Welcome to this basic study and teaching guide. The guide is suitable for personal study – simply by reading the outline and the lessons with your Bible open to Romans.

The guide is especially suited for using in adult study groups as an instructor’s guide. This is not an advanced study, but it should prove enriching for both young adults and adults in general. The first four lessons also contain a Student Guide which may be distributed to students prior to the study of the respective lessons. Instructors who enjoy using student guides are encouraged to develop their own guides for additional lessons in the series. These first guides are prototypes only.

With the exception of the first lesson, the remaining ones follow a similar format which begins with headers such as Text, Lesson Goal, Lesson Overview, and Additional Materials and Resources (as needed.)

The first lesson deviates from that format. It is designed to be distributed in advance of the class in order to provide a source for discussion as the book is introduced.

Please note that the actual outline of Romans supplied separately from the text does not correspond exactly with the outlines in the respective lessons. This is because most lessons are outlined according to shorter time constraints. The lesson outlines and general outline will correspond exactly in the final edit.

Please keep in mind that there is no actual text for Lesson 1 – only the Student Guide which is intended, when possible, to be distributed earlier for use on the first day of class.

This material may be copied and altered at the instructor’s will without permission except that this specific paragraph must be included in any reproduction. No one may copy or alter these materials with the specific intent of altering a major doctrinal statement or position reflected in this material. All other comments and illustrations may be altered at will. If the paper is altered significantly, the co-author’s name(s) should be included in the distribution. This author reserves the right to restrict future copying and reproduction in later edits. Corrections, criticisms, and suggestions are gratefully welcomed. This author reserves the right to include any contributions in future editions. Copyright 2007. James P. Steel, Center For Biblical Ministries. Contact: BibleTrainer@CenterForBiblicalMinistries.com

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 1

STUDENT GUIDE INSERT FOR DISTRIBUTION BEFORE TEACHING LESSON 1

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Your student study guide is designed to help you help your teacher. When you take the time to read the scriptures, answer the questions, and read the extra reference materials which we provide you will be a blessing to your instructor and fellow class members. And just as importantly - you will grow in your own knowledge of the Word of God.

A Brief Note about this Study

The questions in this guide are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. This author likes the KJV (sometimes referred to as the AV, or Authorized Version) because he believes it is translated from the best collection of manuscripts, not because he believes that God has preserved the KJV in some supernatural way.

Some questions have only one answer. Other questions leave room for our opinion. A few questions are private in nature and are for your own consideration only. We will never intentionally embarrass you in class. If you are not comfortable answering questions, try answering simple ones which require one word answers. That will prepare you to answer more difficult ones later.

Notice this sample question:

1.1 (Matthew 18:19,20) Please explain in your own words the command which our Lord gave to His disciples. Do you think it applies to us today?

Please notice three things about this question. 1.)The above question is numbered 1.1 because it is the first question in the first lesson. 2.) When a scripture reference is placed ahead of the question we assume you will look up the reference before answering the question. 3.) Many times a question will require more than one answer. It is good to re-read your question to make sure you have answered every part.

Finally, you may see some abbreviations. For our purposes, cf. means "refer to", ff means "and the material following." and cxt. means "look at the context."

May God bless you as you study God's Word with us!

Introduction to the Epistle to the Romans

(For distribution before the first session, if possible.)

1.1 (2 Tim 2:15, 2 Tim 3:16 ) Why should you study the book of Romans?

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1.2 (1 John 2:27, John 16:13) According to some church traditions, lay persons should not study the Word of God because the Bible can be easily misunderstood. What does the Bible teach concerning this?

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1.3 (Rom 1:1) According to the first word of Romans, who was the human author who wrote the book? Why do we say he was the human author?

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Paul's given name was Saul. His Christian name was Paul.

1.4 (Acts 8:1 cxt.) Under what circumstances do we first encounter Saul ?

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1.5 Before Saul's conversion, the Bible says, he was intensely religious. He was zealous for God and a great defender of the faith of his fathers - but he was wrong. If a man like Saul could be wrong, how can you be sure that you are right in what you believe?

