- Author Paul (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and uttermost parts of the earth, Rome was in this last part, but center of the world.)
- When? AD57 (53-58) on third missionary journey from Corinth, Greece.
- To whom? The church in Rome
- Why? He wanted them to first understand the gospel, and then to experience the gospel…to know its glorious release.
The book of Romans changed the lives of Augustine, Martin Luther, John Wesley, John Calvin
Romans will prompt us to ask, “Have I ‘broken through’ into the freedom and release the gospel brings me, both in terms of my future and in my life right now?”
Key idea is the Gospel of God. God is the author.
Chapters 1-8 doctrinal/role of faith
Chapters 9-11 prophecy/ hope
Chapters 12-16 practical application /love
Of the 40 authors who wrote the 66 books, probably Paul had the greatest intellect of them all. Studied under Galileo. Written to the Church of Rome, a Gentile Church, not founded by Paul, but we don’t know who. Somehow they made contact with Paul and he desired to visit them at some time. Phoebe carried the letter to Rome for Paul.
Theme: The Righteousness of God. Habakuk 2:4 “The Just shall live by faith” Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38. Romans, who is the just. Galatians, how should they live with this knowledge. Hebrews just live by faith.
Socrates (400BC) said to Plato, “It may be that a deity can forgive sins, but I can’t imagine how.” Or, how can a righteous God show mercy. The paradox of mercy and justice. This is what Paul is dealing with. Romans is written to the saved, not the unsaved. Gentile believers.
We should also remember the Apostle Peter’s words about Paul’s letters: Also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles… in which are some things hard to understand (2 Peter 3:15-16).
Greeting
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul, a servant
(doulos, bondslave, literally a slave, property of another, one who wants to stay after his time is done, had a special earring to denote this. …every Christian has a master. And is under Authority)
of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle,
(a “sent one” by Jesus Christ himself. Acts 9:1-19 )
set apart for the gospel of God, (Paul felt so strong a calling that he separated himself from anything other than the gospel, wealth, heath, acclaim, friends, safety, marriage? Family? etc.)(the gospel is an announcement, not advice, but good news about what Jesus has done. Make us alive, not just good people. Definition 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
(and this gospel was not new, it was proclaimed in the OT. It’s not about us, it’s about God’s Son, Jesus)
3 concerning his Son,
(what makes Jesus unique? His plan and life was all foretold. Luke 24.)
who was descended from David according to the flesh
(fully human)
4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power (divine)
according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
Yeshua/Joshua, “God will save”
5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
(not just the Jews, but also to the Gentiles, Acts 9:15) the gospel call is the obedience that comes from faith. Not to have enough faith to be obedient. The point is that real “faith” is faith in a divine King, to whom we owe our obedience and of whom we (like Paul) are servants.
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: (pure ones)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Longing to Go to Rome
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.
(Paul has never met them, but their reputation is known. Paul had been praying for them and desired to meet them in person.)
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Pauls abilities of Pastoring and teaching could be of great encouragement to the Saints. And this is mutual, we need each other.)(each of us using our spiritual gifts together encourages the church)
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians,
(greeks called everyone else Barbarians)
(both to the wise and to the foolish.
(Paul saying he has an obligation for the privileged and for the poor) 1
5 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
Paul wants to both encourage and evangelize. He has an obligation to pass on what God had passed to him. Like holding money for someone to give to another.
Matthew 28:18-20. Great commission. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel,
Paul’s Thesis Statement
(why ashamed?
Our leader was crucified,
Believers of the Gospel are put in prison or beaten,
salvation is free and undeserved, earning it isn’t enough,
being good doesn’t give it to you,
since Jesus suffered and served, we too must suffer and serve.
It reveals a need that we cannot meet.
These all offend people.
for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first (Jesus) and also to the Greek.
(and Paul did this, he first went to the synagogue and then to the gentiles.)
17 For in it the righteousness of God (correct relationship with God)
is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
(Habakuk 2:4)(From this Martin Luther started the protestant reformation.) Righteous: To have a good or right standing, to have no debts or liabilities that you owe to someone. Right standing is received from God, offered to us by his Son.
It is powerful, all that God has done and all that God will do for us. Power unto salvation. The power to change hearts and minds. Power to save us, to reconcile us to God, and guarantee us a place in the kingdom of God forever.
God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
18 For the wrath of God
(we are all under the wrath of God. “If you don’t understand or believe in the wrath of God, the gospel will not thrill, empower or move you.” Keller)
is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
(Deep down, everyone knows there’s a God )
19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,[g] in the things that have been made.
(there is a Creator whom we are utterly dependent on and to whom we are completely accountable to.)(we cannot know about God’s love and mercy from creation, but we can know there is a creator, that’s a starting point.)
So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
(truth deniers)
22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
Man has become plagiarists, replacing God with gods. We were created to worship something, so if not God, then what? Describing their idolatry. God is invisible and unknowable, but he has provided for us visible and knowable.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
(we then don’t worship the Creator, we worship the creation.)
Since our hearts were made to be centered on God, since he is the only true provider of satisfaction and significance, these do not satisfy—we always feel we need more, or something else. Addiction.
The main problem of our heart is not so much desires for bad things, but our over-desires for good things, our turning of created, good things into gods, objects of our worship and service.
