Goodbook messages arrive every Monday, Thursday, and Friday with a
Scripture reading and ideas for how to apply the reading in our lives. We are
reading through the book of Acts. For additional Scripture reading, you can
follow the Advanced Track.Reading: Acts 17:31
For God has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.
Application:
The man referred to in this passage is Jesus. And we find that Jesus plays a unique role in our trial before God. Jesus is judge. But he also plays the role of our attorney and court appointed supervisor. Let’s briefly consider each role:
He is our judge. He is God’s
perfect and holy Son. He sets the
standard of perfection. Before him we
all fall short. Before him, we realize
that we are guilty of sin, guilty of betraying God, guilty of breaking God’s commandments,
guilty of turning from God and going our own way.
Yet this judge did not come to condemn. He came to save. John 3:17-18 declares: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever, believes in him is not condemned.” In a radical act of grace, Jesus – the judge who knows our guilt – saved us from the penalty through his death on the cross.
Jesus is also our attorney and defender. In Romans 8:34, it says, “Who then can condemn. No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Jesus is our righteous Judge who paid the penalty for our sin and intercedes on our behalf. But he is even more than that. Jesus is not only interested in forgiving us. He wants to transform us and guide us so we can live the life God created us to live. So Jesus takes us in his case load like a court supervisor. He has experienced the challenges and temptations of life on earth, and he is able to help us in our times of temptation and trial. Hebrews 2:18 puts it like this: “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
God has set a date for judgment. I thank God for the judge, attorney, and supervisor we have in Jesus!
1) In what ways are you guilty before God’s judgment?
2) Have you received the salvation that Jesus offers in place of condemnation?
3) How does it make you feel to know Jesus paid the penalty for your sin and intercedes for you?
4) How can you lean on Jesus for help in your temptations and trials?
Share your comments and application ideas...
Yet this judge did not come to condemn. He came to save. John 3:17-18 declares: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever, believes in him is not condemned.” In a radical act of grace, Jesus – the judge who knows our guilt – saved us from the penalty through his death on the cross.
Jesus is also our attorney and defender. In Romans 8:34, it says, “Who then can condemn. No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Jesus is our righteous Judge who paid the penalty for our sin and intercedes on our behalf. But he is even more than that. Jesus is not only interested in forgiving us. He wants to transform us and guide us so we can live the life God created us to live. So Jesus takes us in his case load like a court supervisor. He has experienced the challenges and temptations of life on earth, and he is able to help us in our times of temptation and trial. Hebrews 2:18 puts it like this: “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
God has set a date for judgment. I thank God for the judge, attorney, and supervisor we have in Jesus!
1) In what ways are you guilty before God’s judgment?
2) Have you received the salvation that Jesus offers in place of condemnation?
3) How does it make you feel to know Jesus paid the penalty for your sin and intercedes for you?
4) How can you lean on Jesus for help in your temptations and trials?
Share your comments and application ideas...
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