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.

Given: The last chapter of Romans includes many expressions of love and affection for members of the church at Rome.

Given: The early church circulated two versions of Romans - one which excluded Paul's personal greetings and one which included all 16 chapters.

Question: Did Paul write those personal notes at the end of Romans, or were they the work of someone else?

Need help finding an answer? Ask the instructor where to look.

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 4 – 1:18-32

For use in preparation for Lesson 4 - God's Righteousness Versus Gentile Guilt

Lesson Text:

Romans 1:18-32

Lesson Goal:

To shed light on the utter sinfulness of sin and to remind ourselves of God's anger against sin.

Lesson Overview:

A. The Reason for Gentile Guilt

1. Sin Expressed

a. Knowledge Suppressed 1:18-20

b. Knowledge Rejected 1:21-23

c. Knowledge Perverted 1:24 - 32

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.

Highlights from our Last Study:

In our last lesson we focused on the ministry of Paul himself. We saw his love for those to whom he ministered, his own spiritual desires and plans, and a grand and glorious statement of the gospel. It is that "big statement" in verses 16 and 17 of Romans which form the basis for the whole book. Paul is now beginning a process of describing just exactly what that gospel is and why it is needed.

In chapters 1 - 3 the whole world is declared guilty before God

Today's Lesson:

Today's lesson begins the first in a series of charges which will level the whole world before God. Paul's first target - the pagan Gentiles. Later, Paul will bring in the self righteous Gentiles and the Jews.

Introduction: The issue has always been the same. It has never changed. The issue has always been the issue of knowledge - knowledge in general, and the knowledge of God in particular. That was the issue in Eden - "hath God said?" And that is the issue now. Truth and lie in continual combat. That is the issue of the verses in front of us.

Before we study Romans 1:18- 32 we need to read it one more time. As you read the verses over, challenge your students to take a pen and jot down each reference and phrase which has to do with the words knowledge, truth, wise or understanding. Included in your list should be some of the following:

18 - "who hold the truth in unrighteousness.."

19 - "because that which may be known of God is manifest.."

20 - "being understood by the things that are made.."

21 - "Because, when they knew God.."

22 - "professing themselves to be wise.."

25 - "who exchanged the truth of God"

28 - "..retain God in their knowledge"

31 - "without understanding"

32 - "who knowing the judgment of God"

a. Knowledge Suppressed 1:18-20

We all know that sin is disobedience - lack of conformity to the holy character of God. But Romans enhances and expands our understanding of how sin works. We know that Adam's race was infected, that we all sin and that our pride is at the root of it. But how did sin "play out" in the human race? How does it work in our lives on a day to day basis. The Bible says that it is in the contest between truth and lie. It is a contest over knowledge.

The Charge Expressed

When Paul made his great propositional statement of Romans, he spoke of the righteousness of God being revealed. Someone may well ask - so what? Why do we need the righteousness of God anyway? The answer is found in the verse in front of us - because the wrath of God has been revealed against all unrighteousness and ungodliness.

Note: The word "wrath" is from the Greek orge {or-gay'} [Strong's 3709] and is used as follows in the AV - wrath 31x, anger 3x, vengeance 1x, indignation 1x; for a total of 36 times.

While we often associate the Old Testament with the wrath of God and the New Testament with the grace of God, nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact the actual term "wrath of God" occurs once in the O.T. and 10 more times in the N.T!

God's wrath.

1. God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men...

God is not partial or selective - God does not let "little sins" pass.

2.. His wrath is revealed against them because they hold the truth in unrighteousness.

The idea behind the word "hold" - is suppression - holding back - retaining.

The charge is the charge of concealing evidence, holding back the facts.

No one is more guilty of this than the modern scoffer. You may wish to have your class examine 2 Peter 3:3-10 in depth, listing some of the things about which the scoffers are willingly ignorant.

The knowledge of God.

1. What knowledge, in particular is being suppressed? The answer is in verse 19 and it is very important: "...that which may be known of God." It is the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD which is being suppressed. This is the ultimate issue.

