RomansThe Glory of God As Seen

In The Righteousness of God

A Thematic Bible Study

H. Carl Shank

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Romans: The Glory of God As Seen In The Righteousness of GodA Thematic Bible Study

Copyright © 2017 by H. Carl Shank. All rights reserved.ISBN 978-1-387-05243-1

Permission is given to photocopy any portion of this book for ministry purposes. Photocopy must include copyright credits as stated above.

Scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV, © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by The Zondervan Corporation. References marked ESV are taken from the ESV Bible, © 2001 by Crossway, a ministry of Good News Publishers. References marked The Message are taken from The Message, Copyright © by Eugene Petersen 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000–2002. All references used by permission from the publishers. All rights reserved.

Cover design: H. Carl Shank

First printing Summer 2017

Printed in the United States of America

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About the Author

In addition to his M.Div. and Th.M. (systematics) work, H. Carl Shank has been a youth, associate, solo, staff and lead pastor in over forty years of church ministry, pastoring beginning and established congregations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and New York state. His passion for leadership development has resulted in mentoring numerous pastors, teaching in a number of local Bible institutes as well as serving as an adjunct faculty member of The King’s College, and training InterVarsity leaders on the East Coast. Carl has been regularly sought out for his acknowledged gifts of discernment and wisdom in dealing with church issues. He had been serving as the Executive Pastor of Pequea Church south of Lancaster, PA, as well as a church health consultant through NCDAmerica. He is recently retired. Besides numerous seminars and church related articles, his written contributions include “Qoheleth’s World and Life View As Seen in His Recurring Phrases,” Westminster Theological Journal, 37 (1974), 57-73, More of Christ, Mack Publishing, 1973, A Faith Journey: Steps of Faith from Here to God, 2009 (www.blurb.com), The Two-Talent Church: Truths for Health and Growth, Upfront and Indepth: Deeper Devotional Studies on Psalm 119, Making Christianity Work: Letters and Lessons on Leadership, Theology and the Church, Living Life God’s Way: Reflections from the Psalms, Study Guide and Leader’s Guide, the latter available from Amazon and other booksellers. Carl is married to his wonderful wife, Nancy, and has three grown, married children, Stephen, Jeremy and Heidi. He lives in the Marietta, PA area and can be reached for consulting, seminars or leadership and mentoring development at

cshanktype@gmail.comwww.carlshankconsulting.com

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PREFACE

In the 1990s I was privileged to be one of the seminar speakers and leaders for several InterVarsity Growth in Christ Training Conferences that took place in the Philadelphia, PA and Neward, DE areas. These conferences were organized by InterVarsity staff for a number of colleges in the metro area around Philadelphia and Newark. Quite a number of students and student leaders attended these sessions. I was privileged to follow in the teaching footsteps of men like James Boice with these students and leaders. The Letter to the Romans was chosen by IV leadership and myself for the biblical studies portion of these conferences. The rich theology of Romans, chapters one through eleven, provided these budding leaders an overview of biblical truths that often are missed by their local church background and upbringing. Themes like justification by faith, election by grace, sanctification, redemption, righteousness, repentance, susbstitutionary atonement, and the nature and depth of sin and depravity are covered in these brief studies. While heavy to some, these themes are basic and essential for a whole Bible view of the gospel and salvation. The students greatly enjoyed the studies and class interaction, and I greatly enjoyed the teaching. Most of these seminars took place as I was serving as Associate for Field Services for the Brethren in Christ Church. I was responsible to assist two bishops in three Conferences consisting of 105 churches in church planting and church growth dynamics. My background in three very diverse denominational settings, Reformed Baptist, Orthodox Presbyterian and Brethren in Christ, gave me a theological and practical

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richness which I was willing to share with these eager learners. My passion in life is to seek to grow the church through Bible-based, warm-hearted and authentic Christ-centered teaching and practice. I believe every Christian needs a thought-out, Christ-centered, biblically based doctrinal foundation and lifestyle that attracts the non-Christian and makes the gospel once again “authentic” in our day. In preparing these lessons, I have used a number of familiar commentaries and study guides, such as Romans by F.F. Bruce in the Tyndale Series, John Murray, The Epistle to the Romans, Hendriken’s commentary on Romans, D. Martyn Lloyd Jones’ seven volume series on Romans 1–8, John Stott’s Men Made New: Romans 5–8 and others. I recommend a supplementary study guide found in the LifeChange Series, Romans (A NavPress Bible Study) published by NavPress, and John Stott’s Your Mind Matters to God. There are many more excellent study guides and commentaries for the avid student or scholar. The first part of this booklet is the student Study Guide with the Leader’s Notes in the back. I have given permission to make copies of this booklet for class and group purposes in ministry settings. I would, of course, prefer classes and groups purchase copies for themselves. Enjoy digging in!

Carl Shank2017

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WHY STUDY ROMANS?

In 1996, the George Barna Associates published what they called “The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators.” Not much has changed in over twenty years, except that the spiritual landscape has gotten much worse. Note the leading spiritual indicators. On the Bible. While 85% of all Americans think of themselves as “religious,” and 68% of all adults believe that the Christian faith has “all the answers to leading a successful life,” and almost half of the population (45%) believe the Bible is “absolutely accurate and everything in it can be taken literally,” increasingly fewer Americans know where the Bible came from, what it contains, or how much credence to give to its words. In four years, between 1992 and 1996, Bible reading dropped by 13%. George Gallup, Jr made an observation then, which is too true today: “Americans revere the Bible, but by and large, they don’t read it. And because they don’t read it, they have become a nation of biblical illiterates.” On the nature of God. While nine out of ten adults say they believe God exists, “God” means many things to many people. Nearly three out of ten describe a deity other than the God protrayed in the Bible. The other depictions of God include a state of higher consciousness, the total realization of human potential, the belief there are many gods, and that everyone is their own god, or there is no such thing as God. While most Americans buy into the notion of a higher power or supreme being of some sort, the consensus as to the identity and nature of that authority is crumbling. On Jesus Christ. Nine out of ten adults believe Jesus was a real person, that he was born to a virgin, and that he was crucified, died and rose from the dead and is spiritually alive today. Many adults, however,

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remain uncertain about the sinless nature of Christ, and have little knowledge regarding the prophecies preceding his life and death. On sin. About one-fifth of the population believe that the “whole idea of sin is outdated.” While people generally accept there is good and bad in all of us, they do not take “sin” seriously, and they do not accept rigid definitions of sinful behavior. This is tied to the growing perception that the Christian depiction of Satan as a living force of evil is not to be take literally—except by Hollywood in the movies. Fred Allen has said, “Most of us spend the first six days of each week sowing wild oats; then we go to church on Sunday and pray for crop failure.” On prayer. While four out of five believe that prayer can change things, for most people prayer is a form of spiritual gambling. You make your needs and desires known and hope for the best. Our understanding of prayer is generally divorced from a deeper knowledge of the theological role of prayer. On salvation. Six out of ten people believe that “if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during their lives, they will earn a place in heaven.” Only four out of ten believe that “people who do not consciously accept Jesus Christ as their Savior will be condemned to hell.” All good people will end up in heaven is the general consensus. The idea of hell has been discarded by many, even by those who consider themselves Christians.

In November of 1515, an Augustinian monk named Martin Luther grasped the truth from the letter to the Romans that the righteousness of God is that righteousness whereby, through grace and sheer mercy, God justifies us by faith. He confessed, “Thereupon I felt myself to be reborn and to have gone through open doors into paradise.” He says that “this passage of Paul became to me a gateway to heaven.” John Wesley on May 24, 1738, was in a meeting where someone was reading Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to the Romans. He wrote later in his journal that he felt his heart “strangely warmed” as he pondered the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ. J.I. Packer in his book, Knowing God, declares that “All roads in the

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Bible lead to Romans, and all views afforded by the Bible are seen most clearly from Romans, and when the message of Romans gets into a man’s heart there is no telling what may happen.” (Knowing God, p. 230) He goes on to say that the message of Romans “has unique power to search out and deal with things that are so much part of you that ordinarily you do not give them a thought —

your sinful habits and attitudes; your instinct for hypocrisy; your natural self righteousness and self-reliance; your constant unbelief; your moral frivolity, and shallowness in repentance; your half-heartedness, worldliness, fearfulness, despondency; your spiritual conceit and insensitiveness. And you will also find that this shattering letter has unique power to evoke the joy, assurance, boldness, liberty and ardor of spirit which God requires of and gives to those who love him. (Knowing God, p. 231)

The message of Romans can do all of this and more! So, let’s dive in and find out what God says in this glorious letter.

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RomansA Study Guide

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Helpful ResourcesBruce, F.F. Romans in the Tyndale Series, Eerdmans, 2008 Edition.Hendriksen, William. Romans (NTC), Baker, 1992 Edition.Keller, Timothy. Romans 1–7 and 8–16 For You, The Good Book Co, 2014.LifeChange Series. Romans (A NavPress Bible Study), NavPress, 1987.Lloyd Jones, D. Martyn. Romans (Chs. 1-8:39) (7 vols), Banner of Truth, 1985.Murray, John. Epistle to the Romans (New Testament Commentary), Eerdmans,

1960.Stott, John R.W. Men Made New (Romans 5-8), IVP, 1966.Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Right, Scripture Press Pub., 1985.

