Overview of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans—The Gospel, the Torah, & the Israelite Nation Reunited

The following overview of Romans is a radical departure from what the mainstream church teaches. Read it and see if what follows doesn’t unite the truth of the Bible from beginning to end, instead of pitting one section of the Bible against the other, which is approach the church typically takes when presenting the teachings of Paul.

The Main Themes of Romans

This is perhaps the only book in the Bible that is organized systematically like a theological textbook from beginning to end with each point leading to the next. This is not how biblical books are typically arranged.

In this epistle, there are several main themes.

• Pre-eminently, Elohim is the Just Judge of the universe to whom all are accountable (both Jews and Gentiles). This concept alone is huge, since most humans don’t want to believe they’re accountable to anyone except their own egos.

• The Torah is Elohim’s standard of righteousness by which he will judge the deeds of all men (both Jews and Gentiles) fairly. If people can accept the fact that there is a supreme Being to whom they’re accountable for their actions, then it’s a short next logical step to accept that such a Being (Elohim) has laws that man must follow if he’s not to run afoul of that Being.
• Next, Paul counters a religious system that purported to explain who that Being was and what he required of sinful man. This was Judaism. The problem is that Judaism had perverted the truth of Elohim into a racially exclusive, legalistic, works-based salvational system. Paul attempts to correct this error, and restore this religion to its original truth.
• Paul then presents the gospel message of salvation by grace through faith in Yeshua the Messiah is at the center of YHVH’s process to redeem sinful man.
• Before Elohim, the Creator of the universe, there is no racial inequality between Jews and Gentiles. Elohim isn’t a racist. All are equal before him. All are sinners, and all need Yeshua. 

Paul’s Epistle to the Romans keeps Yeshua and the gospel message front and center, yet at the same time Paul weaves together the good news of Yeshua with that of the righteous lifestyle of Torah-obedience. Together, these two messages form a beautiful tapestry-like picture encompassing the message of the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation — a message of the salvation of man resulting in his being reconciled to Elohim, and his becoming elevated to the spiritual status as a child of Elohim. This process occurs through man’s relationship with Yeshua the Messiah who is both the Written Torah incarnate.

Part 1 — Introduction: The Cornerstone of the Gospel Message

At the very beginning of his epistle, Paul carefully and boldly sets in place the cornerstone for what is to follow. He declares the preeminence of the gospel message and his submission to the lordship of Yeshua the Messiah and his unflinching mission to preach this truth.

1:1–17, The theme of Yeshua and the gospel message are front and center.

Part 2 — Putting Man in His Place

In this section, Paul climbs into the seat of his spiritual bulldozer and begins leveling the playing field between opposing groups of people by putting man in his rightful place before Elohim, who is the Just Judge of the universe. He first attacks the godless heathen for their refusal to submit to Elohim, even though the evidence pointing to the Creator is all around them. YHVH is justly angry that man is so spiritually blind.

1:18–32, Paul presents YHVH Elohim as the Just Judge of the universe. Even though men have been given the witness of the creation that clearly points them to Elohim the Creator (v. 20), men have rejected him and his truth giving themselves over to the sins of idolatry, sexual lewdness, and moral debauchery. The end results of such sin is the death penalty at the hands of a righteous and just Elohim (v. 32). 

Part 3 — The Torah Is Introduced

Before Paul can preach the message of the gospel with fruitful results, he next lowers the blade of his spiritual bulldozer against religious pride and hypocrisy. He begins to clear away some of the religious misconceptions that had arisen in his day that were hindering the spreading of the gospel. Men’s unbiblical traditions rooted in human pride and egotism were at the root of these problems.

Paul introduces the Torah-law as the standard by which YHVH as the Just Judge of the universe will judge all men.

2:1– 16, The righteousness of Elohim’s judgments are expanded upon. The Torah-law as the righteous standard by which Elohim will judge both the ungodly and the righteous is introduced (vv. 2, 8, 12–24). The goodness and mercy of Elohim is revealed (v. 4), but a day of judgment is still coming when all men will be held accountable for their sinful actions (v. 16). 

Part 4 — The Arrogance of Religious Men Is Brought Down

Now Paul zeroes in on the Jewish religious hypocrites and takes them to task for their arrogance in claiming to follow YHVH’s righteous Torah standards, when in reality they don’t. 

2:17–29, Paul then reprimands those Jews who proudly claimed to follow the Torah-law but didn’t practice it. Similarly, Paul criticizes the Jews who were proud of their self-righteousness because they were physically circumcised, but he declares that if they’re not circumcised in heart, it avails them nothing (vv. 25–29).

