Romans 5:18-6:23
For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. – Romans 5:19
Click to read passage
As we read Numbers 31–33, we see that Israel’s journey in the wilderness is coming to an end. Along the way, they faced many obstacles and battles, and they also looked back on how God had faithfully led and preserved them. They had indeed been delivered out of Egypt, but they were still learning what it means to live as God’s people.
On the outside, they had left Egypt. But in reality, their hearts were still shaped by Egypt. They were fearful of the unknown, quick to complain when things got hard, and often rebellious against God.
And if we are honest with ourselves, this is also our story. We may think we are free, but in many ways, we are still under the control of sin, living under its influence. We often compromise for short-term, visible gains. We go along with what everyone else is doing. We compare ourselves with others and long to be seen and affirmed. Over time, the things we do are no longer driven by love for God, but by love for ourselves.
The problem is, this is not something we can fix just by trying harder or being more disciplined. The real issue is not just our outward behaviour. It is our hearts.
But this is where the gospel changes everything.
Jesus did not come to teach us how to try harder to be good people. Through His obedience, He has brought about a complete reversal of our standing before God—from being condemned to being justified. As Scripture says, “For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19)
Jesus died for our sins and rose again, setting us free from the power of sin. This means that when we face temptation today, we are no longer helpless or destined to fail. In Christ, we can overcome it. We are no longer under sin’s control.
In Numbers, the Israelites often looked back and longed for Egypt. But in Christ, we are called not to look back, but to move forward and live out this new life.
For “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Reflection:
Is there a habit, struggle, or temptation in your life recently that makes you feel stuck or bound? Are you willing to bring it before Christ and trust that He has already given you a new standing and the power to live differently?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins and to give us new life. We confess that many times, we still live in old patterns and under the grip of sin, as if we have no choice. By Your Spirit, remind us that we are no longer slaves to sin, but Your children. Help us to obey You from the heart and to make choices each day that please You. Give us strength to depend on You in our weakness, and to turn to You in times of temptation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
As we read Numbers 31–33, we see that Israel’s journey in the wilderness is coming to an end. Along the way, they faced many obstacles and battles, and they also looked back on how God had faithfully led and preserved them. They had indeed been delivered out of Egypt, but they were still learning what it means to live as God’s people.
On the outside, they had left Egypt. But in reality, their hearts were still shaped by Egypt. They were fearful of the unknown, quick to complain when things got hard, and often rebellious against God.
And if we are honest with ourselves, this is also our story. We may think we are free, but in many ways, we are still under the control of sin, living under its influence. We often compromise for short-term, visible gains. We go along with what everyone else is doing. We compare ourselves with others and long to be seen and affirmed. Over time, the things we do are no longer driven by love for God, but by love for ourselves.
The problem is, this is not something we can fix just by trying harder or being more disciplined. The real issue is not just our outward behaviour. It is our hearts.
But this is where the gospel changes everything.
Jesus did not come to teach us how to try harder to be good people. Through His obedience, He has brought about a complete reversal of our standing before God—from being condemned to being justified. As Scripture says, “For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19)
Jesus died for our sins and rose again, setting us free from the power of sin. This means that when we face temptation today, we are no longer helpless or destined to fail. In Christ, we can overcome it. We are no longer under sin’s control.
In Numbers, the Israelites often looked back and longed for Egypt. But in Christ, we are called not to look back, but to move forward and live out this new life.
For “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Reflection:
Is there a habit, struggle, or temptation in your life recently that makes you feel stuck or bound? Are you willing to bring it before Christ and trust that He has already given you a new standing and the power to live differently?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins and to give us new life. We confess that many times, we still live in old patterns and under the grip of sin, as if we have no choice. By Your Spirit, remind us that we are no longer slaves to sin, but Your children. Help us to obey You from the heart and to make choices each day that please You. Give us strength to depend on You in our weakness, and to turn to You in times of temptation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.