Week 1 | Day 5
When We Trade Glory for Control
Romans 1:21-32
Paul pulls back the curtain on the human heart: we know there is a God, yet we refuse to glorify Him or give thanks. That refusal dims our thinking, darkens our hearts, and drives a tragic exchange—trading the glory of the immortal God for created things we think we can manage. This is the essence of idolatry: “I’ll worship anything or anyone—as long as I
remain on the throne, master, boss, and savior of my own life.”
Left to ourselves, depravity deepens. A heart turned from God is capable of the ugliest sins, and three times Paul says God “gave them over”—letting rebels run the course of their choices. The cross, then, is not a license to indulge but a gift to enjoy—a rescue from self-rule, not a permission slip to continue in it.
remain on the throne, master, boss, and savior of my own life.”
Left to ourselves, depravity deepens. A heart turned from God is capable of the ugliest sins, and three times Paul says God “gave them over”—letting rebels run the course of their choices. The cross, then, is not a license to indulge but a gift to enjoy—a rescue from self-rule, not a permission slip to continue in it.
Application – Living as Christ’s Own
1. Expect reality, not surprise.
Don’t be shocked when the lost act lost—or when carnal believers act like sinners. This is the fallen nature at work. Respond with truth and grace: hope, pray, share, serve.
2. Fight the exchange with worship and thanks.
The slide began when people stopped glorifying and thanking God. Reverse it daily. Start each morning with two sentences of praise and three specific thank-you statements to God. Finally, name and renounce any “functional saviors” competing for your trust.
3. Walk by the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:17).
You can’t keep one foot in both camps. Be honest about your sinful inclinations and draw near to God. Identify one area where you’ve “sat on the throne.” Confess it, and take one Spirit-led step of obedience today.
4. Persevere in intercession.
Never cease praying because Satan never ceases preying. Make a short, daily list of names—lost, drifting, struggling—and pray specifically for repentance, rescue, and renewal.
Don’t be shocked when the lost act lost—or when carnal believers act like sinners. This is the fallen nature at work. Respond with truth and grace: hope, pray, share, serve.
2. Fight the exchange with worship and thanks.
The slide began when people stopped glorifying and thanking God. Reverse it daily. Start each morning with two sentences of praise and three specific thank-you statements to God. Finally, name and renounce any “functional saviors” competing for your trust.
3. Walk by the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:17).
You can’t keep one foot in both camps. Be honest about your sinful inclinations and draw near to God. Identify one area where you’ve “sat on the throne.” Confess it, and take one Spirit-led step of obedience today.
4. Persevere in intercession.
Never cease praying because Satan never ceases preying. Make a short, daily list of names—lost, drifting, struggling—and pray specifically for repentance, rescue, and renewal.
Closing Prayer
Holy God,
I confess how quickly I trade Your glory for lesser things I think I can control. Forgive my pride, my ingratitude, and my idols. Do not give me over to my sin; lead me by Your Spirit. Restore to me a heart that glorifies You, and gives thanks. Empower me to walk in obedience today, to intercede faithfully for the lost and the wandering, and to serve with grace and truth. Jesus, take Your rightful place on the throne of my life. Amen.
I confess how quickly I trade Your glory for lesser things I think I can control. Forgive my pride, my ingratitude, and my idols. Do not give me over to my sin; lead me by Your Spirit. Restore to me a heart that glorifies You, and gives thanks. Empower me to walk in obedience today, to intercede faithfully for the lost and the wandering, and to serve with grace and truth. Jesus, take Your rightful place on the throne of my life. Amen.