Romans 5
Romans 5:2 & 11 Paul boasts in God’s provision of redemption in Christ, and in the glory of His grace. Boasting is generally considered an unattractive behavior, but Paul is not boasting of anything he did, but of what God has done. Praise of God for His nature and character is part of our worship, glorying in who and what He is. Paul joins in this worship.
Romans 5:3-4 This is glory - sufferings that produce perseverance that results in character which then gives hope in God’s love. It is hard for us to understand how suffering can lead to love, but this is the mystery of redemption. We imitate and grow to be like Christ by persevering as God builds character in us, to ultimately experience God’s love tangibly. Here we have the Biblical explanation of the so-called problem of pain. Why does a good God allow innocent people to suffer? Because He is building in them perseverance and character, so that they can ultimately experience the glory of God’s love, both receiving it and sharing it with others. This can only become part of proven character through the testing that comes from suffering. Our decision to love as God loves will therefore be implemented by Him in this way.
Romans 5:6-8 Our only value is what God invests in us, if we receive it. We bring nothing of value on our own. The right time for Christ to die for us was while we were sinners, not waiting for us to get our act together. We could never have earned Christ’s redemption of us.
Romans 5:14 Adam had one command, and he broke it. (Genesis 2:17, 3:6) Hence, death was ceded dominion over humankind, even though the law of Moses came later. But Adam was warned. It wasn’t just a ‘thou shalt not’. God told Adam the consequences of that forbidden act.
Romans 5:15-17 The extravagance of the gift is the overflowing of grace, justification, righteousness, and reigning in life. Even with all of the above - suffering, sin, lack of intrinsic virtue - God doesn’t grudgingly rescue us, but extravagantly gives to us.
Romans 5:18 The condemnation for all people was explicitly identified in their continual sin and wickedness in the time of Noah. (Genesis 6:5) But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:8) Noah was blameless (not sinless!) in the eyes of the Lord, and walked with Him faithfully. (Genesis 6:9) This did not result in justification for the human race, but did save us from total extinction. Only Jesus could bring justification to humanity as a whole. Eventually Noah died. (Genesis 9:29)
Romans 5:21 A contrast in reigning. Sin’s reign results in death. Grace’s reign through righteousness brings eternal life through Christ.
Romans 6
Romans 6:1-4 In this chapter, Paul explores the basic non-sequitur of the idea that since we are not under the law, but under grace, we can continue to sin because death has been defeated. (6:14-15) Jesus didn’t die on the cross, rise from the dead, and bring us the grace of forgiven sin so we can live in the flesh and revel in sin, but instead so that we can enjoy the glory of the Father. After our decision and deliverance comes discipleship (6:11-13)
Romans 6:13-14 There is a daily, or hourly, or minute-by-minute process of commitment, obedience, and action. Every part of ourselves is included in this process - body, soul, spirit, family, earthly possessions, and anything else that is part of our life.
Romans 6:15 The non-sequitur is this. If grace frees us from the law and sin is no longer our master, it does not follow to use this freedom to return to sin. It makes no sense to go back to an evil master after Someone has paid for you to no longer be a slave.
Romans 6:20 & 22 There are two types or flavors of slavery. Enslavement by compulsion, external force, which describes slavery to sin. Its wages are death. Alternatively, there is slavery by choice, submitting to a Master we love and trust, and gives us the gift of eternity with Him.
Romans 6:21 The reason to reprogram ourselves to make sin not a normal part of life (which takes decision and effort to follow through) is to avoid returning to jail or enslavement leading to death.
Romans 6:22 it is important to understand that holiness is not the same as Pharisitical legalism. Holiness is not defined by rules-following. Holiness is setting ourselves apart for the good and just and righteous deeds. We joyously do the things Jesus calls us to do, with our whole heart. These things are unique and different for each person, but Jesus demonstrates them and talks about them in the gospels. And then He calls us each individually to certain specifics. Holiness is doing what He calls us to.
Romans 6:23 The bottom line is life or death. We each individually choose.
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