Flowchart: Card: Keep these absolutes in mind:

a. God is truth.
b. All wrong thinking is wrong thinking about God. No matter how small the error, you can be sure it can be traced back to a wrong conception of God.
c. All wrong thinking results in wrong behavior. No exceptions! The issue is now, and has always been - the knowledge of God!

2. Where is the knowledge of God being suppressed?

a. Vs. 19 The knowledge which is in them is being suppressed. "..that which may be known of God is manifest in them.."

b.Vs. 20 The knowledge which is around them is being suppressed. "The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, even his eternal power and godhead."

The evidence for the existence of God is within us (it is innate) and it is around us (it is observable). It must be consciously denied. The question remains why is it in our natures to deny the knowledge of God?

b. Knowledge Rejected 1:21-23

Verses 21-23 place special attention on the heart and the mind - the mental rejection. The important thing to notice is that the path of regression is a path of retrogression (to retrogress means to fall backward, to slip to an inferior condition). It appears as though there are seven steps in this process:

1.) They knew God. They knew him as creature to creator. They knew him in their heads, but not in their hearts.

2.) They glorified Him not as God. They did not acknowledge or respond to the things they knew to be true of God.

3.) Neither were thankful. Thanklessness is always an indicator of apostasy. (2 Tim. 3:2). Thankfulness is always the sign of a healthy Christian walk - consider just these references in Romans - 6:17, 7:25, 14:6 and 16:4. Paul makes references to thanks between forty and fifty times in his epistles!

4.) Became vain in their imaginations. Their reasoning and speculations became useless, empty, and foolish. Read Saturday's religion page in any paper for a refresher course in vain imaginations! Consider the foolishness of men in their religion and mythology - from the stories of the ancient gods to the worship of beetles and birds - all the way to modern times with the use of crystals other new age paraphernalia. Some folks even wear special underwear to protect themselves while others believe God will curse them if they hold their holy books in their right hand instead of their left hand!

Note: the word vanity means empty - as in empty soap bubbles. There is no substance to their great and complicated systems - conjured up in foolishness.

5.) Their foolish hearts were darkened. Foolish means senseless. Once the judgement of men becomes corrupted he is willing to entertain any nonsense. When the truth has been removed nothing remains to sort out the lies. Cicero once said: "Nothing so absurd but has been maintained by a philosopher."

6.) Professing wisdom, they became fools.

In the old west it was a common practice to build small buildings with large facades on the front of them in order to convey a "bigger than life" image. Modern philosophers and educators are often guilty of the same thing. It is common for men to feign wisdom in the absence of it. There is an arrogance which often surrounds the academic community which is unequalled in any other discipline - especially in its rebellion against God.

Note: A not too distant news story described a psychology professor at Sacramento State University whose sexual depravity in the classroom was so offensive that it motivated one student to charge her with harassment. Rest assured, the university and her student rushed to the instructor's defense. Professing wisdom, such professors are fools.

7.) They exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God into an image like corruptible man.

Incorruption: "that which cannot decay, change or perish." (Psalm 102:25-27). Prudential is not the rock - in fact the Rock of Gibralter (Prudential's Logo) is badly decaying!

Man will worship. If he does not worship God he will worship himself.

Man cannot stand a vacuum. He will replace the truth of God with vanity and the glory of the incorruptible God with his own glory.

c. Knowledge Perverted 1:24 - 32

Vs. 24 - "Wherefore, God also gave them up...

Vs. 26 - "For this cause God gave them up...

Vs. 28 - "...God gave them over .."

Please notice what the Bible does NOT say. The Bible does not say that God gave up on them. Many believers, for example, have given up on winning homosexuals to Christ, based on Romans 1. God has not given up on homosexuals. Many have been won to Christ and purified.

When God gives someone up in scripture - He gives them over to something. He gives them what they were lusting for. When Hezekiah called his people to repentance he said:

2Chronicles 30:7 And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, [who] therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.

Stephen admonished the unbelieving Jews who were about to martyr him:

Acts 7:42. Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices [by the space of] forty years in the wilderness?