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1.6 (Acts 9:1 ff) What were the circumstances surrounding Saul's conversion? What evidences can you find in this passage that his conversion was genuine? What evidence of conversion should we expect to find in the lives of folks who claim they have been converted in our day?

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1.7 (1 John 5:13) Are you absolutely certain that you have eternal life? On what are you basing your hope of salvation?

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The Apostle Paul had been a missionary and church planter for about 25 years by the time that he wrote this letter to the Romans. Paul was probably saved around the year 33 and wrote his letter to the Christians at Rome around 57.

The apostle Paul eventually went as a Roman prisoner to Rome to meet the very persons to whom he wrote this letter. The map on the following page sketches his journey to Rome. Please locate a map in the back of your study Bible and try to locate (and memorize) the following places: Jerusalem, Antioch, Tarsus, and Rome. Be sure to note their locations carefully, because you will need to use this information.

=> Accountability Suggestion! <=

Please make an effort to read the entire book of Romans - or listen to it on tape - as soon as possible. Try to avoid stopping for detail. Instead, try to get a broad overview of the whole book.

If you do not have time to read the whole book this week, consider reading the following passages:

MONDAY: Begin with 1:1 and get as close as you can to chapter 3:20 before stopping. In a few words, try to summarize what Paul is saying.

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TUESDAY: Begin with 3:21 and get as close to 5:21 as you can before stopping. In a few words, try to summarize what Paul is saying.

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WEDNESDAY: Begin with 6:1 and get as close to 8:39 as you can before stopping. In a few words, try to summarize what Paul is saying.

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THURSDAY: Begin with 9:1 and get as close to 11:36 as you can before stopping. In a few words, try to summarize what Paul is saying.

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FRIDAY: Begin with 12:1 and get as close to 16:27 as you can before stopping. In a few words, try to summarize what Paul is saying.

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FOR USE IN CLASS WHILE STUDYING LESSON 1

What are the two major divisions of the Bible?

What are the five major divisions of the New Testament?

1.______________________________

2.______________________________

3. ______________________________

4. ______________________________

5._______________________________

When it comes to the doctrine of salvation, the three richest books in the New Testament are Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews. Each of these books are related to the words "The just shall live by faith."

Fill in the words which belong below these book titles:

Romans Galatians Hebrews

______________ _______________ ______________

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 2 – 1:1-5

For use in preparation for Lesson 2 - Dear Friends in Christ.

Lesson Text:

Romans 1:1-5

Lesson Goal:

To lay the foundation for our study in Romans by gaining a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ really is and how we should respond to that knowledge.

Lesson Overview:

1. Who is this Paul? (the servant, the separated, the apostle)

2. Who is this Jesus? (He is the Son of God, His name is Jesus, His title is Christ, He is Lord)

Additional Materials or Resources Needed:

There is a prototype student guide included at the end of this lesson. If possible, please distribute it in order to assist your students with some advanced preparation.

Today's Lesson:

"Surfing on the Internet" has become a pastime for thousands of home computer users who happily talk with other computer users and groups of users around the world. Many times, these "surfers" use false identities when they begin communicating with others. Some do this so that they can act sinfully or deceive others. Other's hide their identities simply to protect themselves and avoid being "followed home." When it comes to our Christian faith, there should never be an effort to hide our true identities. Christians do not need to play games with masquerades. In these first seven verses of Romans we find straightforward answers about who Paul was and who Jesus Christ was. There is to be no mistaking - this is no false apostle - and no false Christ!

1. The Writer Identified 1:1 - Who is this Paul?

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

a. Paul - the man. His name was Paul. [The Student Guide indicates who Paul was, and what his name meant - try not to spend more than a minute or two reviewing who Paul, the man was. What did Saul mean? What did Paul mean? When was Paul converted?]

b. Paul - the servant.