When we sin, it sets up stresses and strains in the fabric of the order that God created. Instead of us finding blessing, our sin causes breakdowns spiritually, psychologically, socially, and physically.
Verse 25 is the solution, a Creator who is blessed forever. Forever praised.
Reflection:
Do you see the truths of these verses in your own life before you were a Christian? Do you see fragments of this attitude in your life now?
How does understanding the inconsistency caused by truth-suppression help us to speak to nonbelievers about the Christian faith?
How and how often, will you spend time simply giving glory and thanks to God for your life in His world this week?
28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
Creator God has given us a choice, choose him or choose his creation.
All of us must make that decision.
1 Timothy 1:15 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
If we have accepted the Gospel, we do not need to fear God’s wrath because we have received his righteousness.
Reflections:
Which “over-desires” do you most struggle with yourself? Do any of the sins Paul mentions here describe you?
How can you ensure that the sinfulness of the world drives you not to self-righteousness but to the cross of mercy?
Are there any ways in which these verses have drawn out self-righteousness in your heart?
Chapter 2
God’s Righteous Judgment
The end of chapter 1 is written to expose the idols of the religious person as much as those of the irreligious person. Paul’s list of wickedness is not so much about actions as it is attitudes. What’s in the heart. It kind of parallels the Sermon on the Mount. Matt 5:21-22.
2 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.
Like Jesus says, you shall not murder, but if you hate someone it’s the same thing. So to pass judgment is to believe that others are worthy of God’s judgment while you are not.
1 Cor. 2:15, 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.
God is fair in his judgment, and He will use His own standards, the judgments we made with our own mouths, as the standards by which we are judged.
Matthew 7:1-5. “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? No, no one will…or will they?
4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Just like the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32, chapter 1 was the prodigal son, here he’s referring to the older brother. Both are lost, only one knows it. Being good is not enough. Following the law is not enough.
The Gospel is for the unreligious, but just as much for the religious. Both run from the Gospel equally. The heart of the gospel is that God’s righteousness has been revealed, so that it can be received. When we rely on anything or anyone other than the righteousness given to us by Jesus, we are refusing to accept the gospel.
6 He will render to each one according to his works: quote from Psalm 62
7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;
they find God as their salvation and make him their center. Good works show we have saving faith; they do not add to our faith in saving us. Good works are done to show whose we are. It should point people to Jesus, not us.
8 but for those who are self-seeking
why do you do what you do? So people will see you? To show what a great Christian you are?
and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
We are saved by the gospel but we live by the scriptures. That’s why we continue to study and grow in our relationship with Jesus. The scripture is alive, and we are teachable people.
9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
Keep in mind, Paul is talking to Gentiles, or Greeks as he says here, and they are totally unbelievers, and Jew, who are believers in God but not in the Gospel.
Gospel is…Who Jesus is, what he has done, and how that changes everything of all of us.
Emphasizing that no one has an excuse to escape God’s judgment. And that God’s judgment is perfect. God doesn’t make mistakes.
The fallen world is under God’s wrath, and one day his judgment. And that we need to be careful that if we judge other people’s sins, we need to be careful that we are not guilty of the very same thing. We may not have murdered anyone, but Jesus says that if you have hate in your heart about someone, that’s the same. We may not have committed adultery but if we have lust for someone in our hearts, that’s the same thing.
But wait a minute, 1 Corinthians 2:15 says we should judge our brother. And we should, but we also need to do it in love and with grace, just like we need from God…love and grace.
Let me remind you of (Book?) 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
In the first 5 verses here, Paul is simply stating that everyone will come under the judgment of God, unless they accept the Gospel message.
God forgives and forgets, that’s our right relationship with God. From His perspective.
I read Christianity Today article today that said 60% of born again believers age 22-55 believe there are more than one way to get to Heaven. And yet the Bible specifically tells us there is a creator, that is revealed to us by His creation and the scriptures reveals to us that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Jesus.
And then verses 6 -11, Paul is saying that “Good Works” will result in those who accept the Gospel. It is not added to salvation, but when we realize what God has done for us to save us, namely, sending his son to die on the cross, our ultimate sacrifice, then our life will be a life of gratitude and obedience to God.
But for those who won’t accept the Gospel message there will be God’s wrath and fury on them. First for the Jew, then for the gentile, meaning everyone. Nobody is without excuse.
At this point we had a long discussion about Jesus’ teaching on the sermon on the mount. Jesus in Matthew 5-7, which describes what a person in his kingdom looks like. That’s the standard that we should strive to be. Not for salvation, but because of salvation. If all Christians were to live like this, our world would be in such a better place.
God’s Judgment and the Law
12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.
The Jews had the written law but it was the outward execution of that law that caused righteousness.
14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
(Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, Jesus’ teachings) Acts 4:12 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men[a] by which we must be saved.”
So again, man has no excuse. God’s laws are written on hearts. All we have to do is to listen to our conscience, unless we’ve allowed our conscience to be corrupt by suppressing the truth.
Paul is saying you can’t have salvation without judgment. Without the wrath of God, the cross has no meaning. We cannot appreciate who Christ is and what he has done for us, unless we first acknowledge who we are.
