Romans

Faithfulness applies to so many areas of our lives: how we live, our areas of responsibility or serving, etc. So, preparing to lead this next Bible Study series on Romans can be seen as part of the race. There are challenges - other things in life that compete for our time and energies, feelings of inadequacy, trying to make sure the Word is handled accurately, and so forth. Not to mention that there is so much in the Book the Romans, some of it hard to hear or difficult to understand.

So far, in the first couple of chapters, there is a clear definition of the gospel ("the power of God for salvation"); a clear view of the darkness of sin in the life of man; and the justice of God's judgment. Who wants to contemplate sin and judgment? But, looking around us, isn't it clear that we actually need to? Wouldn't a clear view of our weaknesses and tendencies, along with the reminder of the terrible consequences of sin, help us to try to avoid it all more? And for those of us who know God, remembering His kindness and patience should motivate us to repentance as well.

In the study so far, it has been clear that sin is that which is contrary to God's nature; and reminds me that committing a sin is based on a belief in a lie. Throughout the passage, there is this clear conflict against the TRUTH.