BIBLE 1102 ROMANS: PART I
CONTENTS
I. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2 The Roman Empire • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3 The Roman Church • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 9 The Book of Romans • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 13 II. PAUL’S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS • • • • • • • • 18 Salutation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 18 State of Condemnation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 22 State of Justification • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 28 III. THE WAY ACCORDING TO ROMANS • • • • • • • 37 Sin • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 37 Salvation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 41 GLOSSARY • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 50
Author: Tricia Buddin Editor: Alan Christopherson, M.S. Graphic Design: Alpha Omega Staff
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ROMANS: PART I
In 2 Timothy 2:15 you have been exhorted to found that there is no other foundation that can be “study to shew [show] thyself [yourself] approved laid than that which is in Jesus Christ (1 unto God, a workman that needeth not to be Corinthians 3:11). The letter was written to a ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The group of Christians Paul had never met, yet he same man who wrote these words authored the intended to visit them as soon as possible. The book of Romans. He appreciated the importance of book of Romans sets forth the theme of justifica - education. The apostle Paul was a noted Jewish tion by faith and of sanctification through the Holy scholar and a Roman citizen. He had been a Spirit. Pharisee well known for his persecution of those In this LIFEPAC ® you will scan the Christian who called themselves Christians. Then one day he church as viewed in the setting of the mighty encountered the very Jesus Whom he had been Roman Empire. You will focus on the first eight persecuting, and from that moment he began to chapters of the book of Romans for a close-up of the increase in the wisdom and knowledge of Christ. A basic Christian truths concerning sin, salvation, yearning grew in his heart to see other young and sanctification. Finally, you will be exposed to a Christians become established in the doctrine of scripturally-based approach to proclaim to others Jesus. the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Epistle to the Romans is Paul’s masterly exposition of man’s need for salvation. He had
OBJECTIVES
Read these objectives. The objectives tell you what you will be able to do when you have success - fully completed this LIFEPAC. When you have finished this LIFEPAC, you should be able to: 1. List the first five emperors of the Roman Empire. 2. List the five social classes of Rome’s population. 3. Describe the characteristics of the empire in terms of land area, political control, cities, education, occupations, and clothing. 4. Explain the official state religion. 5. Relate the attitude of the empire toward the Christian church. 6. Tell how the Christian church began in Rome, where believers assembled, and how they worshiped. 7. Tell where and when Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans. 8. List at least five reasons why Paul wrote Romans. 9. Briefly outline the first eight chapters of Romans, chapter by chapter. 10. Illustrate the Roman form of a letter. 11. Describe how Paul introduced himself to Roman believers. 12. Memorize the theme of the letter in Romans 1:16-17. 13. Explain the downward progression of sin. 14. Contrast Jewish faithlessness to Abraham’s faithfulness. 15. Contrast the works of Adam and Jesus. 16. Explain the transfer from sin and carnality to righteousness and a walk in the Spirit. 17. Describe the problem of universal sin and its effects. 18. Relate the process of salvation by faith in Jesus. 19. Define the process of sanctification through Jesus by the Holy Spirit. 20. Memorize the following Scriptures: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:1, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:11, and Romans 8:1.
1 Survey the LIFEPAC . Ask yourself some questions about this study. Write your questions here.
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I. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Before studying any book of the Bible, you eternal Word. In this section you will explore the should gain an understanding of the historical per - Roman Empire at the time when the apostle Paul spective of the author. Though every word of wrote his Epistle to the Romans; you will discover Scripture is relevant today, you must keep in mind how the Roman Church began and functioned; and the fact that the authors were real people, writing you will determine when, where, and why Paul to real situations. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote the book of Romans. has revealed to us Jesus Christ, through God’s
SECTION OBJECTIVES Review these objectives. When you have completed this section you should be able to:
1. List the first five emperors of the Roman Empire. 2. List the five social classes of Rome’s population. 3. Describe the characteristics of the empire in terms of land area, political control, cities, education, occupations, and clothing. 4. Explain the official state religion. 5. Relate the attitude of the empire toward the Christian church. 6. Tell how the Christian church began in Rome, where believers assembled, and how they worshiped. 7. Tell where and when Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans. 8. List at least five reasons why Paul wrote Romans.
VOCABULARY
Study these words to enhance your learning success in this section.
equestrian pantheism senatorial aristocracy exactitude plebes stole forum Praetorian guard syncretism freedmen procurators toga saint tunica
Note: All vocabulary words in this LIFEPAC appear in boldface print the first time they are used. If you are unsure of the meaning when you are reading, study the definitions given.
2 THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Throughout the histories of the world, one of ple spoke many languages, were engaged in many the most impressive of ancient civilizations has occupations, and worshiped many different gods; been the Roman Empire. It included the land areas but they were united by the military power and around the Mediterranean Sea. Its millions of peo - government of the Romans.
The political situation. At the time the book handpicked group of soldiers served as bodyguards of Romans was written, Rome was the capital cen - for the emperor and were called the Praetorian ter of the civilized world. The Roman government Guard . possessed the coastal land areas of Europe, Asia, The early Roman Empire was a cultural world and Africa surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. of holidays and festivals featuring public enter - Commerce flourished throughout the empire. tainment at government expense. Charioteers Because of excellent roads and seaports, communi - raced the oblong arena called a circus. cation and transportation were easily accessible. Amphitheaters, such as the Colosseum, featured The city of Rome was the great metropolis of the mighty gladiators matched with each other or with vast empire, and because of power, fame, and pop - wild beasts, condemned criminals, or Christians. ularity, Rome became known as the Eternal City. They were sometimes thrown to lions or other ani - Rome was noted for its development of civil law mals for the amusement of governmental authori - and legal justice. The enforcement of law and order ties and the public’s pleasure. Roman theaters pre - was designated to district governors and Roman sented Greek and Roman plays. Huge establish - soldiers. The Roman army formed a civilizing force ments known as public baths housed pools, gymna - as well as a conquering one. When soldiers were siums, art galleries, and libraries. The empire was neither fighting nor patrolling the empire’s board - a world within a world. ers, they were building roads, bridges, and walls. A
3 Generally, the first 100 years of the history of leader, he was among the best; but as an emperor Rome is described in terms of the personal lives of he did not know how to work well with the govern - the emperors. Many were inferior men, but ing society of the capital. He made the mistake of through the reigns of both good and bad emperors, turning over temporary rule to a friend named competent administrators gave the Roman govern - Sejanus while he retreated to the island of Capri. ment the efficiency to become one of the world’s Sejanus murdered all followers of Tiberius and greatest empires. ruled a reign of terror for five years. In retaliation, Tiberius had Sejanus put to death and continued The First Emperors of Rome killing anyone whom he mistrusted. During the reign of Tiberius, while Pontius Pilate was gover - Name Reign nor of Judea, Jesus Christ was put to death. The Augustus 27 B.C–A.D. 14 emperor’s death in A.D. 37 was a relief to the gov - Tiberius A.D. 14-37 erning class in Rome. The grandnephew of Tiberius became the third Caligula (Gaius) A.D. 37-41 emperor of Rome. His real name was Gaius, but he Claudius A.D. 41-54 is known by his nickname Caligula. The first eight Nero A.D. 54-68 months of his reign were characterized by his mild - ness and acts of justice. However, he suffered from a severe illness that left him mentally imbalanced, resulting in a reign of cruelty and torture. He con - sidered himself a god and had a temple built in his honor. In A.D. 41 he was murdered by the officers of his own guard.
Augustus, first Roman emperor, for whom the month of August is named.
Around 27 B.C., shortly before the birth of Jesus, Augustus named himself emperor. He was the supreme authority, aided and advised by Caligula was known as the mad emperor of Rome. appointed senators. During his reign he restored peace and order to the land after 100 years of civil wars. He developed an efficient postal system, The fourth Roman emperor was the nephew of improved harbors, and established colonies. An Tiberius and step-grandson of Augustus. His name elaborate highway system connecting the most was Claudius. During his reign he formed the remote parts of the empire with Rome was built nucleus of the empire’s first cabinet of statesmen. during his reign. Thus evolved the phrase, “all Another of his outstanding achievements was the roads lead to Rome.” Augustus introduced many accumulation of the southern part of Britain as a reforms, and the resulting peace and prosperity province of Rome. Claudius was poisoned by his won him the admiration and great respect of the fourth wife in A.D. 54. She wanted the empire for people. her son Nero. After Augustus’ death, his stepson Tiberius Nero was seventeen when he became emperor, became emperor. He followed the peaceful policies so the senate actually ruled until he came of age. laid down by Augustus in the early part of his When Nero began to rule, he had his stepbrother, reign. As a governor of the provinces and military his mother, and his wife murdered. He became like 4 a wild animal, murdering anyone who was the least suspicious of threatening his position. His private life was one of wicked immorality. He is generally regarded as one of the most evil of all men. In A.D. 64 a great fire destroyed the city of Rome. Legend says that Nero may have started the fire himself and played the fiddle while Rome burned. Nero placed the blame on the Christians and began severe persecutions under accusations of arson and treason. The apostle Peter may have been among those who were killed under Nero. Paul may have suffered from his persecutions as well.
Nero motioning thumbs down, which meant death for a gladiator in the arena.
² Match the following items. (Do not match name for name.) 1.1 _____ Praetorian Guard a. Augustus 1.2 _____ Eternal City b. baths 1.3 _____ self-acclaimed emperor c. Rome 1.4 _____ Tiberius d. Gaius 1.5 _____ Augustus e. emperor’s bodyguard 1.6 _____ Caligula f. Tiberius 1.7 _____ second emperor g. roman soldiers 1.8 _____ persecuted Christians h. reformer 1.9 _____ Nero i. Claudius 1.10 _____ formed first cabinet j. center of civilized world 1.11 _____ circus k. played the fiddle while Rome burned 1.12 _____ gymnasiums l. chariots 1.13 _____ built roads m. Sejanus 1.14 _____ Rome n. Nero
² Fill in the following chart with the correct names and dates. 1.15 ______27 B.C.-A.D. 14 1.16 ______A.D. 14-A.D. 37 1.17 Caligula ______1.18 Claudius ______1.19 ______A.D. 54-A.D. 68
5 ² Answer true or false . 1.20 ______The Roman Empire included all of Europe, Asia, and Africa. 1.21 ______Tiberius was emperor when Jesus was born. 1.22 ______Caligula was known as the mad emperor of Rome. 1.23 ______Gaius was Caligula’s nickname. 1.24 ______Rome was noted for civil law and legal justice. 1.25 ______Claudius was poisoned by his fourth wife. ² Write the name of the emperor to which the statement applies. 1.26 ______the grandnephew of Tiberius 1.27 ______accumulated the southern part of Britain 1.28 ______emperor when Jesus was put to death 1.29 ______brought peace to Rome 1.30 ______developed an efficient postal system
The population. The Roman Empire was composed of all different races of people. No one was an “average Roman.” Germanic tribesmen, cul - tured Greeks, Jewish scholars, and Egyptian farm - ers were included among those who claimed Roman citizenship. One common denominator among this variety of peoples was the use of one common language. Many other languages were spoken within the empire, but Greek was spoken in all the provinces during the first century. Creation of unity among the diverse nationali - ties was the most serious internal problem for the empire. The problem was attacked politically by the emperors; either the Roman government was superimposed on the native governments of the provinces, or a client king was recognized. In either case, the Roman presence was clear to all. The Roman Empire recognized the emperor as the supreme authority to the point of making him a god. He was advised by a senate of about six hun - dred men. The provinces were ruled by governors, A Roman Soldier In Full Armor also called procurators , appointed by the emper - or. The provinces had little voice in the govern - atorial aristocracy . Besides being noble by birth, ment, but local officials were permitted to manage these people were required by Augustus to meet a local affairs. monetary worth requirement comparable to Taxation was a constant reminder of Roman $50,000. The chief source of such capital for sena - authority. Roman soldiers patrolled the provinces torial families was land and commerce. The second to maintain peace among them and to protect them class was the equestrian order. Their capital from non-Roman invasion. The price that the requirement was $20,000. They were successful provinces paid for peace consisted of accepting businessmen who often became the governors of Roman political institutions and paying the high Roman provinces. The class of freedmen , or eman - taxes. Aside from political control, Rome did not cipated slaves, composed the third class of Roman intrude into social and religious affairs in the society. They were often aggressive businessmen provinces. able to become wealthy and occupy positions of Social classes among the Romans were very power. Some were employed by the emperor to definite. Money and talent were beginning to be manage administrative departments of the govern - more significant than birth and legal status. Five ment. The fourth class was made up of plebes . basic classes were seen. The top class was the sen - They were freeborn Romans but were poor and 6 often on public relief. They served as construction varied from province to province throughout the workers, farm hands, and common laborers. Their Roman Empire: perfume from Alexandria, silk wages were low because they had to compete with from Phoenicia, wool from Pergamum, bronzeware slaves for jobs. Slaves formed the bottom rung of from Corinth, and glassware from Syria. Traders the social ladder. Slavery was accepted throughout had plenty of business importing grain, drugs, pre - the Mediterranean world, and the ranks were cious stones, and ivory and exporting oil, wine, and filled with Rome’s conquered people. Most provin - manufactured goods. Agriculture formed a basis of cial foreigners were considered equal with slaves economic life in the Roman Empire. Romans grew unless citizenship was granted to them by the all varieties of fruits and vegetables. Olive trees emperor. Citizenship was granted mainly to native yielded olives for food and oil. Livestock of many political leaders in the provinces or to those per - kinds was tended. Rich landowners often owned sons who made outstanding contributions to the houses in the country and in the city. Even when empire. Rome became a vast empire years later, agricul - Roman dress often indicated a person’s social ture was regarded as the only fit occupation for a class. Both men and women wore a short-sleeved gentleman. garment called a tunica that hung to the knees. The cities of the Roman Empire generally Over this, the men who were Roman citizens wore resembled the city of Rome. At the time of a toga , an oblong drape with rounded corners. The Augustus, the population of Rome was about one style and color of the toga varied according to the million. Elaborate mansions were owned by the person’s age and position. Women wore a similar wealthy, and private dwellings were owned by garment called a stola , a long tunic fastened with many others. Most Romans were crowded into clasps. Both citizens and noncitizens wore cloaks of apartment houses built five to six stories high. various shapes. Their clothing was homemade, and They were built close to the crowded, twisting, styles seldom changed. Both men and women wore unmarked streets of the city. Residential areas and sandals. The women were especially fond of elabo - shops surrounded a group of public buildings rate jewelry and ornate hair styles. Sometimes called a forum . Temples were erected throughout they dyed their hair and powdered it with gold the city in honor of the various gods. The magnifi - dust. The temperature around the Mediterranean cent buildings of the Eternal City were ornament - remained mild in the winter and hot in the sum - ed with white marble, triumphal arches, and great mer, much like the climate of southern California. columned porches. The Romans borrowed much of Therefore, they wore the same clothes year round. their style from the Greeks, but made their build - In spite of class distinctions, schools were avail - ings larger and more ornate. able for a wide range of men, women, and children. Transportation throughout the empire was They were not exclusively for the wealthy. The easily accessible. The Romans traveled more easily, three levels of education included primary, second - quickly, and safely than any other people before ary, and advanced. At age seven, children entered them or after them until the 1700s. Seaports were the primary school where they learned the Greek located all along the Mediterranean coast. On land, and Latin classical writers, music, and mathemat - the famous Roman road system connected all parts ics. In the secondary schools, students learned to of the empire. Wealthy people hired carriages and write in the classical style. Professional occupa - drivers, but most Romans walked or rode horses or tions of law, rhetoric, medicine, and philosophy mules. were learned in the advanced level of education. If The Romans sent news by sea more often than a person attended all three levels, he generally fin - by land because it was faster. The postal system ished at about age twenty. Jewish education was was established on land, but it was used only for parallel to the Roman structure, but the curricu - official governmental correspondence. Generally, lum consisted almost entirely of the Scriptures. businesses and wealthy individuals provided their The occupations of the people were much the own messenger systems. Any important announce - same as they are today. Mining ranked among the ments were either posted on buildings or, in the city most important industries because of the needs of Rome, circulated in a government newspaper. involved in vast building projects. Manufacturing
7 ² Answer true or false . 1.31 ______No one was an “average Roman.” 1.32 ______The emperor Gaius considered himself a god. 1.33 ______The provinces were ruled by senate members. 1.34 ______High taxes were a means of maintaining Roman political control. 1.35 ______Social and religious life was strictly censored in the provinces by Roman offi - cials. 1.36 ______Only the elite were allowed an eduction.
² Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words or phrases. 1.37 The Roman Empire consisted of the land areas around the ______. 1.38 The common language of the early empire was ______. 1.39 The provinces paid for peace by accepting Roman institutions and ______. 1.40 The emperor was advised by the ______. 1.41 Another name for the governor of the provinces was ______. 1.42 The elite social class was the ______. 1.43 Governors were usually selected from the ______order. 1.44 The class of freedmen, or ______, generally became wealthy and occupied positions of power. 1.45 The fourth social class consisted of free-born Romans called ______. 1.46 Most provincial foreigners were considered equal with ______. 1.47 The main sources of income for senatorial families were commerce and ______. 1.48 One of the empire’s major industries was ______. 1.49 Another basis of Roman economic life was ______. 1.50 Jewish curriculum consisted mainly of a study of the ______. 1.51 The group of public buildings surrounded by residential areas was called the ______. 1.52 Many forms of Roman art and architecture were borrowed from the ______. 1.53 The postal system was only for ______correspondence.
² List the names of the five social classes in rank from highest to lowest. 1.54 ______1.55 ______1.56 ______1.57 ______1.58 ______
8 ² Name the articles of clothing. 1.59 ______1.60 ______1.61 ______
1.59 1.60 1.61 ² Complete this activity 1.62 Using the past two sections of material, pretend you were on a tour of the ancient city of Rome. Describe in detail all the features of the Eternal City on another piece of paper. Your teacher will check your essay with you.
Adult check ______ Initial Date
THE ROMAN CHURCH God has all the history of the world in the gions. The emperor exercised political control palms of His infinite hands. Nothing has ever hap - throughout the empire, but social and religious pened outside of His control. Before the Christian affairs were generally not disturbed. Only when church developed, He set the stage for it in the independent religions clashed with the official Roman Empire. Though a state religion existed, state religion did the political powers of the empire the Roman attitude toward religion was conducive intervene. to the growth of the Christian church. Believers The Romans adopted their pantheistic beliefs were free to worship when, where, and how they from the Greeks. They worshiped individual gods chose, with very little interference from the Roman that were personified abstractions of the powers of government. nature such as the sun, moon, thunder, and wind. The organization. The Roman Empire was a Besides the major deities, they had thousands of conglomeration of many peoples, customs, and reli - lesser gods because the Romans believed that a dif - 9 ferent god represented every object as well as the furnished opportunity for the planting and growth many events that occurred in a person’s life. For of Christian truth. example, they had a goddess of fever, a god of gold At first the presence of Christianity was unno - coins, a god of a door, etc. Such a religion was never ticed by Roman officials. It appeared to them mere - a matter of feeling, but of form. Pleasing the gods ly as a reformed and more spiritual form of was dependent upon the exactitude of prayers Judaism. Christians were only another Jewish sect. uttered and the perfection of all ceremonial activi - This friendly relationship became strained when ties. The slightest error in word or gesture would Gentiles began to be converted. Exclusive Judaism invalidate the entire proceeding. Sometimes the finally began to persecute the infant church to the same ritual was repeated thirty or even fifty times point of accusing Christians before Roman courts. because of one wrong movement. At first the Roman government protected the new Since the emperor was the most powerful per - faith, not only from Jews, but also against the pop - son alive, he was also considered deity. He was ulace. Acts 21:27-32 records the story of Roman sol - believed to have in his hands the ultimate destiny diers helping Paul escape a mob of people in of all the people residing within the boundaries of Jerusalem who were trying to kill him. Christian the Roman Empire. Imperial worship included rev - missionaries such as Paul soon recognized an ally erence to the emperor himself and to his image, and a power for good in the Roman Empire. In whether it be a portrait or life-size statue. Often in writing to Roman Christians, Paul counseled them festival parades, as the emperor rode past, the peo - to submit in obedience to the ruling authorities ple were expected to bow before him in adoration. (Romans 13:1). Toward the accusation of the Jews Under the reigns of Gaius and Nero, imperial wor - against their rivals, the Romans either showed ship included making a sacrifice to the emperor. indifference (Acts 18:12-16) or recognized the inno - Though a state religion existed, the Roman cence of the accused, as did both Felix (Acts 24:22- religious policy was one of syncretism . The gov - 25) and Porcius Festus (Acts 25:24-27). The Jews ernment tolerated all religions of its conquered finally disowned Christians in formulating a peoples and did not impose worship of their gods as charge of disloyalty to Caesar (Acts 17:5-7), thus exclusively powerful. Such a disposition allowed making a strong distinction in the eyes of Rome Jews to settle in all parts of the Graeco-Roman between Jews and Christians. Christians were no world and to administer Jewish government under longer considered a Jewish sect, but were recog - Roman authority. Jewish synagogues were found in nized as a distinct religion based in the person and almost every city. In many cases the synagogues teachings of Jesus Christ.
² Complete the statements. 1.63 The Roman policy toward religion was one of ______. 1.64 Roman pantheism was an adaptation of the beliefs of the ______. 1.65 Belief in nature and nature gods is called ______. 1.66 Romans believed ______was more important than feeling. 1.67 The institution that fostered the planting and growth of Christianity was the ______. 1.68 The Roman government first thought Christianity was a ______. 1.69 Christians were charged as being disloyal to ______. 1.70 Who were the Christians’ first persecutors? ______² Answer these questions. 1.71 Why did the Romans worship the emperor? Give a complete answer. ______
10 1.72 How did the Romans worship the emperor? ______1.73 What was Gallio’s response to Jewish accusations? ______1.74 How did Felix respond to the Jews’ charge against Paul? ______
The local church. The church is an organism Apparently, the believers in Rome were not held together by belief in the Lord Jesus, by partic - centrally organized. Rather, they were associated ipation in a common life and salvation, and by com - into various small groups. In Romans 16:5, Paul mon aims and interests. The New Testament use of mentions “the church” that met in the house of the term church carries with it the concept of holi - Aquila and Priscilla. In Romans 16:10-11, Paul ness. The term was specifically applied to groups of addressed the households of Aristobulus and believers assembled together for the worship of Narcissus. Romans 16:14 refers to five men and God, the exercise of discipline, the edification of fel - “the brethren which are with them” as an individ - low believers, and the fulfillment of Christian serv - ual unit. Lastly, verse 15 salutes another group ice. By the time the apostle Paul wrote his letter to consisting of “…Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and the Romans, many such churches had been formed his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which throughout the Roman Empire. Scholars do not are with them.” know exactly who founded the church at Rome. It Paul’s traditional greetings to the churches at was probably not founded by Peter, since his min - Corinth, Galatia, and Thessolonica are not the istry was to the Jews, as we are informed in same as his greeting to the Romans. Rather than Galatians 2:9. Paul had not yet been to Rome. specifying the church, “the church of Rome,” Paul Probably the nucleus of the church at Rome had simply greets (Romans 1:7) “all that be in Rome, been formed by the Romans who were at beloved of God, called to be saints…” Such a salu - Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. Twenty-eight tation includes all small groups of believers found years lapsed between Pentecost and the time Paul in the capital city. wrote to the Romans. During those years, Since Jewish Christians were influential mem - Christians migrated to the capital city from bers of Roman congregations, the term synagogue throughout the empire. could have been employed to designate the assem - Some who settled in Rome were Paul’s own con - blies. James 2:2 is a good example of this. James verts and intimate friends. In Romans chapter 16, was admonishing all Christian churches to halt dis - Paul greeted twenty-four of his acquaintances who crimination in favor of the wealthy in the “syna - had relocated in Rome. Paul’s first greeting is to gogue.” Generally the apostles began their evangel - Priscilla and Aquila. Acts 18:1-3 relates Paul’s first istic efforts in Jewish synagogues and transferred meeting with them. We are told that the Jews were their labors from there to other meeting places banished from Rome at the command of Emperor when opposition forced them to do so. If synagogue Claudius. Aquila and his wife Priscilla were among members had been united in accepting Jesus as them. They settled in Corinth, where they lived Lord, it would easily have been transformed into a and worked with Paul over a year and a half. Christian church with very few modifications. Subsequently, the couple moved back to Rome and After a group of believers were cast out of a became teachers of a Roman congregation that synagogue and met together for worship, the older assembled in their home. and more experienced men would by common con - The Roman congregation consisted of Christian sent become the leaders, or elders, of the church. Jews and Gentiles. The church was a mixed com - Once a church was established in basic doctrine, munity socially and racially. Generally, Christian the evangelistic apostle would move on to the next communities of the first two centuries derived city, leaving the appointing of leadership to the their adherents from the lower classes of the local assembly. At the time Paul’s Epistle to the Roman population—slaves, freedmen, free-born Romans was written, the office of deacon or dea - Roman citizens of low rank, and non-Romans of coness was already recognized (Romans 16:1), but various nationalities. basically the churches had very little structure. By 11 the time Ephesians and Timothy were written, However, the rites of baptism and the Lord’s much more structure had been introduced Supper were ordinances recognized by all (Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Timothy 3:1-13). Christian churches. The Lord’s Supper, or “love The worship of early Christians was very free feast,” was a full meal shared by believers for fel - and informal. Mainly, it consisted of prayer, the lowship and the commemoration of the Lord’s aton - singing of psalms, the exercising of the gifts of the ing work on the part of baptized believers. The crux Spirit as listed in 1 Corinthians chapter 12, and of the Christian church, then as now, was uniting the reading and exposition of the Scriptures. in worship and fellowship around the person of the Church meetings were essentially free from mere Lord Jesus Christ. ceremonialism. ² Choose the best answer to complete these statements. 1.75 The Christian community was not considered an organization held together by ______. a. participation in a common life c. the founding of a popular apostle b. belief in the Lord Jesus Christ d. common aims and interests 1.76 The church at Rome was probably founded by ______. a. Paul c. Aquila and Priscilla b. Romans present in Jerusalem d. Peter on the Day of Pentecost 1.77 The Christian community was mainly comprised of ______. a. the lower classes of the empire c. the wealthy and powerful b. Paul’s own converts and friends d. Jewish believers 1.78 Priscilla and Aquila were not ______. a. Jews c. Paul’s friends b. banished from Rome d. Gentiles 1.79 When moving into a new area for the purpose of evangelizing, the apostles generally went first to ______. a. a love feast c. a synagogue b. a home church d. a forum ² Complete these activities. 1.80 List four general reasons why believers assembled together. a. ______b. ______c. ______d. ______
1.81 List four elements used in worship in the early Christian church. a. ______b. ______c. ______d. ______² Complete this activity. 1.82 Briefly describe how Paul met Priscilla and Aquila and what position they held in the Roman church. ______12 THE BOOK OF ROMANS Paul had never been to Rome so he did not actu - The church in Rome was already showing the ally know the church in the capital city. Yet, appar - vitality that later would play a significant role in ently the witness of the church in Rome had spread the history of the world. Yet Paul wrote his letter to throughout the empire. Paul believed that, because the Roman church, which he had never personally the Roman church had begun without any authorita - visited, to introduce himself and to establish the tive leadership, Roman Christians needed a thorough growing church in the basic doctrines of Jesus grounding in the fundamental doctrines of the faith. Christ. The first eight chapters of the book of Romans illus - The occasion. During several years of intense trate Paul’s fears that Judaizing influences, with all missionary activity, Paul had been collecting con - their legalistic Jewish traditions, might reach Rome tributions from the Gentile churches in Greece and and destroy the work of God among the people. Asia Minor for the needy Jerusalem church, which After delivering the collection to Jerusalem, Paul had been the springboard for the Christian church hoped to visit Rome. From Rome, he intended to carry as a whole. (The collection is referred to in Acts the gospel to Spain. Thus, he wrote to acquaint 11:27-30.) His hope was that these gifts would Roman Christians with his desires to use Rome as a allay certain suspicions that some in the Jewish base for evangelism in Spain and to secure the finan - Christian community at Jerusalem felt toward him cial support of that church for his work farther to the west. concerning his activities with the Gentiles. The col - Paul learned that a woman named Phoebe, a dea - lection had been completed when the apostle Paul coness in the Corinthian church, was preparing to sail to Rome (Romans 16:1-2). Her visit presented an opportunity for Paul to send his letter to the saints in that city. The Roman Empire had no postal system except for official governmental business. Personal letters had to be carried by friends or special mes - sengers.
