Sanctification's Mystery (LD 33; 1 Timothy 3:16)
Paul challenges the notion that godliness can be achieved through mere determination and grit. It is not about just obeying God’s moral standards. The Christian life is about living in the Spirit, in faith, conforming to God’s law by God’s power, and doing good works for His glory, which is impossible to do by human exertion alone.
Grateful for Grace (Luke 17:11-19)
As Jesus continues His journey to Jerusalem, the place of supposed peace, He encounters rejection, brokenness, and unexpected faith. Passing between Galilee and Samaria, He heals ten lepers—yet only one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks. In this moment, Christ shows that true cleansing and peace don't come from heritage or even the strength of our faith, but from faith in Him alone.
Obligated to Obedience? (Romans 6:1-14; Lord's Day 32)
Living for Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is a privilege and joy, not a burden. This life, united with Christ through faith, is a victory over sin and death, transforming us into His image. We should not see living for Christ as a burden. Rather, it is a privilege because we are tasting the goodness of God. What is more, we are giving ourselves over to the domain of the spirit rather than the domain of Adam.
Kingdom Keys (1 Corinthians 5:1-10; LD 31)
The church in Corinth, despite its knowledge and spiritual gifts, fails to comprehend living in and for Christ. They are a church that celebrates their elitism without seeing the cross. Paul emphasizes the importance of embracing the cross of the Gospel and warns against philosophical thought that props up the self at the expense of others. The keys of the kingdom open the kingdom, sincerely calling people to faith. The keys of the kingdom also close the kingdom by putting the person outside the household of faith.