3:1–8, Although the Jews are a privileged people because Elohim gave them his Torah, they too will be judged if they fail to obey the Torah (vv. 1–8). Their disobedience doesn’t change Elohim’s righteous standard by which he will judge all men.

3:9–18, All men are sinners (violators of the Torah), both Jews and non-Jews (i.e. Greeks).

3:19–23, Paul then introduces the concept that sin is the violation of the Torah, and that by the deeds of the law no man is justified (made right) in the sight of Elohim.

Part 5 — Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith

Salvation by faith has always been YHVH’s path of redemption for men, as Paul proves by citing historical precedence from the book of Genesis. Abraham was saved by grace through faith, and not by his righteous works, when he came into a right spiritual relationship with YHVH.

3:24–31, Next, Paul introduces the concept of being justified freely by Elohim’s grace through the redemption that occurred via the shed blood of Yeshua in which men must have faith. Man is not saved from his sins (and YHVH’s judgment against sin—as Paul outlines in chapters one and two) by the good deeds of Torah-obedience. Even though we aren’t saved from the penalty of sin by the good deeds of Torah-obedience but rather by faith in Yeshua, man still needs to follow the righteous standards of the Torah (v. 31).

4:1–23, Abraham believed in Elohim and it was accounted to him for righteousness long before there is any mention of his being circumcised or keeping the Torah.

Part 6 — Summary Up to This Point

Next Paul summarizes the main points of the gospel message that he has made thus far. 

5:1–11, Having established, up to this point…

• that Elohim is the Just Judge,
• that man is sinful,
• that Torah is the standard which defines sin and righteousness,
• that Torah obedience can’t atone for man’s sin,
• that redemption from the penalty of sin occurs only by YHVH’s grace and through faith in Yeshua whose shed blood atones for man’s sin,

Paul goes on to explain that since man’s sinfulness has been legally dealt with, man can now enter into a spiritual relationship with Elohim (called reconciliation, v. 11). Through this process, the love of Elohim is revealed to men (vv. 5–8).

Part 7 — The Second Adam

The salvation of man from his sin has been part of YHVH’s plan of redemption of sinful man from the very beginning.

5:12–21, Paul now presents the concept of Yeshua being the Second Adam. As the first Adam led men into sin and separation from Elohim, Yeshua lived a sin-free life and through faith in him, men can be reconciled back into a loving relationship with Elohim. Furthermore, one reason that YHVH gave man his Torah is so that man’s sinfulness would be clearly delineated, thus paving the way for eternal life through Yeshua.

Part 8 — Grace Isn’t Torahlessness as Pictured by Baptism

Next Paul counters the concept that somehow grace can be misconstrued as license to sin (i.e.to violate the Torah).

6:1–14, Just because those who have placed their faith in Yeshua have been forgiven of their sins doesn’t mean that they can continue to sin (i.e. violate the Torah, vv. 1–2). Sin must be a thing of the past for those who have faith in Yeshua and who are now united with him spiritually. Paul shows how the ritual of baptism for the remission of sins is a picture of man’s uniting with Yeshua’s death, burial and resurrection. As such, the baptized individual is now to view his old sinful man as having died in the watery grave, and now has been “resurrected” out of that watery “grave.” The baptized person is to view himself as having a new spiritual life in Yeshua as he endeavors to become like him (vv. 3–11). As such, he’s to turn from his former sinful lifestyle, and follow YHVH’s standards of righteous (as outlined in the Torah, vv. 12–14). 

6:15–23, Paul next asks a question. Even though redeemed men have been set free from (or are no longer under) the penalty of lawlessness, which is death, by the grace of Elohim, shall he continue in sin (lawlessness)? “Elohim forbid!” is Paul’s emphatic response to his own question (v. 15). This is the second time he has made this important point in this chapter (see vv. 1–2). If we sin, he asks, doesn’t this make us a slave to sin? How can this be if we have been set free from sinfulness and the penalty of sin, which is death (vv. 18, 23)? Become instead, Paul urges us, a slave to righteousness (i.e. Torah-obedience, v. 19), which leads to eternal life (v. 23).

Part 9 — Yeshua Set Us Free from the Penalty of Sin, Not from Torah–Obedience

Paul continues to make the point that just because one is set free from sin, one isn’t free to continue sinning; that is, we cannot go on flaunting the Torah.

7:1–6, To illustrate his point, Paul then presents an allegory from the Torah. When a husband dies, his wife is free to remarry, for she is no longer legally bound to her husband. If she remarries, she’s not guilty of the sin of adultery. When we sinned, we were like that adulterous woman, but since Yeshua died in our place, taking upon himself the death penalty for our spiritual adultery, and through him our old man is dead and we’ve become a new creation, we’re now free to remarry without incurring the wages of sin (Torahlessness), which is death.