The term servant, as it is generally used in the New Testament, is in reference to the bondslave. The bondslave was a freed slave who chose to indenture himself to his master out of love. A true servant does the will of his master. He is characterized by humility. He loves his master, he is obedient to his master, he is proud of his master and loyal to him.

The greatest servant who ever lived was the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our example of servanthood. Paul instructed the Philippians:

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

True servanthood is exemplified in a spirit. It is the mind of Christ - it was the spirit He exemplified in His ministry. It is the spirit of humility - Vs. 7a. True servanthood expresses itself in action - Christ became obedient unto death. The servant of Christ does what others will not do. He places the needs of others above his own. He also knows, that servanthood is a select tool for evangelism. Paul said ""...I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more." (1 Cor. 9:19b).

When was the last time some other person exemplified the servanthood of Christ to you? When was the last time you served someone else? Why not take time out of today's class to plan a conspiracy - a conspiracy to serve someone this week?

b. Paul - the apostle. Paul saw himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. He also saw himself as an apostle. The word apostle means "sent one." It can be used in a general sense (Acts 14:14), but in almost all biblical instances, it refers specifically to the disciples who were specially selected by Christ to be the first missionaries to the Jews and the Gentiles and the first leaders of the church. Apostles had special authority from the Lord and were given freedom to work special signs and wonders, (2 Cor 12:12). Unfortunately, because Paul was called by Christ after the ascension of Christ, (or perhaps because Mathias should not have been selected to replace Judas) Paul's apostleship was challenged - sometimes by the very ones he led to Christ. It became necessary for Paul to defend and assert his apostleship.

Note: Paul was both a servant and an apostle. Sometimes folks get humility and authority confused. Although Paul was a humble servant of Christ, he spoke and taught with great authority - just as the Lord Jesus Christ exercised both humility and the authority which his Father had given him. Christians are not apostles in the sense that Paul was an apostle, but we have been given authority to preach the gospel of Christ. (Matt. 28:18-20) and we should always do so with great boldness!

c. Paul - the separated. Paul announced that he had been ". . . separated unto the gospel of God." Why do you suppose Paul chose to announce that he had been separated unto the gospel?

In the Jewish age of the Law, God instituted a system of worship which was administered, not by apostles, but by priests and Levites. These priests and Levites were separated out from the rest of the people to their holy task. (Lev. 22:2).

Note: Separation, in the Bible, always speaks of separating from something to something. For example, we do not simply separate ourselves from sin. That would leave a vacuum, and soon we would be in worse condition than when we started. Instead, we separate ourselves from sin unto God. (1 Thessalonians 1:9). It is not enough to resolve that you are going to turn away from a sin in your life. You must replace it - with obedience to God.

So, we have seen that the Old Testament priests and Levites (and nazarites, Num. 6:2) separated themselves unto God. The Pharisees (the sect in which Paul shared lifetime membership) were also proud of their separation. In fact, the word Pharisee means separated. Pharisees were separated unto the law. As a Pharisee, Paul had been separated unto the law of Moses.

Ah, but now, Paul has been separated unto the gospel of God. By using this phrase, every Jew who read these words would know instinctively, what Paul meant.

Of course the word gospel is most important. This word which means glad tidings or good news can indicate several things. [Refer to Student Guide and ask for four ways in which the word gospel is used in the New Testament.] In general, when Paul speaks of the gospel, the gospel of the grace of God, the gospel of God, the gospel of Christ, or my gospel, Paul is referring to the plan of salvation. The good news is that Jesus Christ came and was crucified and raised again from the dead according to the scriptures, so that all may have eternal life.(1 Cor 15:1-4) The terms, gospel of the kingdom, and the everlasting gospel carry different meanings.

Note: Even though the gospel is called by many synonyms, it is simple enough for the youngest child to understand. If you have not made the decision to receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour, do not put it off. You do not need to have all of your problems settled and all of your questions answered. Simply come to Christ as a lost sinner who needs forgiveness. Place your hope in what Jesus Christ did for you - instead of what you are trying to do for Him.

