In Episode 274 of the Beers & Bible Podcast, we continue our journey through Romans 6 by looking at verses 13–23 and what it really means to be “alive from the dead” in Christ. We unpack Paul’s call not to present our bodies as instruments of sin, but as instruments of righteousness, and talk about how the Christian life after conversion is both fully dependent on God’s grace and yet genuinely involves our effort. Sanctification isn’t “let go and let God”—it’s Spirit-empowered, grace-fueled striving as we make use of the means of grace: God’s Word, prayer, and corporate worship.
We also explore what it means to no longer be under law but under grace—no longer crushed by the law’s condemnation, but freed by Christ’s righteousness to pursue holiness. Paul’s imagery of slavery runs through the passage: once slaves of sin, now slaves of righteousness. We discuss why “righteousness” should still be a central goal for believers, how our lives are meant to surpass the outward religion of the Pharisees in heart-level obedience, and how Romans 6:23 ties it all together: the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ultimately, this episode presses us to fight sin, pursue righteousness, and worship God out of deep gratitude for His undeserved grace.
In Episode 273 of the Beers & Bible Podcast, we continue our journey through Romans 6 and dive deep into the doctrine of regeneration—what it really means to be “born again.” Drawing from R.C. Sproul’s teaching, we explore how regeneration is the supernatural, monergistic work of the Holy Spirit, bringing spiritually dead sinners to life. We talk about this “new genesis” and how it leaves no room for boasting, only deep humility and gratitude before a gracious God.
From there, we consider what has actually happened to us in Christ: we have died with Him, been raised with Him, and are now called to live as people who truly possess newness of life. We unpack Paul’s language about the “old man” being crucified with Christ, the “body of sin” being dealt with at the cross, and what it means that we are no longer slaves to sin—even though we still wrestle with indwelling sin daily.
Finally, we look at Paul’s command to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. We talk about true freedom, the myth of neutral “free will,” and why understanding our union with Christ is essential for real growth in holiness. This episode is an invitation to stop thinking like slaves, start thinking like those raised with Christ, and to see obedience not as bondage—but as the freedom we were created and re-created to enjoy.
In Episode 272 of the Beers & Bible Podcast, we step into Romans 6 and look at the vital connection between justification and sanctification—between being declared righteous in Christ and actually growing in holiness. Paul’s famous question, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” sets the tone, and we unpack why his answer—“God forbid”—absolutely destroys the idea that grace is a license to sin.
We talk through the historic charge of antinomianism at the time of the Reformation and walk through three different “equations” of faith and works, showing why the biblical, Reformation view insists that true faith inevitably produces real change. From there, we tackle the idea of “carnal Christianity” and show from Scripture why a person who is truly regenerated cannot remain unchanged, even if growth is slow and messy.
Finally, we explore what it means to be baptized into Christ, united with Him in His death and resurrection, and called to walk in “newness of life.” We consider our natural state as spiritually dead and slaves to sin—and the astonishing reality that in Christ we’ve been made alive by the power of the Holy Spirit. This episode will encourage you to take sin seriously, rest in your justification, and pursue holiness with confidence in the resurrection power already at work in you.
In this episode we trace Paul’s argument from Adam to Christ and why imputation is the hill to die on. We unpack the difference between original sin and actual sin, why death’s universality proves sin’s universality, and how the Covenant of Works sets the stage for the good news: where sin abounded, grace abounded much more. We land with the hope that Christ’s active obedience and passive obedience secure our justification—and usher us from the reign of sin into the reign of grace.
Highlights
Universal death & the age-of-accountability question (Rom 5:12–14)
Imputation: Adam’s guilt vs. Christ’s righteousness (Isa 64:6; Rom 5:18–19)
Covenant of Works → why Christ’s life matters as much as His death
Why the Law “made sin abound”—to spotlight superabounding grace (Rom 5:20)
Sin’s reign vs. grace’s reign: eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 5:21)
Episode 270 explores Romans 5:10–19 and the joy that flows from reconciliation with God. We trace Paul’s language from the “exchange” of idolatry (metallassō, Rom 1) to the “reconciliation” God accomplishes in Christ (katallassō/katallagē, vv.10–11). Reconciliation is an objective gift—received through Jesus’ death and life—and its rightful fruit is durable joy, even in suffering.
