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Home , Romans 10, Romans 11, Romans 12, Romans 13, Romans 14, Romans 15

A Textual Study of the Letter of Paul to the Romans

By Jason Hardin

© 2014 by The IMAGE Project. www.InGodsImage.com

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without express permission from the publisher.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy , ®, copyright ©2001 by Crossway , a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Any emphasis to scripture quotations is added.

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But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isa 64:8)

To be “God-shaped” is to be:

 Father-defined (Eph 1:3-14)  Christ-centered (Col 1:9-20)  Spirit-led (Gal 5:16-25)  Gospel-empowered (Rom 1:16-17)  Faith-fueled (Heb 11:1-6)  Glory-focused (1 Cor 10:31)

May the Lord bless us in our study and use this material as a tool to further conform us to the image of his Son (Rom 8:29).

To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

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Lesson 1 :1-15 To Bring About the Obedience of Faith Lesson 2 Romans 1:16-17 I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel Lesson 3 Romans 1:18-32 The Wrath of God is Revealed Lesson 4 :1-11 You Have No Excuse, O Man Lesson 5 Romans 2:11-29 God Shows No Partiality Lesson 6 :1-20 Then What Advantage Has the Jew? Lesson 7 Romans 3:21-31 Justified by His Grace as a Gift Lesson 8 :1-25 , Who is the Father of Us All Lesson 9 :1-11 Peace with God Through Christ Lesson 10 Romans 5:12-21 The Free Gift is Not Like the Trespass Lesson 11 :1-23 Dead to Sin and Alive to God in Christ Lesson 12 :1-25 The New Way of the Spirit Lesson 13 :1-17 Led by the Spirit of Life Lesson 14 Romans 8:18-39 The Glory that is to be Revealed to Us Lesson 15 :1-33 Is There Injustice on God’s Part? Lesson 16 :1-21 No Distinction Between Jew and Greek Lesson 17 :1-36 Lest You Be Wise in Your Own Sight Lesson 18 :1-2 I Appeal to You Therefore, Brothers Lesson 19 Romans 12:3-21 Lives of Sacrifice to God Lesson 20 :1-7 Subject to the Governing Authorities Lesson 21 Romans 13:8-14 Put on the Lord Jesus Christ Lesson 22 :1-15:7 Let Us Pursue What Makes for Peace Lesson 23 :8-33 Servants of Christ Jesus Lesson 24 :1-27 The Grace of Our Lord Be With You

4 • LESSON 1 • Romans 1:1-15 To Bring About the Obedience of Faith

o all those in who are loved by God and called to be saints:

“T Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 1:7) If you were a Christian in first-century Rome: Why was Rome one of the most incredible cities  You lived in one of the most incredible cities of the of the ancient world? ancient world.  You very well may have heard the gospel from someone who was in on the Day of

Pentecost in AD 30 when Peter first proclaimed the crucified Jesus as “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:1-14, 22- 24, 32-41).  You very well may have known Jewish brothers and sisters who were expelled from Rome in AD 49 by Emperor Claudius (AD 41-54) because of strife over “Christus” (Acts 18:1-4). It’s hard for us to

 You very well may have welcomed your Jewish imagine being banished brethren back in AD 54 after Emperor Claudius from our homes because died. of our faith. Consider  In AD 57, you and your brothers and sisters in :32-39. How Christ received a letter from the apostle Paul who do people get to the was writing from Corinth during his third missionary journey (:1-3). point where they are willing to endure such for  You very well may have traveled to the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns in AD 60 to personally the sake of their meet Paul (:11-16). relationship with God?  You very well may have visited with Paul throughout AD 60-62 and listened to him boldly proclaim the kingdom of God and teach extensively about the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 28:30-31).  You very well may have heard in person many of the encouragements and teachings Paul wrote in Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (Phil 1:12-14).

5  You were probably aware of the fact that, by that When Paul refers to point in time, there were saints even in Caesar’s own household (Phil 4:21-22). people as “saints,” what does he have in mind?  Your city suffered a terrible fire in the summer of AD 64 that burned for six days and seven nights, How do people come to consuming almost three-fourths of the city. Word be “saints”? would have spread to you quickly that Emperor Nero had set the fire for his own amusement. Your life would have changed dramatically once Nero laid blame for the fire on .  You would have been personally familiar with persecution (Rom 8:31-39).

 You would have had some serious decisions to make.

Paul had been clear in his letter about his God-defined mission and how it related to you. In your own words, what …we have received grace and apostleship to bring about is “the obedience of the obedience of faith… (Rom 1:5) faith”? Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Rom 16:25-27) Are you willing to “present” your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your Why would the Spirit of spiritual worship”? Will you refuse to be “conformed to this world,” choosing instead to be “transformed by the God describe the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern obedience of faith as what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and being “brought about” in perfect”? (Rom 12:1-2) the lives of people? And how does it happen? The letter of Paul to the Romans systematically reasons that the gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:16-17)

6 Much can be learned from Romans 1:1-6. Take a moment to jot down how the following phrases enhance our understanding of God and his will for our lives. Paul identifies himself in 1:1 as:  A servant of Christ Jesus –

 Called to be an apostle –

 Set apart for the gospel of God –

Mention of the gospel leads Paul to describe it in 1:2-3 as:

 Promised beforehand through God’s prophets in the holy Scriptures –

 Concerning God’s Son –

In 1:3-6, Paul wants to make sure his readers in Rome recognize that God’s Son is:  Descended from according to the –

 Declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead –

 Jesus Christ our Lord –

 The one through whom he had received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith –

 Foreseeing, enabling, and accomplishing all of this for the sake of his name among all the nations –

 Calling people to belong to him as saints –

Romans 1:8-15 provides insight into how eagerly Paul longs to visit Rome and strengthen the Christians there in person. Other passages (Rom 15:22-24; Acts 19:21; 23:11) further enhance our grasp of his intentions. Why do you think he was so eager to reach Rome?

CLOSING THOUGHT: “So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome” (1:15). But why? Why would Paul eagerly look forward to preaching the gospel to people who were already Christians? Because the gospel isn’t merely God’s tool to “get us saved” and leave us to our own devices; it is the call and the power to lead a daily walk of faith with Jesus (6:4; 8:4).

7 • LESSON 2 • Romans 1:16-17 I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel

n Romans 1:15-17, Paul writes: I I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the When Paul referred to power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to “the gospel” in his the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the writings, what did he righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as have in mind? it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”

We all know what it is to be embarrassed or ashamed. In 2 Corinthians 11:21-30, Paul addresses those who “boast according to the flesh” and concedes, “I too will boast.” But he does not boast of things we might naturally expect.

But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they ? So am I. Are they Can you think of other offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of passages from the Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman— writings of Paul that enhance our with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with understanding of what countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I he means by “the received at the hands of the the forty lashes less gospel”? one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from , danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

8 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, How might the things and I am not indignant? Paul mentions in 2 Cor If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my 11:21-30 have caused weakness. shame—the sort of shame that would In , Paul continues to “boast” and reveals compel him to forsake the “thorn given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to Christ and stop harass me” (12:7). Three times he pleaded with the Lord proclaiming the gospel? about the thorn, that it would be taken away.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am

weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:9-10) How is Christ’s power Don’t miss what Paul is revealing concerning real power. made perfect in human weakness?  The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom 1:16).  Christ’s power is made perfect in the weakness of

dependent, trusting disciples (2 Cor 12:9).

This is why the writer of Hebrews encourages Christians to be “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2). What does Paul mean in Romans 1:17 by “from Disciples of Jesus may be shamed in this world, but we faith for faith”? don’t have to be ashamed! The righteousness of God has been revealed in the face of Jesus Christ. He is willing to heal us, transform our lives, and perfect us (Rom 1:17; 12:1- 2). This is news of which we should not, must not, be ashamed.

CLOSING THOUGHT: Whether we are Jews or Gentiles, the power of God for salvation is available in his gospel. Our heavenly Father has revealed his righteousness to us and provided a means whereby we also can be made righteous Practically speaking, (Rom 5:18-19; 2 Cor 5:17-21). what does it mean to “live by faith”?

9 • LESSON 3 • Romans 1:18-32 The Wrath of God is Revealed

omans 1:18-32 is not the first time we are introduced to the wrath of God within the flow of his written revelation R to mankind. Consider the small sampling below taken from more than 200 references to “wrath” in the Bible. What can be learned from:

 Exodus 22:21-24 – In your own words, what is “wrath”?

 Deuteronomy 9:6-8 –

 2 Kings 22:8-17 –

 Psalm 89:46 – Why do we most frequently think of wrath in negative terms?  Proverbs 11:4 –

:1-8 –

 Matthew 3:1-10 – How then can God be simultaneously holy and  :36 – wrathful?

Which leads to Paul writing in Romans 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…”

10 In what way is God justified in showing wrath? How is the What “truth” is being ungodliness and unrighteousness of men manifesting itself “suppressed”? (1:18) throughout the world? Take the time to meditate upon the list of offenses contained in Romans 1:18-32. Capture in your own words the horrific diagnosis God is delivering through Paul.

 Truth is suppressed (1:18) –

 God is not honored as God or thanked (1:21-22) – How does Creation itself show the invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature  Human hearts are given over to foolishness and of our Creator? (1:20) darkness (1:21) –

 In the name of so-called “wisdom,” the glory of the immortal God is exchanged for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping

things (1:22-23) – Why can God so definitively say, “So they are without excuse”?  Lustful hearts fuel impurity and the dishonoring of (1:20) God-given bodies (1:24) –

 The truth about God is exchanged for a lie and the creature is worshiped and served rather than the Creator (1:25) –

How do people who claim to be wise become  Women and men exchange natural relations for fools? (1:22) relations that are contrary to nature and commit shameless acts (1:26-27) –

11  People are filled with all manner of Something tragic is being unrighteousness and bear the fruits of self-centered communicated in 1:24 – evil (1:28-31) – “Therefore God gave them up…” What does this mean?

 God’s righteous decree is willfully ignored and those who transgress it are approved (1:32) –

Romans 1:18-32 enables us to look at this tragic state of affairs from our Creator’s perspective. Paraphrasing the Why would God describe following passages into God’s point-of-view, what should homosexual acts as we learn as the created of the Creator? “contrary to nature”?  “What can be known about me is plain, because I How should his language shape our understanding have shown it to humanity. For my invisible and stance today? attributes, namely, my eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that I made. So

you are without excuse” –

 “Since you do not see fit to acknowledge me, I give you up to debased minds to do what ought not be done” – What is “a debased mind”? (1:28)

 “My righteous decree is that those who practice such things deserve to die” –

Why is it a serious CLOSING THOUGHT: To borrow from James 4:4, we have offense to approve of made ourselves enemies of God by perverting our passions that which God and pledging our allegiance to this wicked world. The condemns? resulting situation could not be more desperate.