17 But “if” you call yourself a Jew (Christian?) and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—
It is their attitude to their nationality and morality that they are relying on, not the law. Chosen by God, sons of Abraham… It’s not about just being a good person. Mormons are good people. Muslims are good people.
21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? (don’t just talk the talk but walk the talk.) Outright hypocrisy is the problem. The pastor who has an affair. The elder who cheats his employer. The Christian who cheats on his taxes.
While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
(An unloving Christian Freak) taking the Lords name in vain.
True religion is about the heart motives as much as (or more than) about the actions of the body.
And there’s the sin of moral superiority. We look down on those who have sin struggles. They should just deal with it and conquer it. No compassion, no mercy, no grace.
Christians are to bring light into this world. And when we do bring light to the darkness, is what darkness see attractive or is it cold and judgmental.
25 For circumcision (the great cultural marker of God’s people) indeed is of value (salvation vs nationality/ salvation vs Church Membership)
if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
It is possible to trust in Christianity and not in Christ. We don’t need to praise ourselves or live for the praise of others. Our Father in heaven sees us a beautiful!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Welcome back to the recap of our Thursday morning zoom Bible study
This morning we read and discussed Roman 2: 12-29, pause and read.
Did you find it hard to stay with Paul’s writings? He is very wordy at times, but what he says has so much meaning.
Remember, we have been talking about the fact that the Gospel message is for all people.
However, the unbeliever don’t know they need it,
And the Jews think they are already religious enough because they try to follow the M. law.
Paul is saying, everyone needs to accept the Gospel Message that God so love the world he sent his son to be the Savior of the world. And His son died on the cross so that our sins can be forgiven and he resurrected on the third day and he went to be with the Father but he’s coming back.
That’s the Gospel Message that Everyone needs to understand.
Then beginning with verse 17, Paul hits the Jews hard.
He tells them that they are not saved by their nationality. And they are not saved by follow the Mosaic law, which none of them could perfectly obey anyway.
He calls them hypocrites because they teach one thing and live differently.
This reminds me that Christians are to be the light of the world. But I have to wonder, are we any better than the Jewish leaders, in that, when we do shine light on the world, does the world find us attractive, or should I say, does the world find Jesus attractive.
Do we shine light and then deliver judgement? Or do we show love, grace and mercy when we shine the light on the world?
And Paul says in verse 24, For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
To me, this is what’s meant by using the Lord’s name in vain. We call ourselves Christians but then we act in unchristian ways. By this we are profaning the name of Christ.
And then Paul finishes up the chapter by talking about Circumcision. Many Jews felt that by just being circumcised they were saved. But Paul is saying here that it’s on the inside that counts.
For us, the example would be, is just being baptized enough for Salvation? Of course not, It has to start in our heart, we need to realize what Jesus did for us so that we could have our sins forgiven, we need to repent of living our life selfishly and decide to live our life for Christ. Confessing this and then being baptized to show outwardly what has happened in our heart. Praise God that we are chosen to accept this invitation.
So in closing today, spend some time and reflect.
Is there anything in your life, that might cause people to reject God? Any hypocrisy in your life?
Understanding that Jesus suffered and died so that your sins could be forgiven and you can be given the gift of eternal life, does this move you to praise him and love him?
Thanks for joining us for the recap of Romans 2, we’ll see you next Tuesday as we begin Romans chapter 3. Have a great weekend. And we’ll see you Sunday in Church.
__________________________________________________________________________________
God’s Righteousness Upheld Chapter 3:1-20
Chapter 3 Humanity is in really bad shape when compared to the Holiness of God. Remember the theme of Romans is the Gospel. The Gospel is how Humanity is made right before God. This is true for those following the Mosaic law and for the unbeliever.
Now a question response. Either questions given to Paul, or questions Paul had to work through.
Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. Like being raised in a Christian home or even in a Christian Church. Having the truth is not the same as living the truth. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though everyone were a liar, as it is written,
“That you may be justified in your words,
and prevail when you are judged.” Psalm 51
God’s promises are still God’s promises, man does not change that.
5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? If my badness makes God look good, how could God judgement for my bad behavior. But God as a standard and it’s fair.
8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. If my badness make God look good, then I should be as bad as possible. When I say what sin did Jesus not die for, can be misconstrued this way. It’s not what I mean.
No One Is Righteous
9 What then? Are we Jews[a] any better off?[b] No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, not that others don’t sin more than some, but our legal condition is the same. We are all lost, there is not degree of lostness. Think about it, the mass murderer and the Mormon are equally condemned. 10 as it is written: many Psalms
“None is righteous, no, not one; we need to understand the reality of our sinfulness.
11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God. Really? No one? Ephesians 4:18 “They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” Ignorance causes the hardness of heart, not the other way around.
This is about motives, we try to run from God, don’t we. We don’t want his judgment; we know we are sinners.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.” Like Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
13 “Their throat is an open grave; what a nasty image, rotting bodies
they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” Sinful words are a sign of decay. We use our tongues to lie to protect our own interests, and to damage the interests of others.
