Read Romans 8:31-39

 

   Paul says that Jesus is pleading for us in heaven. God has acquitted us and has removed our sin and guilt, so it is Satan, not God, who accuses us. When he does, Jesus, our advocate, sits at God’s right hand to present our case (Hebrews 4). 
Do you ever think that because you aren’t good enough for God, He will not save you? Do you ever feel as if salvation is for everyone else but you? Then these verses are especially for you. If God gave His Son for you, He isn’t going to hold back the gift of salvation. If Christ gave His life for you, He isn’t going to turn around and condemn you. He will not withhold anything you need to live for Him. The book of Romans is more than a theological explanation of God’s redeeming grace: it is a letter of comfort and confidence addressed to you. 

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Read Romans 8:18-30

 

   Sin has caused all creation to fall from the perfect state in which God created it. The world is in bondage to death and decay so that it cannot fulfill its intended purpose. One day all creation will be liberated and transformed. Until that time it waits in eager expectation for the resurrection of God’s children. 

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Read Romans 8:1-17

 

   “Not guilty; let him/her go free.” What would those words mean to you if you were on death row? The fact is that the whole human race is on death row, justly condemned for repeatedly breaking God’s holy law. Without Jesus we would have no hope at all. But thank God! He has declared us not guilty and has offered us freedom from sin and power to do His will. 

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Read Romans 7:14-25

 

   “Sold under sin” may be a reference to the old nature that seeks to rebel and be independent of God. If I, being a Christian, try to struggle with sin in my own strength, I will slip into the grasp of sin’s power. 

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Read Romans 7:7-13

 

   Where there is no law, there is no sin, because people cannot know that their actions are sinful unless a law forbids those actions. God’s law makes people realize that they are sinners doomed to die, yet if offers no help. Sin is real, and it is dangerous. Imagine a sunny day at the beach. You plunge into the surf; then you notice a sign on the pier: “No swimming. Sharks.” Your day is ruined. Is it the sign’s fault? Are you angry with the people who put it up? The law is like the sign. It is essential, and we are grateful for it: but it doesn’t get rid of the sharks. 

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