Please notice, in verse 2, that this gospel is a scriptural gospel. By that we mean that God promised it in Old Testament times. He described it. He told of the coming day when Messiah (Jesus Christ) would provide this gospel for us.

2. The Subject Identified – Who is Jesus?

When Paul wrote: "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord," he spoke tomes. Four important facts concerning Jesus Christ are revealed:

a. He is the Son of God

Jesus Christ is called God's son in verse 3. In verse 4 we read that he was ". . declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead."

There is a general sense in which we can say that all of God's created beings are His sons (even angels) - simply because he created them. (Job 1:6, Gen. 6:2). The Bible also uses the term sons of God to contrast believers with unbelievers - (Romans 8:14). In this sense, unbelievers are neither the children nor the sons of God. But there is another important sense in which the term son of God was used. If you will read passages such as Daniel 3:25, Matthew 4:6, 8:29, 14:33, 16:16; Mark 15:39, Luke 1:35, John 1:34, 3:16-18; and many other passages you will see that the Old Testament believers, the demons, the disciples, and the Lord Jesus all knew and taught that there was A son of God who was THE son of God - a unique Person to whom this title alone belonged. This was, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Jews knew that, to claim to be the Son of God was to claim to be equal (one and the same) with God Himself. That is why they hated Christ. That is why they crucified Christ. The Bible says:

John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

John 19: 7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

The mistake which cultists make. Many cultists miss this point. They reject the deity of Christ (the fact that Jesus Christ is God) - saying that Jesus never claimed to be God. Not only did Jesus claim to be God, but he was crucified because of that claim. Every Jew knew that to claim to be the Son of God was to claim to be God. It is true that the Bible clearly states that Jesus Christ is God - both in the Old Testaments and the New Testament. (See Hebrews 1:8 for an example). It is true that Jesus exercised the privileges which could only belong to God (for example, He accepted worship.) But, it is also true - if you really want to understand the biblical arguments for Christ's deity - you must understand that they are rooted in his title: Son of God!

The mistake which some Christians make. Because some Christians do not understand the close link between the sonship of Christ and the deity of Christ they are prone to make other mistakes concerning Christ. For example, one well known Bible teacher has mistakenly led thousands of Christians to believe that Jesus Christ was NOT the Son of God before He came to earth! They teach that this is an earthly title and that, whatever His name was in eternity - it was NOT the Son of God. One verse which they use to argue this point is found right here - verse 4 - You will want to read it carefully.

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

A careless reading of this verse could lead some to teach that:

1. Jesus Christ was given the title Son of God at His resurrection.

2. The Holy Spirit gave Him this title at the resurrection.

Both statements are incorrect. We know that Christ already had this title. The angel said that He would be called the Son of God. The Father said, at his baptism, "this is my beloved Son." (Matt 3:17.) Jesus called Himself the Son of God. (John 11:4). So we see that Jesus already had this title and that the Holy Spirit is nowhere seen giving it to him.

What IS Paul saying in verse 4? Paul is explaining that the official proof the legal declaration that Jesus Christ is not an imposter, but truly the son of God can be found in His resurrection. Notice that the word spirit is NOT capitalized in your Bible! Paul is not referring here to the Holy Spirit. Paul is referring to Jesus' own spirit. If Jesus had had ANY SIN - even one "speck of sin" - He could NOT have been raised from the dead! He had to be absolutely sinless! absolutely holy! (. . the wages of sin is death - Rom 3:23). Absolute PROOF that Jesus is the Son of God - lies in His resurrection!

Consider the cultist's dilemma. He insists that Jesus Christ is not God. If He is not God - if He is just a man - he could not have been holy. He must have sinned. The Bible says that every child of Adam has sinned. Only God has not sinned. Jesus could have only been God.

But, wasn't Jesus Christ also a man?

b. His name is Jesus.

