrag aan diegene wat Hom wil volg: “As iemand agter My aan wil kom, moet hy homself verloën en elke dag sy kruis opneem en My volg” (Lukas 9:23). Die melding van ‘n kruis deur ‘n Joodse rabbi sou skokkend gewees het vir eerste-eeuse Jode. Die kruis was ‘n martelinstrument wat deur die Romeine ingestel is om diegene wat teen die keiser sou praat, te terroriseer. Die kruis was ‘n openbare vernedering wat altyd die dood verteenwoordig het. Altyd. Toe Jesus dus gesê het dat ons ‘n kruis moet dra om Hom te volg, het Hy bedoel dat iets moet sterf voordat ons kan lewe. Ons moet sterf aan onsself, ons regte en ons begeerte om ons eie baas te wees. Ons moet daagliks sterf.
Paulus het sy lewe as ‘n daaglikse dood vir homself gesien. Hy het hierdie begrip aan die kerkouderlinge van Efese uitgespreek: “Ek ag my lewe nie van enige waarde of as kosbaar vir myself nie, as ek net my loopbaan en die bediening wat ek van die Here Jesus ontvang het, kan volbring om van die evangelie van die genade van God te getuig” (Handelinge 20:24). Hierdie sterwe aan die self het Paulus bemagtig om ondenkbare lyding en baie vervolginge ter wille van die evangelie te trotseer.
Toe Paulus gesê het: “Ek sterf daagliks,” het hy die kerk daaraan herinner dat hy die moontlikheid van die dood in die gesig gestaar het elke keer as hy ‘n nuwe sinagoge binnestap en Christus verkondig aan diegene wat nie wou hoor nie (Handelinge 17:2–5; 18:4). In 2 Korintiërs 11:24–28 lys Paulus sommige van die gevare wat hy in die gesig gestaar het wat die dood bedreig het, maar hy was nie afgeskrik nie. Handelinge 14:19–21 beskryf hoe Paulus gestenig en vir dood agtergelaat is. Maar hy het wonderbaarlik oorleef, opgestaan, homself afgevee en na die volgende dorp gegaan om te preek. Hy het nie die fisiese dood gevrees nie, want hy het homself reeds as “met Christus gekruisig” beskou (Galasiërs 2:20).
Paulus het dikwels geskryf oor die dood aan sonde (Romeine 6:11), aan die vlees (Romeine 8:13; Galasiërs 5:24) en aan self (Galasiërs 2:20). Hy het geleef wat hy verkondig het en gelowiges oral aangespoor om hom na te volg soos hy Christus nagevolg het (1 Korintiërs 11:1; 4:16). Hy kon ontelbare miljoene vir die koninkryk van God beïnvloed omdat hy geweier het om afgelei of verteer te word deur aardse belange. Nie eens die dood het hom bang gemaak nie, so hy kon nie bedreig word om Jesus te gehoorsaam nie (Filippense 1:20–23).
Ons kan ook sê: “Ek sterf daagliks.” Paulus was heeltemal aan God uitverkoop, en ons kan ook wees. Sonde, die vlees en hierdie wêreld sal voortdurend meeding om ons aandag en ons deelname eis. Maar wanneer ons daagliks sterf, beskou ons onsself as onbekwaam om op daardie versoekings te reageer. ‘n Dooie man het geen persoonlike agendas of regte nie. Hy word nie versoek om te sondig nie, want hy is dood vir alles rondom hom. “Julle het saam met Christus gesterf en Hy het julle vrygemaak van die bose magte van hierdie wêreld” (Kolossense 2:20).
The Collectors of Manna – Women of the Word // Gaarders van Manna – Vroue van die woord
Dilize Light has Managed a TruLight Ladies Group on Telegram for the Past 6 Years and from Today . she will be Sharing her Manna with the Ladies in The TruLight Daily Manna Platform . Dilize is the only Daughter of Pastor Dirk and has been part of the Ministry since the age of 11 . Dilize is also the Radio Host for the Popular TruLight Top 10 that airs on TruLight Radio XM saturdays at 17h00′
Dilize Light bestuur die afgelope 6 jaar ‘n TruLight Damesgroep op Telegram en van vandag af sal sy haar Manna met die Dames deel op die TruLight Daaglikse Manna-platform. Dilize is die enigste dogter van Pastoor Dirk en is deel van die bediening sedert die ouderdom van 11. Dilize is ook die radio-aanbieder vir die gewilde TruLight Top 10 wat Saterdae om 17:00 op TruLight Radio XM uitgesaai word.
