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God’s Purpose is Christ-likeness
Rod Shimabukuro[26]Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. [27]And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. [28]And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [29]For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30]And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:26-30
A beautiful glimpse of the Godhead relationship is seen in this passage. We Christians, have been more sensitive to seeing and reading the benefits we receive in this text, rather than seeing the character of God. Not necessarily a bad thing, but when I read the Scriptures with a heart of “what’s in it for me” more than “what’s in it about You O Lord,” I develop a shallow relationship with God. It’s an inner heart, motive and perspective check for me.
There’s no striving to be more, better, more holy and righteous in this text. Paul seems to be placing the emphasis on the role and actions of WHO GOD and His SPIRIT IS. And BEING CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF JESUS.
I can be performance and achievement driven. Then the trapped of being accepted, affirmed and appreciated by others becomes an inner heart issue. Sin - that’s what I deal with. The Sin of me. The longing to be loved, accepted, applauded outside of the presence of who God is and what He provides is a sin issue for me. The secret desire to be popular and achieve recognition or higher status is a sin issue.
I want to live differently by acknowledging and accepting the fulness and pleasure of Who God is, what He has provided in security, identity, love. I want to live differently by repenting of my on going sinful inner motives and desires, I want to live differently by receiving the Spirit’s correction and conviction, being transformed into Jesus image. I want to live differently by resting in the fact of His Word - that my performance amounts to “zero, squat, nada…” I can rest in knowing that I’ve been called, justified and predestined according to His purposes!
JESUS… I really, really, really need You! Holy Spirit - thank you for praying for me and Father…. thank you for calling and justifying me according to Your purposes! Help me to lead a repentant life, always keeping my hearts motives, desires before You! I really, really, really love You!