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
wrote to the Romans. Paul was awaiting an oppor - tunity to personally present the gifts in Jerusalem. At the time the letter was written, Paul was in the midst of his third missionary journey. The dating of the letter is generally accepted as the winter of A.D. 57-58, during the fourth year of Nero’s reign. The letter was written shortly after the composi - tion of 2 Corinthians, during Paul’s three-month visit to Greece referred to in Acts 20:2-3. It was probably written in Corinth from the home of Gaius, a wealthy Corinthian Christian (Romans Phoebe, Paul’s Letter Bearer 16:23). 13 ² Fill in the blanks with the correct answers. 1.83 Paul wrote to the Romans during his ______missionary journey. 1.84 The ruling Roman emperor at the time the letter was written was ______. 1.85 His host was a wealthy Christian named ______. 1.86 Paul had just completed writing ______. 1.87 The dating of Romans is the winter of ______. 1.88 Paul planned to travel to ______after visiting Rome. ² Complete this list. 1.89 List four reasons why Paul wrote the book of Romans.
a. ______b. ______c. ______d. ______² Answer the following questions. 1.90 Why did Phoebe deliver the letter to the Romans? ______1.91 Why did Paul want to go to Jerusalem before visiting Rome? ______
The persuasion. Paul had never personally Why would the apostle put so much effort into visited the Roman Christians. He had friends in this letter addressed to a group of believers he had the various congregations, and was looking forward never met? Perhaps Paul was conscious of a kind of to meeting more of the brothers and sisters in the turning point in his life. He had completed a num - Lord. Before his personal visit, he felt it necessary ber of missionary endeavors and was planning to to introduce himself and to send greetings to begin work in a totally new region. He had friends and coworkers. He was concerned for preached the gospel in the east: now his attentions Phoebe, his letter bearer, and wanted to commend were turned toward the west. He must have her to the church at Rome. Besides establishing intended this letter to be a summary and restate - relations, Paul wanted to acquaint Roman believ - ment of his basic thinking as well as instruction of ers with his travel plans and ask for their aid con - the fundamental doctrines of salvation to believers cerning the projected trip to Spain. in Rome. The bulk of the letter deals with the prob - The letter goes much farther than introducing lem of sin and what God has done about it. Paul Paul and his travel plans. In his letter to the attempted to fortify the Romans against the error Romans, Paul gives the most complete, systematic of the Judaizers by the careful explanation of the statement of his theology we have. A much briefer grace of God, void of human acts of righteousness. note would have been sufficient, unless he had Paul purposed to explain the unbelief of Israel, other purposes in mind. Romans is the longest, indicating its extent and duration, and also reveal weightiest, and most influential of all Paul’s let - God’s favor toward His “chosen nation.” ters. It conveys the full richness of his experience Paul urged his readers to become whole-heart - with Christ as well as the full maturity of his edly involved in the full Christian life through par - thought. ticipation and interaction with His church body. He 14 admonished the Roman church to remain subject nal tenderness. His letter to the Romans is the to higher authorities and to remain in an attitude great “Gospel Manifesto” for the world. Paul viewed of submission and love toward one another, main - Rome as a center of the world for which Christ died taining unity in Christ Jesus. and recognized it as a key city for the dissemina - Paul’s persuasion is one of instructional clarifi - tion of the “Good News” of Jesus Christ. cation and admonition written in a style of pater -
² Choose the best answer. 1.92 Before visiting the Romans, Paul wanted to ______. a. introduce himself c. commend Phoebe e. not a, b, or c b. send greetings d. a, b, and c f. only a and b 1.93 Paul wanted Roman support for his trip to ______. a. Asia Minor c. Jerusalem b. Corinth d. Spain 1.94 The bulk of the letter deals with ______. a. Judaizers c. sin and God’s solution to it b. justification through human d. life in the body of Christ righteousness 1.95 Paul’s letter to the Romans is ______. a. his shortest letter c. the least influential of his letters b. a “Gospel Manifesto” d. instruction only for the chosen nation
² Complete the following purposes for Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Paul wrote the book of Romans to: 1.96 Fortify them against the errors of the ______. 1.97 Explain the unbelief of ______. 1.98 Urge them to participate and interact with ______. 1.99 Admonish them to maintain unity by submitting to ______and to each other. 1.100 Instruct them in the fundamental doctrine of ______. ² Answer the following question.
1.101 Besides the purposes mentioned in 1.96-1.100, why did Paul put so much effort into this letter? ______
Review the material in this section in preparation for the Self Te st. The Self Test will check § your mastery of this particular section. The items missed on this Self Test will indicate spe - cific areas where restudy is needed for mastery.
15 SELF TEST 1
Match these items (each match, 2 points).
1.01 _____ procurator a. group of public buildings 1.02 _____ tunica b. Paul’s messenger 1.03 _____ Roman religious policy c. the book of Romans 1.04 _____ Eternal City d. short–sleeved garment 1.05 _____ Jews e. syncretism 1.06 _____ forum f. governor of a province 1.07 _____ Phoebe g. worship of forces of nature as gods 1.08 _____ collection h. Rome 1.09 _____ “Gospel Manifesto” i. first Christian persecutors 1.010 _____ pantheism j. Jerusalem
Complete these lists (each answer, 3 points).
1.011 List the first five Roman emperors in the order of their reign. a. ______b. ______c. ______d. ______e. ______1.012 List the five social classes of the Roman Empire in the order of highest to lowest rank. a. ______b. ______c. ______d. ______e. ______
Write the letter for the correct answer (each answer, 2 points).
1.013 Paul’s planned missionary expansion was to ______. a. Jerusalem c. Corinth b. Spain d. Rome 1.014 Women wore an outer garment called a ______. a. toga c. stola b. tunica d. cape 1.015 A constant reminder of Roman authority was ______. a. the Praetorian Guard c. the state religion b. judaizers d. taxes 1.016 The dating of the writing of Romans was ______. a. A.D. 54-55 c. A.D. 56-57 b. A.D. 55-56 d. A.D. 57-58 1.017 The postal system was ______. a. highly developed c. poorly developed b. only for the wealthy d. only for governmental business 1.018 The reforming emperor was ______. a. Augustus c. Nero b. Caligula d. Claudius
16 1.019 Roman soldiers did not ______. a. build roads c. enforce law b. patrol the empire’s borders d. govern the provinces 1.020 Education was ______. a. reserved for the wealthy c. only for children b. available to all d. available only for professional training 1.021 The Christian community was not considered an organization held together by ______. a. belief in the Lord Jesus c. the founding of a popular apostle b. common aims and interests d. a common life and salvation 1.022 The bulk of the Epistle to the Romans deals with ______. a. Judaizers c. justification through human righteousness b. life in the body of Christ d. sin and God’s solution for it
Complete the following statements (each answer, 3 points).
1.023 Roman religion was a matter of ______rather than feeling . 1.024 Christianity was initially considered by the Romans to be a ______. 1.025 The only fit occupation of a Roman gentleman was ______. 1.026 The common language used by Romans in the first century was ______. 1.027 Apostles began their evangelistic work in the Jewish institutions called ______. 1.028 The Roman Empire included the land area around the ______. 1.029 Charioteers raced around an oblong arena called a ______. 1.030 The emperor’s bodyguards were known as the ______. 1.031 Many forms of art and architecture were borrowed from the ______. 1.032 Paul’s friends, Priscilla and Aquila, were banished from Rome when ______was emperor.
Describe the Roman Christian church (this answer, 10 points).
1.033 Include information on how it began, where they met, and what the meetings included. ______
Score ______88 Adult check ______110 Initial Date
17 II. PAUL’S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS
The Epistle to the Romans, in its sixteen chap - thanksgiving, he launches into the subject of the ters, is the most comprehensive of the Pauline world’s desperate need for redemption and the Epistles. In this LIFEPAC we will study only chap - importance of righteousness in man’s relationship ters 1-8. The next LIFEPAC will cover the last half with God. He explains that this relationship is only of the letter. Paul opens his letter with preliminary achieved through God’s saving act in Christ. He comments preparing the readers for all he intends reinforces this discussion by describing how a man to write and establishing excellent rapport with should live who has become righteous before God the believers in Rome. After the salutation and through His Son.
SECTION OBJECTIVES
Review these objectives. When you have completed this section you should be able to:
9. Briefly outline the first eight chapters of Romans, chapter by chapter. 10. Illustrate the Roman form of a letter . 11. Describe how Paul introduced himself to the Roman believers. 12. Memorize the theme of the letter in Romans 1:16-17. 13. Explain the downward progression of sin. 14. Contrast Jewish faithlessness to Abraham’s faithfulness. 15. Contrast the works of Adam and Jesus. 16. Explain the transfer from sin and carnality to righteousness and a walk in the Spirit.
VOCABULARY
Study these words to enhance your learning success in this section.
autonomous guilt redemption faith justification remission grace propitiation reprobate
§ Read Romans 1:1–17.
SALUTATION Paul’s salutation covers Romans 1:1-17. Address (1:1-7). In a winsome way Paul intro - Ancient Greek letters usually began with the duces himself to a church he had never met. Any names of the sender and those to whom it was relationship should be started well since people addressed and included a short greeting. Paul often form opinions in the first few minutes of con - expanded the usual form to express his Christian tact. Paul was undoubtedly aware of this fact. He faith. Following the salutation, customarily a short did not inform his readers of his wonderful prayer of thanksgiving or a petition on behalf of achievements or of his missionary fame. Instead, the addressee was given. Again Paul followed the he described himself as a servant of Christ. Often custom in a characteristically Christian way. As a we have met people who introduce themselves with means of introduction to the body of the letter, a great self acclaim. Paul’s boasting was of Jesus key sentence or two summarized the theme of the Christ. discourse. 18 Modern Letter Form Ancient Roman Letter Form
The introduction tells of Paul’s calling. Paul did from which He calls us, He leads us into a more glo - not travel as a tourist. He was on a specific mission rious position. We, like Paul, are called out of the for the kingdom of God. He had not encountered kingdom of darkness and separated unto the peril for the purpose of gaining power and position. Gospel of God, which is Jesus Christ. He was called by God. This sense of calling sus - The letter is addressed to “all that be in Rome” tained him through all the dangers and hardships rather than to a single congregation. Apparently, that threatened his life daily. Because of the force several small groups of believers were meeting in of his calling, Paul was separated, or set apart, homes or other places throughout the metropolis. “unto the Gospel of God.” In verse 6, he makes clear Yet they had a common bond. They were all called that his readers, too, are called of Jesus Christ. to be saints. A saint is any person made righteous Such a calling can only be fulfilled by separation, by the saving blood of Jesus Christ. The address to or coming out from, anything that is contrary to the the Romans could be summarized as perfect will of God. Second Corinthians 6:17 says, Paul, the servant (1:1) “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye wrote to the saints at Rome (1:7) separate…” God never calls us out to desert us in a on the subject of the Saviour (1:3-4). neutral state of uncertainty. Rather, for every place
² Write the answers on the lines. 2.1 Paul introduced himself as being a ______. 2.2 His boasting was of ______. 2.3 Paul was a. ______of God to fulfill the ministry of an b. ______. 2.4 His letter was addressed to ______. 2.5 Who is a saint? ______.
19 2.6 In your own words, explain Paul’s phrase “separated unto the gospel of God.” ______
Adult check ______ Initial Date
² Complete this activity. 2.7 List or draw the form of a Roman letter.