12 • LESSON 4 • Romans 2:1-11 You Have No Excuse, O Man

or God shows no partiality.” That’s the strong affirmation of Romans 2:11. Not only that, it’s what “F we want in the authority figures with whom we interact from day to day—an absence of partiality. We expect our civil judges to rule impartially in accordance with the established laws of the land. We expect our police officers The first word in Romans to impartially enforce the rule of law as they protect the 2 is “therefore.” Why? innocent and apprehend the guilty. We expect our teachers Think back to how to instruct, correct, and nurture the maturation process of Romans 1 concluded. our children without partiality. We have these What sort of bridge is expectations because we find favoritism and prejudice hard Paul building between to deal with at best, grossly offensive at worst. Romans 1 and 2 with the use of the word In the first half of Romans 2, Paul not only establishes that “therefore”? our Creator does not show partiality, he also challenges the foolish human tendency to condemn in others the very things we tolerate in ourselves.

 How have you seen that phenomenon manifest itself in the lives of others?

 How have you seen the same phenomenon manifest When we say “you have itself in your own life? no excuse” to someone, what are we communicating?

 How might the phenomenon have been manifesting itself in the life of the saints in first-century Rome?

13 “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you As a way of summarizing who judges” (2:1). The Bible doesn’t shy away from the passages to the left, addressing the topic of judging others, but it says more when is judging someone than the “judge not that ye be not judged” mantra that is else completely so frequently thrown about without much context or inappropriate and elaboration. What should we learn from the following hypocritical? passages as disciples of Jesus?

:1-5 –

 John 7:24 –

On the flip-side, when is judging someone else  James 4:11-12 – not only appropriate, but called for?

 1 Corinthians 5:1-12 –

When God calls on us to How does what the Spirit of God is delivering through Paul “judge for [ourselves],” in Romans 2:1-3 harmonize with and compliment the what does he expect us above passages? What is the root of the problem being to do? (example: Luke exposed? 12:57, 1 Cor 10:15; 11:13)

14 “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and What does it mean, in forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness your own words, to is meant to lead you to repentance?” (2:5) Remember what “presume” on something Paul has already written in Romans 1:20. or someone?

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

How do these statements from Paul in Romans amplify How can we be guilty of Jesus’ declaration in :45 that the Father in presuming on God? heaven “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”?

How is even the rising of the sun and the falling of the rain meant to lead us to repentance?

In practical terms, what does a “hard and impenitent heart” (2:5) look like?

CLOSING THOUGHT: “The day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” is coming (2:5).

 Those with hard and impenitent hearts are storing up wrath for themselves (2:5).  God will render to each one according to his works: o To those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immorality, he will give eternal life (2:6-7). Why is wrath the o For those who are self-seeking and do not obey righteous divine the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will response to a hard and impenitent human be wrath and fury (2:8). heart?  There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good. God shows no partiality (2:9-11).

15 • LESSON 5 • Romans 2:11-29 God Shows No Partiality

f God shows “no partiality” (2:11), what about the fact that the Jews had a God-given law delivered through and I the Gentiles did not? Later in this same letter to the Romans, Paul will write of his Jewish “kinsmen according to the flesh”:

They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, In your own words, what and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and does it mean to be from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who “under the law”? is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. (9:3-5)

Are Jews, then, not superior to Gentiles? Or, on the flipside, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (1:18), but why would Gentiles be subject to this wrath? How can the assertion that God shows no partiality be true?

Paul addresses both people-groups and describes both as sinners in Romans 2:12: Can you illustrate the principle of being “under  All who have sinned without the law will also perish the law” with a modern- without the law. day application?  All who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.

Take a moment to carefully think through the distinction between these people-groups. Both are described as sinners, but why? In what way are they both accountable to their Creator, but for different reasons?

 Gentiles who were not given the law of Moses -

 Jews who were expected, as recipients of the law of Moses, to meet the requirements of that law –

16 How vitally important for descendants of Abraham to What is the fundamental understand, “it is not the hearers of the law who are difference between a righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be hearer of the law and a justified” (2:13). doer of the law?

 As a Jew, I am a physical descendant of the people- group which received the law, but that does not mean that my genealogy justifies me before God.  As a Jew, I may have been raised with a knowledge of the history of the Hebrews and an understanding of the essence of the law, but mere knowledge will Why is God so concerned that hearers of the law not justify me before God. be doers of the law?  As a Jew, I may be an expert in the finer points of the law, tithing even my mint and dill and cumin (Matt 23:23), but if I neglect the weightier matters

of the law—justice and mercy and faithfulness—I will not be justified before God.

There is one, and only one way to be justified by the law. Consider: What does Paul mean in For by works of the law no human being will be justified Romans 3:20 that in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of “through the law comes sin. (Rom 3:20) knowledge of sin”?

By works of the law no one will be justified. (Gal 2:16)

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and

do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” (Gal 3:10-12) Why would Paul write that “the law is not of You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified faith” in :12? by the law; you have fallen away from grace. (Gal 5:4)

What, then, is the one and only way to be justified by the law?

What problem does this pose for each and every Jew?

17 Does this mean that the Gentiles are unaccountable to God In what way are Gentiles for their ungodly and unrighteous conduct? “a law to themselves”? For when Gentiles, who do have the law, by nature do

what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while

their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the Why would Paul write secrets of men by Christ Jesus. (2:14-16) that “the work of the law But Jews, especially, ought to know better! Paul lists the is written on [] sort of things a physical descendant of Abraham might hearts”? boast in:

 You call yourself a Jew  You rely on the law

 You boast in God  You know his will  You approve what is excellent  You are instructed from the law  You are sure that you yourself are: Do we continue to see “the work of the law” o A guide to the blind written on the hearts of o A light to those who are in darkness people today? If so, in o An instructor of the foolish what way? o A teacher of children  You have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth

But, to borrow the words of Jesus from Luke 12:48, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they demand the more.”

You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you Can you think of other commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob passages temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by where we see a Jewish sense of superiority breaking the law. (Rom 2:21-23) toward Gentiles?

18 As a result, just as was true in the days of (52:5), Does God’s name “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles” continue to be because of the heirs of Abraham. blasphemed among A Jew might respond, “But surely my circumcision counts unbelievers because of the conduct of his for something!” Undoubtedly, circumcision had its place in children? Why? God’s plan for the Jews in the age of the .

 It was a physical sign of God’s with Abraham and his offspring (Gen 17:9-14).  Male children were always circumcised, in accordance with the law, seven days after their birth (Lev 12:1-3).

As a result, over the course of time, a great many Jews had come to believe that if they were circumcised, they could rest assured in their relationship with God and their superiority to the other races. In the words of Rabbi Levi:

In the world to come Abraham will sit in the entrance to Gehenna, and permit no Jew to descend therein. What then will he do to those who have sinned very much? He will remove the foreskin from babes who died before What did God mean circumcision and set it upon them and then let them when he called for his descend into Gehenna. (Gen. Rab. 48:8). people to “circumcise the foreskin of their But what about the heart? Even in the Old Testament: hearts”?

“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.” (Deut 10:16-17)

“Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds.” (Jer 4:4)

It is no coincidence, then, that Stephen describes the Jewish elders and scribes of his own day in the way that he does.

19 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and What did Paul mean ears, you always resist the . As your fathers when he warned, “if you did, so do you.” (Acts 7:51) break the law, your All of which leads Paul to reason as he does in Romans circumcision becomes uncircumcision”? 2:25-27.

For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised

keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law.

Take a moment to carefully reflect on Paul’s reasoning. What major point is he trying to get his Jewish brethren to understand? To expand on Paul’s point in Romans 2:28-29, what does it mean to be a Jew “inwardly”?

Finally, in Romans 2:28-29, Paul establishes this foundational principle.

For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by

the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

CLOSING THOUGHT: What is God looking for from both How does one come to Jew and Gentile? The obedience of faith! In Christ Jesus, be a Jew “inwardly”? Gentiles and Jews can be “sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Gal 3:26- 29)

20 • LESSON 6 • Romans 3:1-20 Then What Advantage Has the Jew?

ewish brothers and sisters in Christ would have naturally pictured ungodly Gentiles as they read Paul’s vivid J description of those who “suppress the truth” by their unrighteousness in Romans 1. They would have heartily agreed with the declaration that such aliens to the commonwealth of are “without excuse.” But then Paul wrote what he Why do we find it so did in Romans 2—establishing that both Gentile and Jew are tempting and natural to guilty in the sight of God—and it would have been a tough immediately ask pill for physical descendants of Abraham to swallow. questions in an attempt Remember the conclusion of what we have as Romans 2. to justify ourselves when we feel threatened or No one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is condemned? circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one

inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. (2:28-29)

Beginning in Romans 3, Paul anticipates and answers a number of objections that might naturally come from Jews who have just been condemned by the Spirit of God in How have you seen Romans 2 as hypocritical and relying on the wrong things. others respond in this way?  “Then what advantage has the Jew?” (3:1)

 “What is the value of circumcision?” (3:1)  “Is God unrighteous to inflict wrath on us?” (3:5)  “Why not do evil that good may come?” (3:8)

 “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?” (4:1)  “What then shall we say? That the law is sin?” (7:7) How have you responded  “Why does God still find fault? For who can resist in this way? his will?” (9:19)

 “Has God rejected his people?” (11:1)

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A great deal of this letter of Paul to the Romans is a God- What are “the oracles of breathed answer to these questions raised by the Jews. God”? We begin in Romans 3:1. “Then what advantage has the

Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?” Paul’s response? “Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.” Follow the flow of What can we learn about his argument. “oracles” from:

 What if some were unfaithful? Does their • Acts 7:37-38? faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? o By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar. • Hebrews 5:11-14?  But if our unrighteousness serves to show the

righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? o By no means! For then how could God judge • 1 Peter 4:7-11? the world?

 But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?

o The condemnation of those who deceive themselves and others with such slander is What does Paul mean as just. he emphasizes, “Let God  What then? Are we Jews any better off? be true though every one o No, not at all. For we have already charged were a liar” (3:3)? that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin.

With striking similarity to his indictment of the Gentiles in Romans 1:18-32, Paul invokes the Jews’ own Scriptures against them in Romans 3:10-18 to drive this point home. As it is written:

 “None is righteous, no, not one; no one In your own words, what understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned were some people aside; together they have become worthless; no one slanderously charging does good, not even one.” (Psa 14:1-3; 53:1-3) Paul as saying? (3:7-8)  “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” (Psa 5:9)  “The venom of asps is under their lips.” (Psa 140:3)  “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” (Psa 10:7)

22  “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths “Our unrighteousness are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they serves to show the have not known.” (Prov 1:16; Isa 59:7-8) righteousness of God!”  “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Psa “Through my lie God’s 36:1) truth abounds to his glory!” Why are these Remember Paul’s description of Jews in Romans 2:17-20. It not only false carries critical importance to grasping his present point. sentiments, but very deadly and destructive But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and lies to believe? boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind,

a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth…

…and yet, the very law on which you rely can be called as a witness against you? You who boast in the law are judged and condemned by that law as lawbreakers!

What advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of In what way does the law circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the stop every mouth? Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. (3:1-2)

However…

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (3:19-20) “Through the law comes knowledge of sin” (3:20). CLOSING THOUGHT: The Gentiles are not the only ones What does this mean? without an excuse. Law strips us all of our excuses. When Can you illustrate the we are told “Don’t do that!” we are given knowledge. When principle using an we are told “Do that!” we are instilled with knowledge. everyday example? Regardless of our ethnicity, we all come to be justly recognized as law-breakers in the sight of our Creator. Having broken God’s law, we cannot then rely on that law for justification. If we are going to be recognized as righteous, salvation must come via a different avenue.

23 • LESSON 7 • Romans 3:21-31 Justified by His Grace as a Gift

or by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes “F knowledge of sin.” That was the conclusion reached in Romans 3:20. To this point in his letter, the news delivered by Paul has been bleak to say the least.

 The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against In your own words, what all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by is “sin”? their unrighteousness suppress the truth (1:18).  There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek (2:9).  All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law (2:12). What makes sin so  Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, serious? but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes

uncircumcision (2:25).  None is righteous, no, not one (3:10).

No one can stand before the perfectly holy, perfectly just, perfectly impartial Creator of the universe and be recognized as perfectly acceptable by his or her own merit. “There is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of What does sin have to do the glory of God” (3:23). Whether Jew or Gentile, male or with “falling short of the female, rich or poor, slave or free, when my works are glory of God”? compared with God’s expectations, I am not shown to be guiltless, upheld as innocent, or vindicated as righteous. Without excuse, exception, or rationalization, I am shown to be guilty, convicted as a lawbreaker, and condemned as out of harmony with the will of my Creator. As such, I am without excuse. I have not given God the honor, thanksgiving, or obedient submission he rightly deserves.

24 Take a moment to think about being “justified.” We take In your own words, what the basic concept for granted nearly every time we use a is meant if something or word processor on a computer. someone is “justified”?

This leads us to a turning point in Paul’s letter to the Romans. Having shown that mankind is universally accountable to the full horror and destruction of sin, the What does the concept good news of God’s solution is introduced and will be of being “justified” have expounded upon over the course of the next few chapters. to do with what Paul is communicating in But now the righteousness of God has been manifested Romans 3? apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. (3:21-22a)

While Paul will reference a variety of Old Testament passages to support this idea before his letter is concluded, consider a few that might immediately spring to the original reader’s mind:

And [the LORD] brought [Abraham] outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall What does Paul mean by, your offspring be.” And he believed the LORD, and he “the righteousness of counted it to him as righteousness. (Gen 15:5-6) God has been manifested apart from the law”? Much more to come about Abraham in Romans 4.

Habakkuk 2:4 was already referenced by Paul in Romans 1:17.

“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

This righteousness isn’t new or novel. In fact, its shadow had been growing more substantial for a very long time.

25 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? How had the Scripture Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could “imprisoned everything give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the under sin”? law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ

came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a If you were going to try guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, and explain to someone through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into what it means to be Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor justified by grace as a Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male gift, how would you go and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if about doing it? you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (Gal 3:21-29)

While the differences were described in Romans 1 and 2, Jews and Gentiles now find themselves in the same boat in more than one way. Both have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Both can be justified before God on exactly the same basis. Paul uses the word “redemption” in Romans For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall 3:24. What is short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace redemption? as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

whom God put forward as a by his blood, to be received by faith. (Rom 3:22b-25a)

Remember the bookends of this letter that put its entire scope into context:

 “We have received grace and apostleship to bring We don’t use the word about the obedience of faith for the sake of his “propitiation” very often. name among all the nations” (1:5). Take the time to look up  “…the revelation of the mystery … has now been the definition. What is a disclosed and through the prophetic writings has “propitiation”? been made known to all nations, according to the

command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith” (16:25-26).

26 What God has accomplished through Christ demonstrates Is there any significance certain things that both Jew and Gentile need to recognize. to Paul’s use of the This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his phrase “passed over” in divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It describing what God had done with former sins? was to show his righteousness at the present time, so Perhaps Hebrews 10:1- that he might be just and the justifier of the one who 10 will be helpful as you has faith in Jesus. (3:25b-26) meditate on that phrase.

This concept is absolutely key. Take a moment to reflect on what the Spirit of God through Paul is communicating.

 In putting forward Jesus as a propitiation by his blood, how has God shown himself to be just?

 In putting forward Jesus as a propitiation by his blood, how has God shown himself to be the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus? Paul reaches the end of what we have as three chapters and declares that our boasting is excluded. What does he mean by this declaration?

Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law

of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since

God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then How does his declaration overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the in Romans 3:27 relate to contrary, we uphold the law. (3:27-30) his declaration in Galatians 6:14? CLOSING THOUGHT: For centuries, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. To proclaim justification by faith is to proclaim the fulfillment of what God had planned all along.

27 • LESSON 8 • Romans 4:1-25 Abraham, Who is the Father of Us All

hat we have as the conclusion of Romans 2 in our W Bibles communicates this important information: No one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man When you think of but from God. (2:28-29) Abraham, what comes to mind? Throughout Romans 3 and beyond, Paul anticipates and answers a number of Jewish objections to what he has written.

 Then what advantage has the Jew? (3:1)  What is the value of circumcision? (3:1)

 Is God unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (3:5)  Why not do evil that good may come? (3:8) Why does Paul refer to Abraham as “our This leads us to a fifth question in Romans 4:1. forefather according to the flesh” in 4:1? What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?

Our entire fourth chapter of Romans addresses the case study of Abraham and his justification. Paul begins his answer by putting things into their overall perspective.

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. (4:2) Why is Paul so confidently able to Why? In order to understand the full scope of Paul’s proclaim that Abraham answer, take the time now—before going any further—to could not be justified by read Genesis 15:1-20. If you’d like an even firmer grasp of works before God (4:2)? the overall context, begin reading in Genesis 12 and read through Genesis 15.

28

Why would Paul assert, “if Abraham was justified by works, Think for a moment he has something to boast about, but not before God”? He about righteousness immediately takes us back to what the Scripture says: being “counted to” “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as someone. The NASB translates it “credited.” righteousness.” (Gen 15:6; Rom 4:3) The ASV renders it “Now,” Paul reasons, making an appeal to our common “reckoned.” The NKJV sense. translates it “accounted.” What does this mean? To the one who works, his wages are not counted as a

gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness… (Rom 4:4-5)

In fact, Abraham is not the only Old Testament figure to whom we can look for clarification of this principle.

…just as David also speaks of the blessings of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: Can you illustrate in modern terms the basic “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, principle Paul is relying and whose sins are covered; upon in Romans 4:4? blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (4:6-8)

It’s a citation of Psalm 32:1-2 and Paul invokes it to lead his readers—particularly his Jewish readers—face to face with a fundamental question.

Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for

the uncircumcised? (4:9a) What does Paul mean by In other words, are Jews the only ones who enjoy the referring to “the one blessing of justification? And think back to the two things who does not work” in Paul has already brought up in his letter that the Jews took Romans 4:5? such great pride in and relied upon:

 The Law of Moses (2:17-24)  Circumcision (2:25-29)

Was Abraham justified by the Law of Moses? No! The Law wouldn’t be given for another 500+ years. Well then, was Abraham justified because of circumcision (Gen 17:1-14)?

29 We say that faith was counted to Abraham as In your own words, what righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it was the issue confronting before or after he had been circumcised? It was not the first-century church after, but before he was circumcised. He received the when it came to sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that circumcision? Perhaps he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. (4:9b- Acts 15:1 will be helpful 11a) in formulating your answer. Don’t miss this critical point: if Abraham could be “counted as righteous” without circumcision then, why can’t the Gentiles be “counted as righteous” before God now?

Remember, Paul was boldly proclaiming throughout the Gentile world:

Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be

revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a

guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor

Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if What do you think it you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, means to “walk in the heirs according to promise. (Gal 3:23-29) footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham In order to make this point clear in his letter to the had before he was Romans, Paul takes a “big picture” look at what God was circumcised” (4:12)? doing all along.

The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. (Rom 4:11b-12)

Having addressed the issue of Abraham and circumcision, Paul turns his attention to the issue of Abraham and the law.

30 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he Why would Paul write would be heir of the world did not come through the what he wrote in law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is Romans 4:14? Can you the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is reframe his null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, straightforward assertion but where there is no law there is no transgression. in your own words? That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father “For the law brings of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your wrath, but where there is offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he no law there is not considered his own body, which was as good as dead transgression” (4:15). (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he What does this mean? considered the barrenness of ’s womb. No distrust

made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for Notice the connection our trespasses and raised for our justification. (4:13-25) Paul draws between life being given to “dead” CLOSING THOUGHT: As we wade through the deep waters Abraham (4:19) and of Romans, don’t forget the framing bookends of the entire “dead” Jesus (4:23-25). letter (1:5; 16:26). Whether Jew or Gentile, God is looking to What does this powerful shape the obedience of faith within us. Paul is not connection have to do contradicting :8-19 or James 2:14-24. These with “us who believe” God-breathed letters complement each other to establish: (4:24)?

 No human being is justified by works of the law.  Circumcision in and of itself does not justify.  Works without faith will not justify.  Faith without works will not justify.

31 • LESSON 9 • Romans 5:1-11 Peace with God Through Jesus Christ

hen we run across words like “therefore” in Scripture, we need to pause and make sure we appreciate that W they are “there for” a reason. They serve to connect points previously made as foundational with important principles of application. Paul’s use of the “therefore” tool is pivotal to our grasp of Romans 5. Can you illustrate the FOUNDATIONAL POINTS PREVIOUSLY MADE: usefulness of the “therefore” tool in your But now the righteousness of God has been manifested own words? Write your apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets own foundational bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through premise… faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. (3:21-22)

Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By

what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (3:27-28)

For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he

would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. (4:13) …and use “therefore” to connect it to a principle That is why it depends on faith, in order that the of application… promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. (4:16)

That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. (4:22-25)

32 IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE OF APPLICATION: In your own words, what Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we does it mean to “have have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (5:1) peace with God”?