Other Related BooksAldrich, Joseph C. Life-Style Evangelism, Multnomah Press, 2011 Edition.Bridges, Jerry The Pursuit of Holiness, NavPress, 2016 Edition.Ferguson, Sinclair B. A Heart For God, Banner of Truth, 1987 Edition.Packer, J.I. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, IVP, 2012 Edition.Packer, J.I. Knowing God, IVP, 1993 Edition.Pippert, Rebecca Manley. Out of the Salt Shaker & Into The World, IVP, 1999.Prior, Kenneth. The Way of Holiness, Christian Holiness, 2001 Edition.Swindoll, Charles R. The Quest For Character, Multnomah Press, 1987.Thatcher, Martha. The Freedom of Obedience, NavPress, 1987.Tozer, A.W. The Knowledge of the Holy, HarperOne, 2009 Edition.

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BACKGROUND & OUTLINERomans

Background Facts About Romans 1. When was the Church at Rome established? 57-59 A.D.

2. Who established it? No apostle apparently (cf. Rom. 15:20 with fact Peter still in

Jerusalem)

3. What was the background of these people? A mixture of Jewish and Gentile Christians, with a definite

Gentile flavoring. (1:5f, 12-14; 11:13; 15:16) 4. Where was Paul when he wrote this letter? Greece (Ephesus) at the beginning of his 3rd missionary

journey. (cf. 15:22f with Acts 20:1ff; and greeting list in ch. 16) 5. What was Paul’s purpose in writing this letter? To preach the Gospel of God ‘s righteousness and impart

some spiritual gift (1:11-17), and especially to tell the Roman Christians that true righteousness is a universal righteousness, not limited to the nation of Israel (cf. chs. 9-11).

6. What was the spiritual state of the Church at Rome? Apparently sound and good (cf. 1:8; 15:14; 16:19) but divisive

and disturbing elements had infected the Church (cf. 6:1; 16:17,18).

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MegaTheme of RomansThe Glory of God as Seen in the Righteousness of God

Outline of Study

INTRODUCTION “Your Mind Matters To God” or

“Why Is Doctrine Important Anyway?”

BOOK INTRODUCTION: Righteousness from the Sovereign God (1:1-17) 1. God’s glory & righteousness (Transitional Doxological Statement of 11:33-36) 2. God’s words of sovereign grace (1:1-7) 3. Paul’s purpose in writing (1:8-15) 4. Paul’s theme statement (1:16-17)

UNIVERSAL GUILT: Righteousness Demanded by God For All (1:18-3:20) 1. Gentiles stand guilty (1:18-32) 2. Jews stand guilty (2:1-3:8) 3. Whole world guilty (3:9-20)

GOSPEL BENEFITS: How We Become Righteous Before God (3:21-5:21) 1. The Gospel gives us, through faith in Jesus Christ, a right

standing before God (3:21-4:25) 2. The Gospel provides the certainty of peace with God (5:1) 3. The Gospel provides access to God with confidence (5:2a) 4. The Gospel gives hope that lasts (5:2b, 5) 5. The Gospel develops Christ-centered character (5:3,4) 6. The Gospel can provide, through the Holy Spirit, a conscious

sense of God ‘s presence and favor (5:5b) 7. The Gospel provides certain and sure victory over sin in our

world and in my life (5:6-21)

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SANCTIFICATION: God’s Picture of Righteousness In Our Lives (6:1-8:11) 1. A Christian is a person who has experienced the conviction of

God ‘s Law in his life. (7:7-13) 2. A Christian is a person who has “died to sin.” (6:2-7:6/Selected

Verses) 3. A Christian is a person who has a living and powerful

relationship with Christ. (6:3-11) 4. A Christian is a person who has experienced a change of

masters through willingly yielding himself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. (6:12-23).

5. A Christian is a person who lives under God ‘s assurance of “no condemnation!” (8:1-11)

SOVEREIGNTY: God’s Sovereignty Leads to Grateful Praise and Gospel Love (8:12-39) 1. God, through the Holy Spirit, has a perfect, sovereign plan for

us. (8:12-27) 2. God is for us! (8:28-31) 3. God through Christ freely gives us all things. (8:32) 4. God has forever freed us from Satan ‘s claims. (8:33,34) 5. God loves us, in Christ, in a binding and keeping way. (8:35-39)

SOVEREIGNTY: Understanding God’s Sovereign Purposes (9 – 10) 1. God’s sovereignty in salvation never eliminates pity for the

perishing! (9:1-5; 10:1) 2. God’s sovereignty in salvation guarantees that his Word never

fails. (9:6–13) 3. God’s sovereignty in salvation is absolute and free. (9:14–18) 4. God’s sovereignty in salvation never relieves people of their

responsibility and/or blame. (9:19–33; 10:1-21)

GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ISRAEL (11:1–32) 1. Salvation is of the Jews.

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2. Salvation is always by God’s almighty grace. 3. Israel will be saved through Gentile witness. 4. Anyone, whether Jew or Gentile, is saved through faith.

LIVING SACRIFICES: Learning to Live for God (12) 1. Possess an ongoing transformation of character. (vv. 1, 2) 2. Use your spiritual gifts humbly and well. (vv. 3 – 8) 3. Exercise the law of love to everyone. (vv. 9 – 21)

THE POLITICALLY CORRECT CHRISTIAN: The Christian and Government (13) 1. God has instituted civil government with delegated authority. 2. Civil authority is a “servant” of God and a “minister” for the

good. 3. Our role is willing, voluntary, Christ-centered obedience to civil

authorities. 4. Christ’s law of love fulfills the demands of the Mosaic law code. 5. Knowing the times we need to live holy and distinctive lives

under Christ.

LIBERTY NOT LICENSE: Christian Freedoms and Boundaries (14:1–15:13) 1. Dealing with “weak” and “strong” believers (14:1–12) 2. Limits of liberty (14:13–23) 3. Call to unity (15:1–13)

FINAL WORDS (15:14 – 16:27) 1. Paul’s ministry plans (15:15–33) 2. Fellow ministers of the gospel (16:1–16) 3. Warnings and closing exhortation (16:17–27)

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INTRODUCTION“Your Mind Matters to God”

Ijust believe the Bible.” In over forty years of pastoral experience and teaching, I cannot recall how often I have heard this sentence. Many use it as a sincere declaration of their faith in God and reliance on the Bible as the Word of God. Some use it as a defense against a modernistic dismissal of the Bible as authoritative. Others use it as a comeback against “theology,” as if theological commentary somehow degrades or runs counter to the literal or printed words of Scripture. A few may use it as an excuse not to give themselves to serious study of the words, phrases and themes of Scripture. What many people often fail to recognize is that we are always doing theology. We are always making theological observations, applications and conclusions from the Bible. “Theology,” very simply is the study of God as He has revealed himself in His Word, the Bible. Theology proper has come to mean a systematic study of the truths of the Bible, or an exploration of those truths in a systematic way. However, every time we make a comment on a biblical statement or term, we are doing theology. Saying we “just believe the Bible” means we believe certain truths revealed in the words of Scripture in a way that makes sense to us and in a manner in which we were taught.

Some Definitions and Assumptions 1. Doctrine = The Word of God in __________ used to ________

_________. (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16,17)

Comments:

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2. Theology = the _________________ of God ‘s Word by us to all areas of life. (i.e., = doctrine)

Systematic theology = Anything which answers the question “What does the _________ ________ say to me on this or that subject?

In-depth theology = A continual effort to answer the question “What does the whole Bible say to me on this or that subject?” with an in-depth understanding, appreciation and application that God is _________________. (This is obviously not the classic definition or historical description.)

3. Knowing God = the response of the _________ person to God‘s whole Word in all areas of life.

What Does It Matter?

“If I know Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, what does it matter if I pay little attention to biblical theology (or doctrine)?”

1. Because of ________________ _______________________.

• We must love the Lord our God with all our MIND (diakoinia= intellect) (Matt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30; Lk. 10:27).

• We must “be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s] (Rom. 12:2; and Eph. 4:23).

• We must “make every thought captive” to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 10:5) so that we can demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.

• “double minded” people do not “love God ‘s law” (Psalm 119:113) – noncommittal in thought life

2. Because of ________________ ______________________.

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• ritualistic Christianity

• activistic Christianity

• existentialistic Christianity

• fideism “The faith that is afraid to think is unbelief in the mask of

piety.” [Ebeling, Christianity Today, Nov. 2, 1979, p.24]

• secularization of the Christian mind

• sin can be seen as “___________ ______________ against God” (2 Cor. 10:5)

3. Loving God “with ALL your MIND” means

a. developing the habit of ______________________, where we ask questions that do not simply invite authoritative answers, but questions that test the validity of all proposed answers.

b. developing the power of _______________________ (Heb. 5:11-14; Phil. 1:9,10; Col. 1:9) where we can “test” the spirits and see if something is valid or not.

c. developing the vision of ______________________ where the mediocre and trivial are regarded as enemies! (Matt. 7:7-12)

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“A Christian mind is a mind trained, informed, equipped to handle the data of secular controversy

within a framework of reference which is constituted of Christian presuppositions.”

