Category Archives: Folders
February 27: “Freedom from the Power of Sin” (Romans 6)
In chapter 5, Paul began talking about the implications of justification. Another implication of justification is freedom from the power of sin. In the first half of chapter 6, Paul’s main idea is that we are freed from sin’s power through our union with Christ. Paul’s main idea in the second half is that we […]
Continue readingFebruary 20: “The Blessings of Justification” (Romans 5)
In chapter 5, Paul wants us to be sure of what we have in Christ as a result of our justification. Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace (reconciliation) with God, a new hope in God, the love of God, the gift of the Paraclete, and eternal life of Christ. God gave […]
Continue readingFebruary 13: “The Father of Many Nations” (Romans 4)
After declaring the gospel, Paul in chapter 4 lifts up Abraham as an example of someone who was justified by God’s grace. Abraham was justified by faith, not by works, nor by circumcision (physical descent), nor by the law. Abraham also lived by faith, not by sight. Chapter 4 also deals with Paul’s secondary theme […]
Continue readingFebruary 6: “God’s Righteousness Revealed Through Christ” (Romans 3:21-31)
The universality of human sin presents a dilemma for humanity and for God. For humanity, their sin puts them under God’s wrath. For God, not punishing humanity would make God unjust and unrighteous. How can these two dilemmas be solved? Jesus solves both dilemmas by giving himself as a sacrifice of atonement. Through Jesus’ sacrificial […]
Continue readingJanuary 30: “The Universal Power of Sin” (Romans 3:1-20)
In today’s text, Paul continues his argument that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin. In the first half, Paul answers two additional objections from the Jews. In the second half, Paul shows from Scriptures how everyone, whether Jew or Gentile, is thoroughly sinful. Paul’s conclusion is that “no one will be […]
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