Week 33

Romans 14

Leader: for your review:
This passage is very similar to 1 Cor 8. Read over that passage and note that this passage speaks to how the strong in faith should react internally to a weaker person’s conscience whereas the passage in 1 Corinthians speaks more to how a person strong in faith should act externally around the weaker in faith.

Discussion question: What is the main point of this passage/chapter?

Discussion question: How does this passage relate to the Church today? Or in what ways are there stronger and weaker people in faith today?

Discussion question: In verses 3 and 4 (and 10 and 13), Paul tell us not to judge one another, but in 1 Corinthians 5:12 he seems to imply that we should judge those within the Church. Is this contradictory?

Leader: for your review:
Looking at this passage and the passage in 1 Cor 5, there is a difference in what Paul tells us to judge. In this passage, Paul is saying that we should not judge one another’s convictions contrasted with the passage in 1 Cor 5 where Paul tells us to judge one another’s sins. This is huge. It is not a sin to eat only vegetables nor is it a sin to eat both meat and vegetables. Paul tells us that we sin when we do something against our conscience or convictions .

Discussion question: What does it mean in v4 when Paul says that “the Lord is able to make Him stand”?

Leader: for your review:
Paul is saying that the person who is strong in faith should not judge the weaker in faith because it is not even himself that is strong, but God gives him the faith.

Discussion question: Verse 5 says that we need to be fully convinced in our minds that something is or isn’t sin. A better word here is we must be convicted. How do you define a conscience? How do you define convictions? Are they different?

Discussion question: Going along with the previous question; if at different times we have different convictions, does this mean at some point in the past we were sinning and not that we’re convicted we aren’t?

Leader: for your review:
This is such an important issue for Christians. There are clear commands in Scripture: don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t lie, etc. but then there are some areas which are not talked about specifically: watching TV or movies, playing cards, birth control, etc. Some call these gray areas but that is an improper term. A gray area would be one which is not clear in Scripture. These are areas that are non-existent in Scripture. So, how do we as God’s holy people react in these situations? This is where a conscience comes in. God gives us wisdom to discern the situation, His Spirit guides us when we read His Word and spend time in prayer with Him. During these times the Spirit convicts us in what we should do.

Discussion question: It is hard sometimes when we see another Christian doing something we are convinced is wrong. What does this passage tell us to do in those situations? How does this passage encourage us and teach us a better way than telling the other person that they are wrong and that we are right in areas not defined in Scripture?

Discussion question: In verse 21, Paul tells us not to do things, even if we are convinced they are ok, that would make a brother stumble. How can we know what makes another brother stumble though?

Discussion question: Verse 23 says a lot. What is the meaning of this verse?

Discussion question: What can we draw from this passage about our own lives and convictions and how we treat our brothers and sister in Christ?

Leader: for your review:
This passage comes down to the fact that we do all things for the Lord and that He is our judge and no one else. We should not assume to take on God’s role as judge but that we should seek peace and unity in all things that in themselves are not sin as commanded by Christ.

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Week 32

Romans 13:8-14

Discussion question: The passage from v8-v14 seems fairly disjoint from the passage in v1-v7. Is there a connection between these two passages or are they one two separate topics?

Leader: for your review
At first glance it may seem that the two passages are not connected, but reading it has a crescendo effect. Paul says that we are to obey the governments we are placed under because they are established by God. Then he says that we should pay our taxes when due, which is probably one of the most difficult governmental laws to follow, no one likes paying taxes; Jesus commanded us to do it. So Paul spells out that we should obey the government, and then takes the command one step further by telling us we even have to pay our taxes. Then in v7 he spreads his command out even farther and says that we should render to anyone what is due to them, hax, custom, fear, honor. Paul takes the command to obey the government, then raises it up a level and shows how we should live out this command in other ways as well; just as we give the government what is due to it, we should give to others what is due to them (money, honor, fear). In fact, as Paul says, the highest command I give you is to love others, just as Christ commanded you, by obeying the government, you fulfill this, by paying your taxes, you fulfill this, by giving honor to others, you fulfill this, by not stealing, coveting, committing adultery, committing murder, etc. you fulfill this. So we see that Paul gives a type of hierarchy of commands and shows what their root is, love.
See John 14:15 – if you love me, you will keep my commandments. Jesus is telling us that we will not keep God’s law out of obligation, but out of love. There is no “might keep my commandments” here. Jesus says that once we are united to Him, we WILL keep His commandments.

