(Romans 5:12-21) Who Reigns in Your Life?

Paul compares Adam and Christ in Romans 5:12-21 and the differences are astounding. The sin of Adam brought chaos and destruction upon the good world that God created. It’s “reign” was merciless and unchallenged until Christ. Yet, Christ’s rule far surpasses that by not corrupting, but giving grace and transformation. This passage is meant to challenge us to reject our headship of Adam and look to the surpassing worth of the reign of Christ.

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Who reigns in your life – Adam or Christ?

That is the question our text asked us this morning.

Read with me -

Romans 5:12–21 ESV

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. 15 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. 16 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. 17 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. 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 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. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

****************Pray**************

As Americans living in what we call a free society, we often conclude we are free.

>>>> I can do whatever I want, when I want, and how I want.

I can do whatever I want.

But,

Thomas Huxley once said,

10,000 Sermon Illustrations Quotes

A man’s worst difficulties begin when he is able to do as he likes. - Thomas Huxley, “Address on University Education,” Collected Essays, 1902, III, 236.

But is that true? Even in a free country, are we really free?

And you can understand why. What happens if a person gives full vent to the spirit? ()

Is the drunkard and the drug addict truly free?

Or maybe the addiction is not narcotics, but it’s debt or pornography … or million other things that we can become obsessive about.

Is the person who just been diagnosed with cancer truly free?

Is the person who has to follow visitation rights truly free to love their kids?

Is the man or lady controlled by anger and bitterness – really free?

Is the person

We can have constitutional and legal freedom, but that doesn't mean were free.

We have a king ruling over our life

- whether we realize it or not;

- whether we like it or not.

The only freedom we have is to decide whether Adam or Christ will rule over my life.

When we evangelize… Many times people will deny Christ.

Sometimes though we rejoice because someone comes to believe in the gospel.

{{{And as far as I am concerned, that one soul is worthy everything we do as a church.}}}}

But often we approach evangelism like it's an intellectual question only. I have to answer all their doubts.

Even if we approach it as a spiritual question – I would contend the decision is more than a spiritual question.

Every person faced with the Gospel is faced with a choice - who shall reign over my life? Jesus or Adam.

That is the weight of what we are asking every time we ask someone if they believe in Christ.

Whatever belief we have about Christ

- Remember you are also deciding who should reign over my life - the act of Adam or the Act of Christ.

Every unbeliever, unknowingly, is saying Adam is my king.

EXPLANATION OF BACKGROUND:

Every believer, hopefully knowingly, is saying Christ is my king.

Our text this morning is an important text to our theology.

It answers the question where sin, disease, and death came from.

It answers the question of whether I can survive without Christ.

It answers the question whether Christ really gives me the peace, grace, and hope, justification, and reconciliation?

In terms of the book of Romans, this passage is just as important as when Paul said our righteousness comes from Christ – .

It is meant to give us confidence in our Savior,

but also very convicting about your need for Christ.

By the time you're done reading ,

it should be absolutely clearing your mind you need Christ and he is a sure help for humanity who desperately needs a Savior.

The question I have for you this morning is - who reigns in your life?

PROP: and the answer - We ought to choose and trust Christ as the ruler over our life.

TRANS: and this text teaches us that we ought to do so, because righteousness and eternal life reign through Christ for all who believe.

So as we study our text, we first understand the –

1) The Reign of Adam, Sin, and Death. (, )

The Reign of Sin. (, )

Romans 5:12–14 ESV

Romans 5:12-

Let's begin by looking at verse 12.

Romans 5:12 ESV

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

Paul links sin and death together.

a. Universal Sin and death (and judgement) are a result of Adam’s first sin.

As we understand where sin came from - we might ask the question, why is there evil in the world?

And the answer is simple because the first man and the first woman, Adam and Eve, sinned.

Adam as the father of the human race passed on sin the moment he ate the forbidden fruit of the garden.

Remember the world was a good according to ,

Remember the world was a good according to , but then in Genesis chapter 3 we are told how sin entered the world.

but then in Genesis chapter 3 we are told sin entered the world by one man’s sin - Adam.

I have heard some unbelievers reject God because of evil?

and I have meet countless believers who struggle with their faith - because they suffered?

They question God's goodness because their is sin and death in the world.

They are questioning God's goodness because their sin and death in the world.

Romans Chapter 5 deals with that – God didn’t create a world with sin and death.