Paul has been building towards this pivotal, gospel-soaked point since Romans 1. Remember the universal bad news.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth (1:18)

Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, Thinking about the overall context of the not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to letter and the makeup of repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent the church in Rome, heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day what impact should of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be “peace with God” have revealed. (2:3-5) on the relationships of Jewish and Gentile Gentiles deserve God’s wrath. Jews deserve God’s wrath. brothers and sisters in For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall Christ, and—by extension—on our own short of the glory of God... (3:23) relationships today? But just as each and every one of us are within the terrible Notice especially Romans scope of the bad news, God has ensured that each and 14:13-19. every one of us are extended the opportunity to respond to the good news.

…and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. (3:24-25)

Jesus Christ is the sacrifice provided by our gracious God in order to satisfy the righteous wrath of God.

It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (3:26)

33 To rephrase Paul’s climactic point in Romans 5:1, through Paul has repeatedly our Lord Jesus Christ, we have peace with God. Whether referred to Jesus as Jew or Gentile, we can enjoy reconciliation with the “Lord” in this letter (1:4, Creator we have spurned and rejected because his own Son 7; 4:24). Why is it served as a sacrifice of atonement for our sins. We can important that we regard stand justified in his sight by faith—not in our family tree, Jesus not simply as a circumcision, or the record of our own works—but by faith means to our in Christ. It is a point that most certainly harmonizes with justification but the and compliments the bookends of the letter: rightful Lord of our new lives of reconciliation to  “We have received grace and apostleship to bring God? about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations” (1:5).  “…the revelation of the mystery … has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith” (16:25-26).

Meditate with Paul on the spiritual blessings our God and Father has blessed us with in our Lord Jesus Christ. What do these statements provide that enhance our overall understanding of the gospel?

 “Through [Christ] we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (5:2a)

 “And we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (5:2b)

 “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings” (5:3a)

34  “Knowing that”:  Suffering produces endurance (5:3b)

 Endurance produces character (5:4a)

 Character produces hope (5:4b)

 Hope does not put us to shame (5:5a)

 “Because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (5:5b)

Which leads Paul to this powerful statement of summary:

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one who will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (5:6-11)

CLOSING THOUGHT: Paul spent four solid chapters establishing this reality: we are weak. We are hopeless. We are ungodly. We are lost. But Romans 5 is a gospel-injection of hope. At just the right time, Christ died for us. Now, we can be saved by his life. Having firmly established the problem and introduced God’s solution, Paul will begin to show us how to live for him.

35 • LESSON 10 • Romans 5:12-21 The Free Gift is Not Like the Trespass

ore than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now “M received reconciliation.” That’s where we left off in Romans 5:11. Each one of us deserves to bear the wrath of God. Not one of us can stand justified in his sight based on our family tree, circumcision, or the record of our own works. In your own words: We have all fallen short of his glory. • What is Jesus declaring But now the righteousness of God has been manifested in John 14:6? apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. (3:21-22)

Now, the choice is mine. How will I respond to the intervention of God through Jesus Christ? The terms are clear. The consequences are weighty. • What is Jesus asserting in :5? Jesus said to [Thomas], “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) • What is Peter preaching in Acts 4:12? “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and • What is Paul saying in 1 Timothy 2:3-6? there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. (1 Tim 2:3-6)

36 Through Jesus, there is a path of reconciliation to the In what way did sin Father. In Jesus, there is abundant life and salvation. Jesus “come into the world” is the one and only mediator between God and mankind— through ? whether Jew or Gentile, male or female, rich or poor, slave or free. All can stand justified in the sight of God by faith— not in our family tree, circumcision, or the record of our own works—but by faith in Christ.

Outside of Christ, we are “in” Adam. In Adam, there is condemnation and death. Notice the contrast that is being drawn by Paul.

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one

man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned… (Rom 5:12) What is the “death” that spread to all men? Through Adam there is condemnation and death:

 Sin came into the world through Adam.

 Death came into the world through sin.  Death spread to all men because all sinned.

Through Christ there is justification and life:

 Justification came into the world through Christ.  Life came into the world through justification.  Life is available to all men through faith in Christ. “And God saw everything Outside of Christ, I am “in” Adam—a universal that he had made, and representation of the person who stands before God on the behold, it was very good” basis of his or her own works. (Gen 1:31). Why, then, do you think God put the The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden tree of the knowledge of of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God good and evil in the commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of garden? What did God every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the want from Adam? knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Gen 2:15-17)

Paul has already reminded us of this basic principle: “It is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified” (Rom 2:13). Adam broke God’s law. In the day that he broke God’s law, he died. And one of Paul’s foundational points throughout

37 his letter to the Romans is that we have all followed in the In what way have we all law-breaking footsteps of Adam! It’s an epidemic that followed in the law- stretches much deeper into mankind’s history than God’s breaking footsteps of giving of the law through Moses to the descendants of Adam? Abraham at .

…for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. (Rom 5:13- It can be challenging at 14) times to know exactly what “law” Paul has in Our record under law is Adam’s record. “By works of the mind—the principle of law no human being will be justified in his sight” (3:20). law in general or the “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:23). specific Law of Moses? From Adam to Moses, we broke God’s laws. From Moses to Which “law” is Paul Malachi, the descendants of Abraham defied God’s referencing in 5:13? expectations. The wages of the human record under law is death (6:23a). Why is it important that …but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus Christians view their our Lord. (6:23b) justification in Jesus as a “free gift”? In what way To pick back up our context in Romans 5: is it a “free gift”?

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace

of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those “Because of one man’s who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of trespass, death reigned.” righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus How did death reign? You might find Hebrews Christ. (5:15-17) 2:14-15 helpful. Adam may be an accurate representative of our record under law, but he does not represent Jesus. Jesus didn’t follow in Adam’s sinful footsteps. Jesus “committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Pet 2:22), which

38 is precisely why God was able to put him “forward as a Whereas death formerly propitiation by his blood” (Rom 3:25). reigned, notice what has Now, the choice is mine. The terms are clear. The changed: consequences are weighty. Outside of Christ, I am “in” • Much more will those Adam. When it comes to justification before God: who receive the abundance of grace  I cannot rely on my family tree; it’s full of sinners. and the free gift of  I cannot rely on the record of my own works; I am a righteousness reign in sinner. life through the one  I cannot rely on mere knowledge of the law; only man Jesus Christ. (5:17) doers of the law will be justified (2:13). • As sin reigned in death,  I cannot rely on physical circumcision; if you break grace also might reign the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision through righteousness (2:25). leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ But God has intervened. He is willing to justify me by his our Lord. (5:21) grace as a gift, through the redemption that is “in” Christ (3:24). “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 What has changed? How Pet 2:24a). has it changed? And what does it mean for Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men and women who men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification are now “in” Christ? and life for all men. For as by the one man’s

disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (5:18-21)

Now, the choice is mine. For whom will I live? In whom will I boast?

CLOSING THOUGHT: In the next chapter of his letter, Paul will assert, “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace” (Rom 6:14). Our record under law is Adam’s record. “In” Christ, we are “under grace.” He bore our sins “that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Pet 2:24b). Paul will show us exactly how we “died to sin” and now “live” in Romans 6.

39 • LESSON 11 • Romans 6:1-23 Dead to Sin and Alive to God in Christ

omans 5 brought us to one of the great climactic points of Paul’s letter. Sin came into the world through Adam, and R death through sin. Death not only spread to all men, it reigned over all men, because all sin and fall short of the glory of God.

Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all “Are we to continue in men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification sin that grace may and life for all men. For as by the one man’s abound?” Why would disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one anyone even ask such a question? man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (5:18-21)

This leads Paul to a pivotal question and an explanatory reminder.

First, the pivotal question: What will it look like, What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that practically speaking, if I grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died answer that question to sin still live in it? (6:1-2) with, “By all means”?

Next, the explanatory reminder:

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were

buried therefore with him by into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (6:3-4)

40 Redemption is available by God’s grace as a gift “in Christ In your own words, what Jesus” (3:24). But how do I come to be “in” Christ? does it mean to be “in”  My family tree doesn’t put me in Christ; it’s full of Christ? sinners (3:23).  The record of my own works doesn’t put me in Christ; I am a sinner (3:20).  Mere knowledge of the law doesn’t put me in Christ; only doers of the law will be justified by the law (2:13).  Physical circumcision doesn’t put me in Christ; remember the God-breathed point already made by Paul in Romans 2:28-29: Why does Paul repeatedly and For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is consistently emphasize circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one that these wonderful inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by spiritual blessings are available to us in Christ the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man “through faith”? but from God.

How then do we come to be “in” Christ? With hearts full of faith (1:5; 3:21-25; 4:16, 23-25; 5:1; 16:25-27), we are baptized into Christ Jesus.

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for

you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to In :11, when promise. (Gal 3:26-29) Paul describes the circumcision made In [Christ] also you were circumcised with a without hands as circumcision made without hands, by putting off the involving “putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having body of the flesh,” what been buried with him in baptism, in which you were does he mean? also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. (Col 2:11-12)

This is exactly the point Paul made in Romans 4:

41  Even though his body was “as good as dead,” Don’t miss the Abraham believed God’s promise that he would significance of these become the father of many nations (4:16-22). God-breathed  Righteousness will also “be counted to us who connections. How would believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our you summarize: Lord” (4:23-25). • Abraham was “dead,” And so, Paul tells Christians in Colossae, we are raised with but he believed God’s Christ in baptism “through faith in the powerful working promise about new life of God, who raised him from the dead” (Col 2:12).

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by • Jesus was dead, but we canceling the record of debt that stood against us with believe that he was its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the raised to life by God cross. (Col 2:13-14)

Paul has reached the same point of gospel explanation in his letter to the Romans.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized • We are raised with into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were Christ in baptism buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in through faith in the order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by powerful working of the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of God that we might walk life. (6:3-4) in newness of life

Paul has used this point of explanation as a reminder.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? (6:1-2)

As those who have been brought “into Christ Jesus” and justified by God’s grace as a gift, we are no longer to live in sin. Our heavenly Father intends for us to walk in newness of life. What will this mean, practically speaking? Carefully consider what Paul communicates in Romans 6:5-14. How would you summarize these truths in your own words?

 “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (6:5)

42  “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” (6:6-7)

 “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (6:8-11)

 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” (6:12)

 “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (6:13)

 “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law, but under grace.” (6:14)

Once again, Paul anticipates a question and provides an inspired response.

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if In everyday terms, what does it mean to you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, “present” myself as an you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, “obedient slave”? which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and having been set free from sin, have

43 become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human What is the significance terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as of Paul’s emphasis that you once presented your members as slaves to impurity Christians have been and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now “obedient from the present your members as slaves to righteousness heart” (6:17)? Can you leading to sanctification. (6:15-19) think of other New Testament passages that While on one hand Paul’s letters are full of wondrous emphasize the same depths with challenging insights that even the apostle thing? Peter described as “hard to understand” (2 Pet 3:15-16), he frequently leads us to very straightforward, distinct forks in the road.

