MrsG

Q5. (Romans 6:18-22) In Paul's analogy in these verses, is there a place of independent freedom apart from "slavery" to sin or to Christ? Why do we long for this kind of independent freedom? Why do we hesitate to firmly take sides and make our allegiance clear to all? There is not a place of independent freedom. You either serve sin or Christ. Mankind must yield to Christ there is no other way to have victory over sin. Human efforts are futile they will not work. Humankind really wants to hold on to some of the desires of the flesh and therefore are not ready to fully commit to Christ. It is a sad state to be in.

Q4. (Romans 6:17b) How does good doctrine affect the way we live? Why should we honor good doctrine? If we shouldn't look down on doctrine itself, what kind of teaching should we be avoiding? Good doctrine is the good news that Jesus died for our sins and was raised to give us eternal life. Jesus' resurrection also resurrected us into a new life. We honor good doctrine because it is the word of God, which has been written to instruct and guide us. We should avoid anything that is contrary to the word of God.

What does obedience have to do with slavery? A decision to sin is a decision to obey satan. The habit of sin will lead to destruction. In what way does doing acts of righteousness demonstrate your slavery to God? Acts of righteousness will set you free from sin. Your decision to serve God will increase your desire and love for Him. In what ways does doing bad things demonstrate a slavery to sin? The word of God says there is no good thing in our flesh, if we do sinful things we know that God is not in it but we are under the rule of the devil. How is such a slavery or bondage broken? This bondage can only be broken when we give our lives wholeheartedly over to God. What part does obedience have in breaking this bondage? Studying God's Word, seeking Him, giving our life to Him totally and forsaking sins will break the ensnarement of sin in our lives. In what areas is God speaking to you about a fresh obedience in your life? In diligience in service to Him and to His children

Q2. (Romans 6:13) In what ways do you "offer the members of your body" to either sin or God multiple times in a day? Why is it that we can sin unconsciously? How can we begin to offer our members deliberately to God? What changes will it take in our daily life to do this? Matt 6:33, but seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteoousness..., Ps 63:1, early will I seek thee are just two of the many scriptures where God revealed to me a process. Arising early daily and committing my self and my responsibilities, and my day to Him. Blessing Him and thanking Him another day, surrendering and giving my all to Him is the way by which I can offer my body to Him. If I am distracted in any manner, I easily could lose my focus. Sin needs only an slight opening to gain ascess to the heart and mind of a believer. Sin lurks continously looking for an opening. One must deliberately seek God daily, Col 3:16-17 says to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom: teaching and admonishing one anohter in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, sings with grace in you hearts to the Lord and whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. Let our focus be on the things of God, things that will edify Him and increase His kingdom and bring Him glory.

Q1. (Romans 6:12) What does obedience have to do with the "reign" of sin? Paul states that we are not to let sin control the way we live. We are not to allow sin to have dominion over us nor yield to its lusts, temptations or desires. It is through obedience to God and to His Word that righteousness will reign in us and sin will not reign over us. Hallelujah!!!

Q5. (Romans 6:11) What does it mean to "reckon, consider, count" in verse 11? Does this actually mean that we are convincing ourselves of something that isn't really true? What will be the effect in our lives if we actually do consider it to be true that we died with Christ's death with regard to sin? To reckon, consider, count in verse 11 is to believe that our old sinful nature is dead and no longer responsive. There is no longer a desire nor a willingness to revive the old man. We are dead to sin, it is definately true. In it our lives have been transformed, we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. Sin cannot tell us how to live, we are living in the freedom of God. Our lives will be dramatically changed as His life and His death will have a great affect on our daily christian life.

Q4. (Romans 6:6-7) In what way has our "body of sin," our "flesh," our old nature been made powerless because of our crucifixion with Christ? In what way have we been freed from slavery? What difference does this understanding make in our struggles against temptation? Because of our crucifixion with Christ our body of sin has been made powerless because our desire is now to please and serve God. Our desire is no longer intent on pleasing the flesh and the these of the flesh that led to death but to please God and the things of the spirit that lead to life. We have atonement for our sins through Jesus' death and resurrection. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 (NIV) Praise the LORD!!!

Q3. (Romans 6:1-7) Is Paul referring to a figurative "death" to sin, or to a kind of historical, actual death? Whose death is he talking about? How does this death become our own? To what degree is this just theological mumbo-jumbo or does it have some basis in reality We have freedom now because of Jesus' death over sins hold on us. We are now united in Christ Jesus through His death and resurrection on the cross.

Q2. (Romans 6:3-4) In Paul's reference to baptism in 6:3-4, what does "buried" (6:4a) correspond to in the act of baptism? What does "Christ was raised from the dead" (6:4b) correspond to in baptism? Buried corresponds to the act of baptism in that going down into the water or under the water symbolizes death and the grave. But Christ raised from the dead is symbolic of resurrection and life.

