Last chapter we looked at how we have become adopted in to God’s family as sons, and as such, we enjoy all being an heir to God entails. Today we see what might look like a strange shift to a focus on the nation of Israel. But really, it is just a continuation of his argument of justification by faith. Today Paul deals with the Jews grand objection, which was that the rejection of the Jews and the inclusion of the gentiles was against the word of God.

Paul gives us insights on how to live a Spirit led life. All of creation longs for Jesus and the promise of final redemption. This is our blessed hope while we patiently journey together in this life. The best is yet to come!

Unfortunately, many Christians live defeated, in spiritually infancy and spiritual poverty, continually condemned for their failures. They don’t realize what was actually accomplished when Christ went to the cross for them. They don’t realize that they are in fact victorious in Him, so they live as people defeated, continuing on in slavery even though they have been set free. But as Christians, we don’t have to live like this. We can know that we are saved. We can know that we are not under condemnation for our failures. We can know that we are children of God. And we can know that we are co-heirs to the kingdom with Christ. We must only live according to the Spirit instead of trying to do it all in our own strength.

Have you ever done something that you didn’t want to do? Did it seem like you were dealing with an unwinnable internal struggle? Today we are going to talk about that internal struggle and the solution as we dive into Paul’s letter regarding the two natures. We are going to determine what Paul really means when he says he is doing the things he hates. And we are going to look at some common misconceptions and misapplications of these scriptures.

One of the key things to grasp as a Christian is we are dead to the law. Those who don’t get caught up in legalism having to follow the law or do certain things in order to please God or earn His favor. However, as Christians, we don’t do these things because we are trying to perform to meet a standard. But rather we live a Godly life as the result of fruit from a changed life.

The entire purpose of chapter 6 is to drive home the point that grace is not about being a free pass to do whatever we want. Jesus dying and paying for our sins was much more than a legal transaction. It wasn’t just to get us off, but rather, it was the basis for restoring a living relationship with God. It wasn’t just to clear out our sin, but to change us so we could live a sanctified life that is worthy of being in relationship with a perfect God. It is supposed to change us.

Paul ended last week by saying that as sin increased, grace abounded all the more. However, so that this would not be misconstrued as a reason to continue sinning and helping God's "grace to abound", Paul makes it clear that we are dead to sin and should live lives obedient and glorifying to God.

Paul looks at the Adam and Jesus today to explain how Jesus could take our place on the cross. Because of Adam, all sinned and all have died. In Christ, for those of us who put our trust in Him, sin is paid for, and we are given life!

Last chapter, Paul showed that righteousness has always been the result of faith. This was true with Abraham before the law was given, and this was true with David after the law was given. And given the fact we are justified by faith, there are some things other that are a given as well. We have peace with God. We have gained access. We have the Holy Spirit. We have been reconciled. We are saved from God’s wrath.

The Promise, that Abraham would be the father of many nations is guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus (vs 25). Paul continues explaining why faith, based on the gift of grace, guarantees that the same faith Abraham has is for everyone. The availability of inclusion into Abraham's "family" is open to Jew and Gentile simply by believing God's promise. That credits us as righteous, keeping in mind that God is the originator.

This week, Paul is going to take a look at the Old Testament and demonstrate that both Abraham and David were no different than us. They were considered righteous because of their faith.

The law makes no one perfect. You can't become righteous by your actions. If that were all there was to it, we would be in a bad state. But the good news is we don't need to do it on our own. We are not left hopeless and in despair. God made a way in Jesus!

Paul continues his thoughts on the status of mankind concerning God's standards. The Jewish people are privileged to have been entrusted with the Holy Scriptures. However, Paul shows from the Scriptures that no one is justified by their own efforts. He refutes the idea that it is unjust to judge sin, and the more we sin the greater God is honored because He can forgive much more. Paul concludes, "Their condemnation is just." (v. 9)

The Jews had an expectation and responsibility that they were not living up to. As a result, they were being hypocritical and causing the gentiles to blaspheme the name of God. They were also convinced that their identity as Jews and their symbol of the covenant with Abraham, circumcision, would save them. But as we will see, circumcision of the flesh is not what makes you right with God. You need a heart transplant.

As we begin chapter 2, Paul spends his time in here showing that Jews and gentiles are seen alike by God. There is not one set of requirements for Jews and a different set for gentiles. The requirement for both is perfection.

As we continue our series on the Letter to the Romans, Paul begins explaining where mankind wandered off course by refusing to acknowledge and honor the Creator. As a result, idolatry took over their minds. It's the sad situation of the world today and the basis for Paul's explaining the plan of salvation. "You need this medicine, so you don't die!" is one way to put it.

As we begin a new series on the Letter to the Romans, Paul introduces himself with the authority given to him by Jesus. Instead of boasting, he expresses the desire to be encouraged by sharing their mutual faith. Then he establishes the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Most people identify themselves with what they do for a living. They are a cook or carpenter. But Christians are not so because of what they do. It is actually the opposite. We understand who we are and "do" accordingly. But to "do" accordingly, we have to know who we are.

We serve a powerful, living Lord. He is able to perform all that He has promised, especially reaching out to us in love and peace. Because Jesus lived in a human body, He knows what we go through. Therefore, as we respond to His gentle leading, we can have confidence that He will lead us to an eternal, incorruptible inheritance. Meanwhile, we are assured of ". . . grace to help in time of need . . ." during our pilgrimage on earth.

There are a couple of prevailing ideas going on in this world that are setting people up for failure. The first is nothing is my fault, and the second is the idea of entitlement. But the scripture teaches that we are to take responsibility for our own actions. Today we look at the practical application of being personally responsible.