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Romans Chapter 1

Romans 1:1 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,"

In this very first verse Paul introduces himself to the Roman Christians. Notice that Paul calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ. Perhaps these Roman Christians have not heard that Paul was commissioned of Jesus Christ to bring the gospel (good news), of Jesus to the Gentiles.

In Greek culture a servant often referred to the involuntary, permanent service of a slave, but Paul elevates this word by using it in its Hebrew sense to describe a servant who willingly commits himself to serve a master he loves and respects.

The Greek word for apostle is: "one who is sent". In the New Testament, it primarily refers to the 12 men that Christ chose to accompany Him and Matthias, who the other apostles chose to replace Judas. Christ gave them power to confirm their apostleship with miracles and authority to speak as His proxies.

I might also add that New Testament book was written either by an apostle or under his auspices. Their teaching is the foundation of the church. Christ Himself selected Paul for this position and trained him to fulfill this ministry.

Romans 1:2 "(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)"

Paul's Jewish antagonists accused him of preaching a revolutionary new message unrelated to Judaism. But the Old Testament is replete with prophecies concerning Christ and the gospel.

In the book of Isaiah, we see numerous prophecies. Of course, all Old Testament prophets prophesied of Jesus, but Isaiah probably had the most to say. At any rate, I will give you several of these prophecies from Isaiah. (Isaiah 11:3), prophesied Jesus would be Judge; (42:4), shows Him as Law Giver; (42:7), shows Him as Liberator; (53:4), shows Him as Burden-Bearer; (53:6), shows Him as Sin-Bearer; (53:12), shows Him as Intercessor; (53:5), shows Jesus as our only Savior. We see in (7:14), He is Immanuel (God with us); in (9:6), we see Him as mighty God.

I could go on and on for there are 35 prophecies in Isaiah alone on Jesus. Of course, Jeremiah, Psalms, Ezekiel and all the others prophesied of Jesus too.

Romans 1:3 "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;"

Many well known ancient writers, including the Roman historian Tacitus, the familiar Jewish historian Josephus, and Pliny the Younger verify Jesus' historicity.

John makes believing that Christ has come in the flesh a crucial test of orthodoxy. Because He is fully human, as well as fully God, He can serve as man's substitute and as a sympathetic High Priest. In Matthew, we see Jesus as descendant of David.

Matthew 1:1 "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."

We can also see David in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke:

Luke 3:31 "Which was [the son] of Melea, which was [the son] of Menan, which was [the son] of Mattatha, which was [the son] of Nathan, which was [the son] of David,"

This genealogy is of the flesh and not the Spirit.

Romans 1:4 "And declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"

Son of God: This title used nearly 30 times in the gospels, identifies Jesus Christ as the same in essence, as God.

Jesus was definitely God the Son. The proof was on the third day he arose from the tomb. The resurrection clearly declared that Jesus was deity, the expression of God Himself in human form. While He was eternally the Son in anticipation of His incarnation, it was when He entered the world in incarnation that He was declared to the entire world as the Son of God and took on the role of submission to the Father. His victory over death was the supreme demonstration and most conclusive evidence that He is God the Son.

Jesus not only had resurrection power, but is in fact the Resurrection and the Life, as he told Lazarus' sister on the way to the tomb.

John 11:25 "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"

Jesus was the Son of God. God the Holy Spirit hovered over Mary and she conceived by the Holy Spirit of God.

Luke 1:35 "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

Spirit of holiness: In His incarnation, Christ voluntarily submitted Himself to do the will of the Father only through the direction, agency and power of the Holy Spirit.

We see that the power of Jesus was unlimited.

Ephesians 1:19-23 "And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power," "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places]," "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:" "And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church," "Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all."

This leaves no doubt that Jesus is all powerful.

Romans 1:5 "By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:"

Grace is the unmerited favor which God shows guilty sinners. This is the book's first reference to the most crucial part of the gospel message: salvation is a gift from God wholly separate from any human effort or achievement.

Faith is what saved Abraham. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

To become an apostle (one sent with a special message), we must have great faith and be obedient to God. We must make Jesus Christ not only our Savior, but our Lord, as well. We read (in 1 Samuel), that obedience is better than sacrifice.

1 Samuel 15:22 "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams."

We were not saved by our great deeds, but were saved because we had faith in God. To work for God, we must submit our will to Him. We must be obedient to His Word and His will.

We will not know what His will is unless we know His Word. The term Apostleship refer to the twelve in a unique way, but in a broader and less official sense it can describe anyone whom God has sent with the message of salvation.

Mark 16:15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Romans 1:6 "Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:"

Always in the New Testament epistles, the "call" of God refers to God's effectual call of elect sinners to salvation, rather than the general call to all men to believe.

Matthew 20:16 "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." Salvation is offered to whosoever will.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

God has called everyone to salvation, but He will not override our will. We have to decide to follow Him.

Ephesians 4:10-13 "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things." "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:"

There is a group of the called, who are called to the ministry. My own opinion of those who are called to work for God, is that the call was there even before birth. We see this in people like John the Baptist. God protects these people supernaturally until they accept their call. This is so even before they know there is a call.

Romans 1:7 "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

"Beloved of God ... saints": The Greek text records these as 3 separate privileges:

1. God has set His love on His own (5:5; 8:35; Eph. 1:6),

2. He has extended to them not only the general, external invitation to believe the gospel, but His effectual calling, or His drawing to Himself all those He has chosen for salvation (8:30; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:9),

3. God has set believers apart from sin unto Himself, so that they are holy ones (1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Col. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4; and Philemon 3).

Romans 1:8 "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."

It appears that long before Paul goes to Rome there are many Christians there. It seems they are so zealous for the Lord that it is common knowledge.

This spreading of this information to the world just means that Rome is a trade center and people who come there to sell or buy have heard of the Christian movement in Rome. As the center of the Roman Empire and the inhabited world, whatever happened in Rome became known universally.

Romans 1:9 "For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;"

We see here that Paul prays intercessory prayers for these new Christians in Rome. Notice in the verse above that Paul does not serve the Lord in his flesh, but in his spirit. I believe that Paul is saying (only God and myself), know the hours that I have spent praying for you.

Romans 1:10 "Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you."

Paul will leave Corinth here and go to Jerusalem and be sought after by the authorities. It will be several years after this is written before Paul actually reaches Rome. One important statement above is (by the will of God). Paul has submitted his will to God.

Romans 1:11 "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"

Paul is speaking here of laying his hands on them that they might receive the power of the Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians chapter 12), explains what these Spiritual gifts are. You should read the whole chapter, but I will quote a little here.

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;" "To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;" "To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:" "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

The statement (that ye may be established), just means that power to minister will come upon them. Many very shy people, become bold workers for the Lord when they receive the Holy Spirit.

Romans Chapter 1 Questions

1. Who was Paul commissioned to bring the gospel to?

2. What is another word(s) for apostle?

3. He is fully _____________, as well as full ______.

4. Who is the resurrection and the life?

5. Jesus submitted Himself to do the will of the Father through What?

6. What is Grace?

7. Without faith, it is ____________ to please _____.

8. We must make Jesus Christ not only our Savior, but what?

9. Behold, to ________ is better than ____________.

10. Christians are to go into the world and do what?

11. In verse 9, who does Paul pray intercessory prayers for?

12. When Paul leaves Corinth, where does he go?

13. Do all Christians receive the same spiritual gifts?

14. What does the statement "that ye may be established" mean?

15. Can shy people become bold workers for the Lord?

16. How or when can those in question 15 become bold?

Romans Chapter 1 Continued

Romans 1:12 "That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."

In the last lesson, Paul had written to these Roman Christians that he would pray for them to receive spiritual gifts to enable them to minister also. Paul says above (we are in this together), we are fellow workers for Christ. This statement in verse 12 is a humble statement by Paul. He is trying to make them understand the equality of the believers in Christ.

Romans 1:13 "Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles."

Paul had felt even when he was at Ephesus, and Corinth, that God wanted him to go to Rome. He had desired from the beginning of his missionary journeys to go to his father's people, the Romans, and minister to them. Rome was a center of trade, and if the gospel of Jesus Christ could be established in Rome it could affect all of Europe.

Paul explains here, that he must continue to minister to the other Gentiles God has sent him to, until he gets to Rome.

Scripture catalogs 3 kinds of spiritual fruit:

Spiritual attitudes that characterize a Spirit led believer,
Righteous actions,
New converts.

In this context, Paul is probably referring to the third one, a desire that was eventually realized during his imprisonment in Rome.

Romans 1:14 "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise."

Debtor: Paul had an obligation to God to fulfill His divine mandate to minister to Gentiles.

This is just another way of saying that God is no respecter of persons. God wants the wise Greeks and the unwise to know Him. The very educated Greeks thought all others to be barbarians. They were extremely proud of their schools of learning. Worldly education however, does not impress God. God's message is for those who believe themselves to be high and mighty and also for the lowly. I have observed through the years that it is more difficult for those who think themselves wise to receive the good news of Jesus Christ than it is for the humble uneducated person. The wise person must figure everything out with his or her mind. Christianity is of the heart.

Romans 1:15 "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also."

Paul is saying here that he will do everything he can to come to Rome and preach. In the book of Acts, we find that Paul did make it to Rome and preached in his home while he was under house arrest. All true ministers of God are the happiest when they can bring the true Word of God and see someone saved.

Verses 16 and 17 crystallize the thesis of the entire book, the gospel of Jesus Christ, which Paul will unfold and explain in the following chapters.

Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Not ashamed: Neither ridicule, criticism or physical persecution, could curb Paul's boldness. He had been imprisoned in Philippi, chased out of Thessalonica, smuggled out of Berea, laughed at in Athens, regarded as a fool in Corinth, and stoned in Galatia, but Paul remained eager to preach the gospel in Rome.

Power: The English word "dynamite" comes from this Greek word. Although the message may sound foolish to some, the gospel is effective because it carries with it the omnipotence of God. Only God's power is able to overcome man's sinful nature and give him new life.

Salvation: Used 5 times in Romans, this key word basically means "deliverance" or "rescue". The power of the gospel delivers people from lostness, from the wrath of God, from willful spiritual ignorance, from evil self-indulgence and from the darkness of false religion. It rescues them from the ultimate penalty of their sin, i.e. the eternal separation from God and eternal punishment.

Believeth: To trust, rely on, or have faith in. When used of salvation, this word usually occurs in the present tense "is believing", which stresses that faith is not simply a one-time event, but an ongoing condition. True saving faith is supernatural, a gracious gift of God that He produces in the heart and is the only means by which a person can appropriate true righteousness.

Saving faith consists of 3 elements.

Mental: the mind understands the gospel and the truth about Christ,
Emotional: one embraces the truthfulness of those facts with sorrow over sin and joy over God's mercy and grace,
Volitional: the sinner submits his will to Christ and trust in Him alone as the only hope of salvation.

Genuine faith will always product authentic obedience (See 4:3).

Jew First: God chose Israel to be His witness nation and gave her distinct privileges. Christ's ministry was first to Israel, and it was through Israel that salvation was to come to the world.

Romans 1:17 "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."

"Righteousness of God" is better translated: "righteousness from God." A major theme of the book, appearing over 30 times in one form or another, righteousness is the state or condition of perfectly conforming to God's perfect law and holy character. Man falls woefully short of the divine standard of moral perfection, but the gospel revels that on the basis of faith, and faith alone, God will impute His righteousness to ungodly sinners.

From faith to faith: This may be a parallel expression to "everyone who believes". As if Paul were singling out the faith of each individual believer, from one person's faith to another's faith to another's and so on. Or, each person has a portion of faith, but some seem to have more than others.

To make our faith stronger, we must use it. Each time we depend on our faith it becomes stronger. This (faith to faith), above just means that trials come and we must have faith to overcome each trial; as we do, our faith grows. The "just" means, as we have said before, just as if we had never sinned. Faith is believing in our hearts in things we cannot see with our physical eyes.

Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;"

This is not an impulsive outburst of anger aimed capriciously at people whom God does not like. It is the settled, determined response of a righteous God against sin.

"Is revealed": More accurately, "is constantly revealed". The word essentially means "to uncover, make visible, or make known." God reveals His wrath in two ways:

Indirectly, through the natural consequences of violating His universal moral law,
Directly through His personal intervention. The Old Testament record for the sentence passed on Adam and Eve to the worldwide flood, from the fire and brimstone that leveled Sodom to the Babylonian captivity, clearly displays this kind of intervention.

The most graphic revelation of God's holy wrath and hatred against sin was when He poured out divine judgment on His Son on the cross.

God has various kinds of wrath:

Eternal wrath, which is hell,
Eschatological wrath, which is the final Day of the Lord,
Cataclysmic wrath like the flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah,
Consequential wrath, which is the principle of sowing and reaping,
The wrath of abandonment, which is removing restraint and letting people go to their sins.

Here it is that fifth form. God's abandoning the wicked continually through history to pursue their sin and its consequences.

"Ungodliness": This indicates a lack of reverence for, devotion to, and worship of the true God. A defective relationship with Him.

"Unrighteousness": This refers to the result of ungodliness: a lack of conformity in thought, word and deed to the character and law of God.

"Hold the truth in unrighteousness": Although the evidence from conscience, creation and God's Word is irrefutable, men choose to resist and oppose God's truth by holding fast to their sin.

Romans 1:19 "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them."

Manifest means to make visible, real, or to make known. God has not hidden Himself. He has made Himself real to mankind throughout all ages in his creation. He has especially shown Himself to mankind in His Son (Jesus Christ).

God has sovereignty planted evidence of His existence in the very nature of man by reason and moral law.

Romans 1:20 "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"

"Invisible things": Or attributes, referring specifically to the two mentioned in this verse.

"The things that are made": The creation delivers a clear, unmistakable message about God's person.
"His eternal power": The Creator, who made all that we see around us and constantly sustains it, must be a being of awesome power.

"They are without excuse:" God holds all men responsible for their refusal to acknowledge what He has shown them of Himself in His creation. Even those who have never had an opportunity to hear the gospel, have received a clear witness about the existence and character of God and have suppressed it. If a person will respond to the revelation he has, even if it is solely natural revelation, God will provide some means for that person to hear the gospel. (Acts 8:26-39; 10:1-48; 17:27).

Romans 1:21 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."

"Knew God": Man is conscious of God's existence, power and divine nature through general revelation. (verses 19-20).

"They glorified him not": Man's chief end is to glorify God, and Scripture constantly demands it. To glorify Him is to honor Him, to acknowledge His attributes, and to praise Him for His perfections. It is to recognize His glory and extol Him for it. Failing to give Him glory is man's greatest affront to his Creator.

"Neither were thankful": They refused to acknowledge that every good thing they enjoyed came from God.

"Vain in their imaginations": meaning futile in their thoughts. Man's search for meaning and purpose will produce only vain, meaningless conclusions.

"Heart was darkened": When man rejects the truth, the darkness of spiritual falsehood replaces it.

Romans Chapter 1 Continued Questions

What is Paul trying to convey to these people of Rome when he speaks of their mutual faith?
In verse 13 what does Paul want them to not be ignorant of?
What did Paul want to have among them in verse 13?
When had Paul known God intended him to go to Rome?
Who were Paul's father's people?
If the gospel of Christ were preached at Rome, why would it help all of Europe?
What 2 did Paul say he was debtor to?
Who did the educated Greeks think all others were?
Who is it more difficult for to receive the message of salvation?
In verse 15 Paul said, he was ready to do what?
What unusual circumstance did Paul preach under in Rome?
What did Paul say he was not ashamed of?
Who is salvation for?
In what order was salvation offered?
What does Romans chapter 10 verse 9 say about salvation?
Who did Jesus bring the message to first?
When did this change?
Why did Paul keep trying to preach to the Jews, when God had called him to the Gentiles?
What does believeth mean?
Verse 17 says, the righteousness of God is revealed from ____ to ____.
The ____ shall live by faith.
What does Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6 say about faith?
What 2 things is the wrath of God revealed from heaven against?
Show 2 instances in the Old Testament where God sent His wrath.
Show one New Testament Scripture where God's wrath is shown to someone.
Why do some people think the Lord is slack in coming back to the earth?
What does manifest mean?
Why does verse 20 say everyone is without excuse?
What does Colossians chapter 2 verse 9 say about Jesus?
What reveals God to us, even if we have never heard a sermon?
Verse 21 says, they became vain in their ____.
What happened to their heart in verse 21?
What is at enmity against God?
The walk in God's Light is what kind of walk?

Romans Chapter 1 Second Continued

Romans 1:22 "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,"

Man rationalizes his sin and proves his utter foolishness by devising and believing his own philosophies about God, the universe and himself.

Romans 1:23 "And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things."

The children of Israel, on the way to the Promised Land, tired waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain of God. They talked Aaron into making them a golden calf that they could worship. God is the Creator not the created. Those that worship things they can see with their physical eyes are worshipping idols.

They are substituting the worship of idols for the worship of the true God. Historians report that many ancient cultures did not originally have idols. The historian Eusebius reported that the oldest civilizations had no idols. The earliest record of idolatry was among Abram's family in Ur. (Joshua 24:2). Although the false gods which men worship do not exist, demons often impersonate them.

Romans 1:24 "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:"

"God gave them up" is a judicial term in Greek used for handling over a prisoner to his sentence. When men consistently abandon God, He will abandon them. He accomplishes this:

Indirectly and immediately, by removing His restraint and allowing their sin to run its inevitable course,
Directly and eventually, by specific acts of divine judgment and punishment.

"Uncleanness": A general term often used of decaying matter, like the contents of a grave. It speaks here of sexual immorality which begins in the heart and moves to the shame of the body.

Our heart condition determines what we are.

Luke 6:45 "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

An evil heart desires evil. Our body (if we are Christians), is the temple of the Holy Spirit of God. If we involve our bodies in sin, we have involved the Holy Spirit's dwelling place. That is why I personally believe sex sin of every kind to be very evil. Homosexuality, lesbianism, and adultery are 3 of the worst type sins a person can commit, because they are all 3 sins that involve the body. The first 2 are even worse than adultery, because they are unnatural. We will read of all this in the next few verses.

Romans 1:25 "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

A denial of God's existence and His right to be obeyed and glorified.

Which is greater, the thing created or the Intelligence who created it? You know the answer, the "Creator". In our society things like cars and homes are worshipped too. We must first realize who God is and then worship Him alone. Just the fact that He is eternal sets Him aside from all His creation. Amen means (so be it).

Romans 1:26-27 "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:" "And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."

In these two verses, Paul mentions the woman first to show the extent of debauchery under the wrath of abandonment, because in most cultures women are the last to be affected by moral collapse.

God turned His back to these lesbians and homosexuals. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God for this very sin. It is natural for Paul to write of this particular sin to the Romans, because this very sin was rampant in their society. God calls this sin an abomination. It is also called against nature, which God created.

Sex is for the procreation of life and these unnatural uses do not create life, they create death. Notice the last sentence of verse 27 "the recompense of their error which was meet", (due). God's wrath will fall on this person for this type of sin if they do not repent. Fire and brimstone at Sodom and AIDS in our society today is the wrath of God on a sinful generation.

Romans 1:28 "And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"

Reprobate or debased mind, in the sense it is used here, means (worthless, castaway, or rejected). Debased translates a Greek word that means "not passing the test." It was often used to describe useless, worthless metals, discarded because they contained too much impurity. God has tested some mans' minds and found them worthless and useless.

God has turned away from this type person, because they have rejected God and all His teachings. I believe it is possible for a homosexual or lesbian to be saved, but only if they walk away from their old life. I do not believe a person practicing homosexuality or lesbianism is saved. Things which are not convenient: means against nature.

Verse 28 is saying that the Holy Spirit stops pursuing them for salvation.

Romans 1:29-31 "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers," "Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents," "Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:"

In verse 29 we see where the reprobate mind leads to all unrighteousness. Fornication has to do with sex sin (adultery is one example), and also spiritual adultery (idolatry). Covetousness includes greediness, wanting what others have, and fraud or extortion. Maliciousness means all sorts of evil and meanness. Malignity means bad character. We know that covenant breakers are those who do not honor agreements they have made. Implacable means a truce breaker.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy," "Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good," "Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;" "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

Can't you see our day here? This describes our day perfectly. These verses in 2 Timothy and in the Scriptures of Romans that we have been reading describe a people who are out of fellowship with God. We must repent and change now before God has turned our whole nation over to a reprobate mind. It is time to repent and turn to God.

Drug and alcohol problems will go away when we give our life to God. The answer for all of us is to heed the Scripture in 2 Chronicles:

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Romans 1:32 "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

This is not just ignorance but blatant rebellion. We know that God is displeased. Just look around you. The weather pattern is messed up. inflation is great, earthquakes have increased and in fact all storms have worsened. AIDS and a lot of other incurable diseases have many people frightened. The threat of nuclear war is ever present. The normal life we used to have is now out of control. It seems we cannot depend on anything.

Luke 21:26 "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."

WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO REPENT AND TURN TO GOD NOW.

Romans Chapter 1 Second Continued Questions

Professing themselves to be wise they became _____________.
They changed the glory of the incorruptible God to what?
When the Israelites were waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain, what terrible thing did they do?
When you worship things you can see with your eyes, you are worshipping what?
In verse 24 God gave them up to what?
They dishonored their own_________ between themselves.
Luke chapter 6 verse 45 tells us what about the beast?
Why is sex sin so bad?
What are 3 terrible sins God calls abominations?
Verse 25 says, they changed the Truth of God into what?
They worshipped what?
Which is greater, the Creator or the thing He created?
What are some things falsely worshipped in our society today?
What does Amen mean?
In verse 26, why did God turn them over to vile affections?
What does (recompense of their error which was meet), mean?
What 2 Old Testament cities were destroyed, because their people were homosexuals?
What is sex really intended for?
What in our society today does the author believe is punishment for homosexuality?
What kind of mind did God turn them over to, because they did not retain God in their knowledge?
What is meant by not convenient?
Verse 29 says, that they who are away from God are filled with what?
What is fornication?
What is covetousness?
What does implacable mean?
What day is 2 Timothy speaking of?
What type of society is this speaking of?
In 2 Chronicles chapter 7 verse 14, what is the solution to our problems?
People who commit the sins mentioned are worthy of what?
They not only do the sin, but have pleasure in what?
In Luke chapter 21 verse 26, we see a society full of what?
What are they afraid of?

Romans Chapter 2

Having demonstrated the sinfulness of the immoral pagan in chapter (1:18-32), Paul presents his case against the religious moralist, Jew or Gentile, by cataloging 6 principals that govern God's judgment.

(1) Knowledge (verse 1);

(2) Truth (verses 2-3);

(3) Guilt (verses 4-5);

(4) Deeds (verses 6-10);

(5) Impartiality (verses 11-15);

(6) Motive (verse 16).

Romans 2:1 "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."

It is very easy for us to see sin in other's lives when many times we are unable to see the very same sin in our own life. Many ministers have the attitude that they are exempt, because they preach. The same law applies to us all. There are not 2 sets of rules; one for the congregation and one for the preacher. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God". Everyone needs Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Both Jews who was Paul's primary audience here, and moral Gentiles who think they are exempt from God's judgment because they have not indulged in the immoral excesses described (in chapter 1), are tragically mistaken. They have more knowledge than the immoral pagan and thus a greater accountability.

"Condemn thyself:" If someone has sufficient knowledge to judge others, he condemns himself, because he shows he has the knowledge to evaluate his own condition.

"Doest the same things:" In their condemnation of others they have excused and overlooked their own sins. Self righteousness exists because of two deadly errors.

(1) Minimizing God's moral standard usually by emphasizing externals; and

(2) Underestimating the depth of one's own sinfulness.

Romans 2:2 "But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things."

God will not punish anyone on hear-say evidence. God judges in Truth. He knows what the Truth is even before we begin.

"According to the truth": The meaning is 'right." Whatever God does, is by nature right.

Romans 2:3 "And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?"

This was covered in depth in verse one above.

"Condemn thyself:" If someone has sufficient knowledge to judge others, he condemns himself, because he shows he has the knowledge to evaluate his own condition.

Romans 2:4 "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"

"Despisest": Meaning to despise or to think down on, thus to underestimate someone's or something's value, and even to treat with contempt.

"Goodness": This refers to "common grace," the benefits God bestows on all men.

"Forbearance": This word, which means "to hold back," was sometimes used of a truce between warring parties. Rather than destroying every person the moment he or she sins, God graciously holds back His judgment. He saves sinners in a physical and temporal way from what they deserve, to show them His saving character, that they might come to Him and receive salvation that is spiritual and eternal.

"Longsuffering:" This word indicates the duration for which God demonstrates His goodness and forbearance, for long periods of time.

Together these three words speak of God's common grace, the way He demonstrates His grace to all mankind.

"Repentance": The act of turning from sin to Christ for forgiveness and salvation.

Romans 2:5 "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;"

The English word "sclerosis" (as in arteriosclerosis, a hardening of the arteries), comes from the Greek word. But here the danger is not physical, but spiritual hardness.

"Impenitent heart": A refusal to repent and accept God's pardon of sin through Jesus and cling to one's sin is to accumulate more of God's wrath and earn a severer judgment.

"Day of wrath ... judgment": Refers to the final judgment of wicked men that comes at the Great White Throne at the end of the Millennium.

Although Scripture everywhere teaches that salvation is not on the basis of works, it consistently teaches that God's judgment is always on the basis of a man's deeds.

Paul describes the deeds of two distinct groups: the redeemed (in verses 7 and 10), and the unredeemed as shown (in 8-9). The deeds of the redeemed are not the basis of their salvation but the evidence of it. They are not perfect and are prone to sin, but there is undeniable evidence of righteousness in their lives.

Romans 2:6 "Who will render to every man according to his deeds:"

We are all storing up things in heaven now. Some who walk in the Light of Jesus are storing up good treasures in heaven.

Matthew 6:19-21 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:" "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:" "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

If our deeds are evil, the wrath of God will be our just payment. If we are working for God, only a warm welcome awaits us, and the statement (well done thy good and faithful servant). In (verse 7), we see the rewards awaiting the believer.

Romans 2:7 "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life:"

Notice that even though eternal life is a free gift; we must continue walking in the salvation Jesus has provided for us. We must continue walking in the Light. We must be doing the Word and not just hearing the Word.

Verse seven is not simply speaking in duration, because even unbelievers will live forever, but also in quality. Eternal life is a kind of life, the holy life that the eternal God has given to believers.

We see (in verse 8), what awaits those who are not walking with Jesus in His Light.

Romans 2:8 "But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,"

God is not unaware. He will punish those who do not obey. From Genesis to Revelation, we see blessings for those who live for God and curses to those who are the children of disobedience.

Romans 2:9-10 "Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;" "But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:"

Just as the Jews were given the first opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel, they will be first to receive God's judgment if they refuse. Israel will receive severer punishment because she was given greater light and blessing.

Romans 2:11 "For there is no respect of persons with God."

God is not impressed with our worldly wealth, importance, position, influence, popularity or appearance. We are what we are, because God chose for it to be that way. If you are jealous of some one's wealth or place in society, blame God. The real reason might be that God could not trust you with the wealth or importance. It might even be for your own good.

We do not even choose our own nationality, God does. We were born and raised in a particular family because God arranged it that way. Why should anyone be so proud of themselves, this being the case? The only wealth that really amounts to anything, is what we have stored in heaven.

Romans 2:12 "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;"

"Sinned without law": The Gentiles who never had the opportunity to know God's moral law will be judged on their disobedience in relationship to their limited knowledge as we studied (in chapter 1:19-20).

"Sinned in the law": The Jews and many Gentiles who had access to God's moral law will be accountable for their greater knowledge.

To those whom much is given much is required.

Luke 12:48: "But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

The Lord is a just God. He judges each according to their knowledge. If we know to do good and do it not, it is counted sin to us.

3 John 1:11 "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."

We mentioned before that even nature tells you of God. Our conscience tells us when we are sinning. We all know right from wrong. The Jew had the law, so they will be judged by their law, if they do not receive Jesus. All will be judged guilty of sin, who have not accepted complete pardon through Jesus Christ our Lord. All deserve death. We receive our life in Jesus Christ who is Life.

Romans 2:13 "(For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."

Just to hear the law and to do nothing about it would not help at all, or just hearing about Jesus will not save you either. We must act upon what we hear. The burden is laid on the person receiving salvation to accept it. We have a free will which God will not violate.

Romans 10:9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Romans 2:14 "For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:"

Without knowing the written law of God, people in pagan society generally value and attempt to practice its most basic tenets. This is normal for cultures instinctively to value justice, honesty, compassion and goodness toward others, reflecting the divine law written in the heart.

"Law unto themselves": Their practice of some good deeds and their aversion to some evil ones demonstrate an innate knowledge of God's law, a knowledge that will actually witness against them on the day of judgment.

Romans 2:15 "Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)"

"Work of the law": Probably best understood as "the same works the Mosaic law prescribes."

"Conscience": Literal meaning "with knowledge." That instinctive sense of right and wrong, that produces guilt when violated. In addition to an innate awareness of God's law, men have a warning system that activates when they choose to ignore or disobey that law.

Paul urges believers not to violate their own consciences or cause others to, because repeatedly ignoring the conscience's warnings desensitizes it and eventually silences it.

Romans Chapter 2 Questions

Therefore thou art ____ O man, whosoever thou art that judgest another.
Why is this true?
Do ministers have some special agreement with God where they can sin and not be guilty?
How are our sins washed away?
What is God's judgement according to?
Who will be judged of God?
What does 2nd Peter chapter 3 verse 9 tell us about the second coming of Christ?
Those with hardness and impenitent hearts treasure up what unto themselves?
God will render to every man according to his ________________.
What does Matthew chapter 6 verses 19 through 21 tell us about treasures?
What does every Christian want to hear from God?
Verse 7 says, to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek what?
What awaits the contentious who do not obey?
What opposites do we see from Genesis to Revelation about God's judgement?
To the ____________ first and also to the ___________________.
What 3 things await every man that worketh good?
What is verse 11 really telling us about God's attitude toward mankind?
Those who had the law will be judged by what?
Where do you find (For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required)?
What does 3 John 11 tell us about who is of God?
Who will be judged guilty of sin?
Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but who?
Where do we find what we must do to be saved?
Who had the law?
Where does Jesus write the law, if we are Christians?
What bears witness of guilt or innocence?
Galatians chapter 3 verse 24 tells us the law was what?
Hebrews 10:16 tells us Jesus will put his law 2 places, where are they?
Why are the secrets just to man?
Does God judge our deeds or our heart?

Romans Chapter 2 Continued

Romans 2:16 "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

The day is referring to the "final day of judgment".

"Secrets" primarily refers to the motives that lie behind men's actions.

1 John 3:21 "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God."

God judges the heart. Your sins may be secret to man, but nothing is hidden from God. Jesus Christ is the Judge of all of us. We will stand or fall by Him. If He is our Savior and Lord we will go to heaven, if we have not accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are lost.

"My Gospel": Not his own personal message, but the divinely revealed message of Jesus Christ which is "good news" in light of the bad news of judgment.

Romans 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,"

Previously called Hebrews and Israelites, by the first century "Jew" had become the most common name for the descendants of Abraham through Isaac. "Jew" comes from "Judah," (meaning praise), one of the twelve tribes and the designation for the southern half of Solomon's kingdom after his death.

From the time of the Babylonian captivity, the whole race bore this title. Their great heritage, however, became a source of pride and complacency which led to judgment instead of praise.

The Jews knew they were God's chosen. They were proud, but they looked down on those who were not Jews thinking themselves better than others. Paul is telling them here that it is wrong to depend on the fact of their Jewish heritage to save them.

Romans 2:18 "And knowest [his] will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;"

Paul tells these self-righteous people that they are without excuse. They had the law, yet they did not understand. They were trying to instruct others and didn't even comprehend themselves.

1 Corinthians 1:31″ That, according as it is written, He THAT GLORIETH, LET HIM GLORY in the Lord."

Romans 2:19-20 "And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness," An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law."

Their form of religion was just that, a form. This was a technical keeping of the law without any understanding of what the law really stood for. Because they possessed the law, the Jews were confident that they were spiritually superior teachers; guides to blind pagans, wise in God's ways, and able to teach babes.

This is like memorizing a bunch of words without any idea of what they meant. There is no purpose in memorizing, unless you know what the meaning of the Scripture is. God is not pleased with us technically keeping His laws. He wants our love and obedience.