Adult check ______ Initial Date
Witness (1:8-17). After Paul’s greeting to the explanation of the word establish would include church, he extended a prayer of thanksgiving for such meanings as to make stable, to settle, to make the faith of the Roman Christians. As you will see firm, and to secure. Paul intended to fulfill the com - later in this epistle, Paul developed the concept of mission of Jesus recorded in Matthew 28:19, “Go ye universal sin and human degradation. However, he therefore and teach all nations…” The command began with edifying comments to the readers. This was not to “convert and then depart from all approach is an example of the spirit of Jesus. Our nations,” but to teach them. Such a job involves the Lord always lifts up his children, restores, and time, energy, and sincere dedication of the teacher. refreshes. He does not insult or condemn. From Jesus was the greatest of all teachers. His God’s first conversation with man recorded in twelve students had learned all they needed to Genesis 1:28-31 and Genesis 2:16-17, His provi - know in only three short years. It wasn’t the time sions for love and kindness were demonstrated spent in learning, but the quality of the education before any mention of the one and only restriction. and the character of the Teacher that mattered. Again, in the book of of Revelation chapters 2-3, the Jesus’ most popular teaching method was the use pattern of edification is re-established in the of parables. His goal in teaching was to firmly Spirit’s messages to the seven churches. The Holy implant in his learners the basic principles of life. Spirit commends the churches before administer - He knew that any growth begins with a firm foun - ing any correction. God’s intention is always for his dation. Read Matthew 7:24-27. best for his children. In this same attitude Paul According to Matthew 16:15-19, the church was greeted his Roman brethren with thankfulness and to be built on solid rock; but where was this rock? prayers. It was not a specified geographic location. Nor was The apostle expressed his wish to personally it in a human founder, such as Peter. It was the rev - visit them. As an apostle, Paul was to establish elation from God in heaven that Jesus is the churches in the truth of Jesus Christ. A dictionary Christ, the Son of the living God. Once this foun -
20 dation is laid, “the gates of hell cannot prevail Paul had been beaten, mocked, shipwrecked, against it.” This affirmation does not mean that the chased out of town, and imprisoned for the sake of church will defensively continue to push back the the gospel. Yet he had never wavered from carrying forces of hell. Rather, that hell will not be able to forward the gospel message. His life had been com - withstand the mighty offensive onslaught of the pletely transformed when he encountered the glo - church of Jesus Christ. Paul’s job was to firmly rified Christ on the road to Damascus. One glimpse secure believers, like those in Rome, in the awe - of the risen Lord left Paul with only one message— some rock of victorious salvation. faith in Jesus Christ. A consuming passion for the gospel propelled Faith is not dependent on keeping rules and Paul to continue in his apostolic ministry. The regulations. The Pharisees had already been con - theme of his letter to the Romans is summarized victed of that crime by Jesus Himself. Faith is not in Romans 1:16-17: “For I am not ashamed of the dependent on human righteousness. Isaiah 64:6 gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto declares that all our righteousnesses are as filthy salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew rags in the sight of the Lord. Faith is belief in the first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the atoning work of Jesus accomplished at Calvary and righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: evidenced by His Resurrection. Faith comes by as it is written. The just shall live by faith.” Thus hearing the gospel. Gospel means good news . Paul Paul expressed his sense of obligation by three knew that to obtain faith, a person must hear the simple “I am’s”: good news of Jesus Christ. Ridicule, pain, threat, hardships, and even I am debtor (to all people, death itself could not turn Paul away from Jew and Gentile) Romans 1:14. preaching the gospel. Paul was separated unto the I am ready to preach (fulfill gospel (1:1), serving in the gospel (1:5), and saved the apostolic ministry) Romans 1:15. by the gospel (1:16). He recognized that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and nothing I am not ashamed of the Gospel short of this power of God could make anyone a of Christ (the message) Romans 1:16. true disciple of Jesus. ² Choose the best answer. Write the letter and the answer on the blank. 2.8 After the initial address, Paul greeted the Romans with ______. a. small talk c. condemnation b. edification d. correction 2.9 The work of an apostle is to ______. a. locate physical laborers to build churches c. establish churches b. employ pastors d. travel throughout the world teach - ing parables 2.10 A church must be built ______. a. on a rock c. on doctrine b. in a sandy place d. in Jesus 2.11 Jesus’ Great Commission was to ______. a. teach all nations c. convert all nations b. exhort all nations d. restore all nations 2.12 Jesus’ goal in teaching was to ______. a. popularize parables c. establish learners in the basic prin - ciples of life b. establish schools for disciples d. become the greatest of all teachers ² From memory, write the theme of Paul’s letter. 2.13 Chapter and verse ______The theme: ______21 ² Answer the following questions. 2.14 The word gospel actually means what? ______2.15 What is faith dependent upon? ______2.16 How is faith obtained? ______2.17 Why was Paul willing to be an apostle? ______
§ Read Romans 1:1 8– 4:25. STATE OF CONDEMNATION
Without the saving grace of God, man would remain in a perpetual state of condemnation. To emphasize God’s mercy and love, Paul contrasts man’s sinful nature. Light could not be fully explained without an understanding of darkness. We would not know right without some knowledge of wrong. A solution could not exist without a prob - lem. Therefore, to explain to the Romans the good news of salvation, Paul first presented the bad news of universal guilt and the downward spiral of the human condition resulting in judgment and condemnation (see Romans 1:18-2:29). Paul nar - rowed the discussion to the faithlessness of the Jewish population (Romans chapter 3) and used the father of the Jews, Abraham, as the example of how righteousness can be obtained when faith is exercised (Romans chapter 4).
Guiltiness (1:18-2:29). All the world stands guilty before God! Hell’s fire leaps higher as the wrath of God is loosed toward all those who hold the truth in unrighteousness. In the creation of the God’s x-ray of the human heart shows that universe, God displayed His magnificence and “the heart is deceitful above all things…” Jeremiah splendor, yet man refused to acknowledge the 17:9. Our condition is hereditary, for we are sons of Creator. Because man would not join in the prais - Adam. Because God is righteous and true, He must es of the created world, God’s judgment of guilt was judge our sinfulness. He has made His laws explic - branded into the minds and hearts of all mankind. itly clear by setting them into nature so that no None stands righteous before God. man could misinterpret them unless he deliberate - Sin can be compared to a cancerous disease. ly decides to be blind. Ephesians 4:18 says that There seems to be no single cause. Once the dis - men developed their incurable condition by ‘’hav - ease has developed, if not treated, it begins to ing the understanding darkened, being alienated spread until it becomes malignant and incurable. from the life of God through the ignorance that is In Romans 1:18-32, Paul illustrated the spread of in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” cancerous sin in the diseased body of mankind. Once we have been exposed to God’s laws, we By par alleling Scripture, his explanation can be become responsible to act in obedience and become clarified. doers of the truth. Those who reject the truth are 22 in very serious trouble according to 2 participates in all the vices mentioned in Romans Thessalonians 2:10-12: “…with all deceivableness 1:29-31. That passage is a picture of the human of unrighteousness in them that perish; because race as a whole. However, each of us is guilty of they received not the love of the truth, that they some of the evils mentioned. Often the sin we might be saved. And for this cause God shall send detect in others is a mirror reflecting the same them strong delusion, that they should believe a flaws in our own character. Yet it is easier to diag - lie: That they all might be damned who believed nose the disease in other people than in ourselves. not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteous - ness.” God is the only one Who has the right to judge, The cancer began to grow when, rather than for He alone is pure. Yet God is patient and fore - being thankful to God, men became vain, thinking bearing. He does not immediately strike us dead themselves to be wise. God’s wisdom was demon - when we commit sin. He is not, like a bullying strated at the Cross of Calvary. First Corinthians stereotyped soldier with a whip in one hand and a 1:18 says: “For the preaching of the cross is to them club in the other, waiting for someone to make a that perish foolishness; but unto us which are mistake so He can derive pleasure from cracking saved it is the power of God.” Man became that person’s skull. Neither does He (God) pretend autonomous in his own eyes and made images to not to notice our sins and simply grant us amnesty. worship rather than worshiping the Creator. Rather, by His goodness and longsuffering He is The cancer continued to spread, infecting the giving the sinner time to recognize His love and mind and body. People became so separated from mercy and to repent. Repentance means to change God that they practiced unnatural sexual relation - one’s mind. If one does not change, but continues in ships. Compare stories of similar dishonor in sin, his heart becomes hardened toward God. Genesis 19:1-10, Judges 19:22-26, and Judges Meanwhile, he incurs God’s wrath against the 20:13. Both in the Old and New Testaments, God Judgment Day. Unto those who continue to seek makes His law against homosexuality clear. the Lord, He will grant eternal life. Deuteronomy Homosexuality is not inherited, it is learned. (Also 4:29 says, “But if from thence thou shalt seek the refer to Leviticus 18:22, 1 Corinthians 6:9, and 1 Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him Timothy 1:10). Those who practice such things are with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” violating the Word of God, and by their lifestyle calling God a liar. In so doing they puff themselves up against the knowledge and power of their Creator. When the mind and body became cancer - ous to the point that people did not retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a repro - bate mind. A reprobate person is one who is depraved, rejected by God, and damned. The fruits of reprobation are listed in Romans 1:29-31. In the first sixteen verses of chapter 2, Paul explained the universality of sin. No one is exclud - ed—not even “good” people. Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-5:
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be God does not judge according to wealth, fame, measured to you again. And why beholdest position, or race. He is no respecter of persons. God thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but looks on the heart. The Jews inherited the Law of considerest not the beam that is in thine own Moses as a standard for conduct. The Gentiles eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother; Let were given a law of conscience as a standard. me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hyp - Therefore both Jew and Gentile could be justly ocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own judged. Romans 2:1-16 lists four standards of God’s eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast judgment on mankind: out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” 1. according to truth (2:2) 2. according to a person’s deeds (2:6) Paul basically restated this same principle in 3. according to the Law (2:12) Romans 2:1. He was not saying that every one of us 4. according to God’s Gospel (2:16) 23 Romans 2:17-19 narrows universal guilt to the The act of circumcision was a very important guilt of the Jewish nation. Paul addressed God’s sacrament to the Jewish nation. It was first insti - chosen people in much the same attitude as Jesus gated in God’s covenant with Abraham as recorded did in Matthew chapter 23. Paul, a Jew, was writ - in Genesis 17:9-14. It was a token of the everlast - ing to congregations comprised of a considerable ing covenant between God and His chosen nation. Jewish faction. Therefore, he spoke as “the voice of In Deuteronomy 30:6 God said to His people:“... authority.” Paul gives a summarizing statement of The Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart, and a real Jew in Romans 2:29. “But he is a Jew, which the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose mayest live.” A real Jew is one who has presented praise is not of men, but of God.” his heart before God for circumcision by the Holy Spirit.
² Choose the best answer. 2.18 Who has been pronounced guilty? ______a. Jews c. no one b. Gentiles d. everyone 2.19 How did humans catch the cancerous disease of sin? ______a. through our parents c. through Adam b. by committing acts of sin d. by exposure to our sinful environment 2.20 Why was the disease not cured? ______a. no one told of the cure c. God did not want man cured b. man ignored God’s obvious Law d. there was no cure 2.21 What happens to people who ignore God in their knowledge? ______a. they become reprobate c. they are killed b. they are granted amnesty d. they become wise 2.22 What leads us to repentance? ______a. the threat of judgment c. God’s goodness b. our change of mind d. our softened hearts 2.23 A real Jew is ______. a. a member of God’s chosen race c. one whose heart is circumcised b. a person who follows the Law of Moses d. a follower of Paul ² Complete the following activities. 2.24 Write a brief essay on a scripturally–based discussion of homosexuality. Give references to support your statements. (Hint: See Gensis 19:1-10; Judges 19:22-26 and 20:13; Leviticus 18:22; 1 Corintions 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10; and Romans 1:23-32). 2.25 Is there a scriptural solution to the problem of homosexuality? Give at least five Bible refer - ences to support your answer. (Hint: See 1 Corinthians 7:9 and 1 John 1:5-9).
Adult check ______ Initial Date ² Define these words. 2.26 autonomous ______2.27 repentance ______2.28 reprobate ______
24 BIBLE
1102
LIFEPAC TEST
74 Name Date 93 Score BIBLE 1102: LIFEPAC TEST Match the following items (each answer, 2 points).
1. ______first Roman emperor a. highest Roman social class 2. ______an apostle b. common language of Roman Empire 3. ______tunica c. Nero 4. ______Judaizers d. worship of forces of nature as many gods 5. ______autonomous e. Roman attitude toward religion 6. ______new field of evangelism f. collection 7. ______sanctification g. totally independent 8. ______A.D. 57-58 h. death 9. ______pantheism i. Augustus 10. ______edification j. candidates for procurator 11. ______sin k. Spain 12. ______senatorial aristocracy l. writing date of book of Romans 13. ______A.D. 54-68 m. damned 14. ______justification n. under garment 15. ______Greek o. woman’s outer garment 16. ______equestrian order p. make Jewish proselytes 17. ______Jerusalem q. Paul 18. ______reprobate r. greeting 19. ______syncretism s. act of God that declares a sinner righteous 20. ______stola t. an on-going process
Answer true or false (each answer, 1 point).
21. ______Paul wrote the book of Romans from Corinth. 22. ______The Roman church was definitely founded by Priscilla and Aquila. 23. ______The state religion of the empire included emperor worship. 24. ______Paul introduced himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. 25. ______Sin is a downward spiral.
Choose the best answer (each answer, 1 point).
26. Paul did not write the Romans to ______. a. extend greetings c. ask them to sponsor the Jerusalem collection b. establish them in doctrines of faith d. refute the error of the Judaizers 27. A real Jew is ______. a. one whose heart is circumcised c. a Jewish proselyte b. a member of the Jewish race d. one who believes in God 28. The Holy Spirit is the ______of redemption. a. token c. seal b. pitch d. representation 29. The source of salvation is ______. a. righteousness c. Abraham b. Jesus d. blood 30. Sin has affected ______. a. Jews c. everyone b. Gentiles d. Adam 1 Complete this drawing (this activity, 5 points).
31. Draw the form of a Roman letter.
Complete the outline (this answer, 10 points).
32. Outline the first eight chapters of the book of Romans. ______
From memory write the following verses of Scripture (each answer, 4 points).
