Ray's take:
Romans 6 -
As usual, Paul 'brings the heat' in this chapter. Paul addresses the idea of continuing in sin so that God's grace would abound more. He says NO. Grace isn't a hall pas to keep sinning. The wages of sin is Death! What he teaches us is that we are dead to sin but we are alive in Christ. When Christ died, was buried, and resurrected believers were also resurrected. He took our place. He was the only substitute capable of doing so. His blood was shed in our place. He redeemed those in the past (before Christ) and all of those who believed in Him that would follow. Hallelujah!
Verses 10 and 14 are key anchors in this chapter. As believers we are now called to live our lives for Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin but we free in Christ (and wiling slaves to Him too).
It's funny because once you come to the knowledge of Christ and accept Him into your life you become ashamed of your past sin (v21). It's like the wool is removed from your eyes and you realize just how naked you really were without Christ (much like Adam and Eve discovered). Paul asks the question "What good was your sin"? Of course there is no answer to that question.
Romans 7-
Without the law we would not know we have a need for Christ and that we have fallen short. We are aroused by the law into this awareness. The weight of the law is a constant reminder that we need to be redeemed by a redeemer. Actually we need THE Redeemer! The law is essentially a measuring stick. Who is capable of looking at the law and saying they are not guilty? We are all guilty. Despite our transgressions, God through Christ looks at us and says 'NOT GUILTY'. We need Christ to avoid sin. We have the ability and authority through Christ to resist the devil and to not sin. It's when we try to do this in our own strength that we fail. It's really an interesting dichotomy. We are first Spirit, then Soul, then Flesh. The dichotomy is that our sprit wants to resist sin yet our flesh longs for it. In other words, this side of heaven we will be in a constant battle. It's Christ who gives us the strength and ability to resist sin.
Romans 8 -
Jesus came and filled in the gaps of our shortcomings under the law. He made us whole! There is no condemnation for followers of Christ. If Christ is in you then your body is DEAD. Again, the emphasis on the ability to live a life without sin through Christ.
We are also not to be slaves to fear. These are truly words to keep in the forefront of our mind and our thoughts. How many of Christ's followers were defeated before they ever started? How many of them did not accomplish their purpose because of fear? Fear cripples God's people and it contradicts what God has told us about ourselves. We believe the lie from the devil that puts us into a state of fear. If we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us then what is there to fear? We shouldn't even fear the sufferings we are going to face due to our belief in Christ. If the world wouldn't accept Christ then why would they accept us? We can expect to be persecuted by the world and we should do so gladly. We should consider that the suffering we face in this world is not even worth comparing to the ultimate glory that will be revealed in us later!
Instead we should eagerly anticipate the second coming of Christ. We should desire Him so greatly that we are disappointed that he hasn't come already. Not disappointed in Christ because it is in his timing that He will return for His people; but disappointed because our longing to be with Him is so deep and strong that we are disappointed that we have to wait another MINUTE to be with Him. Maranatha!!!!! Despite our desire to be with him immediately, we must be patient and wait for His plan to unfold.
So often we hear Christians reference verse 28 which states: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Who have been called according to his purpose". I think we often lose sight of what that really means. It doesn't mean we won't face evil and harm as believers. It means that God will use them for his glory too! What the enemy intended for evil and harm will ultimately be used for God to get His glory....the glory he so rightfully deserves. Don't let those trials and tribulations shake your faith. Once you do that the enemy will begin attacking you in a way that causes you to question your salvation. If he can do that then you are not able to walk in the authority Christ has given us. That's exactly what the enemy wants you to lose.....your authority! Don't give it up. It is stated really clearly in Chapter 8 that nothing can separate us from Christ! Praise God!
Romans 9 -
I am particularly moved by how much Paul longed to 'save' his people. Not actually save them because only Christ can do that but he longed for them to accept and receive the message, love, and truth of Christ. He was even willing to take their place in suffering that they may come to know Christ. It made me look inward and ask if I long for sinners to be saved in the same way. To some degree I suppose I do but I'm not convinced I'm as committed to it as Paul. It's an area I need to pray about. I should be almost moved tears every time I learn of someone who has not come to know Christ or who has rejected the Gospel.