From there, we tackle why death reigns. Paul says sin and death entered through one man, Adam. We walk through three classic explanations of our guilt in Adam: Realism (we truly sinned in Adam), Federalism (Adam as our covenant head and representative), and Jonathan Edwards’ identity view (we were present in Adam in the mind of God). Each perspective underscores humanity’s universal fall and sets up the contrast with the Second Adam.
Finally, we show why imputation is non-negotiable to the gospel: Adam’s guilt is counted to all, and Christ’s righteousness is counted to believers. Denying imputation in Adam undercuts imputation in Christ. The episode lands with pastoral application—preach the gospel to yourself, repent without excuses, rest in counted righteousness, and use the principle of representation to point others to Jesus.
Application
Preach the gospel to yourself daily to guard joy.
Stop rationalizing sin; run to the Second Adam.
Rest in counted righteousness, not performance.
Use headship to pivot objections toward Christ’s finished work.
Episode 269: Romans 5:6-11
In this week’s conversation we unpack why “limited atonement” is better called definite atonement—the cross designed by the Father, accomplished by the Son, and applied by the Spirit to truly save a people, not merely make salvation possible. Paul’s logic in Romans 5:6–11 carries us from our helplessness and enmity to the wonder of God’s love, the satisfaction of His wrath, and the deep assurance that we are “saved by His life.”
Christ died to actually save His people. Enemies become family; wrath becomes welcome; fear becomes assurance.
Main Points
Definite Atonement: The cross achieves what God eternally designed—the real salvation of Christ’s sheep.
Human Helplessness: We weren’t neutral; we were ungodly and powerless. Grace starts where our ability ends.
God’s Love, Clarified:
Benevolence (goodwill to all)
Beneficence (kind gifts to all)
Complacent love (delight for those united to His Son)
Wrath Satisfied: Salvation means rescue from God’s righteous wrath through Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
Reconciliation: God took the initiative to reconcile enemies to Himself.
Saved by His Life: Jesus’ righteous life credited to us and His living intercession keep us to the end.
In this episode we unpack Paul’s big idea that Christian hope isn’t a wish—it’s Spirit-wrought assurance anchored in God’s promises. We contrast the world’s “maybe” hope with the New Testament’s anchor-hope, then trace Paul’s chain of grace: tribulation produces perseverance, perseverance forges character, and character yields a hope that will never put us to shame. We look at how God’s love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, giving us confidence to rejoice even in suffering. Finally, we explore the “when” of the atonement—Christ died for the ungodly precisely when we were without strength, and He did so in real history at the Father’s appointed time. Pastoral takeaways: rehearse truth when waves hit, bring afflictions to God in prayer, and let the cross reshape how you treat those who wrong you.
Beer review:
Mill Pond from Oyster City Brewing
Vol Lager from Yee-Haw Brewing,
Justification is a finished act with present fruits: peace with God, access to grace, and unshakable hope—all through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peace (v.1): “Having been justified by faith” = past, once-for-all. The cosmic war with God is over; the treaty is permanent in Christ.
Access (v.2a): The torn veil means real audience with God. We now stand in grace—boldly, never flippantly (cf. Heb. 12:22–24).
Hope (v.2b): Not wishful thinking but a Spirit-given anchor. We “glory now in glory”—faith looks back to the cross; hope looks forward to completed redemption.
Because we’re justified, we don’t beg for peace, access, or hope—we already have them in Christ.
Faith or Wrath (Romans 4:13–25)
Big Idea: God secures Abraham’s promised inheritance by faith according to grace, not by law. The law exposes sin and brings wrath; faith rests in God’s promise—confirmed by Christ’s resurrection for our justification.
Key Quote: “He was fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform.” (Rom 4:21)
We unpack Paul’s argument that the promise to Abraham (and to all who share his faith) comes through the righteousness of faith, not through works of the law. The law can only reveal our sin and summon wrath; grace gives what law cannot—assurance. Abraham believed against all odds because the object of his faith was the God who “gives life to the dead.” Paul lands the plane with the gospel’s heartbeat: Jesus was “delivered up for our offenses and raised for our justification.” Forgiveness and righteousness are both ours in Christ.