Harry Blamires, The Christian Mind

Discussion 1. Would you say you have a “Christian mind?” Why or why not?

2. What in your past has either contributed to, or stunted, your growth in Christ and study of the Bible?

3. What do you want to gain from this study of Romans?

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RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM ASOVEREIGN GOD

Romans 11:33-36; 1:1-17

God saves sinners! This statement no evangelical would deny or attempt to refute. It is held in highest esteem and deepest conviction among conservative Christians of whatever theological persuasion. And yet it is precisely this statement that fuels this study of Romans. Rather than being a polemic against other faiths, the letter to the Romans simply seeks to state the foundations of the gospel as it applies to the salvation of God’s people.

THEME: The God of all righteousness

OUTLINE 1. God’s Glory & Righteousness (Transitional Doxological Statement of 11:33-36) 2. God’s Words of Sovereign Grace (1:1-7) 3. Paul’s Purpose in Writing (1:8-15) 4. Paul’s Theme Statement (1:16-17)

Who is the God of all glory and righteousness? (11:33-36)

1. He is the God who “cannot be __________ _____.” (33,34) Discuss: What does it mean to glorify God? (kabod in the Hebrew

and doxa in the Greek)

God’s “ways” –

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• Not a secret plan, but revealed • Incapable of scientific rationalization or known by

simple investigation • Cannot “box” God in Vs. 34 from Isaiah 40:13 & Read

Ps. 40:5

Job 11:7

2. He is the God who ________ no man anything! (v. 35)

• God ‘s mercy and grace are never a reward for my obedience or trust

Job 41:11 “Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.”

I.E. God never makes DEALS with us!

3. He is the God Who alone is the ____________, _______ and _______ of All Things (36)

• “of Him” • “through Him” • “to Him” Col. 1:16,17

• Even Satan and evil

4. He is the God of irresistible __________ and ________ “CALLED” us (1:1,6,7)/ “loved by God” (7)

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• “Called” to SERVICE (1); Called to a SAVING RELATIONSHIP

with Christ (6); “called” TO BE SAINTS/ “Separated Ones” Holy Ones (7)

2 Tim. 1:9

Definition = God ‘s Word of sovereign power by which He summons a non-Christian from spiritual death to everlasting life by His Word & Spirit.

• “loved by God” Synonymous with the “elect” of God (Col. 3:12 & 1 Thes. 1:4)

Definition = The Father ‘s embrace of his people in the bosom of his affection (John Murray)

• Other Grace Terms

“grace” — undeserved and unmerited favor from God to pardon sinners; God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

“peace” — God ‘s “Shalom”/blessing of wholeness and peace

What is the gospel of righteousness from this glorious God?(vss. 16,17)

1. God ‘s “________________” (dunamis = power)

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2. The place of faith

3. “___________” not just “potential” power

Application 1. Know for YOURSELF this God of all glory and righteousness! You cannot effectively teach or communicate what you do not

personally know! At least in this area of truth-telling.

2. Reframe your view of God to fit the Biblical model. “According to our views of the character of God, so will be our

conduct.” (Haldane)

Discussion 1. What is new to you in this section of the study?

2. How do you respond to the statement, “Faith never saves anyone.”

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UNIVERSAL GUILTRomans 1:18 – 3:20

Her name is Hana Brady. Hana was a thirteen year old Jewish girl from Czechoslovakia who died in a gas chamber at the Auschwitz concentration camp in World War II on October 23, 1944. Her parents were never seen again after they had been previously deported by the Nazis. Her brother, George, survived by working as a laborer at the camp. Horrific. Gruesome. Awful. Terrible. Yes, all of that. Abnormal, unrepeatable, unexpected, no, not really. While most shrink back from the Holocaust and its atrocities and horrors, many see this degradation of humanity as something which “normal” people would and could not do. Yet, I would argue that “normal” people committed such horrific acts. “Normal” people who lived right outside the camps denied that such horror ever existed. And I would further argue that this is normal behavior for our humanity.

THEME: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

OUTLINE 1. Gentiles stand guilty (1:18-32) 2. Jews stand guilty (2:1-3:8) 3. Whole world guilty (3:9-20)

All people without Christ live under the reality and terror of the __________of God. (1:18, & cf. vv. 24, 26, 28)

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Definition: “wrath of God” — the holy revulsion of a righteous God against those who have defied him. A positive outgoing of divine displeasure against sin. His personal and eternal response to those who refuse His way of righteousness.

• Not unbridled vengeance; or fitful anger; or automatic computer-like judgment

• Not what we FEEL when conviction of sin sets in either!!

1. Why? ____________________________________________________________________________________________

2. SIN is my ___________________(spoken or unspoken, felt or unfelt) of God!!

• Not just a ______________________

• Not just lack of human ___________________

3. Sin is ____________ in me (5:12ff)

• We inherit the _____________ of Adam

• We inherit Adam ‘s sin because he is our “representative.” It is our __________________with Adam that makes us all die and all sin. This is therefore called the “imputation of Adam ‘s sin” We are not sinful because we sin; we sin because we are sinful. (Gen. 6:5; 8:21; Ps. 51:5)

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How does Paul know all people everywhere are unrighteous and therefore in need of God ‘s righteousness through Jesus Christ? To demonstrate, he divides the human race into two main groups —Gentiles and Jews.

The Gentile unrighteousness in spite of God ‘s “light.” (vv. 19-2:16)

1. The light of _____________(general revelation) (v. 20) by which all Gentiles understand God ‘s

• ______________________________

• _______________________________

2. The light of __________________________(2:14,15)

3. Response to these two “lights” • ______________________ (1:21)

• ______________________ (1:25)= measuring God by man ‘s mind.

• ________________________ (1:24-32)

4. God judges all these people • according to ___________(2:2)

• according to their ___________(2:5-11, 13)

• according to the _____________________________ ______________________ (2:12-16)

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Jewish unrighteousness in spite of God ‘s in spite of their ____________________ (2:17-3:8) 1. Knowing God ‘s law (2:17-24) they broke it.

2. Trusting in physical circumcision without having their “_____________circumcised” (2:25-3:8)

Therefore ____ _________ is righteous (3:9-20)

Application and Discussion 1. Reclaim a healthy definition of sin so that the gospel is really

needed! 2. Why do many people, in fact the majority of people since

Aristotle, believe that humankind is essentially “good?”

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GOSPEL BENEFITSRomans 3:21 – 5:21

Awoman walked into a jewelry shop in Denver, CO to purchase a little gold cross. The store owner showed her his selection, but first asked her, “Do you want the plain one or the one with the little man on it?” We live in an age of biblical illiteracy, where the terms, definitions and, thus, principles of the Bible remain vague, mysterious and largely unknown and ignored. Terms like justification, righteousness, propitiation, redemption, and reconciliation are simply unknown. When we think of benefits from the Christian faith or from Jesus, we tend to think in terms of subjective, or feeling-type attitudes and outlook on life. Consequently, the “peace” of Romans 5:1 is often seen as a subjective sense of calmness about life’s troubles and stresses. And, more often than not, we find that as our emotions go, so goes our faith in Christ. The benefits of the gospel which Paul describes in 3:21–5:21 are, on the other hand, strong, Christ-centered, objective mooring points on which you can anchor your ship of life in the storms of life.

THEME: The Blessings & Benefits From the Gospel of Righteousness

OUTLINE 1. The Gospel gives us, through faith in Jesus Christ, a right

standing before God (3:21-4:25), in two dynamic ways a. By satisfying God ‘s righteous demands against us (3:21-26)

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b. By freeing us from the bondage to “works-righteousness” (3:19,20, 27-31; 4:2-5, 13, 16; cf. Eph. 2:8,9)

2. The Gospel provides the certainty of peace with God (5:1) 3. The Gospel provides access to God with confidence (5:2a) 4. The Gospel gives hope that lasts (5:2b, 5) 5. The Gospel develops Christ-centered character (5:3,4) 6. The Gospel can provide, through the Holy Spirit, a conscious

sense of God ‘s presence and favor (5:5b) 7. The Gospel provides certain and sure victory over sin in our

world and in my life (5:6-21)

Benefit #1: The Gospel gives us, through faith in Jesus Christ, a right standing before God (3:21-4:25), in two dynamic ways:

1. By satisfying God ‘s righteous demands against us (3:21-26)

WHY is this so crucial?

Note in 3:21-26 the Cross ___________________ GOD (!) by

a. Declaring all who believe, because of Christ, “Righteous” before Him = justification (Christ IS “Jehovah our Righteousness” (cf. Jer. 23:5))

b. Removing His just wrath against us = propitiation (“covering over” of sin) (3:25)

c. Delivering us by a ransom-payment, Jesus ‘ blood, from justly deserved eternal punishment = redemption (3:24)

Because of this,

2. The Gospel frees us from the bondage of “works-

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righteousness” (3:19,20, 27-31; 4:2-5,13,16; cf. Eph. 2:8,9)

Justification by works finds its ground in what a person ____ and ________, but always points to the person, while Justification by faith is trust/commitment in and to _______________.

