Victory

Romans 5:12-21 NASB

(12)  Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--

(13)  for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

(14)  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

(15)  But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.

(16)  The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.

(17)  For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

(18)  So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.

(19)  For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

(20)  The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

(21)  so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul is explaining how death entered into the world.  Even before the law, man was inclined to sin.  Through Adam, it is man’s nature to sin.  All humanity stands guilty before God.  The result of Adams sin caused a separation between God and man. 

Many people say, “I did not commit the sin in the Garden of Eden how can I be held accountable?”  Sin is not an individual act it is a state of being.  Let’s look at this example - There was a King and his friend who had a disagreement.  The disagreement was so bad the King sentenced the man to exile.  The man left.  He later had children and they had children.  Since they are separated how is the King going to have a relationship with these children.  The King had a son.  He sent his son to find these children and provide a way for them to come back to meet the King. The children believed the Son and through Him they could have a relationship with the King.  

 
How can you expect God to know you when you have been separated from him since the exile of Adam?  Only through Jesus can we believe and have a relationship with God.

 Adam’s disobedience lead to judgment and unrighteous living.  Jesus’ act of obedience lead to justification and righteous living.  The Law only exposes sin and the incredible need for God’s grace.

 The law is like a mirror.  Speaking of mirrors, you should see me when I first wake up in the morning.  My hair seems to have a mind of its own and the mirror shows me the awful mess.  However, it does not do anything to fix the mess my hair is in.  The law shows your condition but it does not change how things are.  Only the blood of Christ can restore us to God.

 There is nothing we can do to justify ourselves before God.  How could we?  What could we ever do within ourselves that would make God say “oh I see, you are worthy”.  See God gave His Son and if we do not accept the sacrifice that His Son made for us we are essentially telling God his Son isn’t good enough for us.  What would you do if you were in God’s place and someone rejected your son?  God provided the necessary sacrifice to save the world and all we must do is believe.

WOW, WE WIN WITH JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell two people this week what Jesus has done for you.