Romans Verse by Verse -- Lesson 3

Romans chapter 3 shows the wicked, the law keepers, and the good Joe's all need Jesus for God's true righteousness. For men no matter their lot in life do not possess nor can possess the righteousness of God without coming to the one true Messiah Jesus Christ. He is the way and there is not another way to be found righteous or justified before the Holy God.

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Romans 3:1  What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?  2  Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.  3  For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?

The oracles of God were committed to the Jews; however, they missed their time of visitation and they as a whole did not receive Jesus as the Messiah.  Does their unbelief undo the faithfulness found in God?

Romans 3:4  Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged."

The faithfulness of God is still in effect; even when there are those who do not believe!  Let God be true but every man a liar!  When the grace of God is made clear by the revelation of the Word, make is supreme in your life.  If there are traditions or the teachings of men contrary to the Word, let God be true and every man a liar.  Let the word of truth be put in your mouth and let it reign in your life.

Romans 3:5  But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6  Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?

The good news of gospel being preached properly will call men to ask the same questions that were asked of the apostle Paul.  However, we must not allow the carnal mind to define how the righteousness of God works. 

Romans 3:7  For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?  8  And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come"?; as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

Grace brings true freedom from sin; some falsely declare going on in sin is okay because it shows the goodness of God.  They accused Paul of saying this; and Paul quickly rebukes the idea that the good news leaves one practicing evil.

Romans 3:9  What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.

The wicked, the law keepers, and the good Joes are all under sin. 

Romans 3:10  As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one;  11  There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.  12  They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one."

Psalms 14:1-3 is the prophetic utterance to bring man to the realization they need a Savior.  There is none… no not one!  Psalms 53:1-3

Romans 3:13  "Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit"; "The poison of asps is under their lips";  14  "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."  15  "Their feet are swift to shed blood;  16  Destruction and misery are in their ways;  17  And the way of peace they have not known."  18  "There is no fear of God before their eyes." 

More prophetic verses being fulfilled here in Romans.  Isaiah 64:6, Psalms 5:9, Psalms 140:3,  Psalms 10:7, Isaiah 59:7-8, and Psalm 36:1.  Man in his unredeemed state cannot claim any rightness before God.  Before one can come to salvation he must know he needs a Savior!

Romans 3:19  Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

The law has stopped every mouth from proclamation of any righteousness before God.  The entirety of the world is guilty before the holy God.

Romans 3:20  Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

By the deeds of the law no flesh will be found without sin; the law’s purpose and intent is to impart the knowledge of sin and to make sin exceedingly sinful.

Romans 3:21  But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22  even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;

The righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed.  God’s defined righteousness is exclusively found through faith in Jesus Christ and it is to all and on all who believe.

Righteousness is be made in right standing before God; and coming into union with God by the reconciling work Jesus did at the cross.

Romans 3:23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  24  being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

The wicked, the one resting on the law, and the good Joe have all sinned and fall short of the manifestation and revelation of God.  However the justification (justification = made as if we have never sinned or rendered innocent) is given freely by His divine influence and favor through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus! 

Romans 3:25  whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,  26  to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans verse by verse lesson 3

Jesus is the atoning victim and His blood went upon the heavenly mercy seat.  Through faith in His atoning blood there is indeed justification.  God the Father is the just One and it is the just thing to justify those who put faith in Jesus’ atonement. 

Romans 3:27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.  28  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

It is not any longer the law of Moses; it is the law of faith.  Romans 8:2 calls it the “Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus”.

Romans 3:29  Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30  since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

At the foot of the cross everything has changed.  The wicked, the law keepers, and the good Joe’s can find justification through faith in Jesus.  It must be God’s defined way of righteousness and there cannot be any other way.  It matters not if you are Jewish, Gentile, male, or female justification will come by way of the cross of Jesus Christ.  The just will live by faith.

Romans 3:31  Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

The law of Moses is not made void.  It still stands to make all men aware of their sin and to make sin exceedingly sinful so one can see their need for Jesus the Messiah.  However, the law cannot bring life nor was it ever the intent of God to bring life through the law.  It has always been a tool to make men aware they need a holy God to redeem them and reconcile them.  That righteousness is found exclusively in Jesus Christ.

Romans verse by verse lesson 2

The brick laying of Romans has already begun. Last week we ended with the wicked and this lesson deals with those resting in the law and the "good Joe". In the end no matter what people group you belong to, righteousness can only be obtained throught the good news of the gospel of grace.