33. Romans 1:16-17 ______34. Romans 3:23 ______35. Romans 6:23 ______36. Romans 5:1 ______37. Romans 5:8 ______38. Romans 6:11 ______39. Romans 8:1 ______
2 NOTES
3 ² Complete these activities. 2.29 List the four standards of judgment mentioned in Romans chapter 2. a. ______b. ______c. ______d. ______
2.30 Write examples of man’s sinful nature that are given by Jesus in Matthew and by Paul in Romans.
Jesus Paul
Tell others what to do, but do not follow You teach others but do not teach yourself. their own advice.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
25 Faithlessness (3:1-4:25) . Before his conver - no excuse, for I wrote my Laws on your hearts. I sion, Paul had spent his life trying to obey the Law pronounce you guilty.” of Moses. He was “a Pharisee of the Pharisees.” The Jews’ plead, “We found the Law of Moses Then he met Jesus Christ and discovered that humanly impossible to obey. The standards were legalism was not the way to find God’s favor. He unobtainable.” found that only the grace of God could make a per - God’s sentence is given, “By your own confes - son whole. Yet, Paul did not disown his Jewish her - sion you are found guilty of sin. Both Jews and itage. He knew Jews were still God’s covenant peo - Gentiles are found Guilty .” There is a pause in the ple. God had given them the Scriptures (Oracles of courtroom. Again God speaks, “Is anyone able to God) and the unconditional promises they con - plead the cause of the accused before I pronounce tained, but that did not mean that intrinsically the sentence of eternal damnation?” Again there is they were any better in God’s sight than any other silence. No man can give an answer. The Judge nation. The Hebrew nation was called forth to pave speaks again, “According to justice, mankind must the way for God’s age-long plan of redemption die, but according to mercy, I have substituted my devised before the foundations of the world. Son to die for the sins of the world.” The covenant with Israel was not an agreement Jesus stands from His royal throne at the right between equal parties. It was a free institution of hand of His Father and addresses His Highness: “I God’s grace. Therefore, the faithfulness of God was am willing to represent these people. It is true that not invalidated by the faithlessness of His they are guilty and have committed all manner of covenant people. However, the failure of the Jews sin. Yet I died in their place that they might be free to fulfill their part of the covenant could not be from the power of sin. I bore their guilt on the excused on the plea that God would receive more Cross. Their righteousness is not of their own glory because of their failure and that His truth accord. For those who believe, their righteousness would shine brighter when His part was fulfilled. is in Me.” At this news, the Judge, the Defense Numbers 23:19 states: “God is not a man, that he Attorney, and all those on trial celebrate the glori - should lie; neither the son of man, that he should ous pronouncement. repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath Because (Romans 3:23) “…all have sinned, and he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” God is come short of the glory of God;” there is only one true, and His judgment is according to truth. If the solution to man’s desperate plight. In Romans 3:24- Jews insisted on living according to the legalism of 26 Paul explained the solution in legal terms. First, the Law of Moses, then God would judge them Paul stated the fact of justification . To justify is to according to that Law. Through experience, Paul free from blame, to declare guiltless, to acquit (to had learned that this requirement was impossible release from a specific charge by a judicial deci - to perform. sion), or to absolve (implies a setting free from Did the Jews have the answer to pleasing God responsibilities or obligations or from the penalties in the Law? Paul said “ No !” Both Jews and Greeks, for a violation). Simply , justified means an act of despite the formerly mentioned advantages, stand God that declares a sinner righteous. Secondly, jus - on the same ground. All are under the power of sin. tification is by God’s grace . Grace is unmerited No one is innocent. To make sure his statement favor. Thirdly, justification is obtained through was clearly understood, Paul vividly described the redemption in Jesus. To redeem means to ransom, Judge’s verdict in Romans 3:10-18. Sin means to rescue, buy back, or recover, as by paying a fee. The miss the mark. Everyone has missed the mark of fee paid for redemption was the sacrificial blood of God’s righteousness. Nothing man could have done, Jesus Christ. God sent forth His Son to be a pro - or will ever be able to do, would meet God’s stan - pitiation through faith in His blood (Romans 3:25; dard—not even fulfilling the Law of Moses. As a 1 John 2:2; 4:10). Faith does not indicate any work matter of fact, God instituted the Law for the pur - on the part of the redeemed. It is simply the act of pose of making men aware of their helpless and believing in His blood. Faith is not belief in the his - hopeless condition. torical facts that Jesus lived and died. Nor is it Imagine a courtroom scene. At a prior hearing, belief in His moral teachings and character. Faith both Jews and Gentiles were pronounced guilty . is believing in the atoning work of His blood. Only The case has been taken to the Supreme Court of in His blood is there remission of sins. Remission heaven. God listens to the pleas of both Jews and means forgiveness, cancellation of a debt, or release Gentiles. The Gentile members say, “We cannot be from a penalty. held responsible for our actions because we were Our justification was a legal process accom - ignorant of the laws we transgressed.” plished by our Redeemer because of the love of The Judge responds, “Ignorance of the Law is God. At Calvary, Jesus broke the power of sin. He 26 not only forgave our sinful acts, eliminated the gen - blessings depend neither on our achievements nor eral state of sin, and delivered us from the penalty on our perfection in following directions. If they of sin; but He also freed us from the consciousness did, Abraham would have been disqualified at the of guilt. The result of sin is guilt, which propels us conception of his son Ishmael. God’s blessings are to hide and keeps us in a state of fear and self- toward those who in faith accept His free gift of for - degradation. No one can accuse us of anything God giveness. Paul cited Psalm 32:1-2 as further verifi - has forgiven and forgotten—not even ourselves. cation of the issue, when he says in Romans 4:7-8, Our justification is by faith. Does this fact “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, mean that the Law is done away with entirely? No! and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to Jesus fulfilled all the Law. Therefore, if we are whom the Lord will not impute his sin.” David was found in Him, rather than throwing away the Law well acquainted with the forgiving kindness of the we establish it. The Law is not bad. God used it to Lord. In this psalm he described the torture of car - pave the way for its fulfillment, Jesus Christ. The rying his unconfessed sin and the joyous release of Old Covenant God made with Israel led the way to God’s forgiving mercy. the fullness of God’s promises revealed in the New God’s mercy and blessing was not limited to the Testament. The message of the New Testament is Jewish nation, as Paul clarifies in verses 9-16. the salvation of mankind, both Jew and Gentile, Once again the Roman Christians were reminded through faith in Jesus Christ the Lord. that Abraham was justified before he was circum - In Romans chapter 4, Paul used the illustration cised. Abraham’s example to future generations of Abraham to exemplify faith, rather than obedi - was not of circumcision, but of faith. Faith does not ence to Law, as the source of our righteousness. contend with God. Faith recognizes God’s loving Paul took great pains to establish the Roman con - kindness and acts on it. gregations in the principle of justification by faith In Romans 4:17-25, Paul recounts the amazing so that they would not be negatively influenced by promises of God to Abraham. Abraham was about the common teaching that Gentiles must become one hundred years old and Sarah was about nine - Jewish proselytes to become Christians. The teach - ty. It was physically impossible for them to become ing held that God’s promises were only to Abraham parents. Yet God kept His word by restoring their and his seed, those who were of the circumcision. youth and giving them the healthy child of prom - Paul undermined this line of reasoning by pointing ise. Abraham had remained (Romans 4:21 ) “…fully to the fact that the rite of circumcision was a result persuaded that, what he [God] had promised, he of faith in God, which was credited as his right - was able also to perform.” Abraham received three eousness. things by faith: Paul chose the “father of the Jews” as his exam - 1. righteousness (4:3) ple of faith. God’s call to Abraham caused him to 2. inheritance (4:13) leave the comforts and securities of an established 3. posterity (4:17) home to wander in the uncertainties of the The true heirs of Abraham are those who (Romans unknown. Yet he was not alone. God was always 4:24-25) “…believe in him that raised up Jesus our with him. Abraham trusted God, for he knew His Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our promises were sure. It was through this unques - offenses, and was raised again for our justification. ” tioning faith that God would fulfill what He had spoken that was counted as righteousness. God’s
On the blank write the correct term for each meaning. (Use an additional source, if ² necessary). justification grace redeem propitiation faith atonement remission guilt 2.31 ______unmerited favor; privilege freely granted; clemency 2.32 ______enables God to turn to man, to manifest Himself in grace 2.33 ______act of God that declares a sinner righteous 2.34 ______culpable; sense of wrongdoing, result of sin 2.35 ______recover; ransom; buy back 2.36 ______reparation; make amends; expiation; reconciliation 2.37 ______unquestioning belief; confidence; complete trust; allegiance 2.38 ______cancellation of debt; release from penalty
27 ² Answer the following questions. 2.39 Who did Paul use as the example of faith? ______2.40 What does sin mean? ______2.41 What made the Jewish nation special in the eyes of God? ______2.42 What was God’s purpose in giving the Law? ______2.43 Why was the covenant not invalidated when the Jews disobeyed? ______2.44 What is the basis for the blessing of God? ______2.45 What was the teaching Paul was opposing in Romans chapter 4? ______2.46 How did Paul refute this error (from 2:45)? ______2.47 What was the basis of Abraham’s faith? ______2.48 What three things did Abraham receive as a result of his faith? ______a. ______b. ______c. ______2.49 Who are the heirs of Abraham? ______
§ Read Romans chapters 5–8.
STATE OF JUSTIFICATION The first four chapters of Romans theologically dealt with the sinful nature of mankind, the lack of faith in God by both Jews and Gentiles, and the futility of trying to earn salvation through circum - cision and the Law. Paul used Abraham to illus - trate faith which would result in righteousness. Chapters 5-8 deal with the fruits of faithfulness and the plan by which Jesus removes our guilt so that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ. Faithfulness (Chapters 5-6). Imagine your - self standing high atop the rim of the Grand Canyon. Far, far below in a remote crevice near a bend in the rushing Colorado River, an escaped criminal hides in fear of being discovered. Though you are miles higher in altitude, you are as little able to touch the glittering stars as he. However
28 high our moral standards are set, we can never the consequences of our sin, thus reconciling us to attain the righteousness that God requires. God. Paul made clear that we are the ones Justification depends on a work done apart estranged from God. He is not reconciled to us; we from us, something accomplished at Calvary. In are reconciled to God. As a result of our justifica - God’s forgiveness our garment of unrighteousness tion through Christ, we are saved from God’s judg - is removed. Through justification we are clothed in ment. God’s garment of righteousness. Justification In Romans 5:12-21, Paul presented an analogy buries all our sin and guilt in the grave of Jesus and contrast between Adam and Jesus. He Christ and then lifts us into heavenly places where explained that men are not to blame for being sin - we are victoriously seated with our Savior. ners. At birth the nature of Adam was imparted to In the first five verses of Romans chapter 5, Paul the human soul. Adam did not start with a sinful gave the progression of the fruits of justification by nature, but he chose it. As a result, this negative faith: Peace © Access to God’s grace © Rejoicing © nature became a human hereditary condition. We Hope of Glory © Glorying in tribulations © Patience sin because we are sinners. However, Christ undid © Experience © Hope © Love of God. what Adam began. Through Jesus’ death, atone - How could such a marvelous transaction take ment was made. Just as one man brought death to place? How could sinful people who deserved to die the human race, one man’s death was sufficient to be justified? Paul explained it with the tremendous bring life to those who will receive it. First declaration of Romans 5:8: “But God commendeth Corinthians 15:22 says, “As in Adam all die, even so his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sin - in Christ shall all be made alive.” The following ners, Christ died for us.” In His death, Christ bore chart summarizes Paul’s message.
Condemnation through Adam Justification through Jesus
source from one – first Adam from one – second Adam nature judgement free gift extent unto all; many unto all; many cause disobedience and offense obedience and grace measure sin did abound grace did much more abound effect brought sin and death brought righteousness and life
Throughout the chapter, Paul repeated the key Romans 5:20 “Moreover the law entered, that the phrase much more. He emphasized that although offence might abound. But where Adam was the natural head of humanity, the spiri - sin abounded, grace did much more tual head had more authority and dominion. abound.” Romans 5:9 “Much more then, being now justi - By the repetition of this key phrase, Paul fied by his blood, we shall be saved stressed the excellency of the work of the Cross and from wrath through him.” of the new life in Jesus. Everything concerning the Romans 5:10 “For if, when we were enemies, we Lord Jesus is far superior to anything outside Him. were reconciled to God by the death As Hebrews 8:6 says, he has “…obtained a more of his Son, much more , being recon - excellent ministry…” ciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Paul had strongly insisted that salvation was Romans 5:15 “But not as the offence, so also is the an entirely gracious and undeserved gift of God. To free gift. For if through the offence some he may have appeared guilty to the charge of of one many be dead, much more the encouraging sin. Since they were no longer under grace of God, and the gift by grace, the Law and God promised to forgive sin, why which is by one man, Jesus Christ, should they not continue sinning so that God could hath abounded unto many.” continue forgiving? In Romans 6:1-14, Paul Romans 5:17 “For if by one man’s offence death emphatically refuted such reasoning by stressing reigned by one; much more they the importance of baptism. Colossians 3:3 says “For which receive abundance of grace ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in and of the gift of righteousness shall God.” Galatians 2:20 further states, “I am crucified reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but 29 Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in wages are impurity, greater iniquity, and death. the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who When one is a servant of God, his return is sancti - loved me, and gave himself for me.” The union with fication, righteousness, and eternal life. In one’s Christ in His death and Resurrection became the heart he belongs to either sin or God, but not to basis of deliverance from sin. Sin could no longer both. This relationship does not mean that imme - take dominion over the life of one who had been diately after becoming a slave to God he can com - saved by grace unto righteousness. pletely overcome all sins, for no one in this life will In Romans 6:15-23, Paul set forth an analogy ever be beyond the need of God’s mercy. Through from slavery. A person has a choice of serving sin or faith in Jesus Christ, however, all the inheritance serving God. When one is a servant of sin, the of God belongs to those found in Him .
