Paul talks about our need for God’s righteousness in chapter 1-3a. Then, the solution for God’s righteousness (3b-4). Now, he will transition to the practice of God’s righteousness (i.e. sanctification) in chapter 6-9. Chapter 5 is like a bridge between conversion and sanctification. 5:1-11 tells us the blessings we receive after our conversion. 5:12-21 is talking about our position (or identification) determines our outcome: in Adam, you die but in Christ, you live.
My sharing: Sanctification gives us a picture of a monk separating from this world. In the past, I saw it as a duty for a Christian. But Paul repeats 3 times “we rejoice” in 5:1-11. Joy is the motivation behind sanctification. We let God to sanctify us not because it is a duty but because we rejoice in it. Hudson Taylor said,
“It was no longer a question of giving up this or that if the Lord required it; it was a loyal and loving acceptance, a joyful meeting of His will in things little and great, as the very best that could be for His own.”
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