Adam and Eve chose to bring sin into the world.

>>>>You can kick Adam for sin and death.

We all have sin and suffer here today not because were cruel joke of a morbid God,

but because our race choose sin.

But how do we know that sin effects every person?

After all, aren't people inherently good?

There's been much debate among philosophers in popular culture

– who hold that people are basically Good, but sometimes we do bad things or we have bad influences

> like where grew up,

> or how we grew up,

> the poor influence of our parents.

In other words - Our capacity for evil instead is something we learn rather then something we are.

>>>> I remember talking to man.

He life was full of pornography.

His marriage was full of anger.

He had a reputation for being lazy and a drunk.

And he nearly God fired for it.

And one afternoon I had chance to talk to him about Christ …and what amazed me is his biggest disbelief was he didn’t think he was a sinner ... he really didn’t think he was that bad of a person and needed Christ.

Despite what we would say is obvious sin … even among non-believers… he was still convinced he generally was a good person living a good life.

And I am sure - if you spend any time telling others about the Gospel…you will meet people just like this.

>>>>There sin is obvious to everyone but them.

There sin is obvious to everyone but them.

But that is not the picture that the Bible gives us.

The Bible snapshot of humanity is that we all are inherently sinful and by exceptions we do good things.

It is opposite.

But how do we know that?

According to Paul –

Because every person is appointed once to die.

Because every one of us dies, we know we have sin.

>>>They are linked together.

Paul makes a comparison in v. 12 - that when Adam sinned - many sinned.

Just like that - when Adam sinned, death entered the world.

through that one sin that entered the world.

Death is a consequence of sin.

If you have sin, you have death.

[[[And death here - not only speaks of death emphasizing dieing, but there are many other health related hardships that came into the world because of the first sin.]]]

Only speak of death here emphasizing the worst fate, but there are many other health related hardships that came into the world because of the first sin.

Cancer

Heart attacks

Down Syndrome

Kidney failures

And the list goes on - are all a result of the first Sin and the sin nature that was passed to us.

And we know we've all sinned, because we all will die.

You understand Paul’s logic - death is a sign of sin and everyone of us is faced with death.

This is why our text concludes -

Romans 5:12 ESV

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

How do know we are inherently bad .... (in other words) how do you know we are all sinners before a Holy God? Because we all inherently will die.

You might say this is evidence for Paul’s claim in .

Romans 3:23 ESV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

How do we know that?

Because through Adam,

Sin and death rule in our lives.

If you do not have Christ - then Adam, Sin, and Death rule over you.

But you have a choice?

You can have your natural head - the father of Humanity as your king.

And his legacy of sin and death.

You can have Christ as your King.

(, explanation)

Now before we move on, I would like to note that Paul makes a rabbit trail onto the Law at this point.

For time and focus this morning, I will only briefly mention , .

, .

One objection

b. Objection #1: It is not Fair I am Judged for Adam’s Mistake.

As you consider this passage - you might say it is not fair I get judged for something Adam caused.

But I would answer that two ways in this text –

First, you don't just suffer because Adam sin….You suffer chiefly because you have sinned.

Sin may have entered into the world by Adam,

but we are full participants in sin and thus are chiefly judged by our own actions.

But further - in a few minutes we will discuss how Christ makes this fair.

His salvation means we have an escape from the sin we got from Adam.

Further, if we can claim we all saved by one man's death – and is and also fair that we are judged by one man sin.

You can't have it both ways – and like it or not Adam is a king you can choose to follow.

You can follow the person who is the first man of human race - the head of the human rase.

… whose legacy to us is of sin and death.

You can let him ruin your life today and forever.

Or you can choose a better King – Christ.

A second objection -

b. Objection #2: The Law. (Paul’s Rabbit Trail)

Now next comes a rabbit trail, a side objection.

And it not original to me.

All commentators are in agreement - is a difficult passage follow because Paul makes a number of rabbit trails along the way.

One of those is the Law in v. 13-14, 20.

We are going to follow Paul’s rabbit trail and then come back to the main point.

The Law would have been a very Jewish objection.

It would've been a a Jewish objection.

But I think if we really thought about the issue we would have that same difficulty.

If we did not have law, would we be judged?

Is it fair that God gave a law we can't possibly keep?

Was God being cruel when he gave the law to Moses and Israel?

Those are some of the issues addressed in v. 13-14, 20.

