Paul has just told us that the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. That is subjective. You might say experiential. It’s something the believer comes to know internally—and it is an assurance both of God’s presence, ownership, and that we are loved. But now Paul anchors that subjective assurance in something more objective. He doesn’t leave the love of God in the realm of emotion or resting on our fluctuating feelings. He grounds it in objective redemptive history–in an undeniable event. He shows us what that love did. The cross is not merely a symbol of divine love, it is the objective, public demonstration of it. It is God stepping into time and proving what kind of love He has for mankind. 

After four chapters of exposing guilt and establishing justification, Paul finally lets us breathe. The argument gives way to assurance. It’s a crescendo of relief and praise as he unfolds what our pardon actually means. “Therefore, having been justified by faith…” Everything that follows flows from that settled verdict.

As Paul continues to build his case for the doctrine of the gospel, he gives us this chapter which is all about faith as the path to salvation. He calls to the stand two important witnesses from the history of Israel -Abraham and David, whose words and faith remain powerful testimonies to the world. 

Nate unpacks 1 Peter 4:1-7 and the spectrum of service the believer is called to.

Paul’s ambition here is not to simply expose or accuse us of being sinners, his goal is to demonstrate the righteousness of God in the gospel.

This section of the bible is perhaps one of the least popular, but it presents essential doctrine. Paul asks a series of questions he anticipates his readers might raise. He is employing a form of logical argument that was well known in the ancient world called diatribe.

After describing the condition of humanity outside those who we would consider believers, Paul will now address the problems with us–people who consider themselves His. In verses 1-16 he will address critical moralizers and in verses 17-29 he will address self-confident Jews.

Last week we looked at the idea of truth suppressed leading to the corruption of worship. As we continue along in Romans 1, we see more of the downward progression of sin… it’s going nowhere good. The latter stages demonstrate the judgement of God meeting the depravity of man. 

When people refuse to acknowledge God, honor Him, or give thanks, the consequences unfold in predictable ways. The text traces a downward spiral—and gives us a sobering diagnosis of the human condition apart from the gospel, reminding us that we need the grace of God.

Nate Anderson unpacks what is looks like to build a kingdom life in Matthew 5:1-12.