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Romans verse by verse lesson 2

Romans 2:1  Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.  2  But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

Last lesson we left off with the wicked and how they are without excuse because God has witnessed to them.  Now the Holy Spirit begins to speak to the ones who judges with the judgment of the law.  Those standing in judgment of others are also inexcusable.  While men judge with their own standard, God’s judgment is according to truth.

Romans 2:3  And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?

The standard of judgment is not relative.  I’m living better than so and so… does not equate into the righteousness found in Jesus Christ.  This is the judgment that the Holy Spirit is rebuking.  If one is going to judge by the behavior of men you must submit to the whole of the law; and if you transgress in one part you become a transgressor of the whole.

Romans 2:4  Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 

Jesus brings a new standard by the covenant of grace.  The goodness of God leads you to repentance.  Man’s standard has been the wrath of God leads one to repentance.  Under the performance of the law God is unapproachable; the law of Moses had this fear and trembling approach; the children of Israel failed miserably in the covenant.

Romans 2:5  But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,  6  who "will render to each one according to his deeds":  7  eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 

Judgment by man’s doings is the judgment of the law.  It does come with blessing but it is also coupled with the cursing.  It well described in Deuteronomy 28:1-13 is the announced blessing and how sweet they are.  However, it is declares the curse in Deuteronomy 28:14-68.

Romans 2:8  but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness; indignation and wrath, 9  tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10  but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Yes, again it is cursing with blessing.  The weakness is that it depends completely upon the good works of men.

Romans 2:11  For there is no partiality with God. 12  For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law  13  (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;

If you can be a doer of the law you can be justified by it.  Again, the weakness is man is unable to perform fully save the one man Jesus Christ. 

James 2:10  For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

Romans 2:14  for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves,  15  who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

Now Paul begins to turn his attention to the “good Joe’s”.  When those not under the law do by nature the things in the law they will witness against the law keepers.  It brings the truth that God has put eternity in the hearts of all men.  All creation witnesses the goodness of God.

Romans 2:16  in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.  17  Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, 18  and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,

A little of the good news before the righteousness that Paul is going to lay out in chapter 3.  There will be a day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.  Listen to Paul’s words “according to my gospel.”  May we ever speak the gospel (almost too good to be true news to men who need God.  A stern rebuke of the Jews resting on the law!

Romans 2:19  and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,  20  an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 

The Holy Spirit is rebuking those who are fully resting in the law telling them they have the form of knowledge and truth in the law.  They did not know it was only a pattern and shadow of the true substance found exclusively in Christ Jesus and the new covenant He brought with His blood.

Romans 2:21  You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?  22  You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?  23  You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?

Such strong rebuke for those boasting in the law and the Holy Spirit exposes them as incapable of fulfilling the law.  Only Jesus could do that!

Romans 2:24  For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.  25  For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Those trusting in the law for righteousness bring reproach upon God.  They look to their own performance and others look to their performance also.  When the failure comes the name of God is blasphemed among the unbelievers.  The eyes of all were upon the performance of man; all eyes need to trust in the performance of the One Man Christ Jesus!

Romans 2:26  Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?  27  And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law?

The “good Joe’s are better off then those who have come under the law and cannot perform.

Romans 2:28  For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29  but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

God wants us to know it is not about keeping the letter of the law!  It is about the heart being transformed by the Spirit of God.  It must be about a heart being changed; that is the power of God at work unto salvation.

Romans verse by verse - Lesson 1

The just shall live by faith!

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Romans is foundational for building church doctrine.  The apostle Paul came with the revelation of grace and truth that empowers every believer to walk in victory.  The book of Romans is a brick by brick building block.  Paul speaks to 3 people groups after his introduction.  1st he speaks to the wicked, then to the law keepers, and finally to the good Joes.  In the end he makes it plain, no matter which group you find yourself there is not one of those groups who are righteous before God, no not one.  Jesus came with a specter of righteousness.  It cannot be something that man can contrive, it must be the imputed righteousness that God’s provides and there is no other way.

The covenant of grace and truth found in Jesus Christ, God’s righteousness revealed,  and living by faith in Jesus Christ will be the repetitive themes throughout the book of Romans.

