Category: Romans

My biggest sin problem is me- at least what live within me.

This root problem of sin nature cannot be remedied by law keeping or behavior modification. It’s an internal problem. People feel this deeply.

God is about dealing with sin himself (through Christ) and transforming hearts.

We are conflicted creatures, sin infected to the core.

I must continue to make war against my sin nature through the power of the Holy Sprit.

Every person feels the weight of their own sin. And this is a good thing because only those who feel their sickness look for a cure.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being the ultimate cure for my sin.

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A new life in Christ results in a new master.

This language of slaves and masters was common knowledge and experience of this time.

Jesus offers new life!

Sin nature views the chains of sin as freedom.

Enjoy serving Christ!

Carnal people have a flipped worldview- like sin as a master is ultimate freedom and Jesus as master is a hostage situation.

Father, thank you for your impeccable goodness. It is a joy to serve the one whom I love.

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Adam brought sin and death but Jesus Christ brought righteousness and life.

This paragraph is the crux of the Gospel.

Jesus was God’s “plan A” all along. By the way, there is no “plan B”.

Man desperately needs a savior.

Never lose the wonder of the cross.

What a great passage to point seekers to!

Thank you Jesus for providing peace with God!

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It is because of God’s goodness that he saves sinners.

Regardless of cultural/religious background, the idea of unmerited salvation was a new concept.

The more you study the nature and character of God from the scriptures the picture just keeps getting clearer- God is infinitely good and his love is like no other.

We are helpless and fully deserving of God’s wrath, but still God has not abandoned us in our guilt.

Always be amazed at God’s great love.

The “sticking point” for so many believing in God’s salvation is the “unmerited” part man brings.

Father, thank you for your great love. Help me depend on it like oxygen.

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Salvation of the Jewish heroes did not come by works, but by faith.

Law keeping Jews of this time loved to brag about their pedigree as “sons of Abraham”. Paul is dismantling this.

A relationship with God is not passed on genetically.

Men are happy enough to brag when they check off a few kept rules, but a life of faith is so much more than that.

Acting on what I do know, putting my faith into practice, is very important.

There are still people who misplace their faith in works or their pedigree.

Father God, thank you for reaching out to be with your great salvation!

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All are guilty under the law, but faith in Christ can intervene.

Paul’s consistent pounding of “Judaism is not enough” demands to be noticed.

Jesus’ sacrifice is enough for anyone who admits their guilt and turns to him for salvation.

What does everyone in the world have in common? All are guilty of sin.

Be thankful for Christ’s provision or paying for sins.

Misplaced faith will not help. The object of faith should be the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Jesus, thank you for your great salvation!

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Paul details the righteous judgement of God.

“Therefore” (v. 1) points back to the end of chapter 1 where mankind chose sin over God. The result is the judgement of God. Jews & Gentiles alike would have understood this logic.

God’s restraint to punish sin is limited. God’s holy wrath will fall on the unrepentant.

All sin will be paid for by someone.

Take my sin as seriously as God does.

Many unsaved people have no idea that the wrath of God is real and coming.

Father God, you are righteous in ALL of your ways. Thank you Jesus for taking the wrath for my sins.

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Paul gives encouragement to Christians in Rome. In between the lines you can read/feel his personal experiences from what was covered the last part of Acts.

Paul’s letter is dripping with rich theology and insights that speak to both people of Jewish and Gentile backgrounds.

God has revealed himself clearly…

…but men still tend to prefer idols- creating new ways to live in bondage of sin.

Never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The vacuum of a Christ-less life is a petri dish of self-serving wickedness and idolatry.

Father, break my heart for the things that break your heart.

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