7:7–25, Just because the law pointed out our sin doesn’t mean that the law is itself evil, affirms Paul. Similarly, just because we are sinful by nature doesn’t make the Torah evil because it defines sin. What is evil is our sin nature that dwells in us, which constantly fights against our spirit that wants to do right by obeying YHVH’s Torah (vv. 13–21), and not the Torah, which is good and spiritual (or eternal, vv. 12, 14).

Part 10 — The Reality and Victory of Walking in Spiritual Freedom

Paul turns a corner in this chapter and begins to show what the victorious walk of the redeemed believer should look like.

8:1–39, Now that he has dealt with the justice of Elohim, the sinfulness of man, the righteous standards of the Torah, the grace of Elohim, the new spiritual life in Yeshua, and the difficulty one faces in struggling against sin, he opens up before us a new world of spiritual possibilities through Yeshua the Messiah. In this chapter, he talks about walking in the Spirit and being free form the law of sin and death through Yeshua (vv. 1–11). Through the power of the Set–Apart Spirit, the believer can walk in victory over sin, and enter into the deepest relationship as spiritual sons of Elohim leading to eternal life (vv. 14–26). It is the Set–Apart Spirit that helps us in all aspects of our spiritual walk including…

• helping us to overcome the weaknesses of our sinful flesh nature (v. 26),
• helping us how to pray (v. 26),
• interceding for us (vv. 26–27).

The child of Elohim can rest assured knowing that he is in Elohim’s protective care as he is preparing him for ultimate glorified sonship in the family of Elohim by conforming him into the image of Yeshua (vv. 28–30). With these factors in the believer’s favor, how can the child of Elohim lose in the battle against the world, the flesh and devil? After all, he has…

• YHVH’s Set–Apart Spirit helping him (vv. 26–27),

• YHVH directing his life making all things work out for him (v. 28),
• YHVH conforming him to the image of Yeshua his Son (v. 29),
• the divine calling of Elohim (vv. 28, 30),
• YHVH’s free gift of salvation (vv. 30, 32, 33),
• the love of Elohim (v.v 31, 37),
• the resurrection power of Yeshua (v. 34),
• and Yeshua at the right hand of Elohim interceding for him (v. 34).

It is for this reason that Paul can make the victorious declarations that if Elohim is for us, who can be against us, and that we are more than conquerors through Elohim who loves us (vv. 31, 37)! Therefore what could possibly separate the believer from the love of Yeshua the Messiah (vv. 38–39)?

Part 11 — There Is No Racial Inequality or Prejudice in YHVH’s Plan of Salvation

Paul begins to bring down the middle wall of partition that was still separating the Jews and Gentiles. Only by the removal of this man-imposed barrier can the elimination of strife or division within the family of the redeemed of YHVH occur. 

9:1–29, Now that Paul has laid out the gospel message of salvation through Yeshua the Messiah, he turns another corner and focuses on his desire to share this message with his fellow Jews who have yet to accept Yeshua (vv. 1–5). 

However, the Jews’ rejection of the gospel has paved the way for this message to go to the Gentiles (vv. 6–24) until the fullness of the Gentiles (see Rom 11:12, 25 cp. Gen 48:19) comes to faith in the Messiah (vv. 25–29). Interestingly, Paul goes on to equate the Gentiles with the lost sheep of the house of Israel when he quotes Hosea’s and Isaiah’s prophecies (vv. 25–29). 

9:30–33, Paul then begins to chip away at the racial prejudice and disparity that existed between the Jews and Gentiles in that the former made the latter feel like second-class citizens, since they weren’t “the chosen people.” He shows that the Gentiles can have righteousness (through faith in Yeshua), even though they didn’t obtain it through a knowledge of and obedience to the Torah (v. 30). 

At the same time, the Jews didn’t attain righteousness through the works of the law (as he has already explained in chapters three and four, v. 32). 

Paul is, in effect, further leveling the playing field between the Jews and the Gentiles, so that they will unite in love through faith in Yeshua the Messiah and become the one new man (Eph 2:11–19) where there is neither Jew or Greek (i.e. Gentile, Rom 10:12; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11).

Part 12 — Yeshua and the Torah: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Paul next shows how the concept of Yeshua, salvation and the Torah are inter-related and indivisible concepts that work together in the life of the saint.