Romans 1:1  Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God  2  which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,

3  concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,  4  and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Paul a bondservant.  Jewish law said a Jewish slave could only be in servitude for 7 years at the 7^th year they were free.  However, if a man loved working for his master he could choose to become a bondservant and stay and serve.  Oh, that every believer would have sweet fellowship with God and yield as a bondservant to Jesus Christ.  Called to be an apostle.  An apostle is a sent one.  Paul was sent as an apostle to the Gentiles.  Separated to the gospel of God. 

The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ.  The old covenant pointed to the coming of the Christ; the new covenant is Jesus the Christ has come.  Jesus is the Son of man and the Son of God.

Romans 1:5  Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,  6  among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

There is purpose in receiving grace.  The divine influence gifts you and equips you for obedience to the faith.  Every believer is the called of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:7  To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Beloved of God and called to be saints.  You are members of the household of God.

Divine influence and peace comes from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:8  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,  10  making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.

Paul commend them for their faith in Jesus.  Paul served God with his spirit in the gospel of Jesus.  It lead him to be a prayer warrior for all the saints of God.  Paul was driven by desire for the people of God.  Oh, that we the believers will be driven by desire for the people of God.

Romans 1:11  For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established;  12  that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Spiritual gifts are imparted to establish the believer and build up one another in Christ.

Romans 1:13  Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.  Romans 1:14  I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.  15  So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Godly leadership is moved with a heart for the people of God. It is time for the gospel, the almost too good to be true news, to be declared to the body of Christ.

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

The gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes!

Romans 1:17  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

We have come into the kingdom by faith and we shall live by faith.  From faith to faith!

Romans 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,  19  because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  20  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Man is without excuse because creation itself testifies of God!

Romans 1:21  because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

22  Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23  and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man; and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Men have rejected the witness of  creation and have created their own gods living in idolatry.  They have not glorified God, nor were they thankful.  Men’s foolish hearts were darkened and God allowed it to be so.

Romans 1:24  Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,  25  who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

What is this that man exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator!  Our society has become a reflection of this word.  Our heroes are creatures instead of the creator.

Romans 1:26  For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.  27  Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

God’s word has surely come to pass in our society and now if you stand for righteousness you are called evil and evil is now called courageous and good.

Romans 1:28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29  being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,  30  backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Instead of being filled with the revelation of God’s righteousness they are being filled with all unrighteousness.

Romans 1:31  undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;  32  who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

This prophetic word is coming to pass before our very eyes.  Not only is the unrighteous ruling with great delight in their sin, now the so called church is getting in union with them and calling it righteousness.  However this is not the righteousness that has been revealed in Christ Jesus.

Spirit Soul Body The Law The Cross The Covenant of Grace lesson 13

Here is the 13th lesson in the Spirit, Soul, and Body; The Law, The Cross, And The Covenant of Grace. Jesus came with the blood of the everlasting covenant. Jesus alone is the Mediator of this everlasting covenant. It is a covenant with better promises. Because of this truth we cannot mix the law of Moses and the new covenant Jesus Christ brought.

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Spirit Soul Body  The Law The Cross The Covenant of Grace lesson 13

Romans 7:1  Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?  2  For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband.  3  So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.  4  Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another; to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.  5  For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.  6  But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

The law has dominion over a man as long as the man lives.  When we surrender to Jesus we become dead to the law of Moses.  This frees us to be married to another.  Just like the woman whose husband has died she is no adulterer when she marries another.  We have been delivered from the law so we are freed to walk in the newness of the Spirit.  Law gives sin strength; when the connection between the law and believer is gone sin has no dominion over the believer.  The believer is now married to Jesus.

JESUS CHRIST LOVES HIS BRIDE, KEEPS, CLEANS, AND WASHES HER MOUNT ZION THE COVENANT OF GRACE

Ephesians 5:23  For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.  24  Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.  25  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,  26  that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,  27  that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.  28  So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.  29  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.  30  For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.  31  "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.“  32  This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

JESUS WILL PRESENT HIMSELF A GLORIOUS CHURCH, HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH.  HE DOES IT ALL WITH THE WASHING OF THE WATER OF THE WORD  We are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.  What a powerful union.  Jesus Christ is the head of the church, He is the Savior of the body.  Jesus loved the church to such a degree He gave His very life for her!  Jesus sanctifies and cleanses the bride with the washing of the water by the word.  Jesus loves us, nourishes, and cherishes us!  Oh that we would turn our eyes on Jesus.

THE LAW

Exodus 20:18  Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. 19  Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die."

Remember the law made God unapproachable; the law had limited access to God, it  exposed guilt, brought condemnation,  it fostered fear and trembling.  However, the law could not impute life.

