Romans chapter 9

Chapter nine provides an intimate perspective of Paul's burden for souls, and in particular, the Jewish people.  In actuality,  Paul's expressed burden is a reflection of God's burden for Israel.  It is a burden that Paul carried with him his entire life as a believer.  His example is more than a story-line... it is in essence: contagious and appropriate.

For one to follow the Lord Jesus Christ as did the apostle Paul, is to carry the very intent of the cross of Christ... the salvation of sinners for the glory of God.

I.  The Burden Expressed - vs.1-3

• A Burden That Is Honest - vs.1  ...I say the truth in Christ...
• A Burden Of The Heart - vs.2  ...sorrow in my heart...
• A Burden Of Helplessness - vs.3   ...For I wish...  Man Cannot Save Man.  
• A Burden To Honor - vs.4-5

1. To Honor Their Uniqueness - vs.4a   ...Who are Israelites...
2. To Honor Their Unction - vs.4b  ...their adoption...the glory of God...covenants...the law...promises.
3. To Honor God's Unflinching Faithfulness - vs.5  ...blessed for ever...  God has never, nor will ever forget His chosen people.

I.  The Burden Expounded - vs.6-33

• A Sovereign Choice - How Salvation Would Be Realized...

1. By The Word Of God - vs.6   ...the word of God...
2. By The Will Of God - vs.7,8  ...but, In Isaac Shall Thy Seed Be Called.

• A Sincere Choice - vs.9-13  God choice was the result of grace... not man's ability.  Note verse 11 and how God chose Jacob before his birth.
• A Significant Choice - vs.14-18  Note that God's remedy for sinners beginning with the Jew and to all... is mercy.
• A Serene Choice - 19-29  Note that God's offer of salvation is to all without any regard of their lot in life.  Despite the fact that man is depraved, he is not deprived of God's goodness.
• A Solemn Choice - 30-33   Note how that Israel chose to be saved by keeping the Law, and yet, God still provided His Son, Jesus Christ in a very obvious way that salvation to all would be and has always been by grace through faith alone in Christ Jesus.

You see, it is not the Ten Commandments that save... it is the Tender Commander that saves. We are not led by the letter of the law, but by a better law (Hebrews 8).

Romans chapter 16

Chapter sixteen, the apostle Paul recognizes those who are called and are contributing to the ministry of furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Whom ever God calls to ministry... they will realize within their heart the sense of divine presence and power and purpose. The Holy presence of God must be considered the only exercise that assures victory over our fear of being used personally by God. Any other consideration is certain to abandon us to the wasteland of uselessness.  It is interesting to note  a very significant way God blesses us... He involves other believers in our lives.  Paul takes note of this as a way of saying:  God bless you. 

I.  Paul's Recommendations To The Church - vs.1-16a.  A Commended Sister - vs.1,2
Note:  She Is A Believer - vs.1  ...Phebe our sister...Note:  She Is Believable - vs.2   ...she hath been a succourer of many...
b. The Committed Saints - vs.3,15
Note:  They Are Fearless - vs.3,5
Note:  They Are Fruitful - vs.6,7   ...much labor...Note:  They Are Faithful - vs.8,15
>  They Trusted The Lord - vs.8,9
>  They Were Tested By The Lord - vs.10  ...approved in Christ...>  They Toiled In The Lord - vs.10b-16

II.  Paul Reminding The Church - vs.17-20a.  There Is A Present Danger - vs.17
Note The Danger Of Division - 17  ...mark them which cause divisions...Note The Danger Of Devices - 17  ...and offences...
b.  There Is A Pressing Danger - vs.18
Note:  The Trouble Makers - 18a   ...such serve not our Lord...Note:  The Troubling Motive - vs.18b  ...but their own belly...Note:  The Troubled Mischief - vs.18e,f
>  See Their Deception - 18e  ...deceive...>  See The Deceived - 18f   ...of the simple...
III  Paul Reassures The Church - 19,27a.  He Praises The Church - vs.19   ...for your obedience...b.  He Prays For The Church - vs.20,27