Geen Ertjies:
Toe ek vriende besoek het, het een van hulle kinders “nee” gesê toe ons vir hom ertjies vir aandete aangegee het. Waarop ons geantwoord het: “Nee wat ?” Ons het gehoop hy sou sê: “Nee dankie”. In plaas daarvan het hy gesê: “Geen Ertjies”. Dit het gelei tot ‘n bespreking oor die belangrikheid van goeie maniere; trouens, sy ouers het soortgelyke besprekings by talle geleenthede gehad. Behalwe goeie maniere – wat ewig is – herinner ons Here ons daaraan dat ons ‘n dankbare hart moet hê. Die Skrif bevat dosyne herinneringe dat die uitdrukking van dankbaarheid van primêre belang is in ons verhouding met God. Psalm 118 begin en eindig met die vermaning om die Here te dank (V 1,29). Ons moet dank wanneer ons in Sy teenwoordigheid kom (100:4). En die versoeke wat ons na Hom bring, moet in ‘n gees van danksegging gehul wees (Fil 4:6). So ‘n gesindheid van dankbaarheid sal ons help om ons oorvloedige seëninge te onthou. Selfs te midde van moeilikheid en wanhoop, is God se teenwoordigheid en liefde ons konstante metgeselle. Dit is dus geen wonder dat die Psalmis ons daaraan herinner om die Here te dank, want Hy is goed, sy liefde duur vir ewig (Ps 118:1).
Dis slegs met dankbaarheid dat die lewe ryk word.
No Peas:
When I was visiting friends, one of their children said “no” when we offered him peas for dinner. To which we replied, “No what?” We hoped he would say, “No thanks.” Instead, he said, “No Peas.” This led to a discussion about the importance of good manners; in fact, his parents had had similar discussions on numerous occasions. In addition to good manners—which are eternal—our Lord reminds us to have a grateful heart. Scripture contains dozens of reminders that expressing gratitude is of primary importance in our relationship with God. Psalm 118 begins and ends with the admonition to give thanks to the Lord (Ps. 1:29). We should give thanks when we come into His presence (100:4). And the requests we bring to Him should be wrapped in a spirit of thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6). Such an attitude of gratitude will help us to remember our abundant blessings. Even in the midst of trouble and despair, God’s presence and love are our constant companions. It is no wonder, then, that the Psalmist reminds us to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever (Ps 118:1).
It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – Finding Strength After a Broken Heart
Has your spirit ever been so crushed that you don’t know how to move forward in life? Maybe you’re there now. If you’re suffering from the pain of a broken heart, watch the video to hear singer and songwriter Andrew Greer share insights he learned during his seasons of heartbreak. and later come sing along with Josh & Ashley with Music that will move the soul. Enjoy today’s show and thanks for watching.
Today on TruLight Radio XM
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00:15 Words to Live By Testimonies
01.15 Science Scripture and Salvation
02.15 Ground Works
04.00 Gospel Concert of the Day
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5:55 It is Today devotional
6:00 Gaither Homecoming Morning Show
7:15 Discover the Word
8.15 Destined for Victory
8:55 Science Scripture and Salvation
9:00 Holy Spirit Hour – Normally Sermons
10:15 Hope of the Heart
11:15 Unshackled
11.45 Words to Live By
12:15 Truth for Life
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:15 Focus on the Family
15:00 Kids Hour
16:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
16:30 Groundwork
17:15 Live in the Light
18:15 Renewing your Mind
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21:15 Adventures in Odyssey Radio Drama
21:45 Bible Reading
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BIBLE PROPHECY IN THE NEWS
Jared Kushner aka the Prince of Peace : We did whatever we thought was necessary in order to complete the agreement and return the hostages.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys Jared Kushner AND Steve Witkoff touched down in Israel on Monday afternoon as part of Washington’s push to keep the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza from collapsing.
The visit comes only a day after Hamas terrorists killed two Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza, triggering retaliatory IDF airstrikes and high-level political deliberations.