Faith Works Self-renouncing ________________________ Looks outside me to Christ ________________________ Admits I have no inherent righteousness ________________________ Submits to the righteousness of God in Christ ________________________ Focuses on the humanly impossible (4:17-25) ________________________ Rests on the worthiness of God (4:20) ________________________ Only the MEANS of my salvation (4:5) ARE my salvation!

FAITH is not so much a personal relationship with Christ as a relationship of obedience to the Person of Christ (v. 26 & 4:5) = LORDSHIP! So, no merely existential experience w/o evidence and purpose: “The terrors of law and of God With me can have nothing to do My Savior ‘s obedience and blood Hide all my transgressions from view”

Note the power of the works of the Law (3:19,20) esp. “For by the Law is the knowledge of sin” expanded upon in 5:20; 7:7ff. Without Christ, what does God ‘s Law do? a. It shows what sin really IS before a Holy God b. It reveals the depths of human depravity c. It INCREASES a sense of rebellion against God

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d. It awakens conscience and gives birth to accusing thoughts but prescribes NO remedy!

e. It gives rise to fear but can give no freedom from fear. It takes a person down a highway that has the sign

“NO ROAD THIS WAY!”

Benefit #2: The Gospel provides the certainty of peace with God (5:1) “peace” = an ___________________ state of a

____________________ before God (Eph. 2:13,14; Isa. 53:5); the ________ of peace not the ___________ of peace here. (GK: “having been justified by faith”)

Benefit #3: The Gospel provides access to God with confidence (5:2a) Eph. 2:18 “For through Him we both (Jew/Gentile) have our ACCESS in one Spirit to the Father.” God can speak to us AND we can speak to God!

Benefit #4: The Gospel gives hope that lasts! (5:2b,5) “hope” = (definition) A certainty of expectation and anticipation that all God ‘s promises in Christ will be fulfilled for the believer.

“no shame” = eternally no embarrassment before God at ________________ and NOW no apologies for witnessing (cf. Ps. 46:1; Hab. 3:17-19a)

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Benefit #5: The Gospel develops Christ-centered character (5:3,4) “perseverance” = _________________________/ the characteristic

of a person who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety in Christ, even by the greatest of sufferings (cf. 2 Cor. 12:9,10)

“character” = tried or proven character (cf. 1 Pet. 1:6,7)

Benefit #6: The Gospel can provide, through the Holy Spirit, a conscious sense of God ‘s presence and favor (5:5b) !OPINION! “poured out his love into our hearts” = “it consists chiefly in an

impression of the mind occasioned by manifestations of the love of God to the soul.” (Charles Simeon) ; a being “caught up” with the glory, majesty and love of Christ

Some writers call this “immediate” assurance, as distinguished from “mediate” assurance spoken of in Romans 8

Benefit #7: The Gospel provides certain and sure victory over sin in our world and in my life (5:6-21) “much more” phrases (vv. 9,10,15,17 and “all the more” in v. 20) = used in the NT to indicate certainty and the necessity of one thing over another; so here

_______________ always superabounds over sin (v. 20)

DESTROYS fear, doubt, depression and hopelessness

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“My name from the palms of his hands, Eternity will not erase; Impressed on his heart it remains, In marks of indelible grace. Yes, I to the end shall endure, As sure as the earnest is given More happy, but not more secure, The glorified spirits in heaven.” (Augustus Toplady)

Application 1. Learn to ___________! On the Cross and Christ alone, not on our own obedience, etc.

3:27 “boasting” is excluded!!

2. Take God for what He ________________ ______! Almighty and Faithful to save to the utmost those who come to Him in Christ.

3. Really ______________ the “wondrous cross”!

4. Live as _____________________________in Christ.

5. Beware of Christian “____________________” Butterfly Christian = go from one experience to another Marginal Christian = Inconsistent life; Sunday only Start-and-Stop Christian = lives by “fits”

Discussion 1. Of these seven benefits of the gospel, which one do you highly

resonate with and why?

2. Which one(s) are you still unsure of in your life journey?

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SANCTIFICATIONGod’s Picture of Righteousness

In Our LIvesRomans 6:1 – 8:11

Portraits. Have you ever drawn a portrait or picture of your Christian life? Romans 6 and 7 discuss the doctrine of sanctification, how to live a life separated from the moral abyss of our age and dedicated to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, all through God’s wondrous grace. Paul begins his exposition from the standpoint of how wonderful and powerful God’s grace really is. It is grace that did not trample on justice or evade its demands. Grace that delivers lawful captives by paying their ransom. Grace that reigns by providing a Savior to suffer in place of the guilty. And grace that superabounds when sin abounds. This is free, forceful and powerful grace that really rescues sinners like you and me! In these chapters, Paul deals with three common objections that result from a strong view of grace in our lives — (1) “If grace abounds when I sin, then let’s continue to sin to

experience more grace!” This is classically called Antinomianism. (2) “If I am no longer under the Old Testament law code, then I can

lives as I please.” This is called situationism. (3) “If I am a Gentile Christian, then God’s Law is at best of no use

and at worse sinful.” This is license versus legalism.

THEME and OUTLINE: God ‘s Portrait of a Christian Life: Dying to Sin & Living in Christ 1. A Christian is a person who has experienced the conviction of

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God ‘s Law in his life. (7:7-13) 2. A Christian is a person who has “died to sin” (6:2-7:6/Selected

Verses) 3. A Christian is a person who has a living and powerful

relationship with Christ (6:3-11) 4. A Christian is a person who has experienced a change of

masters through willingly yielding himself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (6:12-23).

5. A Christian is a person who lives under God ‘s assurance of “no condemnation!” (8:1-11)

Portrait #1: A Christian is a person who has experienced the conviction of God ‘s Law in his/her life (7:7-13) (Note the personal “I” Paul uses throughout these verses)

1. The ________________________ of God ‘s Law.

“law” = not a reference to a rule of gratitude (SEE 1 John 5:2-4; James 1:25-27)but a code that must be strictly kept for a right standing before God.

“holy, righteous, good & spiritual” (12; 14a) meant for life (v. 10; cf. Lev. 18:5)

2. The ___________ for God ‘s Law

Gives a needed _________________________of MY sin and ______________ ___________________ for particular sins

Drives us to Christ and His righteousness alone. “Before the Gospel can be embraced as a means of deliverance from sin, we must feel that we are involved in corruption and misery.” (Charles Hodge)

3. Sin must be taken _______________________. (7:14-24) It is a powerful _______________ to true life! (7:8,9,11,14,23;

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8:2,6,7,8,13). The Scriptures use military figures to describe sin ‘s warfare in a Christian life “seizing the opportunity” (7:8); “waging war” (7:23); “making me a prisoner” (7:23).

NOTE: A difference of opinion exists on the interpretation of these verses. Also, get a copy of Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones ‘ Commentary: Romans The Law: Its Functions and Limits for an excellent discussion of Romans 7.

Sin is an _______________________ problem (7:17,21,25b; 8:6,8).

Sin is a __________________________ responsibility (7:25b).

Portrait #2: A Christian is a person who has “died to sin.” (Chs. 6/7 Selected)

1. Note well key phrases used “died to sin” (2,10,11); “buried with Christ” (4); “old self crucified with him” (6); “freed [acquitted] from sin” (7); “death no longer master” (9); “dying to what once bound us” (7:6)

Definition = death to the ___________, ___________and life of constant, ________________sinning.

2. Illustration of ________________________(6:3,4)

Both a ______________[dip/immerse] and ____________________[to be identified with](1 Cor. 10:2) appeal here. Water baptism figure used to remind readers of their identification with Christ through the baptism of the Spirit received in salvation (1 Cor. 12:13).

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This “death to sin” something ______________(use of term in vss. 1,6,9) = an experiential confirmation of transformation in Christ

3. “body of sin rendered ____________________” = deprived of force; conquered.

The Devil is still BUSY but DEFEATED!

Cannot be an “In-Between” Christian living between Egypt and Canaan, having but never possessing! “It is clear, then, that the believer cannot deliberately live in sin since he has a new relationship to sin because of his identification with Christ.” (Warren Wiersbe, Romans, p. 64) (SEE 1 John 3:4ff)

Portrait #3: A Christian is one who has a living and powerful RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ.

1. It is _________ “baptized into Christ Jesus” = identified with Him as Lord/Leader (1 Cor. 10:2)

2. It is ___________________________ (vss. 8-10)

3. Requires a continual, thoughtful _______________applied to life “reckon” (11) By virtue of my relationship with Christ (union with Christ (Jn. 15)) I can determine (thoughtfully and rationally) that “I have died to sin”

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Portrait #4: A Christian is one who has experienced a “change of masters” through a willing YIELDING of himself/herself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. (6:12-23)

1. “yield” appears 5 times (vss. 13,16,19; cf. Rom. 12:1)

Definition = a ___________________________ __________ (past tense/GK) of the will in which our entire self has been placed at Christ ‘s disposal; a sacrifice offering (Rom. 12:1).

