Bible Study Intensive

Week 9 and 10: My ESV Study Bible titles this "life in the Spirit". My English Standard titles it "The power of Sanctification: the question of living." Holman Christian Standard is "Life-Giving Spirit". These 39 verses begin with 'no condemnation' and end with 'no separation'. Does it get any better than this?

My ESV Study Bible titles this "life in the Spirit". My English Standard titles it "The power of Sanctification: the question of living." Holman Christian Standard is "Life-Giving Spirit". These 39 verses begin with 'no condemnation' and end with 'no separation'. Does it get any better than this?

This is one of the best known chapters in the Word of God. Last week, Paul answered those Christians who thought because they were under God's grace, they could live as they please. (License). In this chapter, he is going to talk to the opposite group who say, "We must live under the law if we are to pleas god." (Legalism). Oh boy! This chapter hits me where I live!

I thought more than once about the statement, "You cannot help 'being in Adam' for this came by your first birth over which you had no control. But you can help staying 'in Adam', for you can experience a second birth--a new birth above above--that will put you in Christ."

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.