10:1–21, With a pleading heart, Paul again reiterates his desire for the Jews to come to know Yeshua the Messiah (vv. 1–3). 

He then goes on to show how the Torah points to Yeshua who, in bodily form, is the ultimate expression and end goal of the Torah (v. 10). 

Paul than quotes Deuteronomy 30:12–14 with regard to the Torah, but, in the place where Moses uses the word Torah, Paul substitutes the word Messiah. In Paul’s mind, the Written Torah and Yeshua the Living Torah are synonymous (vv. 5–8). After all, John in his Gospel states that Yeshua is the Word of Elohim that was made flesh (John 1:1, 14), and what Paul writes simply confirms what John states. 

Paul then goes on to write the phrases that the mainstream modern church often has new converts recite (almost like a mantra) “to receive salvation” (vv. 9–10). However, far from being a formula for “getting saved,” Paul seems to be saying that if you have faith in and pursue the Written Torah, then it will lead one automatically to faith and belief in Yeshua the Living Torah-Word of Elohim to which the Torah of Moses pointed, and of which Yeshua is the full expression and the end-goal or target (v. 10). To believe in Yeshua not only leads to salvation, but it also involves in believing (and obeying) his word (see John 14:15) resulting in salvation for both Jews and Gentiles (vv. 12–13). It is for this reason that the gospel message must be preached (vv. 15–18) even though the Jews have largely rejected it (v. 16). 

At this point, Paul again quotes a prophecy from the Tanakh pertaining to the house of Israel (the northern kingdom or northern ten tribes of Israel) and unequivocally equates those ancient Israelites to the Gentiles of his day (vv. 19–21).

Part 13 — The Fullness of the Gentiles Grafted In

YHVH’s plan of salvation is all-inclusive and is open to all the nations of the world (i.e. the Gentiles).

11:1–36, Even though in chapters nine and ten Paul expresses his deep sadness that more Jews hadn’t come to faith in Yeshua, he explains that the Jews’ rejection of the gospel wasn’t final. This is all part of YHVH’s plan of salvation that includes many more people than just the Jews. Through their spiritual blindness (v. 25), salvation has come to the Gentiles (v. 11) who, as a result, will be grafted into the olive tree, which represents the nation of Israel (vv. 16–24), so that the fullness of the Gentiles will come to faith in the Elohim of Abraham as promised under the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 48:19). In this sense, the gospel message has become like a huge fishnet,which as been cast into the sea of humanity to catch many spiritual fish among the nations. These “fish” will become grafted into the nation of Israel, and become sons of Abraham (Gal 3:28), and children of Elohim (John 1:12), as well, through Yeshua the Messiah. Again, Paul borrows prophetic terms from the prophet Hosea when prophesying about the northern kingdom of Israel (e.g. “obtained mercy” etc. vv. 30–32 cp. Hos 1:6 and 2:1), and Paul applies these terms to his Gentile audience.

Part 14 — The Believer’s Spiritual Walk: What It Should Look Like

Paul begins to show how the righteous redeemed should walk out their faith.

12:1–21, Walking out our faith within the body of Yeshua. Now that Paul has presented the gospel message and leveled the playing field between Jews and non-Jews, he moves to the next stage of spiritual development for the redeemed believers: relationship among fellow believers. What should be some fundamental aspects of spiritual life within the community of believers in Yeshua? What does the walk of righteousness look like? The most important thing is to become like Yeshua by laying one’s life down in sacrificial service to one’s brother (vv. 1–2). After that, be a vessel through which the gifts of the Set-Apart Spirit can flow as we serve one another (vv. 3–8). Walk in love for one another including one’s enemies (vv. 9–21).

13:1–7, Obedience to civil authorities. In this chapter, Paul continues the theme of the righteous walk when he states that believers should submit to the civil authorities (vv. 1–7). 

13:8–10, Love is the fulfilling of the Torah-law. Paul continues admonishing us to love our neighbor by fulfilling YHVH’s Torah-commands, and he specifically lists the last five of the Ten Commandments as examples of how to do this (vv. 8–10). 

Next, Paul summarizes what he believes should be the walk of the redeemed righteous by offering a general admonition to believers to awake spiritually, come out of the spiritual darkness of this world, and to put off the sinful works of darkness and to follow Yeshua (vv. 11–14).

Next Paul concludes his epistle by showing how the saints should treat each other. The love of the brethren, as Yeshua taught, will be the identifying mark of the true saints.

