Week 8

Romans 4:1-12

Why does Paul bring up justification by faith again? What “new” argument is he bringing up?

Paul brings up Abraham being justified by faith. How is this a great way of approaching apologetics? How can we use this same methodology with unbelievers?It is interesting to note in Gen 15:1 KJV, “I am thy exceeding great reward”

Why is boasting so bad? james 4:6, Psalm 138:6, prov 3:34

What is Paul’s point in bringing up Abraham, specifically, going through the time sequence of events from when Abraham was told, to when he was circumcised?

What is the significance of v11?
Lev 18:5 vs Deut 30:12-14

v20: grow strong & giving glory to God. Why does our growing strong give God glory?

Week 7

Romans 3:21-31

v21 – Jer 23:6 – Lord our Righteousness, Matt 5:17 – establish the Law

being justified as a gift: Matt 7:7 – if you know how to give good gifts, how much more does God -> 1 John 5:14 – if we ask according to His will, He will give

propitiation: Heb 10:10-12 – priests vs Jesus. satisfying act – Is. 53:11

Whom God displayed publicly: Why was Calvary so important that it be a public event?

redemption: Gal 3:13 – Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming cursed

How does God being just and the justifier make Christianity unique?

Boasting in faith, not works: Jer 9:23-24 – works is not mentioned, only that we boast in knowing the Lord and understanding Him, but we aren’t to boast in our wisdom, therefore knowing God is something different than wisdom, otherwise we could boast in it, is this faith then?

What about James 2:20

Week 6

Romans 3:9-20

Depravity:
Gen 6:5, Jer 13:23, Rom 8:7-9, Eph 2:3, 1 Cor 2:14

Psalm 14:1-3, 53:1-3
There is none righteous: Man is evil in nature, therefore when faced with a decision, how should this affect our decision making process?
There is none who understands, none who seeks for God: What does this tell us about the world’s religions? What should this help us see regarding false doctrine, or doctrine that places any “faith” in man’s ability?
All have turned aside, together they have become useless: What happens when two sinners get together? Prov 22:24-25
There is none who does good: Psalm 143:2. Does this give us reason to praise God, ref Rom 8:1
Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they deceive: Ps 5:9 Symbolism: An open grave would allow one to look down into the grave and see the decay and feel/smell the stench. If our throat is the open grave, our heart is the thing of decay, as Jesus says in Matt 15:18, 12:34-37.
The poison of asps: Ps 140:3, James 3:8 If our tongue is so poisonous, why do we still use it so often?
Mouth full of cursing: Ps 10:7 People seem to have a bent for wanting the worst to come about, Christians should be different.
Feet swift to shed blood: Is 59:7,8 How does this apply to us, what does our path look like as we look back?
Haven’t know the way of peace: How does this apply to both inner and outer peace for man?
No fear of God: The closing statement, this ends his condemnation of man. What does this say about man’s view of God? Job 28:28, Prov 1:7 Eccl 12:13 Ps 42:1

How should “so that every mouth may be stopped” put fear into our hearts?

What does this passage say about how we are saved?

Week 5

Romans 3:1-8
Paul ends chapter 2 by saying that circumcision and hence just knowing the Law and not following are of no value against God’s judgment, he then predicts the readers natural response as being, “So if being a Jew is of no value, what was the point of God choosing the Jews?” Paul answers either with the first of a list (which he completes in ch9:4,5) or his first of all is actually a “most importantly”. What he’s getting at is that, the Jews have such an advantage in that they were given the sacred writings of God.

So then, the question comes up, “ok, so if they were given the promises of God and you’re saying that some are unbelieving and hence will suffer judgment just like the gentile….doesn’t that nullify the faithfulness of God? Doesn’t that mean that God promised them something that He is now taking away???” Basically, God promised the Jews that He would save them and Paul’s Gospel is saying they won’t be saved so hence the Gospel is wrong because God’s Word can’t contradict itself. To which Paul answers, never! God’s Word will never contradict itself, God will never be unfaithful to His promises, don’t play word games with The Bible, don’t throw out one truth because another truth seems to contradict the first, but rather, God WILL be found true even if every man seems to think oppositely as David says when confessing his adultery to God in Ps 51. He doesn’t dive into how God is faithful in both promises yet, but rather only says so simply that man should never try and compromise with God’s Word, that God cannot contradict Himself so either God tells us and explains to us these mysteries or we simply say some things belong to the Lord only.