An Israel Defense Forces source told Reuters that Hamas carried out multiple attacks on troops beyond the Yellow Line—the boundary to which the Israeli military withdrew under the Trump administration’s peace plan.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose right-wing Otzma Yehudit Party was among the fiercest critics of Trump’s peace plan, told JNS on Monday that while he “really appreciates” the U.S. efforts, their proposal for Gaza fails to eliminate Hamas terrorism.
“Unfortunately, I was the only one in the government who stood up and told them ‘the emperor has no clothes,’” the Cabinet minister told JNS.
In Israel’s position, the United States “would not have ended the war without dismantling Hamas. That’s my position, my view, and I tell the Americans,” he said.
While Jerusalem initially decided to close all crossings to the Strip and halt the delivery of humanitarian aid in response to the renewed attacks, the move was reversed following pressure from Washington, U.S. news outlet Axios and Israel’s Channel 12 News reported Monday morning.
Unnamed Israeli officials confirmed to the outlets that the delivery of aid supplies to Gaza would resume as early as Monday morning.
In an interview with CBS News‘ Lesley Stahl on “60 Minutes” that aired on Sunday, Kushner said that “the biggest message that we’ve tried to convey to the Israeli leadership now is that … the war is over.”
“It’s very delicate right now,” he added. “But we just have to stay on top of everyone, and try to make sure that everyone works hard to try and create the best outcome possible. This is a very difficult situation, and a very difficult dynamic.”
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid Party) told JNS on Monday that the U.S. administration is “pretty knowledgeable about what Hamas really is, which is a terrible terrorist organization of the homicidal kind.”
According to Lapid, = Witkoff and Kushner “did whatever they thought was necessary in order to complete the agreement and return the hostages.”
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
When The Internet Blinks: How One Outage Exposed Our Fragile Digital World
Early Monday morning, millions of people around the world woke to a silent kind of chaos as websites and apps stopped working. The cause? A single Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud went down and while the outage lasted only a few hours, the deeper revelation it left behind is chilling: if one tech giant sneezes, the whole world catches a cold.
The Great Anglican Divide – True Believers Refuse To Bow To Progressive Apostasy
A faithful remnant of Anglicans are refusing to “sit quietly by” while their mother church drifts from the clear teaching of Scripture. In a bold act of faith and ecclesial courage, the conservative wing of the Anglican tradition has taken a decisive step and will no longer maintain communion with the Church of England.
GOG AND MAGOG UPDATE
Ayatollah to Trump: Think you destroyed our nuke program? Dream on
Iran’s supreme leader on Monday mocked President Donald Trump’s claims that US airstrikes in June destroyed the Islamic Republic’s atomic program and rejected American demands that Tehran abandon its uranium enrichment efforts.
In a post to his official X account, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei took aim at Trump over his repeated claims that US airstrikes against the Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz facilities destroyed Iran’s nuclear program.
“Their nuclear program is gone,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One last June 25.
“We destroyed Iran’s nuclear program,” he said two days earlier at a rally in Cincinnati. “Totally destroyed. There is no nuclear program anymore — we wiped it out.”
Last week, Trump repeated his claim, telling the Knesset that the American airstrikes this June “obliterated” the Iranian nuclear facilities, thus stopping “the world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism from making nuclear weapons.”
“The American president boasts: ‘We bombed Iran’s nuclear program and destroyed it.’” Khamenei wrote. “Okay then, keep dreaming.”
The line uploaded to Khamenei’s X account was drawn from his address on Monday to the winners of sports and science competitions.
Khamenei dismissed the claim as “nonsense spoken to console disheartened Israeli officials after an unexpected defeat in the 12-day war.”
“The Zionists never imagined that an Iranian-made missile, created by the hands of young Iranians, could reduce parts of their strategic centers to ashes, but it happened.
“These words were spoken to people who have lost confidence,” Khamenei continued. “Their 12-day war humiliated them, and the American president went there only to give them spirit.”
TruLight Ministry News
TruLight Ministries orders from God since 2012 . Teach Them , Comfort Them and Warn Them!
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TruLight Ministries opdrag vanaf God sedert 2012. Leer hulle, Troos hulle en Waarsku hulle!
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