Highlight: 

Romans 7:21-25 – “So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”

Explain: 

Paul is explaining about the sinful nature that is in everyone and how that nature constantly drives us to sin.  The Law will never fix the sin nature problem, it only exposes that we have a sin problem.  Paul says that even when he does right, evil is always close at hand.  He delights in obeying God, but there is a war waging inside that makes him captive to sin.  He then asks how he could be delivered from this and then he gives his answer…“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ!”  Jesus is the only rescue for the sin nature that is in all people.

Apply: 

Everyday there are battles in my heart and mind about who I am going to follow.  I am either going to trust God and live in obedience to Him, or I am going to give into my flesh and follow my sinful nature.  I must constantly evaluate my heart and motives to ensure my heart is right with God.

Respond:

Lord, help me to submit to You, resist temptations, and fully surrender You.

Brad Perry

Romans 8

Romans 8

H: ⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

E:         Paul was explaining that our flesh leads us in places that we never thought we would go. When we live according the flesh our desires are just for that, the flesh. When we live according to the Spirit our desire is for Him and to do His will, and this gives us life and peace.

A:        The battle between the flesh and the Spirit is a battle that everyone faces. Paul was no exception to this and neither are we. We may have the perfect intentions to help someone else, but our flesh takes over and we either fail to help or don’t do all that we could have. According to the scripture, when we set our minds on the things of the flesh it becomes death to us. On the other hand, when we set our minds on the things of the Spirit we have life and peace!

R:        Lord help me to live according to Your Spirit, and not rely on my fleshly desires. Help me to test how I “feel” to make sure it lines up to Your Spirit! ~ Amen

Bryan Hughes

Romans 7

Scripture: Romans 7:14–17 (NKJV)

Highlight  14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it isgood. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

Explain:  Paul is explaining why we are no longer bound to the law. It is because the law is powerless to help us and can only condemn us. The logical question might, then, be: Who needs the law? If the law only condemns us, let’s just ditch the law and all will be ok. But that’s not true at all. Actually, we desperately need the law. Without it, we would still be sinful, but we would not know it. With it, we can see our sin, but we are powerless to do anything about it. The only answer, as we see in v25, is Jesus Christ. His redemption forgives our transgression of the law and gives us the power to obey through His Spirit.

Apply:We must preach the law and constantly confront ourselves with its demands, not to be justified by keeping it, but to see our sinfulness and turn to God. This is what is missing in many churches. We preach the love of Christ without preaching God’s demand for holiness and how it can only be met through the gospel.

Respond I will remember this when preparing messages! Rusty Russell

Romans 6

Romans 6 (CSB)

H

Rom. 6:12-13 – “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.  And do not offer any part of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness.”

E

Paul has been talking about how Christ’s death brings us new life by allowing us to die to our sins and be raised with Christ. Then in these verses, he gives us the command to be dead to sin by not allowing anypart of our body to be used for sin.  Instead, we should use our bodies as weapons for righteousness.

A

I must not allow any part of me to let sin in. Satan often will attack me and try to convince me a little sin isn’t a big deal, but I must reject this lie because we are warned that no part of us should be offered up for sin no matter how small that sin may appear.  I must be diligent to not allow any place for sin in my life lest I get pulled into deeper temptation and be blinded by the power of sin.  

R

Prayer: “God, help me to keep my body, mind, and heart pure and holy before you.  Help me to abstain from sin in anyway and to resist the temptation to allow sin to sneak into my life.  Help me to always allow you to search me and reveal to me areas of needed growth so that I never grow complacent or blind to my own sin so that it cannot take root in my life.”  