The name Jesus means Saviour. We say that Jesus was the human or the earthly name of Christ. We don't sing of baby Christ in the manger, we sing of baby Jesus. The Bible not only says that Jesus was the son of God, He was also son of Man. Why was it necessary for God to become man? It was necessary for Christ to do this in order to bear our sins. It was also necessary for Christ to do this in order to encourage us. He was tested in all points, just as men are tested. He suffered, thirsted, wept, and rejoiced as man with men. He was Immanuel - God with us!

Note: When we speak about the fact that Jesus Christ is completely man and completely God at the same time (the hypostatic union) we are approaching a truth which is impossible for us to fully understand and explain. The Bible says "..the Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotton of the father." We do not need to understand this wonder - we only need to marvel at it!

c. His title is Christ

Christ was His Kingly or messianic title. By using it He laid claim to all of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming messiah who would save Israel - from her sins and from her enemies. In order to be the messiah, He had to meet some biblical requirements. One of these was that He must be "...of the seed of David."

d. He is Lord.

If Jesus Christ is all that Paul has said He is in these verses - it stands to reason that He has the right to rule us. He has absolute authority.

3. The Gospel Identified 1:2-6

(Student Guide below)

4. The Recipients Identified 1:7

(Student Guide below)

STUDENT GUIDE INSERT FOR DISTRIBUTION BEFORE TEACHING LESSON 2

This lesson focuses on Romans 1:1-7

2.1 Please read Romans 1:1-7 and list as many names as you can find.

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2.2 Using verses 1-7 only please list at least three things you know about the human author.

a. ____________________________________________

b. ____________________________________________

c. ____________________________________________

Paul was named Saul by his parents. It could be that his parents chose this name because Saul was of the tribe of Benjamin, just as Paul was. Saul was the son of Kish, the first king of Israel. The Hebrew word for Saul means "desired." He was placed in office because the Israelites desired to have a king rule over them just as the nations around them had. The word for Paul, on the other hand, means "little, or small." Where Saul was a man of great stature (1 Sam 9:2) outwardly - he was a "small" man inwardly. Paul, on the other hand, was not much to look at outwardly, but God humbled him, and made him a great man inwardly. God cannot use any of us until we become small enough for Him to use us.

=> And they were all with one….concordance! <=

Have you ever used a good concordance? Every home needs a good Strongs or Youngs concordance.

1. Look up the word servant and find out how many times it appears in the Bible.

2. Try to find its meaning:

If you do not have a concordance or cannot find help using one, your instructor will be able to show you how to use one in class.

2.3 Using verses 1-7 only please list at least three things you know about Jesus Christ.

a. _________________________________________________________

b. _________________________________________________________

c. _________________________________________________________

2.4 The apostle Paul took great pride in calling himself the servant of Jesus Christ. Did any other apostles take on this title? Do you think Christians today should take on this title and sign their letters this way?

=> An advance challenge for students who desire to dig a little deeper. <=

The Bible prophesied that we would be able to recognize the Messiah because He would come as a servant. Where, in the scriptures is this prophesied, and how does the Bible say we will be able to recognize this Servant?

2.5 In verse 1 Paul explains that God called him, and separated him unto the gospel of God. What do you think Paul meant by that comment?

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2.6 The word gospel is from the Greek word euaggelion {yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on}. Essentially, the word means glad tidings or good news. The word gospel can have several meanings in our Bible and it is actually expressed in four different ways.

a. Matthew 4:23 speaks of the ________________ of _______________________________. This gospel is the good news that Messiah will fulfill the Old Testament promises to Israel. Israel will yet have a Throne, a King, and all of her land. This gospel was proclaimed by Christ before He was rejected and will be proclaimed again in the Tribulation period (a time of great wrath yet to come). See Matthew 24:14.

b. The gospel which Paul speaks of here in Romans is not the gospel of the kingdom. According to Acts 20:24, Paul preached the __________ ____ ______ _____________ of God.

c. In Galatians 1:6, Paul warns us that some will bring ___________ gospel which is not really a gospel. Any time men add or take away from the simple gospel of God's grace they are preaching another gospel. There are many today who are teaching false gospels - gospels which require certain terms or conditions - such as requiring the Lord's table, or baptism, or speaking in tongues as steps to salvation.

d. Finally, Revelation 14:6 speaks of _________________ gospel which will be preached to earth dwellers at the very end of the Tribulation period, just before God judges men. This is neither the gospel of the kingdom nor the gospel of grace. Rather, it is a proclamation of the coming judgment.