Romans 5:

Romans 3:21 ESV

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—

Romans 3:21–25 ESV

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.

If we did not have law, would we be judged?

Romans 5:13–14 ESV

13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

Paul makes the point - Sin and death preceded the law.

It's not like there is no sin and death before the law.

Because both sin and death ruled or reigned over humanity.

Observe how death “ruled”. It wasn’t just present, it ruled.

In fact, the sin and death ruled over even those who not sinned like Adam. How can it be so?

Because

The law doesn't exclusively establish our condemnation - sin chiefly establishes our condemnation.

Death testifies of our sin and our condemnation - whether there is law or not.

So then why give the law?

Especially when we consider – verse 20 says sin increased because of the law.

Romans 5:20 ESV

20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

Romans 3:20 ESV

20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

>>>> Here is my rabbit trail - don’t be surprised when rules create greater disobedience.

Why would God give something that made our sin problem worse?

Wouldn’t God do everything he could to make it better?

Is it fair that God sent a law that increased our disobedience?

Does that mean God is morbid and cruel?

And the answer is no because,

God had purpose with the Law

He had a purpose for increasing our sin.

He sent the law so that every mouth would be stopped.

Romans 3:19 ESV

19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.

The Law wasn't sent to condemn us - we were already condemned as evident that we all will die.

>>>> Both of those preceded the Law.

>>>>The law was sent as an act of mercy – so that every person would understand they were sinners condemned to judgment.

But, you might say it is not fair I get judged for something Adam caused.

The law was sent as an act of mercy – so that every person would understand they were sinners condemned to judgment.

You see, we as people are notorious for justifying our sins.

Moody Monthly-

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 5702 What Is Sin

Man calls it an accident; God calls it an abomination.

Man calls it a blunder; God calls it blindness.

Man calls it a defect; God calls it a disease.

Man calls it a chance; God calls it a choice.

Man calls it an error; God calls it an enmity.

Man calls it a fascination; God calls it a fatality.

Man calls it an infirmity; God calls it an iniquity.

Man calls it a luxury; God calls it a leprosy.

Man calls it a liberty; God calls it lawlessness.

Man calls it a trifle; God calls it a tragedy.

Man calls it a mistake; God calls it a madness.

Man calls it a weakness; God calls it willfulness.

—Moody Monthly

I am sure you have seen this hundreds of times.

- So-and-so did this to me – so I did that.

In other words, my sin is justified because they sin the first.

I had no choice - I had to go along with them.

As though an excuse for sin

So and so made me sin.

As though we don’t choose sin.

How often you see,

- Person controlled by the anger blows up at everybody... But it's everybody else's fault.

We are so quick to justify our sin and that is exactly why God sent the law.

He wanted every mouth to be stopped to every person would realize they needed Jesus.

God wasn't cruel or unfair by sending the law – he was showing great love when he sent the law.

Now I would like to return back to the main thought of our passage.

Romans 5:20 ESV

20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

As I've said so far, we are either ruled by Adam or we are ruled by Christ.

As you consider this passage - you might say it is not fair I get judged for something Adam caused.

But I would answer that two ways in this text –

First, you don't just suffer because Adam send….You suffer cheaply because you have sinned.

clarified that through Adam sin and death rule over us.

Him and his trespass - was the king of our lives.

Sin may have entered into the world by Adam,

but we are full participants in sin and thus are chiefly judged by our own actions.

I don't really understand why anybody would want to – but we could keep Adam as our head.

But further - in a few minutes we will discuss how Christ makes this fair.

>>> Just don't believe in Christ.

His salvation means we have an escape from the sin we got from Adam.

Further, if we can claim we all saved by one man's death – and is and also fair that we are judged by one man sin.

We can remain under the headship of Adam whose legacy to us his sin and death.

You can't have it both ways – and like it or not Adam is a king you can choose to follow.

You can follow the person who is the first man of human race

You can follow the person who is the first man of human race whose legacy to us as of sin and death..

… whose legacy to us is of sin and death.

You can let him ruin your life today and forever.

Or you can choose a better King – Christ.

We we can ask Christ to be our new King, that is we trust in Christ as our savior.

In , Paul makes the point that the Law doesn’t bring death and condemnation, but sin.

We know this because death predates the Law.

You might try to claim … It is not fair to be judged by a law I am ignorant of.

