Read: Romans 8:1-11
Memory Verse: Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
What does it mean to be “in Christ Jesus”? We have all heard the preacher say that you must invite Jesus to come into your heart as your personal Savior. Actually, nowhere in the Bible are we told to ask Jesus to come into our hearts. Revelation 3:20 tells us that Jesus stands “at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” The picture of inviting Jesus to come into our hearts is a good analogy, but the truth is the Bible is talking to Christians in this passage. Jesus wants us to open every area of our life to Him.
In Ephesians 3:17 Paul encourages us “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith…” The word dwell here means “to be at home”. Jesus does not want to be a guest in our lives, but to be at home. To be able to be comfortable in every part of our lives. Read Ephesians 3:16-21 to get the full context of these verses.
We are told to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16); to call upon Him (John 1:12) and to put our faith in Him as our Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a decision to trust in Christ for our salvation. When we get saved we are asking God into a relationship that will last for eternity. When I said “I do!” to my wife I was inviting her into a relationship for life. Since that day she has dwelt with me and I with her.
The Bible does teach us that the Holy Spirit comes into our lives when we trust Christ. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:19-20). “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8:9) Do you have the Spirit of Christ? Is He “at home” in your life? You cannot be “in Christ” if Christ’s spirit is not in you.
Mediation for the Day: Is Jesus knocking at doors of your life. Guests are limited to only certain areas of your home. Family can go anywhere. Is Jesus your guest or welcome in all areas of your life?
Assignment: Make a list of five areas of your life where you have kept the door closed to Jesus. Open up those parts of your life to Him.
For Fun: Open some room or closet doors and some of the drawers in your house. Would you be embarrassed for someone to see what they look like? Clean up one of those areas.