__________________, but _____________________, surrender!

2. We are all “__________” either to sin through the Law ‘s oversight or to grace through Christës righteousness

Note the Differences in Mastery

Sin under Law Grace under Christ slaves to ______under the Law ‘s Slaves to _____ in and through condemnation (vss. 13,14) Christ Sin here is regarded as a sovereign master who demands military service of its subjects, levies the quota of arms and in vss. 21,23 for all our devotion, dedication and service, promises and pays eternal death and agony in the end!

dedicated to impurity (19; Eph. 5:5), dedicated to a life of __________ lawlessness (19; 1 Jn. 3:4), lack of shame over sin (21; 1:32)

illusive strength of our own making real strength/power in Christ through the Spirit outcome is __________ _________ outcome is eternal life & peace (23; 2 Thes. 1:9)

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Portrait #5: A Christian is a person who lives under God ‘s assurance of “no condemnation!” (8:1-11)

1. We are released from eternal ________________________ (8:1-4).

2. “no condemnation”!! free from the pervasive _________________ of sin.

3. “law powerless” crippled and rendered impotent to give Gospel freedom because it has no ______ to unlock sin ‘s prison-hold. Sin tosses us into prison and the Law says, “Obey perfectly and you can be free.” impossible!

4. “in Christ Jesus” (8:1) (cf. 6:5,8; Jn. 8:36 “If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” (cf. John 15:1ñ7; 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 3:16-21)

5. “the Spirit of life” (8:2) gives freedom to live for Christ and the power to do so. We are now free to be ______________________________ by the Spirit!!

6. We are released from the ____________ of spiritual _________________. (8:5-17)

POINT: The Gospel gives us the freedom from any “inner” obligation to live according to our sinful nature!! (v. 12)

Application and Discussion 1. How has God ‘s Law affected your view of sin and Jesus Christ?! 2. ___________________ ______ ______________________! Think and live as people who have truly counted themselves

“dead to sin.” Reject “in-between” Christianity. 3. Make Christ ________ of all!

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SOVEREIGNTYGod’s Sovereignty Leads to

Grateful Praise and Gospel LoveRomans 8:12 – 39

Questions. The Christian life is full of questions, especially about one’s relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Can I really know the power of deliverance from sin, especially those nagging and recurring sins in my life? How do I know if I am really saved? Is there any conceivable power or force that can ruin my relationship with Christ? The God who promises “abundant life” (John 10), can He really deliver? As we face many trials and opponents to my faith, perhaps even my own conscience, will they win the day, and we will wake up one day and surmise our faith is in vain?

THEME: The Keeping Power of A Sovereign God (8:28-39) OUTLINE 1. God, through the Holy Spirit, has a perfect, sovereign plan for

us. (8:12-27) 2. God is for us! (8:28-31) 3. God through Christ freely gives us all things. (8:32) 4. God has forever freed us from Satan ‘s claims. (8:33,34) 5. God loves us, in Christ, in a binding and keeping way. (8:35-39)

God, through the Holy Spirit, has a perfect, sovereign plan for us. (8:12-27)

1. Freedom from _____________ ____________! (8:12-18) The sovereign, eternal Holy Spirit of God gives Christians the

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freedom to actualize _____________ Christ-centered living. Note the term “led” in 8:14 – “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

Avoid two common misconceptions here — • Non-Christian ________________________ • Christian ____________________________

This is an active, powerful, driving force of God in us that moves us out of sin and to a lifestyle of holiness (SEE Luke 4:1 — “led” = “driven”)

2. Such freedom demands an eternal _________________ (8:12, 13). We, as Spirit-led people, are ______________ to grace, to eternal love and power and mercy. We must therefore put to death the “misdeeds of the body.” Christ-followers must daily, conscientiously, consistently “kill off” the remnants of sin they live with! The controlling power of the Spirit gives the ability and motivation to do so. The sovereign plan of God for us is that we ____________ in our deliverance from the constraining presence of sin. This is called

___________________ __________________________.

3. Freedom from _______________ ____________________ (8:18-30) The wonderful message here is that there are no frustrations that will remain unsolved.

• Creation, now subjected to groaning, will be liberated. • Inward agonizing will come to an end as we see gospel

hope producing the “redemption of our bodies.” • The Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

God is For US! (8:28-31) 1. Freedom from _________ __________! Nothing can ever separate the righteous Christian from the

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love and power of God and final eternal joy. This is seen in the statement of the “Golden Chain of Redemption” (ordo salutis) in vv. 29-30. Notice that the statement is set in a context of _________________________ .

Nothing here opposes or denies the biblical truth that we must “overcome” (cf. Rev. 2,3) to enter the kingdom of God!! The healthy Christian life is a ___________/ ________ we BOTH trust in the sovereign, keeping plan and grace of God AND we “persevere” to the end.

2. God is FOR us! (31) is given to answer the question, “Is there any conceivable power that can prevent our arriving

at ultimate glorification?” • “If” = “since” (no conditional statement) • “God” — Still righteous and Holy as well as loving (Hab.

1:13; Prov. 15:26a; Ps. 7:11) • “for us” — an OT covenant commitment model (Gen. 15:1;

Ps. 46:1; Jer. 20:11, which says “The Lord is with me like a mighty warrior”; Ps. 23:1; Isa. 41:10)

God through Christ freely gives us ALL things! (32) Given to answer the question, “Is there any danger that God’s love

may undergo a change or somehow be diminished?” Here redemption provided by Christ painted in terms that stress its • ______________________(“spared not” Gen. 22:12) • ___________________________ (“gave himself for us all”) • __________________________ (“freely gives us all things”) In other words, if God has given the greater how can He ever withhold the lesser?!

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God has freed us forever from Satan’s claims! (33,34)(cf. Isa. 50:7-9) Given to answer the question, “Is it possible that someone or something may finally convict us of sin and bring us into condemnation?”

Such “charges” may be • ______________(cf. e.g. Demetrius opposition to Paul in

Acts 19:38-40) • ___________________(Zech. 3:1ñ7) • ______________________(cf. 1 John 3:19,20)

God is always permanently and certainly ___________(2 Tim. 2:19; Jn. 17:24; Heb. 7:25)

Christ now ____________________________ for us (8:34; Heb. 7:25).

Note the dual intercession of the Spirit (8:26,27) and Jesus Christ.

God loves us, in Christ, in a binding and keeping way! (35-39) Given to answer the question, “May we not finally fail or falter, because of our weakness, as we face the trials of this life?” • “height nor depth” = possibly technical name for mysterious

cosmic powers we cannot even fathom! • Paul makes the claim of _____________________ assurance

here “we are more than conquerors” (v. 37) “For I am convinced [absolutely persuaded]” (v. 38)

• Such assurance and freedom from fear comes from Christ ‘s love ____ us, not our love to Him!

“love of Christ” (v. 35)

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“who loved us” (v. 37) “love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v. 39)

Such love is like a divine umbilical cord!!

NOTE Ex. 15:2; Ps. 23:1; Job. 13:15; 2 Tim. 1:12 also.

Application

1. _________________ your victory and freedom in Christ! Stop thinking of yourself, if a Christian, as merely “holding on”, merely forgiven or merely a believer.

2. Model ____________________of Jesus Christ. Lose yourself in the wonder of redemption for others to see and follow!

3. Review your ______________________ to the sovereignty of God.

4. Get a proper _____________________of time and circumstances through a growing, healthy relationship with Christ and the Spirit of Christ. Learn how to wait and hope!

“Let your soul lose itself in wonder, for wonder is in this way a very practical emotion.

Holy wonder will lead you to grateful worship and heartfelt thanksgiving.It will cause within you godly watchfulness;

you will be afraid to sin against such love as this.Feeling the presence of the Mighty God in the gift of his dear Son,

you will put off your shoes from off your feet because the place whereon you stand is holy ground.You will be moved at the same time to glorious hope.”

(C. H. Spurgeon, from Morning & Evening)

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SOVEREIGNTYUnderstanding God’s Sovereign Purposes

Romans 9 – 10

As the early believers were praying about the news recently shared by Peter and John about Jewish threats against preaching the resurrected Jesus, they began with “Sovereign Lord” (Acts 4:24). The term used there means “despot” or absolute ruler.They began their prayer not with their situation, not with Peter and John’s safety, not with their desire for gospel success, but with the name, the glory, the power and the pre-eminence of God Himself. They were God-centered in their attitudes, desires and plans. Too often our view of God is “bottom up” in many cases rather than “top down.” Instead of submitting to God as He defines or describes himself, we gravitate to what we think is fair, or just, or loving, or holy, or great, or good. These chapters of Romans present us with a challenge to see God for who he really is, not what we may want him to be.

THEMES 1. God’s Word of covenantal promise has not failed with

respect to Israel in his bringing Gentiles to faith. 2. God’s promise of salvation is based on free, sovereign

choice, showing the riches of God’s mercy to sinners. 3. God’s sovereignty in salvation points us to God’s mercy and

moves us to pity the perishing. (9:1–5; 10:1–4)

OUTLINE 1. God’s sovereignty in salvation never eliminates pity for the

perishing! (9:1-5; 10:1)

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2. God’s sovereignty in salvation guarantees that his Word never fails. (9:6–13)

3. God’s sovereignty in salvation is absolute and free (9:14–18) 4. God’s sovereignty in salvation never relieves people of their

responsibility and/or blame (9:19–33; 10:1-21)

Opening Assertions and Interpretations 1. Many say this section is aimed to __________ __________

only. God is speaking about the character and mode of election,

rather than the fact of election. Paul’s aim is to humble ethnic Israel, showing that their “choice” by God was and is solely by grace and mercy alone, springing from God alone, and not in anything they have done or will do.

