OC Bereans

Gentlemen,

During last night’s study, we learned from the Scottish commentator, William Barclay, about the significance of this passage of Scripture:

“There is no passage of the New Testament which has had such an influence on theology as this passage … “

He went on to summarize these ten verses:

“By the sin of Adam all men became sinners and were alienated from God; by the righteousness of Jesus Christ all men become righteous and are restored to a right relationship with God.” (see 1 Corinthians 15:21)

We learned that justification does not make a person righteous.  It means that before God’s holy court, a lost sinner is now declared righteous, but his heart has not been changed.  God also has a plan in salvation whereby He not only declares a sinner righteous, but He is also going to make a sinner righteous.  God provides a way for a sinner to grow in grace and become sanctified (set apart) for God.  From this passage, through chapter 8, Paul details this ongoing, daily process of sanctification.  Finally, upon our physical death, or His return, we then enter the state of glorification … may He hasten His return!

We also discussed in detail at least four ways in which we are sinners:

1. We are sinners by nature.
2. We are in a state of sin.  God has declared the entire human family under sin.
3. We are sinners by imputation (Romans 5:13).
4. We commit acts of sin.

There are nine, separate words for sin in the New Testament.  Paul employs three of them in this chapter:

• hamarti’a = to miss the mark (vv. 8, 12, 13, 14, 16, 21)
• para’ptoma (transgression) = a falling alongside, or a deviation from the right path (vv. 15, 16, 17, 18, 20)
• parakoe’ (disobedience) = to hear alongside, or a failing to hear, to hear amiss; or inattentive or careless hearing; therefore, failing to listen when God is speaking (v. 19; cf., Jeremiah 11:10)

We concluded last night’s study by answering the question:  “What was God’s original intention for the Law?”

The Law was never intended to provide salvation, but to convince people of their need for it; to eliminate any ability of man to rationalize away his sin nature.  We itemized six reasons:

1. To point out and magnify sin
2. To make men more aware of sin
3. To give men a greater knowledge of sin
4. To stir more conviction over sin
5. To increase the fact and awareness of sin more and more
6. To make men more responsible for their sin

Finally, I added to the “Media Drop Box” the handout on “Why Do Christians Have Trials?”

Roc is hosting a Memorial Day barbecue at his new home so we can pray over the house … we start at 5 pm!  Directions will be emailed to you.

See you there and then!

~ tr