Aaron Pierce

Romans 5

Scripture: Rom 5:8-11

Highlight  When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. [1]

Explain: These vv show:  Our utter helplessness – v6Christ’s unlikely death? Timing – in due time – v6 ObjectWho a person might die for – v7 an especially good man Whom Christ died for. – v8 – His enemies Motivation – v – 8 – He did this because of His great love. His death’s powerful impact Made Righteous in God’s sight – we were made right in the sight of God – v9 Freed from condemnation – v9 Assured of a great future – v10 Joy – v11

Apply: The summary statement of these verses is found in v11: We rejoice (are absolutely confident) in our new relationship with Christ. Why are we so confident in our relationship with Christ? (i.e. Why do we have such assurance of our salvation?) Because of the:  Timing of salvation: When Jesus saved us: When we were utterly helpless to save ourselves. When God sovereignly decided to send His Son. When we were not His friend, but His sworn enemy. When we were sinners.Means of salvation: How Jesus saved us. He saved us through God’s great love. He saved us through His own death Impact of Salvation:  We are made righteous We are freed from condemnation We are assured of a great future

Respond I will praise Him for the confidence I can have in the salvation He has provided for me! Rusty Russell

Scripture: Romans 4:20-25

Highlight  Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. [1]

Explain: In Romans 4 Paul is explaining how we are justified by faith and not the law by showing that Abraham was justified by faith apart from circum cision. He was saved because he believed God. In the same way, we are saved because we believe in the promise of God and what Jesus did for us on the cross.  Abraham, it says, never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.

Apply: I am moved by reading that statement that Abraham never wavered in believing the God’s promise. That promise was that God would make a nation that would be the means of bring His salvation to the world through Christ. My question is this for myself: What is it that God has promised me that I must never waver in believing?  His word will not return void, but will accomplish the purpose He sent it. Therefore, I must be faithful to preach it and share it, even when it seems that no one responds. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” Heb. 6:10 Therefore, I will labor for Him in love by ministering to His saints.

Respond I will remember His promises!

Romans 3
H: 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
E: Throughout the Old Testament, and before Jesus Christ came on the scene, the Law was the rule for a relationship with God. However, the Law did not come with an all-inclusive reception for anyone who was not a Jew. Many rules of the Law had become man-made with restrictions that would not allow all people to enjoy this Holy relationship. Once Jesus Christ came onto the scene, His sacrifice brought down those man-made barriers and proved that a relationship with God was for ALL who believed. (vs. 22…For there is NO distinction) 
A: When it comes to someone having an intimate relationship with the Father, God does not look at race, gender, past or present sinful situations. He looks toward a righteous and holy future for those who accept the free gift of a sacrifice that was shed by His Son as a payment for their sins. Because of this, those who accept Him no longer have to worry about those past sins and can use this new relationship as a weapon in the spiritual warfare that Satan will bring to try and distract us from the purpose that God has for our life. We no longer have to live in bondage because WE ARE FREE!
R: Help me to remember in those times that Satan brings up the past, that I am no longer a slave to those sins. The price that was paid by my new Master is far greater than the debt that was owed by the world.

Adam Carnes

adamcarnesMedia &CommunicationsPastorPeace ChurchWilson, NCpeacechurchwilson.com

Highlight: 

Romans 1:19-20 – “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”

Explain: 

Paul is writing about people who are currently non-believers, and he said that everyone has some knowledge about God.  This knowledge about God that everyone has is known as “general revelation.”  Paul says that God’s invisible attributes, his eternal power, and divine nature have been made known to all people so that no one is without excuse for not believing in Him.

Apply: 

This passage brings encouragement as we think about sharing the gospel with people who are far from God.  We are often afraid of how people will respond, but this passage tells us that deep down, everyone has a basic knowledge of God.  Many reject it and suppress that, which God allows them to do, but the knowledge is still there.  Our role is to help them lean into that general revelation so that they can have the opportunity to respond to God’s special revelation.

Respond: 

Lord, help me to be bold in my testimony and witness to those who are far from You.  I pray that I will not let fear rule my life, and keep me quiet.