I WILL present myself as an obedient slave, either to:

SIN OBEDIENCE

Impurity Righteousness In your own words, what is “sanctification”?

Lawlessness Sanctification

DEATH ETERNAL LIFE

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard Paul is making an appeal to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at to our common sense in that time from the things of which you are now Romans 6:20. What does ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now he mean? that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (6:20-23)

CLOSING THOUGHT: At this point, the choice is mine. God has provided everything that I need to enjoy reconciliation with him and to make an informed, wise decision. Reject God or be reconciled to him. The consequences are clear.

44 • LESSON 12 • Romans 7:1-25 The New Way of the Spirit

or sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then? Are we to “F sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” (Rom 6:14-15)

To illustrate this foundation principle, Paul used the figure “I am speaking to those of slavery as an example in Romans 6. who know the law…” Do you not know that if you present yourselves to (7:1) What does this anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one parenthetical statement mean and why is it whom you obey…? (6:16a) helpful? To further illustrate the same point in Romans 7, Paul uses the institution of as a second example.

Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? For a married woman is

bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. In your own words, what Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives can we learn from with another man while her husband is alive. But if her Romans 7:1-3? husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. (7:1-3)

While our grasp on the nature of marriage can certainly be enhanced from Paul’s illustration, it’s important to remember that it is an illustration used to make a point within a much larger context. If you are a Christian, the principle reflected upon in Romans 7:1-3 applies to your heavenly Father’s expectation that you would now walk in newness of life.

Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in

45 order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. (7:4-6)

Take the time to appreciate this God-breathed parallel.

PRINCIPLE: The law is binding on a person only as long as he lives.

A MARRIED WOMAN YOU ALSO, MY BROTHERS

Bound by law to her husband Our sinful passions, aroused by the law, while he lives were at work in our members to bear fruit for death

If her husband dies, she is You also have died to the law through the released from the law of marriage body of Christ

She will be called an adulteress We are released from the law, having died if she lives with another man to that which held us captive while her husband is alive

If her husband dies, she is free from You belong to another, to him who was that law. If she marries another man raised from the dead, in order that we may she is not an adulteress bear fruit for God and serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code

 In what way were “our sinful passions, aroused by the law…at work in our members to bear fruit for death”?

 How did we die to the law which held us captive?

 In contrast to “the old way of the written code,” what is this “new way of the Spirit”?

46 This leads Paul to anticipate another question and to Why would anyone even provide some very enlightening Spirit-led insight into the suggest that “the law is purpose of law and its connection to sin. sin”?

What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”

(7:7)

How would you summarize this foundational point in your own words?

What is covetousness?

But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I

was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. The Why would Paul describe very commandment that promised life proved to be sin as something that death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the comes alive, seizes, and commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. kills? So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in

47 my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but Why would Paul write, not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I “For I know that nothing want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. good dwells in me, that Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do is, in my flesh” (7:18)? it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in

my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (7:8-24)

We have just been given invaluable insight into the insidious nature of sin. What have we learned from these Romans 7:20 puts into very honest reflections and confessions of Paul? words a devastating realization. In what way does sin dwell within us?

The chapter concludes with this summary statement: “So then, I CLOSING THOUGHT: My record under law is Adam’s myself serve the law of record. Like Adam and Eve, I once was alive. I had not God with my mind, but presented myself as a slave to sin. But the time came when with my flesh I serve the I willfully transgressed the law. Sin came alive and I died. law of sin” (7:25b). What Once I travel this forbidden pathway, law is of no does this mean? redemptive help. Even though I have the desire to do what is right, death dominatingly reigns over and me. “Thanks be to God” that rescue is available “through Jesus Christ our Lord” (7:25a)! Paul will turn his full attention to the blessed scope of this rescue in Romans 8.

48 • LESSON 13 • Romans 8:1-17 Led by the Spirit of Life

omans 7:4 was a significant bit of God-shaped news in our understanding of what our Savior is doing to “bring about R the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations” (1:5).

Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law Consider where we have through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to been led by Paul another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in throughout this letter: order that we may bear fruit for God. • Rom 1: Gentiles are In Romans 6, Paul made clear the fact that if we belong to guilty. Christ, our foolish relationship with sin must change. • Rom 2: Jews are guilty. • Rom 3: None is We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will righteous, not one. never die again; death no longer has dominion over • Rom 4: Justification him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, depends on faith. but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must • Rom 5: Grace can reign consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in through Jesus. Christ Jesus. (6:9-11) • Rom 6: How can we who died to sin still Through our Lord Jesus Christ, we who have been justified live in it? by faith “have peace with God” (5:1). All have sinned and • Rom 7: We have been fall short of the glory of God, but all can be justified by his released from the law grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ that we may serve in Jesus (3:23). the way of the Spirit.

Having methodically developed in Romans 1-7 the means In your own words, what of our justification in Jesus, the Spirit of God leads Paul in does Paul mean when he affirms that there is now Romans 8 to new heights as the glory of the revelation of no condemnation for the mystery that was kept secret for long ages is now those who are in Christ? summarized.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (8:1)

49 Why? On what basis? In what way was the law For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ “weakened by the Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done flesh”? what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. (8:2- 3a)

Where has the breakdown occurred? The law was not weak in its God-defined purpose; people were weak in that they failed to abide by and fulfill their Creator’s expectations. Law is only a source of deliverance to those who flawlessly obey it. Once violated, law provides no way of escape. Quite to the contrary, it demands accountability and punishment. But God has intervened. He had promised, How would you “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I summarize some of the will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel most significant and with the house of Judah…” (Heb 8:8) differences between the old covenant and the One of the hallmarks of this new covenant would be: new covenant?

“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” (Heb 8:12)

Meditate on this further explanation:

For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to

come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sin? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is Why was it impossible impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins? sins. (Heb 10:1-4)

Sin has been committed and the law demands justice, but God has done what the law could not do.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col 1:13-14)

50 By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh In what way was sin and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that “condemned in the the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled flesh” by the sending of in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according God’s own Son? to the Spirit. (Rom 8:3b-4)

This brings Paul back to us. In light of what God has done, what should we do now? What must we do now? Throughout his letters, Paul describes the Christian life as a “walk.” It is a walk with behavioral boundaries. It is a walk that is Father-defined, Christ-centered, Spirit-led, gospel-empowered, faith-fueled, and glory-focused (2 Cor What was “the righteous 5:7; 10:2-3; Gal 5:16; Eph 2:10; 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15; Phil 3:17-18; requirement of the law” Col 1:10; 2:6; 3:7; 4:5; 1 Thes 2:12; 4:1, 12; 2 Thes 3:6, 11). that was fulfilled in Jesus? For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Rom 8:5-8)

FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION: Whose lead will I choose to follow?

Those who walk according to the flesh Those who walk according to the Spirit

Have their minds set on Have their minds set on the things of the flesh the things of the Spirit

Such a mind is hostile to God Such a mind is pleasing to God because it does not submit because it submits

This is DEATH This is LIFE and PEACE

For the Christian, this issue should already be settled.

51 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in “If in fact the Spirit of fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does God dwells in you…if not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But Christ is in you…” What if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of does this mean? Perhaps sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the :14-19 will be Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in helpful. you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Rom 8:9-13) In your own words, what Paul has already explained how this Spirit-led execution does it mean to “walk by takes place. the Spirit”?

How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ

Jesus were baptized into his death? (6:2b-3)

In his letter to the Galatians (5:16-23), Paul very specifically describes the works of the flesh, the fruit of the Spirit, and the mindset demanded of the Christian. “You have received the Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the Spirit of adoption as flesh with its passions and desires. sons, by whom we cry, If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with ‘Abba! Father!’” Practically speaking, the Spirit. (Gal 5:24-25) what does this mean? This is not an easy walk. Will it be worth it? How should it shape our understanding of our For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. new identity in Jesus? For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Rom 8:14-17)

CLOSING THOUGHT: If there is any further doubt as to whether walking by the Spirit now will be ultimately worth it or not, Paul will seek to remove all lingering doubt in Romans 8:18-39.

52 • LESSON 14 • Romans 8:18-39 The Glory That Is To Be Revealed To Us

s Christians, we are being called to walk a difficult walk. It is a walk that is Father-defined, Christ-centered, Spirit A led, gospel-empowered, faith-fueled, and glory-focused. It will lead us, at times, down pathways of suffering.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we How would you describe are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of “the sufferings of this heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we present time”? When suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified you think of suffering, with him. (Rom 8:16-17) what comes to mind?

Will it be worth it? The Spirit’s answer throughout the rest of Romans 8 represents some of the most encouraging God-breathed words in all of Scripture.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (8:18)

Life in this sin-darkened world will involve suffering. Since

Genesis 3 when sin came into the world, suffering of a terrible variety has been a reality. But Paul encourages Why is it frequently Christians to trust God enough to compare the present worthwhile to compare reality with the future glory that is going to be revealed. what we presently have with what we could have Similarly, in :16-18: in the future? What we presently are with what So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is we will be? wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

53 This present, transient time is a time of groaning. Why is creation presently • CREATION is groaning. groaning? How does humanity experience For the creation waits with eager longing for the creation’s groaning? revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was

subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. (8:19-22)

• CHILDREN OF GOD are groaning. Why are the children of And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have God groaning? To what the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait are the children of God eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our looking forward? bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (8:23-25)

• THE SPIRIT OF GOD is groaning.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for What difference should it words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the make in the lives of mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the children of God to know that the Spirit of God is saints according to the will of God. (8:26-27) also groaning? Mention of the will of God naturally leads Paul to express and encourage great confidence in the sovereign providence of God.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called

according to his purpose. For… (8:28-29a)

“For” serves as a connective link between the confidence expressed in Romans 8:28 and the reasons that undergird What should we make of the confidence Paul is encouraging in the lives of his fellow Romans 8:28? believers. Why should we be confident?

54 …those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (8:29b-30)

Think carefully through what is being revealed about God in these verses. Based on Romans 8, as well as your understanding of the larger New Testament revelation, how would you encapsulate the meaning of these phrases? Ephesians 1:3-23 might be an additional help.

 God foreknew –

 God predestined those whom he foreknew to be conformed to the image of his Son –

 The aim of the Father’s plan is that his Son might be the firstborn among many brothers –

 Those whom the Father predestined he also called –

 Those whom the Father called he also justified –

 Those whom the Father justified he also glorified –

In the midst of a sin-darkened world, the Spirit of God is providing anchor points that we desperately need in order to maintain God-shaped perspective. The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that our sovereign God has promised to reveal.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (8:31-32)

55 Take the time to appreciate the give-and-take in Romans Who are “God’s elect”? 8:33-37.

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?