Q1. (Romans 6:3-5) In what sense does baptism bring about our union with Christ? In what sense does baptism symbolize our union with Christ? I like how The Message Bible paraphrases these verses, Or didn't you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace

Q4. (Romans 6:2-5) According to this passage, at what point do we move from being under the headship of Adam to the headship of Christ? Is there anything we must do to bring about this change in headship? What are the implications of us having died with Christ According to the scriptures, we were joined with Christ in baptism and joined Him in His death. Since we have been united with Him in death, we will also be raised to life as He was. Praise the LORD!!! We must die to sin, sinful ways and sin in our lives, in this we can change our headship from Adam to Christ. The word of God says in Romans 5 Message Bible, that focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored. God must be first and foremost in our lives there is no neutral grow you are either on His side or against Him. Yield to Him and let Him rule in your life, that is the key.

Q3. (Romans 5:15-19) By what right does Adam represent all humankind? By what right does Christ become head of all who become his disciples? If Christ is not our "representative" or "head," how can his death for sins be effective for us? Adam is the first man created by God. His name means humankind. We are all born into his physical family. We inherited his guilt, sinful nature and God's punishment for disobedience. Though Christ Jesus, the second Adam, our risen LORD, we inherit eternal life. Through Him we have been made righteous in God's sight. We owe our very lives to Him. If Christ is not our head we have no deliverance from our sins nor will we have eternal life. Christ offers us the opportunity to be born into His spiritual family. We have become united with Him, He is in us and we are a part of Him. He is our HEAD!

Q2. (Romans 5:13, 20) What is Paul saying in these verses? Can there be sin without law? In what sense does the "trespass increase" (5:20) when the law is present? Yes there can be sin without law. Look at how Paul responded to this question: For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Romans 5:13 (NKJV) In the NLT version it states , Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break, in other words, sins was present before the law was given. From Adam to Moses, everyone did not sin as Adam did, but everyone died. I believe the trespass increase when mankind experienced the knowledge of sin. when the law became present it help mankind see their sins and offenses. The law points out our sins and makes us responsible for them.

Q1. What kinds of circumstances in modern life can you think of where a single person acts for an entire group? In what ways are members of the group tied to this person? In politics, we have the opportunity to vote on a single person to represent a group, locally, district wide, statewide and nationwide. These persons are responsible to at all times and in all situations, look out for our best interests.

Q4. (Romans 5:9-11) What does "reconciliation" mean? Why is reconciliation with God necessary? We understand our having been saved by Jesus' death (5:10a, past tense). In what sense are we being saved (5:10b, present tense) by his life? What is Jesus doing for us in the present? Reconciliation is renewed relationship, but that relationship was not a casual one but a close one. Something or someone broke the fellowship between the two parties and their relationship became estranged. Reconciliation means that the relationship has been mended back together again. Now there is harmony instead of hurt, love and peace instead of anger, bitterness and resentment. The friendship/fellowship/relationship is restored. It is necessary because God commands us to love one another and if we have aught with anyone we must forgive them so that God will forgive us our sins. We are blessed to have Jesus Christ as our example of living by faith, walking by faith and as a example of love for one another. Jesus shows us by His life how to be a servant to God and to others. He is our prime example of how to live a Christian life.

Q3. (Romans 5:6, 8) Why is it so important to embrace the truth that "Christ died for the ungodly" (5:6), that "Christ died for sinners" (5:8)? According to 5:8, did Christ die for us at our best or at our worst? How does this give us assurance against the devil's lies about us being too bad to forgive? It is very important that we embrace the truth that Christ died for sinners and the ungodly. God has manifested His great love for us by sending His Son, our LORD and Savior, to save us from eternal death. Jesus was crucified, buried and rose to take sin and death captive and give to us eternal life. God and Jesus, the Father and the Son, gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us and to fill our lives with love and truth to enable to live a spirit filled, God centered, Jesus as our example of love, life. Satan tries to confuse us, but God alleviated confusion, through His Holy Word and His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth. Satan tries to deceive us but the Word of God gives us insight, revelation and discernment. His word bears witness to our spirit and we know the truth. Satan wants us to doubt but it won't work. God loved us when we were yet weak and helpless and unable to save ourselves. He sent His only Son to rescue us, not because we were good enough but because He loves so much.

Q2. (Romans 5:2-5) According to this passage why should we rejoice in our sufferings and tribulations? One by one, what is the importance to our lives of: perseverance, tried character, and hope? Our sufferings and tribulations are training grounds for us. For our testimonies of God's goodness and mercy come from them. We share with others how God has moved mightily on our behalf as we experience peace in our trials and later the manifestations of our victories. God is faithful! He will deliver us. Perseverance is bearing up under pressure holding on to promises that we have received from God, knowing that He is in full control. Tried character is important because it is the strength in character that enables you to remain firm in your conviction that God is with you. You are not alone. It is the realization that assures you that when you have come through this trial your faith will be stronger, your love walk stronger and your relationship with God will be closer. Hope is important because through it you know the outcome, you will be victorious. God has said so, you believe it and its a done deal.