THE CROSS

Titus 2:11  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,12  teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,  13  looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  14  who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

The power of the cross brought the divine influence of God to us.  It teaches us to deny evil and empowers us to live righteously.  It forever turns our eyes upon Jesus and allows us to enjoy access to God and live free from guilt and fear.  His perfect love cast out fear!  We are redeemed as God’s special people.

THE COVENANT OF GRACE

Matthew 11:28  "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  29  "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  30  "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.“ 

The covenant of grace calls us near to God and promises rest.  The rest is not a moment of peace but a lifestyle of intimacy with God.  Jesus will lift the heavy burden and cause the labor from carrying that burden to cease.   The more we learn from Jesus the greater the rest for our soul.  We need to grow in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  His yoke is easy and His burden is light; it is the place of rest.

GRACE AND LAW CANNOT BE MIXED

Galatians 2:16  "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.  17  "But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not!  18  "For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.  19  "For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God.  20  "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  21  "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."

Justification (just is if I never sinned) is exclusively by faith in Jesus Christ.  If we put ourselves under the law and find ourselves a sinner once again, does that make Christ a minister of sin?  Certainly not!!  For through the law we died to the law that we might live to God.  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  To mix grace and law is to say Christ died in vain!

GRACE AND LAW CANNOT BE MIXED

Galatians 4:22  For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman.  23  But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise,  24  which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar;  25  for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children;  26  but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.  27  For it is written: "Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband.“  28  Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.  29  But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.  30  Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.“  31  So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.

Abraham had two sons one was the son of promise one was birthed by the will of flesh.  Hagar the bondwoman is the earthly Jerusalem and represents the covenant given at Mount Sinai .  This is the law of Moses and if one tries to serve under it receives the bondage that it fosters.

The Jerusalem from above is free represented by Mount Zion !  It is where the child of promise was birthed.  The Jerusalem from above is the mother of us all.  We are the children of promise, like Isaac was; we are free! 

Those children from bondage persecute the children born according to the Spirit.  The Scripture say “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with son of the freewoman.  Brothers and Sisters, we are not children of the bondwoman; we are children that are free!  Law and grace cannot be mixed!

MOUNT CALVARY THE  CROSS

Matthew 26:26  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body.“  27  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  28  "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Jesus' last supper was eating the Passover with his disciples, and with it brought great revelation to the new covenant.  Jesus body and blood was all that the Passover had pointed to, for all those generations between deliverance for the children of Israel from Egypt to Jesus Christ's earthly ministry.   Every time the nation Israel had Passover they were preaching Jesus Christ is the Passover Lamb! The Lamb brings in a better hope with a better covenant.  Jesus said “My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Romans 5:18  Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.  19  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.  20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,  21  so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

BELIEVERS CAN TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST’ OBEDIENCE FOR ABUNDANT LIFE  Through one Man’s righteous act, through one Man’s obedience the righteousness of God has been brought to man.  Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more!!  So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Grace reigns in life!   Live in the abundant life Jesus provides!

Spirit Soul Body The Law The Cross The Covenant of Grace lesson 12

Jesus came with grace and truth. This grace set us free from the law of sin and death so sin could no longer have strength in the believer's life.

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Spirit Soul Body The Law The Cross The Covenant of Grace lesson 12

THE LAW GIVES SIN STRENGTH; THE LAW PRODUCES DEATH

MOUNT SINAI THE LAW

1 Corinthians 15:56  The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

The law stirs up and arouses the sin nature of man.  The law gives strength to sin.  The law is holy and righteous and always will be!  However, the law only exposes sin and gives sin strength; the law cannot impute righteousness nor give life! 

Romans 7:5  For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.

The scriptures are clear the law of Moses applied to the individual gives sin strength!

Hebrews 7:11  Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?  12  For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.  …

When the priesthood changed, at the coming of Jesus, of necessity there is also a changing of the law.  We now have a better covenant established on better promises.

Hebrews 7:18  For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,  19  for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

A life of victory is learning the better hope and living in the covenant of grace to which we draw near to God.

SPIRIT SOUL AND BODY CHART: remember perfected in the spirit, renewal of the soul and the dying to the body

Romans 7:6  But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

When we came to Jesus we were set free from the law.  We are now empowered to live in the newness of the Spirit! 

Romans 7:7  What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."

The law will do it’s intended purpose; expose sin and make it exceedingly sinful.