Then Paul anticipates the next question, which is, “if for God to be known as righteous and Holy, He needs us to be unrighteous and unclean and sinners to show how opposite He is, isn’t God unrighteous by His wrath (and he even trembles at the very thought of writing it)? Shouldn’t God have mercy on EVERYONE because he needs sinners to make known Himself?” And Paul answers, never! You just said about that God will judge the world and you know that He judges because He is righteous and good and Holy, how is He going to judge other than by judging the guilty?? Ch 2 says that He won’t judge based on outward appearances . He judges their deeds, don’t try and justify the bad ones by saying that God needs the bad ones to show He is good!

Then the last question comes up which is like the second, “Paul, if you’re saying that I’m lying when I say that I am a Jew and you’re not, I keep the Law and you don’t therefore I’m going to heaven and you’re not, if that is a lie and from that, just like the second question, God’s truth is made known as in Ch 2, why am I still being judged a sinner? God needs me to lie so that His truth is made known, so, let’s even commit to do evil so that good will come.” Paul so simply and plainly states, their condemnation is just. They have called God a liar, and someone who doesn’t keep his promises, and someone who is unjust. They have replaced the Glory of God with the idol of their religion of works and their religion of genealogies and just as in Ch 1 Paul says God gave them over to their depraved minds, he says here that God is JUST in condemning them for such falsehood and twisting of the Words of God.

Four Questions:
Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision?
If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it?
But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He?
But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner? And why not say “Let us do evil that good may come”?

It should be noted that Paul probably is rhetorically asking these questions because this is the exact same discussion he has had over and over in the temples with Jews.

Discuss each question to figure out what the question really is, don’t discuss answers yet.

Why doesn’t Paul give more developed answers to these really tough questions?

What seems to be the underlying way these Pharasies try to weasel their way into heaven using God’s Word?

What is/are the implication(s) of v4? Luke 20, parable of vine-grower, Pharasies are astonished because Jesus said that salvation would be given to the Gentiles.

Next two questions are similar. Question similar to 6:1, but different. After asking question 3, why would someone ask question 4? What is the motivation behind asking 3 and then, after 3 fails, asking 4?

What is question 4 then? Does it sound like a futile question, someone grasping for a last breath?

Why is Paul’s answer to this so powerful (in light of what he says in Chapter 1)?

In essence, what has Paul shown if you look at the flow of questions 1-4?

Week 4

Romans 2:17-29

Overview

Paul tells them what they are, they are Jews, instructed out of the Law to tell others about God, they know the will of God, they know the essential things to do to please God, they know how to guide others to God, they know how to correct those who are ignorant, all taken from their intense study of the Law. But it seems that their study of the Law has led them only to knowing how to teach others, and not themselves. They know how to explain the things of the Law, but they didn’t explain it to themselves. Jesus said to do as the Pharasies say but not as they do. But it doesn’t seem like the Pharasies would steal like they tell others not to steal (bread, possessions, etc.), it doesn’t seem like they would commit adultery or take idols from temples, they wouldn’t be caught dead in a Pagan temple where there are idols. Paul is attacking the things done against God’s Glory (idolatry, adultery, theft) in the more spiritual sense. Then he asks, if they boast in the Law, if they use the Law as a light to the ignorant and a guide to the blind, why do they dishonor God by breaking it? They missed the point, the point of the Law was to show that no one could possibly measure up to God, but they only saw it as how others couldn’t measure up to God. No where in God’s Law does it say that if you know the Law, you will be saved. So Paul says that the Greeks blaspheme the name of God because the Jewish teachers/leaders have an attitude that they are better, that they have been given the Law by God Himself, yet they are no better off than any other nation, they are really no different than anyone else.

So, Paul has touched on the Law and says that even though the Jews have the Law, they are still no different, the Gentiles still don’t see any difference. So maybe the Jew would say, “but we are circumsized, we have this covenant with God.” To which Paul answers that their circumcision has become uncircumcision if they don’t keep the Law. That their outward symbol of being God’s Holy people actually shows that they are NOT God’s Holy people if they break the Law. For circumcision is just a symbol of being God’s chosen people for two reasons: women without husbands can be God’s people (men without the means for circumcision as well), the Gentiles who keep the Law can be God’s chosen. Men can see circumcision, only God can see the heart. So Paul is replacing the notion of being a Jew because one is born and raised in the Law with the fact that one is a Jew who is one inwardly, that is, one who keeps the Law in matters of both the heart and outward acts.