Discussion question: What does love look like? Compare/contrast what the world would say love looks like to what the Bible would say. How has Satan lied to us through movies, entertainment, bad relationships, etc.?

Leader: for your review
Acts 4:19-20 – Peter and John did not give in to just anybody who wanted something from them. This tells us that love is not always agreeable and submissive.
Acts 7:51 – Stephen calls the Jews stiff-necked. This tells us that love does not hold back to respect someone’s “feelings”.
Gal 6:1-2 – Paul tell us to restore others that are caught in sin and to bear their burdens. This tells us that love has to say some hard things (see 2 Tim 3:16)
Titus 1:9 – We are to hold fast to sound doctrine and refute those who do not. This tells us that love cares for a brother or sister’s walk with the Lord (see 2 Tim 4:2.
Eph 3:14-19 – Paul prays fervently for his people. This tells us that love is concerned with others’ relationships with God and fights for those relationships.
It would seem from the Scriptures that true love is far from making someone happy at any cost.

Discussion question: What does it mean in v11 when it says it is the hour for us to awaken from sleep?

Leader: for your review
It seems that Paul is using a kind of timelessness statement. He is not saying that at some point in the future, it will be a certain time and that will be the time of our salvation. He is saying that it is NOW the time of our salvation, that it has already happened.

Discussion question: Why does Paul warn the believers at Rome to be on their guard? Shouldn’t they do these things regardless of when Christ will return? Shouldn’t the reason for doing these things be love and not fear?
See Matt 24

Leader: for your review.
v13-14 are the famous passages that St. Augustine read and believed and began his journey with Christ. “Confessions” tells the story wonderfully.

Discussion question: What does it mean to put on the Lord Jesus Christ?
read through Ephesians 6:11-17 and 1 Thess 5:5-11

Discussion question: Haven’t we already put on the Lord Jesus Christ according to Galatians 3:27?
See Romans 6

Week 31

Romans 13:1-8

Discussion question: Does v1 imply that only governments which are established by God have authority and that there is some kind of test we can use to determine which are established by Him?

Leader: for your review.
It doesn’t seem to be the case that some governments are and some aren’t established by God because in v2 it says whoever resists authority resists the ordinances of God and then in v3 it refers back to authority but calls them rulers interchangeably. So it seems to be the case that all authority is established by God. This could lead to some awkward cases; what if there are two governments at war, which do you side with? etc.

Discussion question: Verses 3 and 4 are worded a bit strangely. Paul was so strong and clear in chapters 6 and 7 that we are to avoid sin at all costs because our lives are now bond servants of Christ’s, but then he kind of cavalierly states that we shouldn’t do evil because the rulers and authorities will “come get us”.

Leader: for your review.
It seems to be the case that Paul is making a very strong argument for obeying the rulers placed over us. God put authorities in place to keep order and discipline in the world at large, see:
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Titus 3:1
1 Peter 2:13-17
These verses give very strong commands for Christians to obey authorities. Paul gives the strongest when he says that we should obey them because God put them in place and we are hence obeying God.

Discussion question: Did the founding fathers of the United States of America break this command when they rebelled against England during the Revolution?

Discussion question: How does Satan relate to these passages? Luke 4:6 states that authority has been given to Satan, what are we to do with this.

Leader: for your review:
This question could lead down some dangerous routes. Satan only has what God has given him, that means he is in submission to and under God’s authority. See:
1 John 5:19
John 12:31
John 17:15
Gal 1:4
Job 1,2
James 4:7

Discussion question: What are we to do during the more difficult times when the rulers say we can’t read our Bibles or pray to God or gather together to corporately worship Him?
Acts 5:27-32 Peter and the apostles before the Council, “We must obey God rather than men”

Discussion question: Verse 5 makes a great statement that we should be in subjection for “conscience’ sake”. What are the implications of this, what are the benefits of a clean conscience?
Genesis 20:6
Psalm 32
1 Tim 1:5
Hebrews 13:18
1 Peter 2:19
1 Peter 3:14-21

Leader: for your review.
Matthew 22:21 – Jesus states so quick and plainly how we are to pay taxes and be done with it, it fits perfectly with all his teachings on not worrying about money

Discussion question: Does verse 8 imply that we should never have debt?
Matthew 5:42

Week 30

Romans 12

Discussion question: Why does Paul urge his readers to present their bodies as sacrifices?

