Romans Part 2 - FaithSampel

LAWBREAKERS

In the first three chapters of Romans, Paul effectively points out that we are all sinners who are disobedient, breakers of “The Law.” He continues to persuasively maintain that not only does the law expose sin, but also awakens the internal rebellion to sin even more. Living under the law compels us to work tirelessly to follow every rule and regulation and still fall short because we are sinners. The core problem with sin is we are breaking trust with God. We don’t trust God’s love or believe that every command He made is the best.

In today's reading, Abraham and his offspring receive their inheritance living by faith, (which is the opposite of living under the law). God has ordained that faith operates in unity with sovereign grace. When we operate in God’s grace we go to God and put all of our mess and sin (our debt) before Him and plead for His grace (His credit). Faith intersects with the grace of God to fulfill the guarantee of God’s promise. One hundred percent from God, completely unilateral, a gift from above.

As Charles Spurgeon says,

“Grace and faith are congruous, and will draw together in the same chariot but grace and merit are contrary to one another and pull opposite ways, and therefore God has not chosen to yoke them together.”

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

In the next twenty-four hours, if things get frustrating and hard, how will you respond? Will you trust the sovereign grace of God by going to Him with all the good, bad, and messy?

-Lisa Drainville

Family Corner Devotional Questions

Are rules and laws important?

Why does God give us rules to follow?