As believers we must never succumb to the pressures of a godless world to give our approval to sinful lifestyles. Rather, we are to stand boldly on the Word of God, which is the only hope the world has.
Sin always has consequences, and one of the most significant consequences is that it leads to more and more sin. Thank God that by His grace we do not have to be slaves to sin.
It is our duty and privilege to give God glory as well as our gratitude for His blessings. To fail in this is to identify with those who reject God and sink into their own corrupt and foolish speculations and godless idolatry.
The revelation of God in His creation speaks for itself, and it speaks eloquently to all humanity of His existence and power. Salvation, however, comes through the revelation of the gospel message of the Bible, and that is something we must deliver to unbelievers.
We do not know God as we should if we do not grasp the concept of His holy wrath against human sin. This is an uncomfortable thought for many, especially unbelievers. But this truth, which is both terrifying and comforting, is undeniable.
The one thing we all need is something we cannot earn or buy. We all stand condemned before God apart from the righteousness that He alone gives only through faith in Christ. Thank God for the wonderful, free gift of His righteousness.
What are your priorities in life? What do you see as your obligations? Paul's personal perspective reminds us that, as followers of Christ, we should be eager to take the gospel to the lost world around us.
The best gifts we can give or receive are not those we can touch or hold. They are spiritual gifts that have eternal value. Paul gives us a glimpse of some of these invaluable gifts in this first chapter of Romans.
Consistent prayer is indispensable to the Christian life. Thankfully, the Bible not only gives us instruction regarding prayer but also gives us examples to follow. The apostle Paul is one such example.
Do you know who you are? That question is so important that Paul begins his letter to the Romans by reminding his readers that all who have faith in Jesus Christ are loved by God, belong to Christ, and are, by God's grace, saints.
Psalm 51 records David’s heartfelt confession after his sin with Bathsheba, and Stephen Davey explains it as a model of genuine repentance. He begins with David’s petition—a plea for mercy based on God’s steadfast love. Aware of the weight of his guilt, David asks God to blot out his transgressions, wash away his iniquity, and cleanse him from sin. The second step is admission: David accepts full responsibility, refusing to blame others and acknowledging his fallen nature. His sin, he admits, flows from the sinful heart of humanity inherited from Adam. Next comes restoration: David pleads, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” recognizing that only divine power can renew what sin has corrupted. Finally, his resolution is to teach others from his failure—to lead sinners back to God through honesty and repentance. Davey concludes that true confession involves humble honesty, complete dependence on God’s mercy, and a transformed resolve to live transparently before Him, proving that no sin is too great for God’s restoring grace.
In The Voice of Creation (Psalm 19:1–8a), Stephen Davey contrasts Carl Sagan’s hopeless view of a silent universe with David’s joyful proclamation that creation declares the glory of God. Davey explains that the heavens continually reveal God’s signature, wisdom, and grace—a universal testimony to His power and creativity. The beauty, complexity, and order of nature point unmistakably to a Designer, but this general revelation alone cannot save; it must be joined with the special revelation of God’s Word. David moves from calling God El (Creator) to Yahweh (personal Redeemer), showing that Scripture revives the soul, makes the simple wise, and causes the heart to rejoice. Davey concludes that while creation proves God’s existence, His Word reveals His character and plan of redemption. Believers, therefore, should worship the Creator revealed both in the world around us and in the inspired Word that leads us back to Him.
Psalms 42–44 open the second book of Psalms, where Stephen Davey explains that God invites believers to pour out their hearts to Him with complete honesty. The sons of Korah—descendants of a rebel who chose faithfulness—wrote of spiritual dryness and discouragement: “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Davey notes that even when God seems silent, He is never absent. These psalms teach believers to trust and wait for the Lord, declaring, “Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” In Psalm 44, this personal trust expands to national suffering as Israel endures consequences for sin yet clings to God’s covenant faithfulness. Paul later cites this psalm to remind believers that suffering is not abandonment but evidence of spiritual maturity. Through these lessons, Davey encourages believers to be honest with God, steadfast in hope, and confident that even in dry seasons, God remains their salvation and strength.
This lesson from Deuteronomy 16–26 emphasizes God's righteousness as the standard for all of life. Moses reviews the importance of righteous leadership—judges, kings, priests, and prophets—who are called to uphold justice and truth. God's laws are revisited to guide Israel in holy living, covering areas like inheritance, morality, and societal order. These commands act like protective boundaries, showing how a righteous person should live. Finally, Israel’s worship is tied to gratitude and public acknowledgment of God's faithfulness. The lesson encourages believers to live righteously, not just privately but visibly, so the world sees God's wisdom and character through them.
Psalm 19:8b–14 teaches that God’s Word is flawless, enduring, and deeply valuable—more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. Unlike the temporary treasures of this world, Scripture enlightens the heart, exposes sin, renews fellowship with God, and guides believers in righteousness. David celebrates the Bible as a timeless revelation that cleanses, corrects, and delights those who cherish it, reminding readers to treasure and obey God’s Word as their greatest source of wisdom and joy.