Note: While it is true that these first verses in Romans concentrate on the pagan Gentile it is also equally as true that any Jews who were reading this verse in Romans knew that God had also given many of their own people up - He have given them up to the desires of their heart. In fact, it is sad to note - that many of mankind's greatest ills have been perpetrated upon us by the same people who have given us mankind's greatest blessings - the Jewish people.

To what did God give these truth rejecters up?

1. ) Terrible filthiness. - Vs. 24

2.) Unthinkable idolatry - Vs. 25

3.) Unspeakable vices - Vs. 26 and 27

4.) Absolute and Complete Depravity Vs.. 27 - 32

We are often very naive. We are shocked at the unbelievable moral bankruptcy of the Roman Emperors, and at the “Hitlers” and all the thousands who followed them. How could such atrocities by accepted by so many? How could man stoop so low? How could others stand by and not even reprove it? We forget that God graciously hinders the outworking of our natures sparing us from experiencing the full truth about ourselves. And, when God gives men up to their true desires, giving us a glimpse of human nature without God - the whole world gets a small taste of the hellish capabilities all of mankind has.

This kind of behavior is latent in all of us. We must not presume upon our own righteousness. Any man or woman who rejects the knowledge of God and exchanges the truth of God for lies swims at his own risk. The steps are always downward. They always lead to hell.

STUDENT GUIDE INSERT FOR DISTRIBUTION BEFORE TEACHING LESSON 4

Lesson 4 - "God's Righteousness Vs. Gentile Guilt"

(The material in this Student Guide is devoted entirely to the doctrine of salvation. It actually focuses on Romans 1:16, 17 - even though these verses have already been covered in a general way in class.)

"The Sea of Salvation"

When I was a young person we literally wore out some very good choruses. One of those choruses was titled "Gone, Gone, Gone!"

"Gone, gone, gone, gone, yes, my sins are gone!" the chorus began, as we sang how our sins were "buried in the deepest sea, yes, that's good enough for me! "

But, the words in the chorus which still hold special meaning for me are "..in the sea of God's forgetfulness, that's God enough for me!" What a sea that must be. The sea of God's forgetfulness. In truth, when we approach any aspect of our salvation, we soon find ourselves at the shore of a great sea. No one has every yet sounded its depth. "Oh the love that drew salvation's plan," we sing, and "Oh the grace that brought it down to man. Oh the mighty gulf that God did span - at Calvary!"

Let's refresh ourselves with verses 16, and 17:

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.

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

Every thesis, every sermon, every speech needs a proposition. A proposition is usually a short statement which offers a subject for discussion. It is usually offered for the purpose of changing someone's mind.

Romans 1:16 and 17 is Paul's proposition for the entire book of Romans. It is his "big statement." In a word, the subject is the gospel or salvation. When Paul says that he is not ashamed he is probably using a figure of speech, an understatement. Both Luke and Paul made special use of understatement.

4.1 Read the following references and locate the understatement

Acts 12:18 _________________________________________________________________

Acts 20:12 _________________________________________________________________

Acts 26:19 _________________________________________________________________

4.2 When Paul said that he was not ashamed he was really saying that He could not be more proud of the gospel. Look at vs. 19 and 20 again and list some of the reasons why Paul took great pride in the gospel:

It is not unusual for Christians, especially new Christians, to feel shy and awkward when presenting the gospel to others. One way to overcome this shyness is to be fully caught up in what the gospel is. The more we appreciate its wonder and beauty the more difficult it is for Satan to intimidate us. You will notice your pride in the gospel grow as we study Romans together.

4.3 There are many things which we can learn about God from nature. We can learn of His majesty, His power, His Wisdom, and His might - just to name a few. But, it took the gospel to reveal something about God which nature does not reveal. According to verse 17 what is it? ________________________________________________________________________________

4.4 Using your concordance, please look up the word revealed as it is found in Romans 1:17 and explain its meaning here: __________________________________________________________________

Why is the gospel so wonderful? Why is it so necessary? What is the real essence of the gospel? With what does it have to do? It has to do with the righteousness of God. That is the bottom line.