2. Others say this is aimed to ethnic Israel and the truths apply _________________ to everyone without distinction.

Rationale here is that the terms like “elect,” “election,” “purpose,” “call,” and so forth are used by Paul elsewhere to speak of God’s saving purposes for all nationalities, not just Israel. In 9:23 the “objects of his mercy” are extended to the Gentiles in vs. 24. And, the emotional conundrum that many resist this interpretation because of the implied conflict between responsibility or free will and God’s sovereign, electing grace alone.

3. Thus far in Romans, God’s sovereignty has been seen as a ______ __________! God’s sovereign grace is seen over and over again in Romans 1–8, undergirding the thought structure there.

4. Our destiny does not lie in the hands of blind _______ or capricious __________ or impersonal ___________. Rather, it lies in the hands of a loving and merciful Creator God. Divine

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choice is never divine _______________. 5. People make _______ choices of their own will and disposition.

(SEE Matthew 7:17, 18) 6. We must ask ourselves _______ does the teaching of Romans 9

about God’s eternal, sovereign choice and mercy ________ us?

God’s sovereignty in salvation never eliminates the need for pity for the perishing. (9:1–5; 10:1) You have come to understand sovereign grace when you can

“weep” over the unsaved!! 1. This teaching of sovereign grace can never be used as an

__________ for our own shortcomings or sinful actions and attitudes.

2. We must never allow this teaching to cause us to respond ______________ to the needs of others. Evangelism and prayer for the non-Christian are always necessary and appropriate.

3. We must learn to reject what we consider _____________ consistency and replace it with ______________ consistency. The issue is always one of authority — submitting to the Scriptures.

God’s sovereignty in salvation guarantees that his Word never fails. (9:6–13) Israel’s ____________ was the outward cause of their ethnic

rejection, but it was really God’s ____________________ grace in election that made the difference. Notice in these verses how God “narrowed” the grace of election to his covenant people, Israel. His word of promise came true to them. Israel’s selection as God’s people came solely out of God’s free choice, and his purpose continues to unfold solely in terms of what he determines.

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We need to see sovereignty and responsibility as “______________” or as an “_______________” antinomy. An antinomy is a contradiction between conclusions that seem equally logical, reasonable or necessary.

God’s sovereignty in salvation is absolute and free. (9:14–18)

1. The “objection” of verse 14 is one of determining what is true ______________. The only reason why the elect are the elect is because of God’s free and sovereign determination, not a matter of “just due” or “just cause.”

2. The reasons for God’s “hardening” ( = to make unresponsive, unyiedling, stubborn) of Pharaoh’s heart cannot be found in Pharaoh’s evil disposition, or his previous self-hardening, though both are true (Ex. 7:13, 22; 8:15, 32; 9:34, 35; 13:15). Here “hardening” is a _____________ _______________ infliction of divine justice.

God’s sovereignty in salvation never relieves people of their responsibility and/or blame. (9:19–33; 10:1-21)

1. The quite common objection to such discriminating grace is to throw up our hands and cry “foul!” God’s answer to such an objection is “the appeal to the reverential _______________ which the majesty of God demands of us.” (John Murray) God has undisputable, sovereign right as our “potter.”

2. God at times uses ________________ people and nations to accomplish his purposes for his people. How so?

a. God at times will prompt people to do something

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completely contrary to normal human behavior. For instance, the Egyptians favorably disposed to the Israelites in Ex. 12:35, 36.

b. God controls the “__________ _____________” (Prov. 21:1; Daniel 1:9; Isa. 45:4, 5)

c. God at times restrains people from decisions or actions that would harm his people. An instance would be Abimilech with Sarah in Gen. 20:6.

d. God at times moves in the hearts of some to act stubbornly and resist him. An instance would be Sihon in Deut. 2:30.

Application 1. Trust your destiny to ___________ hands, not yours. This helps

prevent bitterness or resentment against God.

2. Learn to live with a ___________ __________ — God’s.

3. Live by God’s ________________ will, and trust in God’s ______________ will. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” (Deut. 29:29)

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GOD IS NOT THROUGH WITH ISRAEL“And in this way all Israel will be saved”

Romans 11:1– 32

Romans chapter eleven is generally marked off as that distinctive chapter in the Bible which presents a unique future for Israel in the sovereign plan of God. More than any other passage of Scripture, this chapter has been used to support the teaching that God still has special plans for ethnic Israel yet to be realized. Even though Israel as a nation had been rejected by God to inherit the blessings of the gospel, that rejection was in no sense complete (Note Ch. 9) or arbitrary (Ch. 10). In this chapter, we see that such rejection was not final nor unqualified. These are difficult verses to unravel. What does it mean that “all Israel will be saved” in verse 26? There are three views: 1. The mass of ethnic Jews living on earth at the end time when

Christ comes again will be converted. God is here discussing a literal future for a literal nation.

2. “All” refers to the total number of the elect, both Jew and Gentile, throughout the history of the world. This is what we would call a “spiritual” interpretation of “Israel” according to Romans 9:6 and Galatians 6:16.

3. “All” means the sum-total of all of the “remnants” of Israel. There was a remnant saved in Noah’s day (Gen. 6:1-8; 1 Pet. 3:20), a remnant saved out of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:29; Luke 17:28, 29), and a remnant in Isaiah’s day (Isa. 6; Rom. 9:27).

Which one is correct depends on your views of the nation of Israel and the Church, your view of Old Testament prophecies and how and when they will be fulfilled, and your views as to what will happen at the

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Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

THEME: God Does Have A Plan for Israel

OUTLINE 1. Salvation is of the Jews. 2. Salvation is always by God’s almighty grace. 3. Israel will be saved through Gentile witness. 4. Anyone, whether Jew or Gentile, is saved through faith.

Salvation is of the Jews. Jesus himself pointed this truth out to the Samaritan woman in John 4, and Paul here emphasizes that believing Gentiles are those “grafted into” the “olive root” (11:17, 18) The olive tree is an Old Testament symbol for the nation of Israel. READ Jeremiah 11:16, 17 and Hosea 14:4-6

Believing Gentiles have no right to _____________ (v. 18).

We must all stand by __________ (v. 20) and continue in God’s ______________ (v. 22)

All forms of anti-Semitism are sinful and dishonoring to God!

Salvation is always by God’s almighty grace. Salvation for people: • “whom he _____________” (v. 2) • “kept for myself seven thousand men” (v. 4) • “a remnant, chosen by grace” (v. 5) • “the kindness and severity of God” and “grafted in” (vv. 22, 23) • “gifts and calling of God irrevocable” (v. 29)

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Israel will be saved through Gentile witness. (vv. 11-14) Note the ministry of ____________ and ____________ :

“In this paragraph Paul sets Jewish unbelief in the context of an unfolding plan of God for the salvation of all his people. That plan involves an oscillation between Jews and Gentiles in three stages: (i) Jewish transgression opens the way for (ii) Gentile salvation, which leads in the end to (iii) Jewish salvation. The importance of this point to Paul’s argument is revealed by the fact that he restates it no less than six times in this section (cf. vs 12, 15, 16, 17-24, 25-26, 30-31). In v 12 and again in v 15. . .” (New Bible Commentary)

Any Jew or Gentile is saved through faith alone. “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.” (v. 23)

Everyone, to be saved, must repent and believe the gospel. This has always been, and will always be, the case: READ Deut. 4:29 1 Kings 8:47–50 Matt. 8:11, 12 Col. 1:21–23

True NOW and in the FUTURE.

Application and Discussion 1. Don’t discount the Jewish people in God’s overall plan. 2. Support gospel witnessing efforts among Jewish people. 3. Maintain a “loose hold” on the phrase “all Israel will be saved.”

God still saves only through faith in the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

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LIVING SACRIFICESLearning to Live for God

Romans 12

Paul the Apostle begins this section of the Letter to the Romans with “therefore.” A homiletics professor once told me that when we see in the Bible the word “therefore,” we need to ask, What is “there” for us to discover or find out or do? Romans 12 – 16 is the practical application of Romans 1 – 11. This section of Paul’s letter describes and lists the life consequences of the wondrous and sovereign gospel of saving grace of which Paul has been speaking. If God is so good, and grace is so free, and God is absolutely sovereign in this process to all peoples, how then should we live? The key to understanding chapters 12 through 16 is to digest and put into practice Romans 12:1, 2 — “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. Do not be conformed to this world, but 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.” (ESV)

THEME: An ongoing and radical transformation of our minds is how to live for God in the church and in the world.

OUTLINE 1. Possess an ongoing transformation of character (vv. 1, 2) 2. Use your spiritual gifts humbly and well (vv. 3 – 8) 3. Exercise the law of love to everyone (vv. 9 – 21)

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Possess an ongoing transformation of character (vv. 1, 2) Jesus told us to love God with all our minds (Luke 10:27), and this transformation command from Paul aligns with that call by Jesus and the heart of the Old Testament.

