Widowed and Remarried – Lite (25 min)

Some understand Christian freedom but then abuse it through an overly permissive lifestyle that does not glorify God (which is sinful and not of the Holy Spirit). Others want to press on in advancing in Christlikeness and become frustrated when falling short. This ‘free but struggling’ concept is difficult to comprehend because the words seem contradictory. In some instances, every believer must be conflicted between two natures (just like Paul admitted at the end of Chapter 7).  

In Romans 7, the word ‘law; is mentioned 23 times, and the word ‘sin’ is used 16 times (depending on the translation version). The question that readily comes to mind is: how can anyone feel free from condemnation with such a focus on the law and sin?  

Well, that’s just it. It’s not about feelings. Feelings can lie. The good news is that the Holy Spirit confirms in Romans 7 that through union with Christ, the believer is free from the accusation even though the struggle with sin is real! It seems to me, the closer you get to the LORD, the more you see your unholiness and the more you realize how much you are truly loved (despite the work still in progress)!

Segment Context within the Chapter:

In this blog, we will understand how union with Christ delivered us from the guilty verdict of the law because of death. Romans 7:1-6 is key to navigating the remaining passages within chapter 7 that deal with the dichotomy between the new creation person and the old human nature that still exists (hopefully increasingly in dormancy).  The notes on the subsequent segment (Romans 7:7 to 25) can be found in the “lite blog” called “Why Do I Do That? Because the Struggle is Real! To review my full Romans 7 study notes please read my blog called “The Struggle is Real but Not Permanent “.

Grab your Bible and let’s dive into the water of the Word.

Widowed and Remarried (Romans 7:1 to 6)

In this passage, the Holy Spirit led Paul to remind the believers of a basic truth that no one living in civilization would argue. He starts by saying:

• “Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?” (Romans 7:1).

I suppose some people think they are above the law or hope to avoid consequences, but even if they seem to escape judgment under human laws, ultimately every human being will give an account for their actions. Jesus said:

• “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36).

It is also written that:

• “.. there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13).

Paul was addressing believers who (1) knew the law; (2) had been pardoned; and,(3) were living under Roman rule. Hmmm. Yet, Paul stated, “Or do you not know”.   The verse starts with a conjunction between connected thoughts. So, let’s return to the previous verses for context. He said:

• “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:22 to 23).

So, we see that Paul made a connection between:

1. the past transaction of being pardoned (set free from the penalty of sin); and,
2. the current position of being a bondservant to fully serve God’s purposes (which results in being holy and eternal life).

He was clearly saying that the law has authority over a person (saved or otherwise) as long as someone is breathing. Don’t worry Christian friend; Paul later explains this in Romans 8.

There are different laws for different jurisdictions but we aren’t in chapter 8 just yet. But as a sneak peek, consider this verse. It is written:

• “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2).

For now, let’s remain calm and carry on with Roman 7, verse 1.  The word “dominion” used here in the Greek text is “kyrieúō” (Strong’s G2961) which means “to be lord of or rule over” and the root word is “kýrios” (Strong’s G2962) which is used for a person exercising absolute ownership rights; lord (Lord). This is the same word that Paul uses in Romans 14 which quotes Isaiah 45:23.

• “For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” (Romans 14:11).

When Paul quoted Isaiah 45:23, he referred believers back to the remembrance of the Lordship of Yᵉhôvâh (Strong’s H3068), the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God; the Lord. The entire 45th chapter of Isaiah explains that there is only one Sovereign God and that the earthly rulers are merely servants of His will (whether they know it or not). The chapter concludes by referring to a time in humanity’s future where He will reign over all.

So then, let me ask you this. Is it true that the law has power over every human? Absolutely.   

There are universal laws that apply to all living on earth whether human beings wish to acknowledge them or not.  

