Preface to the Christ Powered Life (Romans 5-8)
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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Many Christians understand what it means to be saved from
sin through Christ's death -- a product of God's grace rather than by our own
efforts. What we don't often understand is how this affects our battle with
sinful behavior.
From church we hear mixed
messages. Nobody is perfect. You'll sin; deal with it. At the same time we hear
a call to holiness and righteousness. The result is frustration and
discouragement. Where's the balance? Where's the power?
When Paul wrote his Epistle
to the Roman church, Rome was a great city, but corrupt -- not an environment
conducive to genuine Christian living. A third of the population were slaves,
with little control over their lives. How could they live for Christ
with integrity in their circumstances? Can Christ really empower our lives?
That's the central question.
But Romans 5-8 has some glowing, top-of-the-world passages.
But frankly, some parts are hard to understand
or may on the surface seem irrelevant.
However, it contains a powerful message. When we finally
"get it," the concepts have great power to propel us along our
Christian journey. The gain is definitely worth the work and prayer it will
take to understand, to grasp and incorporate these truths into our lives.
To help you see where we're headed, I've tried to articulate the
Big
Concept for each lesson and include it up front. I realize that the lessons may
seem a bit pedantic, since I include definitions of all the important Greek
words, and even more in the footnotes. But I feel that having a precise
understanding of the words is essential to an accurate grasp of Paul's message.
I've also included Key Verses. Most of these are so central
to our understanding of God's Word that they are well worth committing to
memory. In the appendix I've included a
list of hymns and songs based on
passages in Romans 5-8 for those teaching this passage in a worship context.
I've also included
participant handouts for those using this study in a class
or small group context.
I count it an honor to help guide your understanding of
these core chapters of what many believe is Paul's greatest epistle. But don't
rely on me. I encourage you to pause right now and ask the Holy Spirit to guide
you into all truth, to illuminate the eyes of your heart, to do a fresh work in
you. And he will!
Father, I pray that all who study these chapters may
experience the blessing of spiritual fruit in their lives. Change us, O God.
And help us take hold of the energy source you've given us to live the Christ
Powered Life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Yours in Christ's service,
Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Loomis, California
August 15, 2008
Christ Powered Life
- Romans 5-8
Copyright © 1985-2009 Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor
joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.
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