Romans 4
No boasting allowedverses 1-3
What shall we say then that Abraham our father
as pertaining to the flesh hath found?
FOR if Abraham were JUSTIFIED by works
he hath whereof to glory
but not before God
FOR what say the scripture? Abraham believed God
and it was counted unto him for righteousness
David declared righteous without worksverses 4-8
Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace
but of debt
but to him that works not
but believes on HIM that JUSTIFIES the ungodly
his faith is counted for righteousness
Even as David also described the blessedness of the man
unto whom God imputed righteousness without works
saying
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven
and whose sins are covered
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin
Abraham declared righteous before circumcisionverses 9-12
Come this blessedness then upon the circumcision only
or upon the uncircumcision also?
FOR we say that faith was reckoned
to Abraham for righteousness
How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision
or in uncircumcision?
Not in circumcision
BUT in uncircumcision
AND he received the sign of circumcision
a seal of the righteousness of the faith
which he had yet being uncircumcised
that he might be the father of all them
that believe though they
be not circumcised
that righteousness might be imputed
unto them also
AND the father of circumcision to them
who are not of the circumcision only
but who also walk in the steps of that faith
of our father Abraham
which he had being yet uncircumcised
Promise based on faith aloneverses 13-17
FOR the promise – that he should be the heir of the world
was not to Abraham or to his seed – through the law
BUT through the righteousness of faith
FOR if they which are of the law be heirs – faith is made void
and the promise made of none effect
BECAUSE the law works wrath
FOR where no law is
there is no transgression
THEREFORE it is of faith – that it might be by grace
to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed
not to that only which is of the law
but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham
who is the father of us all (As it is written
I have made you a father of many nations)
before HIM WHOM he believed even God
WHO quickened the dead – and called those things
which be not as though they were
Abraham believed God could keep HIS promisesverses 18-21
Who against hope believed in hope
that he might become the father of many nations
according to that which was spoken
So shall thy seed be
AND being not weak in faith
he considered not his own body now dead
when he was about an hundred years old
neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb
he staggered not at the promise of God
through unbelief
BUT was strong in faith – giving glory to God
AND being fully persuaded – that what HE had promised
HE was able also to perform
Justification through Christ aloneverses 22-25
AND therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness
now it was not written for his sake alone
that it was imputed to him
BUT for us also – to whom it shall be imputed
if we believe on HIM that raised up
Jesus our Lord from the dead
WHO was delivered for our offenses
and was raised again for our JUSTIFICATION
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 3 For what says the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness. (3049 “counted” [logizomai] means to take an inventory, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose or to pass to one’s account)
DEVOTION: Is “trust” a work? Does “trust” or “belief” require us to work? It is an attitude that we have to have in order for God to impute righteousness on us.
Abraham “trusted” or “believed” the promise that God gave him. God had promised that through him all the nations of the earth would be blessed. We now know that the blessing was the coming of Jesus Christ to shed HIS blood for the remission of sins for both the Jews and the Gentiles. However, at the time Abraham was an hundred years old and his wife was ninety. They didn’t have any children yet. He considered his body dead. He considered Sarah’s body dead. Yet he “trusted” or “believed” in the promise of God.
That act was credited to his account as righteousness. He was a believer in the promise. The Jews took circumcision as a sign of faith. They thought because Abraham was circumcised that was what provided salvation. Paul tells the Jews that that is not the case. Abraham was declared righteous BEFORE he was circumcised. Circumcision had nothing to do with his salvation. It was his “trust.”
One commentary states an example of an individual drowning and he lifts up his hand above the water. It is not a work but a “trust” that the person above him will reach out and grab his hand and save him from drowning. It is a step of faith.
God is the one who puts on our account “righteousness” because of Jesus’ death on the cross. Our salvation is not based on any works we do but on the work of Christ alone.
This word is used eleven times in this chapter. The two examples that are given in this chapter are Abraham and David. Abraham was not yet circumcised when he had faith in God. Because his faith was manifest before circumcision, circumcision is not necessary for faith. Belief in God is necessary.
Abraham set the example for us to follow. Abraham had to trust that God could give him a seed to have a family of faith. We are part of the family of faith. We are not all Jewish but we are all part of the family of faith. Our righteousness is based on the blood of Jesus. When we believe we are counting on the blood of Christ to give us a proper standing with God. Abraham was looking forward to the sacrifice of Christ. We are looking back to that sacrifice.
