Go Deeper

More Key Bible Verses

Read Matthew 5:1-48.

In Matthew 5, Jesus defines God’s commandments in a way that leaves even the most self-righteous defeated and despairing in their efforts. Note especially verse 48.

Read Romans 7:19-25.

This section of Scripture provides more of the context for Paul’s words about wanting to do good but not being able to carry it out.

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Romans 7:19-25

Read and study the following quotes from “A Humanitarian by Living for Us” chapter 9 of God—The Ultimate Humanitarian.

Jesus sacrificed his life twice for us. He not only died for us; he also lived for us. With his death he washed away our sins and with his life he kept the law perfectly for us. Both are essential for our salvation. What makes this all the more amazing is that Jesus did this for people who were worse than the obnoxious neighbor. He did this for people whom he had wonderfully created but who had sinfully defied him every step of the way.

God—The Ultimate Humanitarian, 60-61

One of the most comforting phrases in the entire Bible is “for us.” It highlights Jesus’ substitutionary work. As you read the Bible, stay alert for it. You will be richly comforted as you remember Jesus both lived and died for you.

God—The Ultimate Humanitarian, 66