Overview:
Ch 1, everyone knows God, those who choose to ignore Him, God gives them over to their lusts.
Ch 2:1-16 Paul says evil doers will be punished, those who do good will be saved (Jew or Greek).
Ch 2:17-29 some Jews (who have the Law) still do evil, some Greeks (who don’t have the Law) still do good.
So, he seems to be going back and forth, maybe there are some who do good? Clarity coming in Ch 3

Deut 6:5 – Greatest commandment, Deut 10:12
Who is Paul addressing here?

It seems like Paul has addressed this issue before (2:13), there is a reason he is going back over it in more detail…there is another issue he wants to take up against the Jews, he has already leveled the playing field by condemning both Jew and Greek, but now it seems he’s going after a certain group within the Jews.

What does Paul seem to emphasize when he tells them they know the essential things, the will, they are a light, etc? The Law.

Now Paul gets into a list of things the Jews do, do these sound like good or bad things to do?

With the list of things they teach, but do, do you think the teachers of the Law actually do these things?

So, if they know the Law (which is good) and they can help others in the ways of the Law (which is also good) and they don’t do the bad things, what is Paul accusing them of?

Relying upon the Law: Micah 3:11, John 5:45

What, in essence, have the Jews, the teachers, then done with the Law? Isaiah 6:9,10

Do you think everyone who believes in God will be saved? These Jews certainly believed in God, they believed in the Law that He gave, what did they miss? Hos 6:6, Is 1:11

Jer 6:19-20 – People can reject God’s Law even if they “keep” it. So, how can we reject “Christ” even if we believe in Him? Matt 12:50 1 John 3:10 Matt 7:15-23 Matt 15:1-14

Ez 36:20-38 is the reference Paul makes here or Is 52:5. Why does Paul, after telling the Jews that they have become lawbreakers because they know the Law but don’t practice it, bring up how God is dishonored amongst the Gentiles because of them?

In v20 how can Christians cause the name of God to be blasphemed? What does Jesus have to say about this: Matt 5:16

Circumcision – Gen 17, John 7:22, Deut 30:6, Deut 10:16

How is circumcision of value if you practice the Law? Could we say the same thing about baptism?

What is uncircumcision?

How do we know circumcision is just a symbol?

What does the last verse get into? Heb 4:12,13

Week 3

Romans 2

Who is Paul talking to here? v2 and v17 seem to imply he is addressing the Jews

We know judgment falls rightly, those who know God.

Why do you think Paul would bring up this point? What is he getting at? non-jews have been condemned previously, now Jews, he is clearing the floor of anyone trying to win salvation by any means other than God (works or blood relatives).

If he is talking to Jews in v3, does this apply to us? How have we seen/done this today?

What is v4 trying to say about the riches of His kindness? Are they not rich enough to save everyone?

How does the kindness of God lead us to repentance?

v6 Prov 24:12 – not quoted directly?

what do v6-16 say about works? what does James say about works? What does Isaiah say? 64:6

What do there verses say about the Law?

If we perish with or without the Law, what does that say about the Law?

How can we use v14-15 in bringing the Gospel to others?

What does Paul mean by “my” Gospel?

How can we define “The Law” after reading these verses? What is the Law really if a Gentile performs it but does not know of it?

Deut 28:15, 8:19, Lev 26:14

Week 2

Romans 1:18-32

What is Paul’s purpose in verses 18-32? Who is he talking about?

What are the implications of verse 20?

Would those without excuse be those who have never heard the Gospel? Remote tribes in S.America ?

In our discussions with non-believers, what are the clearly seen invisible attributes we can use in evangelism?

How have we seen v21 in action today?

What does v22 mean in light of v23

How do people know the ordinance of God (v32)?

Week 1

 

Romans 1

Romans: Notes
Romans different from all other epistles in that it doesn’t address any “particular” problem. There are speculations about Paul’s immediate reason for writing it: Rome was so near his heart that he felt it necessary to write concerning the basis for the thing so near his heart, his faith and its origins. Or that it was written because Paul had seen issues come up in the churches he started which stemmed from misunderstanding and bad theology/doctrine so he wrote Romans as a foundation that any issue which came up in the future could be looked upon. Or Paul saw Rome as a segway to Spain, which was at that time becoming very famous in all areas of arts and politics. If Paul, the great strategist, could set up a base in Rome, he could move to Spain and preach there with the support of the Roman church.