Romans 7:8  But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead.

Apart from the law sin is dead!  Where there is no law there in no accounting of sin!

Romans 7:9  I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.

Paul begins to give his personal testimony here.  He came to Jesus and found life apart from the law.  Paul was raised under the law and tradition tells us that Paul would have had the first 5 books of the Bible memorized.  It was a very easy thing for Paul to go back to the commandments of the law again.  When he did sin was given strength again.  By his own testimony “sin revived and I died.”

Romans 7:10  And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. 11  For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.

Sin was given strength, Paul ’s own testimony is he was walking in deception.  You may walk under the auspices of the law for awhile; however, sin will gain strength and you will find you can not perform up to the standard of God’s holy law.  Under the law sin gains strength and it will choke the life out of you!

Romans 7:12  Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.  13  Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.

You bring yourself back under the law and it will do what it has always been intended!  Sin will once again gain strength in your life.  Never forget you’re married to Jesus now!

Roman 7:14  For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.  15  For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.

Paul came back under the law and sin gained strength.  The things that he wanted to do he could not do.  The things that he wanted not to do were the things he practiced!  Understanding the truth about the spirit, soul, and body of man will help us bring wholeness so we don’t have to be stuck in the middle of Paul’s testimony.

Romans 7:16  If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.  17  But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

Paul’s revelation of grace begin to kick in.  He began to divide between spirit, soul, and body just as Hebrews 4:12 says the word of God does.  It was not the new man Paul had become at salvation it was the old man.  It was sin that dwells in me.

Romans 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.

We died to flesh when we came to Jesus.  We learned in Romans 6 to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive unto God.  Like Paul we can give sin strength by coming under the performance of the law.  In the flesh nothing good dwells.  Paul had a will to do right but lacked the power to overcome because sin had gained strength once again.

Roman 7:19  For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.  20  Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

Paul now repeats what he already said.  The Holy Spirit yearns for us to get a truth and will repeat the same truth over to bring us to attention.  Paul had a true desire to serve God but while under the auspices of the law he could not practice what he willed and could not stop practicing what he willed not to do.

Romans 7:21  I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.

In his flesh he found a law that was present with him that could not bring deliverance or victory.

Romans 7:22  For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.

On the other hand he had come to delight in the law of God according to the inward man.  The new creation was alive and well at the same time the law dictating to his flesh seemed alive and well also.  Understanding spirit, soul, and body is so important!

Romans 7:23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  24  O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

As a believer have you ever wondered if victory would stop being elusive?  I know I have faith in Jesus why don’t I have victory?  Thank God Paul’s testimony does not stop here!

Romans 7:25  I thank God; through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

Paul said I found victory in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Yes, indeed two laws that seem to be contrary to one another.  But when rightly dividing between spirit soul and body the understanding for victory is unveiled.

Romans 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

First you can believe if you the new man is in you there is right now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus!  Here is the powerful truth that can bring your walk from elusive victory to an experience of victory.  The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.  Yes there are two laws at work, but the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus trumps the law of sin and death!  Free from sin!

Romans 8:9  But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

If you belong to Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus trumps the law of sin and death!  You now belong to God.  The just shall live by faith in the work of the cross of Jesus Christ!  Victory is realized by walking in the covenant you have been birthed into!

Spirit Soul Body The Law the Cross The Covenant of Grace lesson 11

Grace does an eternal work. We have gained access to the holy God by the greatness of the sacrifice of Jesus. He who the Son sets free from sins is free indeed.

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Spirit Soul Body  The Law the Cross The Covenant of Grace lesson 11

THE LAW: Sin sacrifice was temporal and never did a perfecting work in the believer

Hebrews 10:1  For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.  2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins.  3  But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.  4  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

The law was only a shadow of the good things to come; no power for victory in a shadow.  There was always a consciousness of sin!  Every year every worshiper was reminded of sins!  The blood of bulls and goats could not take sins away!

The believer who remains reminded of sin day by day still remains under the auspices of the law.  The sin consciousness keeps them from the victory over sin provided by the grace of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:10  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.“

One cannot pick the portion of the law they want to abide by without bringing all things written in the book of the law.  Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things written in the law; this is for the one bringing themselves under the works of the law.

The cross completed an eternal work

Hebrews 10:12  But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,

Jesus provided one sacrifice forever!  Behold the Lamb of God who takes the sin away!