Paul's prayer for the Church at Rome reveals the pressing issue that will settle you and should never be subtle to you is that God in His sovereignty controls your circumstances. This reality is the peace of God and knowledge that you should not be without (Proverbs 19:2a).
As you meditate on Paul's prayer, ask God to make you sensitive to His presence. God wants you to realize the relationship you have with Him. There is nothing more refreshing than realizing the presence of God. Only then, will you sense a freedom to be honest with God. This is what you need to make you decisive about the will of God for your life. Regardless of what your situation is, God will sustain you. Knowing the liberty we have to cast all our cares upon Christ is a matter of biblical fact that compels our obedience to the work of the gospel ministry of Jesus Christ. 

Romans chapter 15

The Christian life is possessed with a perpetual state of needing help.   Asking God to help will always be desirable when the heart has an understanding of the grace of God.  

Christians who are growing fervently and faithfully in and by the grace of God are aware of God's dependability and there responsibility to help others. The apostle Paul calls on each believer, in particular, the mature believer to pull together in helping each other.   It is necessary from time to time that Christians need reminding that we need each other.  Paul points this out.

I.  Paul's Premise - vs.1-4a.  Mature Believers Are Burden Bearers - vs.1  ...ought to bear the infirmities of the weak...b.  Mature Believers Are Builders - vs.2  ...to edification...c.  Mature Believers Behave Like Christ - vs.3  ...For even Christ...d.  Mature Believers Are Believable About The Bible - vs.4

II. Paul's Prayer - vs.5,7
a. A Provisional Prayer -  vs.5  ...Now the God of...b. A Purposeful Prayer - vs.6  ...glorify God...c. A Pratical Prayer - vs.7  ...as Christ also...
III. Pauls's Pattern - vs.8,13a. Motivated By The Reality Of Christ' Ministry - 8a  ...Jesus Christ was a minister...b. Dedicated To The Reason Of Christ' Ministry - 8b,9a   ...to confirm the promises...glorify God...c. Separated To The Resolve Of Christ Ministry -  9b,12
    + The Redemption Of Sinners - 9b   ...I will confess to thee among the Gentiles...    + The Rejoicing Of Repentented Sinners - 10  ...he saith, Rejoice...    + The Reverencing Of Sinners Godward - 11   ...and laud him...    + The Ruling Of Sinners - 12  ...to reign over the Gentiles...
    + The Richness Of Sinners - 13  ...fill you with all joy...peace...hope...the Holy Ghost.
    
IV.  Paul's Pursuit - vs.14,33a.  Paul's Maturity - vs.14  He is a spiritual blessing.
b.  Paul's Message - vs.15,16  His message is consistent.
c.  Paul's Methods - vs.17,21
    +  Praises God The Father - 17  ...which pertain To God...
    +  Preaches God The Son - 18   ...which Christ...
    +  Powered By God The Holy Spirit - 19   ...the power of the Spirit of God...
    +  Preached The Word Of God - 20,22
d. Paul's Movements - 23,29
    + His Desire To Press On - 23   ...a great desire...    + His Decision To Press On - 24   ...Wherefore I take my journey...    + His Duty To Press On - 25,29

V.  Paul's Plea - vs.30,33a.  A Personal Request - 30   ...prayers to God for me...b.  A Personal Reason - 31,32  ...That I may be delievered...c.  A Personal Regard - 33   ...Now the God of peace be with you all...
    
No Christian is immune to God's careful handling of their life.  The apostle Paul assures us that whenever we experience a season of sorrow in our personal life, the Holy Spirit seeks to assure us of the presence and purpose of God which instills an immeasurable deep peace; not a natural peace, as the world gives, but the peace of Jesus. When you find yourself face to face with penetrating sorrow and deep despair, be assured that your hurt and cries are of chief concern at the throne of God (Hebrews 4:16). Don't mistake your season of sorrow as a mistake from God (Romans 8:28). God wants you to know that He specializes in things thought impossible.

Romans chapter 14

The apostle Paul was not only concerned with the salvation of sinners, he was deeply concerned for weaker Christians in the faith and the responsibility of the mature believer in aiding a weaker brother or sister in the Lord to grow to maturity.  Mature believers understand that doing right  verses one's rights is the duty and privilege for Christians.   