We have nothing to boast about except for boasting in Christ. How can we take pride in anything as if we do anything on our own? It is only through Christ that we are capable of accomplishing anything. This is something we all need to look out for and defend against. This world likes to build people up and never acknowledges that we are not the source of whatever accomplishments it is they want to recognize. It is the gifting of God that enables us to do anything of significance. I'm convinced that pride is the cause of all sin. We should be especially mindful of pride creeping into our thinking and our attitude. It's that pride that causes us to think of ourselves as more than we really are. It's pride that leads us to believe we don't need God and once that happens the rest is history. The antidote to pride is being humbled. Why do you think the Word so often references being humble or humbling ourselves?
We should even be careful about being prideful that we came to know Christ. We were not chosen because there was anything special about us but because God chose us. Who are we to even think we had a hand in Gods favor? Who war ewe to think we fully understand God? Who are we to question Him? The most important thing one can ever know is that we cannot save ourselves and our good works won't save us either. It is only through the Son that we can be saved.
Chapter 10 -
Again we find Paul longing for his people to know Christ. It is interesting to note that the intentions (zeal) of his people were good but they misguided. They failed to realize they too needed Christ. They essentially tried to create their own path to salvation which was largely based on good works and obeying the law (which we know you can't do without Christ). The didn't understand that salvation is a gift. No one earns it or deserves it in the eyes of a Holy and perfect God. Ironic that Gods chosen people who were looking for the Messiah would reject him and the Gentiles who knew nothing about the coming Messiah were the ones who accepted Him.
The evidence of God is all around us if we just take time to notice. Even someone who has never heard the Word has an opportunity to know Christ. He reveals himself through all of His marvelous creation and His existence cannot be disputed. Therefore, we have all had an opportunity to know God and to experience a relationship with Him. As a result, we are all accountable for our actions and our acceptance of Him. No one is excused from this accountability. That doesn't excuse one to not preach the gospel. The great commission clearly instructs us to preach the word to all and to the ends of the earth! Faith comes by hearing the Word and how can someone hear the Word if it is not preached?
In summary, I would stress the importance of allowing God to live in your heart. By doing that your mouth will confess Him and His wonderful plan to save us. By sharing that word with others they will too have an opportunity to have faith and through that faith they will be saved! Hold up your end of the deal and share Him with those in your life!
Kisha's take:
Chapters 6 & 7, These bring affirmation that our flesh will desire to do what is wrong. Sure, for the most part our conscious can assist us in making right choices but those old sin struggles (or any sin) will always want to control us. We can be thankful that as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living within us and can overcome theses struggles. We should choose daily to walk a life that makes Him smile. Become a slave to Christ.
Chapter 8, Again it speaks to our freedom in Christ. We are no longer bound by sins hold. We can literally call on the Holy Spirit in times of weakness and He will rescue us. He will cause the devil to flee. This chapter also makes it very clear that we are still under earthly rules. We will not be free from suffering, errors or the like but we can rest assured that God will always have our back as long as we keep our faith in Him and are striving to live a right life because we love Him and want to please Him in all we do.
Chapter 9, I found verse 17 very interesting as I had never noticed it. God chooses those who will be blessed & he chooses those who will suffer. I also found in this chapter a very good teaching on how our faith (belief & acknowledgment0 in Jesus Christ is what makes us children of God. We can't do enough for God to love us. Sure we should practice Bible principles of love, mercy, kindness, giving, compassion and so forth but these things should come from a pure heart; not the desire to look good so God can be happy with you. God love us because we can believe in His awesomeness & His son, Jesus. This type of love will cause a person to want to do good on GP not based on lawful orders & religious babble.
Chapter 10, I found verse 18 interesting. I have this notion in my mind that the Lord will return once everyone has had a chance to hear the Word. However, after reading verse 18, apparently my notion is in accurate. I felt the remainder of this chapter speaks to folks who are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. I heard this little quote one day and I guess it was meant for me since it stuck in my brain. I'm learning to mix messages of conviction with messages that are milder but hopefully still effective to produce change.
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