Saturday

Seek Jesus & Deny Self (Romans 2:7-8)

In Romans 2:7-8 Paul contrasts two different types of hearts: a heart that pursues God in doing good and a heart that seeks self. The difference is striking.

“To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” (Romans 2:7-8)

The heart of a genuine Christian has been transformed from stone to flesh, from self-centered to God-centered, from love of self to love for Jesus Christ.

Out of the heart the mouth speaks, the person acts, the life is lived. What we love we pursue. What we value we seek.

A genuine Christian loves Jesus, lives for Jesus, and longs to obey his commands. A non-believer is bound by sin, seeks self, turns from the truth, and pursues evil.

The reward of for a genuine Christian is God himself for eternity. We live for him now and forever more. We love him now and forever more. We worship him now and forever more. We experience his presence now and forever more.

The consequence for unbelievers is just the opposite. Rejecting the truth and pursuing evil means facing the wrath and anger of our just and holy God. It means eternal separation from God.

How would you honestly assess your heart? Do you love Jesus Christ? Do you love him? Do you live for his glory? Do you see evidence of your love for him in how you live, what you think about, and what you seek?

If you have a heart that genuinely loves Jesus, rejoice. This is a gift and a miracle. Take time to praise God for coming into your life and transforming you.

If you do not have a heart that genuinely loves Jesus, take time now to surrender to him. Admit your sinfulness, admit your need for a Savior, acknowledge that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and place your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Cultivate a heart centered on Jesus, die to self, and live all-out every day for him.

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