There were differences in behavior amongst the believers in Rome that often caused the weaker believer to be offended.  Mature believers are always concerned that new believers and/or weak Christians grow to a state of productiveness.  The apostle Paul displays his concern against being a stumbling block to weaker Christians.  

I.  The Governing Method For Nurturing Believers - Dealing With The Externals - vs.1-9

• Be Receptive - vs.1
• Be Respectful - vs.2
• Be Responsible - vs.3,9

1. A Responsible Approach  - vs. 3   ...Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not.
2. A Responsible Appeal - vs.4  ...Who art thou that judgest...
3. A Responsible Attitude - vs.5,9   (vs.7) ...For none of us liveth to himself....

II.  The Governing Matter For Mature Believers - Dealing With The Eternal - vs.10-13

• An Eternal Reason - vs.10  ...the judgement seat of Christ...
• An Eternal Response - vs.11-13   ...every knee shall bow...shall give account...Let us not...

III.  The Governing Motive For All Believers - Dealing With The Internal - vs.14-23

• A Motive Based On Facts - vs.14   ...I know, and am persuaded...by the Lord...
• A Motive Blessed With Freedom - vs.15,18
• A Motive Bound By Forbearance - vs.19,23

It is not unusual for Christians to blame their problems on external sources.  However, the Bible clearly points the finger on the internal.   The more you invest in yourself, the greater your indebtedness (Matthew 16:26). The result is a lack of meaningful prayer and a diminished testimony that is covered in a shallow grave of pretension.

Our greatest undoing is doing for ourselves (James 4:2).   Our coming short of God's glory is more often due to pride and stubbornness verses the influence and arrows of Satan. Satan can only tempt us to justify why we should sin... he has no power to make us sin (1 John 4:4). The enemy that Satan is... is not our chief problem... it is the enmity of our hearts.

We must continuously battle against our own individual temperament and fleshly inclinations so that we are not an advantage for the wiles of the devil. The advantage we have as Christians is the perpetual convicting work of the Holy Spirit in whom there is a zero tolerance for self-exaltation.

Romans chapter 13

The deception that many of us ignore or are ignorant of is the tendency of measuring our devotion to God through our service for God.  The apostle Paul goes right to the heart of the matter of serving God.  He notes that true devotion to Christ is compelled by who Christ is and not merely demands to serve.  Devotion to God is a direct result or outcome of God's faithfulness and graciousness to us (2 Corinthians 5:14a). 

It is quite possible to serve God without devotion to Him (Matthew 5:8).   However, it is impossible to be devoted to God and not serve him (Joshua 24:15).

I.  A Living Sacrifice To God - vs.1

• A Personal Appeal - vs.1a  ...I beseech you therefore brethren.... 

1. Paul Appeals As A Brother - He is a great example of sacrifice.
2. Paul Appeals With A Basis - He expresses the mercy of God ...by the mercies of God... 
   

• A Precise Appeal - vs.1b  ...that ye...

1. The Presentation Is Proper - vs.1c  ...present your bodies a living sacrifice...
2. The Presentation Is Pure - vs.1d  ...holy...
3. The Presentation Is Pleasing - vs.1e  ...acceptable to God...
4. The Presentation Is Prudent - vs.1f  ...your reasonable service...

II.  A Loyal Service To God - vs.2,21

• The Service Of Difference - vs.2a  ...be not conformed to this world...
• The Service Of Devotion - vs.2b  ...be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...
• The Service Of Dependence - vs.3  ...through the grace...

1. Dependence Requires Humility - 3a  ...not to think of himself more highly...
2. Dependence Requires Honesty - 3b   ...think soberly...

• The Service Of Direction - vs.4,21  As Christians, we need clear direction.

1. Paul Directs Our Attention - vs.4,8  He notes seven spiritual gifts.
2. Paul Directs Our Affection - vs.9,21  Affection for both friends and foe.

A biblical devotion is always instigated and nurtured  by the grace of God and is an infinite treasure of eternal value.  God's grace is the standard of service that becomes the statement of our service.