Even though it may sound strange when we first think about it - even this proclamation of God's coming judgment will be glad tidings. It will be good news to the Jews, because it will signal the end of their terrible troubles, and it is good news to all of God's people because God's justice will finally be restored in the earth.

2.7 Paul uses other synonyms to describe this wonderful gospel of grace. Sometimes, he just calls it the gospel. Sometimes he calls it the gospel of Christ. In Romans 2:16 and in Romans 16:25 Paul uses an especially precious term. He calls the gospel _____ __________.

This gospel is of no value to us unless we make it our gospel. Have you received Christ?

=> For My Heart…. Are you planning the trip or just coming along for the ride? <=

Consider these suggestions as we begin our journey into Romans. . .

· Seek to get to know God in a more intimate way.

· Try to take a positive mindset toward Bible doctrine. Determine that you are going to be able to explain and defend the truths which you hold dear - as a result of studying Romans.

· Expand your horizons. Start using your concordance or find an additional commentary you can read along with your study of Romans. Harry Ironside and J. Vernon McGee are good starters

· Ask the instructor for ideas about more advanced materials.

· Keep a journal of your study - taking special care to list questions which need to be answered. Ask these questions in class or call your teacher or the pastor on the phone.

· Determine that, by God's grace, you are going to get a good grip on Romans!

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 3 – 1:8-17

For use in preparation for Lesson 3 - Paul's Burning Prayer and Desire

Lesson Text:

Romans 1:8-17

Lesson Goal:

To encourage the student to begin to understand the heart and passion of the apostle Paul as he begins to lead these Romans into the riches of Christ. To observe Paul's ministry skills as he seeks to minister to a church he had never visited.

Lesson Overview:

We have been studying Paul's introductory remarks:

1. Preliminary remarks 1-15

a. The Writer Identified 1:1

b. The Gospel Identified 1:2-6

c. The Recipients Identified 1:7

Today's lesson adds a fourth ingredient:

d. Paul's Intentions Clarified 8:1-15

TODAY’S LESSON IS DESIGNED DIFFERENTLY. It is in simple outline form. One option is to follow the outline along with the students, asking the students to comment on the verses, based on the outline. Example: Why does the author use the entry “healthy hearts,” and why does he speak of Paul the participant and Paul the praiser? What can we learn and apply from this?

Another option is simply to lecture from the outline. It is very intuitive and needs little explanation.

Additional Materials or Resources Needed:

There is a prototype Student Guide included at the end of this lesson. If possible, please distribute it in order to assist your students with some advanced preparation.

You may also need a concordance handy because several of the questions in this Student Guide are concordance dependent.

Highlights From Our Last Study:

In our last class we asked - Who is this Paul? And, Who is this Jesus? We explained the terms servant, separated, and apostle as they related to Paul, and we explained the terms, Son of God, Jesus, Christ, and Lord as they related to Jesus. We covered verses 1-5 only in class.

NOTE 1: Verses 6 and 7 were covered in the Student Guide only - where heavy emphasis was placed on the words, beloved, called, and saints. Please review the importance of understanding the difference of our position and our practice, (or, our standing and our state). Do not fail to do this. It is fundamental to understanding all of the letters of Paul.

NOTE 2: Question 3.2 in the Student Guide is designed to encourage thought and deliberation. While statements b and c are both correct, statement c is the best answer because it best fits in with the terminology yet to come in Romans where Paul is contrasting obedience to the law with obedience to the gospel.