1. There are laws of physics that are continually being discovered as humanity grows in knowledge.  
2. There is also natural law.   “In jurisprudence and political philosophy, a system of right or justice common to all humankind and derived from nature rather than from the rules of society, or positive law.” This is cited from Britannica, The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia. Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/facts/natural-law.  
3. Then there are the jurisdictional laws and religious laws; etc.

So regardless of beliefs, there will be some sort of law that humanity is subject to.  

Now, for most believers, if we do not accept Romans 7:1 as a simple truth and fail to read further, this may get someone’s back up because it sounds contrary to what we know about being free in Christ (but it is not).  

Paul went on to explain what Christ did at the cross.

• “For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.” (Romans 7:2 to 3).

This is where many people who enjoy debate get sidetracked by the argument of divorce and remarriage. Both Paul and Jesus spoke about divorce, but Paul did venture there in his letter because that discussion had nothing to do with the doctrine he was explaining.

The point is that death resolutely concludes or ends a person’s connection to the law they were under. Law has no impact on the dead.  

Upon being pardoned, a believer is:

1. released from the law’s rightful penalty and hold; 
2. transferred by a new birth into the realm of the King’s royal court; and,
3. married into the household of His Majesty on High, Jesus (the Christ).  

His Sovereign provides the full pardon and a new life begins under the authority of the Sovereign.  It is written:

• that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:10 to 14).

A pardon is part of the legal system, and it does not negate the law; it simply applies a privilege that the legitimate authority has a right to exercise.  This does not mean that the law was bad or no longer exists. It also does not mean that a person was innocent of breaking the law.  

For Christians, God’s pardon means that the pardoned believer has been given ambassadorial immunity from the law; and, that Christ’s righteousness has been imputed. In the heavenly books, the pardoned person’s record notes that the price was paid in full by the shed blood of the worthy Lamb of God, the only sufficient Substitute.

In Romans 7:3, the word “free” in the Greek text is “eleutheros” (Strong’s 1658) which means “not a slave, or not under restraint”.  It is used as being delivered from obligation. Since God’s law does not go away, the one who has remarried to the LORD is now exempt from the penalty of sin and the law and is unrestrained in their freedom from the law within the new union as the bride of Christ, a regenerate child of God. Jesus said:

• … “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”… “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:31 to 32 and 36).

It is also written:

• “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Sin and legalism are both yokes of bondage; like two sides of the same coin. So, we pray as the Psalmist did:

• “Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:133). 

Paul used the picture of “marriage” in this passage. The concept of being under the bonds of matrimonial law communicated what our union with Christ accomplished beyond the pardon.  

In years past, it was common to use words such as “for as long as we both shall live” in making the marriage covenant. I wonder how many Christians understand their marriages are united to fellowship with Christ and are a reflection of the blessed Godhead. Christian marriage is so much more than a legal contract; it is a covenant.   A covenant remains a walk of faith and commitment from one’s old life into a new life (a death to independence and a new birth into oneness).  Certainly, the individuals remain distinct and equal; but, they now exist together in harmony for the union; and together, they decide on actions that benefit the union which may include giving preference to one individual’s desires above their own. When one triumphs against external adversity or challenge, everyone in the union wins; when one wins an internal battle against their partner; everyone loses. 

What would have happened if the Son of God (being equal to the Father and distinct) decided not to submit to the Father’s will? The Godhead kept their promises. God’s covenants are holy, unbreakable, and agreed upon within the Trinity. Thank God for that! If you have some time, please consider Philippians 2:5 to 11; Matthew 26:39 to 42; Galatians 3:13; and 1st Peter 3:18.

 In Romans 7:2 to 3, Paul was talking about which covenant rules a person. Paul also referred to this covenantal walk into death and resurrection in Romans 6 verses 3 to 5 saying:

• “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection”.  

Do you see it? When a believer is pardoned through God-given faith in Christ by God’s grace, they are pardoned from sin committed (past and future). And, having been brought into the royal court through union with Christ, we are no longer bound by the law.  We died with Christ which severed the legal bond of the law, and when He rose, we also arose to a new way of living and with a new bond to a new Husband. Believers are the bride of Christ and under His headship, in covenantal oneness.

