After finishing last week's lesson, I was very thankful for a God who provides all I need to be righteous in His presence. Paul starts this next chapter in all of my Bible translations with the word "therefore". The last words in chapter 4 are "our justification". He will use chapter 5 to explain what those words mean.

Paul left us at the end of the last chapter with the knowledge that we are all in the same boat. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That truth leaves little room for pride and bragging. Paul has stated his case--now he is going to prove his case using the Old Testament.

Last week we discovered how revolutionary Paul’s teaching was to the Jewish Christians. Their confidence had been in their lineage, sign of circumcision, and obedience to the Law. He blew all their perceived ideas of their right standing before God right out of the water. Only someone guided by the Holy Spirit does this.

Salvation has 3 facets. Allowing us freedom from the penalties of past sins. In the present salvation from the power of sin in daily life. And in the future salvation in heaven from the actual presence of sin. This salvation comes to anyone who believes in the gospel of Christ and what He did on the cross.

A week ago we learned a bit about Paul, the author of this book. He was raised a Jew, full of knowledge and zeal for God. That zeal birth in him a hatred for the believers in Jesus, and it caused him to set out with murderous intentions toward the followers of the Way. Then Jesus got ahold of him, and wouldn’t let go.

The disciples in vs. 29 say they realize Jesus is speaking to them plainly, not in proverbs. By verse 32 they say they know He is from God.

Go back to the answer on last week's question 13--that is our jumping off point. Read verses 15:1-17.

We were able to witness a very precious scene last week. Jesus' hour had come. We are in the upper room.

We ended last week with Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Psalm 118:25-26 predicted this entry. The people hoped this king would end the Roman rule. It looked like the world was following Jesus.