The Light of God is something you can not turn on and off. If you have the Light, it shines in your life not just one day a week. If you feel you have got to go to church, you probably don't have the Light. It should be a joy for a Christian to go to church. Church should not be an obligation that you fulfill. To go to church should be the desire of your heart.

Romans 2:21 "Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?"

Matthew 7:4-5 "Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam [is] in thine own eye?" "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

This scripture is saying "practice what you preach".

Most preachers will tell you, when they are preaching, the message is for them as well as the congregation.

Romans 2:22 "Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?"

Many ministers in our day need to review this verse. Ministers are not exempt from God's laws. We must not be just hearers but doers of God's law.

James 1:23-25 "For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:" "For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."

The best sermon any man or woman can preach is the one we live every day of our life. Here we are not only talking about ministers, but every Christian's walk

Romans 2:23 "Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonorest thou God?"

The law was given by God to help mankind. These Jewish leaders had twisted God's law to fit what they wanted. Many of the customs they required the people to do, they did not do themselves. They had no feelings about putting burdens on others, but were not willing to do them themselves. The high priest's office was founded to be a go between for God and his people. It was originated as an honorable holy office. By the time this was written, it had decayed into something terrible. They were even buying the priesthood. These had become power lovers, rather than men of God.

Romans 2:24 "For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written."

This is quoted from (Isaiah 52:5).

These Jews had missed the whole point of being the chosen of God to have the law. Just their arrogant behavior made the non Jews think that it was not good to be a believer. Instead of them living a better life for having known God, they oppressed others and ran them away from God.

Romans 2:25 "For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision."

For the Jew, circumcision was a sign of the covenant. Here is a complete definition of circumcision as given in Genesis 17:11. Cutting away of the male foreskin was not entirely new in this period of history, but the special religious and theocratic significance then applied to it was entirely new. Thus identifying the circumcised as belonging to the physical and ethnical lineage of Abraham. Without divine revelation, the rite would not have had this distinctive significance, thus it remained a theocratic distinctive of Israel.

There was a health benefit, since disease could be kept in the folds of the foreskin, so that removing it prevented that. Historically, Jewish women have had the lowest rate of cervical cancer. But the symbolism had to do with the need to cut away sin and be cleansed. It was the male organ which most clearly demonstrated the depth of depravity because it carried the seed that produced depraved sinners. Thus, circumcision symbolized the need for a profoundly deep cleansing to reverse the effects of depravity.

Under the new covenant provided by Jesus which is the covenant of grace, the meaning of circumcision has to do with the heart.

1 Corinthians 7:19 "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God."

Philippians 3:3: "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."

Romans 2:26 "Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?"

God will regard the believing Gentile as favorably as a circumcised, believing Jew.

Colossians 3:11 "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all."

The circumcision that counts is of the heart and not of the flesh. God is not interested in our flesh. He is Spirit and He is interested in our spirit which is made in His image.

Matthew 6:28-34 "And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:" "And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith?" "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" "(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof."

Jesus also came to heal our bodies.

3 John 1:2 "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

Romans 2:27 "And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?"

A Gentile's humble obedience to the law should serve as a stern rebuke to a Jew who, in spite of his great advantage, lives in disobedience.

"To whom much is given, much is required". These Gentiles were living better lives with less knowledge than the Jews. These Jews are not setting the good example for God that that they need to.

Galatians 6:15 "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature."

Romans 2:28-29 "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:" "But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God."

"He is a Jew": A true child of God; the true spiritual seed of Abraham.

"Circumcision is that of the heart": The outward rite is of value only when it reflects the inner reality of a heart separated from sin unto God.

"Spirit...letter": Salvation results from the work of God's Spirit in the heart, not mere external efforts to conform to His law.

In the case above, it would be possible for a Gentile to be a better Jew than the natural Jew, because the Gentiles' heart is right with God. God looks on the heart of man and judges the heart. Only you and God know the relation that you have with God. Men look at the outward man, but God sees the heart.

Romans Chapter 2 Continued Questions

1. God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to what?

2. In the day refers to what?

3. God judges what part of his body in a man?

4. Who is the judge of all?

5. In first century what was the most common name for the descendants of Abraham?

6. Where does the term Jew come from?

7. What does Judah mean?

8. Who was God's chosen?

9. It should be a joy for a Christian ___ ___ ___ _________.

10. What does "thou therefore which teaches another, teaches not thy self" Mean?

11. We must not just be _________ but ______ of God's Law.

12. What is the best sermon any man or woman can preach?

13. What was the High Priest's office founded for?

14. What had the arrogant behavior of the Jews do to the non Jews?

15. For the Jew, circumcision was a sign of what?

16. What was the symbolism of circumcision?

17. How will God regard the believing Gentile?

18. The circumcision that counts is what?

19. O ye of ________ ________.

20. But seek ye first the ____________ of _____.

21. To whom _______ is ________, much is ___________.

22. Circumcision in verse 29 is that of what?

23. Is it possible for a Gentile to be a better Jew than a natural Jew?

Romans Chapter 3

Romans 3:1 "What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision?"

Paul asks this question as if another Jew is asking. It seems that the covenant that God made with Abraham (circumcision), is no advantage at all. Paul asks, what is the reason for circumcision, if it does not benefit the Jew?

Romans 3:2 "Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God."

The non-Jew up until the time of Jesus had no chance of learning of the true God. The law was revealed to the natural Jew only at that time. The promises made were for the physical house of Israel until Jesus tore the middle wall of partition down in the temple when He gave His body on the cross for all mankind. The promise of the Messiah was to the physical house of Israel. The physical house of Israel (Jew), was the one taught in the temple, the laws of God. They were the privileged few.

"Oracles": This Greek word is logian, a diminutive form of the common New Testament word logos, which is normally translated "word." These are important sayings or messages, especially supernatural ones.

Here Paul uses the word to encompass the entire Old Testament, the Jews received the very words of the true God. The Jews had a great advantage in having the Old Testament, because it contained the truth about salvation and about the gospel in its basic form. When Paul said "preach the Word", he meant the oracles of God recorded in scripture.

Romans 3:3 "For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?"

The fact that some reject the Truth does not make it any less the Truth. Some have not the faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

We see in these Scriptures just what it takes to be saved.

God will fulfill all the promises He made to the nation, even if individual Jews are not able to receive them because of their unbelief.

Romans 3:4 "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."

If all mankind were to agree that God had been unfaithful to His promises, it would only prove that all are liars and God is true.

Psalms 116:11 "I said in my haste, All men [are] liars."

Hebrews 6:17-18 "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath:" "That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:"

In the last 2 scriptures of Hebrews, you see the word immutable. Immutable means unchangeable or always the same. We see above that men are liars, but it is impossible for God to lie, since He is the Truth. "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life". Every man and woman (one at a time), shall stand before this absolute Truth and be judged. We will be justified by Jesus Christ when we Christians stand before Him. Those who rejected Jesus as their personal Savior will be without excuse.

Romans 5-8: Paul anticipates and answers the objection that his teaching actually impugned the very holiness and purity of God's character.

Romans 3:5 "But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)"

"Commend the righteousness of God": By contrast, like a jeweler who displays a diamond on black velvet to make the stone appear even more beautiful. (defined: to express approval of; praise; to praise or acclaim).

"I speak as a man": He is simply paraphrasing the weak, unbiblical logic of his opponents, the product of their natural, unregenerate minds.

We have no righteousness except that purchased for us by the Lord Jesus Christ. Because we are unrighteous, do we presume to judge God for taking vengeance on our unrighteousness? As I said before, those who do not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and take on His righteousness are without excuse and deserve God's vengeance.

Romans 3:6 "God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?"

Paul's point is that if God condoned sin, He would have no equitable, righteous basis for judgement.

One thing we can surely depend on is that God is just. God has made a way out for the unrighteous. They must accept Jesus as Savior and Lord and then they will be judged righteous, because they have taken on Jesus' righteousness. There are only 2 types of people as far as God is concerned (those who accept Jesus and those who do not).

Romans 3:7 "For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?"

We might try to justify our sin before God, telling God that our lie makes His Truth even greater, but He will not go for that flimsy excuse.

Romans 3:8 "And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just."

Paul is saying, here, that some liars are going around saying, that He says do evil so that God's good will be greater. Paul just simply says they are lying. They not only lie, but their condemnation is just.

Tragically, the apostle's gospel message of salvation by grace through faith alone had been perverted by his opponents who argued it provided not only a license to sin, but outright encouragement to do so (see 5:20; 6:1-2).

In verses 9-20 Paul concludes his indictment of mankind with this summary: Jew and Gentile alike stand guilty before God.

Romans 3:9 "What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;"

"Are we better": "We", probably refers to the Christians in Rome who will receive this letter. Christians do not have an intrinsically superior nature to all those Paul has shown to stand under God's condemnation.

"Under sin" means completely enslaved and dominated by sin.

Romans 3:10 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"

In the 23rd verse of this chapter Paul makes it very clear that all have sinned.

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

Psalms 14:1 "The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good."

The Jews could not and did not keep the law and the heathen did not even have a law to keep. Man is universally evil. All have sinned, but praise God, He sent a Savior named Jesus Christ. His righteousness is what we must have. Our righteousness is but filthy rags.

Romans 3:11 "There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."

"None ... understandeth": Man is unable to comprehend the truth of God or grasp His standard of righteousness. Sadly, his spiritual ignorance does not result from a lack of opportunity, but is an expression of his depravity and rebellion.

"None ... seeketh": This verse clearly implies that the world's false religions are fallen man's attempts to escape the true God, not to seek Him. Man's natural tendency is to seek his own interest, but his only hope is for God to seek him. It is only as a result of God's work in the heart that anyone seeks Him.

This describes our generation perfectly. It seems there is no one seeking after God; or at least very few. If we seek God we will find Him.

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

Romans 3:12 "They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."

Even the Jews who had the law were not keeping it. The priests were twisting the law around and carrying their own customs out in the temple rather than carrying out God's law. Jesus came to save the lost world. Just as this Scripture says, no one truly deserves to be saved.

Basically meaning: "To go or choose the wrong way", much as a soldier running the wrong way or deserting. All men are inclined to leave God's way and pursue their own.

"None that doeth good": Nine times (in verses 10-17), Paul uses words such as "none" and "all" to show the universality of human sin and rebellion.

Romans 3:13 "Their throat [is] an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:"

There is a similar Scripture in Psalms.

Psalms 140:3 "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah."

We see from this that the tongue can be a very evil and hurtful instrument when it speaks from an evil heart. I believe that is what is meant by the throat being an open sepulcher. Look with me in the book of James to see some of this.

James 3:6-8 " And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." "For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:" "But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

A sepulcher is a tomb or in this case, like an open grave. These were sealed not only to show respect for the deceased, but to hide the sight and stench of the body's decay. As an unsealed tomb allows those who pass to see and smell what is inside, the unregenerate man's open throat, that is the foul words that come from it, reveal the decay of his heart.

When we receive Jesus as our Savior, the very first member of our body that we should turn over to Jesus is our tongue. The natural tongue is very evil, if not controlled by the Spirit.

Romans 3:14 "Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness:"

What generation in all of history has been guiltier of cursing than the present? Every movie, or at least the vast majority of them, contains terrible cursing. Bitterness and strife are on every hand. Bitterness against parents is perhaps #1 on the list.

This is quoted from Psalm 10:7. It refers to wanting the worst for someone and publicly expressing that desire in caustic, derisive language.

Bitterness could be described as the open, public expression of emotional hostility against one's enemy.

Romans Chapter 3 Questions

1. The question in verse 1 is what?

2. What way was the physical Jew advantaged?

3. When did the Gentile first have an opportunity to know God?

4. Who was the promise of Messiah made to?

5. Does the fact that some did not believe affect the Truth?

6. Let God be ____ but every man a ____.

7. Where, in Psalms, does it say all men are liars?

8. How had God verified His promise?

9. What does immutable mean?

10. Jesus is the ______, the_________, and the _______.

11. Is God ____ who taketh vengeance?

12. How was Paul speaking in verse 5?

13. Who shall judge the world?

14. What 2 types of people are there as far as God is concerned?

15. What had been slanderously reported that Paul said?

16. Who are under sin?

17. There is ____ righteous no ____ ____.

18. In the 14th chapter of Psalms verse 1, who says there is no God?

19. We have all sinned, but what can we praise God for in this?

20. In verse 11, who seeketh after God?

21. Verse 12 says, who does good?

22. Their _________ is an open sepulcher.

23. What is said to be under the lips in verse 13?

24. What is meant by an open sepulcher?

25. What is impossible to tame other than with God's help?

26. Which generation in all of history has been more guilty of cursing than any other?

27. Ephesians 4:30-32 tell us what?

Romans Chapter 3 Continued

Verses 15-17 are quoted from Isaiah 59:7-8.

Romans 3:15 "Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:"

This is speaking of evil men. Of course, we know that some of the Jewish leaders of the church wanted all the Christians killed. They even thought they were doing God a favor to kill the Christians.

The next few verses are describing people without understanding. They are without the love of God within them. Their desire is to destroy and make others miserable. This really is like so many gangs in our country today. They have no desire to build, just to tear down and destroy what someone else has built. They like to make others miserable thinking with their perverted mind that seeing someone more miserable than themselves will bring them happiness. They are not peace makers. How could they fear what they do not know? They do not know God.

Romans 3:16 "Destruction and misery [are] in their ways:"

Man damages and destroys everything he touches, leaving a trail of pain and suffering in his wake.

Romans 3:17 "And the way of peace have they not known:"

Not the lack of an inner sense of peace, but man's tendency toward strife and conflict, whether between individuals or nations.

Romans 3:18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."

Man's true spiritual condition is nowhere more clearly seen than in the absence of a proper submission to and reverence for God. Biblical fear for God consists of:

(1) Awe of His greatness and glory, and

(2) Dread of the results of violating that holy nature.

Romans 3:19 "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God."

This is speaking of every unredeemed human being.

Just the fact the Jews had the law did not make them not guilty of sin. In fact, if anything it made them guiltier, because they had the law and did not keep it. All have sinned. All have come short of the Glory of God.

"Every mouth ... stopped ... guilty:" There is no defense against the guilty verdict God pronounces on the entire human race.

Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin."

The law just made it even more apparent that all have sinned and needed a Savior. We will read (in chapter 5 of Romans), that Jesus died for the ungodly. We cannot be good enough to be saved. Jesus Christ is the only person that ever lived without sin.

Romans 3:21 "But now. the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;"

Paul, having shown the impossibility of gaining righteousness by human effort, he turns to explain the righteousness that God Himself has provided.

This righteousness is unique:

(1) God is its source;

(2) It fulfills both the penalty and precept of God's law. Christ's death as a substitute pays the penalty exacted on those who failed to keep God's law, and His perfect obedience to every requirement of God's law fulfills God's demand for comprehensive righteousness; and

(3) Because God's righteousness is eternal, the one who receives it from Him enjoys it forever.

Doing perfectly what God's moral law required is impossible, so that every person is cursed by that inability. By the law is knowledge of sin, therefore the law only makes sin known, it cannot save. It is our schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:24: Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Romans 3:22 "Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"

True saving faith is supernatural, a gracious gift of God that He produces in the heart and is the only means by which a person can appropriate true righteousness. Saving faith consists of 3 elements:

(1) Mental: the mind understands the gospel and the truth about Christ

(2) Emotional: one embraces the truthfulness of those facts with sorrow over sin and joy over God's mercy and grace; and

(3) Volitional: the sinner submits his will to Christ and trusts in Him alone as the only hope of salvation.

Genuine faith will always produce authentic obedience.

Our righteousness is but filthy rags in ourselves. Our righteousness that is acceptable to God is the righteousness of Jesus Christ that we put on when we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

This is not just the heathen, but the Jew, as well. No one can live completely free of sin. Our justification in Jesus is (justification meaning: just as if we had never sinned). We have sinned, but we are not guilty, because we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ).

These last two verses contain a parenthetical comment explaining that God can bestow His righteousness on all who believe, Jew or Gentile, because all men, without distinction, fail miserably to live up to the divine decree.

"All have sinned": Paul has made this case beginning with (1:18 - 3:20).

Romans 3:24 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"

This verb (justified), and related words from the same Greek root (such as justification), occur some 30 times in Romans and are concentrated (in 2:13 - 5:1). This legal or forensic term comes from the Greek word for "righteous" and means "to declare righteous." This verdict includes pardon from the guilt and penalty of sin, and the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer's account. Which provides for the positive righteousness man needs to be accepted by God.

God declares a sinner righteous solely on the basis of the merits of Christ's righteousness. God imputed a believer's sin to Christ's account in His sacrificial death. (Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 2:24), and He imputes Christ's perfect obedience to God's law to Christians.

The sinner receives this gift of God's grace by faith alone.

Sanctification is the work of God by which He makes righteous those whom He has already justified and is distinct from justification but without exception, always follows it.

"Freely by His grace": Justification is a gracious gift God extends to the repentant, believing sinner, wholly apart from human merit or work.

"Redemption": The imagery behind this Greek word comes from the ancient slave market. It meant paying the necessary ransom to obtain the prisoner or slave's release. The only adequate payment to redeem sinners from sin's slavery and its deserved punishment was "in Christ Jesus", and was paid to God to satisfy His justice.

Romans 3:25 "Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"

This great sacrifice was not accomplished in secret, but God publicly displayed His Son on Calvary for all to see.

"Propitiation": Crucial to the significance of Christ's sacrifice, this word carries the idea of appeasement or satisfaction; in this case Christ's violent death satisfied the offended holiness and wrath of God against those for whom Christ died. The Hebrew equivalent of this word was used to describe the mercy seat, the cover to the Ark of the Covenant, where the High Priest sprinkled the blood of the slaughtered animal on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people. In pagan religions, it is the worshiper not the god who is responsible to appease the wrath of the offended deity. But in reality, man is incapable of satisfying God's justice apart from Christ, except by spending eternity in hell.

"Forbearance": means to hold back. Rather than destroying every person the moment he or she sins, God graciously holds back His judgment.

"Remission of sins": This means neither indifference nor remission. God's justice demands that every sin and sinner be punished. God would have been just, when Adam and Eve sinned, to destroy them, and with them, the entire human race. But in His goodness and forbearance, He withheld His judgment for a certain period of time.

2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

Romans 3:26 "To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

"To declare ... His righteousness": through the incarnation, sinless life, and substitutionary death of Christ.

The wisdom of God's plan allowed Him to punish Jesus in the place of sinners and thereby justify those who are guilty without compromising His justice.

Romans 3:27 "Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith."

God disdained human wisdom, not only by disallowing it as a means to knowing Him, but also by choosing to save the lowly. He does not call to salvation many whom the world would call wise, mighty and noble.

Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:" "Not of works, lest any man should boast." "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

God's wisdom is revealed to the foolish, weak, and common. I.e., those considered nothing by the elite, who trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. God clearly received all the credit and the glory for causing such lowly ones to know Him and the eternal truths of His heavenly kingdom.

No saved sinner can boast that he has achieved salvation by his intellect.

Romans 3:28 "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

Keeping the ordinances of the law will not do away with sin and will not save anyone. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

To find out what faith can do for you and did do for many (read all of Hebrews chapter 11).

Romans 3:29 "[Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:"

God was the Creator of all mankind. Mankind both Jew and Gentile was made in the image of God. We are His workmanship. All He created was for the benefit of mankind. He prepared the world for man. God is God of all. We are all part of God's family. There is one God and Father of us all.

Ephesians 4:6: "One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all."

Romans 3:30 "Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith."

The circumcision are the Jews and the uncircumcision refers to the Gentile, and both can only be saved by faith in Jesus Christ.

John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Romans 3:31 "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."

Knowing he would be accused of antinomianism (being against the law), for arguing that a man was justified apart from keeping the law, Paul introduced here the defense he later developed (in chapters 6 and 7).

Salvation by grace through faith does not denigrate the law, but underscores its true importance:

(1) By providing a payment for the penalty of death, which the law required for failing to keep it;

(2) By fulfilling the law's original purpose, which is to serve as a tutor to show mankind's utter inability to obey God's righteous demands and to drive people to Christ; and

(3) By giving believers the capacity to obey it.

The law is not done away with by Jesus, but fulfilled in Him. The law is good. The law declares the need to be righteous. Jesus makes it possible to be righteous in Him. The law showed us our great need for Jesus as our Savior.

Romans Chapter 3 Continued Questions

In verse15, their feet are quick to do what?
In verse 16, what 2 things are in their way?
In verse 18, there is no ____ of____ before their eyes?
The law speaks to whom?
Who became guilty before God?
Who can be justified by the deeds of the law?
By what is the knowledge of sin?
Verse 21 says, 2 witnessed the righteousness of God, what were they?
The righteousness of God is by what?
Who have sinned and come short of the glory of God?
What makes Christians justified?
Who are the people around the throne in white robes in Revelation chapter 7?
We are justified freely by what?
Acts chapter 13:39, who are the justified
What is grace?
What does propitiation mean?
We must have faith in what?
Almost all things are purged by what?
What is Jesus called in verse 26?
What question is asked in verse 27?
Ephesians chapter 2:8 says, by _____ are ye saved
Ephesians 2:9 says, "Not of _____ lest any man should _____."
In Ephesians 2:10, we Christians are called what?
A man is justified by_____ without the _____ of the law.
Verse 29 says, God is who`s God?
The circumcision is justified by what?
What effect does faith have on the law?

Romans Chapter 4

Romans 4:1 "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?"

Paul here, is using a question to drive a point home. He is saying in essence, if anyone could boast of making himself acceptable to God in the flesh it would have been Abraham. Not even Abraham was justified by the outward show of his faith in God by circumcising the males. It was not the circumcising of the males that made him acceptable to God, but his great faith.

Paul uses the model of Abraham to prove justification by faith alone because the Jews held him up as the supreme example of a righteous man and because it clearly showed that Judaism with its works righteousness had deviated from the faith of the Jews' patriarchal ancestors. In a spiritual sense, Abraham was the forerunner of the primarily Gentile church in Rome as well.

Romans 4:2 "For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God."

As we said before, Abraham did show the world of his great faith by his outward circumcision. Christians make an outward show of their decision to follow Jesus by being baptized. The truth is justification takes place in the heart. Faith takes place in the inner man. Faith pleases God. When we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus, we are justified by the washing of His blood.

If Abraham's own works had been the basis of his justification, he would have had every right to boast in God's presence. That makes the hypothetical premise of verse 2 unthinkable.

Romans 4:3 "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

Abraham believed God and left Ur of the Chaldees. He was looking for a city whose maker was God. He gave up his big home and wandered where God had sent him. He dwelled in tents waiting for the city of God. This faith Abraham had in God pleased God and Abraham was greatly blessed by God for it.

This is clearly stated in Genesis 15:6: "and he believed I the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness."

Faith is not a meritorious work. It is never the ground of justification, it is simply the channel through which it is received and it too, is a gift.

Counted or translated "imputed". Used in both financial and legal setting, this word occurs 9 times in chapter 4 alone, means to take something that belongs to someone and credit to another's account. It is a one-sided transaction, such as Abraham did nothing to accumulate it; God simply credited it to him. God took His own righteousness and credited it to Abraham as if it were actually his. This God did because Abraham believed in Him.

Galatians 3:6 "Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."

Galatians 3:29: "And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Romans 4:4-5 "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt." "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."

Broadening his argument from Abraham to all men, the apostle here makes it clear that the forensic act of declaring a man righteous is completely apart from any kind of human work. If salvation were on the basis on one's own effort, God would owe salvation as a debt.

But salvation is always a sovereignly given gift of God's grace to those who believe. Since faith is contrasted with work, faith must mean the end of any attempt to earn God's favor through personal merit.

If work could get you into heaven, then there would be no place for faith. In the flesh, we all die, but the life of importance is in the spirit which takes faith to inherit.

No one can work themselves into heaven. That is not the key that opens the door. The key is faith without works. The secret is, after you have had faith and it has opened the door for you, then you desire to work for Him.

Galatians 2:16 "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."

So, faith plus nothing makes us righteous.

"Justifieth the ungodly": Only those who relinquish all claims to goodness and acknowledge they are ungodly are candidates for justification.

Romans 4:6 "Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,"

The word imputeth means counteth.

Psalms 32:1-2 "Blessed [is he whose] transgression [is] forgiven, [whose] sin [is] covered." "Blessed [is] the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit [there is] no guile."

Romans 4:7-8 "[Saying], Blessed [are] they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." "Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."

In (verses 6-8), Paul gave us the scripture written by David in Psalms that was just given, written by David after his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband, Uriah. In spite of the enormity of his sin and the utter absence of personal merit, David knew the blessing of imputed righteousness.

Of course, the reason for all this is when we stand before Jesus, He will recognize His own. He has paid the price in full for all of our sin. Our sin died on the cross. We are forgiven. We are blessed, because we do not have to pay, Jesus paid for our sins in full on the cross.

In the following (verses 9-12), Paul anticipates what his Jewish readers would be thinking: If Abraham was justified by his faith alone, why did God command him and his descendants to be circumcised? His response not only answer those concerned with circumcision, but the millions who still cling to some other kind of religious ceremony or activity as their basis for righteousness.

Romans 4:9 "[Cometh] this blessedness then upon the circumcision [only], or upon the uncircumcision also?" for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

We are looking here for justification without keeping the ceremonial law. Abraham was counted righteous before the keeping of the law. He was made righteous in God's sight before he became a physical Jew.

Acts 13:39 "And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses."

"Circumcision" is referring to the Jews and "uncircumcised" to the Gentiles.

Romans 4:10 "How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision."

The chronology of Genesis proves Paul's case as Abraham was 86 when Ishmael was born. Abraham was 99 when he was circumcised. But God declared him righteous before Ishmael had even been conceived, at least 14 years before Abraham's circumcision.

All Paul is saying is that Abraham's faith before he was circumcised was counted as righteousness to him.

1 John 5:1 "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him."

1 John 5:12 "He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."

We find in both these Scriptures that it is not whether you are Jew or Gentile, but where you have put your faith (in the Son of God).

Romans 4:11 "And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:"

"Sign": This indicates man's need for spiritual cleansing and of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

"Seal": An outward demonstration of the righteousness God had credited to him by faith.

Genesis 15:6 "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."

You see Abraham believed, and that alone brought righteousness. The circumcision came later for an outward show to the world that he believed God.

Romans 4:12 "And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised."

Just as Abraham was not justified by the rite of circumcision; neither was he justified by keeping the Mosaic law.

This just reminds us again, that Abraham is father to all who believe. For by faith are you saved.

Romans 4:13 "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."

This refers to Christ and is the essence of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants. The final provision of that covenant was that through Abraham's seed, all of the world would be blessed. Paul argues that "the seed" refers specifically to Christ and that this promise really constituted the gospel. All believers, by being in Christ, become heirs of the promise.

"Not through the law": that is, not as a result of Abraham's keeping the law.

"Righteousness of faith": Righteousness received from God by faith.

Galatians 3:18 "For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise."

We read who are saved in Galatians:

Galatians 3:7-9 "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham." "And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed." "So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham."

In all of this we must see the mighty hand of God working salvation for all who have the faith to receive it. Salvation is a free gift. You must reach out and take it for it to be yours.

Romans Chapter 4 Questions

1. Who did Paul call Abraham in verse 1?

2. Why is Paul saying this in question form?

3. If anyone could boast of being worthy in the flesh (besides Jesus) who would it be?

4. Was he worthy in the flesh?

5. In verse 2, who would Abraham not be able to glory before?

6. What was the circumcision of Abraham really?

7. Where does faith take place?

8. What did Abraham do that was counted unto him for righteousness?

9. When Abraham left Ur of the Chaldees, what was he looking for?

10. In Galatians 3:29, who are Abraham's seed and heirs to the promise?

11. Verse 4 says, to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of ____.

12. In the flesh we all ____.

13. In verse 5, his faith is counted for _______________.

14. By the works of the law who is saved?

15. Who in the Old Testament described the blessedness of righteousness being counted to us without works?

16. What does the word imputeth mean?

17. Where in the Old Testament is this stated by David?

18. In verse 7, who are the blessed?

19. In verse 8, who are the blessed?

20. In Acts chapter 13 verse 39, who are justified?

21. In first John chapter 5:1, we see that all who believeth that Jesus is the Christ are what?

22. In first John chapter 5:12, he that hath the Son hath what?

23. What is circumcision called in verse 11?

24. In Genesis chapter 15, what was counted unto Abraham for righteousness?

25. Who was the father of circumcision?

26. Who was the father of faith?

27. Verse 13 tells of the promise to Abraham, what was it?

28. In Galatians 3:7, who are the children of Abraham?

29. In Galatians 3:8, who would be blessed because of Abraham?

30. Salvation is a free gift, but what is our part in it?

Romans Chapter 4 Continued

Romans 4:14 "For if they which are of the law [be] heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:"

We see the law is totally different from the justification by faith that came from Abraham. Abraham was not promised to bless all nations through the law which was given to just one nation, (Israel) but the promise came through faith. His seed that we have mentioned so many times before in these lessons is all the believers in Christ.

Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Galatians 3:29 "And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

If only those who perfectly keep the law, (an impossibility) receive the promise, faith has no value. Making a promise contingent on an impossible condition nullifies the promise.

You can easily see, if you can see heirship by work, it would not be by promise. Law is exacting and must be obeyed to the letter, but the grace of Jesus Christ leaves opportunity for repentance and new life. Abraham did not earn the right, he believed God and that was enough. God wants us to trust Him.

Actually Abraham's promise from God was two fold. He was promised in the physical the Promised Land (Israel). In the spirit these promises went much further. The promise of the spirit was not of this earth, but for the Promised Land (heaven) for all who believe.

Romans 4:15 "Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression."

How can you break a law, if there is no law? If you break the law (that you are living under), you will be punished (wrath). If there is no law, you are not punished. (There are no laws written down on paper for Christians). God's laws are written in our heart. We are pardoned by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Romans 4:16 "Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,"

The power of justification is God's great grace, not man's faith.

The following Scripture speaks of this grace I Corinthians 1:4 "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;"

Grace (unmerited favor) was offered to each of us (not because we were worthy) but because God loved us each one.

2 Timothy 1:9 "Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"

Just the love of God provided Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord for each of us. Our obligation is to reach out and receive this gift of grace in Jesus Christ. This scripture is just saying that this is talking not only of the believing Jews, but to the believing Gentiles (which is of the faith of Abraham).

Romans 4:17 "(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickened the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."

This Scripture has been greatly misunderstood by many.

In verse 19 you will see that Abraham experienced this first hand.

"And calleth those things which be not as though they were" is another reference to the forensic nature of justification. God can declare believing sinners to be righteous even though they are not, by imputing His righteousness to them, just as God made or declared Jesus "sin" and punished Him, though he was not a sinner. Those whom He justifies, He will conform to the image of His Son.

Many nations could not be just Israel. Israel is just one nation. This Scripture is speaking of the Jew and Gentile. The Gentiles were not, because they were heathen people. Through Jesus they are the family of God, which they had not been previously.

Here is the definition of quickened which I found might help to understand what this is saying, especially when we look at verse 19. "Quickening" - the process of showing signs of life; "the quickening of seed that will become ripe grain"

Romans 4:18 "Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be."

When the promise was given to Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, it seemed impossible. Here he and his wife Sarah were very old people and have never had any children. For a person who thought with a carnal mind this would be an impossibility. Sarah had passed the age of women to have children.

Abraham did not listen to the carnal mind, but believed all things were possible with God. His faith in God and nothing else completed his righteousness to God.

God honored his great faith and gave him a son by Sarah (Isaac). Isaac was the beginning of the promise that Abraham was to become father of many nations.

Romans 4:19 "And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:"

You see Abraham did not think with his carnal mind. He knew all things were possible with God. God had created him in the beginning and he knew God could restore his and Sarah's youth enough that they could bring forth a child.

(All men have their measure of faith.) Abraham had great faith beyond the measure each man requires. He believed so strongly, he became known as the father of the faithful.

Romans 4:20 "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;"

Jesus' own words. Matthew 19:26 "But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." Abraham knew in his heart that nothing was impossible to God. His faith was not of this world, but in God.

Romans 4:21 "And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."

Abraham knew whatever God said he would do, He was perfectly capable of doing.

Believing God affirms His existence and character and thus gives Him glory.

