Daily Devotion

Romans is truly a theological textbook. Paul explains the transforming power of the gospel (Rom. 1:1-17), the problem of sin (Rom. 1:18-3:20), the remedy for sin (Rom. 3:21-5:21), and how to grow in our walk with Jesus (Rom. 6:1-8:39). The section on "Christian growth" in Paul's letter is where we currently are. 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian imprisoned by the Nazi regime during World War II for speaking out against the persecution and murder of Jews. Arrested at his parents' house on April 5, 1943, and charged with high treason, he was executed two years later. His death occurred just twenty-three days before Germany surrendered. 

For generations, the people of Israel followed the Mosaic law. This law was the foundation for their community life and honoring God, including commandments such as "don’t commit murder," "don’t steal from one another," "don’t covet your neighbor’s wife," and "worship no other god but the Lord God." 

Every believer has two conflicting natures. Our human nature, created to reflect God's character (Gen. 1:26-27), has been corrupted by sin (Gen. 3). As a result, the human nature, or “sin nature,” now acts in rebellion against God. However, when we trust in Jesus, we receive a new nature; we become a new creation. Now alive in Christ, we have the desire and ability to respond to God. Yet, the sin nature is not eradicated.

Weekend Recharge

Weekend Recharge

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he addresses humanity’s problem with sin (Rom. 1:18-3:20) and the way to salvation through Jesus (Rom. 3:21-5:21). Beginning in Romans 6, Paul emphasizes how to grow in our walk with Jesus.

Romans 6 marks a new focus in Paul’s message. In chapters 6-8, Paul emphasizes understanding and living out the new life that Jesus provides. 

Romans is indeed the “very purest gospel” and deserves our repeated study. In this letter, Paul explains why every person needs Jesus and what Jesus did to provide eternal salvation to all who believe.