Category: Romans

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

The way of righteousness is not the way to righteousness. We, like the Jews, often confuse the two. It is from this confusion that people come to believe that the Ten Commandments (or parts thereof) are irrelevant for Christians. Paul argues that the Law makes sin more exceedingly sinful, because, now knowing the Law, we sin willfully rather than unwittingly.

SJA Notes

* God Above, Your word is light to our path and strength to our souls – Please write it on our hearts today.

“But the free gift is not like the trespass.”

One the one hand, we have Adam. Sin. Disobedience. Trespass. Death.

One the other we have Jesus. Righteousness. Obedience. Grace. Eternal Life.

And so Paul can say,

“But the free gift is not like the trespass.”

Because even though there is symmetry in the comparisons, the _content_ of the two sides are vastly different.

One equates to death.

The other to life, and life to the full.

This is our hope!

“… But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

* Father God,

Thank You that we see the clear truth that Your grace reigns through Jesus, Your Son, Messiah – Our Lord and King.

We believe, Lord God, please help us in our unbelief!

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

God’s demonstrated love is before us whether we listen or not. It is humbling and salutatory to know that I was God’s enemy in my own heart when He reconciled me to Himself.

SJA Notes

* Dear God, thank You for reconciling us through the death of Your Son.

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

We stand in grace. God’s wonderful grace.

We get to stand, to be founded, to be grounded, in His grace!

And this grace, us getting what we do not deserve, is shown so clearly,

“… But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

While we were still sinners, enemies. At enmity.

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

Jesus’ death reconciles us to God. What a gift!

Jesus’ life saves us (from the wrath of God for our sin, that He took upon Himself, died, and then conquered death to rise alive!). What a gift!

* Father God,

Thank You Lord! Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for Your mercy.

Thank You that through Jesus we are reconciled with You, and saved from Your righteous and just wrath.

Thank You Lord.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

What lessons does Paul want us to learn from Abraham? Abraham’s history in Genesis is both for our example and instruction in the Lord. Abraham’s history is salvation history and thus important to the Christian.

SJA Notes

* Dear God, thank You for today. Please teach us as we look at Your word today.

“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”

This is a strong word to us today.

Abraham was a sinner, saved by grace.

And of Abraham scripture says that no unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God (“So shall your offspring be”).

When we consider God’s promises – Are we fully convinced that God is able to do, to outwork, to fully bring about, what He has promised?

* Father God in Heaven,

Your promises to us are full of hope, grace and mercy.

Please grow within us each day a deep and strong (increasing) abiding trust in You – May we be fully convinced that You are able to do what You have promised.

Amen.