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 in their paths are ruin and misery,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.” All a result of anger. Why do we become angry with people? Because they have blocked us from access to an idol—they have compromised our comfort, or prevented a promotion, or made us feel out of control, or are enjoying a relationship we feel we need. When we do not live enjoying God’s approval in the gospel, we do not know peace ourselves, nor can we live in peace with others.
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (SIN)
No one understands God, No one seeks God, no one does good.
It is a desire to know the true God, to find and enjoy him; a desire to worship, appreciate and rejoice in him for who he is.
Wait a minute, Paul! I go to Bible Study, I read the Word, I pray and ask for God’s blessings…
Paul is not saying, no one does that. But no one seeks God and wants to find God. Period!
Knowing about God and what He does is different than truly seeking to know, and be known by, the holy, living, sovereign, relational God. (like when we were dating)
Paul is saying that sinful self-centeredness controls all spiritual searching for meaning and experience, so that we will try simply to get blessing from God, keeping control ourselves and expecting (or demanding) that God serve us and shape himself to fit our needs. We won’t bow down before the living God, giving him control of our lives and futures, enjoying him for who he is and experiencing his blessings in relationship with him as we ask him to shape us as we serve him.
God first invites us into this relationship. John 6:44, 65 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
Turning to God as Lord, and knowing the truth about who he is and who we are, are not things we do so that God will work in us, they are works God does in us so that we can find him. Salvation did not begin with you deciding to seek God, but with him choosing to seek you. You know that everything you have and are is by sheer grace.
Paul is talking about Salvation and a right relationship with God.
Ultimately our good deeds cannot do anything to get us saved. In fact, they can leave us further from, not closer to, righteousness. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (For his glory, not our own)
So why do you do good deed? To be noticed? To receive a reward? To feel good? Or is it a gift to God? We are his hands and feet. It is who we are serving in our hearts that matters, not how we are serving with our hands. Without Faith in Christ, good deeds are not truly done for God, but for ourselves—and thus are not truly good.
The main difference between a Christian and a religious person is not so much their attitudes to their sins, but towards their “good deeds.” Both will repent of their sins but only the Christian will repent of their wrongly motivated good works, while the religious person will rely on them.
Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Psalm 130:3-4: 3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
He fears God because of his forgiveness. Not punishment but an inner attitude of awe, respenct, and sober, trembling joy before the greatness of God.
Or Psalm 16:8; I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
My secret is that I live my life keeping the greatness of God always before me. I always think of his glory, love, and power; and I let who he is control me at all times. I live in light of him.
What are the two effects of sin? No one seeks God, we hide from him, we forget him.
Or their throats are open graves, we hurt people, we destroy.
19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being[c] will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Psalm 53
53 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity;
there is none who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven
on the children of man
to see if there are any who understand,[b]
who seek after God.
3 They have all fallen away;
together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.
4 Have those who work evil no knowledge,
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call upon God?
5 There they are, in great terror,
where there is no terror!
For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you;
you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
The Righteousness of God Through Faith Part 2 the Grace of God.
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. The long dark winter is over, and Summer is here! For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified ( Paul uses 30 times, 15 in Romans. A legal forensic term. To make a declaration. God looks at you and declares that you are right before in light of what Jesus has done, and now God treats us like we have never sinned. Just if I’d never sinned. by his grace as a gift, through the redemption term from the slave market. Slaves were set free when someone paid a price. Because they see value in them. God sees value in you. You were worth the price He paid. To God you are worth it. Goel redeemer, Ruth. that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation atonement, Septuagint translated 20 times. Use for a piece of furniture in the tabernacle, the mercy seat. Lid on the top of the Ark of the Covenant. God will only meet with you when you sprinkle blood on the mercy seat. God meets with us in Jesus Christ. If you want to meet with God, you need to go to His mercy seat and that’s at the blood of Jesus. (wrath of God is satisfied through the sacrifice of Christ.) by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. Until Jesus took the punishment for them on the cross. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? Talking smack to give you confidence. It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. Since we are justified, the law is even that more important.
Missler: “SIN”
Sin, originated in Satan’s heart, Isaiah 14:12-14,
Sin entered into the world through Adam, Romans 5:12
Sin is universal, except in Christ, Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Sin incurs the penalty both spiritually and physically of death, Romans 6
Sin’s remedy, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12. Hebrews 9:26
Abraham Justified by Faith
If God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into my heaven,” what would you say?
Review verses 23-31..then on to Chapter 4.
Content
Chapter 4
What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, witness one, and then David, witness two our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. Grace and works are in opposition. Your employer pays you what’s due, not as a gift. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in[a] him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Paul is speaking of Abraham looking at the stars and God says that’s what your family is going to look like. When he was 86 years old. 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (Psalm 32:1-2)
9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Genesis 15, where God counted Abraham as righteous, was before the law. Before circumcision. Meaning he was still a gentile. Abraham, the first Jew was a gentile. But at 99 yrs old, he does get circumcised. So, circumcision did not make him right with God, it was a response to that. Like baptism???
The Promise Realized Through Faith
13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. Mt. had no speed limit for a long time. You can’t break the law when the law doesn’t exist. But once there is law…
16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Father of many nations, not just Israel. Ephesians 2:8, 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
Abram – name means exalted father. Abraham – father of multitudes.
Doubt is not the same as unbelief. Everyone has struggles with our faith in God.
