Please stand hold up your Bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible
I am what it says I am.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
Where Sin Abounded, Grace Abounded Even More"
Turn with me in your Bibles to Romans chapter 5 and say, "Amen" when you are there.
Romans 5:12-21
The Overflowing River of Grace
Today we’re embarking on a journey through one of the most profound passages in Scripture, Romans 5:12-21.
This chapter reveals a glorious truth: while sin brought death and destruction, God’s grace has brought redemption, restoration, and life.
We often underestimate the power of grace. We see sin as a towering mountain, but Paul reminds us that God’s grace is an overflowing river—unstoppable, uncontainable, and greater than any sin or shame we carry.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by your past, weighed down by guilt, or unsure if God’s love is really for you, this message is for you. Let’s open our hearts to His Word and discover the boundless grace of God.
1. The Tragedy of Sin (Romans 5:12-14)
Paul begins by addressing the universal reality of sin:
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
Through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world, infecting every aspect of life. Like a virus, it spread to all humanity, leaving us separated from God and bound for death.
Sin isn’t just about bad choices; it’s a spiritual disease that distorts who we are and what we were created to be.
Every act of selfishness, every broken relationship, and every tear of sorrow points back to this tragic reality.
A young boy once played by a river, unaware that it was slowly rising. By the time he noticed, the current had grown too strong, sweeping him away. Sin works the same way—what seems small and harmless at first quickly pulls us into its destructive flow.
But God didn’t leave us there. He made a way to rescue us.
2. The Triumph of Grace (Romans 5:15-17)
Paul contrasts the devastation of sin with the incomparable power of grace:
“But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!”
Grace is God’s unearned favor, His free gift to a world drowning in sin. Where Adam’s sin brought condemnation, Jesus’ obedience brought justification. His sacrifice on the cross wasn’t just enough to cover sin—it overwhelmed it.
I remember hearing about a man named James, who had spent decades in prison for crimes he deeply regretted. His heart was filled with bitterness, and he believed his life was beyond redemption. One day, a prison chaplain handed him a Bible. As he read Romans 5, the phrase “grace abounded more” broke through his despair.
James gave his life to Christ, and his transformation was nothing short of miraculous. He became a mentor to younger inmates, sharing the same grace that had changed him. Today, he’s a free man in every sense of the word, living proof that God’s grace can redeem even the most broken life.
3. The Reign of Grace in Our Lives (Romans 5:18-21)
Paul goes on to declare the victory we have through Christ:
“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
Grace isn’t just about forgiveness—it’s about transformation. When we accept Christ, we’re not only freed from the penalty of sin; we’re empowered to live in righteousness. Grace reigns in our lives, giving us a new identity as children of God.
Imagine a homeless man living on the streets, carrying nothing but tattered clothes and a worn-out bag. One day, a stranger approaches him with an incredible offer: a home, new clothes, and unlimited resources. The man accepts, and his life is completely transformed.
That’s what grace does. It doesn’t just clean us up; it gives us a new future. Through Jesus, we move from spiritual poverty to eternal riches.
So how do we respond to this overwhelming grace?
Stop striving to earn what Jesus has already provided. Grace is not about what you do; it’s about what He’s done.
Don’t let guilt and shame hold you captive. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant it.
This world is desperate for hope. Let your life be a reflection of God’s grace, drawing others to Him
We’ve heard about the tragedy of sin and the triumph of grace. Now, the question is this: how will you respond?
God’s grace is not just a concept to understand—it’s a gift to receive. This moment is not about religion, appearances, or earning favor. It’s about stepping into a relationship with the God who knows everything about you and loves you more than you can imagine.
Let me speak directly to three groups of people in this room:
1. Those Who Feel Lost in Sin
If you’re here and feel like sin has a grip on your life—like you’re drowning in guilt, shame, or regret—hear this: Jesus came to set you free. You don’t have to clean yourself up to come to Him. Come as you are, and His grace will transform you.
Romans 5:20 says, “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” There is no sin too great, no past too broken, and no life too far gone for His grace to reach. Today is the day to let go of your burden and find freedom in Jesus.
2. Those Who Feel Far From God
Maybe you’ve known God before but feel like you’ve drifted away. Life has pulled you in other directions, and you’re wondering if you can ever come back. Let me tell you this: God’s grace is not just for the first time—it’s for every time.
Like the father in the story of the prodigal son, He’s waiting with open arms. He doesn’t just want to forgive you; He wants to restore you. Don’t let fear or shame keep you from running back to Him.
3. Those Who Need to Experience More of His Grace
Perhaps you’ve accepted Jesus but are still living as if you’re bound. You’ve let guilt, fear, or doubt hold you back from fully embracing the abundant life He’s promised. Today is your day to step into the fullness of His grace and walk in the freedom of His love.
A Personal Invitation
I want to invite you to respond right now. Don’t let this moment pass you by. Whether you’re coming to Jesus for the first time, returning to Him, or simply longing for a fresh touch of His grace, this altar is open for you.
Take a step of faith. Leave your burdens here. Let His grace flood your life and transform you.
Prayer of Response
As you come forward, I want to lead you in a simple prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I need You. I confess my sin and ask for Your forgiveness. Thank You for dying for me and rising again so I can have new life. I surrender my heart to You. Fill me with Your grace and make me new. I choose to follow You from this day forward. In Your name, Amen.”
Encouragement to Come Forward
As the worship team sings, don’t wait. This is your moment. Step out in faith and come to Jesus. Whether you’re at the peak of joy or the pit of despair, His grace is here to meet you. He’s calling your name. Will you answer?
Come forward. Come to grace. Come to Jesus.