Romans 4:22 "And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness."

"Therefore": Meaning because of his genuine faith.

Righteousness is not earned but received by faith. We are made righteous in God's sight when we are washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Romans 4:23 "Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;"

This just means that not only is faith full payment for Abraham's righteousness, but any one who has faith in Jesus Christ is counted righteous, as well.

All scripture has universal application, and Abraham's experience is no exception. If Abraham was justified by his faith, then all others are justified on the same basis.

Romans 4:24 "But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;"

Look at Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

This leaves absolutely no doubt what it takes to be saved.

Romans 4:25 "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."

Jesus was without sin. He was innocent of all sin. He took our sins on his body and paid our penalty in full. I should have been crucified. My sins help put Jesus on the cross.

1 Corinthians 15:3 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;"

Isaiah 53:5 "But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

Jesus bought us and paid for us with his own precious blood. Our salvation lies in him.

Romans Chapter 4 Continued Questions

1. In verse 14, faith is made void and the promise of none effect if who be heirs?

2. Who was the law given to?

3. How many nations does it consist of?

4. Who are Abraham's seed?

5. Where do you find the Scripture that tells who Abraham's seed are?

6. What is the physical Promised Land?

7. What is the spiritual Promised Land?

8. We find in verse 15 that the law worketh what?

9. If there is no law, there is no ___________.

10. Where are God's laws written for the Christians?

11. In verse 16, it is of faith that it might be of_________.

12. Who is the father of all who believe?

13. How was the grace of God given us?

14. What is grace?

15. Why did God offer us this grace?

16. When was this grace provided for us?

17. Who quickeneth?

18. What two Scriptures speak of the resurrection?

19. In verse 18, was it the written or spoken Word which brought this about?.

20. Why did it seem impossible for Abraham to be father of many?

21. Who was the beginning of the promise fulfilled in?

22. About how old was Abraham when Isaac was born?

23. Who did Abraham give glory to?

24. In Matthew chapter 19 verse 26, what does Jesus teach us about God?

25. What was imputed to Abraham for righteousness?

Romans Chapter 5

Paul completed his case that God justifies sinners on the basis of faith alone, and he turned his pen to counter the notion that although believers receive salvation by faith, they will preserve it by good works.

He argues that they are bound eternally to Jesus Christ, preserved by His power and not by human effort.

For the Christian, the evidences of that eternal tie are:

1. His peace with God (verse 1);

2. His standing in grace (verse 2a);

3. His hope of glory (verses 2b-5a);

4. His receiving of divine love (verses 5b-8);

5. His certain escape of divine wrath (verses 9-10);

6. His joy in the Lord (verse 11).

Romans 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"

Justified: means just as if I had never sinned.

Being justified underscores that justification is a one time legal declaration with continuing results, not an ongoing process.

Peace comes when we are assured of our salvation. It is not an internal sense of calm and serenity, but an external, objective reality. God has declared Himself to be at war with every human being because of man's sinful rebellion against Him and His laws. The first great result of justification is that the sinner's war with God is ended forever and this scripture refers to the end of this conflict as a person's being reconciled to God.

Romans 5:2 "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

We have access to the Father, because Jesus tore down the middle wall of partition and gave us access when He died on the cross. We see how Jesus furnished us access to the Father.

Mark 15:38 "And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom."

This curtain was not torn down by man, but by God.

What was so unthinkable to the Old Testament Jews is now available to all who come.

"Stand", refers to the permanent position believers enjoy in God's grace.

"Hope in the Glory of God": Unlike the English word "hope", the New Testament word contains no uncertainty; it speaks of something that is certain, but not yet realized. The believer's ultimate destiny is to share in the very glory of God, and that hope will be realized because Christ Himself secures it.

Without the clear and certain promises of the Word of God, the believer would have no basis for hope.

Romans 5:3 "And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;"

Jesus taught that in this life you will have tribulation and that the only peace is in Him.

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

2 Corinthians 1:4 "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

You see, the problems come to all. Christians have Jesus to lean upon in their troubles. (In Revelation 7:14), we see all the Christians around the throne who have been taken out of great tribulations on this earth. He promises He will be with us and provide a way out for us.

Matthew 5:45 "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."

One of the greatest examples of someone who was perfect and upright in the sight of God, and yet has great tribulation, is found in the book of Job. Job is tested by tribulation and yet his patience never tires. When we are going through tribulation (un-deserved), we must remember that it is to make us stronger in God. Jesus was tried for 40 days and nights, but never faltered. We can make it too, if we keep in the back of our mind that it is for our own good and not harm.

Patience (also known as perseverance), refers to endurance, the ability to remain under tremendous weight and pressure without succumbing.

Romans 5:4 "And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"

"Experience" means character, or a better translation would be proven character. The Greek word simply means "proof". It was used of testing metals to determine their purity. Here the proof is Christian character. Christians can glory in tribulations because of what those troubles produce.

All Christians have the hope of the resurrection.

In Lamentations 3:26 "[It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD."

I have discovered that God allows these little trials to come along to see if we will rely on Him while we endure under pressure. If we fold in the trial, then we have to go through another similar trial until we learn to lean on him in our trials.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."

Romans 5:5 "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

This Holy Ghost spoken of here comes and dwells within us as soon as we accept Christ as our Savior. It is the Holy Ghost in us that loves others unselfishly.

God has implanted within our hearts evidence that we belong to Him in that we love the One who first loved us.

We are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ unto salvation. If we are ashamed of Jesus or the Holy Ghost here, He will be ashamed of us in heaven. We must not be ashamed but boldly tell of our Lord and Savior and His blessed Holy Spirit.

Romans 5:6 "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."

The mystery of it all is how He loved us enough to die for us while we were evil in every way.

Unregenerate sinners are spiritually dead and incapable of doing anything to help themselves.

"In due time": Meaning at the time that God had chosen.

Jesus died for those who deserved to go to hell, because they had sinned. "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one" (Rom.3:10). Everyone needs a Savior. God loves a sinner and has made way for him or her: the way is Jesus Christ our Lord. He gave each of us a free will so we must be willing to be saved, then Jesus does the rest.

Romans 5:7 "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."

This is just saying that it would have been a little more understandable that Jesus would die on the cross for us, if we had been good people.

As uncommon as such a sacrifice is, Paul's point is that we were neither righteous or good yet Christ sacrificed Himself for us. There are no good people.

Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

A death of this cruel nature would be hard to endure, even for righteous people, but for wicked people it is almost not understandable. The reason we do not understand is because God's love is so much greater than any thing we know about.

Romans 5:8 "But God commandeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

In verse eight above, it is as if God forced His love to be shown by His mighty hand. The word "commandeth" means more than just give.

The greatest love ever known was when God the Father gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross for you and me that we might be saved. The mystery of it all is He does not wait until we are good enough to be saved.

Romans 5:9 "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

The wrath being spoken of here is not God's temporal wrath to come on the earth as in the book of Revelation, but of God's eternal wrath reserved for unrepentant sinners.

We see this (in 1 Thess. 5:9-10): "For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him".

"By His blood": Not by His physical blood, but by His death we shall be saved from wrath through him, through His violent, substitutionary death.

References to the blood of the Savior include the reality that He bled in His death, a necessity to fulfill the Old Testament imagery of sacrifice, but are not limited to the fluid itself. New Testament writers also use the term "blood" as a graphic way to describe violent death. References to the Savior's blood are not simply pointing to the fluid, but at His death and entire atoning work.

Because Christ bore the full fury of God's wrath in the believing sinner's place, there is no fury left for him.

Romans 5:10 "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."

When we were still God's enemies, Christ was able by His death to reconcile us to God. Certainly, now that we are God's children, the Savior can keep us by His living power.

In John 11:25-26 "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:" "And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

Because He (Jesus), lives, we shall live also. Jesus is life:

In John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Jesus is life. If we have Jesus, we have life.

Romans 5:11 "And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."

2 Cor. 5:18 tells us: "And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;". All the aspects related to someone's conversion and newly transformed life in Christ are accomplished by a sovereign God. Sinners on their own cannot decide to participate in these new realities.

Atonement here, means restoration to divine favor. Notice, this atonement is by Jesus Christ. Even our joy is in Him.

Romans Chapter 5 Questions

1. In verse one we are justified by what?

2. Who do we have peace with God through?

3. In Galatians 2:16, we find that no man is justified by what?

4. When does peace come to the believer?

5. How do we have access to the Father?

6. How was the veil of the temple rent?

7. We glory in tribulations knowing that tribulations worketh what?

8. In John 16:33, we find that in Jesus we might have _____________.

9. In this world we will have_____________.

10. In Revelation 7:14, who do we see around the throne?

11. Who does God make the sun to shine on?

12. What is possibly the best illustration of tribulation undeserved?

13. What do we need to remember when we are being tried?

14. Patience and experience brings what?

15. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, what hope does the Christian have?

16. What Old Testament book gives promise of the same hope?

17. Hope maketh not ashamed, why?

18. What within us loves others unselfishly?

19. Verse 6 said, Christ died for whom?

20. What is our only way out?

21. Verse 7, maybe for __________ _______ ________ some would even dare to die?

22. God _______ His ________ toward us?

23. What condition were we in when Jesus died for us?

24. What is the greatest love ever known?

25. In verse 9, we find that we are justified by what?

26. We will be saved from the ________ to come?

27. How were the Christians dressed in Rev. 7?

28. Where had they come from?

29. In verse 10, when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by what?

30. In John 11:25, Jesus said He was two things, what were they?

31. In John 14:6, Jesus calls Himself 3 things, name them.

32. The word atonement in verse 11 means what?

Romans Chapter 5 Continued

Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"

Adam and Eve were created to live (not die). In the Garden of Eden was the tree of life which would make them live forever, if they ate of it. The tree of life is Jesus Christ. Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, and God drove them out of the garden so that they would not eat of the tree of life and live forever in their sinful nature.

Adam and Eve brought sin into the world: thus, by one man sin entered. When Adam sinned, all mankind sinned in his loins (see v.18). The sin nature of man has to do with the flesh man. The flesh man is controlled by the desires of the flesh. Man is a spirit who lives in a body of flesh. Man has a free will to do with his life on earth as he wishes.

Because all humanity existed in the loins of Adam, and have through procreation inherited his fallenness and depravity, it can be said that all sinned in him. Therefore, humans are not sinners because they sin, but rather they sin because they are sinners.

Romans 5:13 "(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law."

Man chose to follow the flesh instead of God beginning with Adam. It is impossible to break the law however, if there is no law. If there is no speed limit, you could drive a hundred miles an hour and not be arrested. If the speed limit is 55 and you go even 65 you are probably going to get a fine to pay. You would be breaking the law. Until Moses, there was no law written down.

Verse 12 tells us all men were regarded as sinners, but because there was no explicit list of commands, there was no strict accounting of their specific points of violation.

From Adam to Moses was the period where God had not yet given the Mosaic Law. Imputed can also be translated "reckoned" or "counted".

Romans 5:14 "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come."

Instead of each person possessing life, they are facing death. Adam brought death into the picture. And God could not allow them to live forever in sickness, pain, and deterioration of body and mind. God provides a way out of this terrible mess that man has gotten himself into, by sending the second Adam (Jesus Christ).

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, so God sent us a Savior.

Even without the law, death was universal. All men from Adam to Moses were subject to death, not because of their sinful acts against the Mosaic law, which they did not yet have, but because of their own inherited sinful nature.

In the rest of this chapter Paul explores the contrasts between the condemning act of Adam and the redemptive act of Christ. They were different in their effectiveness, their extent, their efficacy, their essence and their energy.

Romans 5:15 "But not as the offence, so also [is] the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, [which is] by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many."

Paul uses the word "many" with two distinct meanings, just as he will use the word "all" (in verse 18). He has already established that all men, without exception, bear the guilt of sin and are therefore subject to death. So, the "many" who die must refer to all Adam's descendants.

Death reigned from Adam until Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ defeated death when He rose from the grave. We see this statement above how much greater Jesus' act of mercy than Adam's act of sin. By one man's transgression sin entered. Jesus Christ actually took the sin of the whole world upon His body and sin for the Christians died on the cross.

2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

In 1 Peter 2:24 "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

The real story is that Jesus paid our debt for us. We are bought and paid for with the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

He provides our righteousness. Jesus made us righteous. We can't make ourselves righteous in God's sight. Jesus made us righteous in God's sight.

Romans 5:16 "And not as [it was] by one that sinned, [so is] the gift: for the judgment [was] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification."

God tells Adam (in Genesis 3:19), that he is dust and to dust he will return. This is the fate of all flesh. Flesh and blood do not inherit heaven.

Adam brought upon all men the condemnation for only one offense, his willful act of disobedience. Christ however, delivers the elect from the condemnation of many offenses.

1 Corinthians 15:50 "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption."

The death that Adam brought was of the flesh. Jesus did not just pick out some sins and die for that, but in fact died for all sin.

Romans 5:17-18 "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)" "Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life."

This is just repeating again, that through Adam sin ruled in the flesh of man and brought death until Jesus Christ who defeated sin and death, and brought life when He paid for all sin on the cross.

1 Peter 3:19 "By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;".

When Jesus died on the cross, he descended into the lower parts of the earth.

Ephesians 4:8-10 "Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." "(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?" "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)"

Upon examination, we find from 1 Peter 3:19 that after His crucifixion, our Lord, "... by the Spirit ... went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

The Lord Jesus Christ went down "into the lower parts of the earth" (Eph. 4:9) or "Sheol," called "Hades" in the New Testament (Acts 2:27, 31).

Sheol (pronounced "Sheh-ole") [1], in Hebrew שאול (Sh'ol), is the "abode of the dead", the "underworld", or "pit". [2], Sheol is the common destination of both the righteous and the unrighteous dead, as recounted in Ecclesiastes and Job.

There are three Greek words for our English word "hell", Hades, Gehenna, and Tartarus, none of which are rendered by the word prison. Hades had a section commonly known as "hell" and a compartment known as "paradise," separated by "a great gulf fixed" (Luke 16:26). Gehenna is used of our Lord in the warnings and "danger of hell fire" that the "whole body should [not] be cast into hell" (Matt. 5:22, 29-30; etc.).

While "tartarus" is found only one time (in 2 Peter 2:4), to describe the intended purpose for this "hell": Now if "TODAY" the thief was to be with Christ in "Paradise" (Luke 23:43), then it was at the time of His death that he went to "Paradise." Since Christ had "not yet ascended to [His] Father" (John 20:17), and could therefore not be "touched," it is more than logical that "Paradise" was "IN THE HEART OF THE EARTH", where "the Son of man" spent "three days and three nights" (Matt. 12:40).

The answer is no. You see the Lord was victorious when He went to hell and he preached to the prisoners there and brought them out with Him. In some cases, preachers are teaching that he went there to preach to the spirits (demons), who were incarcerated there to claim the victory he had won over death.

We see from this that Jesus' purpose in going to hell was not to suffer, but to deliver those in the devil's captivity.

Remember, up to this point Satan had the keys to death and hell. I believe this is when the keys were taken from Satan.

Romans 5:19 "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."

These many who were made sinners, just means that through the ancestry of Adam and Eve they knew sin. The natural thing for anyone to do is to listen to the lust of the flesh. The opportunity and the desire to sin were available to all. Each person did their own sinning. We were not guilty because Adam sinned, but because we sinned.

Righteousness is made available to all mankind through Jesus Christ. Again, we must accept His righteousness into our lives. He (Jesus), has made it available for all of us, but we must act upon this availability before it will bring life and righteousness into our lives.

1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:"

We too must put our flesh to death that we might live in His Spirit.

Galatians 5:24 "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."

Romans 5:20 "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:"

When God gave the law to man, it showed man how far short he had fallen in God's ways. There was absolutely no way that fleshly man could keep God's law. Man realized he needed a Savior. Through the grace of God, Jesus Christ became our Savior.

Although the Mosaic Law is not flawed, its presence caused man's sin to increase. Thus it made men more aware of their own sinfulness and inability to keep God's perfect standard, and it served as a tutor to drive them to Christ (Gal 3:24).

Romans 5:21 "That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."

Sin reigned until Jesus Christ destroyed sin on the cross. God's grace (unmerited favor), to us provides eternal life to all who will accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. We did not earn it; it is a free gift. We can have life eternal, if we will only believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ into our life.

Romans Chapter 5 Continued Questions

Sin entered into the world, how?
What was a byproduct of sin?
What percentage of mankind has sinned?
Who is the Tree of Life?
What does the sin nature of man stem from?
What do we find in 1 Corinthians chapter 15:44?
When is sin not imputed?
When is it impossible to break the law?
What reigned from Adam to Moses?
If all face death by one, how do we attain life?
What did Jesus defeat when He rose from the grave?
In 2 Corinthians 5-21, Jesus was made what?
Where does our righteousness come from?
Where do we find the Scripture that says (Who his ownself bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed.)?
The judgment was to what?
The free gift is of many offenses unto ______.
In Genesis chapter 3 verse 19, God tells Adam he will return to what?
What is this speaking of?
In 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 50, we read that something cannot inherit the kingdom of God, what is it?
How shall we reign in life?
What do we read in 1 Peter 3:19?
Righteousness is made available to all in Jesus, what must we do to receive it?
Jesus was put to death in the _______, but was quickened in the _______.
What was the purpose of the law?
By whom does eternal life for each of us come?

Romans Chapter 6

In (chapters 6-8), Paul begins to demonstrate the practical ramifications of salvation on those who have been justified. He specifically discusses the doctrine of sanctification, which is God's producing actual righteousness in the believer. He begins by arguing that, in spite of their past, all whom God has justified will experience personal holiness.

Romans 6:1 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"

Paul anticipated the major objections of his critics, that by preaching a justification based solely on the free grace of God, he was encouraging people to sin.

This still is an ongoing discussion in the church today. Many believe that it is not necessary to live above sin. They feel that it is a natural thing to sin, and God will overlook sin. He surely knows their weakness. The flesh will sin, but we found in the previous lesson that our flesh must be dead so that our spirit can live. There are two forces in our body today, our flesh nature and our spirit nature.

Romans 6:2 "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"

"God forbid" or "may it never be!" This expression is the strongest Greek idiom for repudiating a statement and it contains a sense of outrage that anyone would ever think the statement was true.

Galatians 2:19-20 "For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God." "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

You see, if Christ truly lives in us, we have no desire to sin any more. We no longer serve the lust of the flesh, but we follow the Spirit of God.

Romans 6:3 " Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"

This isn't referring to water baptism, but is a metaphorical why of saying of someone who was immersed in his work, or underwent his baptism of fire when experiencing trouble.

Christians have, by placing saving faith in Him, been spiritually immersed into the person of Christ. That is, united and identified with Him.

Romans 6:4 "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

We are buried a natural man and we are raised a spiritual man. We are a new creature in Christ. Old things have passed away, behold all things are made new. We are born again and not of corruptible flesh but of the Spirit of God. We walk no longer in the lust of the flesh, but with the guidance of the Spirit of God within us.

Since we have been united by faith with Him, as baptism symbolizes, His death and burial become ours.

"Walk in the newest of life" simply means that in Christ, we died and were buried with Him, and then we also have been united with Him in His resurrection. There is a new quality and character to our lives. This speaks of the believer's regeneration, whereas sin describe the old life, righteousness describes the new.

Romans 6:5 "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection:"

Colossians 3:1-4 "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." " For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." "When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

We Christians live or die in Jesus. We are believers in and followers of Him. In fact, He has taken up His abode in us. As we read above, Christ in us.

Romans 6:6 "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."

"Our old man" speaks of the believer's unregenerate self. Not old in number of years, but something which is worn out and useless. Our old self died with Christ, and the life we now enjoy is a new divinely given life that is the life of Christ Himself.

Paul uses the terms "body" and "flesh" to refer to sinful propensities that are intertwined with physical weaknesses and pleasures. Although the old self is dead, sin retains a foothold in our temporal flesh or our unredeemed humanness, with its corrupted desires. The believer does not have two competing natures, the old and the new; but one new nature that is still incarcerated in unredeemed flesh.

We see a parallel Scripture to this (in Colossians 3).

Colossians 3:5 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:"

Mortify means to deaden. We are to do away with all sin in the flesh and live to the Spirit of God.

"Might be destroyed" meaning rendered powerless or inoperative.

Romans 6:7 "For he that is dead is freed from sin."

"Is dead": through his union with Christ, when our body dies, it no longer longs for things of the flesh. Sin is dead in us.

We have subdued the flesh man and become spirit.

Romans 6:8 "Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:"

Our new life is in Christ, not in the flesh.

The context suggests that Paul means not only that believers will live in the presence of Christ for eternity, but also that all who have died with Christ, which is true of all believers, will live a life here that is fully consistent with His holiness.

Romans 6:9 "Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him."

Jesus has won the victory over sin and death and for all of those who will follow him, He offers life everlasting.

2 Timothy 1:10 "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:"

1 Corinthians 15:26 "The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death."

1 Corinthians 15:54 "So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

"No more dominion over him" meaning mastery, control or domination.

Romans 6:10 "For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God."

Jesus gave His body on the cross to pay the debts for the sins of all the world.

Hebrews 10:10 "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all]".

John 1:29 "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

Christ died to sin in two senses:

1. In regard to sin's penalty, He met its legal demands upon the sinner; and

2. In regard to sin's power, forever breaking its power over those who belong to Him.

And His death will never need repeating.

Paul's point is that believers have died to sin in the same way.

"Liveth unto God" means for God's glory.

Verses 11-14: Paul addresses the logical conclusion of his readers: If the old self is dead, why is there continually a struggle with sin and how can the new self become dominant? His exhortation is contained in 2 key words: "reckon" and "present".

Romans 6:11 "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

"Likewise" implies the importance of his readers' knowing what he just explained. Without that foundation, what he is about to teach will not make sense. Scripture always identifies knowledge as the foundation for one's practice.

"Reckon": While it simply means to count or number something, it was often used metaphorically to refer to having an absolute, unreserved confidence in what one's mind knows to be true. The kind of heartfelt confidence that affects his actions and decisions.

Paul is not referring to mind games in which we trick ourselves into thinking a certain way. Rather he is urging us to embrace by faith what God has revealed to be true.

2 Corinthians 4:11 "For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."

John 3:5 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

"Through Christ or in Christ" is Paul's favorite expression of our union with Christ. This is its first occurrence in Romans.

Romans 6:12 "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."

This is plainly saying that we must get the flesh under the control of the spirit.

Our mortal body is the only remaining repository where sin finds the believer vulnerable. The brain and its thinking processes are part of the body and thus tempt our souls with its sinful lusts.

As I said before, our will, will be controlled by the spirit or the flesh. If the lusts of the flesh control you, then you do not belong to God.

Romans 6:13 "Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God."

Yield or present refers to a decision of the will. Before sin can have power over a believer, it must first pass through his will. Our members are the parts of our physical body, the headquarters from which sin operates in the believer.

Notice here, that it is in our power to control this. There is a war constantly between the flesh and the spirit. We must not yield to temptation. One of the easiest ways to not be tempted is to be reading and studying God's word every day and stay busy.

(Ephesians chapter 6), is a good Scripture to study to learn how to battle for the Lord (verse 10), is good place to begin.

Instruments of righteousness are tools for overcoming that which violates God's holy will and law.

Romans Chapter 6 Questions

1. What foolish question is in verse 1?

2. Our flesh must be dead that our _____ may live

3. What are the two forces in our body?

4. In verse 2, we find that Christians should be dead to_________.

5. In Galatians chapter 2:20, we find that we must be __________ with Christ.

6. I live, yet not I, but _________ liveth with me.

7. If we be Christ's we no longer serve the ________ _______ _______ ________ but we follow the _______ of God.

8. When we were baptized, we were baptized into Jesus _______.

9. Verse 4 tells us after we are baptized we should walk in __________ ___ ______.

10. We are buried a ______ man and we are raised a ______ man.

11. If we are planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of what?

12. Where does Christ sit?

13. What should we set our affections on?

14. When Christ shall appear, where will we be?

15. Our old man is crucified with him, that the body of _____ might be destroyed.

16. What are we told to do in Colossians 3:5?

17. What does Mortify mean?

18. Verse 7 says, he that is dead is______ ____ ___.

19. Our new life is in whom?

20. What proved that death had no dominion over Christ?

21. 2 Timothy 1:10, Jesus abolished death and brought two things to light through the gospel; what were they?

22. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is what?

23. How are we Christians sanctified?

24. Who called Jesus the Lamb of God?

25. How can we be alive to God?

26. We must be born of two things other than flesh, what are they?

27. In verse 12, what two words indicate that we have the power not to sin?

28. What is the war that is constantly going on within us?

29. What Scripture tells us how to fight the spiritual war?

Romans Chapter 6 Continued

Romans 6:14 "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."

Sin must be able to exercise control in our bodies or Paul's admonition becomes unnecessary. But sin does not have to reign there; so the apostle expresses his confidence that those who are Christ's will not allow it to.

Not under law but under grace: This does not mean God has abrogated His moral law. The law is good, holy and righteous, but it cannot be kept, so it curses. Since it cannot assist anyone to keep God's moral standard, it can only show the standard and thus rebuke and condemn those who fail to keep it.

Grace requires more than the law. The law means following a set of rules, but in grace the desires of the heart can even be sin. The Christian under grace must walk in newness of life. Our walk must be in the Light of Jesus.

John 12:35-36 "Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth." "While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them."

Jesus is the Light (read John chapter 1), about Jesus as the Light.

Romans 6:15 "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."

The believer is no longer under the law as a condition of acceptance with God, an impossible condition to meet and one designed only to show man his sinfulness. But under grace, which enables him to truly fulfill the law's righteous requirements.

As we said above, grace requires God's laws to be written on the heart. The heart will be judged. Jesus said, if you lust in your heart for a woman, you have committed adultery already. Grace received is not a license to sin.

Romans 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

We cannot call Jesus Christ our Lord unless we obey Him. If he is our Lord, we are under His command.

1 Peter 1:13-16 "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:" "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye Holy; for I am Holy."

We choose who to follow. We have a free will and we will to follow Jesus or the lust of the flesh.

Romans 6:17 "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you."

Everyone, before they came to Jesus were the servants of sin.

1 John 1:10: "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

We read (in chapter 5 of Romans), that all men have sinned. Thank God we do not have to remain in sin. We who believe in Christ have taken on the righteousness of Jesus Christ and no longer serve sin.

"Form of doctrine": In the Greek, the word "form" is a word for a mold, such as a craftsman would use to cast molten metal. Paul's point is that God pours His new children into the mold of divine truth. New believers have an innate and compelling desire to know and obey God's Word.

Romans 6:18 "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."

Because we are in Christ and He died in our place, we are counted dead with Him. This is the fundamental premise of chapter 6 and Paul spends the most of this chapter explaining and supporting it.

We read of this change from sin to righteousness in 2 Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Romans 6:19 "I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."

The NKJV begins this scripture thus: "I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh". Paul use of the master/slave analogy was an accommodation to their humanness and their difficulty in grasping divine truth.

"Your members" as was explained (in verse 13), are the parts of our physical body, the headquarters from which sin operates in the believer.

"Iniquity unto iniquity" or like a vicious animal, sin's appetite only grows when it is fed.

Romans 6:20 "For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness."

Paul is explaining here and he is making this just as clear as he can so that they will understand. He is not just speaking in parables or even spiritually, but literally so those in the flesh can understand. Sin occurs through lust of the flesh.

"Ye were free from righteousness": Meaning spiritually dead in sins and trespasses.

Romans 6:21 "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death."

(We read in James).

James 1:15 "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

We read specifically in Corinthians, some of the fruit of unrighteousness that will keep a person from inheriting the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind," "Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."

Romans 6:22 "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."

A servant obeys his master. Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). God wants our loyalty and our love.

Ephesians 5:9 "(For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)"

All of this is saying to us, that if Jesus is living inside of us, we will walk through this life as if Jesus was taking the steps Himself. Self will be no more; Christ-in-me shall rule. If we do not give up, we will inherit eternal life.

Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

"Holiness": The benefit of being slaves to God is sanctification, the outcome of which is eternal life.

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

This verse describes two inexorable absolutes:

Spiritual death is the paycheck for every man's slavery to sin; and

Eternal life is a free gift God gives undeserving sinners who believe in His Son.

Romans Chapter 6 Continued Questions

1. In verse 14, we find that Christians are not under law, but under__________.

2. Why does grace require more than the law?

3. In John 12:35-36, we learn that Christians should walk in what?

4. Shall we sin as Christians so grace may abound?

5. Where is God's law written for the Christian?

6. Grace is not a license to ___________.

7. Whose servant are you, if you sin?

8. Verse 16 says, sin brings what?

9. What name can we not call Jesus unless we obey Him?

10. In 1 Peter 1:13-16, we are told to be______ as he is_________.

11. In verse 17, we see that even though we were servants of sin, we obeyed from the _______the doctrine which was delivered.

12. What is the message from 1 John 1:10?

13. We who believe in Jesus have taken on His _________.

14. In verse 18 we see we have been made free from___________.

15. 1 John 1:7 says, that if any man walk in the light he has fellowship with whom?

16. In that same chapter and verse of 1 John, we find that what cleanses us from all sin?

17. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 we find that, if we be in Christ we are what?

18. Galatians 5:22 the fruit of the spirit is what 9 things?

19. Why did Paul speak after the manner of men?

20. When ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from _____.

21. In John 8:34, Whosoever commitheth sin is ______ to________.

22. Matthew 6:24 says, "No man can serve ______ masters."

23. The end of sin is __________.

24. Name some of the things listed in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 that will keep a person from inheriting the Kingdom of God.

25. Obedience is better than ___________.

26. Ephesians 5:9 the fruit of the spirit is what?

27. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is___________ ________.

28. In Genesis 2:7 we read when you eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall surely ________.

29. What is the desire of every living person?

30. What is the best known Scripture on how to get eternal life?

31. What is one of the favorite Scripture of the author from John on eternal life?

Romans Chapter 7

Romans 7:1 "Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?"

We see here, that Paul is speaking to his Hebrew brethren who knew the Law of Moses. A man was required to keep the law all the days of his life.

No matter how serious a criminal's offenses may be, he is no longer subject to prosecution and punishment after he dies.

Romans 7:2 "For the woman which hath a husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband."

In (verses 2 and 3), we see that these two verses are not a complex allegory, but a simple analogy, using marriage law to illustrate the point Paul just made about law's jurisdiction. This passage is not teaching that only the death of a spouse frees a Christian to remarry; it is not teaching about divorce and remarriage at all. Both Christ and Paul have fully addressed those issues elsewhere.

Romans 7:3 "So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man."

The law that governs a married woman's actions no longer has any jurisdiction over her once her husband dies. Widows are free to marry again, and Paul even encourages younger ones to remarry, as long as their potential mate is a believer. (1 Cor. 7 3:9 and 1 Tim. 5:14).

Here again, we see that husbands and wives are one flesh until one is taken in death. The obligation is to the flesh (not the spirit).

Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

In response to faith in His Son, God makes the believing sinner forever dead to the condemnation and penalty of the law.

Just as the widow in Paul's analogy was freed to remarry, the believer has been freed from his hostile relationship to the law that condemned him, and can therefore, be remarried, this time to Christ.

"Bring forth fruit unto God" is a transformed life that manifests new attitudes and actions.

Romans 7:5 "For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death."

Scripture uses the word "flesh" in a non-moral sense to describe man's physical being, and in a moral evil sense to describe man's unredeemed humanness, that remnant of the old man which will remain with each believer until each receives his or her glorified body.

Flesh here describes a person who is able to operate only in the sphere of fallen mankind.

The "Motions of sins" is referring to the overwhelming impulses to think and do evil, which characterize those who are "in the flesh".

The sinful passions at work in an unbeliever produce a harvest of eternal death.

Romans 7:6 "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter."

We are not free to do what the law forbids, but freedom from the spiritual liabilities and penalties of God's law.

Because we died in Christ when He died, the law with its condemnation and penalties no longer has jurisdiction over us.

"Serve" is the verb from of the word for "bondservant", but here it is parallel to being slaves of righteousness, emphasizing that this service is not voluntary. Not only is the believer able to do what is right, he will do what is right.

The newness of spirit is a new state of mind which the Spirit produces, characterized by a new desire and ability to keep the law of God.

"Oldness of the letter" was the external, written law code that produced only hostility and condemnation.

