Paul shows the futility of trying to please God in the flesh

Ever tried to be good by following the rules, in your own strength? Paul shares from his own experience, why that strategy fails:The law ALERTED me to my sin.The law AROUSED sin in me.Then sin, ATTACKED me from the law.finally, sin ASSASSINATED me with the law.the good news? My death, in Christ ANNULLED my marriage to the law, and now, I'm married to Christ.

Is the occasional pet sin ok, in the life of a Christian? An outline of Paul's teaching:Principle: Obedience produces slaveryfor the Christian: Ownership problem solvednow, here's an: Ongoing "present' strategy.....

Christian, you are dead to your old master, sin. Now it's time to report for duty to your new Master, God.

Are you living the abundant life Jesus promised? Overcoming sin, making progress toward holiness? or are you on a treadmill in an area of your life? You sin, He forgives, You sin, He forgives, no progress? Is that the abundant Christian Life promised? Or is there power to overcome sin available to us? This message discusses baptism as a way to RECKON ourselves dead to sin, and alive to God, as Paul describes us.

at the end of Romans 5, Paul reminds us- God's grace overrules our sin. In 6:1, Paul says 'So what next?'. Is the Christian life ONLY about being forgiven? Or is there power to change?

application and review of this message

Paul compares the 'ministry' of Adam, rebellion, with the ministry of Jesus. He reconciled us to God.

Paul reminds us of God's great love for us: While we were still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly- you and me.

Paul's laundry list of benefits that are ours, just because we are justified. (Just as if we'd never sinned)