Leader: for your review:
This command of offering our bodies as sacrifices to God as being an act of worship has such practical meanings. A lot of people will go to a church building on Sundays and say they are going there to worship God. How many can say on Monday they are going to work to worship God? Or how many can say they are fleeing from sin not only to obey God, but to worship Him. Or that they will wear their clothes or shoes a little longer so they can support missions work in China as their worship of God. It is not a sacrifice to lift up our voices on Sunday morning, sacrifice comes the next day when our bodies tell us it would be easier to give in rather than fight.

Discussion question: How does the process of being transformed away from conformity to the world start? Why does it start in the renewing of our minds? What does conformity to the world look like and what does a transformed life look like?
A clue to this is in the Greek words used here. The word used for being conformed to the world has its root in a word that means “the outward form”. The form that changes from year to year, we don’t look then same when we’re first born as when we’re old and gray. The word for being transformed means “the essential unchanging” it is the inward being that doesn’t change from year to year, our spirit that is basically the same at all times. Paul tells us that we are to be new in our “essential unchanging”, how can this be done but by the renewal of our minds? A true inward change. Wearing a cross around my neck does not make me a follower of Christ, living radically different from the world proves that I am a follower of Christ. Both are outward, but only one requires an internal change.

Discussion question: If we are transformed, will we know God’s will for our lives in every decision we need to make?
1 Thess 4:1-12 – God’s will is our sanctification, that we would know what He wants us to do morally in every decision.
Eph 5:3-11 – This verse also talks about how God’s will for our lives is in how we live our lives and not necessarily what decisions we make about non-moral things.

Discussion question: What is Paul getting at in v3? What are we to have sound judgment with regards to?
If your gift is prophecy, you might not be best suited to hospital visits…Know yourself, know what gifts the Spirit has blessed you with and be honest about them.

Discussion question: Is the passage in vv6-8 saying we each have only one gift or we have many gifts but are stronger in some than others?

Discussion question: Paul lists a lot of practical applications to the Christian life, how are these to be carried out? Can we just resolve ourselves to do them and then it’s easy-going? What things are working against us to live out this life?

Discussion question: What does hypocritical love look like? And in opposition, what does perfect love look like?

Discussion question: What is the imagery used by Paul when he says we should abhor evil and cling to good?

Discussion question: Are we still shocked by sin? Is sin absolutely appalling to us or have we gotten used to it? List some examples of sin that is not really seen as appalling.

Discussion question: In what ways is diligence difficult? What are the rewards of diligence? What is the punishment for lack of zeal?

Discussion question: The greek word here is boiling point, keep your spirit at boiling point, what are the marks of a spirit boiling for the Lord?
In Acts 18:25, Apollos was called fervent in spirit, he proclaimed the things of God to all he met.
In opposition, lack of fervency was Jesus’ rebuke to the Church in Laodicea in Rev 3:15-16

Leader: for your review

9Let love be without hypocrisy – God did the same for us, He says He loves us and proved it on the cross Romans 5:8

Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. – Romans 6:11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; – Romans 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all

give preference to one another in honor; – Romans 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh

11not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

12rejoicing in hope,

persevering in tribulation,

devoted to prayer,

13contributing to the needs of the saints,

practicing hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

16Be of the same mind toward one another;

do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly

Do not be wise in your own estimation.

17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone

Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

18If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

19Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.

20″BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Week 29

Romans 11:33-36
Leader: for your review

Eph 3: Paul speaks of the riches of Christ (v8) and the riches of God’s glory (v16) as being that which was hidden from man before Christ came to the earth and that which will strengthen us with power through His Spirit.

