powerpoint presentation designed by claro ruiz vicente Adult Bible Study Guide Jul Aug Sep 2010 Adult Bible Study Guide Jul Aug Sep 2010

Dear User … This PowerPoint Show is freely shared to all who may find it beneficial. While intended primarily for personal use, some find it useful for teaching the lesson in church. There are those, however, who add illustrations, change background, adjust font size, etc. While their intention may be good, this is not right. Slide #1 says “designed by claro ruiz vicente.” For honest Christians, it is not necessary for another’s creation to be copyrighted in order to be respected. PLEASE USE AS IS. Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide An Appeal

Don F Neufeld Principal Contributor

Redemption in Romans Contents 1 Paul and RomeHistorical Background 2 Jew and GentileTheological Background 3 All Have SinnedChapters 1-3A 4 Justified by FaithChapter 3B 5 Justification and the LawChapter 4 6 Expounding the FaithChapter 5 7 Victory Over SinChapter 6 8 The Man of RomansChapter 7 9 Freedom in ChristChapter 8 10 Redemption for Jew and GentileChapter 9 11 The Election of GraceChapters 10, Love and LawChapters 12, All the Rest Is CommentaryChapters 14-16

It was light from the book of Romans that scattered the darkness, light that revealed not only the great truth of Christ pardoning sinners but also the power of Christ to cleanse from sin. And it’s light from these pages that we, this quarter, will seek to uncover for ourselves as we study the great theme of salvation by faith alone as revealed in the book of Romans. Redemption in Romans Our Goal {5}

Redemption in Romans Lesson 13, September 25 Redemption in Romans Lesson 13, September 25 All the Rest is Commentary

All the Rest Is Commentary Key Text Romans 14:10 NKJV “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”

All the Rest Is Commentary Initial Words {163} Some aspects of our faith are foundational and others mere “commentary.” What this means is that all that came before focused very much on the foundational principles of salvation. These things are nonessentials, “commentary,” as it were. Though the issues themselves might not have been crucial, the attitude the Christians had toward each other in dealing with these issues was.

All the Rest Is Commentary Quick Look 1. Principles of Christian Liberty—1 (Romans 14:1-14) 2. Principles of Christian Liberty—2 (Romans 14:15-23) 3. Practices of Christian Liberty (Romans 15:1-3)

All the Rest Is Commentary 1. Principles of Christian Liberty-1 Romans 14:1, 10 NKJV “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

1.Principles of Christian Liberty-1 The Weak Brother {164} The issue had nothing to do with the question of vegetarianism and healthful living. Nor is Paul implying in this passage that the distinction between clean and unclean meats has been abolished. This is not the subject under consideration. If the words “he may eat all things” (Romans 14:2) were taken to mean that now any animal, clean or otherwise, could be eaten, they would be misapplied.

1.Principles of Christian Liberty-1 The Weak Brother {164} To “receive” one weak in the faith meant to accord him or her full membership and social status. The person was not to be argued with but given the right to his or her opinion. Paul does not speak negatively of the one “weak in the faith.” Nor does he give this person advice as to how to become strong. So far as God is concerned, the overscrupulous is accepted.

1.Principles of Christian Liberty-1 With What Measure You Mete {166} We tend to judge others harshly at times, and often for the same things that we ourselves do. How often, though, what we do doesn’t seem as bad to us as when others do the same thing. We might fool ourselves by our hypocrisy, but not God.

1.Principles of Christian Liberty-1 With What Measure You Mete {166} The subject is still foods sacrificed to idols. The issue is not the distinction between the foods deemed clean and unclean. Paul is saying that there is nothing wrong per se in eating foods that might have been offered to idols. A person should not be made to violate his or her conscience, even if the conscience is overly sensitive.

All the Rest Is Commentary 2. Principles of Christian Liberty-2 Romans 14:5, 6, 15 NKJV “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. … He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord…. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one whom Christ died.”

2. Principles of Christian Liberty-2 Giving No Offense {168} Although diet is important, Christians ought not to quarrel over the choice on the part of some to eat vegetables instead of meats that might have been sacrificed to idols. Not everyone sees this subject the same way, and we need to respect those differences. They ought to focus on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

2. Principles of Christian Liberty-2 Giving No Offense {168} “It is none of anyone’s business what I eat or what I wear or what kind of entertainment I engage in.” Is it really? Our actions, words, deeds, and even diet can affect others, either for good or for bad. As Christians, we have a responsibility to one another, and if our example can lead someone astray, we are culpable.

2. Principles of Christian Liberty-2 Observance of Days {170} Some Christians, apparently, to be on the safe side, decided to observe one or more of the Jewish festivals. Paul’s counsel is, Let them do it, if they are persuaded they should. The important point is not to judge those who view the matter differently from you.

Romans 15:1, 2 NKJV “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for good, leading to edification.” All the Rest Is Commentary 3. Practices of Christian Liberty

Questions to Ponder {172} What important Christian truth is found in these texts? In what way do these texts capture so much of what it means to be a follower of Jesus? How can you, yourself, live out this principle?

All the Rest Is Commentary Final Words {18} “To God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.” Romans 16:27 Paul ends his letter in a glorious ascription of praise to God. God is the one in whom the Roman Christians, and all Christians, can safely put their trust to confirm their standing as redeemed sons and daughters of God, justified by faith and now led by the Spirit of God.