14:1–15:3, Walking out our faith toward weaker spiritual brothers. Paul next addresses potential problems that might arise within the fellowship of believers that could cause strife, division and offense. He shows how to deal with weaker brothers, offenses, and how to walk in forbearance and love one for another (vv. 1–18). He then offers a general admonition for believers to walk in peace, edify each other, and do nothing that will cause one’s brother to become offended or to stumble spiritually (vv. 19–23).

The first six verses of chapter 15 are a continuation of the thoughts of the previous chapter. Here Paul admonishes those who are strong (or mature) spiritually to support and even to lay down their lives in love for those who are weak spiritually after the example of Yeshua (vv. 1–3). 

15:4–13, Finally, he urges believers to be like-minded and to walk together in unity in worship of Elohim and Yeshua (vv. 4–6). In doing this, Elohim will be glorified (v. 7), and the Gentiles will come to faith resulting in their glorifying Elohim as well (vv. 9–13).

Part 15 —Conclusion: Final Admonitions, Warnings and Salutations

15:14–16:27, In this final chapter, Paul closes his letter by discussing his ministry of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles (vv. 14–21), and his desire to visit Rome (vv. 22–33).

Paul offers greetings to various individuals along with some final admonitions. He warns against those who cause division and strife and gives some brief instructions on what to do with them (vv. 17–18). He closes this chapter and the book with a prayer of blessing (vv. 25–27).

1 John 3:4, Sin is the transgression of the Torah.

Why must we overcome sin? The Scriptures teach us to be overcomers (Rom 12:21; 1 John 2:13–14; 5:4). We must overcome the world, the flesh and the devil (Jas 3:15). Yeshua admonished each of the seven Messianic assemblies to be overcomers (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; see also Matt 24:13). For those who overcome, there will be great rewards—a spiritual inheritance; they will be sons of Elohim (Rev 21:7).

The Greek word for overcome is nikao (Strong’s G3528) meaning “to conquer, to get the victory, prevail.” Nikao is where the word nike comes from.

What is Sin?

• Sin is the anything that violates the Torah-instructions or laws of Elohim (1 John 3:4).
• Sin is unrighteousness (1 John 5:17; YHVH’s Torah commands define what righteousness is, Ps 119:172).
• Sin is not believing in Yeshua, who is the Torah-Word of Elohim incarnate (John 3:18; 16:9).
• Sin is failing to do (or not to do) that we which we should be do (or not do)—i.e. a sin of omission (Jas 4:17).
• Sin is putting me-first (my desires, impulses), not YHVH first (his will) in our lives. It is humanism. It is following the lie of the devil: man can have it his way regardless of what YHVH’s Word says, and not suffer any consequences for it. This is the big lie from the serpent in the Garden.
• Sin is a direct challenge to YHVH’s authority in our lives. It is arrogance and self exaltation against YHVH’s will. It involves lack of belief in his Word. It is putting his will above his Word.

Dealing With the “Leavening” in Our Lives

Overcoming Sin!

Throughout Scripture, leavening is a spiritual metaphor for sin, pride, hypocrisy, malice, bitterness and false religious doctrine (Pss 71:4; 73:21; Hos 7:4; Matt 16:6; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1; 1 Cor 5:8–6; Gal 5:9). Even as a small amount of leavening agents in bread (e.g. yeast and various chemical agents) will quickly permeate bread dough causing it to rise, so a little sin can rapidly infect our lives (or like a quick spreading cancer disease) and take us away from Elohim’s path of righteous-living. 

The Scripture teaches us to be overcomers (Rom 12:21; 1 John 2:13–14; 5:4) eradicating the leavening of sin from our lives. We must overcome the world, the flesh and the devil (Jas 3:15). Yeshua admonished each of the seven Messianic assemblies to be overcomers (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; see also Matt 24:13). For those who overcome, there will be great rewards—a spiritual inheritance; they will become sons of Elohim (Rev 21:7).

The Greek word for overcome is nikao (Strong’s G3528) meaning “to conquer, to get the victory, prevail” and is where the word nike comes from.

What Is Sin?

• Sin is the anything that violates the Torah-instructions/laws of Elohim (1 John 3:4).
• Sin is unrighteousness (1 John 5:17; YHVH’s Torah commands define what righteousness is, Ps 119:172).
• Sin is not believing in Yeshua, who is the Torah-Word of Elohim incarnate (John 3:18; 16:9).
• Sin is failing to do (or not to do) that we which we should be do (or not do) — i.e., the sin of omission (Jas 4:17).
• Sin is putting me-first (my desires, impulses), not YHVH first (his will) in our lives. It is humanism, which is self-rule and self-worship. It is following the lie of the devil: man can have it his way regardless of what YHVH’s Word says, and not suffer any consequences for it. This is the big lie from the serpent in the Garden.
• Sin is a direct challenge to YHVH’s authority in our lives. It is arrogance and self exaltation against YHVH’s will. It involves lack of belief in his Word. It is putting my will above his Word.

