We attain righteousness through faith because “for our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, let us put off the filthy rags and put on the breastplate of righteousness.

This chapter is a reality check. While we are trying to grasp law, sin, spirit and suffering from the previous two chapters Paul reminds us that it is not about us, it’s about Him. He will have mercy and compassion on who he will. It’s purely his sovereign will and grace.

Ever wondered why God would put Christ as a stumbling stone and a rock to make people fall?

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit”. We cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve both flesh and spirit.

It says that, “If God is for us, who is against us.” This means if God helps us, who can mess us up. We have to ask and believe God to get help from him.

16 ஆகையால் விரும்புகிறவனாலும்அல்ல, ஓடுகிறவனாலும்அல்ல, இரங்குகிறதேவனாலேயாம்.- He does things as per His will. This should not make me lazy and fall back. Then that becomes a stumping stone for me.
– I also need to understand He is not a dictator but He is righteous.
– When certain things does not happen the way I wanted, it doesn’t mean He is not righteous. He has a reason which I don’t / can’t understand.
– understanding Him and His actions is much more complex than a chess game, but He reveals certain things to His people. Let us be happy that we are revealed certain things which are eternal. Be happy that our eyes are opened to see the light and the way. Knowing one step ahead is enough.
– whatever that happens, let us believe and hold on to Him and march forward! He will never let us down!

(v31-32) Israelites pursued the law as the way of righteousness but they did not obtain it. Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works/deeds.
-But the Gentiles, who did not pursue the righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith.
-Law was given through Moses; Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Let’s have faith in Him, for He is the Way and Truth and the (eternal) Life (John 14:6).

(V16) It’s very clear that nothing is in man’s effort/desire. Everything depends on God’s mercy. I have no role to play.But I continue to ask God -please have mercy and compassion upon me.

V30: We cannot pursue righteousness by works but by faith in HIM alone