Romans chapter 12

The deception that many of us ignore or are ignorant of is the tendency of measuring our devotion to God through our service for God.  The apostle Paul goes right to the heart of the matter of serving God.  He notes that true devotion to Christ is compelled by who Christ is and not merely demands to serve.  Devotion to God is a direct result or outcome of God's faithfulness and graciousness to us (2 Corinthians 5:14a). 

It is quite possible to serve God without devotion to Him (Matthew 5:8).   However, it is impossible to be devoted to God and not serve him (Joshua 24:15).

I.  A Living Sacrifice To God - vs.1

• A Personal Appeal - vs.1a  ...I beseech you therefore brethren.... 

1. Paul Appeals As A Brother - He is a great example of sacrifice.
2. Paul Appeals With A Basis - He expresses the mercy of God ...by the mercies of God... 
   

• A Precise Appeal - vs.1b  ...that ye...

1. The Presentation Is Proper - vs.1c  ...present your bodies a living sacrifice...
2. The Presentation Is Pure - vs.1d  ...holy...
3. The Presentation Is Pleasing - vs.1e  ...acceptable to God...
4. The Presentation Is Prudent - vs.1f  ...your reasonable service...

II.  A Loyal Service To God - vs.2,21

• The Service Of Difference - vs.2a  ...be not conformed to this world...
• The Service Of Devotion - vs.2b  ...be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...
• The Service Of Dependence - vs.3  ...through the grace...

1. Dependence Requires Humility - 3a  ...not to think of himself more highly...
2. Dependence Requires Honesty - 3b   ...think soberly...

• The Service Of Direction - vs.4,21  As Christians, we need clear direction.

1. Paul Directs Our Attention - vs.4,8  He notes seven spiritual gifts.
2. Paul Directs Our Affection - vs.9,21  Affection for both friends and foe.

A biblical devotion is always instigated and nurtured  by the grace of God and is an infinite treasure of eternal value.  God's grace is the standard of service that becomes the statement of our service.

Romans chapter 11

Chapter eleven provides an outline of insistent hope.  The restoration of Israel is promised and provided for in Christ Jesus.  More specifically, God has not abrogated His promises to Israel.  While it is true, Israel has temporarily been laid aside... Her future is sure. 

Paul points out that during this time of Israel's temporary hold (which is present), the Church, which is made up of both Jew and Gentile is invested in bringing the gospel of grace to the world.  Israel will once again be restored and prosper in the realm of God's blessings during the reign of Christ on earth known as the Millennium. 

I.  God's Personal Assurance - vs.1,2

• The Expression Of Assurance - vs.1a  ...God forbid....  
  
• The Example Of Assurance- vs.1b  ...For I also am an Israelite...
• The Explicit Assurance - vs.2  ...God hath NOT cast away his people...

II.  God's Personal Assistance - vs.2,3

• His Word - vs.2  ...the scripture saith...
• His Work - vs.3  ...I have reserved to myself...

III.  God's Personal Acknowledgement - vs.5,10

• He Acknowledges His Remnant - vs.5   ...there is a remnant...
• He Acknowledges The Remedy - vs.6 ...by grace...
• He Acknowledges The Rebels - vs.7-1  There is both a minority and majority group outlined.  It is the majority of Jews in which Paul places as the rebels... or non-remnant, while the minority, in which he includes himself are seen as the remnant.  Note the majority by three O.T writers:

1. Note:  Moses Speaks Of Unbelieving Jews - vs.7-8a (Deut. 29:4)
2. Note:  Isaiah Speaks Of Unbelieving Jews - vs.11:8b (Isaiah 29:10)
3. Note:  David Speaks Of Unbelieving Jews - vs.9-10 (Psalms 69:22,23)

IV.  God's Personal Awareness - vs.11,36

• The God Of Mercy - vs,11-12
• The God Of Ministry - vs.13-14
• The God Of Measure - vs.15-24
• The God Of Mystery - vs.25
• The God Of The Messiah - vs.26
• The God Of Means - vs.27-32 - The Only Means Of Salvation
• The God Of Majesty - vs.33-36  ...to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

The blessed hope of the Church is the imminent return of Christ to take the Church home before the Great Tribulation.  The blessed hope of Israel is the Second Coming of Her Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Romans chapter 10

Chapter ten provides an outline of contrast.  The Jews sought salvation by virtue of their own righteousness.  Paul is very much aware of this as he himself was attached to this false system for salvation.  Paul sets the record straight that salvation is real and available on God's terms.  The very fact that Paul is used by God to pen these inspired words is a clear reminder to Israel that they are not a forgotten people.  