Hebrews 1:3  He is the  express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Jesus by Himself purged our sins, and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high!

Hebrews 7:19  for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

The law could not bring perfection; God had a better covenant in mind to bring us near!

Hebrews 9:12  Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

… 24  For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;  25  not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another;  26  He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.  27  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,  28  so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Jesus with His own blood obtained eternal redemption!  Jesus appeared in the presence of God for us!  Jesus put sin away by the sacrifice of Himself!  Jesus bore our sin so we don’t have to!

Grace’s sin sacrifice brings eternal consequence to the believer

Hebrews 7:24  But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.        25  Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

JESUS our High Priest saves to the uttermost, always making intercession for us!

Hebrews 10:10  By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  … 14  For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

We have been sanctified once for all by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ … by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.  Our identity needs to come from the word of God itself!  You are who God says you are! This is truth of our spirits

Romans 4:3  For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.“  4  Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.  5  But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,

If righteousness is of works it is no longer by grace we are saved.  Our faith in Jesus Christ the Messiah is accounted for righteousness!

LIMITED ACCESS TO GOD THROUGH THE LAW

Hebrews 9:1  Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.  2  For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; 3  and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, 4  which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;  5  and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

6  Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services.7  But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance;  8  the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing.  9  It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience; 

The old testament saints had no access to the presence of God.  Once a year their high priest went into the Most Holy Place .  Access to God was limited to say the least!

When Jesus Died On the Cross the Veil of Separation Was Torn In Two

Mark 15:37  And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.  38  Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 

The work of the cross tore the veil in the Most Holy Place ; access is now granted!

Hebrews 9:10  concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.  11  But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.

Jesus came and brought the reformation that set us free from the law; however it is not just what we have been set free from!  We have been set free into the presence of God!

Hebrews 6:19  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,  20  where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus was our forerunner into the presence of God; the Father is expecting you!

ACCESS INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD HAS BEEN GRANTED ; MOUNT ZION   THE COVENANT OF GRACE

Romans 5:1  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

When the object of your faith is in Jesus Christ access has been granted into divine influence; the blood of the cross has brought us peace with God!

Ephesians 2:18  For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.  19  Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

The access to the Father is so great we are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.  You now belong in the household of God; come on in!

Hebrews 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  15  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  16  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hold on to your confession of faith toward Jesus Christ.  It is your invitation to come boldly into the throne of grace; come in your hour of weakness and time of need.

Romans 5:8  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  10  For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Romans 5 is the much more chapters.  If God would die for you while you were sinners there is a much more truth to be applied.  Now that you have been justified by His blood you shall be saved from wrath through Him!!  Much more being reconciled we shall be saved by His life!!

Romans 5:17  For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

THE LAW OFFERED NO FREEDOM FROM SIN

Hebrews 10:4  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.  5  Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me.  6  In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.  7  Then I said, 'Behold, I have come; In the volume of the book it is written of Me; To do Your will, O God.'“  8  Previously saying, "Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the law),

MOUNT SINAI THE LAW

The blood of  bulls and goats could take away sins.  In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin God had no pleasure.  All the sacrifices and offering pointed to the Lamb of God that was to come that actually dealt with sin.  The animal sacrifices only did a temporary work sanctifying the flesh of the worshipper and needed repeated over and over.

Hebrews 9:13  For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh,…

JESUS SOUL WAS AN OFFERING FOR SIN; THE FATHER WAS SATISFIED   

MOUNT CALVARY THE  CROSS

Isaiah 53:10  Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.  11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.  12  Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

The sacrifice of Jesus' body on the cross appeased our Holy Father.  It pleased the Father’s holiness and justice; the separation between God and Man had a bases for reconciliation.  The lamb of God was so great that there will never be a need for another sacrifice for sin.  Jesus as the sacrifice brings freedom from sin for true believers. 

1 Peter 1:18  knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,19  but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

JESUS CAME SAVING PEOPLE FROM THEIR SIN. HE WHO THE SON SET FREE… MOUNT ZION THE COVENANT OF GRACE

John 8:31  Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  32  "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.“  33  They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?“  34  Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  35  "And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  36  "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Romans 6:4  Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5  For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,  6  knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.  7  For he who has died has been freed from sin.  8  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,  9  knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.  10  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  11  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

When we came to Jesus, we died to sin; it is a one time deal.  Like Jesus died to sin once for all, we reckon ourselves dead to sin; it is indeed a faith issue!  FREE AT LAST