A Heart for God

Bible Bites

Scott Beyer
07/05/23 - Bulletin

“…in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them…” (Romans 2:15)

The Scripture often speaks of the need for God’s law to be written on the tablet of our hearts (see places like Jeremiah 31:33, 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, and Hebrews 8:10). That is a beautiful, poetic statement, but what does it actually mean?

The above verse explains the concept. ‘Written on our heart’ means that we are not merely teaching and intellectually assenting to the Word of God, but we are constantly allowing it to shape and guide our conscience. ‘Written on our heart’ means we are connecting the words to who we are, not who everyone else is. The Word of God is a sword (see Hebrews 4:12), and it is meant to judge the thoughts and intentions of hearts. We write it on our hearts when we cut our own souls first. Let the Word carve pathways in your conscience so that you let it become the voice that accuses and defends you. The goal? That your heart would begin to speak like Scripture.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 2:12-21

Questions to ask:

How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision