Week 4 | Day 1
God's Love on Full Display
Romans 5:6-8
At just the right time, after centuries of divine foreshadowing—the tabernacle sacrifices, Isaac’s near-sacrifice with a substitute, the Passover lamb, and the promises to David—God unveiled His decisive rescue in Jesus. As a result, when we were powerless—dead and bankrupt in our trespasses and sin, Jesus stepped out of heaven and into humanity so the single purpose of dying for the lost and ungodly. This is such an incredibly foreign concept to us as human love might rarely die for a “good” person, but God demonstrated His own love in this way—in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. When we were all lost, far from God, and incapable of saving ourselves, Jesus died for us. He is God’s single, one and only sufficient solution to the problem of sin. There is no other rival or remedy—no plan B.
Application
1. Remember God is Always on Time
If God orchestrated history so perfectly for the cross, you can trust His timing in your present. Surrender today’s hurry to His sovereignty.
2. Admit Your Powerlessness
Stop trying to self-rescue. Stop seeking an alternative way to God either through religion or human goodness. Instead, confess, “God, I cannot save or sanctify myself—Jesus, be my righteousness and strength.”
3. Personalize the Cross
Replace “us” with “me” in Romans 5:8 and pray it: “While I was still a sinner, Christ died for me.” Allow this incredible truth to silence your shame, capture your soul, and fuel your worship and trust in God.
4. Refuse Substitutes
Good works, religion, or resolve can’t cleanse guilt, erase shame, or eliminate remorse. As such, we must choose by faith to anchor hope in Christ alone—God’s one and only way of salvation.
5. Reflect and Demonstrate God’s Love
Because God’s love is a demonstrated love, look for one costly, concrete way to love someone today who can’t pay you back. Love others as Jesus has loved you. Not because they deserve, but because they need it.
If God orchestrated history so perfectly for the cross, you can trust His timing in your present. Surrender today’s hurry to His sovereignty.
2. Admit Your Powerlessness
Stop trying to self-rescue. Stop seeking an alternative way to God either through religion or human goodness. Instead, confess, “God, I cannot save or sanctify myself—Jesus, be my righteousness and strength.”
3. Personalize the Cross
Replace “us” with “me” in Romans 5:8 and pray it: “While I was still a sinner, Christ died for me.” Allow this incredible truth to silence your shame, capture your soul, and fuel your worship and trust in God.
4. Refuse Substitutes
Good works, religion, or resolve can’t cleanse guilt, erase shame, or eliminate remorse. As such, we must choose by faith to anchor hope in Christ alone—God’s one and only way of salvation.
5. Reflect and Demonstrate God’s Love
Because God’s love is a demonstrated love, look for one costly, concrete way to love someone today who can’t pay you back. Love others as Jesus has loved you. Not because they deserve, but because they need it.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You that at just the right time, when I was powerless and far from You, You loved me to the point of death. I confess I am a sinner by nature and by choice, separated from Your holiness. Yet in Your unending love, You entered our world in Jesus—the true Passover Lamb—and laid down Your life on the old rugged cross as the only solution to my sin. I receive Your mercy and stand in Your grace. By Your Holy Spirit, help me live a life that honors You: seeking first Your kingdom and righteousness, demonstrating Your love to others, and trusting Your perfect timing for your will to be done. In Jesus’ name, amen.