A Match Made in Heaven: Joined to the Living Christ
The Scripture: Romans 7:4–6
Paul doesn't leave us in a state of "singleness." We were released from the Law specifically so that we might be "joined to another"—the Risen Christ. This is the heart of the Christian life: union. We aren't just following a teacher; we are joined to a Living Person.
The goal of this new marriage is productivity: "that we might bear fruit for God."
Under the Law, we produced "fruit for death" because our service was fueled by fear and "the letter." But in Christ, we serve in the "newness of the Spirit." It is the difference between a wife who cleans the house because she fears a beating and a wife who cleans the house because she loves her husband.
Puritan Wisdom: John Flavel beautifully noted, "Christ is the husband of the soul... He is a foundation that never fails, a robe that never wears out." He argued that our union with Christ is the only thing that makes obedience "sweet" rather than "sweat."
Application: If your Christian life feels like a heavy chore, you might be focusing on the mechanics of the Law rather than the Person of Christ. Today, practice "abiding." Before you start your "to-do" list, spend five minutes thanking Christ for His union with you. Service flows from the Spirit, not the "oldness of the letter."
Paul doesn't leave us in a state of "singleness." We were released from the Law specifically so that we might be "joined to another"—the Risen Christ. This is the heart of the Christian life: union. We aren't just following a teacher; we are joined to a Living Person.
The goal of this new marriage is productivity: "that we might bear fruit for God."
Under the Law, we produced "fruit for death" because our service was fueled by fear and "the letter." But in Christ, we serve in the "newness of the Spirit." It is the difference between a wife who cleans the house because she fears a beating and a wife who cleans the house because she loves her husband.
Puritan Wisdom: John Flavel beautifully noted, "Christ is the husband of the soul... He is a foundation that never fails, a robe that never wears out." He argued that our union with Christ is the only thing that makes obedience "sweet" rather than "sweat."
Application: If your Christian life feels like a heavy chore, you might be focusing on the mechanics of the Law rather than the Person of Christ. Today, practice "abiding." Before you start your "to-do" list, spend five minutes thanking Christ for His union with you. Service flows from the Spirit, not the "oldness of the letter."
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Archive
2026
January
March
April
Radical APPROPRIATION: Putting on the NewEvidence of the ResurrectionThe Three-Way Partnership: Why Spiritual Growth Is Never a Solo ProjectModern Israel and the Bible?You Gotta Serve SomebodyChoosing a New Master: The Power of DOULOSFrom Sin to Sonship: What Paul Really Means by "Slave" in Romans 6Changing Masters: Melted By the WordFrom Wax to Word: What Real Change Looks LikeThe Great ExchangeThe Shovel for the SnakeKey Quotes to Help in the Battle with SinWarning: Don't Fight in Your Own Strength
May
Daily Self-Examination: A Guide for the SoulThe Great Divorce: Why You Must Die to the LawA Match Made in Heaven: Joined to the Living ChristThe Mirror of the Soul: The Law’s True PurposeThe Agitator: Understanding Your Internal RebellionTired, Thirsty, and On Time: How Jesus Meets Us in the OrdinaryUsing the Law Lawfully: Holy, Righteous, and GoodBroken Cisterns and Living Water: Finding True SatisfactionAliens, Heavenly Host, or Hostile Spirits? A Biblical Perspective on "Aliens"The Civil War WithinLoving the Law, Loathing the SinThe Law of Sinful GravityThe Delight of the Inner ManThe Columbo TacticThe Shout of VictoryThe Verdict of GraceTwo Different LawsWhat the Law Could Not Do
June
Looking Back: Remembering the Cross at the Lord's TableLooking Ahead: Living in Light of Christ's ReturnLooking Within: The Necessary Work of Self-ExaminationLooking Around: Protecting the Unity of Christ's BodyFrom the Sheep Gate to the Savior: A Hidden Connection Between Nehemiah and Bethesda?FROM THE SHEEP GATE TO THE SAVIORThe Dashboard of Your Soul: What Your Mind Reveals About Your HeartEvery Road Leads Somewhere: The Destination of Your MindThe Real Problem: Why the Human Heart Needs More Than Self-ImprovementClose to Religion, Far from ChristThe Danger of Knowing About Jesus but Missing Him CompletelyThe Unmistakable Sign of Life: Who Lives Within You?Who Lives Within You?Life in a Dying BodyThe Fountain You Have Been Searching ForYou Owe the Flesh NothingFrom Slaves to Sons
July
Heirs of GloryConsider This Week...When Today Hurts: Looking Beyond the PainWhy Does the World Feel So Broken?Hope That Keeps You MovingWhen You Don't Know How to PrayThe Holy Spirit: Your Greatest Prayer PartnerWhy Our Weakness Is Not a LiabilityDoes Romans 8 Teach Speaking in Tongues?Understanding Romans 8:28 – God’s Sovereign ProvidenceWho Receives the Promise of Romans 8:28?When Life Doesn't Make Sense, Trust the ConductorGod's Goal Is Bigger Than Your ComfortBefore Abraham Was, I AM: Why Jesus' Claim Changes EverythingThe God Who Stood in the Temple: How the Great I AM Changes Everything
2025
November
Pragmatism & the ChurchThe Perspicuity of Scripture8 Tips for Studying God's WordDo Not Worry With WorryWe Don't Always Have to KnowLegalism is...Comfort for Christian Parents of Unconverted ChildrenIdentify Your PrideThe Great Gospel in One VerseYou are storing up wrath against yourselfHe will save His people from their sins35 One Another's of the BibleThankfulness…a Prominent Bible ThemWHY PAUL WAS ALWAYS THANKFULA Prayer for One Another
December
Legalism is...Legalism is not...When Pain Doesn't Go AwayBiblical Truths for Times of SufferingHis Mercy Endures ForeverRemembering HisFaithfulnessYou Gotta Figure Out the Figurative6 Reasons to Go to C.H.U.R.C.H. During the Christmas Season (and always).Wisdom from the Tiny Ant?How Well Do You Know Christmas?Taking Heart While Losing HealthSorrow Is Lighter than Sin
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