We have our names written in the book of life based solely on the finished work of Christ. Let’s get the message out to those we care about. That is one of the steps of faith: obedience to the command to reach our world. It is not a work that saves us but it shows that we are saved. Our works after salvation are a “thank you” note to God.
CHALLENGE: Salvation is not gained by our works. Our works are a manifestation of Christ working in us. We are to bring glory to God by our actions.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 6 Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, to whom God imputes righteousness without works. (2041 “works” [ergon] means act, workmanship, deed, labor, undertaking, activity, action, or task)
DEVOTION: David was king of Israel. He stated that it was good that men were blessed by God not because of their works but in spite of their works.
David was noted for murder and committing adultery. He confessed his sin and knew that the LORD had forgiven him for his sin. There were consequences for his actions but they were not eternal consequences. He asked for forgiveness and the LORD gave it to him.
This was not based on his own righteousness but the righteousness given to him as a gift from God. He didn’t earn it but God in grace gave it to him.
David had faith in God to forgive and re-establish a relationship with him. He trusted in the LORD to help him through any difficulty in his life. He believed that God loved him in spite of his sinful nature.
He could not do any labor or activity that would earn him a proper relationship with God. He did serve the LORD with his actions but that didn’t earn him his righteousness. He was right with God by a simple act of God giving it to him.
We are blessed because God gives us the same gift because of HIS Son dying on the cross for our sins. It is not something we can earn but we have to simply trust in the LORD by faith that HE will give us righteousness because we realize nothing we do can earn it. We accept it by faith.
CHALLENGE: Our works are always an expression of gratitude for what HE has already given us because of the works of HIS Son. We want to serve SOMEONE who has given us so much that we don’t deserve.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 10 How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision but in uncircumcision. (3049 “reckoned” [logizomai] means to be or become attributed or reckoned as an asset in someone’s financial account, to put into one’s account, hold a view, compute, calculate, conclude, or to ponder)
DEVOTION: The Jewish people looked to circumcision as a sign from God that they were HIS special people. God gave this practice of circumcision to Abraham to show other nations this special relationship.
God counted or reckoned or imputed Abraham with righteousness before HE gave him the sign of circumcision. So it wasn’t the sign of circumcision that earned him the right to have a good relationship with God it was to prove that there was a relationship.
In the days of Jesus and Paul the Jewish leaders thought that because they were circumcised they were going to heaven when they died. Paul made it plain that being circumcised didn’t get them into heaven. God was more concerned with their heart being circumcised in relationship to sin.
No human work like circumcision for the Jews or baptism for believers was going to get them into heaven. There are people today who think because they are baptized they are going to heaven. That is not true.
Only faith in Jesus Christ will give individuals the privilege of the promise of heaven. Not giving money to the church. Not doing door to door visitation. Not ushering in every worship service. Not being baptized.
God wants us to serve HIM as our thanks offering to HIM, not to earn our salvation. Too often like the Jews we think that we are better than others because of our service to the LORD but in reality we are doing it for the wrong motive if this is our thinking.
CHALLENGE: Serve the LORD with gladness because you love HIM.
: 21 And being fully persuaded that, what HE had promised, HE was able to perform. (4135 “persuaded” [plerophoreo] means convince fully, to be completely confident and certain of something, to be absolutely sure, complete certainty, to fill, or to give full proof of anything)
DEVOTION: Abraham was past his prime and Sarah was well past the age of childbearing. She heard God promise that she was going to have a baby the following year. Her reaction was to laugh. That is why the baby was named Isaac because it means laughter.
Abraham didn’t laugh at the promise of God. He believed that God was able to do anything. He even believed later that God could raise his son Isaac from the dead if he killed him in sacrifice to the LORD.
He had faith that God would do whatever HE said HE would do. He didn’t just believe but this verse states that he was fully convinced. He had no doubt.
Today we find that many people who claim to be believers don’t study the Bible to find out what God had promised them if they are faithful to their service to HIM.
There are many promises given that God is going to do in spite of some believer’s lack of faith. HE has promised us a mansion in heaven when we die. HE is going to keep that promise. HE has promised to never leave us or forsake us and HE is going to keep that promise. There are many other promises that we can find in the New Testament.
We have to believe that HE can and will keep HIS promises to us. It is not a name it and claim it occasion. It is a time to trust in HIM to give us what HE believes will help us grow closer to HIM.
