Romans 5:15-21

Romans 5:15–21 ESV

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Main idea: Is the “much more”-ness of God’s grace abundant in your life?

1. The grace of God provides life over death (vv 15-16).

If life is better than death, why do some choose death?

First reason: They don’t know they are dead. People see Christianity as a set of values or a set of beliefs, but not an unwavering truth that is to shape our lives.

Second reason: They know they are dead, but have been convinced there is no fun in giving up their deadness.

Third reason: Too many Christians live like dead people. Without a noticeable difference between those given life and those who are dead, there will always be those who reject Christ.

Third reason: Too many Christians refuse to share the gospel.

If abundant grace is available Christians, why are there defeated Christians?

First reason: We struggle to forgive ourselves. If we cannot forgive ourselves, why would God truly forgive us?

Second reason: Some Christians continually seek God’s approval, presuming Christ’s love on the cross was insufficient. This can leave a Christian in a grace-less religious state.

2. The grace of God brings righteousness into focus (vv 17-19).

Everything you dislike in your life is covered by grace. That which stains your heart - covered by grace. The sinfulness that you can’t get rid of - covered by grace. The resentfulness, anger and malice that plagues your soul - covered by grace. The inability to embrace biblical stewardship - covered by grace. The words that come out of your mouth - covered by grace. The addictions you hope nobody ever learns about - covered by grace. Your past - covered by grace.

When the “much more”-ness of grace is abundant in a believer’s life, righteousness reigns. Do you remember from last week - what reigns in our life without grace?

The “much more”-ness of grace is like standing at the base of a waterfall. Anyone and anything that is close WILL be impacted by the waterfall. There is one place that will keep you dry…if you stand the waterfall and the rock. You will not feel the impact of the waterfall because it sprays outward. Just as standing between and the rock and the flow of water will keep you dry, standing between a hard place and the flow of grace will keep the flow of righteousness out of focus.

3. The grace of God leads us to eternal life (vv 20-21).

If you live in a rules-based Christianity or if you project that type of Christianity on another person, I want you to know that path will kill your faith. It leads to an obstruction of grace and contempt of the cross. It is likely that your life suffers from a lack of “much more”-ness of grace.

Eternal life is to be experienced every day of our life, not just after we day. Sure, heaven will be great. Why would you want to spend eternity in the fullness of God’s glory and grace, if you live your life without it.

Is the “much more”-ness of God’s grace abundant in your life?

Can you feel it? I want to encourage you to take one step into God’s grace this week. It could be making a list of how you currently experience God’s grace daily and expressing thankfulness. It could be releasing something you are carrying and allowing God’s grace to bring life into that situation. It could be that you want to focus more time pursuing righteousness than running from sin. It could be that you need to ask Jesus Christ to be your savior today. It could be that you need to be baptized.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus today.

Present the path to salvation concisely and clearly!!! Today can be your day to know Jesus personally.

those who have lost their mothe