I.  The Prayer For Israel- vs.1-3

• It Is Special - vs.1a  ...Brethren...
• It Is Spiritual - vs.1b  ...my heart's desire...
• It Is Scriptural - vs.1c  ...prayer to God for Israel...be saved.

II.  The Problem With Israel- vs.2,3

• Their Motivation - vs.2  ...zeal of God...but not according to knowledge...  Motivated by Pride.
• Their Education - vs.3a  ...they be ignorant of God's righteousness...
• Their Determination - vs.3b   ...going about to establish their own righteousness...not the righteousness of God.

III.  The Prospect For Israel  vs.4,5

• Salvation Exacted By Christ - vs.4   ...For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness...
• Salvation Exemplified By Moses - 5,16

1. The Law Of Moses - vs.5  ...righteousness which is of the law...
2. The Lord Of Moses - 6,15  Salvation Is Near & Obvious.

       Note:  One Need Look No Farther - vs.6,7
       Note:  One Need Look No Further - vs.8,9
       Note:  One Need Look For No Other - vs.10,16
IV.  The Promise For Israel- vs.17

• The Word Of God Is Preached - vs.17   ...and hearing by the word of God.
• The Word Of God Reaches - vs.18  ...unto the ends of the world.
• The Word Of God Teaches - 19,21

Seeing reality God's way takes a tremendous amount of discipline. It is the sense of worth that we gain from doing so that compels us to a habit of obedience regardless of what we see or don't see with our naked eye. We perceive that there is one reality that changes not: The Word of God. 

Romans chapter 8

Paul begins chapter eight with explosive thinking due to the assurances that come from knowing Jesus Christ as our personal savior.   In contrast to the fleeting assurances offered by the world, the salvation that Christ IS, is an everlasting reality. Although many people spend their lives attempting to buy, create, or achieve assurances, God's salvation of us is complete. The good news is that, even when we do not know what the future holds, we can know the one Who holds the future. This is the assurance that breeds confidence in biblical thinking.

I.  DELIVERED FROM THE PENALTY OF SIN - vs.1-2

• No Condemnation - vs.1   ...no condemnation...
• No Intimidation - vs.2   ...hath made me free from the law of sin...

II. DELIVERED FROM THE POWER OF SIN - vs.3-4

• Sin Is Condemned - vs.3  ...condemned sin in the flesh...
• Sinfulness Is Conquered - vs.4   ...That the righteousness...might be fulfilled in us...

III. DELIVERED FROM THE PURPOSES OF SIN - vs.5-6

• A Difference In A State Of Mind - vs.5

1. The Unbeliever -  A Defiled Mind - vs.5a   ...mind the things of the flesh..
2. The Believer - A Transformed Mind - vs,5b  ...the things of the Spirit...

• A Difference In Style Of Mind - vs.6-11

1. The Unbeliever - A Death Mentality - vs.6a  ...to  be carnally minded is death...
2. The Unbeliever - A Defiant Mentality - vs.7a  ...the carnal mind is enmity against God...
3. The Unbeliever - A Defiled Mentality - vs.8a  ...cannot please God...
4. The Believer - A Spiritual Mentality - vs.6b   ...spiritually minded is life and peace...
5. The Believer - A Scriptural Mentality - vs.9

       Note:  We Are Sure In The Present - vs.9   ...But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit...
       Note:  We Are Cured In The Present - vs.10   ...And if Christ be in you...the Spirit is life...
       Note:  We Are Assured In The Present - vs.11   ...quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit,

In these 11 verses, the apostle Paul gives a decisive outline that our advantage as Christians in this world that is deliberately hostile to Christ is not in doing a great work for God... it is God working in us(Ephesians 3:20).  When we are yielded to the cultivating work of the Holy Ghost, honesty and purity will triumph over the fleshly inclinations for self-vindication and preservation and demonstrate the very life and likeness of Jesus Christ.  The stage for the remainder of chapter eight is now set.