We don’t struggle with circumcision but we do struggle with works called legalism.
Like Abraham, we believe and God counts it to us as righteousness. Then does God just leave us alone? No, he shows us how to live. Matthew 5-8.
Why am I saved?
Because I have tried my best to be a good Christian. (Saved by works)
Because I believe in God and try to do his will. (Saved by faith plus works)
Because I believe in God with all my heat. (Salvation by faith as a work)
Keller: If faith equals obedience, you are placing your faith in yourself and your abilities. This will lead to boasting and pride (or to despair and self-hatred if you fail). But if faith equals trust in God’s promise to save, then you are placing your faith in God and his ability. That leads to humility and confidence—which is what Abraham discovered.
Content
Peace with God Through Faith
Chapter 5 justification: our position and how God treats us. And now our benefits…We belong to the greatest company in the World. The church of Jesus Christ. Our product, The Gospel. Can be carried anywhere, has the ability to change a life. We have offices worldwide. Church buildings and underground churches. Awesome benefits package, peace, joy, purpose in life. We have a retirement package second to none.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Benefit #1, Peace with God. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith[b] into this grace in which we stand, and we[c] rejoice[d] in hope of the glory of God. We have access to the King because we are now his children. We can have access to Him anytime we need it. Greek word is more of a hope filled certainty. C onfident expectation
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know something. knowing that suffering produces endurance, (patience) Kevin telling to stop praying for patience with Bill. 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love it’s hard to understand this. has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. God is not punishing us. Who are we to decided what are good things and what are bad things that we need in our life. Joseph had the attitude what you meant for evil God meant for good. He knew his purpose was to save a remnant of God’s people. Contrast Joseph with Jacob. Jacob only saw the bad that was happening in his life. Joseph saw the good that was about to happen. In our struggles maybe we should be looking really hard for God’s outcome in the situation.
So, what about this hope of Glory.
6 For while we were still weak, helpless or actually dead in sin at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Death in Adam, Life in Christ
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men[e] because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
One man verses one man. Adam and Christ. One man, one sin, brought condemnation. One man, one sacrifice, brings salvation. But let’s not be hard on Adam, because we’ve all done as much or more than Adam. Does that seem fair, because of Adam we have a sin nature? It’s also not fair that Jesus died on the cross for us.
18 Therefore, as one trespass[f] led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness[g] leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, there is enough grace to cover all sins. Overflowing. 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Keller: Jesus was crucified between two thieves. Even now the Gospel has two thieves on each side. Legalism and Liberalism. The Gospel is between these two thieves.
Tuesday September 21
Gift of righteousness vs earned righteousness, unique in religions and philosophies.
Content
Dead to Sin, Alive to God
Chapter 6
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Baptism is a Jewish ritual, 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
How are we dead to sin?
What is our attitudes towards sin? What sins do we tolerate?
I am bought with Christ’s blood./ I have been delivered out of the dominion of sin. / I was saved by Christ specificially so I would not sin.
Will I defile the heart Christ died to wash; trample on the very purpose of his pain; thwart the very goal of his suffering?
Can we resist sin? Can we be sinless after becoming a Christian?
What did baptism symbolize before Jesus’ death and resurrection?
Slaves to Righteousness
15 What then? Are we to sin (occasionally)(dabble in) because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves,[c] you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? (you gotta serve somebody) 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, (You put your faith in God’s Word and it will set you free)(if we truly believe something, we will act according to that belief.) 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (now live like free men)(sin is no longer my boss, my master…like if you changed jobs, you would not still try to obey your old boss, you move on to the new one. It is mockery to tell a slave, “Don’t behave as a slave” – but you can say that to someone who is set free. Jesus Christ tells us to no longer behave as if we were slaves to sin. We have been set free; now we are to think and live as free people.
19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. Many people listening to Paul, reading this letter were slaves. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. To walk in victory over sin we must think rightly about the fruit of sin.
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. When you work for sin, your wages are death. When we serve God we get no pay – but He freely gives us the best benefit package imaginable.
Answering his question from Romans 6:15, Paul has made it clear: As believers, we have a change of ownership. The Christian must fight against even occasional sin because we need to work for and work under our new Master. It isn’t appropriate for us to work for our old master.
Chapter 7
The main purpose of the law is to show us the character of sin.
Or do you not know, brothers[a]—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage.[b] 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. Here’s the point that Paul is making, death ends a person’s responsibility to the law. Death ends moral responsibility to law. Every legal system recognizes that. Death ends responsibility. We died in Christ. That’s Paul’s point. We died in Christ. We identify with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Just as Jesus died, He died for all who believe in Him. If you believe in Him, His death means your relationship to the law is over. That’s the idea that Paul is making here. Your identification with Christ.
4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. Marriage is the best horizontal example of our vertical relationship with God.
The Law and Sin switches to 1st person, Paul’s struggles.
7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. 10th Commandment, thou shalt not covet, neighbor’s house, wife, servants, livestock, anything. It’s inward, mental. Inward attitude. Sin is fun at times, getting away with it. The essence of sin is the desire to play God. To be King of my domain.
