Romans: WEEKEND RECHARGE!

THIS WEEK’S DAILY DEVO OVERVIEW: ROMANS 5:1—6:23

Romans 5:1-5: From Peace to Hope

Through faith in Jesus, we are justified and now have lasting peace with God—something we don't work to earn but are invited to enjoy (Rom. 5:1-2a).
Our future with God is secure, and today we live with that unshakable hope—the certainty of sharing in God’s glory because of what Christ has done (Rom. 5:2b).
Suffering is not wasted; it produces endurance, character (strength forged through trials), and hope anchored in God’s love through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:3-5).

Romans 5:6-11: Loved at Our Worst

God's love is neither reactive nor conditional. The extent of God’s love was demonstrated through the sacrificial death of Christ while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:6-8).
We are justified by the blood (or death) of Jesus, meaning we are declared “Not guilty!” and given his righteousness (Rom. 5:9).
Once enemies, we are now reconciled to God through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 5:10-11).

Romans 5:12-21: Adam’s Fall. Christ’s Victory.

Through Adam's disobedience, sin and death entered the world and spread to everyone. This is the doctrine of original sin: we are born into a fallen state, not just because we sin, but because we are sinners by nature (Rom. 5:12-14).
Jesus is the “second Adam,” whose obedience provides justification, righteousness, and eternal life. What Adam broke, Christ restores. Grace is greater than sin, and life in Christ surpasses death in Adam (Rom. 5:15-17).
When we place our faith in Jesus, we are no longer defined by Adam’s fall but by Christ’s righteousness. Our new identity isn’t based on our past or how well we perform, but on his obedience and abundant grace (Rom. 5:18-21).

Romans 6:1-14: Unplugged!

God has disconnected our hearts from the power source of sin and connected us to the life of Jesus. This union transforms our identity and allows us to live in the "newness of life" (Rom. 6:1-5).
Our sinful nature was crucified with Christ. It still calls out, but it no longer controls us. We have been set free from sin’s domination (Rom. 6:6-8).
We now serve a new master—Jesus. We are alive in him and must choose daily to present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:9-14).

Romans 6:15-23: Set Apart!

Paul refutes the false idea that grace allows for occasional sin. Whether it’s habitual or just one time, sin can still enslave us. In Christ, we are called to live in freedom — not to indulge in sin but to walk in righteousness (Rom. 6:15-18).
We are either slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness. There is no neutral ground. What we choose to obey determines who we become — either leading to death or sanctification and life (Rom. 6:19-20).
Having been set free from sin, believers are empowered to live out their new identity. Sanctification isn’t about earning God’s favor but rather reflecting the transformation he has already started (Rom. 6:21-23).

HOPE: FIVE OBSERVATIONS

Hope is a confident waiting (not wishing) for something that has not yet occurred (Rom. 8:24-25).
Hope grows through God’s work in our lives (Rom. 5:2-4).

Suffering—distress brought on by outward circumstances
Perseverance—endurance, fortitude, steadfastness
Character—moral strength, discipline
Hope—certain confidence in the promises of God
Hope (certain confidence in God’s promises) never disappoints (Rom. 5:5).

To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame (Ps. 22:5).
No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame… (Ps. 25:3 NIV).
Hope is based on the gift of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5).

See also: Eph 1:13-14; 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; Titus 3:5-7
Hope is developed by reading God’s Word (Rom. 15:4).