December 1, 2015:  SOAP #2189:  

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 5:15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!

Observation:    In this verse, the author compares what Adam did with what Jesus did.  The first difference is in calling one a “gift” and the other a “trespass.”  The trespass is what one does.  The gift is what one receives. The second difference:  the trespass brought death to many.  The gift is much more powerful, overcoming death and bringing grace to many!

Application:   Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Wages is what I earn; a gift is what I receive.  Wages is what I deserve.   A gift comes at the expense of another.   It is a gift of forgiveness, but much more than that—it is a gift of His life joining mine.  I receive it by faith, confessing my sins, thanking Him for forgiveness, and making Him Lord of my life.  Now I am growing each day in making Him feel at home in my life.  May His will be done in my life as it is in heaven.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, what a demonstration of your great love!  You sent your Son, Jesus to provide for me what I do not deserve.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!