Why is this a critical issue? In our terms, our God is inconceivably holy and sinless. He cannot abide the presence, much less the whisper of sin. Conversely, mankind is inconceivably and unthinkably wicked. We do not usually see ourselves in this light because we do not understand how that God has graciously kept us from playing out our capacity to sin. He has built natural restraints into us (our consciences, for example) to protect us - not just from others - but from ourselves. As a result, we are capable of nursing an illusion -the illusion that the gap between us and God is not all that great.

Some of the most miss-spoken words of all time are: "What you don't know won't hurt you." Our ignorance of the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God has kept us from dealing with our sinfulness. It blinds us to our need of a Saviour. We assume that as long as our performance is as reasonable as the performance of the next person, God will accept us as we are.

Jeremiah said: "The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?" 17:9 We are not sinful because we happen to get near the stuff and it rubs off on us. We are sinful because the black stuff exudes from our very pores. Jesus said in Mark 7:

18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, [it] cannot defile him;

19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

But, herein lays the irony. Some men, as they begin to sense the need for "something more," as they begin to try to fill the void in their lives, it is almost as though God seems to withdraw Himself even farther from them! In other words, the more a man tries to please God, the more the hope of ever pleasing God seems to remove itself from him.

Note: For a delightful reading experience, you need to get your hands on John Bunyan's classic work, Pilgrim's Progress. While you may not want to form all of your theology from the book, you will find great insight into the spiritual warfare associated with our salvation. Bunyan's pilgrim goes through the Slough of Despondency before he gets to the Gate of Salvation.

Martin Luther had quite a despondent experience when he began to truly seek God. In fact the very verse we are considering placed him in great despair. For, as Paul began talking about the righteousness of God, Luther knew he could never attain it. He said:

"I labored diligently and anxiously as to how to understand Paul's word in Romans 1:17, where he says that 'the righteousness of God is revealed' in the gospel. I sought long and knocked anxiously, for the expression 'the righteousness of God' blocked the way."

Luther had it in his mind that this term was nothing more than a description of God's holiness. He had already seen enough of God's righteousness revealed that he knew he stood judged before God 'in whom is no darkness at all.' He already knew that God could not even look upon sin. He explained:

"As often as I read that declaration I wished always that God had not made the gospel known. . .I saw it and I wished always that God had not made the gospel known, because this fuller revelation of the righteousness of God seemed to make me utterly hopeless and helpless, and I did not know what to do with myself; the 'righteousness of God' blocked the way.

4.5 In your words, what was the point that Luther was missing? Why was the righteousness of God 'blocking the way' in Luther’s mind?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

The fact remains that, until a man has despaired of ever maintaining his own standards of righteousness, he cannot have God's righteousness given to him. Luther's misunderstanding came from reading only the first half of the verse. Look at verse 17 again:

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

Paul was not simply saying that the gospel exposes us to the righteousness of God; Paul was explaining that we can have the righteousness of God, it is something which is available to us by faith. Please do not make a fatal error here. The gospel does not do away with God's righteous demands on us, but rather, it meets them by giving us God's righteousness. This is the essence, the stuff of salvation.

Many believe in vain today because they do not concern themselves with the essence of what the gospel really is. Thousands think they are Christians who do not have the slightest awareness of what the gospel really is, and what it is about. How is your "gospel awareness?" Into which of these groups do you fit?

SALVATION AWARENESS

What is your level of awareness?

The RESTITUTION level focuses on awareness of forgiveness of sins. - - I am saved because I received Christ and he took away my sins. I have been reconciled to God, (John 1:12 / John 3:16.)

At the SUBSTITUTION level we begin to understand how our sins could be forgiven. - I am saved because Christ died in my place. He died for ME, personally, on the cross. He satisfied the holiness of God with His shed blood on Calvary’s cross.

At the IDENTIFICATION level we understand that God can give us His righteousness because He has placed us in Christ. - I am saved because I have had the righteousness of God given to me. God accomplished this by placing me in Christ. I am identified with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection. His righteousness was credited to me.

* * * * *

When Martin Luther got to those words "..the just shall live by faith" the light bulb turned on! When Luther read those words he said to himself:

"There IS such a thing, after all, as a just person, a righteous person! . . . As I had formerly hated the expression 'The righteousness of God' I now began to regard it as my dearest and most comforting word; so that this expression of Paul's became to me in very truth a Gate to Paradise."