Paul continues chapter eight with a strong emphasis on contrast... life verses death and how they are realized.  He also provides clarity on the identity of the believer in light of their relationship to and with Christ.  Paul identifies the internal, eternal, and external marks of the Christian.   

I.  Thinking Internally - vs.12,14

• No Obligation To The Flesh - vs.12 ...Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, NOT to flesh...
• Known Ramification - vs.13,14 

1. A Sure Separation  - vs.13a   ...For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die...
2. A Pure Sanctification - vs.13b   ...but if ye through the Spirit...
3. An Assured Identification - vs.14  ...they are the sons of God.

II. Thinking Eternally - vs.15,

• God The Father

1. Our Relationship - vs.15a  ...adoption...
2. Our Relating - vs.15b   ...we cry, Abba, Father...

• God The Holy Spirit - vs.16

1. He Reveals Our Belonging- vs.16a  ...beareth witness...with our spirit...
2. He Seals Our Belonging - vs.16b   ...that we are the children of God...

• God The Son - vs.17

1. Our Fortune In Christ - vs.17a   ...then heirs...joint heirs with Christ...
2. Our Fellowship With Christ - vs.17b   ...we suffer with him...
3. Our Future With Christ - vs.17c,27   ...we may be also glorified together.

      Note:  Our Future Compared To The Present - vs.18   ...compared with the glory...
      Note:  Our Future Compelled By The Present - vs.19,23
      Note:  Our Future Complete In The Present - vs.24,25   ...For we are saved...
      Note:  Our Future Compatible To The Present - vs.26,27   ...Likewise the Spirit also...
This is important to note: our compatibility with Christ and the Holy Spirit in the present is equal to what it will be in heaven.

III. Thinking Externally - 28,39 - What is seen and known.

• Our Belonging To God The Father Is Obvious - vs.28,30  ...And we know...

1. A Personal Relationship - vs.28a  ...that love God..
2. A Purposeful Relationship - vs.28b  ...according to His purpose...

       Note His Purpose:  1:  To Be Identified- vs.29   ...conformed to the image of his Son...
                                           2:  To Be Justified - vs.30a   ...justified...
                                           3:  To Be Glorified - vs.30b  ...glorified...

• A Perpetual Relationship - vs.31,39

1. Our Relationship Is Protected By God - vs.31  ...who can be against us...
2. Our Relationship Is Provided By God - vs.32  ...He that spared not his own Son...
3. Our Relationship Is Proven By God - vs.33  ...It is God that justifieth...

      Note:  The Prove Is In Christ Death - vs.33a  ...It is Christ that died...
      Note:  The Prove Is In Christ Deity .vs.33b  ...who is even at the right hand of God...
      Note:  The Prove Is In Christ Devotion - vs.34   ...the love of Christ...
      Note:  The Prove Is In Christ Determination - vs.35,39  There Will Never Be A Separation.

More than anything or anyone, we have the assurance that God's Word IS absolute. The Bible alone is our assurance that God is love, accessible, and approachable (Hebrews 4:16). No Christian who has failed can fail when they approach God by faith alone (Hebrews 11:6). Thank God for the B.I.B.L.E. !Amen.

Romans chapter 7

Paul argues that the believer is no longer under law.   Why then, is it NOT necessary to place ourselves under the Mosaic Law or the letter of the law?  The target Paul aims for in these opening verses is not the letter of the law... but a better law. 

The answer is actually quite simple. Once a sinner receives Jesus Christ as their personal Savior; The righteousness of Christ is instantly and forever imputed to the sinner. Secondly, the righteousness of Christ is imparted to the new believer. What does this mean?  Lets examine verse by verse the Letter of the Law verses a Better Law.