Practical Steps to Overcoming Sin

To be victorious over sin, the saint must actively pursue two courses of action at the same time. He must “feed” or build up his personal spirit man and also starve his sin nature. Here are some practical steps to empowering your spirit man, so you can effectively defeat sin.

Building Yourself Up Spiritually

• Know the biblical definition of sin, so you know what sin is. Some things men think are sin are not sin and vice versa. 
• You must be born again or spiritually regenerated in your spirit man (John 3:5).
• Call upon the Set-Apart Spirit of Elohim for help and recognize the Spirit’s power in your life. Learn to walk in the Spirit. The Set-Apart Spirit will convict us of sin (John 16:8, 13), and empower us to live a righteous or sin-free life in accordance with YHVH’s commandments.
• Brainwash your mind with the Word of Elohim (Eph 5:26). This is how we transform our thinking from being conformed to the world, the flesh and the devil into the mind and character of Yeshua (Rom 12:2). Study the Scripture. Feed the spirit man inside of you. Hide YHVH’s Word in your heart (Ps 119:11; Jas 1:21; Prov 6:20–22). 
• Know and use the power of prayer and spiritual warfare, so you can defeat the enemy as he endeavors to tempt you to sin (2 Cor 10:3–6; Eph 6:10–18; Luke 9:1; 10:19).
• When tempted to sin, redirect your attention off the sin and onto prayer to YHVH. Know the Scriptures, so you can quote specific Bible verses to combat specific temptations to sin as Yeshua did when confronting the devil in the wilderness (Matt 4:4–11).
• Know the power of being with other overcoming believers on a regular basis who will reinforce good habits, and hold each other accountable, and who will challenge you to keep overcoming and reaching for higher standards.
• Make no provision for the flesh (Rom 13:14). Get away from corrupting influences including people.
• Be accountable to trusted and mature spiritual authority.
• Don’t replay old tapes of you or others sinning for your vicarious gratification (Prov 23:7). 
• Stay in constant communication with YHVH through prayer.
• Get the Word of Elohim into your heart and mind by meditating or ruminating on YHVH’s Word (Pss 63:6; 119:15, 48, 78, 148).
• Learn to love righteousness—the things of YHVH (Phil 4:8).
• Learn the fear of YHVH, which is to hate evil (Prov 8:13). Ask YHVH to give you his fear.
• Replace bad habits or sinful patterns with good habits or righteous patterns. Replace what not to do with what to do (Gal 5:16; Eph 4:22–24).
• Recount your testimony to yourself and to others of past victories over sin (Rev 12:11). This not only strengthens you spiritually to be able to resist sin, but it helps keep you spiritually accountable to others.
• Bring power of your will to bear on sin. Will not to sin, but to obey Elohim. “Let not” in Romans 6:12–13 directly relates to the volitional or choice-making capacity of the human soul. Furthermore, the will relates to the other points listed in this study in that it can impose the realities of them into the other areas of our soul (i.e. the mind or intellect and emotion) and into our body with its weakness and penchants toward sin. “Yielding your members” (Rom 6:13, 16, 19) is another expression relating to the will of man in this regard. Use your mind to establish scripturally-based spiritual boundaries for yourself, and then use our will to enforce those boundaries. Ask YHVH to give you a heart to love those boundaries, since they’re there for your own good.

How to Starving the Sin Nature in Us

• Exercise self control; learn to control the impulses to sin. Elohim gave you a will, so use that will to determine not to sin. Set spiritual boundaries for yourself based on the Word of Elohim, and determine not to cross those boundaries.
• Take every thought captive to the mind, spirit, Word of YHVH-Yeshua (2 Cor 10:5).
• Flee temptation (2 Tim 2:22; Prov 4:14–15).
• Make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof (Rom 13:14). Remove yourself from tempting or compromising situations and circumstances.
• Do not love the things of this world (1 John 2:15).
• Learn what sin is and then learn to hate sin or evil. Ask YHVH to give you a heart to love the things he loves and to hate the things that he hates.
• Remember what the consequences for sinning is. Sin leads to guilt, shame, misery and sorrow. Ultimately, the wages of sin eternal death (Rom 6:23; Ezek 18:4) in the lake of fire (Rev 20:14–15).