Martyn LLoyd-Jones, (the source from which this story is taken) said: "What a revelation! What a transformation! From a miserable, wretched, unhappy monk, counting his beads and fasting and sweating and praying, and yet being more and more conscious of failure, to the herald of the Reformation! to the glorious preacher of the gospel, rejoicing in the 'glorious liberty of the children of God!' And it came to him through understanding Romans 1:17"

We call this doctrine of receiving the righteousness of God by faith the doctrine of justification by faith. You will see why a little later in our study.

4.6 Read Colossians 2:5-7 and answer:

a. Using two words only, how did the Colossian believers receive Christ? _______ ____________.

b. Now that the believer has received Christ, ______

________ exactly how is he to walk? ________ _______.

c. If a man is saved _________ ________ how then does a man live? __________ ________.

4.7 When a believer says, "I was saved by faith, but I will lose my salvation if I do not please God", what is he saying about the doctrine of justification by faith? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

If you understand Romans 1:17 you understand that the subject of salvation is righteousness. The man who believes God receives His righteousness in place of his own. This bedrock truth permeates Romans. Many Christians do not understand, however, that this doctrine is also the secret for victory in the Christian walk. The Christian learns that he is completely accepted by the Father (in spite of all his faults) because he has the righteousness of Christ given to him. It is in the awareness of that full acceptance of God that we can begin to grow. Have you "accepted" God's acceptance of you???

=> Advanced Studies – For Those Who Want to Dig a Little Deeper <=

(Contemporary Issues)

There is a great debate running in Christian circles over what is unwisely called "easy-believism". Shallow, cheesy presentations of the gospel and the high level of carnality in the church have led some teachers to fault Dispensationalism - because of its emphasis on free grace. In the words of one contemporary Bible teacher:

"By separating faith from faithfulness, it leaves the impression that intellectual assent is as valid as wholehearted obedience to the truth. Thus the good news of Christ has given way to the bad news of an insidious easy-believism that makes no moral demands on the lives of sinners." (Underline mine)

After reading the above statement, please look up Ephesians 2:8-10. Be sure to read all three verses. Then, comparing the above statement answer the following:

a. Does verses 8 and 9 "separate faith from faithfulness?"

b. Does verse 10 "separate faith from faithfulness?"

c. Where has this teacher failed in his teaching?

The answer is below. (If you are not familiar with some of the terms in the following paragraphs feel free to set aside some time with the instructor for further discussion!)

a. The answer is absolutely yes. Being faithful to God in order to obtain our salvation is an offense to God. Man is saved by grace through faith, not of works (faithfulness) lest any man should boast. Man is not saved by faithfulness. Of course they must be separated.

b. The answer is yes. The man who receives Christ becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus. His faith in Christ is the key to producing works in his life. Because he is God's workmanship God can begin producing good works in his life. His own good works are still as filthy rags.

Technical Note: Extreme Calvinism and Arminianism have confused this point. They are simply two sides of the same coin. Extreme Calvinists inevitably confuse the interplay of law and grace because they confuse the roles of the church and Israel and the church age with the kingdom age. They are forever dancing on the edge of the law, using it to their advantage theologically and suffering the pragmatic results of it in the lives of their members - because they refuse to make the literal differentiations which scripture make. While many Calvinists are quick to argue our security in Christ, many secretly wonder if they have the kind of faith which really saves because they know their own performance is far from perfect.

Arminians, on the other hand, have assumed that the salvation process begins by faith but must be maintained by works. They too, have effectively placed themselves back under the law. While it is true that the basic prophetic framework of Dispensationalism appeals to many Arminians, it is also true that one cannot be a true Dispensationalist and be either an Arminian or an extreme Calvinist.

Where true Dispensationalism is taught, the least amount of “easy-believism” is evident. This is because the believer who learns to appropriate the righteousness of Jesus Christ in both his salvation and his Christian walk is best equipped to fight the spiritual warfare. The law cannot take advantage of his flesh as it can with the extreme Calvinist and the Arminian. Because the dispensationalist is secure in the righteousness of Christ he knows he has a God who disciplines him as a loving father. Healthy children usually come from healthy homes. Insecure children often come from insecure homes.

