May 26, 2019: SOAP #3461:  Proverbs 1-3; Romans 7

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 7:1 Do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to men who know the law—that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives?

Observation:   At the beginning of chapter 6, Paul emphasizes our death.  We have been made alive in Christ Jesus, but it is very important to note that this new life came upon our death with Christ on the cross!

There are only two instances in which life preceded death.  The first was Adam and Eve in the garden prior to their sin.  The second is Christ Jesus.  Adam and Eve’s sin brought death to all men and ever since, death has preceded life.  If mankind was to ever enjoy life, One sinless must die for their sin.  Christ’s death preceded my life.  And if I am to enjoy the fullness of Christ’s life, I must die to my old life.  My death to self must precede His life being fully expressed in and through me.

Application:   When Christ came into Leon, He entered my life as One who has been through the cross and the tomb.  This life in me is post-resurrection!   When I make Jesus my Lord, I give up my old life and take on His life.  I am a new creation.  In Christ, I died on the cross with Him.  I am to consider myself dead to the temptations of the world.  And since I died with Christ on the cross, the law no longer has authority over me.  Now I live under the royal law of Christ to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, I need your help in teaching me and reminding me that I have been crucified with Christ and I now live His life.  As He needed your power, how much more do I need your power.  Baptize me, oh Holy Spirit, and anoint me to be and do what Jesus wants to be and do through me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!