Unashamed And Alive In The Gospel
Walking in the worth God gives, one quiet, confident step at a time.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Paul says the gospel is the power of God for salvation. Ray Stedman slows us down to see why this matters in real life. Rome admired power. So do we. Yet the might that builds roads and empires cannot change a heart. The gospel does what no human power can do. It brings people into a brand-new standing with God because of Jesus.
Stedman reminds us that this good news reveals a righteousness from God. Think of it as true worth before God. Not a merit badge we earn, but a gift that comes from Jesus and is received by faith. That worth is complete and secure. Nothing we do can add to it. Nothing we fail to do can subtract from it.
He also notes that this righteousness is not a one-time voucher we show at the door of heaven. We live by faith from first to last. When discouragement visits, we look again to the gospel. When guilt whispers, we look again to Jesus. When pride tries to take credit, we look again to grace. Faith keeps receiving what God has already given in His Son, and that reception shapes how we think, speak, and act today.
Thank you, Pastor Ray Stedman, for pointing us back to the center. The gospel is not weak. It is the very power of God. It answers the ache of the world and the ache of the soul. In Jesus we have a righteousness that holds steady in every season, and we are free to walk in it with a quiet boldness.
Journal Entry: Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I delight to anchor your heart in the gospel. In My Son the power of salvation has come near. I have given you a new standing before Me. You are accepted in the Beloved. Do not measure yourself by your performance. Receive again what I have already given you.
I call you to live by faith today. Faith looks away from the flesh and rests in Jesus. Faith agrees with what I have said about you in Him. You died with Him, and you were raised with Him. You are seated with Him. My Spirit dwells in you as the seal of this union. Out of this union, I express My life through you.
When accusation tries to chain you to yesterday, set your mind on the things above. When fear says you are on your own, remember that nothing can separate you from My love in Jesus. When pride reaches for the steering wheel, remember that all you are and all you have are gifts. Walk in the good works I prepared, not to win My favor, but because you already share it.
I have not asked you to manufacture righteousness. I have clothed you with the righteousness of My Son. Stand firm. Receive. Walk. Let gratitude shape your words. Let love move your steps. As you abide, the life of Jesus flows, and the gospel you believe becomes the gospel you embody.
Scripture References: Romans 1:16 and 17; Habakkuk 2:4; Ephesians 2:8 and 9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9; Romans 5:1 and 2; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:31 through 39; Ephesians 1:3; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4 through 11; Colossians 2:6 and 7; John 15:4 and 5; John 1:12; John 3:16; Titus 3:5 through 7; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 John 5:11 and 12; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:1 through 4.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of tap-to-pay at a checkout. You do not write code for the terminal or negotiate with the bank. You simply present what carries the authority, and the transaction is approved. The value does not originate in your hand. It comes from the account that covers you. In the same way, righteousness does not arise from our effort. It is credited to us in Jesus, and by faith we present what He has already secured.
A simple way to walk this out today: when an old shame resurfaces or you face a conversation that tempts you to perform, pause and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me right now. Let Your finished work define my worth and shape my words.” Then step forward with a calm confidence that comes from union with Him.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, thank You that the gospel is Your power and not mine. Thank You that in Jesus I possess a righteousness from You that is complete, secure, and freely given. I rest in this worth today. I rejoice that Your grace leads my steps, guards my heart, and bears fruit through me. I walk in the good works You prepared, grateful that I am already accepted in Your Son.