For apart from the law, sin lies dead. Pharisees felt it was only a sin if you acted on it. Matt 5:21-22. To covet is to be discontent with what God has given you. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. The problem is not the law, the problem is me. The law is a mirror, we don’t always like what we see, but it’s accurate. It fixes nothing but reflects the reality. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very 10th Commandment, thou shalt not covet, neighbor’s house, wife, servants, livestock, anything. It’s inward, mental. Inward attitude.
thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Content
Life in the Spirit
If scripture is a golden ring, Romans is the diamond on that ring, and Chapter 8 is the sparkle on that diamond.
Bookends, no condemnation, no separation. Vs 1 and 38.
Remind of Chapter 7…vs 24 sums it up/defeated, desperation then vs 25.
Chapter 8
There is therefore now no condemnation (punishment/sentencing/judgment) for those who are in Christ Jesus. Does not mean no failure, mistakes, or consequences. Can we say, God is punishing you for a mistake? 2 For the law of the Spirit not law of Moses, a principle of life has set you[b] free in Christ Jesus from the law the driving principle, like law of gravity. of sin and death.
3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. The law could not fix me, only point out what a sinner I was. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin,[c] he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law law of Moses might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 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. What ever you set your mind on, shapes your lifestyle and character. Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple once said; “Your religion is what you do with your solitude.” Where does your mind go when you have free time. Kato Kalen, “idle time is the devil’s handiwork.”
Keller: Romans 8:5 means never to forget our privileged standing or the fact that we are loved, and to let this dominate our thinking, our perspectives, and therefore our words and actions. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Don’t we feel like, we sin and now we are under condemnation until we get the opportunity to repent? Back and forth.
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead control of the flesh because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus[d] from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Do you have to go to church or do you want to go to church? Do you look forward to reading God’s word or do you do it out of duty?
Heirs with Christ
12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. You have no obligation to your former nature, even though it’s there to remind you all the time. A Christian cannot play games with sin. Feed me feed me, but we do have a responsibility to our new obligation to the Holy Spirit. We are either progressing in our relationship with Christ, or we are regressing. Keep walking in the Lord, never give it up. Look what God has done for me, is this how I respond to him?
Thursday 10/7
14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons[f] of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, just like Jesus! Full rights of a son. by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” informal like daddy, not how the Jewish people refer to the Father. Ha shem = “the name” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Everything that Jesus inherited he did by right, be inherit by Grace.
19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits preview of coming attractions of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Full reward of our adoption is a new body. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
All humans are not God’s children, they are God’s offspring but only those who have accept Christ are adopted as his children. John 1:12 “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because[g] the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Three groanings, creation, believers, the spirit.
Tuesday October 12
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[h] for those who are called according to his purpose. Why did this and this happen? I don’t know! But this is a great promise. Work together = synergized. 2 or more things that interact to produce a greater result then the sum of those things. Aren’t we glad it doesn’t say most things. Also, “we know.” For good, not for comfort. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. God’s goal for us is to conform us into the image of His Son. It’s a process, not a destination. Are you glorified? Past tense. God writes about the future events using past tense. Why? He’s God, to him, its already happened? If God knows everything, does he need to think? It’s how He sees us.
God’s Everlasting Love
31 What then shall we say to these things? Things, all that he’s said so far in the book. Or, just the truth in the 8th chapter. No condemnation, adoption, glorification. Or just in the past paragraph all things work for good. But, answer the question. Hallelujah!. If God is for us, who can be[i] against us? there are many against us. “the Dark Agenda” the war against Christians by our government written by a jewish agnostic person David Horowitz. It should not surprise us. Gideon. David vs. Goliath, shadrack Meshack and abednigo, God is for us and we know it. 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? What do you need? What do we have to worry about with His care, God is for us, He gave his Son so won’t He give us what we need? 33 Who shall bring any charge sustained charges, charges that stick, against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. how awesome is this? 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Rocket, my dog. 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors hyper conquerors. Nike is from the Greek god conquerors, Neco. Honda Fit vs. Ford F-450. We have more power than we need. A conqueror rejoices at the victory of the battle, a hyper conqueror rejoices in the midst of the battle because he knows the outcome. through him who loved us. Paul went through most all of the perils above.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Content
God’s Sovereign Choice
Chapter 9 wrath/grace/plan of God(9-11)mostly the Jews/ will of God. 9=past 10=present 11=future
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers,[a] my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. God used Israel to reveal himself, his plan, and his son to the nations. Show Paul’s heart, not all his brothers are saved, and yet he doesn’t alter the Gospel to save them all. He lives with what God has passed onto him. All of these things should have pointed Israel to the Messiah. To Jesus Christ.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. Wouldn’t it seem that way, if it was perfect, everyone would accept it, right? For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” (Malachi 1:2-3) in each case, two sons, but God choose one before they were even born. Hate is not like we use it. Luke 14:26 we are to hate our families, no we are to choose God over them. God chose Jacob over Esau. A;lso, in context, he is speaking of the nations of Jacob and Esau. Charles Spurgeon has problems with this verse too, how could God have loved Jacob?
14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Exodus 33:18-19, speaking to Moses who wanted to see Him. 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion,[b] but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. Giving Pharaoh over to his own stubbornness.
