We always belong to someone or something meaning that we are always free from someone or something. If we are slaves to sin, we are free from righteousness. That’s not as good as it might sound to some. It’s not that we are free from legal obligations, it is that we are free from being… Continue reading Romans 6:20-23
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Romans 6:15-19
This next section repeats the “what then…by no means” pattern. Again, Paul asks if it is okay to sin, this time because we are under grace. Does this different constitution give us freedom to do what we want. The answer is an emphatic “no”. (v15). Why? Because our obedience confirms our ownership. We tend to… Continue reading Romans 6:15-19
Good constitutions and bad rulers
Most countries have some form of a constitution. The UK is unusual in that unlike most countries its constitution is unwritten, however, it still has one. Many countries have constitutions intended to encourage liberal democracy and the rule of law. However, that doesn’t always work out. Sometimes the people find themselves governed by brutal dictators… Continue reading Good constitutions and bad rulers
Romans 6:12-14
Because we have left our old life behind, we should not “let sin reign” or have control over our mortal bodies. The word for mortal is θνητός meaning liable to death. Our bodies therefore are still subject to death even though death does not rule and have power over the whole of our lives (v12). … Continue reading Romans 6:12-14
Freedom
One of the types of resources available from Faithroots is Bible teaching guides. My aim here was to provide preaching and teaching resources recognising third things, first that the cost of commentaries will beyond many preachers, secondly that for many, technical commentaries will be inaccessible. thirdly often there is a gulf between the technical information… Continue reading Freedom
My purpose
Here is the exciting a liberating truth about our identity in Ephesians. If god’s purpose in saving me was to make me part of his family and if that was ultimately in order to display ss as his church in order to show off “the riches of his grace”, then I do not need to… Continue reading My purpose
The trophy of grace
There’s that wonderful moment at the end of a major football competition where the tournament winners go up to the podium to receive their trophy. The team captain lifts the cup of shield as the players around him jump for joy, the press take photos and the crowd goes wild. Now, usually, by the time… Continue reading The trophy of grace
Our identity and purpose (Ephesians 1:3-14)
We have three basic or foundational needs: identity, comfort and protection. These needs when we look for them in the wrong ways, places or at the wrong time become the cause of temptation into sin and idolatry. However, they are real needs and meant to be met in and by Christ. Here, I want to… Continue reading Our identity and purpose (Ephesians 1:3-14)
Desiring God -an appreciation
I was surprised to find out that “Desiring God” by john Piper is 40 years old this year. The idea of Christian hedonism as a term and Christian hedonists as an identifier, perhaps understandably never caught on and that’s also perhaps for the better. However, the shocking use of such language by Piper at the… Continue reading Desiring God -an appreciation
Background preperation for preaching is not a last minute job
I’ve been sharing some background materials that I’ll be taking into account as I prepare a sermon on Ephesians 1:3-14. Part of my aim here is to invite you into my study to get a little bit of an insight into my preparation. It’s important to note that this isn’t preparation that has all happened… Continue reading Background preperation for preaching is not a last minute job