CHALLENGE: HE wants us to trust HIM enough to believe that HE will give us all that we need to serve HIM with gladness.
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Abraham verses 1-25
Scripture verse 3
David verses 6-8
Law verses 13-16
As it is written verses 17, 23
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
God verses 2, 3, 6, 17, 20
Lord verse 8
Wrath of God verse 15
Quickened the dead verse 17
Creator verse 17
Promise of God verse 20
Glory to God verse 20
Raised up Jesus verse 24
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Jesus verse 24
Resurrection verses 24, 25
Lord verse 24
Jesus our Lord verse 24
Delivered for our offences verse 25
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Uncircumcision verses 9-12
World verse 13
Nations verses 17, 18
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Justified by works verse 2
Ungodly verse 5
Iniquities verse 7
Sins verses 7, 8
Transgression verse 15
Unbelief verse 20
Offences verse 25
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Justified verse 2, 5
Believed verses 3, 5, 11, 17, 18, 24
Righteousness verses 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 22
Reckoned verses 4, 9, 10
Grace verses 4, 16
Reckoned of Grace verse 4
Faith verses 5, 9, 11, 14-16, 19, 20
Counted verses 3, 5
Impute verse 6, 8, 11, 22-24
Blessed verses 7-9
Forgiven verse 7
Sins are covered verse 7
Not impute sin verse 8
Reckoned verses 9, 10
Imputed verse 11
Steps of faith verse 12
Heir verses 13, 14
Promise verses 14, 16
Hope verse 18
Fully persuaded verse 21
Justification verse 25
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Abraham verse 1-3, 9, 11-13, 16, 21
Father of all them that believe
Father of circumcision
Promise
Heir of the world
Faith of Abraham
Father of us all
Father of many nations
Seed
Not weak in faith
Strong in faith
Giving glory to God
Fully persuaded
God fully able to perform promise
Righteousness imputed
David verses 6-8
Circumcision verses 9-11
Seal of righteousness of the faith
Sarah’s womb verse 19
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
Faith is helplessness reaching out in total dependence upon God. (Mounce, R. H. (1995). Vol. 27: Romans. The New American Commentary (127). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
The church of Jesus Christ is in desperate need of those who will insist that God is able to bring to pass anything that is consistent with his nature and in concert with his redemptive purposes. (Mounce, R. H. (1995). Vol. 27: Romans. The New American Commentary (130). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
Abraham faced the fact that he and Sarah were beyond the age of bearing children, yet he never wavered in his confidence in the promise of God (v. 20). It is true that he fell to the ground in laughter at the idea of bearing a son at his age (Gen 17:17), but that did not qualify as a departure from faith. God does not expect us to blandly assume the miraculous. The idea struck Abraham as somewhat ridiculous, but he believed it anyway. Instead of “wavering” or hesitating in his confidence in God (diakrinō, “to be divided in one’s own mind”), Abraham’s faith was strengthened through the ordeal. As muscles develop when kept in tension, so was Abraham’s faith strengthened by the experience he was going through. His faith rose to the occasion, and Abraham “gave glory to God.”79 He praised him for who he was and what he would do. (Mounce, R. H. (1995). Vol. 27: Romans. The New American Commentary (130). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
Observe that the believer’s own faith is reckoned as righteousness. “In no passage in Paul’s writings or in other parts of the New Testament, where the phrase to reckon for or the verb to reckon alone is used, is there a declaration that anything belonging to one person is imputed, accounted, or reckoned to another, or a formal statement that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to believers” (President Dwight, “Notes on Meyer”). (Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Ro 4:5). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.)
The chief difficulty for interpretation lies in the preposition “for” that is common to both clauses. In itself our word “for” is ambiguous. It can mean “because of” or “with a view to.” So “delivered over to death for our sins” can mean “because our sins were committed” and it was on account of them that Jesus had to die if salvation were to be procured. Similarly, “raised to life for our justification” can mean that Jesus was resurrected because our justification was accomplished in his death (cf. “justified by his blood,” 5:9). On the other hand, one can interpret the “for” as meaning that Christ was delivered to death to deal with our sins, to atone for them, and that he was raised in order to achieve our justification. In justice to the Greek text it should be granted that the former alternative is the more natural. The idea of “with a view to” is not readily associated with dia, whereas Greek has another preposition (eis) that expresses that idea more clearly and is in fact used in the expression “justification that brings life” (literally, “justification with a view to life” (5:18). Furthermore, if one looks for a strict parallel between the passage and the situation of Abraham, he will see that Abraham’s justification did not depend on the factor of resurrection, because he believed and was justified before the quickening of his deadened condition. One could reply, of course, that we should not look for complete similarity in the situation of Abraham and that of believers in the Christian era.