Galatians 5:18 "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." Those whom Jesus made free are free indeed.

Romans Chapter 7 Questions

1. Who was Paul speaking to in verse 1?

2. How long did the law have dominion over man?

3. What cancelled out the Jews' obligation to keep the law?

4. How long is the woman bound by the law to her husband?

5. In Matthew 19:5, husband and wife are one in what?

6. All Christians are one in what with Christ?

7. In Ephesians 5:32, it says this is a great mystery concerning whom?

8. The reverence of the wife to her husband in Ephesians 5 is in what area?

9. The husband is the savior of her ___________.

10. In Ephesians 5:28, Why does the husband love the wife?

11. Who is head of the church?

12. Who makes up the church?

13. What does the husband rule over on the earth?

14. Where in Galatians do we read that with God there is no male or female?

15. Who do we read about in Acts chapter 5 that lets us know that women are responsible for their own sins?

16. If a woman marries someone else while her first husband is alive, what is she called?

17. What are the only two things a husband or wife can get a divorce for?

18. What does fornication mean?

19. What does 1 Corinthians 7:15 tell us about marriage to an unbeliever?

20. Why are we Christians no longer under the law of the flesh?

21. How are Christians buried with Christ?

22. Which trespasses did Jesus buy our forgiveness for?

23. Sin brings fruit unto what?

24. 1 Corinthians 15:50 tells us what about flesh and blood?

25. In verse 6, we see that after we are delivered from the law we are to serve what?

26. Walk in the _______ and ye shall not fulfill the ______ of the __________.

Romans Chapter 7 Continued

Romans 7:7, "What shall we say then? [is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."

The law is not sin. It just makes us aware of right from wrong. When we know right from wrong and do wrong anyway, then we have sinned. Paul did not want his readers to conclude that the law itself was evil.

Galatians 3:24 "Therefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

We would not have even known we needed a Savior had there been no law.

The law reveals the divine standard, and as believers compare themselves against that standard, they can accurately identify sin, which is the failure to meet the standard.

Paul uses the personal pronoun "I" throughout the rest of the chapter, using his own experience as an example of what is true of unredeemed mankind and true of Christians.

Romans 7:8 "But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead."

Concupiscence means lust, or a desire for things that are forbidden. Sometimes the forbidden is the very thing the flesh lusts for.

Sin uses the specific requirements of the law as a base of operation from which to launch its evil work. Confronted by God's law, the sinner's rebellious nature finds the forbidden thing more attractive, not because it is inherently attractive, but because it furnishes an opportunity to assert one's self will.

"Sin was dead": meaning not lifeless or nonexistent, but dormant. When the law comes, sin becomes fully active and overwhelms the sinner.

Romans 7:9 "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died."

When we were without the law, we did not have a lack of concern for the law but a purely external, imperfect conception of it.

When God's law came, men began to understand the true requirements of God's moral law at some point prior to their conversion. He then began to realize his true condition as a desperately wicked sinner.

With the words "I died", it was then that man realized his deadness spiritually, that all his religious credentials and accomplishments were rubbish.

Romans 7:10 And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death.

The law was first given to help people understand what the will of God was and show that it was possible to please God by keeping His commandants.

Perfect obedience to the law could bring eternal life, and with it happiness and holiness. But no one except Christ could or has ever fully obeyed it.

Thus the law was our schoolmaster to show us that we needed Christ as the only way to eternal life.

Romans 7:11 "For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me]."

By leading man to expect life from his keeping of the law, when what he found was death and by convincing him that he is acceptable to God because of his own merit and good works.

Romans 7:12 "Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."

We see the fact that the law reveals, arouses and condemns sin, bringing death to the sinner, but does not mean the law is evil.

We read in Psalms about the perfect law:

Psalms 19:7 " The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple."

We also see a similar statement (in 1 Timothy):

1 Timothy 1:8 "But we know that the law [is] good, if a man use it lawfully;"

Romans 7:13 "Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful."

This is speaking of the law and it's asking "has then what is good become death"? Sin is the cause of spiritual death, not the good law.

An awareness of the true nature of sin and its deadly character, which brings the sinner to see his need of salvation, is the very purpose God intended the law to serve.

Until Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, there was no knowledge of good and evil. Sin entered the world through Adam.

In the remaining verses of this chapter, some interpret this chronicle of Paul's inner conflict as describing his life before Christ. They point out that Paul describes the person as "sold under sin"; as having "nothing good' in him, and as a "wretched man" trapped in a "body of death".

Those descriptions seem to contradict the way Paul describes the believer in chapter 6. However, it is correct to understand Paul here to be speaking about a believer. This person desires to obey God's law and hates his sin. He is humble, recognizing that nothing good dwells in his humanness, he sees sin in himself, but not as all that is there and he serves Jesus Christ with his mind.

Paul has already established that none of those attitudes ever describe the unsaved. Paul's use of present tense verbs (in verses 14-25), strongly supports the idea that he is describing his life currently as a Christian. For those reasons, it seems certain that (chapter 7), describes a believer.

However, of those who agree that this is a believer, there is still disagreement. Some see a carnal, fleshly Christian; others a legalistic Christian, frustrated by his feeble attempts in his own power to please God by keeping the Mosaic Law. But the personal pronoun "I" refers to the apostle Paul, a standard of spiritual health and maturity.

Paul must be describing all Christians, even the most spiritual and mature who, when they honestly evaluate themselves against the righteous standard of God's law, realize how far short they fall. He does so in a series of four laments. (14-17, 18-20, 20-23, 24-25).

Romans 7:14 "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin."

The law is spiritual meaning it reflects God's holy character.

Carnal means "of flesh. This means earthbound, mortal and still incarcerated in unredeemed humanness. Paul does not say he is still "in the flesh", but the flesh is in him.

Sold under sin means that sin no longer controls the whole man as with an unbeliever, but it does hold captive the believer's members, or his fleshly body. Sin contaminates him and frustrates his inner desire to obey the will of God.

Romans 7:15 "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I."

The sense here is that Paul found himself doing things he did not approve of.

We see in verse 15, the struggle that all mankind faces. The struggle is truly between our flesh and spirit. Paul desires to have his spirit in control at all times. He says that sometimes his flesh wins out. It is a daily struggle for all of us. To live for Jesus the spirit has to overcome the flesh.

Galatians 5:17 "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

Romans 7:16 "If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good."

Paul's new nature defends the divine standard; the perfectly righteous law is not responsible for his sin. His new self longs to honor the law and keep it perfectly.

Romans 7:17 "Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me."

The quickest way to tell if we are following after the flesh is if whatever you are doing feels good to the flesh. If the flesh is enjoying your actions, it is probably displeasing to the spirit.

Paul's new inner self, the new "I", no longer approved of the sin that was still residing in his flesh like his old self did, but rather strongly disapproved.

Paul was saying that his sin did not flow out of his new redeemed innermost ("I") self, but from his unredeemed humanness, his flesh "in me".

Romans 7:18 "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not."

No man's flesh follows God. Man's flesh must be crucified for the spirit to reign.

The flesh serves as a base camp from which sin operates in the Christian's life. It is not sinful inherently, but because of its fallenness, it is still subject to sin and is thoroughly contaminated.

The flesh is that part of the believer's present being that remains unredeemed.

Galatians 5:24-26 "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." "Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."

Paul is trying to say that the flesh of man is a hindrance to him. Even Jesus, when facing the cruel death of the cross, said (my spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak). We must somehow get our flesh and the lusts thereof under subjection to the spirit of God within us.

Romans 7:19 "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do."

We see that flesh does not desire to do good, only evil. I feel Paul is making a point that we must stay away from the influence of the flesh.

Romans 7:20 "Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me."

Paul is making a point again, about the flesh (in verse 17). This in the flesh sin must be put to death.

Romans 7:21 "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me."

Hear the cry of a man who desires to please God.

Psalms 19:12-14 "Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults]. " (added emphasis with italics by editor) "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression." "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

This is not a reference to God's law, but to an inviolable spiritual principle.

Romans 7:22 "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:"

The believer's justified, new inner self no longer sides with sin, but joyfully agrees with the law of God against sin.

Romans 7:23 "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."

This is a corresponding spiritual principle to the one in verse 21. But this principle, which Paul identifies as "the law of sin," operates in the members of his body, that is, his unredeemed and still sinful humanness, waging war against his desire to obey God's law.

"Law of my mind" is equivalent to the new inner self, which longs to obey the law of God. Paul is not saying his mind is spiritual and his body is inherently evil.

Romans 7:24 "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

Now we see Paul's point in all of this. There is no way within ourselves that we can overcome the problems between our flesh wanting to sin and our spirit knowing sin is wrong. The only solution is to give ourselves over to Jesus Christ and no longer live our own lives, but let Jesus live in us and through us.

In frustration and grief, Paul laments his sin. A believer perceives his own sinfulness in direct proportion to how clearly he sees the holiness of God and perfection of His law.

The word deliver means "to rescue from danger" and was used of a soldier pulling his wounded comrade from the battlefield. Paul longed to be rescued from his sinful flesh.

"Body of this death": The believer's unredeemed humanness, which has its base of operation in the body. Tradition says that an ancient tribe near Tarsus tied the corpse of a murder victim to its murderer, allowing its spreading decay to slowly infect and execute the murderer. Perhaps that is the image Paul has in mind here.

Romans 7:25 "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."

The first part of this verse answers the question Paul just raised. He is certain that Christ will eventually rescue him when He returns. The second half summarizes the two sides of the struggle Paul has described.

"With the mind" is the new inner self, which longs to obey the law of God.

"The law of sin," operates in the members of his body, waging war against his desire to obey God's law.

Romans Chapter 7 Continued Questions

1. I had not known sin, but by the ____________.

2. Is the law sin?

3. In Galatians Chapter 3:24 the law was our_____________.

4. How are we justified?

5. By the works of the law______ ______shall be justified.

6. What does concupiscence mean?

7. To mention something being a sin sometimes causes what?

8. When does a guilty conscience of sin come?

9. We dwelled in ______until Jesus Christ came and brought ________.

10. In verse 11, what deceived him?

11. The old man (of sin), is corrupt according to what?

12. In verse 12, we find the law is what?

13. In Psalms 19:7, we find what about the law of God?

14. When did sin enter into the world for our time?

15. In verse 14, the law is described how?

16. Who was the law made for as mentioned in 1 Timothy chapter 1:8?

17. In verse 15, what do we really see?

18. In Galatians 5:17, we find that the _______ lusteth against the ___________.

19. What is the quickest way to find, if we are following the flesh?

20. In Galatians 5:24, we find that they that are Christ's have done what to the flesh?

21. If we live in the spirit, we must ________in the spirit.

22. How was even Jesus' flesh a hindrance to him?

23. What point does the author think Paul is making in verse 19?

24. In Psalms chapter 19:12, we see the prayer of a man who desires to do what?

25. Who shall deliver me from this body of death?

26. In verse 25, Paul says with his mind he serves whom?

27. What verse in 1 Corinthians 15 shows how we take on the image of Jesus Christ?

Romans Chapter 8

Romans 8:1 "[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

So many Christians want to stop with the statement "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus". This statement is true only, if the last part of this statement is kept. Salvation is a daily walk. There is no condemnation in righteousness. If we walk in righteousness, not after the flesh but after the Spirit of God there is no condemnation. To preach that Christians are above condemnation when they are living like the world is in error. If you are walking in the Spirit of God, there is nothing to condemn you for.

The word condemnation is used only three times in the New Testament and only in the book of Romans. "Condemnation" refers to a verdict of guilty and the penalty that verdict demands. No sin a true believer commits whether past, present or future can be held against him, since the penalty was paid by Christ and righteousness was imputed to the believer.

Romans 8:2 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

The word "For" introduces the reason there is no condemnation for the believer; the Spirit has replaced the law (meaning the Old Testament law). Although it is good, holy and righteous, because of the weakness of the flesh, no one could possibly keep it.

The old law which was God's commandments, showed men how they should live, but that law because of the weakness of the flesh could only produce sin and death as it could not save.

This is shown with (Romans 3:23), which tells us all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. And again in (Romans 6:23), which clearly states that the wages of sin is death.

The new, simple law of grace produces life; the law of faith or the message of the gospel.

Romans 8:3 "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:"

"What the law could not do" was it could not deliver sinners from its penalty. Because of the sinful corruption of unregenerate men, the law was powerless to produce righteousness.

In Christ's incarnation when He became fully man, He took only the outward appearance of sinful flesh, but yet He was completely without sin.

God's condemnation against sin was fully poured out on the sinless flesh of Christ.

Romans 8:4 "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

We see from this Scripture above, that it is possible to walk in the Spirit of God and not fulfill the desires of the flesh. This is a state of being for all true Christians who have turned over their free will to the perfect will of God. We, like Jesus, must come to a place that we can say not my will be done, but thine oh Lord.

"The righteousness of the law" is referring to the thoughts, words, and deeds which the moral law of God demands. It finds its basis in the character of God and is presented in outline form in the Ten Commandments. Its most condensed form is in Jesus' commands to love God and to love one's neighbor as one's self.

Although the believer is no longer in bondage to the moral law's condemnation and penalty as we studied last (in chapter 7:6), the law still reflects the moral character of God and His will for His creatures.

A believer's walk refers to their life style and the habits of living and thinking that characterize a person's life. Then since every true Christian is indwelt by the Spirit, every Christian will manifest the fruit He (referring to God), produces in his life.

Romans 8:5 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit."

We cannot be flesh man and spirit man both. One spirit will rule. In other words, we cannot keep one foot in the world and one foot in heaven.

When it speaks of "the flesh", this is referring to unbelievers. Here this is speaking of a basic orientation of the mind. A mindset that includes one's affections, mental processes, and will.

Paul's point here is that unbelievers' basic disposition is to satisfy the cravings of their unredeemed flesh.

When scripture speaks of "they that are after the Spirit" is simply speaking of believers.

Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace."

Carnally means "of flesh". This is a simple spiritual equation: The person with the mind set on the flesh is spiritually dead.

But to be spiritually minded is describing every Christian. The person with his mind set on the things of the Spirit is very much spiritually alive and at peace with God.

Galatians 6:8 "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

This is just one more way to say that our flesh desires to sin and our spirit desires to please God.

Romans 8:7 "Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."

This very statement is why mind control is so bad. The mind, not given over to the Lord Jesus Christ, truly can have power, but it is from the wrong source. Mind power tells us that we have the power within ourselves to bring miracles about. It really is saying we don't need God, we can do it ourselves.

The unbeliever's problem is much deeper than acts of disobedience, which are merely outward manifestations of inner fleshly compulsions. His basic inclinations and orientation toward gratifying himself, however outwardly religious or moral he may appear, are directly hostile to God.

Even the good deeds unbelievers perform are not truly a fulfillment of God's law, because they are produced by the flesh, for selfish reasons, and from a heart that is in rebellion.

Romans 8:8 "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."

The flesh desires things of this earth, but the spirit is stayed upon God's will in our lives. Read (1 Corinthians 15:35), to really understand about the spirit man who lives when the flesh dies.

The flesh and its desires must die so that the spirit man can live.

Romans 8:9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

"Dwell" refers to being in one's own home. The Spirit of God makes His home in every person who trusts in Jesus Christ.

When there is no evidence of His presence by the fruit He produces through us, a person has no legitimate claim to Christ as Savior and Lord.

Galatians 2:20 says it all. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

This Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of the risen Christ (The Holy Spirit of God). He is our teacher and our guide.

Romans Chapter 8 Questions

Who is there no condemnation for?

How are the uncondemned to walk?

What is a fallacy that is being taught about this very thing?

In 1 Peter 1:15, we are told to be ______ even as he is _______.

2 Corinthians 5:7 says, we walk by _______not by _______.

What has made me free from the law of sin and death?

What advice is given us in Gal. 5:1?

Who brought death to all mankind?

Who brought life for all mankind who will accept it?

In verse 3, we find that the law was weak, how?

In 1 Peter chapter 2, what do we find that Jesus did for us on that cross?

In verse 4, how should Christians walk?

Verse 5 tells us that those after the flesh regard what?

In Titus 2:14 Christians are called what kind of people?

What wonderful things are Christians called in 1 Peter 2:9?

Verse 6 says to be carnally minded is ___________.

What 2 things does being spiritually minded bring?

The carnal mind is ________ against God.

Why is mind control so bad?

What Scripture tells us that Christians have the mind of Christ?

What did Jesus say was the number one commandment?

Who cannot please God in verse 8?

How can we be in the spirit in verse 9?

What do we find is necessary to be walking with Christ in Galatians 2:20?

Romans Chapter 8 Continued

Romans 8:10 "And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness."

This body referred to is actually "our old man". Our old self died with Christ, and the life we now enjoy is a new divinely given life that is the life of Christ Himself.

We have been removed from the unregenerate self's presence and control, so we should not follow the remaining memories of its old sinful ways as if we were still under its evil influence.

It is best to translate the word "spirit" as the person's spirit, not the Holy Spirit. Paul is saying that if God's Spirit indwells you as we discussed (in verse 9), the human spirit is alive and can manifest true righteousness.

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

As a believer, the same Spirit dwells in you. God's Holy Spirit raised Christ from the dead and it is the same Spirit who will quicken the believers, and shall also resurrect us too.

Romans 8:12 "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh."

Our old flesh died with Christ and the life we now enjoy is a new divinely given life that is the life of Christ Himself. We have been removed from the unregenerate self's presence and control, so we should not follow the remaining memories of its old sinful ways as if we were still under its evil influence.

Therefore we are debtors, not to the flesh which is our old selves, but to the Spirit of Christ as we saw in verse 9.

You see we do not owe our bodies anything. The flesh is our enemy. If we obey the lust of the flesh, we are living in sin. We must overcome the flesh and put it in subjection to the spirit.

Romans 8:13 "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."

Here again, we see the warfare that goes on within each of us. Our spirit wants to do the things of God and our flesh lusts for the things of the flesh and the world. If we choose to let the Spirit of God rule our life, and in so doing "kill the flesh" we shall live for all of eternity in heaven with Jesus. If we choose to follow the ways of the world, it brings eternal damnation and total separation from God.

Paul's instruction is what to do in the struggle with sin in this verse, then destroys several false views of how believers are made holy:

1. That in a crisis moment we are immediately made perfect;

2. That we must "let God" take over while we remain idle;

3. That some turning point decision will propel us to a higher level of holiness.

Instead Paul tells us that the Spirit provides us with the energy and power to continually and gradually be killing our sins, a process never completed in this life.

The means the Spirit uses to accomplish this process is our faithful obedience to the simple commands of Scripture.

Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

Scripture does not teach us that we are led through subjective, mental impressions or promptings to provide direction in making life's decisions. Instead God's Spirit objectively leads His children sometimes through the orchestration of circumstances by:

1. Illumination, divinely clarifying Scripture to make it understandable to our sinful, finite minds;

2. Sanctification, divinely enabling us to obey Scripture.

When a person experiences the Spirit's leading in those ways, he gains assurance that God has adopted him into His family.

That Spirit within us makes us God's children.

Galatians 3:26 "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."

Romans 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

Unregenerate people are slaves to their fear of death because of their life of sin, and to fear their final punishment.

A very similar Scripture is in 1 Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 2:12 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."

The "Spirit of adoption" isn't a reference to the transaction by which God adopts us, but to a Spirit produced awareness of the rich reality that God has made us His children, therefore we can come before Him without fear or hesitation as our beloved Father.

When God adopted us into his family, then that made us heirs to all he possesses. We will be joint-heirs with Jesus as we read (in verse 17 of Romans 8). There are 3 places in the New Testament Abba is used; one here (in Romans 8:15); once (in Mark 14:36), and once (in Galatians 4:6).

Mark 14:36 "And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."

Galatians 4:6 "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father."

We see in all of these 3 verses, that this name is reserved for only the children of God to call Him by meaning Daddy or Papa and connotes tenderness, dependence, and a relationship free of fear or anxiety.

Romans 8:16 "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"

In Roman culture for an adoption to be legally binding, seven reputable witnesses had to be present, attesting to its validity.

God's Holy Spirit confirms the validity of our adoption, not by some inner, mystical voice, but by the fruit He produces in us and the power He provides for spiritual service.

Notice, this first Spirit in the sentence above is Capitalized meaning the Holy Spirit of God (or the Spirit of the risen Christ). This Spirit within us is God's Spirit. There is plenty of evidence in our lives when this Spirit dwells within us, because we allow Christ to live through our actions and deeds. We become Christ like.

Romans 8:17 "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together."

If you are a believer, you are an heir of God. We will then inherit eternal salvation, God Himself, glory and everything in the universe.

Unlike the Jewish practice of the primacy of the firstborn son, under Roman law the inheritance was divided equally between the children, where the law more carefully protected possessions that had been inherited.

"Joint heirs": God has appointed His Son to be heir of all things. Every adopted child will receive by divine grace the full inheritance Christ receives by divine right.

"Suffer with Him" is proof of the believer's ultimate glory in that he suffers, whether it comes as mockery, ridicule, or physical persecution, because of his Lord.

Romans 8:18 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

In short, this describes the trials and tribulations that we go through in this life on earth. Paul puts this clearly (in 2 Cor. 4:17), when he says: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory".

Paul's own testimony lists a seemingly unbearable litany of sufferings and persecutions he endured throughout his life, yet he viewed them as weightless and lasting for only a brief moment. To Paul the future glory he would experience with the Lord far outweighed any suffering he experienced in this world. Paul understood that the greater the suffering, the greater would be his eternal glory.

Paul can speak from first-hand about suffering. He was stoned, shipwrecked, and so many times left for dead: suffering was no stranger to him.

"Glory": Looks forward to the resurrection of the body and the subsequent complete Christ likeness which is the believer's eternal glory.

We can easily see that this present suffering is minor compared to the great glory we will receive when Jesus recognizes us as His when we stand before Him in heaven.

Romans 8:19 "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God."

The creature or creation eagerly looks forward to the revelation of the sons of God in the Millennium (the 1000 year earthly reign), because that is the time when the curse will be lifted and creation will be restored to Edenic conditions.

Everyone who believes in Jesus the Christ is also earnestly awaiting the coming of Christ and our eternal life as a son of God. While we are in a fleshly body, it is our most blessed hope. When we leave this body, and are in heaven with Jesus, it will be a reality.

Romans 8:20-21 "For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope," "Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."

Vanity has several meanings. Futility, emptiness, frailty, folly, all references to the curse of Genesis and considers the whole thing as unnecessary. Creation did not actively participate in the Fall.

This refers to the inability to achieve a goal or purpose. Because of man's sin, God cursed the physical universe and now, no part of creation entirely fulfills God's original purpose.

"Delivered from the bondage of corruption": There will be no more death. The creature or creation looks forward to the Millennium when redeemed man is glorified and will never again have to face God's curse.

Romans Chapter 8 Continued Questions

1. In verse 10 we see (if Christ be in you), the body is _______.

2. The Spirit is _________ because of righteousness.

3. When Jesus' flesh died, what happened to His Spirit?

4. What is different about the everlasting home of a Christian and someone who is still living the flesh life?

5. Who will quicken our mortal body, if we are a Christian?

6. In 1 Corinthians 15:20, what has Christ become in his resurrection?

7. Who brought death to all on the earth?

8. In 1 Corinthians 15:45, the first man was made what?

9. The last Adam was made what?

10. While we are at home in the body we are absent from whom?

11. Jesus is what 2 things that guarantees us everlasting life?

12. What Spirit dwells in all believers?

13. What do we owe the flesh?

14. In verse 13, we learn, if we live after the flesh _____ _______ ______.

15. If ye through the Spirit we do mortify the flesh, _____ _______ ______.

16. Who are the sons of God in verse 14?

17. In Galatians 3:26, how are we Christians children of God?

18. When we receive the Spirit of adoption, what do we call the Father.

19. Where else is this name found in the Bible?

20. Who are not permitted to use this name?

21. What bears witness that we are God's family?

22. What must we do to be joint-heirs with Christ?

23. Why should we not be too concerned about suffering for Christ now?

24. 2 Corinthians chapter 4:17 calls this suffering what?

25. What suffering did Paul go through for Christ?

26. In verse 19, we find the earnest expectation of the creature waits for what?

27. Who have put on Christ?

28. What must happen before we go up with Jesus?

29. Death is swallowed up in __________.

Romans Chapter 8 Second Continued

Romans 8:22 "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."

"Groaneth and travaileth in pain" refers to Adam's Fall, which has caused misery from then until the present. The present sufferings of creation are the "birth pangs" of the new age to be born, the Millennium. From the Fall until now, creation has been groaning over the pointlessness of having been made subject to a curse. It eagerly looks forward to the time when the curse will be lifted.

Until Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, there was no promise of everlasting life. Mankind died with no hope of everlasting life. The atonement (payment), for sins up until Jesus crucifixion, was just for 1 year at a time. The blood of an animal could not do away with sin, it could only cover it.

Romans 8:23 "And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body."

The Holy Spirit is the first installment of the glory yet to follow.

In the first chapter of James, we read of the Christians being firstfruits.

James 1:18 "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."

1 Corinthians 15:23 "But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming."

This is speaking of those who received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost. Receiving the Spirit of God inside of you is a first fruit promise of the resurrection.

Definition of Pentecost:(from Greek pentecoste, "fiftieth day"). Christian festival commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus, occurring on the Jewish Pentecost, after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension. The disciples began to speak in the many languages of the people assembled there, a sign that the disciples should spread the Christian message throughout the world. Jewish Pentecost was a thanksgiving feast for the first fruits of the wheat harvest and was associated with remembrance of God's gift of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. Christian Pentecost is celebrated on the Sunday concluding the 50-day period following Easter. It is also the name of the Jewish celebration of Shavuot ("Festival of Weeks").

The believer groans because of the conflict experienced (in 7:14-24), from which he needs a final and complete deliverance. This is the ultimate answer to (7:24). "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

Christ will deliver us by the resurrection and glorification of our bodies. Not the physical body only, but all of man's remaining fallenness.

Romans 8:24-25 "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?" "But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it]."

Unlike the English word "hope," the New Testament word contains no uncertainty. It speaks of something that is certain, but not yet realized. The believer's ultimate destiny is to share in the very glory of God and that hope will be realized because Christ Himself secures it. Without the clear and certain promises of the Word of God, the believer would have no basis for hope.

Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

We see the problem that many Christians face when they are praying for others. We all pray to the very best of our ability, and still we do not always know what to pray for, or how to pray for a particular thing. This is when the Spirit takes over for us and prays for us. God's Spirit knows exactly what the needs are.

The Spirit also groans along with creation and the believer. The reference is to the Spirit's interpretation of the believer's innermost feelings, which cannot be put into words as the Spirit knows what's in the heart of man.

Romans 8:27 "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God."

This is speaking of the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit), praying for the saints. The Spirit of God knows the will of God. He prays for us "according to" God's will. God knows the desires of our heart, even before we pray.

No words are necessary because the Father understands and agrees with what the Spirit thinks.

Jude 1:20 "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,"

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose."

This is another Scripture that is many times misunderstood, because most people stop reading when it says "to them that love God". It truly says much more than that though. Are we fulfilling God's purpose in our lives? If you are, then all things work together for good to you. The key is "them that are called according to His purpose".

People in all types of ministry forget that God has called them to a particular ministry, and they hurry to get into something of their own choosing. The ministry that God will bless you in is the one He called you to. Sometimes we do not realize exactly what God would have us to do. If we would get alone with God and pray and ask Him, He will reveal unto us what He would have us to do.

"To them that love God", is the human perspective. God is working all things together for good, but those who love God are best able to appreciate that fact because they love Him no matter what. "To them who are the called" is the divine perspective. Scripture often refers to believers as "the called" or "the elect".

Romans 8:29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

"Foreknow" is God's determination from eternity to bring certain ones into a special relationship with Himself. This is not simple advance knowledge. This knowledge should also not be understood in the sense of "being acquainted with," but in the sense of "bringing into a special relation with". Foreknowledge is God's determination from eternity to bring certain ones into a special relationship with Himself.

"Predestinate" literally means "to mark off or choose before." God chooses those He knows will participate in His plan of salvation and extends it to all who respond in faith. The doctrine of predestination in Scripture relates to the foreknowledge of God.

Eph. 1:5: "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will".

Predestination is especially noticeable in the conversion of the apostle Paul. Since he was a blasphemer and persecutor of the church, some Christians had a difficult time believing Paul could be saved even after he so testified. Still, knowing what was ahead and how Paul would respond, God chose him as Apostle to the Gentiles.

When we understand that God has chosen and predestined us, we should also realize we have been ordained to good works, to bear fruit and to become like Jesus.

We see from this scripture, that this predestination did not overrule our will. What this is really saying, is that God knew from even before you were born, how you would choose. God has foreknowledge of all happenings, not only in my life and yours, but he knows everything from the beginning of time to the end of time.

This is because of His foreknowledge. It is predestined, because He foreknew your decision. Jesus' crucifixion was planned from the foundation of the earth. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus paid for you and me to be adopted into the family with His precious blood at Calvary. We are part of the family of God, because our elder brother (God's only begotten Son), purchased our right to be called God's sons.

Romans 8:30 "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."

In 2 Timothy 1:9 we read:

"Called": The calling (of 8:28), is pre-temporal; it occurred before the creation of the world (Eph. 1:4). The calling here is temporal and refers to the effectual communication of the gospel, resulting in salvation.

"Justified" indicates being declared righteous. It signifies the believer's judicial standing before God. There is no just cause in man to warrant justification. This unmerited favor is bestowed through the redemption paid by Jesus Christ on the cross. The redeemed sinner is released on the basis of the ransom's having been paid.

"Glorified": Glorification is God's doing. While God's foreknowledge and predestination take place in eternity, and while God's calling and justification are realized in history, God's glorifying is yet future. It is as certain, however, as the previous works. Hence glorified is in the past tense. From God's point of view it is already accomplished.

The plan was set at the foundation of the world. Man could not be saved by his own deeds, he must have a Savior. That Savior we must have is Jesus Christ our Lord. We do know that God's call for many of His ministers was a call before they were even born, like John the Baptist.

John the Baptist's entire life (even before birth), was planned of God. Read the account of John the Baptist's birth (in Luke chapter 1). This does not mean that John had no Choice. He could have refused, but he didn't. God knew he would carry out God's purpose in his life. Obedience to God's will in our life will bring peace in our life too.

Most people today take their call to serve God far too lightly. It is serious business to answer God's call and serve God. We must first be able to say "not my will be done, but thine O Lord" and then say, "Here am I Lord, send me".

Romans Chapter 8 Second Continued Questions

In verse 22, we see that the whole creation until now does 2 things, what are they?
What brought us a promise of everlasting life?
What does atonement mean?
In Hebrews 10:4, we read that the blood of what could not do away with sin?
Who is the only hope for mankind?
In Romans 8:23, we Christians groan within ourselves waiting for what?
In James 1:18, we are called a kind of the ________ of God's creatures.
1 Corinthians 15:23, who is the actual first fruit?
Romans 8:24 says, we are saved by what?
What does 2 Corinthians 5:7 say about faith?
In Hebrews 11:1, what is faith?
What really saves us?
When we do not know what to pray for, who prays for us?
In verse 27, He that searcheth the hearts knowest what is the mind of the _________ .
His intercession is according to what?
Who do things work together for good to?
How is Romans 8:28 many times misunderstood?
Explain about God's calling us to the ministry.
Explain about the predestination in verse 29.
What name of God tells us that He knows everything from the foundation of the world until the end of the world?
Who is Jesus called in verse 29?
How did Jesus pay for our adoption into the family of God?
In verse 30, we see that whom God Predestined He _________.
Who justified us? How?
What does being justified mean?
In 2 Timothy 1:9, we find that not our works, but his _______ and _________ which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
Who is a good Bible example of being called before birth to God's work?
In verse 29, we are to be conformed to whose image.

Romans Chapter 8 Third Continued

Romans 8:31 "What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?"

The Greek construction is better translated "Since God is for us."

We read (in 1 Corinthians):

1 Corinthians 8:12 "But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ."

God fights for us and gives us the victory. God causes even our enemies to live at peace with us, if we are Christians. Those who are opposed to God's people are really opposed to God.

Romans 8:32 "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"

The hardest thing for the carnal mind to understand is why God would sacrifice His Son for a bunch of sinners.

