What practical steps can we take to honor Christ's lordship in our lives? Christ’s Lordship in Romans 14:9 “For this reason Christ died and returned to life, so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.” Why His Lordship Matters • Because He died and rose, authority over every moment—now and forever—belongs to Him. • Recognizing that ownership reframes every decision: nothing in life is “secular” or outside His claim (Colossians 1:18). Foundations for Honoring His Rule • Reverence: Hold an exalted view of Christ (Philippians 2:9-11). • Gratitude: Remember the cost of His lordship—His cross and resurrection (1 Peter 2:24). • Identity: You are “not your own… you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Practical Daily Steps • Start with Surrender: Each morning verbally yield plans, schedule, and desires to Him (Luke 9:23). • Search the Word: Let Scripture shape convictions; obey promptly when it speaks (James 1:22-25). • Pray “Your Will Be Done”: Invite His direction before calls, meetings, purchases, or posts (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Cultivate Christ-Centered Speech: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). • Steward Resources: Budget time, money, and talents as assets belonging to Him (Matthew 25:14-30). • Pursue Holiness: Reject anything that rivals His throne—habits, media, relationships (Ephesians 5:8-10). • Serve the Body: Use gifts to build others up, reflecting His authority in loving action (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Embrace Accountability: Invite mature believers to speak into your walk, keeping you aligned with His lordship (Hebrews 10:24-25). Guarding His Throne in Moments of Conflict • Disagreements (context of Romans 14): Aim to please the Master, not win arguments. “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (v.12). • Conscience Issues: Act from faith; don’t compel others to violate theirs (vv.5-6, 22-23). • Unity Over Uniformity: Christ’s honor outweighs personal preferences (John 13:35). Living the Verse This Week □ Begin each day acknowledging Jesus as Lord out loud. □ Read Romans 14 in one sitting, noting how lordship shapes attitudes. □ Identify one gray-area choice; decide based on whether it magnifies Christ. □ Schedule a practical act of service that costs you convenience, reflecting His ownership of your time. Closing Perspective Christ is Lord of both the dead and the living. When His rightful rule governs our minutes and motives, ordinary routines become holy ground, and the watching world glimpses the risen King. |
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