“mercies of God” — note the plural here. Because of the MANY mercies of God, we can give ourselves back to God as —

“living sacrifices” — Christ-followers are now “__________ to God in Jesus Christ” (Rom. 6:11). We are a “_______ creation” ( 2 Cor. 5:17) re-made in the image of Christ.

“reasonable service” — the term used is logiken, indicating that all of life is a “rationale, reasonable” act of spiritual worship

“be transformed by the renewing of your mind” — this is _____________, __________-_____________, ever ______________ transformation in the “center of our consciousness” (J. Murray).

• “transformed” = metamorphosis Col. 3:10

1 Cor. 2:16

Eph. 4:23

• This is a radical re-thinking of one’s priorities, hopes, dreams, career plans, one’s ambitions and the use of one’s money, time and talents.

• It also means a ______________ of the dictates of the conformity to this evil age. A renunciation of the wisdom of this world, a repudiation of wishy-washy ethics of this world order.

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“to approve or discern what the will of God is” — “The essence of successful Christian living is the renewing of our minds so that we might be able to approve what God’s will is —that is, to recognize and put into practice God’s will for every situation we face.” (New Bible Commentary)

Discuss: How do we know when we have “got it?”

Use your spiritual gifts humbly and well (vv. 3–8)

1. ____________ Christian is a minister, equipped by God, with a special assignment.

“each according to the measure of faith God has assigned” (3) (SEE 1 Cor. 12:17-20, 27)

2. We must ________ and ___________ the gifts God has assigned to us.

Every believer is gifted by God in unique and efficient ways.

The church is both a place for ministry for the church gathered, as well as the church scattered. (Acts 1:8)

3. Don’t ________ estimate or ___________ estimate your gifts and service for the Lord.

4. Gift use requires ___________ use and development (vv. 7, 8). We are to give ourselves ____________ for God’s use. God demands and deserves the very best from all of us and each of us.

Exercise the law of love to everyone (vv. 9 – 21) This closely follows the ethical teachings of Jesus (Matt. 5).

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1. Practice love among Christians (vv. 9–14). This includes:

a. A ____________ and ____________ love for one another, in fact, a preferring others above ourselves. (vv. 9, 10)

b. _________ for God (v. 11). “allow oneself to be set on fire by the Holy Spirit’”(Cranfield and New Bible Commentary)

c. Practicing _______________. (v. 13) Sharing what God has blessed you with others.

2. Practice love to everyone _____________ the faith. (vv. 14–21)

a. Maintain a ________________ co-existence with others, “as far as it depends on you.”

Discuss what this latter phrase may mean.

b. Trust in the sovereign God to judge rightly and fairly. Quotes Prov. 25:21, 22 here.

c. “Overcome evil with __________.” (v. 21) Can you give examples from your own life or those of others

you have seen put this into practice?

Application and Discussion: You have a continuously transformed mind when . . . 1. You have discovered by experience how to live for God in

every situation you find yourself. 2. You have humbly assessed and use your spiritual gifts to their

fullest capacity. 3. You can honestly apply the Golden Rule to everyone. 4. When ________________ (you supply).

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THE POLITICALLY CORRECT CHRISTIANThe Christian and Government

Romans 13

Perhaps the two most hostly debated areas of life are “religion” and “politics.” My father forbade their discussion at the supper table. Indeed, Christians of notable repute have disagreed on the role of the Christian in politics. John MacArthur, noted pastor, teacher and author, has said “God does not call the church to influence the culture by promoting legislation.” However, Chuck Colson once said, “The state is ordained by God; it is not a necessary evil but a good part of God’s creation. Therefore, participation in political life is a moral obligation.” And John R.W. Stott declared, “God’s concerns are all-embracing—not only the ‘sacred’ but the ‘secular’ . . . not only justification but social justice in every community, not only his gospel but his law.” Even the Anabaptist, Martin Schrag, a former professor at Messiah College and has been part of the Brethren in Christ Church, agreed that “motivation for political involvement is Christ’s compassion—the same basis as that for all Christian activity, here applied to the political arena” (Shalom! Magazine, Fall 1988). Romans 13, with similar declarations in 1 Peter 2:13–17 and Titus 3:1–3, 8, and 1 Timothy 2:1–3, deals with the Christian and his or her role with respect to the government and political activity.

THEMES 1. God Almighty has ordained, established and proposed civil

government and it is due our submission and respect for its laws. (13:1–7)

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2. Knowing the times, we live and act under Christ’s law of love. (13:8–14)

OUTLINE 1. God has instituted civil government with delegated authority. 2. Civil authority is a “servant” of God and a “minister” for the

good. 3. Our role is willing, voluntary, Christ-centered obedience to civil

authorities. 4. Christ’s law of love fulfills the demands of the Mosaic law code. 5. Knowing the times we need to live holy and distinctive lives

under Christ.

God has instituted civil government with delegated authority. (13:1, 3, 4, 6) Civil authority is a “servant” of God and a “minister” for the good.

1. What is due Caesar (Jesus’ words in Matt. 22:21; Luke 20:25; Mark 12:17) is due to Caesar only by the providence, purpose and counsel of God.

• Authority derives from ______, not from the ___________!

• To disobey civil authorty is to disobey God (13:2)

• Psalm 62:11; Proverbs 8:15 and 21:1; Daniel 4; Matthew 28:18

2. Such authority is never absolute, but “__________________” All rightful governments are from God and answerable to God. “Exceptions” (such as Nazi Germany) are exceptions, not the

rule itself. (Such as Rahab’s treason against the state; Daniel’s defiance of the king’s order)

• “minister of God” (13:6) = “one who executes the will of the Lord”

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• “wields the sword” (13:4) = instrument of life and death over an individual or country

• “avenger” (13:4) = agent of justice (NIV), “exacting a penalty from one for another.” The civil authority is to repress crime and support the good by punishing evildoers in accord with what is good, just and right in God’s sight.

• Such justice is not dependent on _______________ convictions but on God’s law = “for your good” (13:4) meaning what is in accord with the commandments of God (SEE Matthew 19:16ff for use of the term)

Our role is willing, voluntary, Christ-centered obedience to civil authorities. (13:2–7)

1 Peter 2:13 — “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme . . .”

• The term “submit” = willing obedience from the heart, and

• “because of conscience” (v. 5) = conscience taught and framed by the Word of God

• Pay your __________! (13:6, 7)

• Render proper ___________ or honor. (13:7, 8)

“The Apostle makes no provision, in matters of civil submission, for any case of resistance or rebellion under any circumstances. He makes no exceptions, no modifications. He discusses no hazardous cases of conscience upon emergencies not existing.” (Robert Haldane)

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Christ’s law of love fulfills the demands of the Mosaic law code. (13:8–13) The continuing debt to love — “What Paul means when he insists that obedience to this

commandment ‘fulfils’ or ‘sums up’ all the other commandments is not the idea that all we need to do to please God is to ‘love’—with the implication that as long as we have a ‘loving’ feeling, we can do anything else we please. Nor does Paul mean that loving others is simply the most important commandment in the law, or the spirit in which all the others are to be obeyed. Rather, he is saying that Christians now fulfil all the demands of the Mosaic law (at least those that relate to our obligations to other people) by loving.” (New Bible Commentary)

Often repeated in the words of Jesus and the NT (John 13:34, 35; Gal. 5:14; James 2:8; 4:11-12; 1 Jn. 4:11)

Knowing the times we need to live holy and distinctive lives under Christ. (13:11–14)

1. The ____________ of salvation • Not just a decision for Jesus at a point in time but ongoing

until that Final Day • Dictates a continuing lifestyle of Romans 12:1, 2

2. The _______________ of the End • Romans 13:11, 12 • Wake up! (SEE 1 Thes. 5:1–11)

Application and Discussion 1. Become a “model” citizen! “We must strive to be “the best of citizens,” as Augustine put it,

because we do for love of God what others do only because

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they are coerced by law.” (Chuck Colson) What does this mean for you?

2. Adopt a Christ-centered “worldview.” “True biblical spirituality touches all of life, including things

of government and law, not just ‘religious things’.” (Francis Schaeffer)

3. Really support your legislators. • Pay what you owe when you owe it. • Give loving respect at all times. • Pray earnestly and practically for them. (1 Tim. 2:1, 2)

4. Rules for resistance • Only in extreme exceptional cases • Only in matters when you are forced to violate God’s

written Word • Only in ways pleasing to God and conformed to the

example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21) “Manipulation, intimidation and coercion are the world’s weapons and are nowhere to be found in the arsenal of the church. Rather the church must rely on the God-ordained weaponry of truth, righteousness, evangelism, faith, salvation, the Word of God and prayer.” (Philip Hughes)

“I know that I am far from perfect as a politician and as a person, but I keep in mind the hope presented to all of us by the risen Christ and the guide provided by his life on earth.” (Steward Greenleaf, PA State legislator, 2003)

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LIBERTY NOT LICENSEChristian Freedoms and Boundaries

Romans 14 and 15:1–13

Iremember sitting with a group of ministers who were smoking their expensive pipes, relishing their “freedom in Christ,” or that is what they said to me. They were pitying other Christians who were not as strong or “mature” in the faith as they perceived themselves. In another instance, I was asked to preach at a very conservative Baptist church. I had a mustache at the time and was asked by the church leaders to shave it off before I stood in their pulpit. The reason given was that men should have no facial hair. But then, years later, I ministered in a church where a full beard was a joy and blessing enjoyed by many of the men. In fact, they had a contest going to see who could grow the “best” beard. How do we practice church? What rules should we have, or not have, among ourselves? When does liberty in Christ become a license to do what we want, no matter the offense given to others in the body of believers? Romans 14 and 15 are written to address such concerns.