Today's Outline For Discussion:

5. Paul's Intentions Clarified 1:8-15

a. Healthy Hearts 8

1.) Paul the Participant

2.) Paul the Praise

b. Wholesome Prayers 9

1.) It is good to pray.

2.) It is good to focus your prayers on others.

3.) It is good to tell others that you are praying for them.

4.) It is good to mean it when we say we pray for others.

5.) It is good to pray fervently and without ceasing.

6.) It is good, when praying, to ask for specific things.

7.) It is good to seek the will of God in our prayers.

c. Hindered Plans 11-13

1.) Spiritual People Involve Plans - 10

2.) Spiritual Plans Involve People - 11,12, 13b

a.) The Plan Expressed - "I long to see you"

b.) The Motives Impressed

1. He wanted to care - 1: 11 (It was an unselfish ministry)

a. the goal . . . to impart a gift

b. the end . . . to establish the believer

2. He wanted to share - 1: 12 (It was a reciprocal ministry)

a. the danger of receiving and not giving

b. the danger of giving and not receiving

3. He wanted to bear - 1: 13 (It was Paul's divine obsession)

3.) Spiritual People and their Plans operate with God's

Permission 13

a.) Present duties may hinder future plans.

b.) Plans may be hindered by physical obstacles and illness.

c.) Our plans may be hindered by Satan himself.

d.) Our plans may be hindered by the Holy Spirit.

d. Heavy Debts 14

1.) I am debtor 14

a.) What is owed?

b.) Who owes the debt?

c.) Why is the obligation placed upon us?

1 The Judgment Seat of Christ constrains us.

2 The plight of the lost constrains us.

3 The beauty of the gospel constrains us.

4 The love of Christ constrains us.

d.) To whom do we owe?

e.) Are we ready to pay our debts?

2. I am ready 15

a.) Paul was ready

1 See his intensity - "As much as is in me"

2 See his spontaneity - "I am ready "

3 See his priority - "To preach the gospel"

4 See his consistency - "To you . . . also"

b.) Are we ready?

1 There must be spiritual fire in our bones

2 Our Elders must lead us through open doors

c.) I am not ashamed (1: 16)

B. The "Big Statement of Romans” 1:16-17

1. Paul's Pride Declared

2. Paul's Pride Defended

a. He is proud because of what it is

1. It is the gospel - glad tidings of good news.

2. It is the gospel of God - not our gospel.

b. He is proud because of what it does

1. It produces salvation

a.) Salvation from the guilt of sin

b.) Salvation from the power of sin

c.) Salvation from the pollution of sin

d.) Salvation from the penalty of sin

2. It is energized by God

a.) It is the power of God with respect to its personality

b.) It is the power of God with respect to its authority

c.) It is the power of God with respect to its durability

d.) It is the power of God with respect to its capability

e.) It is the power of God with respect to its integrity

c. He is proud because of who it reaches

a.) This gospel is available to the Jews

b.) This gospel is available to you.

STUDENT GUIDE INSERT FOR DISTRIBUTION BEFORE TEACHING LESSON 3

Lesson Three focuses on Romans 1:5-17

In our last study we asked two questions - Who is this Paul? and Who is this Jesus? We saw Paul, the servant, the separated, and Paul the apostle. Concerning Jesus we said, He is the Son of God, His given name is Jesus, His title is Christ, and He is Lord.

3.1 Looking at Romans 1:5 only please answer the following questions - based upon this verse.

a. What did Paul perceive his task to be? ____________________

_____________________________________________________.

b. How far did his responsibilities extend? ___________________

_____________________________________________________.

c. What tools were given to him to complete his task? _________

_____________________________________________________.

3.2 The term "obedience to the faith." literally means "the obedience of faith." In your opinion, which of these statements best conveys the meaning of the phrase "the obedience of faith." a, b, or c?

a. Paul was telling us we must obey God before He gives us the power to exercise true saving faith

b. Paul was telling us that true saving faith always produces obedience in the life.

c. Paul was saying that faith in the gospel (rather trying to please God with our works) is the true obedience which God desires.