Adult check ______ Initial Date
² Complete the list. 2.50 List five of the fruits of justification by faith. a. ______d. ______b. ______e. ______c. ______² Answer true or false . 2.51 ______Degrees of righteousness depend on moral standards. 2.52 ______Hope is a result of experience. 2.53 ______The only reason we are sinners is because we sin. 2.54 ______Justification is attained in degrees. 2.55 ______We were estranged from God and therefore had to be reconciled to Him. 2.56 ______At birth, the nature of Abraham is imparted to a person. 2.57 ______When we are justified, we are saved from God’s judgment. 2.58 ______Justification is a free gift of God. 2.59 ______Paul was not encouraging sin by stressing the grace of God. 2.60 ______After baptism, a person never sins again. ² Briefly answer the following questions. 2.61 What was the cause of condemnation? ______2.62 What was the source of justification? ______2.63 What was the effect of justification? ______2.64 What was the effect of condemnation? ______2.65 What was the extent of condemnation and justification? ______2.66 What is the basis of deliverance from sin? ______2.67 According to Romans 6:4 what should be the effect of our baptism into Christ? ______² Write the correct answer on the line. 2.68 Summarize in short phrases the “much mores” promised in Jesus. Romans 5:9 Much more: saved from wrath Romans 5:10 Much more: a. ______Romans 5:15 Much more: b. ______Romans 5:17 Much more: c. ______Romans 5:20 Much more: d. ______
30 ² Write an explanation. 2.69 In your own words, explain Paul’s analogy of slavery. ______
Adult check ______ Initial Date
Guiltlessness (Chapters 7-8). Since Christians are justified by faith, they are free from the penalty of sin and guilt. However, a struggle continues in the inward man between the old and new natures. This struggle could result in guilt and self-condemnation. Yet God has provided for total salvation from sin and its adverse results. Paul systematically explained the process of removing sin and guilt once a person is justified by faith. (Read Romans chapters 7-8 again.) Often in Scripture the relationship between Christ and His church is compared with the mar - riage union. Second Corinthians 11:2 states, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealously: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” Other similar Scriptures include Isaiah 62:5; Revelation 19:7; 21:2; 22:17; and Ephesians 5:22-32. Paul used this The Law was given to allow us to distinguish right sacred union as an analogy in Romans 7:1-6. When from wrong. Sin was not known until the Law was two people marry they are bound to each other given. Therefore, since the Law is not evil, the real until one of them dies (Genesis 2:24; Matthew enemy is sin. 5:32; Mark 10:9; and 1 Corinthians 7:10-11). If When Adam was in the Garden of Eden he was they divorce and remarry, according to Romans in a somewhat blissful state of innocence, enjoying 7:3, they live in the state of adultery. However, if the goodness of a life in God. He could have con - one of them dies, then the other is no longer bound tinued in that state even after God forbade him to to the deceased spouse, but is free to remarry. eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Likewise, once a person dies to the Law by accept - which would bring death. Satan tempted Adam ing justification through Christ, he is free to be and Eve to disobey God. When they tasted of the married to the grace of Jesus. Through the atone - knowledge of good and evil, they became spiritual - ment of the Lord’s blood we are loosed from the ly dead and sin began to multiply. bondage of the Law, and are freed to serve the spir - Once man obtained the knowledge of right and it of the Law which is found in Christ Jesus (refer wrong, his deceived heart provoked him to contin - to Matthew chapters 5-7). ue doing wrong. Similarly, once man obtained the Paul found it necessary to explain that the knowledge of the Law, he was provoked to disobe - Law in itself is not an evil culprit. The Law was dience. Satan is not only the tempter, but also the given as a preparatory measure to educate men of accuser. Thus, once sin was provoked by the Law, their need of a Savior. Galatians 3:24 says, the Law became a means by which men could be “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring condemned. As Paul stated in Romans 7:11, “For us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” sin, taking occasion by the commandment,
31 deceived me, and by it slew me.” Sin deceives in Imagine yourself on a balloon ride. As the bal - that it represents the Law as a limitation separat - loon is rising, you are defying the law of gravity ing a person from happiness. Beyond the limita - which normally holds you fast to the earth. The law tion, it charms a person into transgression by a of gravity is not destroyed, it is simply rendered phantom of happiness. inoperable. A balloon has no steering mechanism. God’s Law was perfect, but man was sold under It must be carried by the wind. The Greek word for sin and could not obey. In Romans 7:14-24, Paul spirit also means breath or wind. In John 3:8 Jesus agonizingly portrayed the warring inner conflict of says, “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou man’s carnal and spiritual natures. When trying to hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell obey the Law, the spiritual nature is always tram - whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every pled by the carnal nature. The spiritual nature one that is born of the Spirit.” When we commit wills what is right, but the carnal nature performs ourselves to Christ and submit ourselves to the what is wrong. In utter frustration and defeat control of the Spirit, we can be lifted above sin’s comes the moaning cry, “O wretched man that I dominating control. Sin no longer need have am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this dominion over us. We are free from condemnation. death?” We may not always know where we are going, but On our own merit we cannot live a victorious God is in control. life. The struggle Paul described in Romans chap - In Romans 8:11-18, Paul warned his readers of ter 7 is a result of a severe “I” problem. The word I problems and struggles to be encountered. The is used thirty-eight times in the last twenty-five Spirit-filled life is not all flowers and sunshine. A (Romans chapter 7) verses. Although “I” tries, he look at the life of Jesus proves this point. Yet Paul only finds defeat. Obeying God is not hard; it’s reassuringly stated, “But if the Spirit of him that impossible! There is only one solution to such an “I” raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that problem as found in Romans 7:25. “I thank God raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the you.” God has given us the exact same life-assert - flesh the law of sin.” When “I” gives up, the Holy ing, resurrecting Spirit of God. Just as the Spirit Spirit can take over. Struggling yields to power; propelled Jesus from the clutches of death, even so defeat turns into victory; and misery is trans - that same Spirit motivates us into a life of right - formed into rejoicing. We are saved by faith in eousness. In some of the most trying times during Jesus Christ—not by our own futile attempts at Jesus’ life he cried (Mark 14:36) “Abba, Father.” self-righteousness. This plea is an endearing one from a Son to His lov - Furthermore, “There is therefore now no con - ing Father. By the Spirit of adoption we also have demnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who access to the use of this same phrase in appealing walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.” to the heart of God, the Father. Condemnation implies being incurable and doomed Jesus says in John 3:5, “…Except a man be for all eternity. Paul began one of the best loved born of water and of Spirit, he cannot enter the chapters of the Bible, Romans chapter 8, with the kingdom of God.” Once we are born of the Spirit, we emancipating declaration that we are free from become children of God and joint heirs with Jesus. condemnation. Instead of us, sin has been con - From childhood we must grow in maturity until we demned by Jesus’ death and Resurrection. When become adult, responsible sons of God. Since the we yield our carnal humanity to Jesus and His Fall of man, all creation has groaned and travailed Spirit of Holiness, God does in us an unceasing, until the total work of redemption was manifested. unwearying work whereby we are transformed into Though we experience many “growing pains,” we responsible, mature sons of God. Sometimes we maintain hope as we await the unveiling of the full may not feel God working in us, or even be con - glory of God. scious of His presence, but God continues His Sometimes along the way we come to a point steady regenerative process. We accept it as a mat - where we don’t know which way to turn, or even ter of faith. how to pray. Once again the Spirit helps us in our Being “in the flesh” means to be giving our lives infirmities by praying through us to the Father over to the gratification of selfish and evil desires. (Romans 8:26-27) “…with groanings which cannot God’s requirement is righteousness leading unto be uttered. And he that searches” the hearts holiness. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he can we hope for the righteousness which God maketh intercession for the saints according to the demands. This power is what Paul meant by “living will of God.” Through all events of life we have the by the Spirit.” assurance that God has known us since the begin - 32 ning of time, and has preordained that whoever loved us that “… he gave His only begotten Son, will believe on Jesus Christ the Lord would be jus - that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, tified by His blood and glorified in the likeness of but have everlasting life,” then we will share Paul’s His Resurrection. God is for us and wants to give certainty that nothing—absolutely nothing—shall us of His bounteous blessings. We can proclaim be able to separate us from the love of God, which with Paul, “All things work together for good to is in Christ Jesus our Lord. them that love God…” When we realize that God so ² Choose the best answer. Write it on the line. 2.70 The relationship between Christ and the church is often compared with ______. a. slavery c. balloons b. marriage d. adultery 2.71 If a couple divorces and remarries someone else, then they live in a state of ______. a. acceptability c. adultery b. bliss d. righteousness 2.72 People die to the Law when they ______. a. quit sinning c. make atonement b. neglect the Law d. accept justification through Jesus 2.73 The Law ______sin. a. provoked c. insisted on b. prevented d. cured 2.74 The Law also became a means by which man could be ______. a. justified c. condemned b. schooled d. counseled ² Answer the following questions. Base your answers on Scripture you have read. 2.75 In Romans chapter 7, why did the spiritual nature lose the war against the carnal nature ? ______2.76 What does “being in the flesh” mean? ______2.77 What does “walking after the Spirit” mean? ______² Complete the following verses of Scripture. 2.78 a. “There is therefore now no ______to them which are in Christ Jesus.” b. “For to be carnally minded is ______; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” c. “For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry 1. ______, 2. ______. ” d. “For I reckon that the ______of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the ______which shall be revealed in us.” e. “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the ______.” f. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should ______for as we ought…” g. “And we know that all things work together for ______to them that love God…” h. “If God be for us, who can be ______?” i. “Nay, in all these things we are more than ______through him that loved us.” j. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels ... shall be able to 1. ______us from the 2. ______of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 33 Review the material in this section in preparation for the Self Test. This Self Test will § check you mastery of this particular section as well as your knowledge of the previous sec - tion.
SELF TEST 2
Match these items (each answer, 2 points).
2.01 ______saint a. good news 2.02 ______repentance b. miss the mark 2.03 ______separated c. fruit of justification 2.04 ______Abraham d. change one’s mind 2.05 ______Gospel e. set apart 2.06 ______sin f. example of faith 2.07 ______grace g. self-gratification 2.08 ______peace h. person saved by the blood of Jesus 2.09 ______Law i. unmerited favor 2.010 ______carnality j. schoolmaster
Which of the following is NOT an accurate definition (each answer, 1 point).
2.011 ______establish: a. make steady c. make firm b. unsettle d. secure 2.012 ______reprobate: a. depraved c. damned b. rejected by God d. deprived 2.013 ______justify: a. place blame c. just as if I’d never sinned b. acquit d. absolve 2.014 ______redeem: a. recover c. avoid paying ransom b. buy back d. rescue 2.015 ______propitiation: a. enables God to turn to man c. regain good will b. God manifesting Himself in grace d. flatter 2.016 ______remission: a. cancellation of debt c. omission b. release from penalty d. forgiveness 2.017 ______faith: a. questioning belief c. allegiance b. confidence d. complete trust 2.018 ______atonement: a. at one-ment c. sacrifice b. reconciliation d. make amends 2.019 ______grace: a. unmerited favor c. clemency b. thanksgiving d. privilege freely granted 2.020 ______guilt: a. sense of wrongdoing c. result of sin b. reprobation d. culpability
34 Choose the best answer (each answer, 2 points).
2.021 The Roman Christian church was probably started by ______. a. Paul’s converts and friends c. Priscilla and Aquila b. Peter d. those present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost 2.022 A group of public buildings was called a/an ______. a. circus c. gymnasium b. forum d. arena 2.023 The top rung of the social order was the ______. a. equestrian order b. freedmen c. plebe d. senatorial aristocracy 2.024 The dating of the book of Romans was ______. a. A.D. 55-56 c. A.D. 57-58 b. A.D. 56-57 d. A.D. 58-59 2.025 The Roman attitude toward other religions was ______. a. syncretism c. to enforce the state religion b. pantheism d. suppression 2.026 The job of an apostle is to ______. a. restore old churches c. employ pastors b. convert all nations d. establish churches 2.027 Paul introduced himself to the church at Rome ______. a. with great pomp c. as a servant b. as a pauper d. as a missionary 2.028 Paul’s greeting to the Romans was ______. a. condemning c. flattering b. edifying d. usual 2.029 The only people guilty of sin are ______. a. all people c. Gentiles b. Jews d. Romans 2.030 A real Jew is ______. a. a person who follows the Law c. one of Paul’s followers of Moses b. one whose heart is circumcised d. a member of God’s chosen nation 2.031 In the work Jesus did at Calvary, he did not ______. a. forgive our sinful acts c. free us from guilt b. ignore our sin d. eliminate our general state of sin 2.032 God’s purpose in giving the Law was ______. a. to condemn the Jews c. to make people aware of their need for gracious sal - vation b. to derive pleasure from their d. to disqualify all Gentiles from righteousness disobedience 2.033 Being baptized into Christ’s death does NOT mean ______. a. we should continue in sin c. we have been planted together in His likeness b. we are dead to sin d. our old man is crucified with Him 2.034 To describe man’s choice of justification or condemnation, Paul uses an analogy of ______. (See Romans 6:16) a. marriage c. gifts b. mountains and valleys d. servants 2.035 The relationship between Christ and the Church is often compared with ______. a. slavery c. the Law and the Spirit b. adultery d. the marriage union 35 Fill in the following Scripture verses (each answer, 2 points).
2.036 There is therefore now no ______to them which are in Christ Jesus.” 2.037 “And we know that all things work together for ______to them that love God.” 2.038 “Nay in all these things we are more than ______through him that loved us.” 2.039 “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and ______.” 2.040 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to ______us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Complete this list (each answer, 2 points).
2.041 List in order the names of the first five emperors of the Roman Empire. a. ______b. ______c. ______d. ______e. ______
Complete this drawing (this answer, 5 points).
2.042 Draw the Roman form of a letter.
Write the correct answers (each answer, 5 points).
2.043 Write from memory the theme of the Epistle to the Romans. ______2.044 Describe the teaching Paul refuted in Romans chapter 4, and how he opposed it. ______36 2.045 Explain how sin worked through the Law. ______Complete this writing activity ( each answer, 10 points). 2.046 On another sheet of paper, discuss the downward progression of man as given in Romans 1:18–2:9. Include the answers to the following questions: Who is guilty of sin and why? Why does sin continue? What happens to men’s heart and mind? What is the final result? (Your teacher will assign points for this activity.)
