The  baptismal  sacrament described in the Bible is a funeral service.  This week we detailed the conception of faith and our state as we pass down the proverbial birth canal which is what Romans chapter 7 clearly describes.  To believe that a new Christian is anything besides the new creature described in the Bible, gives license to hypocrisy. 
Is not hypocrisy contrary to a life at peace with God?

Notes:
Mt. 5:16-20;Jn. 3:21; 14:15; 15:14-17; II Co.5:10; Ep. 1:18-23; Co. 1:18,24; 3:5; Ja. 3:1; I Jn. 5:3

This week we continued in the exposition of the letter written to the Romans.  This chapter is the beginning of the solution given by Paul, as the previous chapters have shown us our problem.  This chapter shows us where our victory lies.  The first step to overcoming temptation is believing you CAN overcome.

A true baptismal service is a funeral service, we are resurrected in the Spirit of God.  We are of one spirit if we are truly of Christ.  Should we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Notes:
Mt. 20:27; Jn. 8:32-36; I Co.12:13; II Co. 5:17-19; 10:4-7; Ja. 2:26; Ga. 4:28-29; 5:1;
Co. 3:3-7; I Pt. 2:24-25

This week chapter 6 was covered it is important to understand what it is talking about so when we move on to 6-8, we can have a consistent understanding.  The main theme that was chosen from this text was suffering.  We are told to glory in tribulations, the benefits are outlined.  This poses a challenge how do we do this?
The solution is then given as we look to the many sufferings of Christ.  This is our test how we endure shows the strength of our Christianity.

If we do not understand the suffering of Christ, we will hardly be able to endure our own.  Remember Judas.  He was looking for a king to reign, but balked at His suffering. 

When I spoke of federal headship some were confused thinking I was speaking of the definition given by Pink and other Calvinists.  In saying this, I did not intend that as was clearly defined in the teaching.  Perhaps it was not a good word to explain that.  All the same it was explained what exactly came from Adam.  It is important to make this clear before we move on to the next chapter.

Genesis 3 is very explicit in what was passed down because Adam's sin.
1. Knowledge of good and evil
2. Death
3.The Fallen World: thorns and thistles hinder our work in this world
4. Women have pain in childbearing and a desire to rule over things.

Notes:
II Ti. 2:12; I Co.6:11; II Co. 2:9; Ph. 2:22; Gn. 2-3

This week we looked at a couple of topics revolving around the promises of God.  Refuting those who would defend sin becomes easier when you gain understanding in this fourth chapter of Romans.

Many attempt to turn the imputed righteousness of Christ into a fairy tale where God is okay with whatever we from now on.  God only sees the righteousness of Christ etc.  While this is true historically, we all have sinned and in this we need Jesus.  That said by the righteousness of Christ in our lives we overcome temptation, as righteousness means simply right-doing.   

We must take a look at two covenants: one given first to Noah, another to Abraham.  Both had symbolism of the atonement attached to them.

This was before the priesthood was fully established and before the works of the law were put in place (see October 2018 a study on Galatians).  The moral law has always been in effect, so this cannot be what was spoken of in Galatians or here in Romans 4.  
When given the covenant Noah was obedient to God in carrying out the offerings  on the altar, as was Abraham.  The idea that we can be disobedient to God and still have a claim to follow Him and love Him would have been repulsive to these men.  For that matter, it would have have also repulsed the early church and therefore it should repulse as a professor of Christ.

Still in their obedience did they have right to boast in themselves?
Was it not just reasonable service?

Is it possible to have faith in God and live in disobedience to Him?  Do we live rebellious to the things we know clearly of Him?
Law cannot bring mercy, true enough but can continual lawlessness bring glory to God?

We have been given many promises by God; ask and receive etc.  If we ask would He not gladly give us the power to overcome temptation?

Notes:
Gn. 6:8-9; 8:20; 12:1-3; 15:6-18; 17:11: Ps. 27:13; Mt. 6:34; 21:22; Mk. 9:23; 11:22; 15:28; 
I Co.  1:29-30; 5:20-24; 15:19-26, 35, 45; II Co. 5:19; I Pt. 2:21; Hb. 11:3-6; 17-19;