Sunday Morning February 16, 2025

16
Feb

Romans 2 | 1 Corinthians 11 | Romans 8 | Romans 15 | Joshua 7 | 1 John 5 | Titus 3

Have you ever felt like you’ve gotten away with something, only to realize that God sees everything? From the truth of His judgment to the importance of genuine worship and self-reflection, this message calls us to examine how we live, how we love, and how we relate to God and others.

Some People Think They Got Away, But They’re Really Just Waiting to Get Caught.

Romans 2 reminds us that no one can escape the truth—God sees everything. The truth is, the truth is the truth. While we may think we’ve escaped the consequences of our actions, God knows our hearts and motives. He judges not just our actions but the secrets we keep hidden. We can never truly get away from His sight. This is both a warning and a comfort: God judges with fairness and righteousness. If we think we’ve gotten away with something, it’s simply because God is merciful, but that mercy is not meant to be taken lightly.

God Always Has Your Best Interests in Mind.

We may sometimes question God’s intentions, especially when we go through hardships or times of correction. However, we must remember that God always has our best interests at heart. His judgment, whether it’s for correction or encouragement, is rooted in love. Everything He does is to bring us closer to Him and to build us up in faith. Trusting that God knows what’s best for us, even when it’s uncomfortable, is key to living a life that reflects His glory.

Genuine Conversations and Worship

1 Corinthians 11 brings to light the importance of authenticity in our relationships and worship. Are we having genuine conversations with people, or are we just taking from them? God calls us to be honest, open, and loving, but we must also give of ourselves—whether in relationships or in worship. Worship needs to feel like worship. Praise needs to feel like praise. We should never go through the motions when it comes to our relationship with God. When we are in church, do we truly refocus our minds and hearts on Him, or are we distracted? Sometimes, the best person you need to talk to about getting right is yourself. Reflecting on our own hearts and motivations is essential.

Is God Happy with Your Life?

Romans 8 and Romans 15 raise the question: Is God happy with your life? The things we do, the choices we make, and the way we treat others matter. Are we living in a way that honors God? Are the things we are doing in our lives hurting others? The call is to examine our lives through the lens of God’s love and to consider how our actions impact the people around us. If we’re living in a way that harms others, it’s time to stop and realign ourselves with God’s will.

Obedience Over Advice

In Joshua 7, we learn that no matter how good the advice we receive, it won’t make a difference if we don’t obey God. We often seek counsel and wisdom, but if we are not obedient to God’s commands, that advice will fall short. When God is working “with” you or “on” you, is it for construction or destruction? Are we allowing God to build us up and transform our hearts, or are we resisting His work, causing damage to ourselves and others? Obedience is key to seeing God’s full work in our lives.

Loving the People of God

1 John 5 teaches us that becoming a Christian means more than just accepting Christ for ourselves; it also means learning to love the people of God. If we are truly following Christ, our love for one another should reflect His love for us. This includes not just those who are easy to love but even those who challenge us. The body of Christ is united, and we must strive to build one another up, loving deeply and sacrificially.

Change Before Change

Titus 3 reminds us that some things must change in our hearts before change can happen externally. True transformation begins on the inside. Before any outward change can be seen in our actions, attitudes, or relationships, we must allow God to work in our hearts. There is a process of sanctification that starts with the renewal of our minds and the transformation of our desires. Only then will we see lasting change in our lives.

Conclusion: Living with Integrity

As we reflect on these Scriptures, let us take time to honestly examine our hearts and lives. Are we living in obedience to God? Are we practicing genuine worship and building authentic relationships? Are we making choices that honor God and love the people around us? Let us trust that God, in His goodness, will guide us in the right direction and help us to grow more like Him every day.