Score ______88 Adult check ______110 Initial Date
III. THE WAY ACCORDING TO ROMANS
Jesus said in John 14:6, “...I am the way, the personal relationship with the Savior of the world. truth, and the life…” The early New Testament In this section you will review Romans chapters 1- church often referred to the Christian way of life as 8 in regard to sin, salvation, and sanctification; for “the way.” As responsible ambassadors for Christ in 1 Peter 3:15 you have been commanded to “…be we are obligated to be able to explain the way of ready always to give an answer to every man that salvation to others who have not yet come into a asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you …”
SECTION OBJECTIVES
Review these objectives. When you have completed this section you should be able to:
17. Describe the problem of universal sin and its effects. 18. Relate the process of salvation by faith in Jesus. 19. Define the process of sanctification through Jesus by the Holy Spirit. 20. Memorize the following Scriptures: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:1, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:11, and Romans 8:1.
SIN In Romans 1:18-2:29 you discovered that sin is world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon a universal condition inherited from Adam. As a all men, for that all have sinned.” Reread the result of one man’s sin we were all made sinners. account of the Fall of man in Genesis chapter 3. We sin because we are sinners. By comparing Notice how sin, once conceived, began to multiply. Scripture you will define sin and discover who it By the time of David, sin was considered a univer - has affected. You will also determine sin’s results. sal fact. David said in Psalm 51:5, “Behold, I was Through Adam. Romans 5:12 states, shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother con - “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the ceive me.” Sin is basically a matter of the heart, for
37 Jesus says in Matthew 15:19, “For out of the heart Psalm 53:3 “Every one of them is gone back: proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornica - they are altogether become filthy; tions, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” James there is none that doeth good, no, summarized the process of sin in James 1:15, not one.” “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth we have turned every one to his own death.” way…” A very simple definition of sin is to do wrong, Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, commit any kind of offense, or have any faults. God and all our righteousnesses are as demands perfect holiness. Therefore, missing His filthy rags; and we all do fade as a standard in any way is sin. Obviously, every person leaf; and our iniquities, like the who has ever lived, with one exception, is guilty of wind, have taken us away.” sin. Romans 3:23 summarizes this point: “For all 1 John 1:8 “If we say that we have no sin, we have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” deceive ourselves, and the truth is All includes you. not in us.” Although this concept is very basic, it is one of In sharing the Gospel with others, you should the most difficult things for many people to admit. follow Paul’s example. He began his letter in an Our society has invented many other terms to attitude of love and humility, yet he was fully escape the admission of sin. For example, in the assured of his message. Our assurance is the infal - realm of psychology, we hear such vocabulary as lible Word of God. He has promised (Isaiah 55:11) psychotic, guilt complex, neurosis, tension, and that His Word will not return void. Therefore, phobias of all sorts. All of these conditions suggest rather than expressing our opinions and perhaps one problem—sin. The universality of sin is further becoming guilty of Jesus’ charge in Matthew 7:3-5, verified by the following Scriptures: we can minister to others the universal fact of sin by showing them what God has said about the mat - ter through His Word.
² Complete the following statements. 3.1 Sin entered the human race through ______. 3.2 Death is a result of ______. 3.3 Sin is basically a matter of the ______. 3.4 A brief definition of sin is ______. ______. 3.5 Assurance of the message of salvation is not through personal experiences alone, but is according to ______. ² Complete the following activities. 3.6 From memory write Romans 3:23 ______3.7 Describe in your own words how sin develops, according to James 1:15. Give an example to support your explanation. ______
Adult check ______ Initial Date 38 3.8 Review Genesis chapter 3. The initial root of the final action of sin was the planting of doubt: “Hath God not said ...?” List three incidents recorded in Genesis 3:7–14 that illustrate the mul - tiplication of one sin.
a. ______b. ______c. ______
² Begin a handy notebook with all the Scriptures given in this and the following sec - tions so that you will have your witness references available at all times. By review - ing the notebook often, you may be able to commit all these verses to memory.
By nature. When Adam sinned, his seed our life expectancy is far less today. Psalm 90:10 became corrupt. Since that time, parents have con - tells us that, “the days of our years are threescore tinued to pass the Adamic nature on to succeeding years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be generations. Children do not have to be taught to fourscore…” Compare 70 or 80 years of age with be bad, but must be taught to be good. They don’t the longevity of such men as Noah, who died at age need to be taught to lie, but they do need to be 950, or Abraham, who died at age 175. taught to tell the truth. Man sins by choice because Methuselah, the oldest man in the Bible, lived he is a sinner by nature. until he was 969 years old! The universal effect of What are the results of sin? Romans 6:23 plain - sin causes everyone to die a physical death. The ly states, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift good and the bad, the young and the aged will con - of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our tinue to die until Jesus destroys this final enemy Lord.” The outcome of sin is death. Death does not as explained in 1 Corinthians 15:26, “The last annihilate; it only separates. The Bible speaks of enemy that shall be destroyed is death,” and in three kinds of death: spiritual death, physical verse 54 of that same chapter, “…when this cor - death, and eternal death. ruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this The first death is a spiritual death, which sep - mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall arates man from God temporarily. When Adam and be brought to pass the saying that is written, Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, they “Death is swallowed up in victory.” were banished from the garden and separated from The third type of death is eternal death, which the presence of God. Isaiah 59:2 says, “But your separates men from God forever. Recall the story of iniquities have separated between you and your the rich man and Lazarus, recorded in Luke 16:19- God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that 31. A great gulf separates heaven and hell. Once a he will not hear.” Christ shed His blood to open an soul passes beyond the gates of hell there is eternal access whereby we may (Hebrews 4:16) “…come separation from God. The person continues to exist, boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain but without hope and in torturous misery. Finally, mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” The as we are told in Revelation 20:14, “…Death and way to restore fellowship with God is to confess our hell were cast into the lake of fire…” sins, as 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he For each of the three kinds of death, the origin is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to remains the same–sin. A person does not have to be cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We must also recognized as a sinner in the eyes of men to be forsake those sins. Isaiah 55:7 says, “Let the counted such before God. By moral standards we wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man differentiate degrees of sin, but the fact of sin and his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and its wages are not altered: “For the wages of sin is he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for death.” Suppose the newspaper reported two he will abundantly pardon.” drownings. One person drowned in a lake at a The second kind of death is a physical death, depth of twenty feet. The other person drowned in which separates the spirit and soul from the body. a bathtub accident. Is one more dead than the As a result of the spiritual death of Adam and Eve, other? Of course not! In our ability to save our - their physical bodies began a process of aging and selves, we are all on the same level. decay. In comparison to life in Old Testament ages, 39 ² Choose the best answer. 3.9 The origin of death is ______. a. sin b. Satan c. hell d. man 3.10 According to Psalm 90:10, the longevity of man’s life is between ______years. a. 50-60 b. 60-70 c. 70-80 d. 80-90 3.11 How old was Methuselah when he died? ______a. 950 b. 969 c. 875 d. 900 3.12 Man sins by choice because he is a sinner by ______. a. choice b. attitude c. his behavior d. nature 3.13 What separates heaven from hell? ______a. an ocean b. a great gulf c. 1,000 miles d. another world 3.14 We are all ______to save ourselves. a. equipped b. able c. ready d. unable
² Complete the following activities. 3.15 From memory, write Romans 6:23. ______
² Define these terms and give a scriptural remedy if one is available. 3.16 Spiritual death: a. separation of ______b. remedy: ______3.17 Physical death: a. separation of ______b. remedy: ______3.18 Eternal death: a. separation of ______b. remedy: ______
40 SALVATION Once a person realizes his state of sin, his nat - carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him strick - ural inclination is to find the remedy within him - en, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was self. He attempts to bring about his own salvation wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for by human means. He tries various reforms when our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was he needs to be regenerated. As with the Israelites, upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” he tries to become justified by the Law rather than God could have sent His Son to pronounce judg - by faith in Jesus. Rather than cleaning up the old ment on this world. Instead, He came to accom - man, he needs to be made a new man in Christ. He plish the wondrous work of salvation as a free gift doesn’t need to “turn over a new leaf,” he needs a of God. John 3:17 says, “For God sent not His Son completely new life. The only remedy for man’s fall - into the world to condemn the world; but that the en state is salvation by the grace of God through world through Him might be saved.” All human faith in His Son Jesus. efforts of righteousness could not bring man back In Christ. The good news of the Gospel is that into the presence of God. Thus, God had to provide Jesus died to save us from sin and its effects, and men with His own righteousness which is in Jesus. that He rose again that we might live in newness Titus 3:5-6 tells us, “Not by works of righteousness of life. First Corinthians 15:22 says, “For as in which we have done, but according to his mercy he Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and alive.” Since one man’s sin brought death to the renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us entire human race, one Man’s righteousness also abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” brought life to all the race. Paul summarized the concept of our righteous - Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth his ness in Christ in Romans 5:17-21. Note verse 20: love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, “…But where sin abounded, grace did much more Christ died for us.” God allowed Jesus to take all abound.” Out of the depths of sin, after it had mul - the sin of the world to the Cross of Calvary on our tiplied through thousands of years and in millions behalf. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath of unrighteous people, one Man came and replaced made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we sin’s depravity with His own perfection. Hebrews might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2:3 asks the question, “How shall we escape, if we God’s motive for allowing His Son to die in our neglect so great salvation…” Unless we accept the place was love. Recall the familiar verse, John 3:16. saving work of Jesus, we will not escape the wrath Yet because of God’s justice, a blood sacrifice was of God. Rather than facing eternal death, we can required to make atonement for sin. Hebrews 9:22 accept the free gift of God. We are people con - tells us that, “...without shedding of blood is no demned to die because of our sin, but we can look remission.” Jesus was the only sacrifice acceptable to the Cross of Calvary and see that Christ has before God, for He was perfect in every way. Isaiah already died for us. In exchange for our poor, sinful the prophet foretold the mission of the Messiah in rags, we can put on the Lord’s garment of right - Isaiah 53:4-5: “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and eousness and become clothed in His abundant life.
² Answer the following questions. 3.19 What is man’s natural response to his problem of sin? ______3.20 What does God require for remission of sins? ______3.21 Why was Jesus the only acceptable sacrifice? ______
41 3.22 According to Titus 3:5, how are we saved? Explain in your own words. ______3.23 If not for the purpose of condemnation, why did Christ come into the world? Base your answer on at least five Scripture references. ______² From memory write this verse of Scripture. 3.24 Romans 5:8. ______
By faith. In Romans 1:16 Paul said, “For I am propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the his righteousness for the remission of sins that are power of God unto salvation to every one that past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 5:9 believeth…” The condition to God’s saving grace is further affirms, “Much more then, being now justi - believing. Faith in Jesus releases the power of God fied by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath to save a person’s soul. Thus, Romans 5:1 guaran - through him.” Ephesians 1:7 tells us that we have tees us, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have been made acceptable before God through Jesus “In peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” whom we have redemption through his blood, the The story of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:25- forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his 31 is a classic example of the salvation experience. grace…” Once again, 1 Peter 1:19 says that we were In verse 30 the jailer simply asked Paul and Silas, redeemed “…with the precious blood of Christ, as of “…Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They quickly a lamb without blemish and without spot.” From and positively responded, “…Believe on the Lord the beginning God has required a blood sacrifice for Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy atonement. Leviticus 17:11 clearly states, “For the house.” The jailer was not told to believe that Jesus, life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to a historical figure, once lived and passed on to the you upon the altar to make an atonement for your world great teachings of moral character. Rather, he souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement was being told to believe that, as an action of God’s for the soul.” Our new life is found only in the blood love for him as an individual, Christ died for his of Jesus, which was poured out for us. When we sins, was buried and rose again to live forevermore. believe in the atoning work of Calvary, we receive a Intellectual acceptance does not qualify for transfusion of the life of Jesus Christ. faith. Many people know about Jesus and believe To believe means to cling to, to trust in, to that he once lived. Fewer people know Jesus and adhere to, to become joined to, to be devoted to, to are assured that he is still alive. Many Oriental rely upon, or to stick fast to someone or something. religions include Jesus in their sacred writings as All these terms are action verbs. They require emo - a prophet, or great teacher, but they do not teach tional intensity and assertiveness. Romans 10:9-10 God’s salvation. James 2:19 says, “Thou believest” says “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that also believe, and tremble.” What then are we to God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be believe that would bring to us the gift of salvation? saved. For with the heart man believeth unto right - Buddhists say to believe in Buddha. Moslems tell eousness; and with the mouth confession is made men to believe in Mohammed. Jews say to believe unto salvation.” Recall the story of the man born in God. Christians say to believe in Jesus. What blind recorded in John chapter 9. He miraculously distinguishing characteristic should we believe received his physical sight when Jesus anointed about Jesus that is different from other claims to the blind man’s eyes with clay and told him to go salvation? wash in the pool of Siloam. However, the man’s Romans 3:25 tells us that we are justified spiritual eyes were not opened until he responded through Jesus, “Whom God hath set forth to be a to Jesus’ question “Does thou believe on the Son of 42 God?” with the reply, “Lord, I believe.” When by of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the faith we accept the work of Jesus as Savior, we are thoughts and intents of the heart.” saved from the workings of sin. We are born again The disciple Andrew established a precedent unto God. Jesus explained this process to for all who want to share the love of God with oth - Nicodemus in John chapter 3. ers. In John 1:40-42, we find him bringing his In sharing with others the concept of salvation brother to Jesus. When asked a question about by faith in Jesus Christ, we must not be side - Jesus by the Greeks (John 12:20-22), Andrew and tracked to other issues. The greatest issue of life is Philip take the issue directly to Jesus. In John 6:6- the state of the human soul. Jesus’ mission was to 9, when Jesus projects the question as to feeding save sinners. When witnessing about the Lord, one the hungry multitude, Andrew knows the miracu - should stay on the subject of the discussion. If we lous multiplying power of the Lord, so he directed show a person some of the Scriptures covered in a little boy to present his lunch to Jesus. Andrew this section, the Holy Spirit will have an opportu - had the answer for each situation—take it to Jesus. nity to do His convicting work. Hebrews 4:12 As we share the message of salvation with others, states, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, we should always apply the Andrew principle. We and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing can lead others to Jesus through the written Word even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of God, for therein is He revealed.