Faith or Wrath (vv. 13–15): If inheritance were by law, faith would be void. The law exposes sin and brings wrath.
What Is Sin? (v. 15b): Sin = lack of conformity to or transgression of God’s law (omission & commission). Sin is personal—against the Lawgiver.
According to Grace (vv. 16–18): Justification is by faith so that it rests on grace—this produces assurance and extends to “many nations.”
Not a Blind Leap (vv. 19–20): Abraham faced the facts but trusted the Promise-Maker; faith is reasonable confidence in God’s character.
Fully Convinced (v. 21): Mature faith = settled confidence that God performs what He promises.
Raised for Our Justification (vv. 24–25): Double imputation: our guilt to Christ; His righteousness to us. The resurrection is the Father’s public acceptance of the payment—our justification is secure.
Faith Like Abraham
Text: Romans 3:27-4:12
Main Idea: Salvation has always been by grace through faith—Abraham looked forward to Christ; we look back. Justification is by faith alone, not works.
Boasting Excluded (vv. 1–2)
Paul: no room for pride; Abraham saved by faith, not merit.
Salvation in every age rests on Christ’s righteousness.
Abraham Believed (vv. 3–4)
Genesis 15: Abraham trusted God’s promise, and God counted him righteous.
Faith is the instrument of salvation, not a meritorious act.
Faith as Trust (vv. 5; James 2)
Paul: justified before God; James: faith proven before men.
True faith includes personal trust (fiducia), not mere belief.
Counted Righteous (vv. 5–6)
“Faith alone saves, but not a faith that is alone.”
Works flow from faith—they’re fruit, not foundation.
Blessedness of Imputation (vv. 6–8)
David: blessed are those forgiven and credited with Christ’s righteousness.
Imputed righteousness = alien righteousness from Christ, not earned.
Sign and Seal (vv. 9–12)
Abraham justified before circumcision—faith, not ritual, saves.
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are signs and seals of covenant grace.
In this episode, we dive into one of the most important sections of Paul’s letter to the Romans—his teaching on justification by faith alone. R.C. Sproul reminds us that this is the very heart of the gospel: God declares sinners righteous not because of anything in them, but because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to them and received by faith.
Declared Just, Not Made Just – Why our righteousness must come from outside ourselves and what Luther meant by simul iustus et peccator (“at the same time righteous and sinner”).
The “But Now” Moment – Paul’s announcement that God’s righteousness has been revealed apart from the law, rooted in both the Law and the Prophets.
Faith as the Instrument – How the Reformers rejected baptism and penance as the instrumental cause of justification, insisting instead that faith alone links us to Christ.
The Double Transfer – Our sins placed on Christ and His righteousness placed on us. This is the great exchange at the center of the gospel.
Propitiation & Expiation – Why we cannot afford to lose these biblical terms, and how Christ both satisfies God’s wrath and removes our sin.
The Just and the Justifier – How God remains perfectly just while also declaring sinners righteous in Christ.
Justification is not cheap grace. It is free for us, but costly for Christ. At the cross, God satisfied His justice and extended His mercy—making Him both just and the justifier of those who believe.
No one naturally seeks God, speaks purely, or lives rightly. God’s law silences our self-defense and drives us to Christ, whose righteousness is received by faith alone.
No Seekers (v.11) – Unbelievers chase God’s benefits, not God Himself. True seeking starts after God finds us (Matt 6:33).
Unprofitable Good (v.12) – “Civic righteousness” exists, but God defines good by both action and God-ward motive (John 14:6).
The Things We Say (vv.13–14) – Throat, tongue, lips, mouth: a biopsy of our speech—deceit, venom, cursing (Matt 23:27; James 3:6).
The Things We Do (vv.15–18) – Swift to violence; we don’t know the way of peace because we don’t fear God (Prov 9:10).
All the World Guilty (vv.19–20) – The law stops every mouth; by works no one will be justified.
Justification Defined – A forensic (legal) declaration: God counts sinners righteous in Christ by faith alone.
Key Takeaways
There are no natural seekers; seeking God is evidence He has already sought you.
Good deeds without a God-loving motive are not “good” before God.