We read in Romans Chapter 5:

Romans Chapter 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Paul's point was, would God do less for His children than He did for His enemies?

The amazing thing is that God loves the worst sinner. God provided through His Son a way out for all. Jesus died for all sin. The way out is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The problem is that many will not accept this way out and therefore will die in their sin. The beautiful story in Genesis in the O.T. of Abraham about to sacrifice his son Isaac, is a type and shadow of God sacrificing His Son for all of mankind.

A type or shadow is not exact in every detail, but makes you think of the happening it is shadowing. Both Abraham and God were about to sacrifice the one who meant the very most to them. In the case of Abraham, God stopped him and gave him a substitute. In God's case, there was no one greater than Himself to stop him.

Jesus Christ (the only begotten of the Father), was the substitute for all mankind. The greatest gift of love in all time was God loving us enough to give His Son to save us. We deserved to die on that cross, but God the Son took our place for us. He was our substitute.

We read earlier in Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

1 Corinthians chapter 15:45 "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit."

God has given us life in Jesus Christ. What more can we ask?

Romans 8:33 "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? [It is] God that justifieth."

No charge is admissible, because the Father justifies, in that the Son died, was raised and now intercedes for us. Who can successfully accuse someone whom God has declared righteous?

Some young children learned the hard way not to insult God's elect (in 2 Kings 2:23-24). They had made fun of Elisha's bald head. Elisha cursed them in the name of the Lord and 42 of them were torn of she bears. It is a very dangerous thing to say bad things about God's elect.

Another example of how God will not allow this is when Miriam spoke against Moses and became leprous. She was cleansed when Moses prayed for her (Numbers 12:10).

These 2 instances remind us not to come against God's elect. God fights their battles for them. We who are God's are not justified by our own deeds but we are justified because we have been cleansed by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We are justified, because we have taken on the righteousness of Christ.

Romans 8:34 "Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."

There are four reasons the believer can never be found guilty. Take note of what verse 34 says as it gets into real specifics.

1. Christ died for our sins.

2. He rose again.

3. He sits at the right hand of the Father.

4. He is constantly reminding God that He died to pay the cost for our sins (intercessor).

Hebrews 7:24-25 "But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood." "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

Romans 8:35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"

This list of experiences that can't separate the believer from God's love in Christ was not just theory to Paul. It was rather personal testimony from one who had personally survived assaults from these entities and emerged triumphant.

This scripture isn't speaking of our love for Christ, but His love for us which He demonstrated in our salvation.

"Persecution" is indicative of suffering that is inflicted upon us by mankind because of our relationship with Christ.

This scripture asks a very interesting question. In the parable of the sower (in Matthew 13:3), we read about how different people were affected by the cares of the world and turned aside from the love of God. One did not understand the Word (love), he had received, and the evil one immediately took it away.

(In Matthew 13:21), we read of another who was slightly stronger than the one mentioned, but in the face of tribulation and persecution lost out.

(Matthew 13:22), tells of someone who the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches caused to fail.

Out of all of the seed (word or love) sown, there was one who received it and nothing or no one could take it away. This person was not only "not shaken" by all the problems that came, but actually went out and brought others to the Lord. Problems did not stop this person; it just made him stronger and more determined to do the will of God.

Romans 8:36 "As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."

Since Jesus was crucified, there have been men and women who were willing to be martyred (killed), to bring the true message of God. Paul in writing this could be speaking of himself. He was stoned, ship-wrecked, beaten and left for dead, but he never gave up the cause of Jesus Christ. We are sheep, if we are followers of Jesus Christ (the great Shepherd). The sheep will follow the Shepherd even to death of his body.

Psalm 44:22 "Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter."

Romans 8:37 "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

"More than conquerors" is a compound Greek word, which means to over conquer, to conquer completely without any real threat to personal life or health.

A true follower of Jesus Christ will not turn back from those problems listed (in verse 35). We know that Jesus has won the victory. These little battles are nothing. Jesus won the war at Calvary. Our strength is in Jesus.

Romans 8:38 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,"

Principalities are fallen angels or demons. Powers: the plural form of this common word for "power" is used to refer to either miracles or to persons in positions of authority.

Romans 8:39 "Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

We can not be separated from God's love, because it is set forth in a person who is God Himself, Jesus Christ our Savior. God's desire to redeem believers cannot be frustrated, because He is infinitely greater than any potential enemy. His plan will be realized because it is His purpose.

I think the book of (Ephesians 2:18-22), says it all.

"For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;" "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];" "In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord:" "In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

We are in Him and He is in us. How can you separate that?

Romans Chapter 8 Third Continued Questions

1. If God be for us, _______ _____ can be against us?

2. 1 Corinthians 8:12 says if ye sin against the brethren, you are really sinning against whom?

3. Who did the Father God not spare to help us?

4. What does verse 32 say He will freely give us?

5. What is the hardest thing for the carnal mind to understand?

6. While we were yet in _________, Christ died for us.

7. What Old Testament character is a type and shadow of God the Father?

8. What is the difference between the shadow and the real Father?

9. What is the greatest show of the Father's love to mankind?

10. The first Adam was made a living __________.

11. The second Adam (Jesus Christ) was made a _________ _________.

12. Who justifies the elect?

13. Give two examples of how dangerous it is to be against God's elect.

14. Who is He that condemneth?

15. Where is Christ now?

16. Who intercedes for the Christians?

17. Who is the judge of all the world?

18. What two animals describe the two sides of good and evil?

19. Where do we find the Scripture that tells us of this?

20. What four things must we believe?

21. Verse 35 asks a question about six things that might separate us from the love of Christ? What are they?

22. What does the parable of the sower from Matthew the 13th Chapter show us?

23. What is meant by us being killed all the day long?

24. What are we called in verse 37?

25. Who won the war and when?

26. In verses 38-39, many things are named that cannot separate us from the love of God, name a few.

27. What does Ephesians 2:18-22 tell us about the Christians and Jesus?

Romans Chapter 9

Romans 9:1-2 "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost," "That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart."

We will see in the beginning of this chapter a sorrowful Paul. As we have said before in these lessons, Paul was a Pharisee and he never would quite give up on his Jewish brothers. He went to great lengths to try to reach them over and over. His greatest opposition came from his own people. In many cases, Paul practiced the old Jewish law to try to win them to Christ, but even this failed and Paul went away sorrowful.

Your "conscience" and "In the Holy Spirit" is speaking of only when the Spirit controls the conscience, can it be trusted, but it remains imperfect and its warnings must always be evaluated against the Word of God.

It is a very good idea that any time you hear something you are not sure of, that you confirm it by the Word of God. That's what the Bereans' did in Acts.

Acts 17:10-11 "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews." "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

Romans 9:3 "For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:"

The Greek word for accursed is anathema meaning "to devote to destruction in eternal hell".

We see here, in this verse that Paul would have gone to almost any length to have his Israelite brothers come to Christ. He says that he would even give up his own salvation, if this would have saved them. Paul makes it clear here, that these Israelites are his brothers in the flesh, not the spirit. His spiritual brothers are Christians.

Although Paul understood the exchange he was suggesting was impossible, it was still the sincere expression of his deep love for his fellow Jews.

Romans 9:4 "Who are Israelites; to whom [pertaineth] the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;"

This just means that God had chosen the Hebrews (Israelites), to give the law to, and he had chosen them to be a peculiar people set aside to worship Him. God's first choice for the salvation message to go to was these Israelites.

Three times in the New Testament the word "covenants" is used in the plural. All but one of God's covenants with man are eternal and unilateral, that is God promised to accomplish something based on His own character and not on the response or actions of the promised beneficiary. The 6 biblical covenants include:

(1) The covenant with Noah;

(2) The covenant with Abraham;

(3) The covenant of law given through Moses at Sinai (The Mosaic Covenant);

(4) The priestly covenant;

(5) The covenant of an eternal kingdom through David's greatest Son;

(6) The New Covenant.

All but the Mosaic Covenant are eternal and unilateral. (Unilateral means something which is done by only one party). It is neither, since Israel's sin abrogated it and it has been replaced by the New Covenant.

Romans 9:5 "Whose [are] the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ [came], who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen."

The fathers mentioned here are the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob through whom the promises of the Messiah were fulfilled.

"Christ ... God blessed for ever" is not intended primarily as a benediction, but as an affirmation of the sovereignty and deity of Christ.

Romans 9:6 "Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel:"

This refers specifically to the privileges and promises God had revealed to Israel. Not all Israel who are of Israel means that not all the physical descendants of Abraham are true heirs of the promise.

Those who follow God are His children. The followers of God which are not true Jews are considered grafted in Jews. Not those who were born into the house, but those who chose to follow God.

Romans 9:7 "Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called."

Isaac was the son of promise. He represented the Spirit. Abraham had a son of the flesh (Ishmael). The promises God had made to Abraham came through the Spirit, not through the flesh. You see from this that the Spirit of God and the promises thereof are for the Spirit, and not for the flesh.

Galatians 3:29 "And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

To illustrate the truth of verse 6, Paul reminds his readers that even the racial and national promises made to Abraham were not made to every physical descendant of his, but only to those who came through Isaac.

Romans 9:8 "That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."

"Children of the flesh" is a reference to Abraham's other children by Hagar and Keturah who were not chosen to receive the national promises made to him.

"Children of God: Paul's point is just as not all of Abraham's descendants who belonged to the physical people of God, or national Israel - not all of those who are true children of Abraham through Isaac are the true spiritual people of God and enjoy the promises made to Abraham's spiritual children.

Romans 9:9 "For this [is] the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son."

This scripture comes from (Genesis. 18).

Gen. 18:10 "And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him."

Genesis 17:19 "And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, [and] with his seed after him." You see again here that the promise that God made to Abraham was to come through the child of promise (Isaac), the child of the spirit.

We can see the chain of blessings from the following verse (in Genesis).

Genesis 25:11 "And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahai-roi."

Romans 9:10 "And not only [this]; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac;"

Rebecca also had 2 sons; one of the flesh (Esau) and a son who the promises of God would flow through (Jacob), whose name would be changed to Israel.

Romans 9:11-12 "(For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)" "It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger."

This business of election is sometimes hard to explain. We find that all through the Bible there are people who have been chosen out and called to do a certain thing for God. A very good example of that is John the Baptist who seemed to live for one purpose (to tell of the coming Messiah). God has elected that certain things will happen to get the job done that He wants done.

We see in the verse above, that He has chosen Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to funnel the spiritual blessings to all the believers in the world.

1 Peter 1:2 "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied."

We see from this, that God actually knew from the foundation of the world who would choose to follow Him and who would not. He did not predestine, He foreknew.

If we look back into Genesis we find this about Esau and Jacob as this was told to Rebecca.

Gen. 25:23 "And the LORD said unto her, Two nations [are] in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and [the one] people shall be stronger than [the other] people; and the elder shall serve the younger."

We see in this that Ishmael (son of the flesh) served Isaac (son of the spirit). We also see in this, that Esau (the oldest son), served Jacob (the younger son). Since we are looking at the spiritual side of these lessons, we can not overlook the fact that the law was given first to the physical house of Israel, and that grace was given to the spiritual house of Israel (Christians). Grace is better than the law.

Romans 9:13 "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."

Jacob and Esau were born approximately in 2005 B.C. Esau was the first born and when he was born, it was discovered that Jacob was holding onto his heel. He was called "heel-grabber". It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "he who supplants, trips up another and takes his place."

Esau was also the father of the Edomites.

We know that God would not hate Esau without a cause. God hated Esau, not because of who he was, but because he did not regard his birthright as being very valuable. In fact, he thought so little of it that he sold it to his brother for a bowl of soup.

Malachi 1:2-3 "I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? [Was] not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob," "And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness."

The blessing of God through Abraham and Isaac then would come through the second son Jacob. From him, the 12 tribes of Israel would come. I say again, God did not just hate Esau without a cause. Esau turned his back on God.

Now having said all of that let me explain the love and hate being mentioned.

Actual emotional hatred for Esau and his offspring is not the point here. Genesis mentions no divine hatred toward Esau but (Obadiah 1-21), indicated that the Lord's hatred was against Esau's idolatrous descendants. In the same way, the Lord's love for Jacob refers to his descendants who were His sovereignly elected people through whom the world's Redeemer would come.

The love/hate relationship language does not signify a comparative love in which God loved Jacob more and Esau less. Rather, the context here speaks of love as "choosing for intimate fellowship" and hate as "not choosing for intimate fellowship" in the realm of redemption.

Romans 9:14 "What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? God forbid."

If this had been predestined some would say this was unfair, but this was not predestined, only known ahead of time by God.

Paul had once again anticipated his reader's objection to Paul's theology: If God were to choose some people for salvation and pass over others apart from their merits or actions, that would make God arbitrary and unfair.

Romans 9:15 "For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

It is God's world and we are His creation. He can do with us whatever He chooses to do. We are His creation and He is the Creator.

This is quoted from (Exodus 33:19). In response to the accusation that such a teaching about God's sovereign election is inconsistent with His fairness, Paul cites this text from the Old Testament that clearly indicates that God is absolutely sovereign, and does elect who will be saved without violating His other attributes. He determines who receives mercy.

Romans 9:16 "So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy."

Many will seek to do the things of God, but many will do these things for the wrong reasons. Just being a good person and doing things their way according to how they believe, no matter what they do, will not be shown mercy. We live in a society today that this has become the norm. Many have created their own God instead of obeying God's Word. This will be a fatal mistake as many in that day will cry out "Lord, Lord" but the Lord will tell them, "Depart, I never knew you."

It is God and He alone who shows mercy. It is His gracious choice of certain people unto eternal life. Salvation is not initiated by human choice and even faith is a gift of God. Salvation is never merited by human effort.

1 Peter 2:9-10 "But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:" "Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

We read also in Titus:

Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"

Romans 9:17 "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth."

This Old Testament quote proves that God does sovereignly choose who will serve His purposes and how. The "raised thee up", was often used to describe the rise of leaders and countries to positions of prominence. Pharaoh no doubt thought his position and actions were of his own free choice to accomplish his own purposes, but in reality, he was there to serve God's purpose.

We know that the 10 plagues that came upon Egypt were for the purpose of discrediting the false gods of Egypt. Egypt represents the world. God shows, through Pharaoh's rebellion, that the gods of this world are no match for the real God. We see an almost identical Scripture in the Old Testament account of this event.

Exodus 9:16 "And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to show [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth."

1 Samuel 2:7-8 "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up." "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them."

Look also at Proverbs:

Proverbs 16:4 "The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil."

This all speaks for itself, we need no more comment here.

Romans Chapter 9 Questions

Paul says in verse 1, that what bears him witness?
Why did Paul keep on trying to win the Jews to Jesus?
In the third verse, what did Paul say he wished himself, if it would save his Jewish brothers?
These Physical Israelites were Paul's brothers in the___________.
Who were Paul's spiritual brothers?
Who had God chosen to give the law to?
Who was God's first choice to give the salvation message to?
Who does the physical house of Israel belong to?
Who do the Christians belong to?
Who are the true Israelites?
Which of Abraham's sons would the promise come through?
Which of Abraham's sons was thought of as the son of the flesh?
In Galatians 3:29, we find that who are the heirs?
In Galatians 3:26, we find that we are children of God by what?
What unbelievable thing can God raise sons of Abraham of, if He has to?
In Genesis God promises Abraham a son, what is his name?
After Abraham's death, God blessed his son______________.
What was the names of the 2 sons of Rebecca?
Which of these sons would the blessings of God come through?
What are the names of the 3 patriarchs who the blessings would flow through to all believers in God?
In 1 Peter 1:2, the elect was according to what?
When did God know who would follow Him?
God did not predestine, He __________.
Since we are looking at the spiritual, what does the fact that the second son ruling over the first tell us?
In verse 13, who does God hate?
Why did God hate him?
What absolutely ridiculous question is asked in verse 14?
Why does God not have to explain what He chooses to do?
In 1 Peter 2-9, what are those who have come into the Light out of darkness called?
Not our righteousness saved us, but what?
Why did God bring the 10 plagues on Egypt?
In Proverbs, we read that God made all things for whom?
We find in 1 Samuel that ______ makes the rich and the poor.

Romans Chapter 9 Continued

Romans 9:18 "Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth."

Have you even read that God hardened someone's heart and wondered why our God would do that to someone? Let's examine this a little closer.

The Greek word for hardens literally means to make something hard, but is often used figuratively to refer to making stubborn or obstinate. Ten times Exodus refers to God's hardening Pharaoh's heart, and other times to Pharaoh's hardening his own heart.

This does not mean that God actively created unbelief or some other evil in Pharaoh's heart, but rather that He withdrew all the divine influences that ordinarily acted as a restraint to sin and allowed Pharaoh's wicked heart to pursue its sin unabated.

Exodus 4:21″ And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go."

We also see this very same thing in Joshua:

Joshua 11:20 "For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses."

We are not to question God's motives. In both of these instances, this taught us that God is even in control of Satan and all his evil forces. God can cause them to destroy themselves especially by creating fear in their hearts by allowing them to believe a delusion. Remember the story of Gideon?

Romans 9:19-20 "Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?" "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?"

"Who has resisted his will"? Does all this lead to fatalism? Paul does not answer this question directly, for it is absurd and raised by one who is ignorant of the righteous character of the infinite God and the finite character of man. Paul rather deals with the heart attitude that would produce such a question and reminds man of his limited understanding of the unlimited and sovereign God.

The nature of Paul's reply makes it clear that he is not addressing those with honest questions about this difficult doctrine, but those who seek to use it to excuse their own sin and unbelief.

Isaiah 45:9 "Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?"

Romans 9:21 "Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?"

Paul argues that it is as irrational, and far more arrogant, for men to question God's choice of certain sinners for salvation, as for a piece of pottery to question the purposes of the potter.

Until we can say, not my will be done but thine O Lord, we are truly not His. One of the first things a Christian must do is let God cut away all the rough edges. We must get on the wheel and let God form us into what He would have us to be. He has a perfect plan for us, if we will just submit and let Him fulfill it.

Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O LORD, thou [art] our Father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand."

2 Timothy 2:20-21 "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor." "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work."

It is not our job to figure out what we are to do for God. He chooses what position we are to have and we must conform to His wishes.

Romans 9:22 "[What] if God, willing to show [his] wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:"

This verse begins with a rhetorical question, "What if". "Willing" means "wanting". The Greek word speaks of divine intention, not passive resignation.

"Endured": God could justly destroy sinners the first time they sin. But He patiently endures their rebellion rather than giving them what every sin immediately deserves: eternal punishment.

"Vessels of wrath fitted to destruction" are those whom God has not chosen for salvation, but rather allowed to incur the just penalty for their sin.

"Fitted to destruction:" By their own rejection of Him. God does not make men sinful, but He leaves them in the sin they have chosen.

Ephesians 5:5-6 "For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience."

We deserve the wrath of God. Only those who accept full pardon through the shed blood of Jesus Christ will be spared the wrath of God which will surely come.

Romans 9:23-24 "And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory," "Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?"

This scripture is speaking of the greatness of His character, seen especially in the grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness He grants sinners in Christ.

"Afore prepared unto glory" is speaking of God's divine election.

The "vessels of mercy" are those He has chosen for salvation.

Ephesians 2:3-5 "Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us," "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"

You see, the mercy of God is so great that He holds back His wrath until all who will accept Jesus as Savior have come into the kingdom.

Romans 9:25-26 "As he saith also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved." "And it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God."

Hosea spoke of the ultimate restoration of Israel to God, but Paul's emphasis is that restoration necessarily implies her present alienation from God. Therefore, Israel's unbelief is consistent with the Old Testament revelation.

This scripture quotes from Hosea:

Hosea 1:9-10 "Then said [God], Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your [God]." "Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God."

Hosea 2:23 "And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my God."

1 John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

We see in all of this, that God is speaking of the Gentiles who become spiritual Israelites through faith in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:29 "And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Romans 9:27-28 "Isaiah also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:" "For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth."

Isaiah prophesied that the southern kingdom of Judah would be conquered and scattered, temporarily rejected by God, because of her unbelief. Paul's point is that the scattering Isaiah described was only a preview of Israel's rejection of the Messiah and her subsequent destruction and scattering.

Psalms 9:8 "And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness."

Acts 17:31 "Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead."

2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Romans 9:29 "And as Isaiah said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrha."

"Lord of Sabaoth" is an Old Testament title for God is translated "Lord of hosts" and refers to His all-encompassing sovereignty.

This scripture is telling us that a seed or a remnant of Israel will survive God's wrath, solely because of His mercy.

These 2 evil cities were destroyed by fire and brimstone. We know that God will not always look the other way. Sin of the same nature as that of Sodom and Gomorrah is rampant in the U. S. today. The day of reckoning is coming. America better stop homosexuality, lesbianism, drugs, and all the other related sins of our nation or the wrath of God will fall on the U.S.

Romans 9:30-32 "What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith." "But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness." "Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone;"

Paul concludes the lesson on God's divine choice by reminding his readers that although God chooses some to receive His mercy, those who receive His judgment do so not because of something God has done to them, but because of their own unwillingness to believe the gospel. Sinners are condemned for their personal sins, the supreme one being rejection of God and Christ.

Matthew 21:42 "Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?"

Matthew 21:44 "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."

We see in all of this that the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Faith is what pleases God. By faith the elders received a good report. Abraham's faith was counted unto him as righteousness. Our faith in Jesus is what saves us. We cannot be good enough to be saved and neither could the Jews who had the law. We all need a Savior and His name is Jesus Christ the Righteous.

Romans 9:33 "As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

1 Peter 2:6-8 "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded." "Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner," "And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed."

And just one more Scripture makes it very clear.

1 John 2:28 "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming."

There is little to add to this, except to say that our faith in Jesus Christ is our salvation, whether we are Jew or Gentile believers.

Long before His coming, the Old Testament prophets had predicted that Israel would reject her Messiah, illustrating again that her unbelief is perfectly consistent with the Scripture.

Isaiah 8:14 "And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."

Isaiah 28:16 "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."

Romans Chapter 9 Continued Questions

1. We learn in Romans 9-18 that God can do what 2 things without explaining to anyone?

2. Why can God do with us whatever He wishes?

3. What name immediately comes to mind when we think of someone whose heart God hardened?

4. What lesson can we learn from the 2 instances of God hardening someone's heart?

5. In 2 Chronicles 20:6 who can resist God?

6. Can our opinion differ from God's opinion?

7. Shall the thing ______ say to him that ______ it, Why hast thou made me thus?

8. Woe unto him that _______ with his maker.

9. In Romans 9:21, we find that God makes 2 kinds of people out of one lump, what are they?

10. Until we can make what statement, we are not truly God's?

11. Name the vessels that God made in 2 Timothy 2:20.

12. In 2 Peter 3:9, we find that God is not slack, but _____________?

13. Name the people in Ephesians 5:5 who will not inherit the kingdom of God.

14. Why is God's wrath going to come on the earth?

15. In Romans 9:24 we find that God not only called the Jew but the _______ as well.

16. Before we were saved we were by nature children of ______.

17. The people who come to God will be called what that we find in Romans 9:26?

18. Why does the world not know the Christian?

19. Who are truly Abraham's seed?

20. What one word describes the physical house of Israel?

21. Who does the author think the 7000 mentioned in Romans 11:4 grew into?

22. Where do we find the Scripture (many are called, but few are chosen)?

23. How shall He judge the world (Psalms 9:8)?

24. What 2 cities were destroyed by God for the sins they committed?

25. How did God destroy them?

26. What were the sins they were guilty of?

27. First Corinthians 6:9 names a number of sins that will keep you out of heaven, what are they?

28. All have sinned and deserve death, what saves the Christian?

29. How did the Jews fail in their search for righteousness?

30. Who is the Cornerstone?

31. Abraham's _______ was counted unto him for righteousness.

32. 1 John 2:28 little children _______ in Him.

Romans Chapter 10

Romans 10:1 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."

We have been saying over and over in these lessons how important it was to Paul that the Jewish people would accept Jesus as their Savior. God actually called Paul to the Gentiles, but he could not help but desire his own people to come to Jesus Christ. We see that the Lord Jesus desired them to be saved as well as Paul, but they would not.

Luke 13:34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem , which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not!"

Paul's calling as an apostle to the Gentiles did not diminish his continual entreaties to God for Israel to be saved, or his own evangelistic efforts toward Jews.

Romans 10:2 "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge."

It is so strange to me that the people who were supposed to know the Word of God the best did not truly understand what that Word was saying, and they rejected their promised Messiah. The Scripture above says that it was for lack of knowledge. Perhaps, it was for lack of understanding what they were reading.

Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."

The Jews indeed had "zeal of God" which was demonstrated by their legalistic conformity to the law and their fierce opposition to Judaism's opponents.

Romans 10:3 "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."

"Ignorant of God's righteousness" means they were ignorant both of God's inherent righteousness revealed in the law and the rest of the Old Testament (which should have shown the Jew their own unrighteousness), and of the righteousness which comes from Him on the basis of faith.

We see from the following Scriptures, the self-righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees and how it displeased God.

Luke 18:9-14 "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:" "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican." "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican." "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

God loves the humble in heart that are looking to Jesus Christ for their righteousness.

"Their own righteousness" means their beliefs were based on their conformity to God's law which was often the less demanding standards of their own traditions.

Romans 10:4 "For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."

"For Christ is the end of the law", although the Greek word translated "end" can mean either "fulfillment" or "termination." This is not a reference to Christ's having perfectly fulfilled the law through His teaching or through His sinless life.

Instead, as the second half of the verse shows, Paul means that belief in Christ as Lord and Savior ends the sinner's futile quest for righteousness through his imperfect attempts to save himself by efforts to obey the law.

Matt. 5:17-18 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

Romans 10:5 "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them."

Leviticus 18:5 "Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I [am] the LORD."

There were literally hundreds of the Levitical laws that had to be kept to be righteous in the law. There was absolutely no way that a person could even keep up with them, much less keep them. Jesus came and fulfilled them for us that we might live by the grace of God.

To hope for a righteousness based on obedience to the law requires perfect conformity in every detail, which is an utter impossibility.

Verses 6-9: Paul skillfully weaves together quotations from (Deuteronomy 9:4 and 30:10-14), which speak of God's initiative in grace and man's humble obedience to it. He then applies this truth to the gospel of Christ.

Romans 10:6-7 "But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down [from above]:)" "Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)"

Paul speaks of the righteousness based on faith as if it were a person and puts in its mouth a quotation from Deuteronomy. His point is that the righteousness of faith does not require some impossible odyssey through the universe to find Christ.

Deuteronomy 9:4 "Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee."

Deuteronomy 30:11-14 "For this commandment which I command thee this day, it [is] not hidden from thee, neither [is] it far off." "It [is] not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it" "Neither [is] it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?" "But the word [is] very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it."

Romans 10:8 "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;"

"The word is nigh thee" is quoted from (Deuteronomy 30:14), which was quoted in the previous scripture. The journey of (verses 6 and 7), is unnecessary because God has clearly revealed the way of salvation: it is by faith. The Word of faith is the message of faith and that is the way to God.

Matthew 10:32-33 "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

We can clearly see the importance of the things we say from all of this. Faith, we know is believing in things we cannot see. If you can see something, it takes no faith to believe. Jesus Himself said, blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.

John 20:29 "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed."

Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

This verse does not mean a simple acknowledgment that He is God and the Lord of the universe, since even demons acknowledge that to be true.

This is the deep personal conviction, without reservation, that Jesus is that person's own master or sovereign. This phrase includes repenting from sin, trusting in Jesus for salvation and submitting to Him as Lord.

This is the volitional element of faith.

We studied this in the first chapter which I'll repeat again here:

Believeth: To trust, rely on, or have faith in. When used of salvation, this word usually occurs in the present tense "is believing" which stresses that faith is not simply a one-time event, but an ongoing condition. True saving faith is supernatural, a gracious gift of God that He produces in the heart and is the only means by which a person can appropriate true righteousness.

Saving faith consists of 3 elements.

Mental: the mind understands the gospel and the truth about Christ
Emotional: one embraces the truthfulness of those facts with sorrow over sin and joy over God's mercy and grace
Volitional: the sinner submits his will to Christ and trust in Him alone as the only hope of salvation.

Genuine faith always produces authentic obedience.

"God hath raised Him from the dead": Christ's resurrection was the supreme validation of His ministry. Belief in it is necessary for salvation because it proved that Christ is who He claimed to be and that the Father had accepted His sacrifice in the place of sinners. Without the resurrection, there is no salvation.

This leaves absolutely no doubt at all what we must do to be saved.

Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

"Confession is made unto salvation": One is not saved by his mouth's conversation, (meaning many, who by their head knowledge say they are saved, but really are not), but rather, the mouth testifies readily of the grace of God in Christ which has been received by faith (for those who have been truly saved and their words are coming from their heart).

Confession is the Greek word which basically means to say the same thing, or to agree with someone. The person who confesses Jesus as Lord, agrees with the Father's declaration that Jesus is Savior and Lord.

Romans 10:11 "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

Let me read this scripture from Isaiah and tell me who it is talking about and how it relates to (Rom: 10:11).

Isaiah 28:16 "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."

"Haste" means disturbed. The Hebrew word is hurry. The Greek Old Testament interprets this Hebrew hasten for "hurry" in the sense of "put to shame", furnishing the basis of the New Testament citations of this verse.

Isaiah 49:23 "And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me."

Of course this speaks of our Cornerstone, Jesus.

1 Peter 2:6 "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded."

If you have really made Jesus the Lord of your life, you want to tell everybody you see. Christians are the bride of Christ. Have you ever seen a new bride that can keep quiet about her groom?

Zion or Sion are terms that most often designate the Land of Israel and its capital, Jerusalem.

Romans 10:12 "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him."

"There is no difference". A parenthetical comment explaining that God can bestow His righteousness on all who believe, Jew or Gentile, because all men, without distinction, fail miserably to live up to the divine standard.

Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Paul here quotes (Joel 2:32), to further emphasize that salvation is available for people of all nations and races.

This familiar Old Testament expression does not refer to some desperate cry to just any deity but to the one true God as He has revealed Himself. A revelation which now includes recognition of Jesus as Lord and of the One who raised up Jesus from the dead.

As chapter 9 stressed divine sovereignty in salvation, this passage stresses human responsibility. Scripture does not view these two principles as paradoxical or contradictory, but as mutually compatible truths.

"Saved" is speaking of salvation which is the most common biblical expression used to identify the subjective changes in people's lives, when by faith they have received the benefit of Christ's death and resurrection. The term implies deliverance, safety, preservation, healing and soundness. It occurs in three phases. First, the Christian has been saved from the guilt and penalty of sin. Second, the Christian is being saved from the habit and dominion of sin in this life. Finally, when the Lord returns, the Christian will be saved from all the physical results of sin and of God's curse on the world.

Romans 10:14 "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"

In presenting the universal proclamation of the gospel, Paul presents the reasons why a universal proclamation is necessary. First, because the call must be preceded by faith and second, because faith must be preceded by hearing. This shows that knowledge is essential to belief. Faith must have a valid content.

Third, because hearing requires a preacher, and fourth, because preaching requires being sent. The One who sends is God. Salvation is completely from God.

Romans 10:15 "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

Paul's main point in this series of rhetorical questions is that a clear presentation of the gospel message must precede true saving faith. True faith always has content, the revealed Word of God. Salvation comes to those who hear and believe the facts of the gospel.

"How beautiful are the feet" comes from Isaiah or;

Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"

It is the message of good news which those feet carry that is so welcome.

Romans 10:16 "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?"

The good news is not only a gracious offer but a command to believe and repent. "Believed our report" is a scripture quoted from (Isaiah 53:1).

The report Isaiah described was of the substitutionary death of Christ, the good news of the gospel (Isa 53:5).

Romans 10:17 "So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

"The Word of God": or better, the word of Christ. The reference is to the oral communication of the gospel. (The word translated "report" in verse 16 is translated "hearing" here). Notice that it is not faith in what is heard, but faith that comes about by what is heard. This is what Paul meant (in Rom. 1:16), when he said the gospel "is the power of God unto salvation."

Saving faith is not man doing his part in response to God's having done His part. Saving faith can come about only through the gospel. Salvation is God's work alone. This also shows that there is no other way to be saved but by the explicit gospel of Christ.

Luke 11:28 "But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it."