Brad Perry

Romans 2

H:        ¹⁴ For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. ¹⁵ They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them ¹⁶ on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

E:         The Jews were set on following the law but many times their “wanting to” and “doing” didn’t quite match up. They also were pretty upset that the Gospel was being preached to the Gentiles and that they were not required to follow the law. Paul explains to the Jews that even though the Gentiles didn’t follow the law it was still written on their hearts. Many Gentiles did what was right because they knew it was right and not because they had read about it somewhere. Paul says that their conscience bears witness. They had an inner peace or turmoil according to their actions. That was the Holy Spirit working in them!

A:        We all have a law that is written on our hearts to do right or wrong. As Paul says here, “our conscience bears witness.” God will be the judge of all men according to His purpose through Jesus Christ. I need to be careful to not push my own personal preferences on someone else that may see things differently than I do. It doesn’t make either them or me wrong or right, we just see it differently.

R:        When I see people what is my first thought of them? Do they dress like me? Do they talk like me? Do they worship like me? Is any of that important to how I love them? We may not have things in common, but that shouldn’t be a hindrance to how I show the Love of Christ to them.

Romans 1

Scripture: Romans 1:20–21 (NKJV)

Highlight  20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Explain: At the outset of his most clearly systematic presentation of the Gospel, Paul is revealing why the gospel is, in fact, necessary for everyone. It is because of their willful rejection of the revelation of God. Here are the facts: Seeing God for Who He is possible for everyone because of creation. He is clearly understood by the things that are made.There is a pretty complete understanding of God this way as well: We see His eternal power “and Godhead.”Because of this revelation, men are without excuse. If someone asks, “Would God condemn those who have never had a chance to believe in Him?” the answer is there is no one who does not have a chance to believe in Him. He has revealed Himself to men.The problem with man is not that he has not heard about God, but that he did not GLORIFY HIM AS GOD. As a result, he wasn’t grateful.Without the compass of the reality of God to guide him, man’s thinking become foolish

Apply: Since all men know God, I must capitalize on this knowledge in my witness.Since all men suppress truth, I must be willing to confront this in witness.Since all men are without excuse, I must pursue men urgently.

Respond God, help me to focus on You and look for these opportunities today!

Rusty Russell

5/29/19

Acts 28 (CSB)

H

Acts 28:30b-31 – “And he welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”

E

Paul has been under Roman arrest for up to two years at this point as he is awaiting his appeal to Caesar.  He was appealing to Caesar to proclaim his innocence as a Roman citizen being wrongfully treated by lower level Roman authorities and the Jewish leaders.  Even though he was stuck waiting for two years, this verse makes clear that he did not sulk in this time but used every opportunity given to him to proclaim Christ to the people around him, which would’ve been royals and Roman soldiers in some of the most powerful positions in the empire.  

A

There will certainly be times of frustration, limitations, and monotony in my life, but that can never be an excuse not to engage in the mission of God and sharing of my faith.  In fact, God may have me in seasons of waiting or what appears to be limitations for the purpose of having me reach out to those around me in the way Paul did in this verse.  I need to do all I can to share my faith and live on mission no matter what season I’m in.

R

Prayer: “God help me to always stay focused on your mission.  Whether it is my temptation to get too busy or even laziness is seasons of downtime, let me never stop sharing my faith, proclaiming your Gospel, or living to impact the lives of others You’ve placed around me.”  