Since death has severed the old relationship (the old covenant), then the old relationship has no bearing on the new relationship (the new covenant).

Christ killed the rule of the law over me when He became my substitute and died in my place. I am now free to live in service to my King. He has made me an ambassador and I have immunity from the penalty of the law if I get into trouble (which I try my best to avoid). Besides, why would I want to bring scandal or dishonour to my covenant King who continually saves my life from ruin?

The next verse explains that the union with Christ results in adherence to God’s desires with the power to do so. This is bearing fruit to God; holiness that has the outcome of eternal life.

• “Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another; to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.” (Romans 7:4).
• But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. (Romans 6:22 New American Standard Bible 95)

With God’s moral will upheld within our regenerated hearts, as willing bondslaves who are freed from the law, we now are to bear fruit for God out of love for Him. There is no need to get our backs up when we think about the law. 

As it is written:

• “Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” (Romans 7:12).

We no longer need to perform the law to gain acceptance with God because Jesus fulfilled the law in His life and He abolished the sacrificial system having become the final substitutional sacrifice.   It is written:

• “THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,” He then says, “AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin. … and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; (various Scripture from Hebrews 10:16 through 23 New American Standard Bible 95)

The Greek word for the phrase “and become dead” used in Romans 7:4 is “thanatoó” (Strong’s 2289) which means to cause to be put to death, kill, or mortify. It makes the thing being killed extinct.

Paul also wrote the letter to the Galatians in which he states under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:

• “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” … I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. … And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Portions of Scripture from Galatians 5:13 to 24).

Most humans like definitions more than guiding principles because we think the prescription brings clarity. In my mind, prescription brings judgment when exercising precision fails. All the same, some like the rules to fairly judge others by. It seems like a great number of people are screaming for some sort of justice these days. Isn’t interesting that when it comes to ourselves, we prefer mercy and grace. Others want prescription because it makes them feel as though they are measuring up; like wanting a standard to be or do right. This makes me think about the rich ruler parable. It is written:

• “A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good, except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’” “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.” (Luke 18:18 to 23 New International Version).

This poor man. He did his best to obey the letter of the law yet he failed to love the Lord with all of his heart; he was unwilling to surrender what he loved to follow Christ. Remember, what is the first commandment? Jesus simplified the commandments saying:

• “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27).

How can you be dead to the law, free from its prescription and penalty while being a bondservant (or slave) of Christ with the privileges of marriage? Why is a marriage covenant to Christ preferred? In short, our union with Christ gives us His authority, protection, guarantee and empowerment. But let’s look at this a little more.

When human beings are told they cannot do something, their sinful nature resists. We don’t like something restricting what “feels” desirable. We want what we want; and, we want others to endorse our wants.   

But now that we are no longer married to the law, and we have married Christ, we have the liberty and empowerment to serve the Holy Spirit’s leading. When God’s grace illuminates the heart through faith in Jesus, His deposited Holy Spirit changes the desires of your heart. As such, now that we are dead to the law, even though the sinful nature still exists, there is no need for rebellion against the law.  

The law simply made me want things that I shouldn’t have wanted.  It quickened the realization that there was something that was being denied. It’s like the original command. It is written:

• “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16 and 17).

The power to deny one’s desires is the mastery over personal will. It is the ability to choose what is best. This is what the Holy Spirit has given us. Christ freed us from the law and the Holy Spirit gives us the freedom to obey His leading.

• “When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.” (Romans 7:5 to 6 from the New Living Translation)

The negatives (or prohibitions) of the law are transformed into the positives (or liberty) of the Spirit. The prescription of the letter of the law is gone, and we have a higher capability without the prescription. In place of regulations, we have God’s character and principles written in our hearts.  The sacrifice is gone; repentance and empowerment now flow from a direct relationship with God. 