THEMES 1. Seeking after “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy

Spirit” is what church life should be about. (14:17) 2. Maturity in Christ means not unduly offending others who

possess different ethical boundaries. 3. Corporate peace, mutual upbuilding in the faith and

fullness of hope are the goals of life together with God.

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OUTLINE 1. Dealing with “weak” and “strong” believers (14:1–12) 2. Limits of liberty (14:13–23) 3. Call to unity (15:1–13)

Dealing with “weak” and “strong” believers (14:1–12) In the same church body there are “________” and “___________” believers, differentiated by • What they can or cannot eat (Issue here is food that had been dedicated to heathen gods,

thus creating idolatrous behavior by consuming it)

• Which days are special to them (Issue here is the keeping of special days, possibly including

the sabbath day)

The principle is: “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, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” (14:7, 8)

Discuss: How would you characterize “weak” and “strong” believers in your own church body?

The limits of Christian liberty (14:13–23) The principle is found in vs. 13 — “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.”

Why? • could “destroy” your brother = cause _______________ spiritual damage (14:15)

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• The gospel brought into ____________ by outsiders (14:16–18)

• Such behavior is a violation of the cardinal principle of love (12:9, 10; 13:8–10)

“Christian freedom is real and valuable, and nobody insisted on it more strongly than Paul (Gal. 5:1; Col. 2:16-23). But the exercise of Christian freedom, as Paul also stressed (Gal. 5:13; 1 Cor. 6:12), must always be subordinated to the needs of others. As Luther’s famous dictum has it, ‘A Christian man is a most free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian man is a most dutiful servant of all, subject to all.’” (New Bible Commentary)

What we need to be seeking — “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (14:17)

• “righteousness” = _______ ___________ among others

• “peace” = absence of _____________ in the body

• “joy” = attitude of mutual benefit and good relationships among all issued by the Holy Spirit at work in the body

What is sinful to some is not to be __________ or ___________ by others.

A call to unity (15:1–13) This is Paul’s final appeal to unity among Jewish and Gentile Christians at Rome.

• A final call to the strong (15:1–4) to not merely tolerate but support and strengthen the weak

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• Prayer for unity among all Christians (15:5, 6)

• Final plea to both weak and strong with closing prayer (15:7–13)

A key thought is that all may “abound in _________.” (15:13)

• Hope has always been a key thought to Paul (12:12; 8:24)

• Hope has its foundation in the “God of hope” (Col. 1:27 and 1 Tim. 1:1) Not a mere wish or dream, but as sure as God Himself.

• Hope’s ingredients include “joy and peace” in believing (14:17; John 15:11; Gal. 5:22)

• The danger always is that we claim too little or presume too much!

Application and Discussion 1. What are the current “strong” and “weak” issues that confront

your church body?

2. What practices are the “strong” doing that either support or tend to spiritually destroy the “weak” in your church?

3. How well are you doing as “one body?”

4. Do you “abound in hope?” How do you know?

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FINAL WORDSRomans 15:14-16:27

Names. What is impressive in these closing words are not so much Paul’s travel and ministry plans (15:15–29), nor even his request for prayer from the Roman Christians (15:30–33), but the listing of individuals and their ministries (16:1–16). While these persons have been lost to history, they played a substantial role in the early church. Individuals matter to God. Men and women who have given themselves to minister the gospel of grace to others are crucial to the advance of the gospel. In his final words, Paul returns to the theme of sovereign grace and the “obedience of faith” necessary for all true followers of Jesus Christ.

THEME: All people who minister the gospel of saving grace matter to God.

OUTLINE 1. Paul’s ministry plans (15:15–33) 2. Fellow ministers of the gospel (16:1–16) 3. Warnings and closing exhortation (16:17–27)

Paul’s ministry plans (15:15–33) Paul, a pioneer missionary, with church planting or founding gifts, desires to move into Spain (15:28) where the gospel has yet to take root. But first he needs to stop over in Jerusalem (15:25–27) to give monies collected from previous missions to meet the needs of the

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Jewish believers. Other New Testament letters tell us, however, that Paul never made it to Spain and beyond. His trip to Jerusalem resulted in his being imprisoned by the Roman authorities at the instigation of the Jews (Acts 21:27-36). A couple of things stand out.

The need for churches to support and help one another, even economically if possible (15:25–27). We are all on the same overall kingdom of God mission with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus, it is right and good to collect money and other necessities for Christians and churches elsewhere.

The need for constant prayer — “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf.” (15:30)

Is your church or group helping other churches? How so?

Have you been praying for the missionaries of your church regularly and vigorously?

Fellow ministers of the gospel (16:1–16) 1. Phoebe (16:1, 2 — a relatively wealthy deacon of the Church in

Cenchrea “servant” = minister, diakonos (1 Tim. 3:11) “patron” = one with means

2. Priscilla and Aquila (16:3–5) — house church leaders whom Paul met in Corinth and who risked their lives for him (Acts 18)

3. Epenetus and Mary (16:5, 6) — the first convert in Asia Minor and a hard-working female

4. Adronicus and his wife, Junia (16:7) — well known to the

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apostolic band.

5. Ampliatus (16:8) — “not mentioned elsewhere in the NT but may be the person whose tomb has been found in the catacomb of Domitilla, a woman of wealthy and imperial family who was, apparently, a Christian.” (New Bible Commentary)

6. Urbanus, Stachys (16:9) and Apelles (16:10a) are otherwise unknown.

7. Aristobulus (16:10)— may be the brother of Agrippa I, king of Judea from AD 41-33 (see Acts 12).

8. Herodion (16:11)— Herodion is probably a slave or freedman of the family of Herod, hereditary rulers of Judea.

9. Narcissus (16:11) — may be the same Narcissus who gained fame (and notoriety) as a servant of the Emperor Claudius.

10. Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis (16:12) — workers for the Lord

11. Rufus (16:13) — the Rufus whose father carried Jesus’ cross to Golgotha (Mk. 15:21).

12. Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them, Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas. (16:14, 15) — unknown to us but known and important to God!

List the names of people you may know, but who are probablyunknown to the Christian world, yet known and important to God.

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Warnings and closing exhortation (16:17–27) There will always be those dissenters and disrupters to the faith. Paul warns us to take note of them: • They are divisive and create a “scandal” to the gospel truth

• “AVOID them” = keep away from them. Instead of trying to either win them over, or debate with them, Paul’s instruction is to avoid them. Why?

• “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (16:20) — victory will surely come and Satan will be vanquished. Interesting word choice — “God of peace” and “crush Satan”

“bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” (16:26, 27) Paul returns to the main theme of the letter to the Romans — The sovereign, only wise God and the “obedience of faith” among those who know Him. (1:5).

“But the Kingdom of God is not just something to talk about. It is a domain of power, real spiritual power (really!), over which nothing in this world has any authority or control. It is power for righteousness, and we may know this power at work within and through us regardless of the circumstances of our lives. It is power for peace, which we may know and extend to others, though all the world be arrayed against us. And it is power for joy, which, as Habakkuk reminds us, is an affection rooted in eternal verities that no amount of untoward circumstances can destroy (Hab. 3:17-19). The key to knowing this power is not to be found in the right outward circumstances, but in believing according to the Word of God.” (T.M. Moore, Pastor to Pastor, commenting on 1 Cor 4:20 and Luther’s take on the “kingdom of God”).

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RomansLeader’s Guide

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INTRODUCTION“Your Mind Matters to God”

Leader’s Notes

(Blanks to be filled in in the Study Guide will be underlined and additional teacher/leader comments will be in semibold type.)

Some Definitions and Assumptions 1. Doctrine = The Word of God in action used to change lives. (cf.

2 Tim. 3:16,17)

Comments: God’s Word is powerful, not empty speculation; it changes lives. The Word of God exercises Lordship through Jesus Christ over all our thoughts, words and deeds. Understanding doctrine is submitting to the oversight of that Word in all areas of thought and behavior and practice. Thus, 1 Timothy 1:10, 11 speaks of “sound doctrine.” It is “good” teaching that produces “godliness.” (1 Tim. 4:6; 6:3)

2. Theology = the application of God ‘s Word by us to all areas of life. (i.e., = doctrine)

Systematic theology = Anything which answers the question “What does the whole Bible say to me on this or that subject?

In-depth theology = A continual effort to answer the question “What does the whole Bible say to me on this or that subject?” with an in-depth understanding, appreciation and application that God is sovereign. (This is obviously not the