Power to Overcome Sin

An important aspect to overcoming sin is to have the right perspective. We must view ourselves from a biblical perspective—as YHVH Elohim views us through our relationship with Yeshua. Here are some truths to keep in mind in this regard:

Reckoning — To help in overcoming sin, we must reckon ourselves dead to sin, and alive to Yeshua as a new creation of his spirit. (Read Rom 6 and 8; 6:7,11; Eph 4:24.) This reality must be our mindset, our spiritual identity. That identity must permeate everything we do in life.

Identification ­— We must reprogram our minds to think of ourselves no longer as sinners, but as righteous saints. We must accept the fact that we are new creation in Yeshua, and accept our new identity by faith based on what the Word of Elohim says of us (Rom 6:2,11; Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 5:17). Sure, we will still sin from time to time (1 John 1:9), but sin is neither our habitual lifestyle nor what defines who we are spiritually. We’re overcomers who are predisposed to walking as saints, not as sinners. This is our true identity before YHVH and how he views us.

Love — An abiding and dynamic love for Elohim and his commands constrains us to not violate his law of love by sinning either against him or man. The overcomer must cultivate a desire to please Elohim (Rom 8:8), which involves hating sin and loving righteousness. We must learn to obey Elohim out of love, not fear (2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:15).

Revelation — Obey Elohim and don’t yield to sin. Be empowered and motivated by the revelation and reality of the fact that our sin body is dead in Messiah and that we’re a new creation in Him (Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 5:17). We’re born of the Spirit and alive to righteousness and are no longer under the power of sin because Yeshua’s victory over sin and death, and because the life of Messiah is working in us through the Set-Apart Spirit (Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 5:17; Rom 6:1–22).

Quickening — Our mortal (sin-bent) bodies are quickened (made alive) by the Set-Apart Spirit dwelling in us—that is, by the direct power of Elohim’s Spirit in us motivates, energizes and strengthens us to overcome sin and to live righteously according to the Spirit, heart and will of Elohim (Rom 8:11, 26; Eph 2:1–5; Col 2:13). Another way to state this is that Elohim has given us his grace or divine enabling to overcome sin (Rom 6:14).

Hope of Eternal Rewards — The hope of eternal rewards as heirs of Elohim and joint-heirs with Messiah will also motivate us not to sin. The more faithful and obedient to him we are the greater will be our reward in the kingdom of Elohim. This should be a strong motivation for us to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh (Rom 8:16–17, 20, 23–25). The hope or earnest expectation (Rom 8:19, 20, 24) of being joint-heirs with Messiah and the glorification of our bodies (Rom 8:17) gives us the impetus to overcome the present struggles of this life.

Be an Overcomer!

The Word of YHVH Elohim declares,

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of Elohim. (Rev 2:7)

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the assemblies; to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Rev 2:17)

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Rev 3:21)

The Destructive Nature of Sin

There are many ways in which sin is destructive and destroys. Here are a few examples.

Sin is DESTRUCTIVE in that it causes separation (Isa 59:2). Sin leads a person away from Elohim who is sinless, perfect and holy. It caused Adam and Eve to be kicked out the Garden and to be separated from Elohim. It also destroys human relationships.

But your iniquities have separated between you and your Elohim, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isa 59:2)

Sin is DESTRUCTIVE and DISSIPATING to yourself and to others.

In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation [or profligacy, prodigality], speaking evil of you. 1 Pet 4:4

Sin DESTROYS the effectiveness of our prayers (Isa 59:1–2; 1 Pet 3:7; Matt 5:23–24).

Sin DESTROYS your emotional stability. (Pss 51:7–12; 32:1–4).

Sin and profligate living DESTROYS one’s finances. Through profligate living, the prodigal son lost all his inheritance and ended up DESTITUTE (Luke 15:11–16).

Sin causes DISOBEDIENCE and is DISOBEDIENCE to YHVH and his Word. Disobedience is one of sin’s definitions (i.e., sin the violation of the Torah-word or instructions of Elohim, 1 John 3:4). 

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4)

Sin is DEFILINGand DEGENERATING in that it pollutes, corrupts and eventually destroys little-by-little by corrupting everything it touches. It corrupts a person’s body, soul and spirit. The Bible likens sin to leavening in bread in that it puffs a person up (in pride) and causes them to become bitter. A little leaven leavens the whole lump (1 Cor 5:6–7; Gal 5:9).