It is God who justifies.

Who is to condemn?

Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, In what way is Jesus who indeed is interceding for us. “interceding” for us? Hebrews 7:23-25 and Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall 1 John 2:1 might prove to tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or be helpful. nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Remember how Paul introduced himself in Romans 1:1. How could Paul possibly affirm that “we are more Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle… than conquerors” in the midst of such terrible As a recipient and messenger of divine revelation (1 Cor suffering? 2:10-16; 14:37; Gal 1:11-12; Eph 3:1-5; 1 Thes 2:13; 4:8, 15)

Paul is able and willing to now say:

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all

creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (8:38-39) What might we be forced into separation from in CLOSING THOUGHT: Our heavenly Father does not in any this life? At the same way minimize or sugarcoat the reality of suffering in this time, why does not being present time. Our post-Genesis 3 world is a world of separated from the love immeasurable heartache. Christians will suffer right along of God in Christ make all with the rest of humanity. But Satan will not have the last the difference? word. Suffering will not define eternity for those whom God has justified. The glory that will be revealed to us is beyond all human comparison or imagination.

56 • LESSON 15 • Romans 9:1-33 Is There Injustice on God’s Part?

n Acts 9, Luke tells the story of Saul’s conversion. Before the end of the chapter, certain Jews were plotting to kill Saul I (9:23). In Acts 14, Jews from Antioch and Iconium stoned Paul, drug him out of the city of Lystra, supposing that he was dead (14:19). In Acts 17, Jews who were jealous of Paul took “some wicked men of the rabble,” formed a mob, and set How would you the city of Thessalonica in an uproar (17:5). Paul knew all summarize the feeling of too well what it was to be at odds with his fellow many unbelieving Jews descendants of Abraham. towards Paul? Why did they feel the way that And yet, Paul would not shrink back from or stop they did? proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on

behalf of you Gentiles—assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by

revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is Why do you think Paul that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same says what he says in body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus Romans 9:1-3? through the gospel. (Eph 3:1-6)

In Romans 9-11, Paul specifically focuses in on what the revelation of this mystery now means for Israel.

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off

57 from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen Overall, what is Paul according to the flesh. (9:1-3) communicating with this How would you summarize what Paul is saying about his rehearsal of Israel’s kinsmen in Romans 9:4-5? What do these phrases mean? history and blessings in Romans 9:4-5?  They are Israelites –

 To them belong the adoption –

 To them belong the glory –

 To them belong the covenants – How did these great blessings ultimately lead Israel to the point of  To them belong the giving of the law – being “without excuse”?

 To them belong the worship –

 To them belong the promises –

 To them belong the patriarchs –

Don’t miss how Paul  From their race, according to the flesh, is the describes Jesus in Christ – Romans 9:5—“the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.” What does this mean? Where, then, is the breakdown?

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through shall your offspring be named.” (9:6-7)

58 Remember what Paul has already established in Romans Even though Abraham 2:25-29. already had Ishmael as a For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, son, in Genesis 21:12 but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes God said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised named.” What is Paul’s keeps the precepts of the law, will not his point in bringing up this uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he example? who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who

is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not

by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. In your own words, what The selection of Isaac as the branch of Abraham’s family is the difference tree through whom great blessings would flow was God’s between being merely choice, not Abraham’s or Sarah’s. Just because a Jew could “children of the flesh” in trace his physical heritage directly to Abraham did not contrast to being automatically align him or her with the promises of God. “children of the promise”? This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise

said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our

forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s Before and purpose of election might continue, not because of were even born, God works but because of him who calls—she was told, “The said in Genesis 25:23, older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I “The older will serve the loved, but Esau I hated.” (9:8-13) younger.” What is Paul’s point in bring up this God had the right to choose Isaac over Ishmael as the example? family line through whom the Messiah would come. God had the right to choose Jacob over Esau—not on the basis of works or law-keeping—the children had not yet even been born! The basis was God’s choice, plain and simple. And in the same way, God has the right to include Gentiles right along with Jews in his church.

59 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? Romans 9:13 contains a By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy quotation from Malachi on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on 1:2-3. Why is it whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on important to recognize human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For that God is referencing the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I Jacob and Esau as have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, representative of the and that my name might be proclaimed in all the nations of Israel and earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and Edom, not simply two he hardens whomever he wills. (9:14-18) individuals?

The question is, who is willing to yield to God? Who is willing to be shaped by God? Whether Jew or Gentile, who is willing to respond with the obedience of faith?

You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same Throughout Exodus we lump one vessel for honorable use and another for read of the hardened dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his heart of Pharaoh (7:3; 8:15; 9:34-35). What is wrath and to make known his power, has endured with Paul’s point in bringing much patience vessels of wrath prepared for up this example? destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—even us whom he has called, not

from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? (9:19-24)

Think about just how longsuffering God had been with the Jewish people. Why? First, that they might repent (Rom 2:4). Second, “in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy.” A spectacular mystery was finally being unveiled—the Gentiles are fellow heirs, How would you members of the same body, and partakers of the promise summarize what is being in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Physical descendants of communicated in Abraham can most certainly also be a part of the same Romans 9:19-24? body, if they are willing to submit to God on God’s terms.

As indeed he says in ,

“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”

60 “And in the very place where it was said to them, Pay careful attention to ‘You are not my people,’ Paul’s summary there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” statement beginning in And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the Romans 9:30. What does this mean? number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, for the Lord will • Gentiles who did not carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without pursue righteousness delay.” And as Isaiah predicted, have attained it, that is, a righteousness that “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, is by faith we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.” (9:25-29)

Even though an entire nation of men and women had descended from Abraham, only a remnant of them would be saved. Why? Because “no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly” (2:28). Not all who have been circumcised are • Israel who pursued a willing to “walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father law that would lead to Abraham had before he was circumcised” (4:12). “Not all righteousness did not who are descended from Israel belong to Israel” (9:6). succeed in reaching What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not that law because they did not pursue it by pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a faith, but as if it were righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who based on works pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written,

“Behold, I am laying in a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him In what way is Jesus and will not be put to shame.” (9:30-33) the gospel “a stone of stumbling and a rock of CLOSING THOUGHT: Jesus Christ is the chosen and offense? precious cornerstone of God’s entire plan for mankind’s redemption. Whoever believes in him will not be put to shame (1 Pet 2:6). To trust in our family heritage, physical circumcision, the record of our own works, or anything else is to turn our backs on our only hope. “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:11-12).

61 • LESSON 16 • Romans 10:1-21 No Distinction Between Jew and Greek

t’s helpful to remember that Paul didn’t include chapter breaks in his letters. While we depend on chapters and I verses for ease of reference, they can sometimes be a slight interruption. Romans 10 is a continuation of the same thought Paul was developing throughout Romans 9. He begins with a reaffirmation of his feelings for his fellow Jews. What does it mean to “have a zeal for God, but Brothers, my heart’s desire and to God for them not according to is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that knowledge”? Can we they have a zeal for God, but not according to make the same mistake knowledge. (10:1-2) today? If so, how?

Take a moment to revisit Romans 9:4-5. How could the zeal of so many of Paul’s kinsmen according to the flesh not be in accordance with knowledge?

For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. (10:3) How would you rephrase Remember the pivotal point Paul made in Romans 3:20-25. the tragic diagnosis of Romans 10:3? For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short Why is it critical that we of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a all submit to God’s gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, righteousness? whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

62 So many physical descendants of Abraham had stumbled, In what way is Christ “the were stumbling, and continue to stumble over the chosen end of the law for and precious cornerstone of God’s entire plan for righteousness to mankind’s redemption—Jesus Christ (1 Pet 2:6). So many everyone who believes”? have failed to grasp the weight of the logical questions Paul asked of all Jews in Romans 3:27-28.

Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

This is the point to which Paul has returned in Romans 10. What was God communicating through For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to Moses in :5? everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the What does Galatians righteousness that is based on the law, that the person 3:10 have to add to the who does the commandments shall live by them. But discussion? the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that What is Paul doing in Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised quoting Deuteronomy him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart 30:12-14? one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to

shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls

on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (10:4-13) By quoting :16, Everyone. Jew and Gentile. Male and female. Rich and poor. what does Paul want all Free and slave. Everyone. On the same basis—the Jews everywhere to obedience of faith in Christ (Rom 1:5; 3:21-22; 16:25-27). recognize? Clearly, it was and is absolutely critical that this good news continues to spread.

63 How then will they call on him in whom they have not Paul reminds his Jewish believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom brethren of what had they have never heard? And how are they to hear been prophesied in without someone preaching? And how are they to 2:32. Why was this a preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How truth from which Paul beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good would never back down? news!” (10:14-15)

This is why Paul simply will not stop, regardless of the obstacles, hardships, and persecutions.

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So What sad reality is Paul faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the bringing his Jewish word of Christ. brethren face-to-face But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, with in Romans 10:16- for 21?

“Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”

But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,

“I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” Why was it “necessary” Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, that the word of God be spoken first to the Jews? “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”

But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” (10:16-21)

CLOSING THOUGHT: In Acts 13:46, Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly to unbelieving Jews, saying, “It was Was it too late necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. altogether for all Jews to Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of respond to the gospel? If eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.” So not, what did they need many physical descendants of Abraham rejected their to grasp in order to be Messiah. They rejected God’s plan by seeking to establish reconciled to God on their own righteousness. When clearly warned about the God’s terms? consequences of their rejections, they refused to listen to God’s messengers. May we not make the same mistake.

64 • LESSON 17 • Romans 11:1-36 Lest You Be Wise in Your Own Sight

omans 11 is a conclusive chapter of Paul’s letter on two fronts. It is the last of three chapters wherein Paul R specifically focuses in on what the revelation of the gospel now means for Israel. It is also the conclusion of eleven chapters worth of deep, rich, doctrinal material. Beginning in Romans 12 and continuing throughout the rest of the What is Paul’s point in letter, Paul will provide a great deal of practical insight reminding his readers of into how the gospel shapes everyday life. But first, the ’s words of despair God-breathed concluding thoughts of Romans 11. and the LORD’s response in 1 Kings 19:9-18? I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of . God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “There is a remnant, “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have chosen by grace.” Who not bowed the knee to .” So too at the present time was this remnant and in what way were they there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, “chosen by grace”? it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (11:1-6)

Hasn’t that been one of Paul’s most foundational points since Romans 3:20? It is a lesson that the descendants of

Abraham must grasp, apply, and build their lives upon if they are to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. If they continue to refuse and insist on their own way… What had Israel been What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. seeking and why had The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is they failed to obtain it? written,

65 “God gave them a spirit of stupor, On the other hand, who eyes that would not see are “the elect” and what and ears that would not hear, had they obtained? How down to this very day.” had they obtained it?