But , demonstrate that we are primarily judged for sin,

Further, we also know that the Law according v. 20 and - increased sin so that every person would know and understand their need for Christ.

We could spend more time on that, but I don’t see the Law being a grave doubt in our

So how does the Law fit in …

(1) it helps us understand our need for Christ.

The Law is our tutor training us for your need for Christ.

You ought to study the law so you will be convicted you need Christ.

(2) You might try to claim … It is not fair to be judged by a law I am ignorant of.

But , demonstrate that we are primarily judged for sin because death ruled even before the Law.

Yes the law clarifies and increases our sin .... but it is a sin that we had without the Law.

But let’s get back to the main point of Paul.

Observe,

2. The Greater Reign of Christ. ()

If all we had was Adam – then we would be trapped in the kingship of sin and death.

It would be hopeless.

However, God in his great love gave us

- a different king.

- a better King.

One whose legacy is grace, righteousness, and eternal life.

In our text,

Paul makes two comparisons, and then a conclusion to those comparisons…… So that we can understand the greater reign of Christ.

He first

Consider,

a. The Acts of Adam Compared with Christ. (v. 15)

Romans 5:15 ESV

15 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.

This first comparison seems to focus on the acts of Adam and Christ.

According to our text so far – Adams single act of sin brought death into the entire world.

He then makes a logical comparison -

Then even more so - by Christ's single selfless sacrifice grace even more abounds.

Then even more so - by Christ's single selfless sacrafice grace even more abounds.

If one Act of sin could send the entire world, every generation from Adam to us into death -

then much more does Christ act of love showed grace upon everybody who believes.

His point -

Christ reign is greater then Adam’s Reign.

Next consider,

b. The Results of Adam Compared with Christ. (v. 16)

V. 16 emphasizes the results of their act.

Romans 5:16 ESV

16 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.

According to our text – Adam’s single sin resulted in the entire world under judgment.

Every one of us will stand in judgment, because every one of us have sinned personally.

Every one of us will stand in judgment, because every one of us inherited a sin nature from Adams single sin.

(Further) Everyone one of us will stand in judgement - because Adam is our head. V. 14 teaches us that Adam is our head and our head has sinned.

Now consider the result of Christ.

Adam single sin brought everybody in the judgment; Christ's sacrificial act resulted in justification to all who believe.

Observe the comparison

- with Adam we are condemned,

- with Christ we are justified.

His Point,

If the whole world was condemned by Adam, then much more the whole world justified by Christ.

Christ result was greater then Adam’s.

So then Paul reiterates himself – to make sure we got his main point.

In fact the word "for" in our text is meant to explain or expand what he means in verse 15 and 16.

C. Paul’s Point - Christ Decisively Brings Righteousness to Reign. (v. 17)

Romans 5:17 ESV

17 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.

What is Paul's point?

That since we can observe that sin and death reigned from Adam single sin; it ruled over us.

It this reason we can be sure that grace and righteousness reign for those who trust in Christ death; The blessing of the Cross ruling over us.

Then we can be sure that grace and righteousness reign for those who trust in Christ death.

In other words – we can know and be sure that Christ decisively reigns in the lives of his believers.

ILLUSTRATION:

I remember as a young man - I was new believer.

And I wondered … Did Christ really save me?

Is his grace powerful enough?

And I especially struggled with that when I sinned.

And what Paul explains here - is that if Adam’s sin was strong enough to send sin into the whole world,

Then Christs death, being the Son of God, is certainly powerful enough to save you and me.

When we honestly compare the acts and results of Adam and Christ - we have to conclude Christ reign is far greater then Adam’s reign, sin’s reign, and death’s reign.

So then Paul makes a final conclusion to this whole section in v. 18-21.

3. Our Choice - Adam or Christ? ()

3. Who reigns in my life decisively determines my present and future life. ()

The language in verse 18 is a little unusual.

Paul uses two words which both tell us he's making a point.

It is unusual too use 2 words like this.

Then usually use to words like this.

Almost like saying, therefore therefore.

Net Bible I suggested we translate it this way- consequently therefore.

They trying to make that double emphasis.

The trying to make that double emphasis.

So verses 18 to 21 is meant to draw us into a conclusion about what he's already said in verse 12 – 17.

So observe Paul's concluding thoughts.

Romans 5:18–21 ESV

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 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. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5

What does Paul emphasize?

