Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
This session focuses on the necessity of 'waking up' to the reality of our spiritual condition. Schofield argues that just as a sick person will not seek a doctor unless they know they are ill, a sinner will not seek grace until they realize their desperate state. Using Romans 5:20 as a foundation, he explains that the law enters not to make us righteous by our own doing, but to make the offense abound—to reveal the depth of our sinfulness. This revelation is not meant to cause despair but to prepare the way for an even greater abundance of grace. He warns against the 'Hagar experience'—the attempt to fulfill God's promises through human effort—and emphasizes that we must come to the end of ourselves, admitting that we are 'exceedingly sinful' and entirely dependent on God's mercy.
Key points
- We cannot apply a remedy for sin until we realize we are spiritually sick and in need of a Physician.
- The law reveals that sin is not just outward action but an inward law of 'concupiscence' and irregular desire.
- Trying to keep the law in our own strength is like the 'Hagar experience,' leading only to failure and bondage.
- Acknowledge that there is absolutely nothing we can do to save ourselves; we are profitable only for ruin.
Key texts
- Romans 5:20
- Romans 7:14-24
- Genesis 16:1-3
From the book
Chapter 2 · Romans 5 · Read this chapter
- “If you don’t know that you’re sick, will you go to the doctor?” (ch. 2)
- “There is nothing we can do to save ourselves.” (ch. 2)
- “If you see your sinfulness, do not wait to make yourself better.” (ch. 2)
Put it into practice
- Identify areas where you have tried to 'make yourself better' instead of coming to Christ.
- Surrender the 'Hagar' mindset of trying to fulfill God's promises by human effort.
- Accept the law's verdict that you are 'wretched' and in need of deliverance.
- Comprehension
1. What is the 'basic principle' regarding seeking a remedy for sin?
- Doctrinal Clarity
2. How does the author define 'concupiscence' in relation to the law?
- Scripture
3. What is the 'Hagar experience' mentioned in the study?
- Contrast
4. Why does the law enter to make the 'offense abound'?
- Doctrinal Clarity
5. What is the 'miry bog' experience described by John Bunyan?
- Comprehension
6. Can we make ourselves better before coming to Christ?
- Doctrinal Clarity
7. What does it mean that sin 'prevails' in our lives?
- Application
8. In what ways have you found yourself stuck in a 'Hagar experience' recently?