Verse 1-3 - A liberating truth: The Law no longer has jurisdiction over those who have died. Example: A woman is bound by Law to her husband in this life only. Verse 4 - A liberating purpose: You died to the Law so you could be joined to Christ. Verse 5-6 - Two different kinds of fruit from two different kinds of unions . Joined to the Law: Fruit for death. Joined to Christ: Fruit for God.
Text: Believers who have been set free from sin’s slavery leading to death are now placed into the service of God, leading to obedient holiness and righteousness on our way to eternal life. Timeless Truth: “You’ve Gotta Serve Somebody” - Bob Dylan (1979) Today: Place yourself in God’s service for a life that is holy and eternal.
Text: Paul explained that the believer’s participation in the Christ event is a transfer of one’s existence and allegiance that causes grace to abound to life not license. Theology: The anticipation or fulfillment of the Christ event has always sanctified believers. Today: Write and implement a sanctification work plan.
Text: Paul endeavored to show that his doctrine of justification by faith alone had ancient roots and contemporary relevance for the Roman church. Theology: God has always been free to justify by grace through faith in Christ. Today: Count on the God Who Justifies in Life and Ministry.
Text: In justification by faith, Paul declared God's Christ-centered solution to the sentencing of the human condition. Theology: God has removed all impediments to a relationship with him through faith in Jesus Christ. Today: Evangelize.
Text: Paul used a string of poetic and prophetic Scriptures to summarize humanity’s total depravity, silencing and sentencing all under sin. Theology: The silencing and sentencing of depraved humanity leaves all people in a position of absolute dependence on the grace and mercy of God. Today: Acknowledge the reality of depravity to minister effectively.
Text: Paul sharpened his prosecution against the advantaged Jew by exposing his failure to secure justification before God because of disobedience to the law. Theology: God stands in judgment against the religious hypocrite, unless he finds freedom in God’s provision. Today: Unmask your life and ministry for God’s glory to shine to others.
