After contrasting the “old man” and the “new man” in Romans 6, Paul calls us to consider which one is truly reigning in our lives. As we look at the difference between being enslaved to our sin and being made righteous in Christ, we’re called to actively resist that which seeks to destroy us and pursue who God wants us to be.

Know, reckon, yield – Paul repeats these words in Romans 6 to make a powerful point about dealing with sin. As we explore these concepts, we learn what it means to be dead to sin and alive in Christ and discover the freedom that comes from living under grace instead of the bondage of sin.

In the first half of Romans 5, Paul continues his message on justification by outlining seven blessings that come from being made right with God. In the second half of the chapter, he contrasts Adam and Jesus, showing how one man’s sin brought disobedience and death to all but how Jesus offers righteousness and life through His grace.

If anyone knew a thing or two about experiencing trials and tribulations, it was the Apostle Paul. Yet in Romans 5:3-6, he declares that he rejoices in suffering because of what it produces. Paul’s perspective helps us see trials not as setbacks but as part of God’s process to shape us into vessels He can use for His glory.

Paul explains the doctrine of imputed righteousness in Romans 4 by pointing back to the Old Testament and the example we find in Abraham. We follow Paul’s line of reasoning by also jumping back to Genesis, where we gradually uncover what Abraham did to be declared righteous and discover how we, too, can obtain this righteousness through Jesus.

Paul introduces three major theological terms in Romans 3:23-26 as he shares the Good News of Jesus Christ. As we define justification, redemption, and propitiation, we see how these doctrines collectively reveal the complete picture of our salvation through Jesus Christ.

Paul is unmistakably clear in Romans 3 as he declares we are all sinners, deserving of judgment, and unable to earn salvation by following the law or doing good works. So then, how can one be saved? Fortunately, Paul also gives us the answer as he proclaims the good news of salvation by grace through faith, freely offered to all through the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

In Romans 3:1-4, Paul poses a question: Do the Jews still have significance as God’s chosen people now that Christ has come? As we examine the history of the Jewish nation – from the time of Abraham to the present day – we see God’s continual plan for the Jews as His people, their land, and, most importantly, their connection to Jesus Christ.

In Romans 2, Paul zeroes in on a very prevalent and stealthy sin that tries to disguise itself as a virtue but is just as damaging and deserving of wrath as any other sin. As we see how self-righteousness manifests in our lives, we learn why God views it so seriously and what we should cultivate in its place.

In Romans 2:25-29, Paul cautions the Romans not to get caught up in religious rituals and miss God’s original intention, and even worse, miss Jesus Himself. As we look at how relics, traditions, and symbols have been misused throughout history, we’re reminded to turn from empty religious practices and focus on what God actually calls us to in His Word.