Philippians 2:6 declares Jesus “existed in the form of God.” Although Jesus never lost being God, His form at a point in time did change. Originally, He was in the form of God. He shared the same external features of the Father – commonly identified in the Old Testament as a shining light. He was clothed in garments of diving majesty and splendor. We see a glimpse of this at the Transfiguration. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Jesus is “the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature.” This is emphasized because for Jesus (who is entirely glorious) to change in any way demanded a decent in His glory (humility!). Yet the One who existed in the form of God willing traded it for the “form of a slave” (Phil. 2:7). He left His glorious form for the ignoble form of man.
Randy Smith

79 GOD

79 GOD F O O T ================================

  • H O L D

READING

79 GOD’S WAY

PRAY Give me a fresh sense of your great love for me, heavenly Father.

READ Romans 3:21-31.

THINK Try to write your own description of God’s grace using some of the ideas in this reading. —————————————————————- FOCUS ‘Smallpox Eradicated’ was a bold headline in the world’s news in the 70s. How was it done? Not by building hospitals for smallpox victims or producing ointments to cover their sores: the World health Organisation went out to destroy the germs themselves and their carriers. Paul has described the root cause of the world’s deeper troubles – SIN; so now he tells us the only way it can be dealt with. 1. WHAT GOD HAS DONE (21-26). Three times in this paragraph the name of Jesus is stated – for he is God’s answer to man’s sin. Verse 24 is the good news in one sentence; instead of man’s useless attempts to put himself right by obeying religious rules and regulations, God has graciously provided another way; it is the most amazing free gift ever offered. We are put right with God through Jesus, who offered himself as a sacrifical offering for our sin. ‘Grace’ – God’s free favour – is the key word. Although this plan was revolutionary, the Old Testament shows that it was intended by God right from the beginning. 2. WHAT WE MUST DO (27-31). How can we get the benefit of what Christ has done for us? ‘Faith’ is the key word here. A starving refugee’s empty hands stretched out to receive a gift of food. This passage contains many deep thoughts. But even a child can receive a gift. Have you? Many people make the mistake of trying to EARN God’s forgiveness. A gift can seem too good to be true! —————————————————————- PRAY “Nothing in my hands I bring”; but in my heart there is gratitude and love, O God; help me to obey you.