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Messiah our passover is sacrificed for us. (1 Cor 5:6–7, see also Gal 5:9))

Sin is also DESTRUCTIVE and DEVASTATING to our bodies. When the temple of our bodies are violated by sinful habits the results may be immediate or long term. Examples include (to name only a few)

• overeating—gluttony
• sexual promiscuity leads to sexually transmitted diseases
• over consumption of alcohol
• drugs
• eating the wrong types of foods leads to poor health
• ingesting poisonous chemical food additives leads to poor health
• not following the biblical dietary laws leads to poor health
• many sicknesses are caused by sinful behaviors

Sin is DECEPTIVE. It over-promises and under-delivers. It promises great rewards and, at the moment, it seems so good and pleasurable (Heb 11:25), but it leads to depression, death, destruction and ultimately to temporal and eternal damnation.

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Prov 14:12)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer 17:9)

…to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season… (Heb 11:25)

Sin is DEGRADING and DEBASING in that it brings fear, shame, humiliation and guilt upon the sinner. Initially sin brings a momentary, fleeting pleasurable thrill (Heb 11:25), but then it sucks the joy out of a person like a vacuum (Gen 3:6 cp. v. 10). This leads to DEPRESSION. What is a depression? It is a low point—in this case, an emotional low point, valley or pit in a person’s life.

The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. (Prov 3:5)

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.… And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. (Gen 3:6, 10)

Sin is DEBILITATING and DEVITALIZING. It weakens and sucks the life out of a person and leads to DESTRUCTION. Sin does not and cannot make anything or anyone righteous, better or stronger. Sin can only strengthen other sins, but it can’t strengthen Elohimliness, holiness or righteousness.

Sin is DEADENING. It DUMBS DOWN one’s intellect, corrupts good morals and then it numbs the conscience and eventually it kills the person emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. It causes our conscience to become hardened and seared to sin. Eventually one’s heart becomes hardened to sin and one becomes reprobate (unprincipled and disapproved). At that point, one loses one’s moral compass and spiritual direction in life altogether.

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. (1 Tim 4:2)

They profess that they know Elohim; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Tit 1:16)

Be not deceived: evil companionship corrupts good morals. (1 Cor 15:33)

Sin is DISGUSTING. Think of the most disgusting sins you can imagine. Now ask yourself this. How did a person get to that point? Overnight or little-by-little? Usually the latter. Beware of sin! It slowly creeps up on a person and overtakes them. Moreover, one sin is a catalyst for more sin and inevitably leads to another sin and so on.

Sin is DEVALUING. It brings a person from a higher state to a lower state spiritually, morally, emotionally and physically.

Sin is DECAYING in that it eats away at the sinner like a cancer, and it eats away at those around the sinner.

Sin is DEFAMING and DISREPUTABLE in that it destroys a person’s good name and reputation. Think of all the people in our day whose reputations have been destroyed when their sins were publicized by the media.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. (Prov 22:1)

Sin is DISSATISFYING. Like an addiction (drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, power, etc.), a little sin isn’t enough. The sinner needs to sin more and more to satisfy his urges and need for fulfillment. It’s a downward spiral into a black hole.

Sin is DISTRACTING. It takes our attention off Elohim and puts it onto ourselves or some idolatrous and sinful practice. Sin DIVERTS our attention from the path of righteousness and onto to the path of wickedness.

Ultimately, sin is DAMNING. Sin incurs a costly price. The worst result of sin is eternal death and separation from Elohim (Ezek 18:4; Rom 6:23). It brings the wrathful judgment of Elohim against sinners.

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Rev 21:6–8)

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not Elohim, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of YHVH, and from the glory of his power; (2 Thess 1:8–9)

For the wrath of Elohim is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness… [list of sins] Who knowing the judgment of Elohim, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Rom 1:18, 32)

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of Elohim; Who will render to every man according to his deeds (Rom 2:5–6). 

Because of all these things, sin is extremely DANGEROUS. It is dangerous to the sinner and it is dangerous to those who stand close by.

Reasons to Hate Sin

• Elohim hates sin, and sometimes even the sinner.
• For thou art not a Elohim that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: YHVH will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. (Ps 5:4–6)
• Sin opposes Elohim’s word.
• Sin is destructive and damning.
• Sin caused the death of Yeshua.

A Call to Action

NOW is the time to repent of or turn away from sin and with your whole heart and mind to believe in and to accept Yeshua’s death on the cross in payment for your sin and to love and obey him (i.e. to walk in sinlessness) for the rest of your life. 

If you, at some time in the past, have repented of your sin but have fallen away (called backsliding) or have grown lukewarm or cold in your relationship with Yeshua, now is also the time to wake up from your spiritual slumber, to repent and to come back to Yeshua.

For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor 6:2)

And the times of this ignorance Elohim winked at [or overlooked sin]; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30)

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of YHVH. (Acts 3:19)

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:5)

YHVH is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Pet 3:9 )

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8–10)