I.  The Christian & The Letter Of The Law - vs. 1,3 

• The Letter Of The Law Contemplated - vs.1

1. The Law Is A Reality - 1a  ...Know ye not, brethren (...that know the law)...
2. The Law Is A Restraint - 1b  ...the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveith?

• The Letter Of The Law Illustrated - vs.2,3

1. Rule Of The Marriage Law - 2a  ...the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband...
2. Run Of The Marriage Law - 2b   ...so long as he liveth...
3. Release From The Marriage Law - 2c   ...but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law..
4. Regulation Under The Marriage Law - 3a  ...so then if, while her husband liveth...
5. Relief From The Marriage Law - 3b  ...but if her husband be dead, she is free from the law...

II.  The Christian & The Better Law - vs. 4,6

• The Better Law Demonstrated - vs.4

1. Our Relationship To Christ Is Conceived By The Death Of Christ - 4a  ...by the body of Christ...
2. Our Relationship To Christ Is Perceived By The Life Of Christ - 4b  ...to him who is raised from the dead...
3. Our Relationship To Christ Is Believing The Lordship Of Christ - 4c  ...bring forth fruit unto God...

• The Better Law Separated - vs.5,6

1. The Past - vs.5  Under The Letter Of The Law - As Sinners, we could not obey the letter of the law.
2. The Present - vs.6  Under The Better Law - We are made and able to obey the Law of Christ

       Note The Believers Deliverance - 6a  ...But now we are delivered from the law...
       Note The Believers Preference - 6b  ...we...serve in newness of spirit...not in the oldness of the letter...
The Impartation of Christ's Righteousness empowers us to live godly in this present world (Romans 7:5,6).

You see, it is not the Ten Commandments that save... it is the Tender Commander that saves. We are not led by the letter of the law, but by a better law  Hebrews 8

The apostle Paul challenges the false assumption that suggest that the law is si

n.   The thought that one would accuse God and His law as the reason for one's sinful nature  and disposition is absurd.  It reveals how the Christ-less man hates God.He also reveals the on going tug of war between the flesh/carnal and spiritual man.  He explains the complication and gives clarification.

I.  The God's Law & The Natural Man - vs. 7, 13

• The Law Exposes Sin - 7 ...I had not known sin, but by the law...
• The Law Exploited By Sinners - 8  ...But sin, taking occasion by the commandment...
• The Law Exacts Sins Outcome - 9-11  ...and I died...unto death...slew me...
• The Law Explains Sinfulness - 12-13

1. As Judge - 12  ...the law is holy...and just...and good...
2. With Justice - 13   ...sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

II.  God's Law & The Carnal Man - 14, 25

• Note The Complications - 14, 16   ...I am carnal...but what I hate, that do I...I consent unto the law...  The Christian is constantly battling with the flesh.  Note the battle:

1. The Battle Of Choosing - 14 ...the law is spiritual...but I am carnal...
2. The Battle For Changing - 15, 16   ...for what I would, that do I not...but what I hate, that do I...I consent...

• Note The Clarification - 17, 25 

1. The Root Cause - 17, 20   ...Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  Verses 18, 20 explains verse 17.      
   • Note:  The Christians Problem Of Indwelling Sin - 17 ...but sin that dwelling in me...
   • Note:  The Christians Propensity  Of Indwelling Sin - 18, 20 - Paul notes the impotency of the flesh.
                                                                                                                                                         
2. The Right Cause - 21,25 -   It should be noted here that Paul is not referring to the letter of the law, but a better law,  the law of Christ.   
   • Note:  Paul Acknowledge The Law - 21  See Proverbs 3:5,6
   • Note:  Paul Agrees With The Law - 22   ...For I delight in the law of God after the inward man.  
   • Note:  Paul Argues With The Law Of Sin - 23, 25
   1. He Knows The Difference - 23   ...But I see another law in my members...
   2. He Shows The Indifference - 24  ...O wretched man that I am... who shall deliver me...
   3. He Knows The Deliverer - 25   ...I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Christians cannot afford to live in a constant state of carnality. It results in reckless pursuits that undermines spiritual growth. Discerning Believers understand that carnality is a perpetual state of counterfeiting God's will for selfish inclinations.