The letter to the Galatians explains it this way:

• “This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? … Now, that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH.” However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “THE PERSON WHO PERFORMS THEM WILL LIVE BY THEM.” … Therefore the Law has become our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”… “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. … You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace. … For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. … But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. … Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.” (This collection of verses comes from Galatians 3:2, 11, 12, and 24 to 26 along with Galatians 5:1, 4, 13, 16 to 18, and 24 to 25 using the New American Standard Bible).

It is also written:

• “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4 New American Standard Bible).

So, if you are trying to keep the higher standard of Christ’s teachings on the Sermon on the Mount in your own strength, your human flaws will become even more apparent and more frustrating.  But if the believer submits to the reign or rulership of the Holy Spirit, there is empowerment and an outflowing from God’s Spirit.   

Let us contrast the Holy letter of the moral law given on Mount Sinai in the Old Covenant with the rule of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant. None of us does this perfectly because we have not been glorified yet.

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me becomes you can have continual fellowship with each member of the Godhead through Christ’s provision of access to the Father. (John 5:23; and Matthew 11:27). Through the Holy Spirit, with a willing heart and out of loving devotion you can desire the LORD to be the priority in your life (John 4:23 to 24; 1st Corinthians 8:6; and 1st John 5:20 to 21).  Can you do this? Only when you yield or submit to the indwelling Holy Spirit, day by day, and moment by moment.
2. Thou shalt not make for yourself a carved image of anything that is in heaven above becomes you can bear my image and glory (Matthew 4:10; Acts 9:15; and John 15:16); and, put on the mind of Christ (1st Corinthians 2:16; and John 16:13 to 15).  You are free in your mind to know that images and idols cannot save you nor have power (1st Corinthians 8:4 and 6; Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 5:8; and, 2nd Corinthians 4:3 to 6).  Can you do this? Only when you yield or submit to the indwelling Holy Spirit, day by day, and moment by moment.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD your God in vain becomes you shall be the LORD’s ambassadors and use His name and His authority for His purposes (Mark 16:17; 2nd Corinthians 5:20; and Ephesians 6:20). Can you do this? Only when you yield or submit to the indwelling Holy Spirit, day by day, and moment by moment. 
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy becomes you are not required to perform legalist requirements or prohibit activity. You are free to reserve a holy day to glorify God; or, to make every day a holy day unto God while you still conduct the affairs of life (Luke 6:5 and 9; Colossians 2:16 to 17; and Romans 14:4 to 8).  Either way, we are to remain in fellowship with other believers in a gathering setting (Hebrews 10:23 to 25). Can you do this? Only when you yield or submit to the indwelling Holy Spirit, day by day, and moment by moment.  
5. Thou shalt honour your mother and father remains as there was no limiting command but now it becomes increased in that loyalty to parents is from pure love and reverence because now you can do it unto the LORD (Colossians 3:20; Ephesians 5:21; Ephesians 6:1).  You can forgive their shortcomings (1st Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 6:10; also Ephesians 4:32) and can see that God appointed them as your parents according to His will (Acts 17:26; Philippians 2:12 to 15; 1st Timothy 2:3 to 4; and 1st Thessalonians 5:18). Can you do this? Only when you yield or submit to the indwelling Holy Spirit, day by day, and moment by moment.
6. Thou shalt not murder becomes you can bring life to your situations and others (James 2:13; 1st John 3:14; John 6:63; Romans 10:8 to 10; 1st Corinthians 2:12 to 13; and, 2nd Corinthians 3:6). Can you do this? Only when you yield or submit to the indwelling Holy Spirit, day by day, and moment by moment.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery becomes you shall be in a committed relationship to the LORD and thereby love every person with Agape love which includes truth instead of out of lust to fulfill selfish desires (1st John 4:7 to 11; Matthew 5:28; and James 4:4) Can you do this? Only when you yield or submit to the indwelling Holy Spirit, day by day, and moment by moment.
8. Thou shalt not steal becomes you can be a giver and a hard worker (Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; Luke 21:3 to 4; Ephesians 4:28; and 1st Thessalonians 4:6, 11 to 12). Can you do this? Only when you yield or submit to the indwelling Holy Spirit, day by day, and moment by moment.
9. Thou shalt not lie becomes you can speak truth into all situations with boldness and gentleness in love (Ephesians 4:15 and 25; Ephesians 4:1 to 6; John 16:13; Romans 12:9; Acts 4:29; 2nd Corinthians 3:12; 2nd Corinthians 7:4; and 2nd Timothy 4:2 to 3). Can you do this? Only when you yield or submit to the indwelling Holy Spirit, day by day, and moment by moment.
10. Thou shalt not covet becomes you can be thankful for everything in your life with true contentment without striving for more or being dissatisfied with what God has given you (Luke 12:15; Colossians 3:5 and 17; 1st Timothy 6:6 to 10; Hebrews 13:5; and Philippians 4:6). Can you do this? Only when you yield or submit to the indwelling Holy Spirit, day by day, and moment by moment.

