Paul continues to explain the privileges of living in the Spirit. In light of God’s power available to us we are under obligation to live according to the Spirit. Being under obligation shows that we have a role in our sanctification but we also know we’re never without the Spirit’s leading and our Father’s presence […]
Paul uses truths from the whole of his argument in Chapters 5-7 to launch into one of the greatest and most encouraging sections of scripture in all the Bible. He celebrates our privileges and responsibilities in light of our justification by faith and life in the Spirit. We both live in Christ and have Christ’s […]
This is one of the most well-known and controversial portions of Romans. Second only to perhaps Romans 9, there is more disagreement on the meaning of these verses than in any other text in the book. The controversy stems from different interpretations of who Paul refers to here. He relates what appears to be his […]
After making the case that where sin increased, grace abounded even more, Paul now clarifies that abundant grace doesn’t give the believer license to sin. We don’t sin so that grace may abound. The believer has died to sin through Christ and now lives with Christ in freedom from sin, how then can he live […]
God condemns Israel for the fifth time. He again brings up their offerings and sacrifices but instead of rebuking them for the quality of what they bring He disputes the quantity. Under Mosaic Law the Israelites are to bring a tithe (10%) of all they produce and receive to the temple. This supports the work […]
This text outlines God’s fourth condemnation of the people. God tells the Israelites they dishonor Him with how they speak about Him and with their perverted view of evil and justice. The people not only have a lackluster view of worship and faithfulness, they have a lackluster perspective on judgment. Since evil does not appear […]
The tone of the book changes somewhat beginning in verse 10 of Chapter 2. Instead of God speaking in the first person as He did in 1:6 through 2:9, Malachi now speaks on God’s behalf. And instead of addressing only the priests he seems to speak to all the people. Malachi condemns the people for […]
