The Grace Message

Here’s the second half of my take on Romans 7. It helps dispel the lie that there’s no real victory on this side of Heaven. It also explains how we are truly free from the clutches of sin. This is such an important message, as it introduces a revolutionary perspective on a central passage in the New Testament. Be encouraged! Discussion Questions for Romans 7:14-25 1. Read verse 14. Why is “sold into bondage to sin” such an important expression in this passage? 2. Read verses 15-16. What is his focus or goal? How does this speak into whether he’s referring to pre- or post-salvation? 3. Read verses 17 and 20. What is the core issue? How is this also revealing to us as believers? 4. Read verse 18. How should we interpret both “nothing good dwells in me” and “the willing is present in me”? 5. Read verse 19. What is the “good” that he wants to do? Why is this important to factor into our view of the passage? 6. Read verse 21. Imagine asking a devout Jewish person three questions: Do you want to do good? Do you always end up doing good? If not, why not? Now, how do you think they would answer those questions? And how does this help us interpret the passage? 7. Read verses 22-23. What is the specific goal of this person? What do they want to accomplish? Do they accomplish it? If not, why not? What does this say about the body (housing sin) vs. willpower for the unbeliever? 8. Read verse 24. What experience does this refer to? How does understanding this help? 9. How does verse 25 return to summarize the problem (before salvation) and the true origin of the conflict?

Are people in Heaven aware that we are "with" them spiritually? Would Jesus call some Christian teachers today a "brood of vipers"? How open do I need to be with my confession of Jesus to be saved? If we accidentally give a wrong statement, is that a willful sin? What time period is Matthew 24 referring to? Why is the virgin birth important? Where does political activism fit in? What is your opinion of generational trauma and reparations? Does Matthew 24 say we can lose our salvation?

What kind of authority does Satan have? What does the Greek Orthodox Church believe? Why does the New Testament say everything will come to light, including the motives of men’s hearts? Should Christians worry about that?

What is the context of John 20:23? Should human priests be forgiving sins? What is binding and loosing? Who gets a new name in Heaven? How should we view the "woke" or cancel culture? How do we know what is okay to say and do and what's not?

Where is the Ark of the Covenant today? Could you explain more about the total, once-for-all forgiveness that we have in Christ? It's difficult to find a church that teaches the love and grace and forgiveness of God. Could you touch on 1 John 1:9 and why it's not a "bar of soap" for daily cleansing?

Is the Rapture before or after the Tribulation? I live next to the mall where the Allen, TX shooting took place, and I'm struggling with fear. Can you help me? How should we interpret the word "might" in Romans 7? Is it a maybe? I've heard mixed messages about sexuality, sin, and Heaven. Can you help me understand the truth?

Which commands is Jesus talking about in Matthew 5:19? Are we least in Heaven if we don't obey the Law? What happens when we die? Is there an end to the punishment in Hell? Why didn't God allow Moses to go into the Promised Land?

Today, I have something truly fascinating to share with you—a powerful insight into Romans 7 that will transform your understanding of the Christian life. I invite you to watch this latest message in which I argue that Paul’s struggles in Romans 7 are not the normal Christian life, but the normal Law-based life. Being “sold in bondage to sin” is not the mark of a Christian, but rather the result of a life bound to the Law. Delving into Romans 7, we uncover an astonishing truth: Paul is saying that flirting with Moses is cheating on Jesus. Yes, astonishingly, Romans 7 reveals that sinful passions are actually aroused by the Law. This might sound counterintuitive, but sin even gains an opportunity through the Ten Commandments themselves. Join me in this eye-opening exploration of Romans 7, and together we’ll unlock the key to a fruitful and fulfilling Christian life, free from the bondage of sin and the constraints of the Law. I can’t wait for you to enjoy these powerful truths, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts! Discussion Questions for Romans 7:1-14: 1. Why does Paul use a marriage analogy? What’s the point? 2. How is verse 4 a summary of the “big picture” of this chapter? 3. Read verse 5. What does the Law do? 4. Read verse 6. How do we serve God today? 5. Read verse 7. What is the purpose of the Law? 6. Read verse 8. What specific commandment was in focus? How does one break free from sin? How does this verse show the Ten Commandments are not an exception to our freedom from the Law? 7. What are eight pieces of evidence that the passage is about Paul before his conversion? (Hint: Consider verses 1b, 3a, 5a, 7b, 9, 10, 11, and 14b.)

What commands are actually written on our hearts? I was really hurt by family, but now I’m wondering if I should give them a second chance? What’s happening in John 20 when Jesus breathed on the disciples and they received the Holy Spirit? People don’t seem to understand me, and I end up living life mostly alone. What can I do? How should we interpret the if-then statements in Deuteronomy 30? Are they law or grace? How can I be saved if I found myself backsliding into old habits so much?

Why does one group of Christians judge another group? Does any part of the Sermon on the Mount encourage us today? What about the Beatitudes? I would like to get married and have children, but I'm suffering from anxiety in my decision-making process and wonder if it's God, or if I can move forward in confidence. Can you help?