It is the Word of God that is powerful, that convicts us of our sin and sets us on the road to salvation. Look at the next Scripture and see just how powerful this Word is.

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Romans 10:18 "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world."

Paul cited this quotation from the LXX which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament's version of (Psalms 19:4), to show that even David understood that God's revelation of Himself has reached the entire earth.

Romans 10:19-20 "But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by [them that are] no people, [and] by a foolish nation I will anger you." "But Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me."

Israel was ignorant of the salvation truth contained in their own Scriptures, including that the gospel would reach the Gentiles (as promised in Deut. 32:21 and Isa. 65:1-2).

"No people": The Gentiles. God would provoke the Jews to jealousy by the Gentiles who are not a part of Israel, God's special, chosen nation.

(Verses 20 and 21 are quotes from Isaiah 65:1-2).

Romans 10:21 "But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people."

"Disobedient", means "to contradict" or "to speak against." As throughout her history, Israel once again had contradicted the Word of God. This time it was the truth of the gospel.

Romans Chapter 10 Questions

In verse 1 Paul's desire for Israel was what?
In Luke 13:34, who did Jesus say killed the prophets?
Paul said the Jews had a zeal for God, but not to what?
In Hosea 4:6, the people were destroyed for what?
What was wrong with the righteousness of these Jews?
In Luke the 18th chapter, which of the two men who went to the temple pleased God?
Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to whom?
In Jeremiah 23:6, what name is the Lord to be called?
Where do we find the Scripture that says our righteousness is filthy rags?
How do the Christians fulfill the law?
Explain what is intended in Romans 10:6.
How close is salvation to us, that we read about in Deuteronomy 30:14?
What did Paul say he preached in verse 8?
Who will Jesus confess before the Father?
In John 20:29, who are the blessed?
What was counted unto Abraham as righteousness?
With the ________ man believeth unto righteousness.
What happens to your heart when you repent of your sins?
Have you ever seen a bride who can keep quiet about her groom?
Is there a difference between the Jew and Greek?
What is the only thing that can keep us from receiving Christ?
Where do we find the Scripture that says, whosoever will can come to Christ?
What is the greatest desire of Jesus toward us?
Romans 10:4 says, how shall they hear without whom?
It pleased God by the foolishness of _________ to save them who believe.
How shall they preach except they be _______?
What part of the body is mentioned as being beautiful of those who preach the gospel?
Matthew 28:9 explains to baptize in whose name?
It is not profitable to just hear the gospel, we must do what?
How does faith come?
Luke 11:28 says who are blessed?
What Scripture tells of the power of the Word?
When shall the end come?
When the Jewish people rejected Jesus, who was the salvation message brought to?

Romans Chapter 11

In this chapter Paul answers the question that logically arises from (10:19-21): "Is God's setting aside of Israel for rejecting Christ permanent? At stake is whether God can be trusted to keep His unconditional promises to that nation.

Romans 11:1 "I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin."

"Cast away": To thrust away from oneself. The form of the question in the Greek text expects a negative answer. Despite Israel's disobedience, God has not rejected His people. God forbid is the strongest form of negation in Greek.

We see here again, that Paul is proud of his Israelite heritage. Paul mentions this heritage several times in his writings.

2 Corinthians 11:22 "Are they Hebrews? so [am] I. Are they Israelites? so [am] I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so [am] I." And we also read in Paul's writings:

Philippians 3:5 "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;"

Paul is very proud that he was of the physical house of Israel as well as the spiritual house of Israel.

We also see that God never completely gives up on the physical house of Israel even if they have walked away from Him.

Jeremiah 33:24-26 "Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? Thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them." "Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant [be] not with day and night, [and if] I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth;" "Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, [so] that I will not take [any] of his seed [to be] rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them."

God is long-suffering and is always ready to forgive them and receive them back.

Romans 11:2 "God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elijah? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,"

"Which He foreknew": Israel's disobedience does not nullify God's predetermined love relationship with her.

This scripture is speaking of God withholding the autumn and spring rains and summer dew which were necessities for the crops of Israel. The Lord had threatened to withhold these from the land if His people turned from Him to serve other gods. Elijah had prayed for the drought and God answered. It lasted 3 years and six months (according to James 5:17). The drought proved that Baal, the god of the rains and fertility, was impotent before the Lord.

Romans 11:3 "Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life."

1 Kings: 19:10-14 "And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; [but] the LORD [was] not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; [but] the LORD [was] not in the earthquake:" "And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice." "And it was [so], when Elijah heard [it] that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?" "And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away."

We can see from this that God is interested in just one prophet that belongs to Him. God will not forsake His own. Just as any parent will not forsake their children, God will not forsake His own.

Romans 11:4 "But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to [the image of] Baal."

After Elijah had finished killing the 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:40), Ahab had told Jezebel all that Elijah had done and she sent a message to Elijah saying that she would take his life by the next day. He fled for his life and ended up in the wilderness under a broom tree and prayed for death.

It was at this point he was so discouraged and didn't want to go on. Elijah thought at this point that he was all alone. As he slept, an angel touched him waking him up. God had provided food and drink for Elijah in the midst of his distress and the surrounding famine. That's when God told him:

I Kings 19:18 "Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him."

Paul points to himself (in verse 1), as an example that God did not make a blanket rejection of the Jews. He then proceeds (in verses 2 to 4), to draw a parallel with Elijah and the 7,000 from among the millions of Israel, who had not served Baal.

Romans 11:5 "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace."

Paul then writes: "So then also, at the present time, a remnant [of Israel] has come to be by [God's] choosing and unmerited favor." This "remnant" composed of Jews, by believing in Jesus Christ, became a part of that real "Israel" composed of "true Jews."

Although the nation had rejected Jesus, thousands of individual Jews had come to faith in Him.

Romans 11:6 "And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

"Grace versus Works". "Grace" is charis, meaning "favor" or "kindness". A closely-related word, charisma, means "a free gift." For a gift to truly be a gift, it must be unmerited and unearned. Once you mix one particle of work into the transaction, it is no longer fully grace since merit becomes involved.

Israel does not deserve God's continued favor. Like all who have been chosen by God, the nation Israel, as represented by the believing remnant among the Jews, does not deserve God's continued election.

Paul emphasizes that it is by God's undeserved, unmerited favor, which overcomes the rejection and crucifixion of Israel's own Messiah. Israel neither earned nor deserves God's favor. He stands by Israel because of His name's sake (Ezek. 36:20-24).

Concerning the gospel, unbelieving Jews are enemies, but concerning election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Rom. 11:28-32).

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:" "Not of works, lest any man should boast."

We see from this that we cannot work our way to heaven, Salvation is a free gift. Truly even the Holy Spirit must woo you, or the desire to come to Jesus would never be there. Our part in all of this is to reach out and take what God has offered to us. Truly we have nothing to do with who we are as we read in this next Scripture.

1 Corinthians 15:10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."

Romans 11:7 "What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded"

In spite of their intense religious zeal, the Jews of Paul's day had failed to obtain God's righteousness.

The Elect are those whom God graciously had chosen in turn sought and found His righteousness.

"Were blinded": By a judicial act of God, in response to their hardened hearts. As we learned (in Romans 1), God gave them over to a reprobate mind.

Romans 11:8 "(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

Matthew 13:14-15 "And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:" "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

These Scriptures leave no doubt that God first must call us and the Holy Spirit has to reveal to us the meaning, or we too, would be blinded. It is God that opens our ears of understanding to His Word. He is our source; we must depend on Him. The beginning of wisdom is to fear God. This fear is to reverence Him or to hold Him in awe. Unless God reveals Himself to us, we do not truly know Him. He loves everyone and wants us all to love Him, but if we choose not to follow Him, He will stop up our ears and eyes and we will not be able to understand.

He does not want us to come to Him with our mind, He wants our heart.

Ezekiel 12:2 "Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they [are] a rebellious house."

Mark 4:11-12 "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:" "That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them." This is because of their evil heart that Jesus does not reveal Himself to them.

The first line of this scripture was quoted (from Isaiah 29:10), and the last lines are from (Deut. 29:4).

Romans 11:9-10 "And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence unto them:" "Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always."

A person's "table" was thought to be a place of safety, but the table of the ungodly is a trap. Many people trust in the very things that damn them.

In the 23rd Psalm, we see the opposite of this table.

Psalms 23:5 "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

David's table was a blessing and theirs was a curse. They did not have their heart right with God.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;" "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;" "Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

We see from these three Scriptures that to whom much is given, much is required. This does not mean just wealth of money, but has to do with knowledge of the Bible as well. To know God and His Word and then to sin is much worse than to sin in ignorance.

Romans 11:11 "I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but [rather] through their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."

The form of Paul's question and his strong response confirm that Israel's blindness, hardening and apostasy are not irreversible. Their "fall" is Israel's rejection of Jesus Christ.

"To provoke them to jealousy": God intends to use His offer of salvation to the despised Gentiles to draw the nation back to Him. Salvation to the Gentiles is something the Old Testament had long prophesied.

Acts 13:42 "And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath."

We see that the Gentiles readily accepted the Lord Jesus Christ when the Jews rejected Jesus. God still loves the Jew [the physical house of Israel] and, as we have been reading, He will save a remnant of them.

Romans 11:12 "Now if the fall of them [be] the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness?"

This is just God's way of allowing the Gentile believers to be saved. We Gentile believers have been grafted in to the family of God. The failure of the Jews to acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth as their Messiah and be God's witness nation resulted in the Gentile church being given that privilege.

"How much more their fullness" meaning the Jews future spiritual renewal. Israel's "fall" and "diminishing" is temporary.

Romans 11:13 "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:"

"Office": meaning ministry.

Here is what God said of Saul/Paul:

Acts 9:15 "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"

You can see from this that his first call was to the Gentile. I will give you one Scripture of many that shows that Paul was aware of his call to the Gentiles.

2 Timothy 1:11: "Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles".

Eph. 3:8-9 "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;" "And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:"

Romans 11:14 "If by any means I may provoke to emulation [them which are] my flesh, and might save some of them."

Paul was commissioned of God to bring the salvation message to the Gentiles, but he could not quite ever give up on his brothers, the Jews.

Paul in verse 14 above is saying that perhaps, while he is bringing this message to the Gentiles, some of his Hebrew brothers will hear and understand as well.

Romans 11:15 "For if the casting away of them [be] the reconciling of the world, what [shall] the receiving [of them be], but life from the dead?

This is not speaking of bodily resurrection but the passing from spiritual death to spiritual life. This phrase also describes the future spiritual rebirth of Israel.

There is no better example of this in the entire Bible than in Ezekiel where the story of the dry bones is found. In this account, we will see that at the end, God will bring back to life the natural Israelite, and they and the spiritual house of Israel (Christians), will all be part of the family of God.

The 2 sticks that come together are the spiritual and the physical houses of Israel. Jesus Christ (their Messiah), saves us all.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 "The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which [was] full of bones," "And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, [there were] very many in the open valley; and, lo, [they were] very dry." "And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest." "Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD." "Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:" "And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD." "So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone." "And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but [there was] no breath in them." "Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." "So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army." "Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts." "Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel." "And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves," "And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD."

Romans Chapter 11 Questions

In verse one Paul asks, Has God cast away His people, has He?
What 3 things does Paul call himself in verse one?
He wrote that he was an Israelite in other books, name them.
God is ______________ and is always ready to forgive.
Who had Elijah made intercession for?
In verse 3 what 2 things had they done that made Elijah think that he alone was left?
In 1 Kings Chapter 19 what mighty things were mentioned that God was not in?
What was God in?
God will not _______ His own.
In chapter 11 verse 4, how many had God reserved who had not bowed their knee to Baal?
What Old Testament Scripture is the second witness of this which makes it absolute?
This remnant is according to what in verse 5?
Why is it not of works that we are saved?
Paul says by what (I am, what I am)?
In verse 7, we see that who obtained while all others were blinded?
Describe the eyes and ears of those who did not receive it.
Who opens our understanding to God's Word?
What is the beginning of wisdom?
God does not want our mind, He wants what?
Why does Jesus not reveal Himself to some people?
In verse 9 David said for those who reject the truth to have their table be what?
In verse 10, what will happen to their eyes?
What does recompense mean?
In 1 Timothy 6:17, what are those who are rich in this world to do?
In verse 11, we see that their fall came for what purpose?
In Acts 13:42 when the Jews had gone out of the synagogue who asked that the message be brought to them on the next Sabbath?
Who is the physical house of Israel?
In verse 12 we see that the diminishing of them be riches to whom?
In Romans 8:15 we have received what spirit?
When we have been added to the family of God, what should we cry?
Who was Paul commissioned to bring the salvation message to?
Who did Paul desire to save whatever it took?
In verse 15, what does the receiving of them bring?
In Ezekiel chapter 37, what does the story of the dry bones bring?
Who are the dry bones mentioned in Ezekiel 37:11?
What causes these dry bones to live in Ezekiel 37:14?
Why is the word whole used in verse 11 of Ezekiel 37?

Romans Chapter 11 Continued

Romans 11:16 "For if the first fruit [be] holy, the lump [is] also [holy]: and if the root [be] holy, so [are] the branches."

The "first fruit" is the first portion of the harvest, which was to be given to the Lord.

"The lump is also holy": Because the first fruit offering represented the entire portion, the entire piece of dough could be said to be holy, set apart to God.

"The root": The root of the tree is the covenantal promise to Abraham, which anticipated blessing to Jew and Gentile. Israel's essential nature is holy (set apart of God's purpose). The first fruit signifies Abraham; the branches refer to Israel individually.

James 1:18 "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."

Jesus Christ is the root. In fact, He is the Tree and we are the branches. A peach tree does not produce apples, but peaches. If Christ is the tree, then we Christians are the branches. A Christian should be Christ like.

In (verses 17-24), Paul sternly warns the Gentiles against pride and arrogance because of Israel's rejection and their being grafted in.

Romans 11:17 "And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;"

Some, but not all of the branches of Israel were broken off or removed. God always preserved a believing remnant. "A wild olive tree ... grafted in": Olive trees were an important crop in the ancient world. Although trees often lived for hundreds of years, individual branches eventually stopped producing olives. When that happened, branches from younger trees were grafted in to restore productivity.

Paul's point is that the old, unproductive branches (Israel), were broken off and branches from a wild olive tree (Gentiles), were grafted in.

Once grafted in, Gentiles partake of the richness of God's covenant blessings as the spiritual heirs of Abraham.

The Olive tree: The place of divine blessing, God's covenant of salvation made with Abraham.

The natural branches were the physical house of Israel (Hebrews), and we Christians are the grafted in branches. All believers are the spiritual house of Israel.

Ephesians 3:6 "That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:"

Romans 11:18 "Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee."

There is no place in the church for spiritual pride, still less for anti Semitism. We are the spiritual offspring of Abraham.

Branches: The unbelieving Jews who had been broken off.

The root that supports you means Gentiles are not the source of blessing, but have been grafted into the covenant of salvation that God made with Abraham.

Romans 11:19 "Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in."

Some of the branches of Israel were broken off or removed. Paul's point is that the old, unproductive branches (Israel), were broken off and branches from a wild olive tree (Gentiles), were grafted in. Once grafted in, the Gentiles could partake of the richness of God's covenant blessings as the spiritual heirs of Abraham, but as we learn in the next scripture, they were not to brag about that.

Romans 11:20 "Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:"

We Christians are like faithful Abraham: saved by faith in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:29: "And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Lack of faith got the Hebrew branches cut off and our faith got the Gentile Christian branches grafted in. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Branches were broken off and others grafted in based solely on the issue of faith, not race, ethnicity, social or intellectual background or external morality.

Salvation is ever and always by faith alone.

God will judge the apostate church just as surely as He judged apostate Israel.

Romans 11:21 "For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee."

If Israel, the "natural branches" was not spared despite being God's covenant nation, why should Gentiles, strangers to God's covenants expect to be spared if they sin against the truth of the gospel?

Romans 11:22 "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."

All of God's attributes work in harmony, there is no conflict between His goodness and love, and His justice and wrath. Those who accept His gracious offer of salvation experience His goodness. Those who reject it experience His severity.

"On them which fell": The unbelieving Jews described (in verses 12-21). "Fell" translates a Greek work meaning "to fall so as to be completely ruined." Those who reject God's offer of salvation bring upon themselves utter spiritual ruin.

"If thou continue": Genuine saving faith always perseveres. God will deal swiftly and severely with those who reject Him.

Revelation 2:5 "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

God will help us, if we love Him and do our best to follow Him.

Romans 11:23-24 "And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again." "For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural [branches], be graffed into their own olive tree?"

Luke 21:24 "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled."

The "they" is speaking of the Jews. The end of the Gentile age is near. God's blessings will go back to the physical house of Israel.

Jeremiah 31:33 "But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Hebrews 8:10 "For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:"

You see, this is not a statement of just the Old Testament, but of the New Testament as well. God loves all Israel; physical and spiritual. Those two are the branches of the olive tree.

In the future, Israel will repent of unbelief and embrace the Messiah. In the terms of Paul's analogy, God will at that time, gladly graft the believing Jewish people back into the olive tree of His covenant blessings because it was theirs originally, unlike the wild branches, the Gentiles.

Romans 11:25 "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in."

The word mystery is used to refer to New Testament truth previously not revealed. This mystery has two components.

(1) Israel has experienced a partial spiritual hardening; and

(2) that hardening will last only for a divinely specified period of time.

"Wise in your own conceits": Is another warning to the Gentiles against spiritual pride and arrogance.

"Blindness in part": Although the nation's blindness does not extend to every individual Jew. Through all of history God has always preserved a believing remnant.

"Until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in": "Until" refers to a specific point in time, "fullness" refers to completion, "has come in": translates a Greek verb often used to speak of coming to salvation. Israel's spiritual hardening (which began with rejecting Jesus as Messiah), will last until the complete number of elect Gentiles has come to salvation.

It greatly concerns me when I hear someone run our Jewish brothers down. We have been warned over and over in the Holy Bible not to think ourselves better than the natural Hebrew. We are not the tree. We do not decide who is part of the tree and who is not. The tree, (Jesus) decides which branches He will accept and which branches He rejects.

It is none of our business. He does not have to explain to you and me why He does it either. We should just be happy that He allowed us to be grafted into the tree.

Romans 11:26 "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:"

This verse and the next are (quoted from Isaiah 59:20-21).

"All Israel": All of the elect Jewish people alive at the end of the tribulation, not the believing remnant of Jews within the church during this church age. Since the remnant has already embraced the truth of the gospel, it could not be in view here, since it no longer needs the salvation this verse promises.

"There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer": The Lord Jesus Christ's millennial rule will be associated with Mt. Zion.

(These next three verses show the Israelites awakening).

Zech. 12:10-11 - "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. "In that day there will be great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo.

Isaiah 53:5 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 11:10-12 - The Root of Jesse
"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious." "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea."

Romans 11:27 "For this [is] my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."

"Covenant": The New Covenant. "When I shall take away their sins" (quoted from Isaiah 27:9). A necessary prerequisite for Israel's salvation.

So many people I know do not want to believe that God will forgive the physical house of Israel. This is so strange to me, because we were not worthy of His forgiveness and He forgave us. Why would He not forgive His chosen family? My Bible says that every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus when they see Him coming in the clouds.

Romans 11:28 "As concerning the gospel, [they are] enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, [they are] beloved for the fathers' sakes."

This is Israel's temporary situation during her time of spiritual hardening.

"Touching the election": From the perspective of God's eternal choice, Israel will always be His covenant people.

"The father's sakes": The patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who are the recipients of the Abrahamic Covenant.

Romans Chapter 11 Continued Questions

If the first fruit be holy, the lump is also____.
If the root be holy, so are the ________.
Jesus is the root, and who are His branches?
Christians are called what in verse 17?
Who is of the spiritual house of Israel?
Revelation 11:4 is speaking of whom when it speaks of the two olive trees?
We are warned to boast not against whom?
In 11:19 it appears that the Christians brag that physical Israel was cut off, why are they bragging?
Be not ____ ______ but fear.
How are Christians like Abraham?
Without _____, it is impossible to please God.
In Romans 11:22, we are told to behold what 2 things?
In Romans 11:22 and in Ezekiel 33:18 we see what, that is opposed to not being able to lose your salvation once you have it?
Who is God, besides being a forgiving God?
Revelation 2:5 gives us one word that tells us how to get back to God, what is it?
What hopeful statement for the natural Israelite is made in Romans 11:23?
How long will Jerusalem be trodden down by the Gentiles?
In Jeremiah 31:33 what is the covenant God made?
Blindness in part is happened to Israel until when?
How much of Israel shall be saved in Romans 11:26?
In Micah 7:18, we read that God pardoneth iniquity because He delights in what?
Where will He cast all their sins?
Eventually who will bow to Jesus?
In Jeremiah 31:33 God places His law where?
These of the house of Israel pertaining to election are beloved for whose sake?
Whose name was on the 144,000 in Revelation 14:1?
In Revelation 7:14, who were those dressed in white?
Why is the answer to 26 and 27 important?
We find in Jeremiah, there will come a day when we will not teach each other of God; then how will we know?
God will remember their _____ no more.

Romans Chapter 11 Second Continued

We have been studying how God is merciful, more than any of us deserve. Many do not believe or understand that God still loves Israel, even after they rejected Jesus. What God does with the physical house is really none of our business. The world and everyone in it belong to Him, and He can do as He wishes without our permission. Our only concern is that we must believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, if we intend to be saved. We must not try to figure out why this is true, just accept this as fact and go on.

Romans 11:28 "As concerning the gospel, [they are] enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, [they are] beloved for the fathers' sakes."

We had verse 28 in our last lesson, but we needed it here to complete this statement in verse 29. All who have been called of God to do a job, can see from this Scripture above that God does not take back a call. I know a lady who is the most gifted pianist that I have ever heard. She had a little problem in the church, and many thought her usefulness to God was over. If that is true, then we must remove verse 29 above from the Bible, because it says the call or gift is without repentance. If you have been called of God to do anything, sing, play, heal, preach or anything else, God needs you now for the battle that the Christians are in.

Numbers 23:19 "God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"

People the war has begun. The enemy (devil) has large numbers of troops. Put on your armor and fight for God.

Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]." Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;" Ephesians 6:15 "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" Ephesians 6:19 "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,"

We are not to quit, just because the battle is thick. God calls us without repentance, and we're to fight to the end with everything within us.

Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

This is Israel's temporary situation during her time of spiritual hardening.

"Touching the election": From the perspective of God's eternal choice, Israel will always be His covenant people.

"The father's sakes": The patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who are the recipients of the Abrahamic Covenant.

Romans 11:29 "For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance."

"The gifts ... without repentance": God's sovereign election of Israel, like that of individual believers, is unconditional and unchangeable because it is rooted in His immutable nature and expressed in the unilateral, eternal Abrahamic Covenant (see note on 9:4).

Romans 11:30-31 "For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:" "Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy."

The next few verses tell of the sin of mankind. A person involved in this type sin and has not been washed in the blood of the Lamb is in serious trouble. Praise God that He is merciful and willing to forgive us. 1 Corinthians 6:9 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind," I Corinthians 6:10 "Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:11 "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." When we receive our forgiveness, we must walk in that forgiveness, not desiring in our heart to sin again. God will extend His grace to unbelieving Israel, just as He did to unbelieving Gentiles. Salvation, whether of Jews or Gentiles, flows from God's mercy.

Romans 11:32 "For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all."

Though not the author of sin, God allowed man to pursue his sinful inclinations so that He could receive glory by demonstrating His grace and mercy to disobedient sinners.

1 Timothy 2:3-6 "For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;" "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." "For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" "Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

You see, not only were we heathen not keeping the law of God, but the Hebrews, who God had given the law to, were not keeping it either. In fact, the law was given as a schoolmaster to make us realize our need for a Savior.

Galatians 3:22 "But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe."

In verses 33-36, The majesty, grandeur and wisdom of God's plan revealed (in verses 1-32), caused Paul to burst out in praise. This doxology is a fitting response not only to God's future plans for Israel (chapters 9-11), but to Paul's entire discussion of justification by faith (chapters 1-11).

Romans 11:33 "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"

Colossians 2:3: "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

The minute we start speaking of someone who had no beginning and had no end, you get beyond our comprehension. In Proverbs, it lists so many things that God has done that we could never understand. Just the fact that God placed a planet in open space and it has stayed there is really unbelievable. Nature itself, tells us that there is an intelligence so far superior to us.

Have you made any worlds lately? Neither have I. The human body is so complicated that doctors still do not know everything about it. Just look around you, and it will not be hard to realize that God is a mystery that our brain could never figure out. The best thing to do is just let God be God and realize that He has everything figured out for us. Accept Him on simple faith and then do it His way.

Romans 11:34 "For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?"

(Quoted from Isaiah 40:13) "Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or [being] his counsellor hath taught him?"

God is all in all. We need Him, He does not need us. He loves us and wants us, but He does not need us.

Revelation 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

You see, the reason we were created in the first place was for God's pleasure. We are His, we are not our own.

Romans 11:35 "Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?"

1 Corinthians 4:7 "For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]?" We did not give to God, He gave evenour life to us. We are what we are by the grace of God. We had absolutely nothing to do with that family we were born in, or what race we are, or what color our hair is, or how tall we are, or how intelligent we are: God chose.This verse in Job says it all.

Job 35:7 " If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?"

Romans 11:36 "For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen."

Colossians 1:16 "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"

God is the source, the sustainer and the rightful end of everything that exists.

It is God's world and everything and everyone in it belong to Him too. In view of all this, how could we neglect so great a salvation nor fail to give God the glory?

Romans Chapter 11 Second Continued Questions

Who should be concerned with the outcome of the physical house of Israel?
What should be our only concern?
The gifts and calling of God are without ___________.
God is not a ___ that He should lie.
What are we advised to do in Ephesians 6:11?
We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against what?
He that shall ______ unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Know ye not that the ____________ shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Name some of the sins mentioned that could keep a person out of heaven, if they practice them.
And such were some of you, but ye are ______ __ the_____ __ ___ ____.
When we receive our forgiveness, what must we continue to do?
God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might do what?
Who is the Mediator between God and man?
The promise by faith of Jesus Christ is given to whom?
Colossians 2:3 tells us that, what is hidden in God?
Revelation 4:1 says the Lord is worthy to receive what?
What important questions are asked in 1 Corinthians 4:7?
Quote Romans 11:36.
Colossians 1:16, says that He created what?
In view of all this, how could we neglect so great a __________?

Romans Chapter 12

Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service."

Beseech is a Greek word which comes from a root meaning to "call alongside to help".

"Mercies of God": The gracious, extravagant, divine graces Paul expounded in the first eleven chapters, including God's love, grace, righteousness and the gift of faith.

"Present your bodies a living sacrifice": Under the Old Covenant, God accepted the sacrifices of dead animals. But because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, those are no longer of any effect. For those in Christ, the only acceptable worship is to offer themselves completely to the Lord. Under God's control, the believer's yet unredeemed body can and must be yielded to Him as an instrument of righteousness.

"Reasonable service": Reasonable is from the Greek for "logic." In light of all the spiritual riches, believers enjoy solely as the fruit of God's mercies. It logically flows that they owe God their highest form of service. Understood here is the idea of priestly, spiritual service, which was such an integral part of Old Testament worship.

1 Peter 2:5 "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."

Psalms 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

We can see from this that God expects our loyalty. We have been bought and paid for with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The least we can do is live for Him since He ransomed us from death.

Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Paul says, "Stop conforming yourselves". They are to resist being poured into the mold of the present thinking, value systems, and conduct of this world. This term is used only here and in 1 Peter 1:14.

God's will refers to His purpose for the life of the believer. It implies His guidance or direction in all of life's decisions. Dedication is an act of surrender or submission to His will for our lives whereby we become a "Living sacrifice."

The Greek word, for which the English word "metamorphosis" comes, connotes a change in outward appearance. Matthew uses the same word to describe the Transfiguration. Just as Christ briefly and in a limited way displayed outwardly His inner, divine nature and glory at the Transfiguration, Christians should outwardly manifest their inner, redeemed natures, not once, but daily.

The renewing of your mind is the kind of transformation that occurs only as the Holy Spirit changes our thinking through consistent study and meditation of Scripture (Psalms 119:11).

"Good, acceptable, and perfect is the Holy living which God approves. These words borrow from the Old Testament sacrificial language and describe a life that is morally and spiritually spotless, just as the sacrificial animals were to be.

The things that displeased God in the Old Testament are still what displease Him today. God wants us to be holy as He is holy. Jesus is coming back for those who are without spot or wrinkle. If you have sin in your life, repent and ask God to help you live free of sin.

Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

The righteousness of God will cause the believer to conduct himself in humility in the local church. Paul meets two dangers that the individual faced in the exercise of his spiritual gifts. He might overestimate himself and try to exercise a gift God never gave him. Or he might underestimate himself and fail to exercise the gift God has given to him. Paul shows that God has given each believer specific gifts to enable him to do what God wants him to do. No one is excluded.

The grace and the divine, undeserved favor that called Paul to be an apostle and gave him spiritual authority, also gave him sincere humility.

To think soberly is the exercise of sound judgment, which will lead believers to recognize that in themselves they are nothing and will yield the fruit of humility.

The "measure" of faith is the correct proportion of the spiritual gift or supernatural endowment and ability the Holy Spirit gives each believer so he may fulfill his role in the body of Christ. "Faith" is not saving faith, but rather faithful stewardship, the kind and quantity required to use one's own particular gift. Every believer receives the exact gift and resources he needs to fulfill his role in the body of Christ.

It seems so strange to some people how one person seems to have more faith than the other, if we have all received our measure of faith. The truth is that our faith grows as we use it and as we read the word of God.

1 Corinthians 12:7-9 "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;" "To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;"

We can see from these Scriptures that there is a gift of faith that we can pray and receive. This is not a normal amount of faith, but a supernatural faith; which is a gift of the Spirit.

Verses 4-8 list the general categories of spiritual gifts. The emphasis in each list is not on believers' identifying their gift perfectly, but on faithfully using the unique enablement God has given each. The fact that the two lists differ clearly implies the gifts are like a palette of basis colors, from which God selects to blend a unique hue for each disciple's life.

Romans 12:4-5 "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:" "So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

1Corinthians 12:12-14 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ." "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." "For the body is not one member, but many."

A true church is many members making up one body. We see in that body that there are many different offices.

1 Corinthians 12:28 "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."

Just as in the natural body, God has sovereignly given the body of Christ a unified diversity.

Romans 12:5 "So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

Ephesians 5:30: "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones."

We can see how important it is for us to be in one accord in the church. If we are one body as the Scripture says, then when we tear at someone else in the church we are tearing up the body.

Romans 12:6 "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;"

"According to the grace that is given". Undeserved and unmerited. The gift itself, the specific way in which it is used, and the spiritual result are all sovereignly chosen by the Spirit completely apart from personal merit (see 1 Cor. 12:5; 12:11).

This "prophesy", means speaking forth and does not necessarily include prediction of the future or any other mystical or supernatural aspects.

"According to the proportion of faith"; Literal "the faith," or the full revealed message or body of Christian faith. The preacher must be careful to preach the same message the apostles delivered.

Or, it could also refer to the believer's personal understanding and insight regarding the gospel.

So what exactly is this proportion of faith?

"According to the proportion of faith." The meaning is, that the utterances of the "prophet" were not to fluctuate according to his own impulses or independent thoughts, but were to be adjusted to the truth revealed to him as a believer, i.e., were to be accordance with it. In post-Reformation times this phrase was used as meaning that all Scripture was to be interpreted with reference to all other Scripture. I.e., that no words or expressions were to be isolated or interpreted in a way contrary to its general teaching. This was also called the "analogy of faith."

Romans 12:7 "Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;"

"Ministry" is from the same Greek word as "deacon," "deaconess", come from, it refers to those who serve. This gift, similar to the gift of helps, has broad application to include every kind of practical help.

"Teaching" is the ability to interpret, clarify, systematize, and explain God's truth clearly. Pastors must have the gift of teaching, but many mature, qualified laymen also have this gift. This differs from preaching (prophecy), not in content, but in the unique skill for public proclamation.

Romans 12:8 "Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness."

"Exhortation" is the gift which enables a believer to effectively call others to obey and follow God's truth. It may be used negatively to admonish and correct regarding sin, or positively to encourage, comfort and strengthen struggling believers.