Can you support your answer with scripture? __________________________________.

?? Have you obeyed the gospel??

=> Who Are These Romans? <=

In verse 6 Paul reminds these Roman believers about a very precious truth - “Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:"

Paul says they were also called, just as he had already explained that he was called in verse 1. The Greek word for called is kletos (pronounced klay-tos). It has close associations with other New Testament words commonly used by Paul. Just for drills, circle the English words listed below which you think might be related to the word called:

call, calling, elect, election, church, chosen, vocation

If you circled all of these words you are correct! The church of Jesus Christ (called out ones) is made up of God's elect (His called ones) through God's determinative act of election. The Bible says that we have been chosen in Him before the foundation of the world.

Later, in Romans, we will grapple with some of the issues surrounding this idea of being called, or elected by God. But, before we grapple with those issues, we need to just sit back and enjoy this wonderful truth - we did not choose God - He chose us! He looked beyond our sin - and drew us to Himself!

3.3 Skip ahead to Romans 11:29 and explain in your own words what you think Paul was teaching about our call: ___________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________.

So, the first thing we learn about these Romans is that they were called of God - called to salvation and called to service!

3.4 In verse 7 Paul uses two more words to describe these believers. What are they? __________________________________ __________________ ___________________.

If you are "in love" with someone or you have been married, the chances are very good that you and your loved one have picked up a special name or two which you use only for each other. In our home, for example, you will hear the words honey and sweetheart thrown around quite a bit. I would never call my neighbor sweetheart, because that is a term I have reserved for my wife.

God has reserved some special words for the ones whom He has called. One of the most precious is found right here in verse 7 - "beloved." It comes from the Greek word agape and it means "loved of God." You've probably seen a T shirt which says "Somebody loves me in Seattle" - We have a special friend - in heaven - who loves us dearly. It may have been a while since an earthly friend said he loved you - but, be assured, God does!

3.5 Do you think we emphasize the love of God enough in our church services in our fellowship? _________________________________.

3.6 Can you think of any positive (not general) steps we could take in order to better express our love to each other? ______________________

______________________________________________________

3.7 Paul told these believers they were saints. Using your concordance, look up the word saint and try to find its meaning. If you can, locate some words which are similar to saint.

On the matter of our position and our practice….

Where Do You Stand?

Look again, very carefully, at verse 7, concentrating on the phrase "called to be saints." If you are looking in the KJV you should notice that the words "to be" are in italics. This means that they do not occur in the original language. They were added by the translators. In this case, the words to be should not be there! You see, when one received Christ as Saviour, it is because he has been called by God to salvation, and the Bible teaches us that every Christian is already a saint - right here and now! If you know Christ, you are a saint. That is your standing in Christ.

Why is This So Important?

Salvation is God reaching down to man, not man reaching up to God. The world's religions all say "Do good, and be blessed." God says, "Be blessed, and do good!" God says that when we are saved we are placed into Jesus Christ. God sees us in Christ - with His righteousness, not our own! In fact, God sees us as being seated with Christ at this very moment - in heaven! (Eph 2:6). Everything which has to do with our Christian walk starts in heaven. As you read Paul's epistles you will discover that Paul always presents the scriptures in this order - first, he tells us who we are in Christ, and then he applies that truth to our lives. If we are saints who are in Christ, we should set our affections on things above, not on the earth! (Col. 3:1)

Are You Walking With Your Clothes on Backwards?

If you are always trying to be a better Christian - you may be reversing the order! You may be thinking that your practice down here can affect your position up there! That kind of thinking always leads to failure! Instead, remember your position! You are a saint - already! And then, try to make your practice match your position. It really works! Christians are never called to be saints...Christians are called saints!

REMEMBER THIS IMPORTANT TRUTH: Our position can affect our practice, but our practice can never affect our position!

=> An advance challenge for students who desire to dig a little deeper. <=

Given: The church at Rome was not planted by Paul. In fact, when Paul wrote this letter he had not yet been to Rome.