SWHW Bible Reading Plan: August 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Malinda Fuller:

Romans 5 is full of good news. Paul writes about peace, joy, and love; a simple reminder that he expected Christians in Rome (and everywhere after) to exude these qualities. He reminds them that suffering produces perseverance, which turns into character and then becomes hope. 

Admittedly, there may be some terms sprinkled throughout the chapter that we aren't familiar with. But with some purposeful study, we should find ourselves overwhelmed with gratitude by the end of these 21 verses.

First, Paul breaks the bad news--we are all sinners:

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, so death spread to all men because all sinned" Romans 5:12.

Sin and death came into the world through one man: Adam. 

It then spread to every person. 

Not one gender, but both. 

Not one people group, but all.

Every single person.

Paul tells us repeatedly in verses 15-17 that while Adam's choice (transgression) impacted humanity, so did the one sacrificial act of Jesus. "The result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men" Romans 5:18. 

Life for all men.

There's that word again: all. 

Not some. Not a few.

Not only for the Jewish people.

Or only the men.

Or only the wealthy and educated. 

But for all. 

Every single person.

Two men and two actions that affected all of humanity. What was the difference? How did we get from "sin and death" to "life" for all?

Through obedience. But not yours or mine: it was through the obedience of Jesus.

"Just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" Romans 5:19.

It was Jesus saying "yes" to His Father. He chose to die for the sinner, for the guilty, for the condemned (i.e., every single person).

"At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:6-8. 

Jesus' obedience is what makes us righteous (in right standing with God). 

We didn't have the power to do it.

We didn't earn it. 

We didn't deserve it.

But God did it anyway.

That's why Paul uses the word "gift" so many times in this chapter. He's reminding us that a gift is "given willingly... and without payment." 

Given willingly--that is the picture of Jesus on the cross: 

Yielding to the will of His Father. 

Overcome with a deep love for people.

For those who would accept it.

And those who wouldn't.

For those who would be grateful.

And those who would not.

For those who stood before Him.

And all who would come after.

Every single person. 

Father, thank You for demonstrating Your love for us, for showing the world how extraordinary Your love is. Thank You for sending Your son, Jesus, to offer His life, to extend to us the gift of salvation. I never want to forget or minimize the unfathomable grace that You so generously pour out; may it always overwhelm me! Help me to live in such a way that others experience Your love and grace. Amen