Romans 5:6-8

Passage

For while we were still in weakness, according to the proper time Christ died on behalf of the ungodly.  For rarely will someone die for a righteous person.  Perhaps someone dares also to die on behalf of a good person.  But God demonstrates His love into us.  While we were still sinners, Christ dies for us.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul now gets specific to our problem.  Up until now, Paul has made the case that we cannot live up to the Law.  Here, Paul names the reason.  We are weak.  We ruled by our human passions and are powerless to live up to the selfless standard of God.  We are too weak to consider others before ourselves.  We are too weak to live for something besides ourselves.  We are weak in our self-centeredness.  Because of this, we all fall into the category of ungodly.

Do you believe that you are weak?  Without God, are you powerless against your sinful nature?  What response does this concept evoke within you?

Second Thought:

Paul then indicates that it is rare for a person to die for someone who is good.  It is rare for a person to be willing to give himself up for someone who actually deserves it.  Again, Paul speaks to our selfish nature.  We would rather continue living than to sacrifice our own life for someone who deserves to live more than us.  We are cowards most of our life.

If push came to shove, would you be willing to give up your own life?  Under what circumstances might you even be able to think about doing that?  From where would the power to do such a selfless act ultimately come?

Third Thought:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Christ was perfect.  He never sinned.  He was righteous in every way.  He lived life perfectly while being surrounded by people who constantly let Him down.  If anyone knew what it felt like to be better than everyone else, it was Him.  Yet He voluntarily surrendered His life to die.  He went to the cross because none of us could do it.  He surrendered perfection, taking our sin upon himself.  That is selflessness.  That is self-sacrifice at its best.  That is the love of God.

How are you inspired by this example?  How does hearing about what Christ did for us make you feel inside?  What might God be saying to you through His example?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 5:9-11