Was written while Paul was in Corinth around AD58, where he had just collected a large gift for the poor church at Jerusalem and was going there to take it.
Most break it up into 4 sections:

Condemnation: 1-3:20

Justification and Sanctification: 3:21-8

Restoration/Disspensation: 9-11

Application: 12-16
Paul quotes from OT 61 times from 14 books to make the connection. As he goes through, it’s almost as if he makes a statement, backs it up with OT scripture, then answers the next question a human would have. So he sets up an entire theological argument for lots of questions a believer or non-believer would have.
1-15 Paul introduces himself because he did not start the church at Rome, gives background to the Gospel, gives thanks for them at Rome. Then makes his thesis:
Why in v15 does he say he’s anxious to preach the Gospel to “you in Rome” when they are already believers?

16-17 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

What is the main theme here?
How did Paul prove that he was not ashamed of the Gospel? How are we ashamed of the Gospel?
Power = dynamite, Deut 32:39 ‘See now that I, I am He, and there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand.’ Isaiah 43:13: “And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?”

What does it mean when Paul calls the Gospel the “power of God” what are the powers of God? Creation, damnation, control over Earth/beasts/weather/humans, salvation, most deal with life/death.

When Jesus says he came to save us, what does he say he will save us from?

Sickness – Matt 9:21, bleeding woman.

Danger – Matt 8:25, Jesus calms the storm

Degeneration – Acts 2:40, be saved from this perverse generation

Lostness – Luke 19:10, he came to save that which was lost.

Sin – Matt 1:21 – save them from their sins

Wrath of God – Romans 5:9

Ignorance – 2 Thess 1:8

Self – Luke 14:26 – Hate his life

Darkness – Col 1:13 – out of darkness

The shame that comes from spreading the Gospel, Fox’s Book of Martyers. The gospel “brings” us to salvation, it takes us there, right along with us, it is our carrier. 2 Cor 11:23-27 – sufferings for the Gospel

Righteousness of God is actually translated righteousness from God – perfectly conforming to God’s perfect law and character (Christ) – What is this? Justification. Why? Deut 32:4, Job 9:2, Ps 11:7.

Righteousness is revealed from faith to faith or from those who believe. Col 1:22,23 Heb 3:12-14. Heb 6:4-8. Matt 13:3-23

Is believing an ongoing thing or is it a one-time thing? What happens to those who seem to fall away?

1 Cor 15:1-2 – “1Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,

2by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.”

1 Peter 4:6 – For this purpose the Gospel has been preached….

Rev 3:10

Righteous shall live by faith: Hab 2:4 – unrighteous shall live by themself

Chapter Outline

Ch 1: God has revealed Himself to men, but they chose to ignore Him, so God gave them over to their lusts.

Ch 2: God will judge all who judge, because 1) everyone does evil and 2) there is no partiality with God, Jew or Greek. Those with the Law perish by it, those without perish without it.

Ch 3: All are guilty, God is still just and righteous.

Ch 4: Justification by faith from OT.

5: The power of justification and the spread of sin through one man and the gift through another.

6: We are dead to sin and alive to God now, don’t continue on in sin.

7: We were bound to the law and that brought about death, but now we have been released from the law, but the law isn’t sin. There is now a conflict in us, between sin and spirit.

8: We are delivered from death by Christ, who accomplished what the law could not do, and now we should have nothing but hope in all circumstances.

9: Not all Israel is chosen, only those called by God are chosen. God cannot be argued with on His purposes.

10: All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved, but not all who pursue religion will.

11: God has hardened some and saved others, he has saved some Gentiles and not some Jews.

12: Knowing how we were saved, we should live our lives for him, as a sacrifice.

13: Be subject to authority, live an honest, moral life.

14: Nothing is more important than God, don’t get caught up in rules, especially those that others are weaker in their following of.

15: Live in peace with others, Paul’s prayer.

16: Greetings and messages to other believers.

1:1-7 Greetings, Paul explains where his apostleship comes from and who Jesus is.
8-17 Paul longs to visit Rome and it seems now he will

http://www.onlinetheologicallibrary.org/

Why we’re here

Our weekly Bible study has been going through the book of Romans since August 2006, we thought this would be a good place to post our questions and comments and weekly notes from the discussions. Hopefully you can find some good resources here if you choose to study Paul’s letter to the church in Rome in depth.