Collect for Trinity 3
Romans 6: 1-11
Matthew 10: 24-33
What then are we to say??? Paul’s rhetorical question offers a response to the previous chapter 5, (specifically 5:20 ‘where sin increases, grace abounds all the more’) in which he proclaims that God’s Grace in Jesus is the response to human sin. He wonders whether when people accept this, and particularly when they hear elsewhere that they have to forgive others seventy times seven, that they will think that they may just as well keep on sinning because their sin will be forgiven every time. In fact, the greater the sin, the greater the forgiveness. In that case, the prodigal son may as well come home bringing his washing for his Mum, enjoy the fattened calf for dinner and then clear off to his previous life again.
Paul addresses the concern that by claiming salvation through grace alone, people will simply behave as they pleased without any moral constraint. Through the years, theologians have struggled with this – Martin Luther even had a name for those who believed it – he called it ‘antinomianism’.
In response he said that the Christian way of life post-Baptism is a process of growing throughout our lives, being simultaneously both sinner and saint, continually taking three steps forward, two steps back. Paul describes this as dying to sin and being born again in Christ. In Him, we are aware of our sin and its consequences.
The argument is complex, and the discussion continues. However, when it comes down to it in our day-to-day lives, it is quite simple. When we are baptised in Christ, washed free of our past, we have the opportunity of starting again. We try – and will inevitably fail. But that mustn’t stop us trying.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 30th August 2026
Just like those early disciples and apostles there’s an important work to continue. You and I are part of that bunch of followers – ordinary people – let’s keep that in mind – as we reach out to others, each and every day of our lives.
Praying Together 23rd August 2026
Cambridge dictionary definition: ‘Conform’ – to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society.
Praying Together 16th August 2026
We share the shame of both if we fail to address the divisive hatred within our own purportedly Christian ‘tribe’ before condemning others. For Scripture also says Judge not lest ye yourself be judged (Matthew 7:1). Jesus Himself makes it clear that hypocrisy has no place in a Kingdom founded upon love.
Praying Together 9th August 2026
Trusting Jesus and obeying His call takes commitment, it takes faith, it takes the courage to face antagonism, discomfort and sometimes suffering.
Praying Together 26th July 2026
Just cling to the promise that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Pray Together 19th July 2026
We define hope as ‘to want something to happen or to be true, and have a good reason to think that it might’.
Praying Together 12th July 2026
But the real task to which godparents promise is to ensure that the newly-baptised are supported in their Christian growth, by prayer, advice and example.
Praying Together 5th July 2026
We obey His command, but not as slaves – instead, he invites us to be willing servants, alongside the freedom to always ask and reason together with Him as we choose our actions. Therein lies the path to Wisdom, and in God’s Wisdom lies gentleness, humility and rest for our souls.
Praying Together 21st June 2026
‘You are of more value than many sparrows.’
Yes perhaps we are – but that doesn’t mean that sparrows have no value at all.
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.