- Adam's sin led to everyone's condemnation, the Christ sacrifice led to justification and eternal life. (v. 18)

- Adam's sin led to everyone becoming a sinner, Christ's sacrifice led all believers to be made righteous. (v. 19)

In other words – who reigns in your life? Adam and his legacy Or Christ and his legacy. (v. 21)

Adam and his legacy Or Christ and his legacy.

This passage-

> Is a call for belief in Christ.

> It is an encouragement that we can be confident we have peace, grace, hope, justification, and reconciliation from Christ.

CONCLUSION:

And that is my challenge to you this morning - who is reigning in your life?

Paul compares Adam and Christ in and the differences are astounding.

Paul compares Adam and Christ in and the differences are astounding. The sin of Adam brought chaos and destruction upon the good world that God created. It’s “reign” was merciless and unchallenged until Christ. Yet, Christ’s rule far surpasses that by not corrupting, but giving grace and transformation. This passage is meant to challenge us to reject our headship of Adam and look to the surpassing worth of the reign of Christ.

Paul compares Adam and Christ in and the differences are astounding.

The sin of Adam brought chaos and destruction upon the good world that God created.

>>>> It’s “reign” was merciless and unchallenged until Christ.

Yet, Christ’s rule far surpasses that by not corrupting, but giving grace and transformation.

Having read , we ought to understand why we should reject the headship of Adam and look to the surpassing worth of the reign of Christ.

Systematic Theologies/Importance:

If you look up the back of your systematic theologies – every one of will refer to .

CONCLUSION:

If you look up the back of your systematic theologies – every one of will refer to .

It tells us who we are without Christ - sinners condemned.

It tells us who we are with Christ - justified with eternal life.

It tells us where sin, disease, and death came from.

(Not the product of creation, but the product sin)

It rejects evolution - because it places death as the result of sin and not the way humans and animals were made.

in fact the purpose of Christ is to help restore the perfect creation God created a – one without sin, disease, or death.

Consider the problems of accepting evolution -

You have an evolved world with sin death before the fall.

in fact the purpose of Christ is to help restore the perfect creation God created a – one without sin, disease, or death.

This passage contradicts this - by explaining that sin and death came after creation; as a result of sin.

But, most importantly, it challenges us - Do we want

Most importantly,

it challenges us on whether we are going to have Adam and his legacy as our king who rules in our life

- Adam and his legacy as our king who rules over our life

- will we choose Christ and his legacy as the king over our life - the one who all blessings flow from.

Whether we will choose Christ as our had – the one who all blessings flow from.

This call is a salvation sense- Paul is pleading with you to trust in Christ as your Savior.

- If you are not a believer this morning, what's holding you back?

- Do you like sin and death being the king of your life?

Sometimes we act as though sin isn’t really that bad.

That there isn’t a big difference between the Christian and non-Christians life.

- But don’t believe that lie.

Do you like sin and death being the king of your life?

- Don’t believe for a second that it is better to have sin and death reign in your life; then grace and mercy of the cross.

When you really consider what Paul is telling us - it is almost psychotic to choose anything else.

ILLUSTRATION:

Presidential Elections have been pretty hot and contested in the last 20 years.

But this would be like having to make a choose between -

Someone whose campaign promises is to bring corruption, agony, hurt, death, and destruction for our country.

Someone whose campaign promise is to bring grace, righteousness, justification, a life free from sin and death.

Who are you going to vote for?

This ought to be the most lop sided election that has ever been held.

100% - give me Christ.

It is so much better.

Yet, sadly in foolishness, many people choose to live lives under Adam - and call being slaves to sin freedom.

Don’t be a fool - Choose Christ and his reign of grace, righteousness, and eternal life.

It is so much better.

But,

This call is also for those who believe -

What is amazing is that we as Christians who know the cost of sin.

We understand how one sin brings destruction and death into people’s lives.

It did Adams and does ours.

We know how much better it is to be in Christ then in Adam.

And yet we try to dabble with sin.

We dabble with what we know ruled pain and destruction in our lives.

If Christ is your head … you believe and trust Christ as your king and savior… Then should you still dabble with sin in your life?

One of the reasons I know that this is part of the challenge from this passage is

because Paul will emphasize how Christ death set us free from the slavery of sin in .

and how Christ set us free.

Christian - is the new life you found in Christ reigning over your life?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I challenge everyone here – who reigns over your life?

Adam and his sin or Christ and his grace?

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