Discussion question: What is the wisdom of God?
1 Kings 3:28
Proverbs 2
Job 28:28
Ps 37:30
Ps 111:10
Is 11
1 Cor 1-2
Col 2:3

Discussion question: What is the knowledge of God?
Job 38:2 implies that the knowledge of God is facts that only God can know; details of creation, life, etc.
Ps 139:1-6
Is 11
Hos 6:6
Mal 2:7

Discussion question: What would it look like for someone to give God counsel? What are some examples of how we give God counsel?
“God, why didn’t I marry this girl?” “God, why didn’t I get this job?” “God, this isn’t fair!”

Discussion question: How does Paul’s wording of v35 leave absolutely no room for arguing?

Discussion question: What does this passage teach us about the things we’ve learned in the book of Romans?
1 Cor 8:6, 11:12 – all things are from God, all things created by God
Col 1:16 – all things, thrones or dominions are created through Him and FOR Him
Heb 2:10 – It was fitting to bring many sons to glory in sufferings
Eph 3:21 – to Him be the glory forever
Phil 4:20 – to God be the glory
1 Tim 1:17 – to God be the glory
2 Tim 4:18 – the Lord will rescue me and bring me to safety
1 Peter 4:11, 5:11 – whoever speaks is to do so as if speaking for God
2 Peter 3:18 – grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord
Jude 25 – to Him be glory before all time and forever
Rev 1:6, 5:13, 7:12 – to Him be the glory
Ps 24:10 – Who is this King of Glory? HE IS
Grudem p221, paragrahs 5,6

Discussion question: Why is this passage (vv33-36) added here? What has just been said and what is about to be said by Paul?

Leader: for your review:
This passage is a great closing to the previous 11 chapters. Paul has gone through a long defense of the great doctrines of God and they are very hard to grasp, even impossible to grasp. Some were not meant to be understood but rather stated (What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God is there? The answer is simply a statement of the question, God is sovereign and man is responsible and this makes God just!) Paul is amazed by the wisdom and knowledge of God and simply humbles himself before God and gives Him all glory. Paul is about to state a “therefore” in chapter 12:1. This “therefore” is a bridge between these great doctrines and their application to our lives. Paul says, now that we know what we know, we can live the lives God wants us to. Now that we know that all are condemned before God because of sin and that God has offered us redemption and forgiveness by grace through faith in Christ Jesus who was foretold by the Scriptures and the prophets and we are now no longer under the bondage of sin but under the grace of Christ to live the life of a free man by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us and prays for us only because God has graciously chosen us for this life before the foundation of the world for His own purposes and for His own namesake and for His own glory, now that we know this, this great truth of God’s ultimate plan for His glory, are we able to live out the Christian life by the power of God.

Week 28; part II

Romans 11:16-32

Leader: for your review. This discussion was a continuation from Week 28.

Rev 13:8 – All who dwell on earth will worship him (the beast), everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. (also see Rev 17:8)

Rev 20:15 – And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

So these verses address the book of life that was written at the beginning of time and is looked at on the day of judgment. If a book was written by Jesus at the beginning of time before man existed, how could we possibly be “saved” at some point and then “unsaved” at another point? How can we “loose” our salvation? Our names are either in the book or out of the book at the beginning of time. But, backing up a few verses in Rev 20 and verse 12, we see there are other books in addition to the book of life that have a record of every deed ever done by every human. “and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds (v12).” So, we are judged according to our deeds in these books and Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned so certainly every human as at least one sin in these books. So, how are we to stand on the day of judgment, how is our name to be found in the book of life when every sin we commit is painstakingly recorded so that God can be just when He judges us on the last day? “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

Discussion question: Given the passage from vv17-24, what does this tell us about the Church or the body of Christ? Are there two roots and in essence two ways to God? Do/Did the Jews have their own way to God that was changed into the Christian way to God after Christ’s death and resurrection?

Discussion question: What is the sequence of events taking place in vv25-26? Does this mean that some Jews were saved and then no Jews are saved while the Gentiles are saved and then Jews start being saved again?

Discussion question: What does v28 describe our attitude towards Jews to be?

Discussion question: How can we see God’s plan at work in vv30,31?

Discussion question: What does v32 mean?