2. Romans

3. Discussion Question 1: How does Paul’s audience move from their previous condition to their current condition? Previous Condition Current Condition Incapable of submittingHaving obeyed God, and to God & never seeking no longer being slaves to Him. sin. Rom 3:10-11 Romans 6:17 As it is written: But God be thanked that “There is none righteous, no, not one; though you were slaves of There is none who understands; sin, yet you obeyed from There is none who seeks after God.” the heart that form of Romans 8:7 doctrine to which you were Because the carnal mind is enmity delivered. against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. Rom 3:10-11 As it is written

4. Discussion Question 2: What is the significance of our identification with Christ’s life? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection… likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 6:4-5,11 Rom 3:10-11 As it is written

5. Written in ~56AD, shortly following II Corinthians. Written by Paul from Corinth. Written to the Saints in Rome. Written to strengthen and encourage the Saints, and in anticipation of Paul’s visit on his journey to Spain. Review of the Background:

6. I. Introduction and Theme 1:1-17 II. The Whole World Guilty before God. 1:18-3:20 III. Justification by Faith in Christ 3:21-5:21 IV. Sanctification through Union with Christ 6:1- 8:39 V. The Problem of Jewish Unbelief 9:1-11:36 VI. Christian Life and Service 12:1-15:13 VII. Conclusion and Greetings 15:14-16:27 Modified from the Scofield Reference Bible Outline of the Epistle to the Romans

7. 1)Paul presents salvation through faith. 2)Man clearly needs saving as evidenced by his behavior. 3)God is righteous in freely justifying man on the basis of faith. 4)God has granted reconciliation through Christ. 5)Death came through Adam, and Life through Christ Jesus. 6)We are identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection; and now share in His new life. 7)Paul’s personal experience confirms his message. 8)The Holy Spirit seals all believers and guarantee’s all of God’s promises. 9)God has elected all who believe. Because of this election it is impossible for a believer to ever be separated from God. Romans 1-8 in Summary:

8. Key Passages & Transitions Romans 9-16

9. The Problem of Israel: Apparently ‘cast off’ yet Elected For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. Rom 9:3-5 Israel as an Example of Election:

10. But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “in Isaac your seed shall be called.” 9:6-7 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls)… As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” 9:11,13 The individual elect within corporate Israel:

11. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 9:14-16 An objection Answered:

12. But Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 9:31-32 Israel’s current unrighteous state:

13. Brethren, my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved… that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved… For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 10:1,9-10,13 The need for individual salvation:

14. But Isaiah is very bold and says: “ I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest o those who did not ask for Me.” But to Israel he says: “All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” 10:20-21 Gentile acceptance, and Jewish rejection of the Gospel:

15. I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not!...God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew…at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace…Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 11:1,2,5,7 excerpted Israel’s Rejection not Total:

16. I say then, have they (Israel) stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! … For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come it. So all Israel will be saved,… For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. 11:11,25-26a,29 Israel’s Rejection not Final: :

17. Parts of the Analogy: Natural Branches: Jews Wild Branches: Gentiles Tree: Place of God’s Blessing Summary: Because of the Jewish rejection they have been removed from the place of God’s blessing, and the Gentiles have been grafted in. If the Gentiles do not continue in God’s goodness they will be removed; and if Israel repents they will be restored to their place. An Analogy Explored: The Branches of the Olive Tree

18. I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 12:1-2 The Key to the Will of God:

19. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: 12:6a Gifts Listed: Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy. 12:6-8 Spiritual Gifts:

20. Genuine Love Abhorrence of Evil Humility Lack of Vengeance Subjection to Government Love of Neighbors Rom 12:9-13:10 Characteristics of the Spirit Filled Life:

21. And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness….But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. 13:11-12,14 Encouragement and Motivation:

22. Paul speaks to two “grey area’s” in Chapter 14: 1)Types of food & meat offered to idols. 2)The observation of ‘Holy Days’ – religious holidays. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables…. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. 14:2,5 The “Grey Area’s”:

23. So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. 14:12-13 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself;… for whatever is not from faith is sin. 14:14a,23b The Answer to the “Grey Area’s”:

24. We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves… For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”… Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15:1,3,5-6 Unity through service:

25. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 15:13 Paul’s plans and greetings: 15:14-16:16 The source of Joy and Peace:

26. Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ… 16:17-18a The doctrine of avoidance:

27. Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith – to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. 16:25-27 God’s glory & the mystery revealed:

28. 1)God elected Israel as a nation; yet composed of individuals. 2)God is righteous even though He only elects some. 3)Salvation is individually based. 4)Israel has partially but not finally rejected the gospel. 5)God will ultimately restore Israel, confirming their election. 6)We know God’s will through His transformation of our minds. 7)Spiritual gifts are given to aid in His service. 8)The Christian’s walk conforms to God’s standard of love. 9)We are to hold fast to the truth Paul presents. Romans 9-16 in Summary:

29. Next week… Ephesians