ICS Daily Devotions
We Live In A Fallen World
Romans 8:20-22 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
Sometimes we will hear people complaining, cursing or lamenting whenever there is a calamity or natural disaster. Some will question the very existence of God and why God does not stop these “acts of God”.
The truth is that the earth is cursed as a result of Adam’s sin against God. The whole created universe is subject to decomposition, corruption and futility as a result of sin. Therefore, we live in a broken earth which has not been redeemed yet. We must not be surprised by natural disasters because of the state of the earth. The whole creation is waiting for the new to come.
Rev 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.
Natural disasters will continue to happen until the new heaven and new earth comes to pass. There will be people who will die of natural disasters because we live in a fallen world. Nevertheless, when we are led by the Spirit, there will be those who can be rescued and be prevented from coming into harm’s ways.
V12-14 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God
There are certain sufferings in this world that is a direct result of the will or decision made by the person. As a Christian, we have been told to be able to rightly divide the Word so that we will be stable and strong as a believer. The scriptures say that it is uncharacteristic of a Christian to succumb to the flesh and it instructs us very clearly that we are indebted to the Spirit!
The same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in every Christian and therefore, there is power to help us overcome temptation, sin and the work of the flesh!
Romans 8:2,11 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death….11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
When we live our lives based on the dictation of our wants, desires and wishes of our sinful nature, it will lead to destruction, corruption and broken relationships. We hurt people and ourselves in the process and suffer the consequences of those decisions and actions.
We must not quote “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” unless we have walked in the Spirit and operate in the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus in regards to interpersonal relationship. Neither are we able to quote the verse unless we have allowed the Holy Spirit to pray with us in accordance to God’s will. We should accept the result and trust in God’s plan. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. We do not live in bitterness or bear grievances against God when things do not go the way we want. God always has a better plan for us!
Sermon Series: Suffering