Q1. (Romans 5:1-2) According to verses 1-2, faith is a key to salvation. For Abraham (4:3), what was the relationship between faith and justification? For us (5:1-2), what is the relationship between faith and justification? In your own words, just what does it mean to be justified? In Romans 4:3, for Abraham, because he believed, trusted and had faith in God, God counted him as righteous. For us, because of our faith, Christ has justified us. We have been made right in God's sight by faith and we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. To me being justified always meant an attemptto defend ones actions or rights, to excuse ones actions. It is always self pronounced to clear up erroneous intentions or to remedy a mistake. Today, by just studying through these first 2 verses in chapter 5, I now know that justification is a gift from God. A gift that has freed me from my past and has placed me in right standing with God. Hallelujah!!!

Hello to you all!! I am MrsG, I live in Alabama and I am looking forward to this life changing study on Romans 5-8. I expect to benefit from each of you as God gives you insight and revelations. My prayer is that you will receive likewise from me. Be blessed and Have a Happy New Year.

Q1. (Psalm 57) Why is praise difficult in the midst of trying circumstances? How does praise affect our faith? Our attitude? Our motivation? What holds back praise while in the midst of a trial is being preoccupied with self. Trials force its way to the front of everything that otherwise should be happening in our lives. Its monopolizes ours conversations, thought life and our prayer time. Our prayers turn inward focusing on "me" leaving no room for intercession or praise. Everything is affected, our faith wavers when we focus on the when LORD when. When will I be delivered from this problems. We then become self centererd and fearful. LORD God teach us to be mindful to always keep you first in our hearts, on our minds and in our lives. Just like Peter, who was successfully walking on the water after Jesus bade him to come, took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. We too we shink when we take our eyes off Jesus. Deliver us from ourselves Father God! Teach us to look to you and not at our trials. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Q3. (Psalm 31) What does it mean to say to the Lord, "Into your hands I commit my spirit" (31:5)? How does that statement bring peace to a person? How does the statement, "My times are in your hands" (31:15), bring peace to the troubled soul? "Into your hands I commit my spirit" (Psalm 31:5) means complete trust in God. Everything that we own even our very lives should be surrendered to Him. Knowing that God will protect us and keep us, knowing that His plan for our lives is far greater than we could ever image brings about precious peace. In hope, we rest in the assurance that God is faithful and He will do exactly what He said He would do. He is always looking out for our best interest. Likewise, "My times are in your hands" (31:15), brings about peace because I know that in God's time, His appointed time, He will straighten my crooked places and cause me to walk by the still waters. He will deliver us from our enemies and cause us to triumph in victory. He will deliver and restore. Our future is in His hands. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Q2. According to Psalm 23, how does the Lord our Shepherd quiet his sheep and give them confidence? How many ways can you find in this psalm? And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. John 10:4 (KJV) God has shown Himself to be truthful and faithful in my own life. That is why it is so easy to follow Him through our trials and tribulations. We know that we can count on Him to keep His promises, to care for, protect and love us. He wants what is best for us. The Living Bible says it this way, "He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most." God strengthens us to be faithful and obedient, we can't do anything on our own. We are as helpless as babes. Our God quiets the sheep by making provisions for us, loving and guiding us. We gain confidence by seeing repeatedly His love and care for us. God lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most. Psalms 23:2 (TLB) God heals, protects, leads, and rescues the sheep. I love that God rescues His sheep. "He is in the restoration and wholeness business," that one statement has brought to my heart an abundance of peace and joy. It is what I need to know at this time in my life. Praise God!!!

Q1. According to Psalm 131, just how does David quiet his inner person before the Lord? What are the elements mentioned in this psalm? David stilled and quieted his soul like a child that has been weaned from his mother. A weaned child in no longer fussy, insistent and demanding. A wean child has learned how to wait and be content and trust that all situations and circumstances will be worked out by the one who cares for him.

Q1. (Psalm 61:1-4) What images does the psalmist evoke to communicate his trust in God's protection? How do the first four verses of this psalm make you feel? In verses 1-4 David paints of picture of God as a mother hen where he can find safety and comfort in time of trouble. These verse encourage me by letting me know that God is compassionate and that He cares for me dearly.

Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others. I chose to try my hand at memorizing verses of scripture which I have found not to be as easy as it once was. Psalm 40 verses 1-5 are my scriptures of choice, I pray that God will increase my understanding and give me what I need to enable to put the scriptures to memory and write them on the tables of my heart. Amen!