Your words reveal your heart; guard both input and output.
The law is a mirror, not a ladder—it exposes sin; it doesn’t erase it.
Hope rests in a verdict secured by Christ’s righteousness, not our record.
In this week’s Beers & Bible Podcast, we break down Romans 3:1–11 where Paul answers big questions about God’s Word, His faithfulness, and the universal problem of sin.
The Oracles of God (vv.1–2): Israel’s advantage was receiving God’s Word—salvation is not in rituals but in Scripture.
God’s Faithfulness (vv.3–4): Human unbelief never cancels God’s promises.
A Just Judge (vv.5–6): God’s wrath flows from His righteousness—judgment is certain.
A Just Condemnation (vv.7–8): Grace is no excuse for sin; true faith bears fruit.
All Under Sin (vv.9–11): Jew and Gentile alike are crushed by sin—no one is righteous, no one seeks God.
Romans 3 shows us the crushing weight of sin but points us toward Christ, our only hope.
Highlights:
Romans 2: Hypocrisy, Judgment, and the Circumcision of the Heart
Paul turns the camera around. After exposing pagan sin in Romans 1, he indicts the religious in Romans 2—people who condemn others while doing the same things. God’s judgment is according to truth, His kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, and there is no partiality with Him. Whether you’ve got the Law (Jews) or only a conscience (Gentiles), we all stand guilty—and we all need a righteousness not our own. True belonging to God is not an outward badge but an inward work of the Spirit: a circumcised heart.
God’s impartial, truth-based judgment exposes religious hypocrisy and drives us to Christ, whose righteousness alone covers our guilt and renews our hearts by the Spirit.
Shift of focus: from Gentile sin (Rom. 1) to Jewish hypocrisy (Rom. 2).
“O man”—Paul directly confronts his own people.
Problem: condemning others while practicing the same sins.
Jesus already warned us: the plank vs. the speck (Matt. 7:3).
God’s judgment is always according to truth—no spin, no loopholes.
“Every mouth will be stopped” (Rom. 3:19).
Don’t mistake God’s patience for permission; His kindness is meant to lead to repentance, not complacency.
Every unrepentant sin “deposits” wrath for the day of judgment.
God renders to each according to deeds:
Eternal life for those who persevere in doing good, seeking His glory.
Wrath for the self-seeking and disobedient.
No partiality—Jew and Gentile are judged by the same standard.
Jews with the Law perish by the Law; Gentiles without the Law perish without it—conscience bears witness.
Universal guilt: everyone fails the light they’ve received.
Final judgment will expose “the secrets of men”—through Christ Jesus.
Only Christ’s righteousness can cover our shame and make us right.
Israel boasted in the Law—guides, teachers, lights—but didn’t practice it.
Result: God’s name is blasphemed among the nations.
Today’s parallel: church folks who boast in the Bible but live contrary to it.
The critique “the church is full of hypocrites” is real—but the church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Circumcision is an outward sign; without inward reality it’s meaningless.
True circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not merely by the letter.
Modern parallels: baptism and membership are signs—not salvation.
God judges impartially and truthfully; excuses won’t stand.
God’s kindness is not approval of sin; it’s an invitation to repent.
Religious performance can hide a hard heart—only the Spirit gives a new one.
We don’t need a better mask; we need Christ’s righteousness.
Episode Summary
Paul’s argument moves with laser-sharp logic: God’s power saves (v.16) because God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel (v.17). But that righteousness is necessary because God’s wrath is revealed against sin (v.18), a response we understand as we behold God’s glory in creation (vv.19–20). In this episode, we trace that flow, unpack the nature and objects of divine wrath, and follow the tragic yet honest downward spiral of human rebellion—idolatry, moral degradation, and social disorder—so we can see why the good news is truly good.
The Logical Link to the Gospel (vv.16–20)
Power → Righteousness → Wrath → Glory
Why the bad news is necessary for the good news to make sense
The Nature of God’s Wrath (v.18)
Holy, personal, and just—not impulsive human anger
God is never morally neutral
Who Faces God’s Wrath (vv.18–20)
Against “godlessness” (irreverence toward God) and “wickedness” (injustice toward others)
Suppressing the truth made plain in creation leaves everyone “without excuse”
The Downward Spiral (vv.21–32)
Idolatry: Knowing God but refusing to honor or thank Him
Sexual impurity: “Exchanges” that degrade the body (vv.24–25)
Against nature (vv.26–27): Paul’s teaching on created order and sexual ethics
Depraved mind (vv.28–32): A cascade of vices, broken relationships, and approving of evil
Wrath defined: God’s wrath is His righteous, settled opposition to evil.