"Giveth" or "Give" denotes the sacrificial sharing and giving of one's resources and self to meet the needs of others.

"Simplicity" means liberality. Simplicity, single-mindedness and openhearted generosity. The believer who gives with a proper attitude, does not do so for thanks and personal recognition, but to glorify God.

He that ruleth or leads is a gift Paul calls "administration", a word that means "to guide" and is used of the person who steers a ship. In the New Testament, this word is used to describe only leadership in the home and the church. Again, the church's leaders must exercise this gift, but it is certainly not limited to them.

"Shows mercy" is one who actively shows sympathy and sensitivity to those in suffering and sorrow, and who has both the willingness and the resources to help lessen their affliction. Frequently, this gift accompanies the gift of exhortation.

"Cheerfulness" is an attitude crucial to ensure that the gift of mercy becomes a genuine help, not a discouraging commiseration with those who are suffering.

We see in all of this, that God calls each of us to do a specific job. Whether God has called you to be pastor of a church or a teacher in a Christian school, God will not call you to do a job that He will not equip you to do. What the Scriptures above are saying is that any job God calls you to do, you should do it through the power of the Holy Spirit and not in your own strength.

Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"

The passage from verses 9-21 provide a comprehensive and mandatory list of traits that characterize the Spirit filled life. Paul presents these characteristics under 4 categories:

(1) Personal duties (verse 9);

(2) Family duties (verses 10-13);

(3) Duties to others (verses 14-16);

(4) Duties to those who consider us enemies (verses17-21).

Romans 12:9 "[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."

"Without dissimulation" means to be sincere or to not be a hypocrite. Christian love is to be shown purely and sincerely, without self-centeredness or guile.

The Christian's conduct in the local church toward fellow believers is to be a volitional caring for others, loving faithfully despite the response received. The love is to be genuine and unfeigned.

We see from this then, that it is very important for our love to be sincere. Abhor means to detest or hate. This would be an extreme dislike for something or someone.

The supreme New Testament virtue, which centers completely on the needs and welfare of the one loved and does whatever necessary to meet those needs.

We can see from the following Scripture just how important it is to God for us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ and to love Him.

Hebrews 1:9 "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."

Romans 12:10 "[Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;"

Meaning: to be devoted to other Christians with a family sort of love, not based on personal attraction or desirability. This quality is the primary way the world can recognize us as followers of Christ.

"Preferring one another" is to show genuine appreciation and admiration for fellow believers by putting them first.

John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." "By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

All Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:9 "But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another."

You see, regardless where the Scripture is, we are taught the same thing; to love as we would want to be loved.

Romans 12:11 "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;"

Whatever a Christian does in this life is worth doing with enthusiasm and care. Sloth and indifference not only prevent good, but allow evil to prosper.

To be fervent in spirit means "to boil in spirit" or "boiling over." This phrase suggests having plenty of heat to product adequate, productive energy, but not so much heat that one goes out of control.

Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"

The hope that we are to rejoice in is the hope of the resurrection; of Christ's return and our ultimate redemption. We are warned not to be like those that have no hope of the resurrection.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope." "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."

We also know that in this life there will be tribulation. Tribulation comes to make us strong.

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

We see from this that we certainly face tribulation.

Romans 5:3 " And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;"

Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Prayer is the power available to the Christian. Prayer is so important that even Jesus went aside and prayed to the Father. The disciples that walked with Jesus saw the importance of prayer and asked Jesus to teach them to pray. When we pray, we pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. We are told that anything we ask in the name of Jesus will be done.

John 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

Romans Chapter 12 Questions

1. How are we Christians to present our bodies to God?

2. In 1 Peter 2:5 we are lively stones which are built up into what?

3. In Psalms 19:14, what 2 things are we asking to be acceptable in God's sight?

4. We have been bought and paid for by what?

5. Be not ___________ to this world.

6. Be ye transformed by the renewing of your ____.

7. What does Deuteronomy 18:10 warn against?

8. What are these sins called in Deuteronomy 18:12?

9. What is divination?

10. What does an observer of times study?

11. What does an enchanter practice?

12. What does a charmer do?

13. What does a wizard do?

14. Who is a necromancer?

15. God has dealt to every man the measure of _____.

16. We read in Matthew 18:3 Except ye become as ______ ________, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

17. Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

18. In Romans 10:17, we read that faith comes how?

19. What are the 2 great powers in the world?

20. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, we read of an extra amount of faith that we can receive by what?

21. So we being many, are one ______.

22. In 1 Corinthians 12:28, we read of the offices in the church, what are they?

23. In Romans 12:6-7 how are we to operate in these offices that God has trusted us with?

24. What is the 5 fold ministry mentioned in Ephesians 4:11?

25. What does without dissimulation mean?

26. What does abhor mean?

27. How will all men know that you are His disciples?

28. We are told to not be slothful in what?

29. What is the hope that we are to rejoice in?

30. Why does tribulation come?

31. Tribulation worketh what?

32. How are we instructed to pray?

33. What did the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to do?

34. What is the promise Jesus gave us in John 14:13?

Romans Chapter 12 Continued

Romans 12:13 "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

"Distributing" comes from a Greek word that means commonality, partnership or mutual sharing, which is often translated "fellowship," and "communion".

"Given to hospitality" means the pursuing the love of strangers and not merely entertaining one's friends. In New Testament times, travel was dangerous and inns were evil, scarce and expensive. So the early believers often opened their homes to travelers, especially to fellow believers. Church leaders should be role models of the virtue.

Acts 9:39: "Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them."

We see that Dorcas had certainly fulfilled the lesson in the Scripture above. She saw a need and took care of it. Many believe that this same Dorcas paid for a great deal of Paul's necessities. We do know from this Scripture, that she was a very giving person. She was loved dearly by her sisters and brothers in Christ (as you can see from Acts 9:39). I will include several more Scriptures here that will demonstrate how important it is to God for us to be concerned about the needs of the saints, and in this we can also see how important it is to be hospitable, as well.

Galatians 6:10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

1 Timothy 5:10 "Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work."

Romans 12:14 "Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not."

Here we are told to treat enemies as if they were your friends.

One of the most important teachings on this subject is found in Jesus' own words in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew.

Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"

A Christian's greatest desire should be to be like Jesus. The one thing that set Jesus aside from other people was that He loved us enough to die on the cross for us while we were yet in sin. He blessed us when we really deserved to be persecuted.

1 Peter 2:23 "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:"

Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."

One of the shortest verses in the entire Bible is a good example of weeping with those who weep. Jesus had great love for His friends, Mary and Martha, and His sorrow was sharing in their pain at the loss of their brother. Jesus knew that Lazarus would rise and He was not weeping for Lazarus.

John 11:35 "Jesus wept."

The truth of the matter is that we need to share in the griefs of our friends and, also, to rejoice with them in their victories. We must not be jealous of their victories. We need to be happy for them when they succeed.

1 Corinthians 12:26 "And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it."

We are told be glad in the blessings, honor and welfare of others, no matter what one's own situation and to be sensitive or compassionate to the hardships and sorrows of others.

Romans 12:16: "[Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."

"Same mind" means to be impartial.

"Mind ... high things", means not to be haughty with self-seeking pride.

"Wise in your own conceits" tell us that Christians are not to have conceit or feeling of superiority toward fellow believers.

1 Peter 3:8 "Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:"

We see from (verses 15 and 16), that we are not to have someone as a friend just because they are wealthy or highly thought of in the community. In other words, we are not to have them for a friend because of what good they can do for us, but perhaps because we might be able to help them. If we think too highly of ourselves, we think the world and its entire people owe us something.

We need to be thinking how we can help, rather than always wanting to be helped. The best Scripture that comes to mind pertaining to this is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. In this chapter speaking of charity, it is speaking of great love for your fellow man.

1 Corinthians 13:1-4 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." "And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." "And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." "Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,"

1 Corinthians 13:8 "Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away."

What I see in this is, if what you are doing is being done for the wrong reason, even if it is a good deed, it will do you no good. God is more interested in why you are doing something than how much you do. Your heart must be in it to please God.

Romans 12:17 "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."

Recompense in this instance means to repay. We could see in this that God does not want us to get even for the things people have done to us. God wants us to turn the other cheek when we have been dealt a blow on one side.

Matthew 5:39 "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."

1 Thessalonians 5:15 "See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among ourselves, and to all [men]."

We also see that the Old Testament law of an "eye for an eye", "tooth for a tooth" was never intended to be applied by individuals in the Old or New Testaments, but it was a standard for the collective society to use to enforce good conduct among people.

Christians are to respect what is intrinsically proper and honest. "God" also carries the idea of visibly and obviously having the right behavior when they are around others, especially unbelievers.

Romans 12:18 "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

We see from the Scripture above, that it is not always possible to live in peace with all men. Paul found this to be very true. He was stoned, whipped, and even left for dead when all he was trying to do was good. Sometimes it seems the more good you do, the more you are attacked by your fellow men.

Although we should do everything possible to be at peace with others, it will not always come, because it also depends on others' attitudes and responses.

Jesus is the King of Peace. If we are truly His followers, then we want to have peace as well. There is a peace that we can have and it is a peace in our heart that no one can take away from us.

Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." This is a peace that we have within when in the world around us there is no peace.

Romans 12:19 "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

In (verses 18 and 19), we see that God will take care of those who are abusive to us. We do not have to fight someone who is out to destroy us; God will do it for us. A really simple way to say this, is kill them with kindness.

Romans 12:20 "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head."

Heaping coals of fire on his head refers to an ancient Egyptian custom in which a person who wanted to show public contrition carried a pan of burning coals on his head. The coals represented the burning pain of his shame and guilt. When believers lovingly help their enemies, it should bring shame to such people for their hate and animosity.

This may refer to a sense of shame or remorse engendered when we treat an evildoer kindly. Paul is discussing personal, not national enemies. He is not teaching pacifism.

Proverbs 25:21-22 "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:" "For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee."

This is the very same Scripture we read in Proverbs.

Matthew 5:44-45 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."

These Scriptures here in Matthew are the Lord Jesus speaking because these are printed in red in a red letter Bible. If we are to be like Jesus, then we must love people who do not deserve our love. He loved us while we were yet in sin. He gave His body on the cross for you and me, not because we deserved it, but because He loved us. We must love in spite of, rather than because, to be like Him.

Romans 12:21 "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

Evil is of the devil. Christians are not of the devil, but of Christ. Jesus did not fight back. He submitted Himself to the humiliation of the cross. His goodness was so great that even in His pain on the cross, "He said Father forgive them for they know not what they do". His goodness has lived on for thousands of years.

We must follow His example. In Jesus' own Words, we read how we are to handle those who oppress us in Luke:

Luke 6:27-30. "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you," "Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." "And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not [to take thy] coat also." "Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again."

Romans Chapter 12 Continued Questions

1. In Romans 12:13, we are not to give to the wants, but to the ________.

2. In Acts 9:9 why were they crying for Dorcas?

3. In Galatians 6:10 as we have _____________, let us do good.

4. Bless them which __________ you.

5. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to do what to our enemies?

6. Jesus blessed us when we deserved to be __________.

7. What are we to do when others rejoice?

8. Quote the shortest verse in the Bible.

9. Why was Jesus weeping?

10. What two ladies were very close friends of Jesus?

11. What lesson is taught in 1 Corinthians 12:26?

12. Romans 12:16 says, Be not wise in your own ________.

13. In 1 Peter 3:8, we are told to be what two things?

14. Instead of always wanting someone to help us, what should we be thinking?

15. What is the love chapter in the Bible?

16. What is another word interchangeable for love?

17. God is more interested in _______ than ______.

18. What does recompense mean?

19. Are we to get even for the wrongs done to us, explain?

20. Is it always possible to live in peace?

21. Who is the King of Peace?

22. Where is the peace of God to rule?

23. We find that vengeance is whose?

24. If we are good to our enemies, what happens to them?

25. We are to kill them with what?

26. How can we be the children of our Father in heaven?

27. Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with ____.

28. What showed the great goodness of Jesus on the cross?

29. To be like Jesus, we must love ______ ________ instead of ________ _______.

30. What are we told to do when someone strikes us on the cheek?

Romans Chapter 13

Romans 13:1 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

In this scripture, being subject to a "higher power" comes from a Greek word used of a soldier's absolute obedience to his superior officer. Scripture makes one exception to this command: when obedience to civil authority would require disobedience to God's Word.

Unto the higher powers speaks of every position of civil authority without regard to competence, morality, reasonableness, or any other caveat.

Since God alone is the sovereign ruler of the universe, He has instituted 4 authorities on earth:

1. The government over all citizens;

2. The church over all believers;

3. The parents over all children;

4. The masters over all employees.

God instituted human government to reward good and to restrain sin in an evil, fallen world.

In our society today, authority of every kind is being challenged. It begins in the home. In God's plans, the daddy is the head of the house. Mother should be over the children, as well. Secular humanism has taught our children that they are the center of everything, and because of this, children are rebelling.

In most large schools in our country today, crime is very evident. A few years ago, this was not true, because everyone had respect for the teachers and principal. Even in the military, we saw a breakdown of authority. Many young men burned their draft cards and refused to go to war for their country. No earlier than World War 2 that would have been total disgrace.

These people have been looked on as if they were heroes. We have even lost respect for our government officials. Even employees are telling their boss that they will not do what they are asked to. It seems that the whole world has gone mad.

2 Timothy We can read of all this in 2 Timothy:

1 Peter 2:13-16 "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;" "Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well." "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:" "As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God."

If we question too strongly the person in authority, we need to first stop and think who gave him or her that authority. God gave them the authority, and if we are fighting against them, we are in a sense fighting God.

Romans 13:2 "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation."

Since all government is God ordained, disobedience is rebellion against God.

Titus 3:1 "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"

This is just one more word of caution, that we are not above the law just because we are Christians. The only time it is permissible to disobey authority is when it is in opposition to God's teachings.

Romans 13:3 "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:"

Even the most wicked, godless governments act as a deterrent to crime so that peaceful and law abiding citizens need not fear the authorities. Few governments will harm those who obey their laws.

Proverbs 14:35 "The king's favor [is] toward a wise servant: but his wrath is [against] him that causeth shame."

1 Peter 3:13 "And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?"

Romans 13:4 "For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil."

This is saying that if we have broken the law, we can expect to be punished. If we speed and are caught, we will probably pay a fine. Other sins require other punishment, but you can be sure God has marked it down for later review.

Speaking of the sword symbolizes the government's right to inflict punishment on those who do wrong, especially capital punishment.

In the Old Testament when someone was murdered, the closest relative went out and found the criminal and killed him. Swift justice, wouldn't you say?

Numbers 35:19 "The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him."

Romans 13:5 "Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake."

Christians need to, out of a sense of obligation to God to keep a clear conscience to follow him, not merely obey for the sake of avoiding punishment from the civil authorities.

Acts 24:16 "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men."

2 Corinthians 1:12 "For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward."

You have heard the expression "let your conscience be your guide". If you are a Christian, that is very good advice. The Christian has the laws of God written on the fleshly part of his or her heart. We are guided by what is pleasing unto God.

Psalms 37:31 "The law of his God [is] in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." There will come a time when we will not be taught at all of man, but will be totally taught of God.

Hebrews 10:16 "This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"

We can see from this that the heart of mankind is his conscience.

Romans 13:6 "For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing."

Paying tribute is the same as "paying taxes". Paul uses the term in the broadest possible sense to speak of all kinds of taxes.

That tax was usually a combined income and property tax. Because God ordained human government and demands submission to it, tribute or taxes came into being. The Greek word for taxes referred specifically to taxes paid by individuals, particularly those living in a conquered nation to their foreign rulers, which even makes the taxes more distasteful.

Jesus explicitly taught that taxes are to be paid, even to the pagan Roman government. He set an example by willingly paying the temple tax as we see in Matthew.

Matthew 17:24-27 "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute [money] came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?" "He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?" "Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free." "Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee."

Romans 13:7 "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."

"Render" translates a Greek word that signifies the payment of something which is owed and is not a voluntary "contribution" as seen by the word "due".

We are to show sincere respect and attitude to all public officials, including "tax collectors" from which the government provides for our "safety and protection".

1 Peter 2:17 "Honor all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king."

In our society today, it has become fashionable to disrespect authority of all kinds. A few years ago our mother taught us to respect others. This is the same thing God says in His Word.

Even the world who does not have Jesus should be shown respect, if they are in higher office. It is really respect for the office we are showing. We must remember that a person is in that particular office because God put him there.

In summing up this lesson, we can see the importance of having great respect for God. We must respect Him and trust Him enough that we will also respect the people He has put in authority. Remember if we do not respect those in authority, then we are saying that God was not wise in choosing that person for that job. We must not question or accuse God, He knows best.

Romans Chapter 13 Questions

1. Let every soul be subject to the ______ _______.

2. There is no power but of ___.

3. In God's plan, who is the head of the home?

4. What has taught our children that they are the center of everything?

5. In 2 Timothy chapter 3, this time is called what?

6. Describe the people of this day from 2 Timothy 3.

7. For whom should we submit to those in authority?

8. When we question the authority of someone, who are we really fighting?

9. In Romans 13:2, Whosoever resisteth the power will receive what?

10. In Titus 3:1, who are we reminded to obey?

11. Who are rulers a terror to?

12. Who are they who can harm you, if you are good?

13. If we have broken the law, what can we expect?

14. In numbers 35:19, who shall do the punishing?

15. In Romans 13:5, we are not to obey just because we are afraid of God's wrath, but because of what?

16. Why should a Christian let his or her conscience be their guide?

17. Where is the conscience located?

18. If Jesus did not owe taxes, why did He pay them?

19. Where did they find the money to pay the taxes for Jesus?

20. Render therefore to all their ______.

21. Honor all ________.

22. Love the ______________.

23. Fear _______.

24. Honor the _________.

25. Who first taught us to show respect?

26. When we show respect for the president, what are we really showing respect for?

27. Sum this lesson up by telling how much respect for God we should have.

Romans Chapter 13 Continued

Romans 13:8 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."

In our society today, the number one cause of divorce is debt. Easy credit has caused our young people to over-spend, and then they start blaming each other when they cannot meet their obligations. If we would all practice not owing anyone anything, it would take many of the day to day pressures off, and we could live more peaceful lives. It takes a little longer, but if we save to get something we really want, we will appreciate it more when we do get it.

This scripture is not a prohibition against borrowing money, but Paul is telling us that we need to pay the obligations when they become due.

We are commanded over and over to love each other by God throughout the Scriptures. God set the example of love when He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross for us. God's type of love we can only hope to have. Agape love asks nothing in return. It is the perfect love.

The love that we show is usually conditional. We usually love because of what someone has done for us, not in spite of what they have done to us. When Jesus was asked, what was the most important commandment that God had given us; He replied:

Mark 12:30-31 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment." "And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."

Romans 13:9 "For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

All of the above mentioned sins are against our fellow man. If we love our neighbor as we love ourselves, we will not commit these sins.

To demonstrate that love fulfills the law, Paul cites four of the 10 commandments that deal with human relations and ties them in with an overarching Old Testament command.

Romans 13:10 "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law."

Love and charity are really the same thing in 1 Corinthians. Let us look at a Scripture that perfectly describes love. As you read it think love in your mind every time you see charity.

1 Corinthians 13:8 "Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away."

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity."

Simply put, if we treat others with the same care that we have for ourselves, we will not violate any of God's laws regarding interpersonal relationships.

Romans 13:11 "And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed."

This isn't speaking of a chronological time, but time as in a period or era. Each day we live, our salvation comes nearer. The sleep spoken of here is one of spiritual apathy or indifference or unresponsiveness to the things of God. Therefore, the salvation here is not speaking of our salvation, but our glorification at the time of our death.

When Jesus returns, we will be glorified and that time draws nearer with each passing day. The bible frequently uses the return of Jesus to motivate believers to holy living.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."

We see from (verses 10 and 11), that in these two Scriptures, that whatever we plan to do for God we better get after it. Salvation is for today, because we are not assured of tomorrow. We are warned in Matthew.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 "But this I say, brethren, the time [is] short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;" "And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;" "And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away."

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you." "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."

1 Thessalonians 5:5-8″ Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness." "Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober." "For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night." "But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation."

Romans 13:12 "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light."

To put on the armor of light means the protection that practical righteousness provides. Paul exhorts believers to repent of and forsake their sins.

In this Scripture and the one above in Thessalonians, we see that Christians are not in darkness, we are children of the Light.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." "Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness."

Jesus is the Light and if we are full of Him, then we are full of light, as well.

Romans 13:13 "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying."

Walk honestly by living a life pleasing to God, manifesting in our outward behavior, the inner reality of a redeemed life. The carousing refers to wild parties, sexual orgies, brawls, riots, etc.

Wantonness has to do with all sorts of sins of the body. We can see in these Scriptures that, these sins that are going on are the same sins that brought destruction to the earth in Noah's time and also in Lot's time.

Luke 17:27-28 "They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all." "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;"

Romans 13:14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof]."

Here with this verse we see what summarizes sanctification, the continuing spiritual process in which those who have been saved by faith are transformed into His image and likeness.

The image given here by Paul to us describes the process which is like taking off and putting on clothes which is symbolic of thoughts and behavior.

The phrase "not provision" has the basic meaning of planning ahead or forethought. Most sinful behavior results from wrong ideas and lustful desire we allow to linger in our minds.

Galatians 5:17 "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would".

In all these lessons, I have explained that we are a spirit that dwells in a body of flesh. The soul of man is either controlled by the desires of the flesh [which is sin], or we are controlled by the spirit which desires to do God's will.

Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

We cannot overcome the flesh ourselves, but the Spirit of Christ within us can overcome the flesh. You see, we have no power of our own. It is the power of Christ that overcomes.

Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

5. When they asked Jesus which were the most important commandments what did He answer?

Romans Chapter 14

Romans 14:1 "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations."

We can easily see from this, that just because someone is not a trained Bible scholar is no reason not to fellowship with them. We are warned not to get into arguments with them that might lead to their not believing. The new convert to Christianity should be fed milk and honey for a while, until they are able to understand the deeper things in the Word.

1 Corinthians 3:1 "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ."

1 Corinthians 3:2 "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able."

The mature believer should not sit in judgment on the sincere but underdeveloped thoughts that govern the weak believer's conduct.

The weaker brother may feel he must abstain from certain practices that are in fact not sinful in themselves.

Romans 14:2 "For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs."

The strong believer whose mature faith allows him to exercise his freedom in Christ by eating the inexpensive meat sold at the pagan meat markets. It was inexpensive because a worshiper had first offered it as a sacrifice to a pagan deity.

We know that anything we pray over is clean and may be eaten without fear of condemnation from God. The secret is the prayer, the prayer made it clean for us.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 "For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:" "For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."

The person who is eating herbs is doing it from lack of knowledge. We, who know that it is alright to eat meat, should not make fun of a fellow Christian if he feels it is wrong.

1 Timothy 4:1-3 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" "Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; " "Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth."

Romans 14:3 "Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him."

This tells me that to the fullness of the knowledge that we possess at the time, we should do our best to be pleasing to God.

1 Corinthians 10:29 "Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another [man's] conscience?"

Here, we see the answer to it all. Whatever we do, we must do it with a clear conscience. Again I say, God will not hold you responsible for the things you do not know, if you have made an effort to do what you believe to be pleasing to Him. Why don't we just let God handle His business? We are not anyone's judge, God is. What God does with someone else is not our business.

The strong hold the weak in contempt as legalistic and self- righteous; the weak judge the strong to be irresponsible at best and perhaps depraved.

Romans 14:4 "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand."

How Christ evaluates each believer is what matters, and His judgment does not consider religious tradition or personal preference.

Romans 14:5 "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."

Colossians 2:16 "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:"

These are both interesting Scriptures, in face of the fact that, the Jews celebrate Saturday as their Sabbath, and the Christians celebrate Sunday as the Lord's Day or firstfruits. We are told to be fully persuaded that what we are doing is pleasing to God. We are to celebrate with a clear conscience. Whatever day you esteem, do it as unto the Lord.

The weak Gentile wanted to separate himself from the special days of festivities associated with his former paganism because of its immorality and idolatry.

The mature believers were unaffected by those concerns. Each Christian must follow the dictates of his own conscience in matters not specifically commanded or prohibited in Scripture. Since conscience is a God given mechanism to warn, and responds to the highest standard of moral law in the mind, it is not sensible to train yourself to ignore it. Rather, respond to its compunctions and as you mature, by learning more, your mind will not alert it to those things which are not essential.

Romans 14:6 "He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks."

God is not so interested in the technicality of what day we celebrate as He is in the fact that we have chosen an individual day and set it aside to worship. He wants our heart to be in worshipping Him. We know that Jesus said in Mark:

Mark 2:27 "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:"

You see from this it is not the day that is important, but the fact that we choose to worship God one day a week.

This verse tells us that the strong believer eats whatever he pleases and thanks the Lord. The weak brother eats according to his ceremonial diet and thanks the Lord that he made a sacrifice on His behalf. In either case, the believer thanks the Lord, so the motive is the same. Whether weak or strong, the motive behind a believer's decisions about issues of conscience must be to please the Lord.

Romans 14:7 "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself."

The focus of Christian living is never oneself. Everything we do should be to please our sovereign Lord.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

Romans 14:8 "For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's."

Jesus bought us on the cross with His own precious blood. We are not our own, we belong to Jesus.

You see, if I am a Christian, then Christ lives through me and in me.

Romans 14:9 "For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living."

Christ died not only to free us from sin, but to enslave us to Himself; to establish Himself as Sovereign over the saints in His presence and those still on earth.

John 11:25 "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"

We see from this Scripture that Jesus not only rose from the dead, but because He rose, we have the promise that we will rise also if we believe in Him. Jesus is Lord over everything.

Philippians 2:10 "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;"

You see, there is no limit to His power and rule.

Romans 14:10 "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."

Ecclesiastes 12:14 "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil."

Jesus is the Judge of all the earth. We will stand or fall by whether we are accepted by Him as His sheep, or whether we are among the goats. Jesus sends the sheep to eternal life in heaven with Him. He sends the goats to eternal damnation.

Matthew 25:32-34 "And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats:" "And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left." "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:"

Matthew 25:41 "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:"

According to this verse, every believer will give an account of himself, and the Lord will judge the decisions he made, including those concerning issues of conscience. That verdict is the only one that matters.

Romans Chapter 14 Questions

We are to receive the weak in faith, but not unto what?
In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, why could he not speak to them about spiritual matters?
In Romans 14:2 the weak eats only what?
What makes all food clean for us to eat?
What kind of doctrine does 1 Timothy chapter 4 say it is to practice not eating meat?
What caution is given us in verse 3 of the 14th chapter of Romans?
Who is able to make us stand or fall?
1 Corinthians 10:29 uses what one word that tells us what we must be guided by?
What are we to be fully persuaded of in Romans 14:5?
What day is Sabbath for the Jews?
What is Sunday for the Christian?
The Sabbath was made for _______.
Our body is the temple of what?
I can do all things through______ who strengthens me.
Whether we live or die, we are the ______.
Christ is Lord of both the ________ and the _________.
Jesus called Himself 2 things in John 11:25, what were they?
In Philippians 2:10, Jesus is Lord of what?
Who shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ?
What 2 animals represent those who are bound for heaven and those bound for hell?

Romans Chapter 14 Continued

Romans 14:11 "For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."

Philippians 2:10 "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;"

Isaiah 45:23 "I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear."

We can see again, in these three Scriptures above that, God never changes. He is the same in Isaiah that He is in Romans.

Revelation 1:7 "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."

We must not wait to declare Him our Savior until we can see Him with our physical eyes. We must accept Him by faith, not fact, to be saved.

Romans 14:12 "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

Jesus will judge us one at a time. Whether your mother or dad was saved will not matter. You will stand or fall by the decision you made about what you would do about Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:1 "I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;"

All believers in Christ will stand before His Throne in heaven.

Revelation 7:9 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"

These in white robes are the Christians who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Romans 14:13 "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way."

It does no good at all for us to try to judge another, because we are not the Judge, Jesus is. We are told to judge not, lest ye be judged and, also, with whatever judgment we judge another we will be judged. We find a very good Scripture covering this in (James 4:11).

James 4:11 "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge."

The Greek word translated "judge" is here translated "determine". (In verses 3, 10 and 13a), the meaning is negative: to condemn. (In 13b), the meaning is positive: to determine or make a careful decision.

The point of Paul's play on words is that instead of passing judgment on their brothers, they should use their best judgment to help fellow believers. Anything a believer does, even though Scripture may permit it, that causes another to fall into sin by his going against his conscience, puts a stumbling block in his brother's way.

Romans 14:14 "I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean."

We see here another illustration of the sin taking place in the heart and conscience. If we believe something to be sin and go ahead and do it anyway, then regardless of what it is, it is sin to us.

Titus 1:15 "Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."

Again, this is a very good example that the sin takes place when we do something although feeling in our heart that it is displeasing to God. God judges the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

"Unclean": The Greek word originally meant "common" but came to mean "impure" or "evil". If a believer is convinced a certain behavior is sin, even if his assessment is wrong, he should never do it. If he does, he will violate his conscience, experience guilt and perhaps be driven back into deeper legalism instead of moving toward freedom.

Romans 14:15 "But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died."

1 Corinthians 8:11-12 "And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?" "But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ."

Paul tells just how important it is not to lead our weak brothers and sisters astray.

1 Corinthians 8:13: "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."

This is some very good advice from Paul. We must not let our liberty in the Lord cause us to encourage someone else to go against their conscience.

Love will ensure that the strong Christian is sensitive and understanding of his brother's weaknesses.

Romans 14:16 "Let not then your good be evil spoken of:"

The stronger brother might destroy his testimony. The stronger brother says his liberty comes from God, but the weaker brother says it comes from Satan. True spirituality is not shown in the manifestation of liberty, but in the manifestation of the Spirit. True liberty may be shown by refraining from the exercise of one's liberty. The stronger brother might disrupt the peace of the body, so he should forego his liberty in the interest of peace in the assembly.

Romans 14:17: "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

1 Corinthians 8:8 "But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse."

Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"

What all three of these Scriptures are saying is that the abundance of the things God has entrusted to us do not make us right with Him. The blessings that count are the gifts of the Spirit that He entrusts us with.

"Joy in the Holy Ghost": Another part of the Spirit's fruit. This describes an abiding attitude of praise and thanksgiving regardless of circumstances, which flows from one's confidence in God's sovereignty.

Romans 14:18 "For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men."

James 2:18-20 "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"

God expects us to use the gifts of the Spirit that He gives us. The power of the Holy Spirit is given for a reason. The reason is to make us more effective workers for God. It is explained perfectly (in Acts 1:8):

Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

"Approved of men": Christians are under the microscope of a skeptical world that is assessing how they live with and treat each other.

Romans 14:19 "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

Edify means confirming or building. In other words, instead of tearing someone down, build them up.

Romans 14:20 "For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence."

We touched on this earlier, but will just say again that if the man thinks it is sin to eat whatever this is, then it is indeed sin for him. He would be sinning against his own conscience.

"That man who eateth with offence", is speaking of the man who eats and gives offense. He is the one who uses his God given liberties carelessly and selfishly, offending his weaker brother.

Romans 14:21 "[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."

We see here again, that whatever it takes to set a good example before our weaker brothers and sisters in Christ is what we should do. If they think it is sin to eat something, then in their presence we should not eat it either. Just because they would feel we were sinning and if they end up eating, we are causing them to sin.

Romans 14:22 "Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth."

Paul urges the strong believer to understand his liberty, enjoy it, and keep it between God and himself. The strong believer maintains a healthy conscience because he does not give a weak believer a cause to stumble.

Romans 14:23 "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin."

This has to do with more than just food. Everything we do must be done through faith.

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Abraham's faith was counted unto him as righteousness. This is true for us, as well.

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

The strongest Christian can bring harm to himself in Christian liberty by denouncing or belittling the freedom God has given him. Or by carelessly flaunting his liberty without regard for how that might affect others.

When the weak brother violates his conscience, he sins as "whatsoever is not of faith", meaning the thoughts and actions that his conscience condemns (which may be perfectly acceptable by God in others). Meaning that one person may eat whatever is blessed and it is not considered a sin. Whereas a weaker brother considers it wrong, therefore violating his conscience thus commiting sin.