And David says,

“Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.”

So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the Why quote Elijah, Isaiah, world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, Moses, and David? What how much more will their full inclusion mean! (11:7-12) is Paul doing?

As a means of summarizing Paul’s entire diagnosis of the stumbling of so many Jews, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 13:13-17.

“This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the of

Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. Why does Paul bring up For this people’s heart has grown dull, the possibility and and with their ears they can barely hear, potential of Israel and their eyes they have closed, becoming “jealous”? In lest they should see with their eyes what way could their jealousy develop into a and hear with their ears good thing? and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and

righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

66 The terms of the gospel have been made known. The glory God had commanded in of the mystery has been revealed. Who will show that they the law, “Of the first of have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts that are willing to your dough you shall turn? present a loaf as a contribution” (Num Having clearly shown where the Jews stand in relation to 15:17-21). Why bring up reconciliation with God, Paul shifts his focus to summarize dough and “the root” in where the Gentiles stand. this context?

Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is In what way were the holy, so are the branches. Gentiles comparable to But if some of the branches were broken off, and “a wild olive shoot”? you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted

in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not How might the Gentiles become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the grow to be “arrogant” natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then toward the Jews? Is this the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward still a potential pitfall? If those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, so, in what way? provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted Why must we always back into their own olive tree. (11:13-24) remain sensitive to the kindness and the severity It is not too late—for the Gentile or the Jew! Jesus is the of God? way, the truth, and the life. We can be justified in the sight of our Creator. But the pathway has been defined by the

67 Creator, and if we are reconciled to him, we will have been How would quoting reconciled on his terms, by his grace. Jews and Gentiles :20-21 help must recognize the folly of unmerited boasting. Gentiles guard against Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to being wise in their own sight? be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,

“The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of How would you their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are summarize the God- irrevocable. For just as you were at one time breathed words in disobedient to God but now have received mercy Romans 11:28-32? because of their disobedience, so they too have now

been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy

on all. (11:25-32)

The true Israel—those who are Jews inwardly—receive praise, not from man, but from God (Rom 2:28-29). This is the point Paul has been developing all along.

CLOSING THOUGHT: How is Romans 11:33-36 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge a very fitting summary to of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how the first 11 chapters of this masterful letter? inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (11:33-36)

68 • LESSON 18 • Romans 12:1-2 I Appeal to You Therefore, Brothers

ith the beginning of Romans 12, we have reached the turning point in Paul’s letter to the Romans. Take a W moment to look back and reflect on the massive doctrinal foundation that has been laid by the Spirit of God.

 Romans 1: Gentiles are guilty before God  Romans 2: Jews are guilty before God  Romans 3: None is righteous, no, not one  Romans 4: Justification depends on faith  Romans 5: Grace can reign through Jesus  Romans 6: How can we who died to sin still live in it?  Romans 7: We are released from the law that we may serve in the new way of the Spirit  Romans 8: If God is for us, who can be against us?  Romans 9: Not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring  Romans 10: Israel has a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge; as a result, they are not submitting to God’s righteousness  Romans 11: Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!

One of the key words in Romans 12:1 is “therefore.” It serves as a connective link between the doctrinal foundation of Romans 1-11 and the practical application called for of “living sacrifices” in Romans 12-16.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12-16 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may Present your bodies discern what is the will of God, what is good and as a living sacrifice acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:1-2)

Why does it make sense that Paul would methodically lay a solid foundation of teaching before making this Romans 1-11 appeal to his brothers and sisters in Christ? The depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God

69  Paul is making his appeal “by the mercies of God” (12:1a). o What does it mean to make an appeal “by” something?

o Of all the things Paul could root his appeal in, why “the mercies of God”?

 Paul’s appeal is that we, as sons and daughters of God, would “present” our bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (12:1b). o What does it mean to “present” something to someone? Specifically in this context, what does it mean to “present” to God?

o In everyday terms, what will it look like if we present our bodies as a “living sacrifice”? Both of those words are significant. What are they communicating?

o “Holy and acceptable” are key words in Paul’s appeal. What do they add to his appeal?

o “Which is your spiritual worship” (spiritual service, ASV; reasonable service, NKJV). What does Paul mean by describing our sacrifice in this way?

 “Do not be conformed (syschēmatizesthe, Greek) to this world…” (Rom 12:2a). To conform is to make similar in form, nature, or character; to mold or to pattern. o When Paul references “this world,” what does he have in mind?

o How does this world exert powerful shaping influence? Think in terms of a potter with a lump of clay or a cookie cutter used on dough.

70 o Why would it be devastating, in light of Romans 1-11, for a Christian to be conformed to this world?

 “But be transformed (metamorphousthe, Greek) by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (12:2b). o In your own words, what does it mean to be “transformed”?

o Why do men and women need to be transformed?

o The Spirit of God links this transformation to “the renewal of your mind.” What is this “renewal”? How does it take place? Why does transformation hinge on it?

o What does it mean to “discern” something? In this context, why does Paul bring up the idea of “testing”?

o God’s will is described as “good and acceptable and perfect.” What are the opposites of those qualities? In what way do the opposites perfectly describe the qualities of this world?

CLOSING THOUGHT: God is willing to show such incredible mercy to us! Rendering “the obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5; 16:25-27) to him involves so much more than weekend attendance in an assembly of Christians. Offering the occasional “religious” thought or action to God does not honor him and will not transform us. He is calling for a fundamental change in our very manner of daily life. If we will present ourselves as clay in his perfect hands, we will discern that his way is the best way. We will be transformed and he will be glorified.

71 • LESSON 19 • Romans 12:3-21 Lives of Sacrifice to God

emember that the beginning of Romans 12 serves as a connective link between the doctrinal foundation of R Romans 1-11 and the practical application called for of “living sacrifices” in Romans 12-16.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of Why does Paul say what God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy he does in Romans 12 and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. “by the grace given to Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed me” (12:3)? by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:1-2)

One of the most fundamental aspects of presenting myself as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, is growing to think about myself, the people around me, and the Why must we be opportunities that have been granted to me in the way my constantly reminded not heavenly Father would have me to think. to think of ourselves more highly than we For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among ought to think? you not to think of himself more highly than he ought

to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the

members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually Why would the Spirit of members one of another. (Rom 12:3-5) God lead Paul to remind these Christians in Rome What will it look like, practically speaking, if we grow to about the beautiful think, treat each other, and faithfully serve as stewards of nature of the one body our God-given opportunities in the way our heavenly with many members? Father intends?

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our

72 faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Rom 12:6-8)

At this point, Paul launches into a “bullet-point” sort of rapid-fire description of what redeemed sons and daughters of God ought to be and do. These are straightforward. It doesn’t get more practical. These meet us at the level of real life.

Take your time with the following points. Think through them. Make them personal. How can these God-breathed phrases shape us into men and women who are yielding the obedience of faith as living sacrifices to God?

 Let love be genuine –

 Abhor what is evil –

 Hold fast to what is good –

 Love one another with brotherly affection –

 Outdo one another in showing honor –

 Do not be slothful in zeal –

 Be fervent in spirit –

 Serve the Lord –

73  Rejoice in hope –

 Be patient in tribulation –

 Be constant in prayer –

 Contribute to the needs of the saints –

 Seek to show hospitality –

 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them –

 Rejoice with those who rejoice –

 Weep with those who weep –

 Live in harmony with one another –

 Do not be haughty –

74  Associate with the lowly –

 Never be wise in your own sight –

 Repay no one evil for evil –

 Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all –

 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all –

 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” –

 To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head” –

 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good –

CLOSING THOUGHT: Clearly, our heavenly Father is looking to shape our everyday lives—the way we think of ourselves, the mindsets we have toward each other, the approaches we take toward dealing with the ups and downs of life, how we interact with and react to the people and circumstances around us, and so much more. God’s will is good and acceptable and perfect. It is simply a question of whether or not we will trust and apply ourselves to his sovereign shaping influence.

75 • LESSON 20 • Romans 13:1-7 Subject to the Governing Authorities

s the Holy Spirit continues to lead Paul to describe what it will look like for redeemed sons and daughters of God A to present themselves as “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God” (Rom 12:1-2), he turns our attention to respect for authority. Let’s read the entire context, then take our time thinking through how God is seeking to It’s important for us to shape this aspect of obedience in our lives. remember that these words weren’t written to Let every person be subject to the governing Americans living in the authorities. For there is no authority except from God, 21st century under a and those that exist have been instituted by God. democratically-elected Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what government. These God has appointed, and those who resist will incur words were written to judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, Christians who lived in st but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in the 1 century city of authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive Rome. Why is it important for us to his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if remember the original you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword audience of these God- in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who breathed expectations? carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this

you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue

to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (13:1-7)

Having gotten the entire context in mind, let’s take the time to dissect how Christians are to live in relation to the Does that mean that governing authorities. Romans 13:1-7 no longer  What does it mean to “be subject” to someone or applies to us? If not, why not? something?

76 Paul references “the governing authorities” in Romans 13:1, but this is not the only time the attention of Christians is pointed in this direction.

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. (Tit 3:1-2)

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover- up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. (1 Pet 2:13-17)

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle [Jesus] in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away. (Matt 22:15-22)

 In your own words, who are these “governing authorities” Paul references in Romans 13:1, and why should we be subject to them?

 Take the time to read Daniel 2:20-21 and John 19:10-11. Remember also Paul’s words in Romans 13:1 – “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” How do these passages further shape our understanding of God, the governing authorities, and our own responsibilities toward them?

 How might Christians be tempted to “resist” the authorities (Rom 13:2)? And how can we balance this teaching with the precedent set by the apostles in Acts 5:27-29?

77  Romans 13:3-4 describe the work of governing authorities as God has always intended. o Why should rulers not be a terror to good conduct, but to bad?

o In what way are governing authorities “God’s servant” for the “good” of those under their authority?

o “But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer” (13:4). Why do even Christians need this warning from the Spirit of God?

 “Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience” (13:5). What does conscience have to do with this topic?

 “For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing” (13:6). Of all the things God could be concerned enough to include in his written revelation to mankind, why address the paying of taxes?

 “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed” (13:7). If I am shaped by these God-breathed expectations to live this sort of life, how will they ultimately shape me to have the proper perspective on authority in general?

CLOSING THOUGHT: Few things are more fundamental to the Christian life than genuine respect for authority. We know the ultimate Authority. May we, as disciples of Christ, be lights in the world when it comes to the way we talk, act, and react to those in positions of authority.

