Romans by Jim Leffel (2019)

This passage continues Paul's theme of man being lost without God, explaining that God has a standard to which He holds all men accountable. Paul says this standard is in our hearts through our conscience, though our consciences can be flawed, and it is expressed through the Law given to the Jews. By either evaluation man falls short, but we can cry out to God, acknowledging our sinfulness, and receive His provision of forgiveness and mercy.

As Paul demonstrated earlier in Romans, all people are held accountable to God to a perfect moral standard, but all fall short. In His love, God devised and executed a plan to give people an alternative to paying for their sins themselves, through a sacrificial priestly redeemer. Jesus is this redeemer, sacrificing himself for man on the cross, but also serving as the priest who is a go-between between man and God. We can have our moral debt before God forgiven if we receive this sacrifice.

Jim Leffel provides a detailed study of Biblical faith looking at the faith of Abraham, the father of all Biblical people, and David, the great king of Israel. Biblical faith is rooted in an understanding of God's revelation to us in nature, His Word, and ultimately, through His Son. Furthermore, it is a holistic faith that has intellectual, practical, social, and personal dimensions.\r\n

The desire for a sense of peace--a sense of inner harmony--is common to man, yet is elusive, particularly to people in our modern culture. People cannot say why they matter or what makes them significant--questions that must be answered to have inner peace. God offers people a way to peace through the justice and forgiveness offered through Jesus' substitutionary death on the cross, opening the door to them enjoying eternal security and significance, and a warm, personal relationship with God.

In Romans 6, Paul addresses the logical question that arises from grace--couldn't we go on sinning if we're completely forgiven? Paul argues that while it would not jeopardize our forgiveness or relationship with God, sinning is not helpful and is not necessary for Christians. Paul says we have a new life "in Christ" and we are no longer under sin's authority. As we recognize these identity truths in humility and prayer, consider them, and present ourselves to act on them, we will find the ability to overcome even defeating sins.

Paul defends the God's complete grace by posing its opponents' question, "Is the Law sinful?" Paul answers that the problem is not the Law, but how it is being used--as a remedy instead of a diagnostic tool to point us to our need for God. Paul says the Law exposes our slavery to sin, and instead of this defeating us, it can cause us to look to God in dependence for His awaiting provision--forgiveness through Christ and His empowerment to move out of enslaving sin.

Romans 8 describes God's great rebuilding program, addressing the brokenness that troubles all of us, including those who have a relationship with God through Christ. The first part of the chapter focuses on the Holy Spirit's role in allowing us to find freedom from the domination and defeat of sin that God says is possible. This is not accomplished through our effort, but by God's Spirit indwelling us, changing us from the inside out. The passage lists 3 main ways in which the Spirit works: he leads, he testifies to God's love for us, and he intercedes for us. Our part is to "walk by the Spirit" and to set our minds on God's truth.

This is a famous passage about our suffering and God's sovereignty. What we often get wrong and misunderstand about this passage is explained as well as what God actually promises regarding suffering. The good news for Christians is that ultimately, victory is assured!

Paul draws a conclusion to the incredible truths he has laid out in Romans 1-8--that God has provided victory over the penalty for sin and the power of sin. He declares that God is "for us," having given us His son as a sacrifice, and continuing to give to us generously and freely. He is full of goodness and, if we have received His forgiveness, full of approval for us, which should challenge our thoughts that God's plans are not good or that our sin and failure is greater or more significant than our justification through Christ. Paul concludes that God's love triumphs over all things, including any risks we might face in life. This allows us to live boldly, with love for others and optimism.

This teaching gives an overview of the first eight chapters of Romans, which encapsulates the primary message of the entire Bible--that God has provided a Messiah to bring peace between God and man, turning tragedy into triumph. Paul gives this perspective to help Christians stand strong and established in the strength, love, and direction that God provides through Jesus. Paul says Christians can have confidence in this message because of the testimony of prophesy, the resurrection, and the historical record of Jesus' crucifixion.

This is a study of the human dilemma and the tragedy of the human condition. Because humanity has refused God's loving leadership, God has let us go to walk in our own devices. As a result, we are broken people and have shattered our intimacy, identity, and dignity. The good news of the Bible is that Jesus Christ came to rescue us from our rebellion against God and our shattered selves.