19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea,
“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel[c] be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” 29 And as Isaiah predicted,
“If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring,
we would have been like Sodom
and become like Gomorrah.”
Israel’s Unbelief
30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; the law of the second born, like Isaac and Jacob. They were not the first born but received the inheritance of the first born. 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness[d] did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written,
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Content
Chapter 10
Brothers,[a] my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.Paul had zeal when he was persecuting the Christians. Zeal with knowledge is the path to God. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. There are only two religions in the world. 1st is the religion of human achievement, 2nd religion of divine accomplishments. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.[b]
The Message of Salvation to All
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Even Moses taught that Salvation was by faith. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Joel 2
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?[c] And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Isaiah16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for
“Their voice has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world.”
19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,
“I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation;
with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”
20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,
“I have been found by those who did not seek me;
I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
Footnotes
- Romans 10:1 Or Brothers and sisters
- Romans 10:4 Or end of the law, that everyone who believes may be justified
- Romans 10:14 Or him whom they have never heard
Content
The Remnant of Israel
11 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham,[a] a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8 as it is written,
“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes that would not see
and ears that would not hear,
down to this very day.”
9 And David says,
“Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them;
10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,
and bend their backs forever.”
Gentiles Grafted In
11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion[b] mean!
13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root[c] of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.
The Mystery of Israel’s Salvation
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers:[d] a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,
“The Deliverer will come from Zion,
he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;
27 “and this will be my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”
28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now[e] receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Footnotes
- Romans 11:1 Or one of the offspring of Abraham
- Romans 11:12 Greek their fullness
- Romans 11:17 Greek root of richness; some manuscripts richness
- Romans 11:25 Or brothers and sisters
- Romans 11:31 Some manuscripts omit now
Content
A Living Sacrifice
Chapter 12
I appeal to you therefore,(transitional therefore: 3:19 condemnation, 5:1 justification, 8:1 exoneration ie. No condemnation, 12:1 consecration ie. Do something with your life) brothers, by the mercies of God, (make a choice from the mercies of God. Review the mercies of God in your life, write them down, remind you of where you were to where you are. to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,( 1 Peter says we are a royal priesthood, first sacrifice is ourselves. A Greek would never offer their bodies, they are too wicked. Spiritual is very important but not the body. Gnostic teachings believe this. 1 Corinthians, you are the Temple for the Holy Spirit. which is your spiritual worship. “Reasonable service” God wants our whole being. This is the most logical thing you can do to give your mind, body and soul to the service of God. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (Metamorphoo, used at Jesus’ transfiguration too) by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Negative, non-conformists…Positive, transformed, body and mind. Not a cult, reason questions ie. The Bereans..if you do this then you will discover the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.
Gifts of Grace
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, (wow! I must be pretty awesome! Be careful in this.) but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members,[e] and the members do not all have the same function, 1 Cor. 12 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy (forth-telling not fortelling) , in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation (encouraging, gentle prod of motivation) ; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal(manage well and out of love; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. The best gift is the one that you need at the moment for service to God.
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine. (without hypocrisy) Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. (the church, body of believers) How can we love unlovely people and still be sincere about it? Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent (burning, red hot) in spirit,[g] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Egyptian custom, to admit you are wrong. They would carry pan with hot coals on their head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Footnotes
- Romans 12:1 Or brothers and sisters
- Romans 12:1 Or your rational service
- Romans 12:2 Greek age
- Romans 12:2 Or what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God
- Romans 12:4 Greek parts; also verse 5
- Romans 12:8 Or gives aid
- Romans 12:11 Or fervent in the Spirit
- Romans 12:16 Or give yourselves to humble tasks
- Romans 12:19 Greek give place
Submission to the Authorities (continuing on the will of God 12 to 15) wrath/grace/plan of God(9-11)mostly the Jews/ will of God. 9=past 10=present 11=future
Content
Chapter 13 Relationship of an individual Christian to the Government. There are no Christian Gov’t officials.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.(60’s, question authority, how times have changed, but what do we do with a gov’t that is not godly? Paul’s gov’t was autocrat, Caesar Nero who will eventually take Paul’s head. Jesus was born into this government system. One who declares babies to be killed to stop the Messiah.) For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. I do not like this verse. Was the American revolution wrong? 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. Wow! Really? A servant just like those in church? But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, emphasizing respect of established authority not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Common Grace, if not cops, total anarchy. Better for a bad cop then no cops. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Jesus teaching Matt. 22:21. Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. is there ever a time you do not obey the govt? Daniel is an example, Acts 3-4 healing of lame man brought 5K men to salvation, Peter and John, arrested. Told to stop speaking of Jesus. Let go, went back to the temple courts and taught Jesus, rearrested, and then jailed, let out, went to temple courts and rearrested “we must obey God rather than men.” If Gov’t passes law that interferes with the laws that God has given us, we much disobey. A Good Christian is being a Good Citizen until a Good Christian is told to go against God.
Fulfilling the Law Through Love
Paul turns from his discussion of authority to address relationships with others. The primary ethic that should govern all Christian relationships is love. Here, Paul cites the ot law to underscore how acting in love fulfills the true intent of the law (v. 10). His comments reflect Jesus’ teaching about love (Matt 22:37–40; John 13:34–35).