78 • LESSON 21 • Romans 13:8-14 Put on the Lord Jesus Christ

e emphasized in the last lesson that few things are more fundamental to the Christian life than genuine W respect for authority. As disciples of Christ, we know the ultimate Authority. Paul emphasizes in Romans 13:8-14 that this knowledge must shape our relationships with each other and our Lord. The way we “walk” through life will In Romans 13:7 either positively or negatively impact those relationships, emphasized that we and our “walk” will be determined by the affections of our must pay what we owe, hearts. Whom do we love? Whose desires will we gratify? whether that debt be in the form of taxes, Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the revenue, respect, or one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the honor. What, then, does commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You he mean in Romans 13:8 shall not , You shall not steal, You shall not by writing, “Owe no one covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up anything”? in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Rom 13:8-10)

“The commandments” Paul is referencing stem from Exodus 20, that section of the Old Testament frequently referenced as “the .” Here’s a quick recap of Exodus 20:1-17:

 You shall have no other gods before me. If we owe anything to each other, it is love  You shall not make for yourself a carved image or (Rom 13:8). The question likeness of anything that you bow down to or serve. is, why?  You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.  Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Honor your father and your mother.  You shall not murder.  You shall not commit adultery.  You shall not steal.

79  You shall not bear false witness.  You shall not covet.

In , a lawyer tested Jesus by asking him a question. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus responded by saying,

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 22:37-40)

Think about what we are being told by Jesus and Paul.

 Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 and :18 and emphasizes that all the Law and the Prophets “depend” on these two commandments.  Paul also quotes Leviticus 19:18 and asserts the fact that the most basic commandments in the Law “are summed up in this word.”

Let’s make sure that we connect the practical, personal dots:

 In what way do the Law and the Prophets “depend” on my love for God and my love for my neighbor?

 How does “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” sum up commandments like “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal,” etc.?

 Why would the Spirit of God lead Paul to write, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” in Romans 13:10?

 When it comes right down to it, why does God care so much about the love that I have (or should have) in my heart?

80 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Rom 13:11-14)

Here are more God-breathed connections to practically and personally make so that we might be shaped for our good and his glory:

 What does Paul mean by, “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep”? (13:11a)

 In what way is salvation “nearer to us now than when we first believed”? (13:11b)

 “The night is far gone; the day is at hand.” What does this even mean? (13:12a)

 What are “the works of darkness”? And what is this “armor of light” we are expected by God to “put on”? (13:12b)

 Why would the Spirit of God describe these as improper works of darkness (13:13): o Orgies?

o Drunkenness?

o Sexual immorality?

o Sensuality?

o Quarreling?

o Jealousy?

 In everyday terms, what does it mean to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”? (13:14a)

 When I make provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires, I… what? Why is making this provision not only deadly to my spirit, but dishonoring to my heavenly Father? (13:14b)

81 • LESSON 22 • Romans 14:1-15:7 Let Us Pursue What Makes For Peace

omans 14 represents a shift in Paul’s focus to another point of practical emphasis regarding what it looks like R for redeemed sons and daughters of God to present themselves as “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God” (Rom 12:1-2). What is an “opinion”? As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only

vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass What is “doctrine”? judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. (14:1-3)

Before we go a step further, it’s pivotal that we notice and appreciate the God-breathed parameters of the topic Is it appropriate for us as under discussion. brothers and sisters in Christ to have opinions?  The Spirit of God is shaping our understanding of how we ought to interact with one another when it comes to matters of differing opinion. How can we discern the difference between a  The practical example used as an illustration is the matter of opinion and eating of meat. Whether one eats anything or doctrine? vegetables only, God welcomes both.  Since God welcomes both, the one ought not to pass judgment on the other, and vice versa.

Having reminded us of the identity of the ultimate Authority, Paul asks a perspective-shaping question.

Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of What’s the danger of another? It is before his own master that he stands or treating doctrine as a falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make matter of opinion? him stand. (14:4)

82 To further the discussion, a second example is provided. With the context of One person esteems one day as better than another, Romans in mind, why while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be might one brother fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes esteem one day as better than another, while the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who another brother esteem eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to all days alike? God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. (14:5-6)

 Once again, the issue is how we ought to interact with one another when it comes to matters of differing opinion.  Whether one esteems one day as better than How could both brothers another or esteems all days alike, both are be acceptable in the acceptable to God. sight of God, despite their difference in  Since God welcomes both, the one ought not to pass estimation? judgment on the other, and vice versa.

We all have opinions, we all make judgment calls, we all develop preferences, but this is what we must remember.

For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, “Each one should be fully we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether convinced in his own we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and mind” (14:5). Why? lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, “For none of us lives to himself, and none of us and every tongue shall confess to God.” dies to himself” (14:7). So then each of us will give an account of himself to What does this God- God. (Rom 14:7-12) breathed reminder add to the discussion? The judgment seat belongs to God.

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean

83 in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it What valuable piece of unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, perspective is being you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do provided in 14:14? not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking

but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes What does “walking in for peace and for mutual upbuilding. love” (14:15) have to do Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of with this topic? God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that

causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he Why does Paul interject approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he what he does in 14:17? eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. We who are strong have an obligation to bear with

the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” me.” For whatever was written in former days was (14:23). What does this written for our instruction, that through endurance and mean? through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with

one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another How does Romans 15:1-7 as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (14:13- serve as a fantastic 15:7) summary of Romans 14? CLOSING THOUGHT: In this aspect of life, as in so many others, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2). Take a moment to read :1-7 as another instance where Paul is calling on Christians to be “in full accord and of one mind.”

84 • LESSON 23 • Romans 15:8-33 Servants of Christ Jesus

e last left Paul’s letter in Romans 15:7 as he summarized our responsibility as Christians to W “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” This wonderful admonition turns Paul’s attention once again to the grace of God shown to Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ. In what way did Jesus “become a servant to the For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised”? circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. (15:8-9a)

Let’s slow down and think through what Jesus has accomplished. In your own words, what does it mean that “Christ became a servant”:

 To show God’s truthfulness – How does Paul’s admonition to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the  To confirm the promises given to the patriarchs – glory of God” (15:7) naturally connect to his “For I tell you…” statement in 15:8?  In order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy -

This leads Paul to quote four Old Testament statements in rapid-fire succession.

85 As it is written, What is Paul’s point in “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, quoting: and sing to your name.” • Psalm 18:49? And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” • Deuteronomy 32:43? And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” • Psalm 117:1?

And again Isaiah says,

“The root of will come, • :10? even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” (15:9b-12)

Paul’s prayer for his brethren—regardless of their physical lineage—in Rome? Why, in this context, would Paul refer to God May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in as “the God of hope”? believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you

may abound in hope. (15:13)

At this point, Paul shifts the focus of his letter to his own work of ministry and how Christians in Rome might be of help to his efforts and further the spread of the gospel. In your own words, what I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that will it mean for Christians you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all to “abound in hope”? knowledge and able to instruct one another. But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Why would Paul describe Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of himself as “a minister of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of Christ Jesus to the anything except what Christ has accomplished through Gentiles”? (see also Acts 9:15 and Romans 11:13) me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the

86 way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of How did the following the gospel of Christ; and thus I make it my ambition to contribute to Paul’s preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been efforts “to bring the named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as Gentiles to obedience”: it is written, • Word? “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”

This is the reason why I have so often been • Deed? hindered from coming to you. But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I • The power of signs and hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be wonders? helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some • The power of the Spirit of God? contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. When therefore Using passages like Acts I have completed this and have delivered to them what 11:27-30, 1 Corinthians has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. I 16:1-4, and 2 Corinthians know that when I come to you I will come in the 8-9, what can we know fullness of the blessing of Christ. about Paul’s efforts to I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ bring “aid to the saints”? and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in , and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so

that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (15:14-33)

CLOSING THOUGHT: All Christians are to be servants of Jesus. We serve in different capacities, in different parts of Why would Paul make the world, at different points in history, but we are all to be the straightforward servants. May the God of peace and grace bless our efforts. assertion that he does in Romans 15:27?

87 • LESSON 24 • Romans 16:1-27 The Grace of Our Lord Be With You

hroughout our study of Paul’s letter to the Romans, we’ve consistently reminded ourselves of the “big picture” T formed by this God-breathed revelation. It is a revelation of magnificent scope, framed by two bookends:

…we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith… (Rom 1:5) Once again, in your own words, what is “the Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to obedience of faith”? my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Rom 16:25-27) How is the obedience of At the heart of the letter is this question: Are you willing to faith “brought about”? “present” your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship”? Will you refuse to be “conformed to this world,” choosing instead to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”? (Rom 12:1-2) The Spirit of God has led Paul to systematically reason throughout his letter that the gospel is “the power of God Thinking back over the for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and scope of this incredible also to the Greek.” letter, how can it be For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith used—even today—to for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by “bring about the faith.” (Rom 1:16-17) obedience of faith”? In Romans 16, we’re provided a brief glimpse of real-life men and women who had been declared “righteous” by their gracious heavenly Father and had subsequently dedicated themselves to living by faith.

88 Take your time with the following list. It’s a composite of the names listed in Romans 16 and the ways they are described by Paul. What can we learn from these very personal greetings about Paul? About the people mentioned by name? About the gospel and its effect on people’s lives?  – our sister, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well

 Prisca and Aquila - my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well; greet also the church in their house

 Epaenetus – my beloved, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia

 Mary – has worked hard for you

 Andronicus and Junia – my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners; they are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me

 Ampliatus – my beloved in the Lord

 Urbanus – our fellow worker in Christ

 Stachys – my beloved

 Apelles – approved in Christ

89  The family of Aristobulus – greet them

 Herodion – my kinsman

 The family of Narcissus – those in the Lord

 Tryphaena and Tryphosa – workers in the Lord

 Persis – the beloved, has worked hard in the Lord

 Rufus – chosen in the Lord

 The mother of Rufus – has been a mother to me as well

 Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them

 Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and , and all the saints who are with them

 Greet one another with a holy kiss

 All the churches of Christ greet you

90 Paul begins to draw his letter to a close with these words: Why would Paul find it I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those necessary to include the who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the appeal of Romans 16:17- doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For 20? such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (16:17-20) What will it look like, A few more very personal notes are included: practically speaking, to Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do be “wise as to what is Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. good and innocent as to I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the what is evil” (16:19)? Lord.

Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother , greet you. (16:21-23)

And finally, the letter of Paul to the Romans is brought to its conclusion with these words:

Now to him who is able to strengthen you What does Paul mean by according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus the bold statement in the Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that first half of Romans was kept secret for long ages but has now been 16:20? disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (16:24-27)

CLOSING THOUGHT: Paul addressed his letter “to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints.” His How does the “gospel prayer from the outset was, “Grace to you and peace from and the preaching of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:7). This letter Jesus Christ” continue to is a means of that grace and peace being extended to us, strengthen the people of even today. Paul ends the letter by addressing “the only God today? wise God.” To him “be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” May the only wise God continue to use this letter to focus our hearts on our calling and his glory.

91