What will the next series of verses illustrate?
The next series of verses will illustrate the difference between law and grace. They present one example after another showing that the law condemns and kills, while grace, by the Spirit, gives life. This contrast is the theme being highlighted so even casual readers will catch it.
Les explains that in the next series of verses, most casual readers would never catch it, but it is one example after another of the difference between law and grace. He points out that when Paul speaks of the letter, he refers to the Law of Moses, and that the letter kills while the Spirit gives life. The law could only condemn and had no life-giving power, but grace, epitomized by the Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, gives life. Les emphasizes this contrast because he constantly trumpeted the difference between law and grace.