It may be helpful to recognize that justification, considered objectively and from the standpoint of God’s provision, was indeed accomplished in the death of Christ (5:9) and therefore did not require the resurrection to complete it. Paul does not mention the resurrection in his definitive statement on justification in 3:21–26. Subjectively, however, the resurrection of Christ was essential for the exercise of faith, since his continuance under the power of death would create serious doubts about the efficacy of his sacrifice on the cross. Furthermore, justification is not simply a forensic transaction, important as that aspect is, but involves also a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ (5:18).
Finally, as Murray reminds us (in loc.), the justification to which Paul refers is justification by faith (cf. 5:1) and this applies as definitely to us as to Abraham. To believe in a Christ who died for our sins is only half the gospel. The resurrection cannot be omitted: observe how Paul includes both aspects in 6:3, 4 when showing how the work of Christ provides the foundation for Christian living. (Harrison, E. F. (1976). Romans. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans through Galatians (Vol. 10, pp. 53–54). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
4:23–24. Verses 23–25 apply the truth about justification and its illustration in Abraham to the apostle’s readers—from the believers in Rome who first read this letter to people today. The divine declaration of Abraham’s justification was written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness. Such an act of justification, however, is not for everyone. It is for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead (lit., “out from dead ones”; cf. 6:4; 8:11). Repeatedly in this chapter Paul referred to Abraham and other believers having righteousness credited to them because of their faith (4:3, 5–6, 9–11, 23–24). (Witmer, J. A. (1985). Romans. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 455). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
The key, of course, is “if we believe” (Rom. 4:24). There are over sixty references to faith or unbelief in Romans. God’s saving power is experienced by those who believe in Christ (Rom. 1:16). His righteousness is given to those who believe (Rom. 3:22). We are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1). The object of our faith is Jesus Christ who died for us and rose again.
All of these facts make Abraham’s faith that much more wonderful. He did not have a Bible to read; he had only the simple promise of God. He was almost alone as a believer, surrounded by heathen unbelievers. He could not look back at a long record of faith; in fact, he was helping to write that record. Yet Abraham believed God. People today have a complete Bible to read and study. They have a church fellowship, and can look back at centuries of faith as recorded in church history and the Bible. Yet many refuse to believe! (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 526). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
4:18–25 Having shown that justification is through faith not works (vv. 1–8), and that it is by grace, not the keeping of law (vv. 9–17), Paul now concludes by showing that it results from divine power, not human effort (vv. 18–25). (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Ro 4:18–25). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
Ver. 24. But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, &c.] What was written in the books of the Old Testament, Was not written merely on account of them who are the subjects thereof, but for the use, learning, instruction and profit of saints under the New-Testament dispensation; and particularly this concerning the imputation of Abraham’s faith for righteousness, or of the imputation of the righteousness of faith unto him for justification; which was not Abraham’s faith, but that righteousness which his faith looked to, and laid hold on: see ver. 12 for Abraham’s faith itself could never be reckoned for righteousness to another, nor indeed was it to himself; but such as believe as Abraham did, they have the same righteousness imputed to them as he had; and truly of the same kind is the faith of Abraham, who believed in God that quickeneth the dead, and that of ours: if, or seeing we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; which is descriptive of the faith of New-Testament believers, and of the object of it; see ch. 10:9, 10 and which object of faith is further described in the following verse. (Gill, J. (1809). An Exposition of the New Testament (Vol. 2, p. 447). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
Finally, salvation is made good to us (3) on the same principle. The salvation of God in Old Testament times was substantially the same as in New Testament times. It was based on the same principle of faith. For Paul says of the Lord Jesus that He was “delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification” (v. 25). Abraham was saved the same way as we are. He looked forward by faith to the finished work of Christ; for Jesus said to the unbelieving Jews of His day, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56). We look back by faith to the finished work of Christ and enjoy the same salvation Abraham enjoyed.