Here is what we all need to remember:  

Forgive the repetition here but this point is so key so I will repeat it differently:

Those who yield to the Holy Spirit not only do not have to try to control their desires in their own strength, but they can also look forward to God’s reward amid difficulty. Why? because HE increasingly changes the HEART’s focus and thereby actions. And, when (not if) one makes a misstep, GOD’s GRACE IS GREATER THAN ALL SIN.

This freedom in Christ changes the focus of our hearts and minds producing healthy emotions and desires. 

We don’t need to grumble, fret, or fear; instead, we should see everything through the lens of God’s sovereignty and purpose.  We experience His grace, love, presence, mercy, and strength which is the motivation to be Holy (set apart and other than the common). Love for our new living Husband reigns through His grace in our lives; the old husband (the law) is no longer alive for us.  If we try to be married to Christ and to the law, we are adulteresses. Being married to Christ frees you from the law’s performance requirements, and frees you into a “flowing out of” and “because of” love relationship.

The good news is that God’s grace makes you strong! Sin and rebellion no longer drive you to go against God’s character. Whenever the human sinful nature gets stirred up by transacting in this world or by even looking at what needs to change, the Holy Spirit gives guidance to your regenerated heart; and, as the “empowered, new creation”, you have the freedom to make decisions by resting in Him. You are no longer ruled by carnal or sensual instinct. What will you do? It’s a choice to submit or yield to the Holy Spirit. He will never tell you to go against the Word of God (the Bible). The Logos and Rhema are One. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh and when He ascended to the Father, they sent the Holy Spirit. The Three are completely united; They are One.

The LORD knows we will not be perfect on this side of heaven, and He still expects us to learn to yield as He did.

Remember, if you are a regenerated believer, you have been widowed and are now remarried to the One who made the law’s lordship over you extinct.  Your new marriage is a covenant with the LORD of lords and He does not break His Word.

The Application:

So, what do we do with all of this? Knowing that Christ’s work is finished does not mean that we have no responsibility in the relationship. And, accepting the reality that human nature has a propensity to sin does not mean we should be passive about it.  

Paul recognized the futility of all “self” efforts to be righteous. He also knew that the truth of the Gospel of God sets us free from slavery to sin. Let’s close with how Romans 7 ends and rejoice in how it concludes in the first couple of verses of Romans 8.

• “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 7:25 to 8:4; New International Version)

Father, I thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ as the perfectly sufficient payment for the entirety of my sin. I thank You for the power to believe the good news of this new life offered by Your grace. I thank You for Your eternal Word which is the representation of Your Son who has always existed with You in perfect unity. I thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who leads Your people into victory. I thank You for using human beings like Paul to communicate Your principles, Your thoughts, and Your ways to humanity so that out of willing, devoted hearts we can be united to You. May those who read my study notes on Your Word be inspired to continue to read Your Word for themselves and hear what it is You are saying to them individually. May we all be able to join with the Scripture that says:

• “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).

Father, everything about You is amazing!