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” we love ourselves, even those with low self-esteem, is usually because of selfishness. Our identity is in Christ and his power over our lives, if we let him. 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. Paul is always teaching that Christ’s return is eminent. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, as a soldier puts on armor, and Jesus is a perfect fit. and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Content
Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another. Unity among Christians/Church in gray areas
14 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master[a] that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess[b] to God.”
12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, or for whatever, add love to your actions, its not always about your rights. destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.[c] 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.[d]
Concerning the weaker brother…
Not issues of salvation, or doctrine…like dieting and days of worship. It’s about legalism. The bible is silent, so. Receive those who are weak in faith and not send them away with high demands. Keep the essential the essential. John Hagee and weight…Donna and our conversation. My mom, Sunday you have to be in church, vacations. We don’t drink, smoke or chew or date women who do. D.L. Moody questions Charles Spurgeon about smoking and CS pats DL on the tummy and smiles. McAllen minister would not have a Saturday service because it’s the wrong day of the week. Actually, every day is a good day to worship. Music and Mingo.
Phil.2: esteem others better than yourself.
Footnotes
- Romans 14:4 Or lord
- Romans 14:11 Or shall give praise
- Romans 14:21 Some manuscripts add or be hindered or be weakened
- Romans 14:23 Some manuscripts insert here 16:25–27
The Example of Christ
15 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Example of keeping your home safe from a toddler. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” Psalm 69, psalm of the suffering of the Messiah. Jesus lived his life for others, to please His Father. Son of Man came to serve not to be served as a ransom for others. 4 For whatever was written in former days (OT, the scriptures for Paul and Jesus.) was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance (patience) and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Is God patient with you? Then why aren’t we more patient with others?
Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised (Jewish Messiah) to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, God’s plan always included outsiders.
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, Psalm 49
and sing to your name.”
10 And again it is said,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” Deut. 32
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, Psalm 117
and let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again Isaiah says, Isaiah 11
“The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.” Sign that Paul had OT scripture memorized? When something happens to you, what comes out? Cursing or scripture?
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers,[a] that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. Phillips trans. Competent to counsel one another. Mature Christians should be able to help others??? But people say, when they don’t want to listen to your counsel, but you wouldn’t understand. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. A Pharisee was one God chose to be the apostle to the Gentiles. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; no record of Paul going to Illyricum, but he says it. Albania. Maybe at end of 3rd missionary journey. 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written,
“Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand.”
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected,[b] I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing[c] of Christ.
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Footnotes
- Romans 15:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 30
- Romans 15:28 Greek sealed to them this fruit
- Romans 15:29 Some manuscripts insert of the gospel
Personal Greetings
Content
The Example of Christ
15 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Example of keeping your home safe from a toddler. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” Psalm 69, psalm of the suffering of the Messiah. Jesus lived his life for others, to please His Father. Son of Man came to serve not to be served as a ransom for others. 4 For whatever was written in former days (OT, the scriptures for Paul and Jesus.) was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance (patience) and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Is God patient with you? Then why aren’t we more patient with others?
Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised (Jewish Messiah) to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, God’s plan always included outsiders.
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, Psalm 49
and sing to your name.”
10 And again it is said,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” Deut. 32
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, Psalm 117
and let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again Isaiah says, Isaiah 11
“The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.” Sign that Paul had OT scripture memorized? When something happens to you, what comes out? Cursing or scripture?
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers,[a] that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. Phillips trans. Competent to counsel one another. Mature Christians should be able to help others??? But people say, when they don’t want to listen to your counsel, but you wouldn’t understand. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. A Pharisee was one God chose to be the apostle to the Gentiles. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; no record of Paul going to Illyricum, but he says it. Albania. Maybe at end of 3rd missionary journey. 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written,
“Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand.”
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected,[b] I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing[c] of Christ.
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Footnotes
- Romans 15:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 30
- Romans 15:28 Greek sealed to them this fruit
- Romans 15:29 Some manuscripts insert of the gospel
Personal Greetings
16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a woman was first on the list. 9 of 26 on this list are women. Paul was not sexist. Christianity elevates women. a servant[a] of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
3 Greet Prisca female and Aquila from Rome but expelled by Claudius to Corinth, Paul met them in a synagogue, Men on one side, women on others, men sat by occupation, Paul was a tent maker and so wasn’t Aquila, probably that’s how they met. , my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert[b] to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia,[c] my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles,[d] and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, a generic term for slave of the city. our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Royal household of Caesar. Slaves vs royalty. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Great Grandson of Herod The Great 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Household of Herod. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Well known wealthy bad dude secretary to Emperor Claudius who has repented. Phiippians, Paul says we greet you and believer from the royal household greet you. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers[e] who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
Final Instructions and Greetings
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites,[f] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. Paul dictated and Tertius recorded it. Could be the author of Hebrews???
23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.[g]
Doxology
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Footnotes
- Romans 16:1 Or deaconess
- Romans 16:5 Greek firstfruit
- Romans 16:7 Or Junias
- Romans 16:7 Or messengers
- Romans 16:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 17
- Romans 16:18 Greek their own belly
- Romans 16:23 Some manuscripts insert verse 24: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
Content