Aaron Pierce

Scripture: Acts 27

Highlight  Acts 27 various verses

Explain:  Paul is put on the ship to go and be tried by Caesar. Though he is a prisoner, he becomes the leader of this group through some very difficult circumstances. Here are some factors in him becoming the leader of this group:  Sterling character that creates trust: 27:3: The next day when we docked at Sidon, Julius was very kind to Paul and let him go ashore to visit with friends so they could provide for his needs.[1] Why was Julius kind to Paul? Because he could tell, through his observation (maybe while Paul was in prison) that he could be trusted.  Prescient vision that is proven accurate: Acts 27:21–24 (NLT) Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. 22 But take courage! None of you will lose your lives,. Paul paints a picture of what he sees coming. This is an important part of leadership.  Realistic honesty that builds trust:even though the ship will go down . . . Paul wasn’t just blowing smoke. He knew that there was still going to be some hard times.   Positive confidence that builds hope: But take courage! None of you will lose your lives . . . What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’  , Paul gives them hope in the middle of a dire situation.  Divine intervention that creates confidence: 23For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, 24 and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! Paul had heard from God!  Fearless confrontation that protects followers: Acts 27:30–32 (NLT) 30 Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship; they lowered the lifeboat as though they were going to put out anchors from the front of the ship. 31 But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away. Paul is not afraid to confront people who are straying and about to really mess up.  Loving concern that instructs followers: 33 Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. 34 “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.”  Paul is looking out for those who have become his charge. The prisoner has become the warden.  Personal example that produces motivation: Acts 27:35–38 (NLT) 35 Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. 36 Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat—37 all 276 of us who were on board. 38 After eating, the crew lightened the ship further by throwing the cargo of wheat overboard.Paul eats in front of the men so that they will do as he has asked.  Increasing appreciation that recognizes value: Acts 27:42–43 (NLT) 42 The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape. 43But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land.

Apply: So these are the qualities of leadership Paul demonstrates:  Sterling character that creates trust:  Prescient vision that is proven accurate:   Realistic honesty that builds credibility:   Positive confidence that builds hope:   Divine intervention that creates confidence:  Fearless confrontation that protects followers:   Loving concern that instructs followers:   Personal example that produces motivation: Increasing appreciation that recognizes value:

Respond  I will consider how to make these qualities a part of how I lead.

Scripture:  Acts 26:29 (NIV)

Highlight:  29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”Explain:  Paul was facing King Agrippa, and he was explaining to the people there what God had done in his life. He explained to them how he used to be and the transformation that had taken place.  Agrippa asked Paul did he think he could convince him to believe what he believed in such a short time. Paul’s response was good.  He stated that whether it take a short time or a long time, he prayed that King Agrippa and all of those there would become what Paul had become.  What a testimony to God’s grace and mercy in Paul’s life.  It is interesting because that couldn’t have always been the case with Paul and his life. Again, Paul shared how he had been, and he was explaining to the people what God could do to change their lives.  

Apply:  Sometimes the easiest way for us to share our faith with others is to explain to them what God has done to transform our lives. I think sometimes people may share the time that they received Christ, and that is very important, but it is also important to share with people about how God is daily renewing and transforming their lives.  There is nothing better that God’s grace, mercy, and transformation in someone’s life. What a testimony to share!!

Respond:  Dear Lord, please give me an opportunity this week to share how you have and are continuing to work in my life.  

I will thank you in advance for the opportunities that you will give me. 
Carl Bradshaw

Acts 25

H:        vss. 18-19 “¹⁸ When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. ¹⁹ Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.

E:         Agrippa and Bernice (brother and sister, son and daughter of Herod Agrippa I) were in the region of Caesarea, and Festus laid Paul’s case out before them due to the fact he couldn’t come to a conclusion about the matter. We see earlier in the chapter that Paul was, “still a prisoner”, even though the charges brought against him were not validated. There was still some confusion about the matter he was being accused of. Finally in vs. 19 we see the groundwork for their accusations, according to Festus.

A:        If we are a truly follower of Jesus, sooner or later we are going to face opposition from those who don’t believe in him. The accusations brought against us may be way out in left field, but at the heart of the matter stands the man, Jesus. People’s hatred of him will inevitably cause hatred toward his followers.

R:        I believe there is coming a day, soon, that we will face this type of persecution right here in Wilson. Some may already face this on a daily basis. I have to be proactive in reaching my neighbors for Christ, but also understand that there are those who stand in total opposition to the One I call my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. #forHISglory #nevergiveup #discipleship

Bryan Hughes