General revelation: Creation clearly reveals God’s eternal power and divine nature—enough to render us accountable.
Sin’s trajectory: Rejecting God leads to idolatry, moral confusion, and social decay.
Heart of the matter: The essence of sin is knowing God yet refusing to glorify or thank Him.
How does seeing God’s wrath make the gospel more compelling rather than less?
Where do you notice “truth suppression” in our cultural moment—or in your own heart?
In what everyday ways can gratitude to God push back against idolatry (v.21)?
How should Christians hold together truth and compassion when discussing Romans 1:26–27?
Which of the vices in vv.28–32 do you see most clearly in society—and which is God exposing in you?
How does Romans 1 prepare us for Paul’s explanation of justification by faith that follows?
Romans 1:16–17 — Power and righteousness of God in the gospel
Romans 1:18–20 — Wrath revealed; truth in creation; “without excuse”
Romans 1:21–25 — The “exchange”: glory for images; truth for a lie
Romans 1:26–27 — Paul’s appeal to created order
Romans 1:28–32 — Depraved mind and the approval of evil
What We CoverKey TakeawaysDiscussion QuestionsScripture Highlights
“The Gospel Is…” (Romans 1:16–17)
In this episode we unpack Paul’s thesis for Romans: the gospel is God’s power to save because it reveals God’s righteousness. We trace how salvation is offered to everyone who believes, why “the righteousness of God” is good news (God’s character, God’s saving action, and God’s gift), and how the just live—now and forever—by faith.
Romans 1:16–17; 3:22, 26 • Ephesians 2:5 • 1 Corinthians 1:18 • Romans 13:11 • Philippians 3:9 • Habakkuk 2:4 • Galatians 3:11
The gospel is God’s powerful means of salvation because it reveals His righteous way of putting sinners right with Himself—received by faith alone. “The righteous (by faith) shall live.”
Unashamed of the Gospel (v.16)
Paul’s confidence despite opposition; the gospel is God’s power, not self-help.
Goal: full salvation—justification, reconciliation, redemption, transformation—past, present, future.
Scope: offered to everyone who believes; to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.
Why the Gospel Saves (v.17)
It reveals the righteousness of God—the thesis of Romans.
Attribute: God is righteous and just; at the cross He is “just and the justifier.”
Activity: God keeps covenant, rescues His people, defeats evil.
Achievement/Gift: a righteous status from God, granted by grace through faith.
Received by Faith
Habakkuk 2:4 in context: trust God amid injustice.
Paul’s application: the one declared righteous by faith truly lives.
Structure of Romans: chs. 1–4 (faith → righteousness); chs. 5–8 (righteousness → life).
The gospel doesn’t merely offer power; it is God’s power.
Salvation is comprehensive: rescued from wrath and restored to God.
God’s righteousness is not earned; it’s given.
Faith is the empty hand that receives Christ—and then walks in new life.
Where are you tempted to be “ashamed” of the gospel, and why?
Which aspect of God’s righteousness (attribute, activity, gift) most encourages you today?
How does “the righteous by faith shall live” shape your week practically?
Romans 1:7–15
“Loved, Called, and Sent”
In this episode we walk through Paul’s warm greeting to the Christians in Rome and his pastoral heartbeat behind the letter (vv. 7–15). Paul names the church’s identity up front: they are loved by God, called to be saints, and recipients of grace and peace—not an elite class, but ordinary believers set apart by God and united to all the saints across time and place. From there, Paul models a shepherd’s posture: he thanks God for their worldwide testimony, prays for them constantly, and longs to visit—not to dazzle them with gifts, but to strengthen and be mutually encouraged in the faith.
