Romans Part 3 - LIFEಮಾದರಿ

Law Offices of Saul and Paul

I’m a pretty simple guy. What I mean is, I prefer a very direct, simple message. If the Apostle Paul were writing the letter of Romans directly to me, I would prefer that he broke it down to third-grade level for me.

It could even be super-simple like:

Sin= separation and death

Law= necessary but cannot save

Jesus Christ= conquered sin and fulfilled the law...In Him alone is salvation

Admittedly, that would be a really short letter, and would miss out on a lot of other great points that Paul makes in his letter to the Romans. Maybe it’s just me but when I read Romans, I have to read it and then re-read it and then look for clarification from the Bible commentary and then read the passage again.

Paul’s writing style reminds me of a trial lawyer arguing both sides with the gospel of grace winning out. In the passage before us today, Paul proves to his readers that the Law is absolutely necessary for believers to see their sin, in fact, it is from God. However, the Law cannot save. It can only condemn.

I’ll conclude with this from the Life Bible Application Commentary: 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 it 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 IN WATER. Your day is ruined.

Is it the signs, 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.

-Jeff Troost