Romans Chapter 14 Continued Questions

1. Who will bow to Jesus?

2. In Isaiah, who has God sworn by?

3. When Jesus returns to the earth, who will see Him?

4. Is it safe to wait for the second coming of Christ to be saved?

5. Who do each of us give an account to?

6. Will it help your condition with God, if your parents are saved?

7. Jesus shall judge the _______ and the ______ at His appearing.

8. Who are these dressed in white robes standing around the throne?

9. What has made their robes white?

10. In Romans 14:13, we are cautioned against doing what to our brother?

11. Who is the Judge of all the world?

12. When we speak evil of our brother, we are actually speaking evil of what?

13. What is unclean to us?

14. Where does a person's sin take place?

15. What does Titus 1:15 mean?

16. Describe the Word of God from Hebrews 4:12.

17. Why is our brother offended in 1 Cor. 8:13?

18. We are to stay honest not only in God's sight, but in whose sight?

19. What is another short way of saying the same thing as verse 18?

20. What one word describes the way others view Christians?

21. The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but what?

22. The fruit of the Spirit is what?

23. What does James 2:18 say about faith?

24. Faith without works is ______.

25. Romans 14:19 says, follow after what?

26. What does edify mean?

27. Romans 14:22 says have faith where?

28. Whatsoever is not of faith is _____.

29. Without what it is impossible to please God?

30. He that cometh to God must believe that ______ ______.

Romans Chapter 15

Romans 15:1 "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."

We know that to whom much knowledge of the Word is given, much is required.

1 Thessalonians 5:14: "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]."

Another Scripture we need to look at is Luke 12:

Luke 12:48 "But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." You see, God holds us responsible for what we know. The shepherds that God has placed over the flock, God requires to bring His message to the sheep.

The strong are not to simply tolerate the weaknesses of their weaker brothers; they are to help the weak shoulder their burdens by showing loving and practical consideration for them.

Romans 15:2 "Let every one of us please [his] neighbor for [his] good to edification."

"Edification" means to build up and strengthen. This is essentially the same appeal that Paul made previously, only with the added qualification of self-sacrifice.

We see scriptures by Paul about how He tried to win people to Christ by meeting them on their ground.

1 Corinthians 9:19-22 "For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more." "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;" "To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law." "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some."

Romans 15:3 "For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me."

When Jesus was facing death of His body on the cross, He asked for the cup to pass from Him. His very next statement was "not my will but thine Father". Jesus submitted His will to the Father.

Psalms 40:8 "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart."

This really, is the desire of true Christians; to do the will of God.

"Reproaches" is referring to slander, false accusations, and insults. Men hate God and they manifested that same hatred toward the One He sent to reveal Himself.

John 8:29 "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."

Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

Christians presently live under the New Covenant and are not under the authority of the Old Covenant. God's moral law has never changed and all Scripture is of spiritual benefit.

The things written aforetime is a reference to that which was written in the Old Testament.

Galatians 3:24-25 "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." "But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster."

We know that faith comes by hearing and the hearing must be the word of God. Our hope comes from knowing the word of God. We have said before that the power is in the spoken and written Word of God.

Without the clear and certain promises of the Word of God, the believer has no basis for hope.

Romans 15:5 "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:"

It is very important that we Christians be in one accord. We are all part of the family of God and will live in heaven together. We need to learn to live peaceably here with each other.

Romans 12:18: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

"Consolation" in the Scripture above means "comfort". In the upper room on the day of Pentecost, they were in one accord. This pleased God and the Holy Ghost fell with power from on high. The unity that God wants us to have is unity of the Spirit.

Despite differing views on non-essential issues, Paul urges the strong and the weak to pursue loving spiritual harmony in regard to matters on which the Bible is silent.

Romans 15:6 "That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Our unity should be both real and apparent. But the consummate purpose of unity is not to please other believers but to glorify God.

Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:"

We must all agree to the fact that Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord is also the Resurrection and our Life. Our praises to the Father should go up continually for giving His only begotten Son that we might be saved.

1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"

Romans 15:7 "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."

If the sinless perfect Son of God was willing to bring sinners into God's family, how much more should those who have been forgiven be willing to warmly embrace and accept each other despite their disagreements over issue of conscience?

Romans 15:8 "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers:"

Jesus came first to the physical house of Israel. The promises here mentioned are the ones made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We know also, that all believers in Christ are heirs of the promises to Abraham.

Galatians 3:29: "And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Jesus says He was sent to the house of Israel.

Matthew 15:24 "But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

In verses 9-12, it shows God's plan has always been to bring Jew and Gentile alike into His kingdom and to soften the prejudice of Christian Jews against their Gentile brothers. Paul quotes from the Law, the Prophets and twice from the Psalms, all the recognized divisions of the Old Testament proving God's plan from their own Scripture.

Romans 15:9 "And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."

There were two promises of this very thing in the Old Testament, because God extended His grace and mercy to a people outside the covenant as it was written.

2 Samuel 22:50 "Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name."

Psalms 18:49 "Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name."

We Gentile believers have much to glorify God for.

Galatians 3:14 "That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."

Acts 15:7 "And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe."

Romans 15:10 "And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people."

Deut. 32:43 "Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people."

There is a physical house of Israel and a spiritual house of Israel. Gentiles are of the spiritual house that has been grafted into the tree of life. We are now Israel just like the natural Jew, by adoption into the family of God.

Romans 15:11 "And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people."

Psalms 117:1 "O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people."

We know that this could not be just the Jews, because "nations" is plural. The physical house of Israel is just one nation. God inhabits the praises of His people. We should praise Him, because He has brought us life.

1 Corinthians 15:45 "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit."

Jesus Christ (the second Adam), brought us life when He quickened our spirit.

Romans 15:12 "And again, Isaiah saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust."

"Root of Jesse" is a way of referring to Jesus as the descendant of David, and thus of David's father Jesse.

Isaiah 11:1 "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:"

Isaiah 11:10 "And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious."

This promise of the Branch is promising that Jesus will come to save all of us.

Jeremiah 16:19 "O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit."

The plan of God from the beginning of the earth was to make the way open for salvation to whosoever will.

Romans 15:13 "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

God is the source of eternal hope, life and salvation, and He is the object of hope for every believer.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace," "Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."

The believer's hope comes through the scripture which was written and is applied to every believing heart by the Holy Spirit.

John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."

God expects us to believe and He will do the rest.

Romans Chapter 15 Questions

Who should bear the infirmities of the weak?
Who does God require much of?
Who are we to warn?
He that knew not and committed sin will receive what punishment?
Romans 15:2 says, to please whom?
What did Paul do so that he might win some to Christ?
When Jesus was facing the cross, whose will did He submit His will to?
We through patience and comfort of what might have hope?
The law was our _____________ to bring us to Christ.
We are justified by what?
How does faith come?
We Christians are all part of what family?
How are we to live with all men that we read in Romans 12:18?
What is the unity that God wants us to have?
What is Jesus, besides our Savior and Lord?
How do we do things for God?
Jesus Christ was a minister of the ____________.
What 3 patriarchs were these promises made to?
Who are heirs of the promise through Abraham?
The blessings of Abraham came to the Gentiles through whom?
What is the great hope?
Who is the Branch spoken of in Isaiah 11:1?
Romans 15:13 says, we abound in hope through what power?
What are we told not to let our heart do in John 14:1?

Romans Chapter 15 Continued

Romans 15:14 "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."

"Admonish": meaning to encourage, warn or advise. This is a comprehensive term for preaching and personal counseling. Every believer is responsible to encourage and strengthen other believers with God's Word and is divinely equipped to do so.

Colossians 1:9-10 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;" "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"

"Goodness" means high moral character. The believers in Rome hated evil and loved righteousness, attitudes their lives clearly displayed.

"Knowledge" refers to deep intimate knowledge indicating that the Roman believers were doctrinally sound, illustrating the fact that truth and virtue are inseparable.

All Christians should pray for each other and share the knowledge that God has revealed to each of them.

Romans 15:15 "Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,"

Paul is saying that his call to the Gentiles was by the grace of God, not because of any special thing he did. Paul was really not called to the physical house of Israel, but to the heathen.

Galatians 2:9 "And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision."

We are to assume from this that Paul and Barnabas were called to bring the gospel message to the heathen and Peter, James, and John were to minister to the natural house of Israel.

In spite of their spiritual strength, these Christians needed to be reminded of truths they already knew but could easily neglect or even forget.

Romans 15:16 "That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."

We know at first the Jews would not believe that God had sent the message to the Gentiles.

Acts 10:45 "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"

After the Holy Ghost came upon the Gentile, as well as those of the circumcision, then they could not deny that God had accepted them as well. The word sanctified means set aside for God's purpose. We can see the call of Paul in the 26th chapter of Acts. He was specifically called to the Gentiles as you can plainly see in the next few verses. We will pick up right after Jesus has encountered Paul on the road to Damascus.

Acts 26:15-18 "And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest." "But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;" "Delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee," "To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."

Having referred to himself as a minister, a word with priestly overtones, Paul explains that his priestly ministry is to present to God an offering of a multitude of Gentile converts.

Romans 15:17 "I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God."

Paul is saying in this Scripture that his glory is in Jesus. In the 11th chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul goes to great extremes to show the suffering he has gone through for Christ. He is quick to say that the only glory he has, or we have, is in Christ.

Paul never boasted of his accomplishments as an apostle, but only in what Christ had accomplished through him.

Romans 15:18 "For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,"

1 Corinthians 3:6-8 "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." "So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." "Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor." ""For we are laborer's together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building."

Paul is saying above, and these verses here also, that all who labor for God are doing it in the power and might that God has provided us with.

We may preach and minister to someone for years and never see that person come to Christ. Someone else whom God has sent may put the final piece of the message together for that person and they may accept Christ.

It is not always the one who plants the seed that brings in the crop. The rewards will all be given out in heaven anyway.

Romans 15:19 "Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."

When Jesus sent the disciples out two by two, He said these signs shall follow them.

Mark 16:17-18 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;" "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

We know that these miracles are not done in the flesh, but are gifts of the Spirit of God. God used them to authenticate true preaching and teaching.

Paul explains that his ministry was accompanied with these very signs and wonders. He quickly explains that they are not by his great ability, but through the power of the Spirit of God.

Notice that in Paul's ministry, it was not just one of these gifts that manifested itself, but many. The Scripture above says that, believers can receive several gifts. We must pray and ask God to give us the gifts that will help in our ministering.

Illyricum is a region that roughly corresponds to the former European country of Yugoslavia. From Jerusalem to Illyricum was a span of some 1400 miles.

Romans 15:20 "Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:"

Paul is saying in this that he went out as a missionary to areas where Christ had not yet been preached. His goal was to reach those who had never heard the gospel which is the primary function of a New Testament evangelist.

He planted the first seed of Christianity in many of these places. He is saying that he is not building upon the work that Jesus has already started, but went about starting new churches where there were no churches.

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 "For we are laborer's together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building." "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon." "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Romans 15:21 "But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand."

Again here, Paul is saying that the people he went to, had no other disciples bringing them the salvation message. These you might say had been heathen people. Paul tried his best to bring this message to his Jewish brothers, but they rejected his message. Of course, there were exceptions to that, but as a whole, they did not receive him.

The Gentiles were the ones who received Paul and his message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many churches, like the church at Philippi, owe their beginning to Paul's teaching.

"It is written" (is a quote from Isaiah 52:15). That Old Testament quotation refers primarily to Christ's second coming, but in its broader application it refers to the process of evangelism that began in Paul's day and continues throughout church history until Christ returns.

Romans Chapter 15 Continued Questions

In Romans 15:14, Paul said they were filled with what?
What does admonish mean?
In Colossians 1:9, Paul says he has what desire for them?
How were they to be pleasing unto God?
When we receive some morsel of truth from God, what are we to do with it?
Paul says [I am what I am] by what?
Paul's call to the Gentiles was by what?
Who was Paul called to minister to?
What 3 men did Paul say seemed to be pillars?
Who was called to the circumcision?
How were the Gentiles to be sanctified?
What were those of the circumcision so surprised at that happened to the Gentiles?
What does sanctified mean?
In what chapter of Acts do we see the call of Paul to the ministry?
The message of Paul to the Gentiles was to _____ their eyes.
In Romans 15:17, how did Paul glory?
What chapter of 1 Corinthians tells of the hardships that Paul went through?
Paul says he planted, Apollos watered, and who gave the increase?
How do all the laborers of God do the work that God has called them to do?
Where will the rewards be given out?
Through mighty _______ and __________, by the power of the Spirit of God, Paul preached.
What signs followed those who Jesus sent out to minister?
What are some of the gifts we receive through the Spirit of God?
Is it possible to receive more than one gift of the Spirit?
Where did Paul preach?
What does Paul call himself in 1 Corinthians 3:10?
What is the only foundation acceptable to build upon?
Who were the people who received Paul's message that he started churches for?

Romans Chapter 15 Second Continued

Romans 15:22 "For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you."

In the last lesson, we saw where Paul was sent to the Gentiles. He went on 3 missionary journeys and established churches in the name of Jesus Christ. These areas were not areas where Jesus had ministered while He was on the earth. We know that Paul faced all sorts of dangers to make these journeys. On the way to the Romans, he was even shipwrecked.

The Scripture above that says he was hindered is an understatement. The hindrances were very great, but Paul's determination was greater.

1 Thessalonians 2:18 "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."

Every person trying to bring the message of God can say with Paul that Satan hindered them.

Romans 15:23-24 "But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;" "Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your [company]."

We will see that Paul planned to go to Rome years before it became a reality. Paul's father was a Roman, and it was Paul's desire to bring the gospel to them.

1 Corinthians 16:5-7 "Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia." "And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go." "For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit."

This last verse says it all. Paul just like us must say "if the Lord permit".

Careful and sensible planning does not demonstrate a lack of trust in God's providence. But plans must always be subject to the Lord's control and alteration, just as Paul's were.

The city in Spain being referred to here is Tarshish. Paul hoped the church at Rome would supply him with an escort and supplies to make the journey to Spain.

Romans 15:25 "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints."

Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem one more time on his way to Rome. He will make one more futile effort to reach his brothers (Jews).

Paul will endanger his life in this effort. He will be under arrest the rest of his life. When he finally arrives in Rome, much of his ministry will be from his home where he is under house arrest.

Romans 15:26: "For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem."

Paul ministered in Macedonia and Achaia during his first and second missionary journeys. The Greek word for "contribution" carries the basic idea of sharing and is usually translated "fellowship" or "communion." The context indicates that here it is the sharing of a financial gift to help support the poor in Jerusalem.

Romans 15:27 "It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things."

We see here, that they really do appreciate all of the hardships that these saints at Jerusalem have gone through to send them the word of God. We know that many of these saints gave up everything they had to follow Jesus. It is only fair that they should live of the gifts given to the ministry.

1 Corinthians 9:11 "If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?"

The "things" were gospel truths first preached to the Gentile believers by the Jewish apostles, prophets, teachers and evangelists.

You can see that they brought the salvation message unselfishly to these people at cost of their livelihoods. The spiritual gift is far greater than the carnal. They are happy to send gifts in appreciation to them.

Romans 15:28 "When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain."

Paul is explaining to the Romans why he is going by Jerusalem before he comes to Rome. We all know that this is just one of the reasons. Paul wants to try to win his Jewish brothers to Christianity.

The financial gift or "fruit" is the gift for the Jerusalem church; the fruit of their genuine love and gratitude.

Romans 15:29 "And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ."

Paul is saying that God will be with him as he brings the gospel message to Rome. God wants Paul to take the message to Rome.

Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:"

This fullness of the Godhead includes Father, Word, and Holy Ghost. It is as if Paul is saying they are all in the gospel message, and they truly are.

Romans 15:30 "Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in [your] prayers to God for me;"

The phrase "love of the Spirit" appears only here in Scripture and refers to Paul's love for the Holy Spirit, not the Spirit's love for him.

We see a simple request from Paul here. He just says pray for me. It is such a shame that he would even have to ask.

Your pastor needs your prayers. In our society today, it seems the pastor is ridiculed from all sides and few think to pray for him. Paul explains here that their prayers for him should not be just because they love him, but for the sake of all Christianity.

If the enemy can stop the pastor of a church, he can usually destroy that church. In the next Scripture, you can see why you need to pray for the preacher.

2 Corinthians 4:5: "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake."

Romans 15:31 "That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea; and that my service which [I have] for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"

Paul wanted the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem to receive the financial gift from the Gentiles with loving gratitude, recognizing it as a gesture of brotherly love and kindness.

It seems that Paul knew there would be opposition in Jerusalem. Paul knew that there were those who desired to see him destroyed, but he went anyway. This is the desire of every preacher, then and now.

"Lord, deliver me from those who will not accept my message that you have sent me with, and Lord help those chosen ones you have sent me to believe".

2 Thessalonians 3:2 "And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all [men] have not faith."

Many Jews in Judea rejected the gospel and were prepared to attack Paul when he returned. Aware of the trouble that awaited him, he wanted the Roman Christians to pray for his deliverance only so he could complete the ministry the Lord had given him.

Their prayers were answered in that he met with success in Jerusalem and was delivered from death, but not imprisonment.

Romans 15:32 "That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed."

Paul was seeking a place where his message from God could be received in peace. Paul, like many ministers in our day, is having a hard time finding that place of refreshing. The true desire of every minister who has ever brought the word of God in truth is that their people they ministered to would remain strong in the faith.

1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 "Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:" "For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord."

Paul eventually found the joy and rest he was looking for.

Romans 15:33 "Now the God of peace [be] with you all. Amen."

Who is this God of peace? His name is Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the King of Peace. If He be with you, you have eternal life within you. This Scripture in Matthew in Jesus' own Words promises all believers His presence.

Matthew 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen."

Just as God is our hope; He is also the source of true peace.

Romans Chapter 15 Second Continued Questions

1. Who did God send Paul to minister to?

2. How many missionary journeys did Paul make?

3. What hazard did Paul face on his way to Rome?

4. In 1 Thessalonians 2:18, who hindered Paul's coming to minister?

5. Why did Paul desire to go to Rome to minister?

6. What wise statement did Paul make that we all must make also, in 1 Corinthians 16:7?

7. In Romans 15:25 Paul says, he is going to Jerusalem to minister to whom?

8. Who had the people of Macedonia sent a contribution to?

9. Much of Paul's ministry in Rome was done from where?

10. Let us not be weary in _______ ________.

11. Let us do good to all men as we have ____________.

12. In what city was the persecution of the believers the worst?

13. If they have received spiritual blessings, they should give of their _________ things.

14. When Paul comes to them, he will come in the _______ of the blessings of the gospel.

15. The fullness of the Godhead includes whom?

16. In Romans 15:30, Paul says for them to pray for him for whose sake?

17. Why should everyone pray for their preacher?

18. Who did Paul ask to be delivered from?

19. In 2 Thessalonians 3:2 deliver us from what 2 kinds of men?

20. Paul was seeking peace, where would he find it?

21. Who is the King of Peace?

22. If the King of Peace be with you, what do you possess?

Romans Chapter 16

Romans 16:1 "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:"

Phoebe means bright and radiant, which fits Paul's brief description of her personality and Christian character.

"Servant": This is one passage used in support of the office of deaconess. No specific specifications however are given of such an office. Such women are better viewed as being either the wives of deacons, or godly widows who were supported financially by the church. Here it is best to understand Phoebe's role to be that of "helper."

In the early church, women servants cared for sick believers, the poor, strangers and those in prison. They instructed the women and children.

Whether Phoebe had an official title or not, she had the great responsibility of delivering this letter to the Roman church.

Cenchrea is the little town east of Corinth from which Paul wrote Romans.

Romans 16:2 "That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succorer of many, and of myself also."

Succorer means a patron. In many of Paul's writings, such as this, we see that many women ministered with him. Paul calls her his sister; she is not his sister in the flesh, but in the ministry.

Notice that Paul says to help her in her business. In the first verse, he had told us that her business was as servant in the church. We see from this that, Paul is saying to help her in her ministry. She had been a great help to Paul, as well as others. Notice in this next Scripture in Jesus' own words what He feels toward these workers:

Matthew 10:40 "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." You see when you receive a servant of God (male or female) you are, in fact, receiving the God that sent them.

Romans 16:3 "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:"

We know that these two had befriended Paul before. In fact, Paul lived with them and worked as a tentmaker while he ministered.

Acts 18:2-3 "And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them." "And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers."

These two had been fellow workers with Paul on several occasions.

Romans 16:4 'Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles."

Here we see Paul giving a glowing report on the sincerity of these two who had helped him. Paul says that they even put themselves in danger to save him.

They had probably risked their lives for Paul at Corinth or Ephesus, but the details are not known.

John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Romans 16:5 "Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ."

Here, we see a mention of the church which was in their house.

1 Corinthians 16:19 "The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house."

The next Scripture will show that they brought the word in all truth to those who would hear.

Acts 18:26 "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."

It seems that Epaenetus was the first one saved under Paul's ministry in Achaia. It would be a natural thing for Paul to inquire of his convert.

Acts 18:27 "And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:"

We see for certain that Paul ministered in Achaia from this scripture. "Achaia": Located in Asia Minor or modern Turkey.

1 Corinthians 16:15 "I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)" This Scripture shows the good fruits of the church that Paul started in Achaia.

Romans 16:6 "Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us."

It is difficult to know for sure which Mary this is, since there were so many with this name who were followers of Jesus. This just shows again here that many women helped with Paul's ministry.

The context of this scripture suggests this Mary probably worked to the point of exhaustion, ministering in the church at Rome since its founding and been mentioned to Paul by others, possibly Priscilla and Aquila.

Romans 16:7 "Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."

Very little is written in the Bible about Andronicus. A history book states that he became bishop of Pannonia. His name means man-conquering. He and Junia seemed to be blood relations of Paul.

"Note among the apostles", just means they were well known to the apostles. The New Testament knows only the 12 apostles plus Matthias and Paul. The office of apostle was not extended beyond this number. Andronicus and Junia (a woman), are not apostles.

Their ministry with Paul, and perhaps with Peter and some of the other apostles in Jerusalem before Paul was converted, was well known and appreciated by the apostles.

Romans 16:8 "Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord."

We know nothing more of this person who was a Christian at Rome, except that Paul particularly loved him or her.

Amplias was a common name among the emperor's household slaves at that time; he may have been one of those in "Caesar's household".

Romans 16:9 "Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved."

"Urbane" means "polite" or "of the city".

Stachys is said by historians (not the Bible), to have been bishop of Byzantium. Tradition also, has him to be one of the 70 disciples. This is an uncommon Greek name meaning "ear of corn." He was obviously close to Paul, but the details are not known for sure.

Romans 16:10 "Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' [household]."

Just the fact that Apelles was approved of Christ tells us that he was probably one of the 70 sent out to minister by Jesus. Some historians believe he was the bishop at Smyrna.

Aristobulus is another that is only mentioned here in the Bible, but seems to have been in the early converts to Christianity. His name means counselor.

Since his household is mentioned, probably some in his house received the Lord as Savior.

As Paul does not greet him personally, some think he was probably not a believer.

Historians say that he was a brother to Barnabas. One noted biblical scholar believers that he was the brother of Herod Agrippa I and the grandson of Herod the Great.

Romans 16:11 "Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the [household] of Narcissus, which are in the Lord."

"Herodion": Related to the Herod family and so perhaps associated with the household of Aristobulus.

"My kinsman" meaning he may have been one of Paul's Jewish relatives.

Narcissus: Some scholars believe that this was the Emperor Claudius' secretary. If so, two households within the palace had Christians in them.

Romans 16:12 "Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord."

Tryphena and Tryphosa are not mentioned anywhere else. All we know is that they worked for the Lord. The only thing we know about Persis is that this woman was a laborer for the Lord. Possibly twin sisters, who names mean "delicate and dainty".

Persis seems to be named after her native Persia since her work is spoken of in the past tense, she was probably older that the other two women in this verse.

Romans 16:13 "Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine."

Biblical scholars generally agree that he was one of the sons of Simon of Cyrene, the man enlisted to carry Jesus' cross and was likely saved through that contact with Christ. Mark wrote his gospel in Rome, possibly after the letter to Rome was written and circulated. Paul would not have mentioned Rufus if that name were not well known to the church in Rome.

"Chosen in the Lord", meaning he was elected to salvation. This indicates he was widely known as an extraordinary believer because of his great love and service.

Rufus was not Paul's natural brother. Rather Rufus' mother, the wife of Simon of Cyrene, at some time had cared for Paul during his ministry travels.

Romans 16:14-15 "Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them." "Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them."

The only thing we know about Asyncritus is that the name means "incomparable".

Phlegon means "burning". Historians say he was one of the original 70 disciples of Christ.

Hermas is celebrated as a saint on May 9th by the Romans. Hermas means "mercury".

Patrobas means "life of his father". Little else is known of any of these Christians that Paul sent greetings to.

Philologus means "fond of talk".

There were many Julias at this time, and no one knows for sure which one she is.

Nothing more is known of Nereus or Olympas.

Romans 16:16 "Salute one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you."

We notice here that this kiss was to be a holy kiss. This was not a passionate kiss, but a friendly kiss. Paul is explaining how the church must be together in Christ. We will list four of the Scriptures that speak of this greeting with a holy kiss.

1 Corinthians 16:20 "All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with a holy kiss."

2 Corinthians 13:12 "Greet one another with a holy kiss."

1 Thessalonians 5:26 "Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss."

1 Peter 5:14 "Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen."

Kissing of friends on the forehead, cheek or beard was common in the Old Testament. The Jews in the New Testament church carried on the practice, and it became especially precious to new believers because of the spiritual kinship it signified, as they were often outcasts from their own families because of their faith.

Romans Chapter 16 Questions

1. Phebe was a servant at the church where?

2. What business that Paul mentioned, was she probably involved in?

3. Succorer means what?

4. When a minister of God, male or female, is received who are they really receiving?

5. How did Paul know Priscilla and Aquila?

6. How do we know that they were strong in the Lord?

7. Just how far had Priscilla and Aquila gone to protect Paul?

8. Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his ____ for his friends.

9. Who was the firstfruits of Achaia?

10. What good addiction is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:15?

11. What does Andronicus mean?

12. What does Urbane mean?

13. What statement shows us that Apelles was one of the original 70 disciples?

14. Who is a blood relative of Paul in verse 11?

15. What makes it appear that Rufus was Paul's brother?

16. What does Phlegon mean?

17. Who is celebrated as a saint by the Romans on May 9th?

18. What does Hermas mean?

19. What does Patrobas mean?

20. How does Paul tell them to greet the Christians?

Romans Chapter 16 Continued

Romans 16:17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

This is speaking of doctrinal falsehood and unrighteous practices.

Galatians 1:7-9 "Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." "As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

We can see from this Scripture, that Paul says not to fellowship with those who would cause divisions in the church. We are not to accept any other doctrine than that which has been established in our church.

Romans 16:18 "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

Anyone who mars the unity or harmony of the local church does not serve the Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of his claim. He puts his interest above the welfare and interest of the local church.

Some are driven by self-interest and self-gratification, often seen in their pretentious, extravagant and immoral lifestyles.

Proverbs 14:15 "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going."

We see in this that some simple people believe whatever is said to them. The simple will fall for anything. Be wise, don't listen to gossip and be sure to test the spirits.

Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

Romans 16:19 "For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil."

1 Kings 3:9 "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?"

It takes great understanding to be able to run a church.

1 Corinthians 14:20 "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."

This is the way to keep from being deceived by a talebearer.

Ephesians 1:15-17 "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints," "Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;" "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:"

Do not listen to talebearers, but check out all things with the word of God.

Romans 16:20 "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen."

This prayer of Paul's is the same one preachers should pray for their people. Satan is out to destroy the church. We have no power over Satan, but the name of Jesus has power over him, and we have been authorized to use Jesus' name. Since the third chapter of Genesis, we have been enemies of Satan.

Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."

Hebrews 2:14-15 "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;" "And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

Shall bruise Satan under your feet "Shortly": The underlying imagery is found (in Gen. 3:15). In freeing themselves from those who were causing division and marring the unity of the church, they would be experiencing what Jesus will ultimately experience when He finally defeats Satan for all eternity.

Romans 16:21 "Timothy my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you."

Timothy, is so close to Paul that Paul calls him his son. He is not his son in the flesh, but in the spirit.

Acts 13:1 "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simian that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul."

We see here the connection between Paul (Saul), and Lucius. Lucius was a native of Cyrene, one of the prophets and teachers in Antioch who participated in Paul and Barnabas' commissioning.

Acts 13:1 "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away."

Jason means "healing". He was from Thessalonica and was one of the first converts there. He evidently let Paul stay in his home for a short time before Paul and Silas were sent to Berea.

Sosipater means "saved of his father". He was a Berean who joined other believers in meeting Paul at Troas after the apostle left Ephesus.

Romans 16:22 "I Tertius, who wrote [this] epistle, salute you in the Lord."

This does not mean that he was the author of this letter. He was Paul's secretary, who wrote this letter as Paul dictated it, who inserts a personal greeting.

Romans 16:23 "Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother."

Gaius was a Macedonian who went with Paul on some of his ministering journeys. He was a convert at Corinth. His full name was most likely "Gaius Titius Justus. He was arrested in Ephesus.

This Erastus was from Corinth and was probably the city treasurer (chamberlain). His name means "beloved". Erastus went to Ephesus with Paul and was sent by Paul with Timothy to Macedonia. His usual place to live was Corinth and was there when Paul wrote this.

Quartus may have been a physical brother of Erastus, but more likely just the final brother in Christ listed here. Quartus means a "fourth".

Romans 16:24 "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen."

This is a benediction used by many churches even today. This is about the best blessing that could be spoken on you.

Many manuscripts omit this verse. It is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts of Romans which is understandable in view of the longer, more explicit benediction that follows.

Verses 25-27: This letter concludes with a beautiful doxology that praises God for His work through Jesus Christ and thereby summarizes the major themes in Romans.

Romans 16:25 "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,"

Preaching of Jesus Christ was synonymous with the gospel; it was Paul's supreme life commitment. The "mystery" refers to something hidden in former times but now made known.

Colossians 1:26-27 "[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:" "To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"

In the Old Testament, the veil was covering the things of God. Jesus opened the way for us to the Father when He died on the cross. It is as if He removed the scales from our eyes, and the Holy Spirit of God has revealed to us the salvation story. We could hear it all day long, but until the Holy Spirit reveals the meaning we are without understanding. Praise God Jesus sent the comforter who is our teacher and guide, as well.

Romans 16:26 "But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"

God had told Israel that He would not only call her to righteousness, but appoint her as a light (of the gospel), to the nations.

Manifest means to render "apparent". Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

Luke 24:44-47 "And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me." "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures," "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:" "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."

Jesus spoke in parables when He taught so that the world would not understand. We see in the Scriptures above that He had to open our understanding for us to understand.

Romans 16:27 "To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

Psalms 147:5 "Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: his understanding [is] infinite."

This just about says it all. God is Wisdom. He is Power. He is Infinite.

It was through the Father that the gospel was ultimately revealed; therefore, He deserves all the credit, praise and worship.

Romans Chapter 16 Continued Questions

Paul said mark them who do what 2 things and avoid them?
Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let them be _________.
Romans 16:18, says that people who do this do not serve Jesus, but their own ______.
By what 2 things are the simple deceived?
The simple believeth every word, but the ________ looketh well to his going.
What are we warned to beware of in Matthew 7:15?
I would have you wise unto that which is ________.
Give thy servant an understanding heart to ______the _______.
In 1 Corinthians 14:20 we are told not to be children in what?
Do not listen to talebearers, but check all things by what?
Who shall bruise Satan for us?
We have no power over Satan ourselves, but what can we use to help us fight him?
What is the first place in the Bible that tells us that Satan is our enemy?
Who defeated Satan?
Who is this Timothy in Romans 16:21?
What does Jason mean?
What does Sosipater mean?
What is probably intended by the statement of Tertius?
What area was Gaius from?
What office did Erastus hold in his city?
Quartus means what?
What is the mystery among the Gentiles in Colossians 1:27?
Who has God given the believers who is our teacher and guide?
What does manifest mean?
How does faith come?
Why did Jesus teach in parables?
Great is our Lord and of great power; his understanding is ________.

Romans 1	Romans 7	Romans 13
Romans 2	Romans 8	Romans 14
Romans 3	Romans 9	Romans 15
Romans 4	Romans 10	Romans 16
Romans 5	Romans 11
Romans 6	Romans 12