There is nothing more essential to the Believer than spiritual growth. The alternative is a constancy of masquerade and bareness. Thank God we have the indwelling Holy Spirit who will never tolerate our personal indifference to spiritual growth, but is ever transforming us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. 

Romans chapter 6

The biblical term "grace" explicitly means: intentional favor and kindness that requires no deserving or recompense of any sort and yet, when grace is exacted and experimented, will compel willful loyalty. When we measure God's grace from this understanding... we then understand that there can be no compromise in the fabric or culture of God's grace, or else, grace fails to be grace.  Romans chapter six presents God's grace as the only means that makes life meaningful.

 
I.  The Matter Of Grace - vs. 1-7

•  A Foolish Argument Against Grace - 1a - What shall we say then?
  • An Argument Based On False Assurance - 1b  ...Shall we coninue in sin...
  • An Argument Based On A False Assumption - 1c  ...that grace may abound?...  
• A Fool-Proof Answer For Grace - 2-7
  • Note:  He Is Emotionally Faithful - 2a  ...God forbid...
  • Note:  He Is Devotionally Faithful - 2b  ...How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
  • Note:  He Is Doctrinally Faithful - 3-7
  1. A Doctrine Learned - 3   ...Know ye not...
  2. A Doctrine Discerned - 4 ...Therefore we are buried...
  3. A Doctrine Yearned For - 5  ...we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection...
  4. A Doctrine Of Concern - 6-7  ...Knowing this... we should not serve sin...freed from sin.

II.  The Manner Of Grace - vs. 8-11

• Grace Is Believable - 8 ...we believe...
• Grace Is Achievable - 9  ...death hath no more dominion over him... he liveth unto God.
• Grace Is Conceivable - 10  ...For in that he died, he died unto sin once... he liveth unto God
• Grace Is Receivable - 11  ...Likewise reckon... yourselves... alive unto God through Jesus Christ...

III.  The Manager Of Grace - vs. 12-19

• Grace That Commands - 12, 14  ...Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body...
• Grace That Reprimands - 15,   ...shall we sin... God forbid.
• Grace That Demands - 16,23

1. Demands Our Attention - 16  ...Know ye not...
2. Demands Our Affection - 17, 23

             > Affection For God - 17 ...But God be thanked... 
             > Affection For Godliness - 18,19   ...ye became servants of righteousness... unto holiness...
IV.  The Man Of Grace - vs. 20-23

• The Man Who Needs Grace - 20-21  

1. Man Is A Slave To Sin - 20  ...For when ye were the servants of sin...
2. Man Is Slaughtered By Sin - 21 ...fort the end of those things is death...

• The Man Who Gives Grace - 22-23 - Note John 3:16; Romans 5:8

1. God The Father Through God The Son (The God-Man) - 22-23a    Salvation is perfectly described at the onset of verse 22a  Note:  ...Buy now being made free from sin.. and become servants of God... Salvation is presented as God doing the purchasing  (redeeming) and noted as the exclusive owner.
                                                                                                                                                        
   
   •  Note:  Salvation Is Internal - 22b  ...ye have... 
   • Note:  Salvation Is External - 22c  ...fruit unto holiness..                                                        
   • Note:  Salvation Is Paternal - 23a  ..the gift of God...                                                                
   • Note:  Salvation Is Eternal - 23b  ...is eternal life...                                                                   
   • Note:  Salvation Is Personal - 23c   ...through Jesus Christ Our Lord... 

Obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ is born and enabled only by the grace of God exacted by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Obedience is not impulsive boldness as with Peter who walked on water and yet followed Christ from a distance on dry ground. More often than not, it is our pride and/or human instincts or peer pressure that motivate us to survive the difficult and unusual moments. Obedience to the will of God must not be viewed as an alternative or optional. 

The most dangerous challenge and liability to obeying God is our good intentions (Proverbs 3:5,6). It takes the grace of God to become instinctively obedient in a manner that is consistent and confident in and with the life and lordship of Jesus Christ.  Paul demonstrated that salvation is not by grace and works... but by grace that does work.