Paul is telling us in this chapter to make sure our actions and our motives are right. Why are we doing things that make following Jesus harder than Jesus intended?

We look for loopholes on when we don't have to follow the rules or when it's ok to disobey those in authority. But Paul here is telling us it's not about the exception, it's about the rule. He's focusing on the relationship and the love for neighbor in these verses.

A favorite verse from someone who meant a lot to me. How is your worship going?

Why is the world the way it is? Paul addresses this question and when we put the chapter together we see the solution to change the world around us.

Paul draws the distinction between followers of God and people say they're followers of God. There needs to be some form of life change in order for this to be real.

Paul draws a very clear line on what the gospel is and what it is not.

God is the source of salvation. We are not.

Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the law now we have absolute confidence in faith and life.

Paul talks about the human condition. We like to get as close to boundaries as possible to see how much we can get away with. That's the case when the law is the motivator, but when the gospel (or relationship) is the motivation we don't push the limits as much.

Paul reminds us why he does what he does in a way that brings excitement and energy to our confession of faith.