² Choose the best answer. 3.25 To whom did Jesus explain the process of becoming born again? ______a. Andrew c. Nicodemus b. Philip d. John 3.26 Salvation is given to everyone who ______. a. believes the teachings of Jesus c. believes that Jesus died on a Cross b. believes in God d. believes in the atoning work of Jesus’ blood 3.27 The word believe does not mean ______. a. to intellectually accept c. rely on b. cling to d. become joined to 3.28 Life is in ______. a. sacrifice c. atonement b. the blood d. the soul ² Complete the following activities. 3.29 What does Romans 10:9-10 say about man and salvation? a. ______b. ______3.30 List four characteristics of the Word of God according to Hebrews 4:12. a. ______c. ______b. ______d ______3.31 From memory write Romans 1:16-17. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
43 3.32 From memory write Romans 5:1. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3.33 Briefly explain the Andrew principle. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3.34 How is atonement accomplished? Give at least three Scriptures to support your answer. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
From sin. When God looks at us in Christ, He Romans 6:11 states, “Likewise reckon ye also sees only Christ’s righteousness. All that Jesus yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive accomplished through His death and Resurrection unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” To reck - has been credited to our account. Just as we were on means to consider as, or regard as being. saved by faith, we must also continue to live by Suppose you inherited a sizeable amount of money faith, trusting in Christ. First Corinthians 1:30 and it had been deposited into your bank account. tells us what Paul said concerning believers, “But You could draw on that money at any time, even of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made though you never actually saw the money. If you unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifica - never used that money, it would serve no purpose. tion, and redemption.” How are we sanctified in However, if you reckoned that money to be yours, Jesus? Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:11 we are wrote a check to yourself, and gave it to the bank washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the teller to cash, that which you had not seen would Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our Lord. The become a reality. If we consider, or reckon, our - answer to how our sanctification process began is selves dead to sin, then it will also become a reali - found in Romans 6:3: “Know ye not, that so many ty. The power of sin will have no hold on us. of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were bap - We are also advised in Romans 6:13, “Neither tized into his death?” Justification from sin can yield ye your members as instruments of unright - only happen through death. Forgiveness of sin does eousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, not mean that the sin is forgotten or overlooked; it as those that are alive from the dead, and your means a real death on the part of the sinner and it members as instruments of righteousness unto means separation from sin. It is baptism into the God.” Rather than trying to produce our own right - death of Christ that affects our forgiveness and jus - eousness, we are to “let go” and “let God” live His tification and completes our separation from sin. life through us.
² Choose the best answer. 3.35 When God looks at us in Christ He sees ______. a. an improvement c. Christ’s righteousness b. one more Christian d. a person almost made holy 3.36 Without the righteousness of Jesus we are ______. a. totally righteous c. totally unrighteous b. totally saved d. totally emancipated 3.37 Forgiveness of sins means ______. a. the sins are forgiven, but not forgotten c. death results from sin b. sin is overlooked d. separation from sin 44 ² Complete the following activities. 3.38 List the four things Christ is made unto us according to I Corinthians 1:30. ______3.39 Give a definition of the verb to reckon , and in your own words describe how we reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to Jesus. ______3.40 From memory, write Romans 6:11 . ______
Our sanctification is through Jesus Christ. He tree. Does the fruit ask the tree if it may grow? Of is our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30). In course not. As a result of growth, the tree simply Hebrews 7:25 we read, “Wherefore he is able also to bears apples. Within the fruit are the seeds, which save them to the uttermost that come unto God by are the new beginnings for even more apple trees. him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for The source of growth for the tree is an invisible them.” In John 14:17, Jesus promised to send the inside force. Firmly planted in Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit to dwell in the disciples. While Jesus His Word, we grow in maturity by the ministry of unceasingly intercedes for us, the Spirit of holiness His Spirit; and we bear fruit for the glory of God. continually works in us as we yield ourselves to In Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians he Him. honestly admitted that a person’s struggle with sin Romans 8:1 says “There is therefore now no is not over. We reckon ourselves dead to sin, and in condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, doing so are actively setting aside former ways of who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” life. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us. The process of sanctification by the Holy Spirit is Jesus not only saves us, He also keeps us. the power enabling those who have been justified Jesus is our Advocate. When we are separated to abide in Christ. Justification is the new creation from God, the Spirit woos us into repentance of the new man, and sanctification is his preserva - whereby we find forgiveness. We are delivered tion until the day of Christ Jesus. Sanctification is from the universal power of sin through salvation. the fulfillment of God’s plan enunciated in the We are kept from sin by the power of the Holy words, “Ye shall be holy: for I am holy,” and also, “I Spirit. We are forgiven from sins by repentance. As the Lord who sanctifies you am holy.” The Holy 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faith - Spirit is the “seal” whereby we are sealed as God’s ful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse possession until total redemption is manifested. us from all unrighteousness.” The Holy Spirit reveals salvation in Jesus, and The Christian life is not one of compromise, but then He takes up residence in our lives. To be a vic - of separation unto the Gospel of God. We must torious Christian, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit allow the Spirit of the Lord to kindle in us a burn - must have the control of a believer’s life. The Spirit ing passion to be established in and to establish brings the abundant life, which is not found in others in the truth of Jesus. Like Paul, we should environment or circumstances. The abundant life introduce ourselves as servants who have received is found only in the infilling of the Holy Spirit. the grace of God and address others in the spirit of Ephesians 5:18 commands us to “...be filled with love and edification. The message of justification by the Spirit.” When we experience the filling of our faith should be our theme. With a sound scriptural lives with the Holy Spirit, we become Spirit-led, basis we should teach others the basic doctrines of Spirit-controlled, and Spirit-empowered. sin, salvation, and sanctification. Each believer is When our lives are yielded to the work of the an official eyewitness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Spirit, we begin to bear the fruit mentioned in for in Him we personally have died and been res - Galatians 5:22-24. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift of urrected unto a glorious hope. We are endued with God, and only He can produce it. Imagine an apple power from on high and have access to all truth 45 through the infallible Word of God. Through tri - Summary of the book of Romans chapters 1-8 umphs and failures, God is for us; and nothing Romans 1 :1-17 Salutation shall separate us from His love, which is in Christ Romans 1:18-2:29 Downward spiral of sin Jesus our Lord. Romans 3 Universal sin and guilt with emphasis on the Jewish nation Romans 4 Abraham Romans 5 Justification § Romans 6 Reckoning justification by bap - tism Romans 7 Carnal nature vs. spiritual nature Romans 8 Life in the Holy Spirit
² Choose the best answer. 3.41 According to Hebrews 7:25, how far is Jesus able to save us? ______a. to heaven c. to sanctification b. to justification d. to the uttermost 3.42 Since the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of believers, what is Jesus doing? ______a. waiting for us c. saving us b. interceding for us d. glorifying us 3.43 Sanctification is the means whereby saints are ______. a. justified c. preserved b. resurrected d. fulfilled ² Complete the following activities. 3.44 From memory write Romans 8:1 ______3.45 Summarize the first eight chapters of the book of Romans. ______Before you take this last Self Test, you may want to do one or more of these self checks. § 1. ______Read the objectives. Determine if you can do them. 2. ______Restudy the material related to any objectives that you cannot do. 3. ______Use the SQ3R study procedure to review the material: a. Scan the sections. b. Question yourself again (review the questions you wrote initially). c. Read to answer your questions. d. Recite the answers to yourself. e. Review areas you didn’t understand. 4. ______Review all vocabulary, activities, and Self Tests, writing a correct answer for each wrong answer. 46 SELF TEST 3
Match these items (each answer, 2 points).
3.01 ______separation of man from the presence of God a. do wrong, miss the mark 3.02 ______believe b. blood sacrifice 3.03 ______Phoebe c. physical death 3.04 ______requirement for remission of sin d. take it to Jesus 3.05 ______reckon e. to set apart for a purpose 3.06 ______stola f. spiritual death 3.07 ______sin g. governor of a province 3.08 ______propitiation h. cancellation of a debt 3.09 ______separation of spirit and soul from body i. cling to; trust in; adhere to 3.010 ______remission j. unmerited favor 3.011 ______grace k. enable God to turn to man 3.012 ______procurator l. self–gratification 3.013 ______Andrew principle m. regard as being 3.014 ______carnality n. Paul’s messenger 3.015 ______sanctification o. woman’s outer garment
Answer true or false (each answer, 1 point).
3.016 ______The Roman Empire included all of Europe, Asia, and Africa. 3.017 ______The third emperor was Caligula. 3.018 ______Paul was going to Jerusalem to present the collection. 3.019 ______Taxes were a constant reminder of Roman authority. 3.020 ______Roman Christians had very formal worship services. 3.021 ______Christian churches usually had their beginnings in a synagogue. 3.022 ______Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans from Spain. 3.023 ______Paul’s example of faith was Adam. 3.024 ______The Law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. 3.025 ______Baptism denotes washing away, cleansing, immersion, or identity.
Fill in the blank with the correct answer (each answer, 3 points).
3.026 Sin entered the human race through ______. 3.027 Death is a result of ______. 3.028 Our assurance of the message of salvation is according to the infallible ______. 3.029 Man sins by choice because he is a sinner by ______. 3.030 The remedy for spiritual death is ______. 3.031 The last enemy Jesus will destroy is ______. 3.032 Separation of man from God forever is ______death.
47 3.033 God’s motive for sending Jesus was ______. 3.034 Jesus explained how to be born again to ______. 3.035 Without the shedding of ______there is no remission of sins. 3.036 Justification from sin could only happen through the ______of Christ . 3.037 Our sanctification is through Jesus by the ______.
Choose the best answer (each answer, 2 points).
3.038 The common language of the Roman Empire in the first two centuries was ______. a. Latin c. Greek b. Italian d. Spanish 3.039 Education was for ______. a. the wealthy c. professional training b. the children d. anyone 3.040 The Christians’ first persecutors were ______. a. the Roman soldiers c. the emperor b. the Jews d. the Praetorian Guard 3.041 The postal system was ______. a. highly developed c. only for governmental business b. poorly developed d. only for the wealthy 3.042 As stated in his salutation to the Romans, Paul was called of God to be ______. a. a servant c. a separator b. an apostle d. an evangelist 3.043 When people totally ignore God in knowledge, they become ______. a. reprobate c. rich b. autonomous d. justified 3.044 The source of condemnation is found in ______. a. Jesus c. Adam b. Abraham d. the Jews 3.045 The assurance of the message of salvation is in ______. a. the infallible Word of God c. a historical fact b. our personal experience d. testimonies of others 3.046 Salvation is given to everyone who ______. a. believes the teachings of Jesus c. believes that Jesus died on a Cross b. believes in God d. believes in the atoning work of Jesus’ blood 3.047 Sanctification is NOT ______. a. an ongoing process c. through Jesus Christ b. a single event d. worked in us by the Holy Spirit
Complete the following activities (each numbered item, 5 points).
3.048 List in order the first five emperors of the Roman Empire. a. ______d. ______b. ______e. ______c. ______3.049 List the five social classes of the Roman Empire.
a. ______d. ______b. ______e. ______c. ______48 3.050 List five reasons why Paul wrote to the Romans. a. ______b. ______c. ______d. ______e. ______From memory write the following verses of Scripture (each answer, 4 points).
3.051 Romans 1:16-17 ______3.052 Romans 3:23 ______3.053 Romans 6:23 ______3.054 Romans 5:1 ______3.055 Romans 5:8 ______3.056 Romans 6:11 ______3.057 Romans 8:1 ______
Complete this outline (this answer, 10 points). 3.058 Outline the first eight chapters of the book of Romans. ______
Score ______119 Adult check ______149 Initial Date
49 GLOSSARY autonomous. Self-contained; totally independent; self-governing. equestrian. Second ranking Roman social class from which provincial governors were drawn; actually the word means of or pertaining to horsemanship. exactitude. Exactness. faith. Confident belief; trust; religious conviction; allegiance. forum. Group of buildings; the public square or marketplace of an ancient Roman city. freedmen. Third ranking Roman social class composed of emancipated slaves; free-born Roman citi - zens; often became successful businessmen. grace. Unmerited favor; clemency; privilege freely granted. guilt. Result of sin; culpable; sense of wrong doing. justification. Act of acquittal; act of absolving; to free from blame. pantheism. The doctrine or belief that all laws, forces, manifestations of the self-existing universe are gods. plebes. Fourth ranking Roman social class; poor Roman citizens; common laborers. Praetorian Guard. A hand-picked group of soldiers serving as bodyguards for the emperor. procurator. A Roman official who managed the financial affairs of a province and acted as governor. propitiation. Cause to be favorably inclined; enable God to turn to man. redemption. Recover; ransom; rescue; buy back. remission. Cancellation of or release from a debt or penalty. reprobate. Depraved; rejected of God; damned. senatorial aristocracy. The highest ranking Roman social class; nobility by birth and wealth. stola. Woman’s outer garment; a long tunic fastened with clasps. syncretism. The combination or reconciliation of differing beliefs in religion, philosophy, etc. toga. Men’s outer garment; oblong drape with rounded corners varying in color and style according to social class. tunica. Short-sleeved under garment that hung to the knees; worn by men and women.
Before taking the LIFEPAC Test, you may want to do one or more of these self § 1. ______Read the objectives. Check to see if you can do them. 2. ______Restudy the material related to any objectives that you cannot do. 3. ______Use the SQ3R study procedure to review the material. 4. ______Review activities, Self Tests, and LIFEPAC vocabulary words. 5. ______Restudy areas of weakness indicated by the last Self Test.
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