At the beginning of Romans 8 we learned the value of our thoughts: the mind set on the Spirit versus the mind set on the flesh. Further Scriptures help us to understand how God takes our thoughts seriously. Psalm 94:11a reads: “The Lord knows the thoughts of mankind… and Psalm 139:2 reads: You know when I sit down and when I stand up;… Continue reading In the Family of God (Romans 8:11-17)
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The Life-Giving Spirit (Romans 8:1-11)
Think on these things… As soon as we enter this chapter, we discover a rich truth that, if we had time, would take hours to explore. But, today, I would like to focus on one element and that is our mindset – what it means to us spiritually. First, what we think matters—it matters to… Continue reading The Life-Giving Spirit (Romans 8:1-11)
The Problem With Sin in Us (Romans 7:14-25)
As far back as we can remember, we have learned how to solve problems: eat with a spoon, walk, tie shoes, and even to read. The older we’ve gotten, the more complicated the problems. Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, wants us to understand the problem and solution of sin in us. So far, in… Continue reading The Problem With Sin in Us (Romans 7:14-25)
Sin’s Use of the Law (Romans 7:7-14)
Paul never leaves us guessing. It is obvious we’re the problem, not the Law. We would not recognize our sin if we didn’t have knowledge of the relationship between the Law and what we do. Now is the Law perfect and our rebellion is sin. God’s commands and law are perfect. We are not. What… Continue reading Sin’s Use of the Law (Romans 7:7-14)
An Illustration From Marriage (Romans 7:1-6)
Paul illustrates the marriage vow between two people (Romans 7:1-6). More clearly, Paul uses this illustration of the law of marriage. God has exclusive possession of you—spirit, soul, and body. If that troubles you, then maybe you’ve not completely died to self. Think about it. Once you were married to the world and “belonged” to… Continue reading An Illustration From Marriage (Romans 7:1-6)
Enslaved to Sin? (Romans 6:15-23)
As I read Romans, Chapter 6, I can’t help but think about slavery and our American history. Abraham Lincoln, in the Emancipation Proclamation, granted freedom to approximately 3 to 4 million slaves. Why such a disparity between the numbers? They counted the slaves as property and not people. So it gives merit to what Abraham Lincoln said… Continue reading Enslaved to Sin? (Romans 6:15-23)
Life in Christ – The With God Life! (Romans 6:1-14)
I open the Bible to chapter 6 of Romans, and immediately these words grab me hard: “…are you unaware…?” I understand that unawareness is a blind spot, and it is downright dangerous. So, I stop what I’m doing and pray: Lord, help show me where I am unaware.” Are you aware that… The enemy of our soul… Continue reading Life in Christ – The With God Life! (Romans 6:1-14)
Life and Death (Romans 5:12-21)
Paul does not sugarcoat the truth: we are sinners and deserve death. Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12 NIV) Death We inherited death from our ancestors, so sin dwells deep in our soul like… Continue reading Life and Death (Romans 5:12-21)
Reconciled! (Romans 5:6-11)
Have you ever had a blowout with someone you loved? I have, and it’s not pretty. A safe place is shattered and the only way to fix it is reconciliation. Sadly, sometimes, it is impossible. Today some families have stopped meeting for holidays because they can’t get along. They argue over politics, sports, and, yes,… Continue reading Reconciled! (Romans 5:6-11)
Faith Triumphs (Romans 5:1-5)
Peace! Have you ever given the value of peace much thought? In Romans 5 we are immediately hit with this surprising truth: a right relationship with God brings peace. Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 NIV Faith triumphs. We do not have… Continue reading Faith Triumphs (Romans 5:1-5)