The Open Word

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 32 - Romans 6:15-19

In our continuing look at Romans 6, we find Paul asking the question in verse 15, "If we are under grace and not law, then can we continue to sin since, after all, we have been forgiven?" His emphatic answer is "NO!" Why? Because it is an axiomatic truth that we are slaves to that which we obey. We have been freed from sin to serve Christ, why would we want to continue to serve sin? The only response for a true believer is to not obey sin, but to obey Christ.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 31 - Romans 6:8-14

In this session we look at how our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection has freed us from bondage to sin. We are no longer captive to sin, and due to our identity with Christ, we can now experience victory.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 30 - Romans 6:5-7

Paul continues his discussion of our union with Christ by showing that when Christ died, we died with him, and in doing so the power of sin has been broken in our lives. Sin has no power over those who are dead, and since we died with Christ, sin's power over us has been cancelled.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 29 - Romans 6:3-4

What enables us to have victory over sin? It is our union with Christ. In Romans 6:3, Paul begins a discussion on this topic by showing that our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection has freed us from the tyranny of sin.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 28 - Romans 6:1-2

Romans chapter 6 and 7 deal with the issue of indwelling sin. Why is it that those who have been justified continue to struggle with sin? Does not the Holy Spirit give us victory over sin? In Romans 6:1-2, Paul answers those who believe that if God is glorified in showing grace to us when we sin, they why don't we really sin, so He can be really glorified?

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 27 - Romans 5:18-21

One of the greatest hymns, in my estimation, is Grace Greater Than All Our Sin. In Romans 5:18-21 we read of God's grace, a grace than all of our sins. Some may think that they can sin so much that God gives up on them - but that is not possible. No matter what we have done, and no matter how many times we have failed Him, God's grace is greater.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 26 - Romans 5:15-17

The bad news that Adam's sin brought death to the entire human race is balanced by the good news that the death of Christ on the cross brings life to all who believe. All men are under the curse of sin but birth, but by placing one's faith in the finished word of Christ, the curse of sin is replaced by the free gift of eternal life.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 25 - Romans 5:12-14

In this session we explore the reality of sin after the fall of Adam and Eve. Paul makes the argument that even though there was no law prior to Moses, the fact that all men died proves the reality of sin.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 24 - Romans 5:6-11

We continue our look at the results of Justification in Romans 5. In this session we look at concept of reconciliation. We were once enemies of God and Christ, but by placing our faith in the finished work of Christ we are no longer enemies, but friends. Our relationship with God has been restored, which means we now have the assurance of salvation and the hope of eternal glory.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 23 - Romans 5:1-5

Paul, having shown that the concept of justification by faith was not a new doctrine, but in fact taught in the Old Testament by using Abraham and David as examples, now turns to the results of justification. In Romans 5:1-5, he lists several results of justification in the life of a believer: peace with God, access to the Father, an expectant joy, perseverance through suffering, a promise of maturity in Christ, and the love of the Holy Spirit which has been poured out in our lives.