Thus the two ways are compared and contrasted—salvation by trying and salvation by trusting. What Abraham found, what David found, Paul found, and we must find. Salvation is by faith and by faith alone. (Phillips, J. (2009). Exploring Romans: An Expository Commentary (Ro 4:23–25). Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp)
Paul cites Ps. 32: 1-2 to emphasize that the imputation of righteousness includes forgiveness of sins, a point not found explicity in Gn. 15:6. (p.1750)
Circumcision was a sign that God (apart from human effort) would fulfill His promise to Abraham had faith in Him, and that God credited righteousness to Abraham on the basis of his faith. (p. 1750) (The Moody Bible Commentary by Michael Rydelnik and Michael Vanlaningham – General Editors)
FROM MY READING:
Genesis 21
Abraham and Sarah rejoice in the birth of the son of promise.
INSIGHT
Perhaps we do not celebrate enough — often enough or grandly enough. Perhaps we do not make enough out of the good things God does for us.
Abraham made a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned. Certainly, that was a cultural event.
It would seem odd to celebrate the same event today. Yet there are other things we could celebrate within our culture, but we don’t.
When was the last time you made a big deal out of something important? Perhaps a high school or college graduation. A successful music recital. Climbing a mountain, or running a marathon.
God has created us with emotions that make life a richer experience for us. Perhaps we should celebrate more — in both quantity and quality.
(Quiet Walk)
THE HOUSE OF CORNELIUS
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Acts 11:15
You can say that the Day of Pentecost was the day of public inauguration of the Church as the Body of Christ. There was something new there that had never been before. There is a sense in which you can speak of the Church in the Old Testament, yes, but it is not the same as the Church was subsequent to the Day of Pentecost.
Look at what happened in the house of Cornelius. Peter, of course, as a Jew would obviously have found it very difficult to believe that Gentiles could really come into this unity. That was why the vision was given to him as he was there on the top of the house. As he was praying he saw a great sheet coming down with clean and unclean animals and birds upon it, and he heard God’s voice telling him to kill and eat. God said, “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common” (Acts 10:15).
But is there not a further suggestion that even that vision was not enough? Certainly it was enough to take Peter to the house of Cornelius and to preach as he did. But even while Peter was preaching, the Holy Spirit descended upon Cornelius and his household. And Peter and the Jews were amazed at this. They could not quite understand it, but they had to face the facts as they heard these other people speak with tongues and magnify God. “They of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 10:45).
The thing that Peter later emphasized was that while he was speaking, the Holy Spirit descended upon them: “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning” (Acts 11:15). Now you see what was happening. God was declaring that the Church was to consist of Jews and Gentiles.
A Thought to Ponder: God was declaring that the Church was to consist of Jews and Gentiles. (From God the Holy Spirit, pp. 36-37, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
The Holy Spirit’s Ministry: God’s Fail-Safe Plan–Predestination
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)
God “predestinates” all whom He has foreknown. The Greek term is proorizo. It is similar to proginosko (the word used for “foreknowledge”). The basic meaning is “to predetermine, decide beforehand” as opposed to having had knowledge about beforehand.
It is used in five other Scriptures in the New Testament. Acts 4:28 indicates that the crucifixion happened as “thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.” Paul told the Corinthian church that “the wisdom of God” was “ordained before the world” (1 Corinthians 2:7).
Although God’s omniscience would indicate that He is aware of all “the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12), His predestination seems to be more specifically focused. Our text insists that the predestination (decision made ahead of time) is “to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). Paul also confirms this in his letter to the Ephesian church, where we are told we are predestinated to adoption as children (Ephesians 1:5) and that this adoption is “according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11).
God surely knows the details of our lives (Matthew 10:30; Luke 12:7), but the “liberty” God has granted to His children on Earth is not predestined (Galatians 5:1, 11). God grants us choice in much (Exodus 17:9; 1 Chronicles 21:10; Proverbs 1:29; Philippians 1:22)—at least as it seems to be so to us.
(HMM III, The Institute for Creation Research)
First, the gospel encourages godliness out of a sense of gratitude.
Second, the gospel aids out pursuit of holiness by telling us the truth about who we are.
Certain sins become more difficult when we understand our new position in Christ.
The last paragraph is what Martyn Lloyd-Jones called talking to yourself instead of listening to yourself. It’s easy to become convinced that we can never change or that God is ready to kick us to the curb after we’ve screwed up in the same way for the millionth time. But don’t listen to yourself, preach to yourself. God back to the gospel. Remember that there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1)
(p. 83-4)
How else can we make sense of the hope of glory? God is constantly making promises in the Bible, and these promises are meant to fuel the engine of obedience. (p 85)
(The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung).
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