By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]

1:18-23   Prayer

2:1-3   Trapped: 1) course of this world, 2) prince of the power of the air, and 3) lusts of our flesh and minds. Romans 3:9-18

3   “Lusts of the flesh” are the longings and impulses of the self-centered life, Romans 8:4-9; Galatians 5:16-21. Selfishness is not limited to the emotions but embrace intellect and reasoning processes as well.

Unbelievers are subject to the wrath of God (Romans 3:19; Ephesians 5:5-6; Colossians 3:5-6;

4-5   God’s mercy, love, and grace are the only possible way out for those who are totally unworthy and undeserving. “Us” relates back to 1:1, the faithful saints (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10).

6   We were raised up with him and seated with Him in the spiritual realm.  Ephesians 1:19-21   We are in Christ, empowered by him to be like him.

Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38; 1 John 3:8; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14; Matthew 28:18

Colossians 1:13; 1 John 4:4; Romans 8:37

7   The crowning display of God’s grace 1:10, 11; 3:11

8   Romans 3:20-22; Galatians 2:16; 1 Peter 1:5

10   We were created for good works – Ephesians 4:24; John 14:12; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:4; Colossians 3:10; Genesis 1:26-27