Paul also explains why he hasn’t arrived yet and clarifies his mission. He has been providentially hindered, but his aim remains a spiritual harvest in Rome as among other Gentiles. Because he’s been called by Christ, he considers himself a debtor to all—Greeks and non-Greeks, wise and foolish—and therefore he’s eager to preach the gospel in the very heart of the empire, whatever it costs.
Identity markers of every Christian: loved by God, called as saints, graced and at peace (v. 7)
Paul’s gratitude for Rome’s faith and the role of persistent prayer (vv. 8–10)
A vision of two-way ministry: imparting strength and receiving encouragement (vv. 11–12)
Providence, delay, and mission: why Paul hasn’t come yet—and why he must (vv. 13–15)
Gospel identity precedes gospel activity. Before Paul asks anything of Rome, he reminds them who they are.
Ministry is mutual. Even apostles need fellowship and encouragement.
Calling creates obligation. To know Christ is to owe the world the gospel.
Delays can be divine. God’s providence may slow our plans but not His purposes.
Which identity—loved, called, graced/at peace—do you most need to remember this week?
Where can you seek or offer mutual encouragement in your church?
How does Paul’s sense of gospel “debt” reshape the way you view neighbors, coworkers, or the nations?
🎙️ New Episode Drop! 🎙️
Dive into Paul’s powerful self-portrait in Romans 1:1–6 and discover:
• 🤝 Slave of Christ – true freedom through total surrender
• 📜 Apostolic Call – Christ’s authority, from Damascus road to your life
• 🔥 Gospel of God – promised in Scripture, fulfilled in Jesus’ death & resurrection
• 🌍 Global Mission – “obedience from faith” for Jew & Gentile alike
✨ What part of Paul’s identity speaks most to you today? Share below! 👇
#Paul #RomansPodcast #GospelTruth #FaithJourney #BibleTeaching #ChristianPodcast
✨ New Episode Alert! ✨ Dive into Paul’s Manifesto of Christian Freedom in Romans—more than just a letter, it’s a proclamation of life-changing liberty in Christ! 🌟
🔹 Freedom From…
• God’s Wrath (1:18–3:20)
• Alienation ➡️ Reconciliation (5:10–11)
• Legal Condemnation (8:1–4)
• Sinful Ego & Death (7:24–25; 8:1–2)
• Ethnic Barriers (9–11)
🔹 Why It Matters
• Loved by Luther, Calvin & Tyndale as “pure gospel”
• Sparks unity: Jews & Gentiles equally guilty & justified
• Reveals Law’s role: expose sin, but only the Spirit saves
🔹 Paul’s Mission
✉️ Writing from Corinth
🙏 Seeks prayers for Jerusalem offering
✈️ Plans Rome as launchpad to Spain
🔹 Takeaway
Expect Transformation—Romans changes lives!
Approach with Humility—let the text speak for itself.
💬 What verse speaks freedom to you today? Drop it below! 👇
#Romans #BibleStudy #ChristianFreedom #Gospel #Paul #FaithJourney #DailyDevotion
In this episode, we conclude our journey through the book of Titus with a powerful reminder: salvation isn't just about being saved from something—it's about being saved for something. Titus 3 calls every believer to live a life that reflects the miracle of regeneration.
We explore two major themes:
Our New Birth Must Lead to a New Life – Paul highlights that good works are not the root of salvation but the fruit of it. We’ve been washed, renewed, and filled with the Spirit so that we might walk in obedience, humility, and purpose. From the mess of our past to the mercy of God, we’re reminded that the Christian life is marked by transformation, not stagnation.
Discipleship and Discipline Go Hand in Hand – Healthy churches aren’t afraid to confront sin. Paul instructs Titus to avoid foolish controversies and deal directly with divisive people. Church discipline, done in love and truth, protects the body and promotes growth. At the same time, ministry continues with generosity and partnership—every believer is called to engage in good works and support the mission.
Key Takeaways:
Regeneration is God’s work, producing a radically new life.
Good works are essential for gospel witness, not for earning salvation.
Church discipline is necessary for maintaining purity and unity.
Grace empowers us to live holy, faithful, and fruitful lives.
This final chapter reminds us that doctrine must shape our discipleship, and that grace must fuel our good works. Regeneration is not just theology—it’s the beginning of a transformed, Christ-exalting life.