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 5 – 2:1-16

For use in preparation for Lesson 5 - God's Righteousness Versus Jewish Guilt

Lesson Text:

Romans 2:1-16

Lesson Goal:

• To gain a deeper understanding of the doctrine of the wrath of God.

• To better prepare ourselves to deal with morally self righteous men who do not see their need of the gospel.

• To increase our own appreciation of God's wonderful saving grace.

Lesson Overview:

(In our last study we saw....)

A. The Reason for Gentile Guilt

1. Wrath Revealed

a. Knowledge Suppressed 1:18-20

b. Knowledge Rejected 1:21-23

c. Knowledge Perverted 1:24 - 32

(Now we see...)

2. Judgment Revealed

a. Its Abuse

b. Its Certainty

c. Its Demands

d. Its Impartiality

Additional Materials or Resources Needed:

Please be sure to have a copy of your current Student Guide on hand.

Highlights from our Last Study:

The whole world has been called into the court room before a holy God. The first division of Romans (Condemnation - 1:1-3:20) is living up to its name. The whole world is being declared guilty before God. We saw that the knowledge which God has revealed has been suppressed, rejected, and perverted. We saw that this is a progressive process of denial. In other words, when men suppress the truth they will inevitably reject it, and ultimately pervert it.

One need to go no further than today's paper in order to argue the point that suppression, rejection, and perversion of God's truth is rampant today. God has given men over to their own desires and natures. The judgment is God is fast approaching.

Today's Lesson:

The overall focus of chapters 1 and 2 is the wrath of God. (1:18). In chapter one we see God's wrath expressed in the context of knowledge - knowledge rejected. Now, in chapter two we see God's wrath expressed in the context of God's judgment - judgment revealed.

Consider first,

a. God's Judgment: Its Abuse Vs. 1-4

(Please have someone read these verses.)

In these verses we see God's judgment rationalized.

Note: In this context, to rationalize is to devise a reasonable, but untrue explanation. We usually rationalize in order to explain or excuse behavior which would not otherwise be considered acceptable. A young man may say, "It's OK for me to date an unsaved girl, because the last unsaved girl I dated got saved." He has provided an apparently reasonable explanation for his behavior. In reality he has said that he is willing to risk setting a bad example before others, is willing to risk losing control of his own emotions, and is willing to place himself in the presence of the temptation to sin and disobey God by becoming unequally yoked with an unbeliever. He has reasoned that his past success validates his present disobedient behavior. This reordering of our priorities in order to accomplish our objectives is called rationalism.

How were these moral gentiles rationalizing the facts? How were they abusing the judgment of God?

1. First, they shifted the blame.

1. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another,

- The first rule of self defense is to shift the blame --

Adam did it - (Genesis 3:12)

Our children do it - "Look what you made me do.."

Flowchart: Card: Note: The singularly most important task of the parent is to teach his child to accept responsibility for his own behavior. If you fail at this, you will lose your child. If you succeed at this, you will win your child. Never let a disciplinary encounter pass before you have gained admission of responsibility. Set the example in your own acceptance of personal responsibility.

We do it - the sins of others are always more grievous than our own.

God's grace teaches us to do the opposite. Consider the different responses

of the publican and the Pharisee - Luke 18:10-14.

When looking at verse 1, the strongest emphasis should be placed on the word "whosoever." Our behavior is inexcusable, no matter who we are or where we hail from. We are all without any excuse for disobeying God in the slightest manner. The most dangerous words we can utter are: "God knows my heart" They are dangerous because God does know the heart - much better than we know it.

- Why is it useless to try to shift the blame? Part of the answer is in the last half of Vs. 1.

thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

We often tell our children (and with good reason): When you point one finger forward, three fingers are always pointing back at you.

While we may not commit the exact same act, we are guilty of the same kinds of sins which we accuse others of doing. (Matt 5:22, 28; 1John 3:15, Eph. 5:5.) None of us can afford the luxury of righteous indignation. Read how Nathan confronted David, appealing to his own righteous indignation in 2 Samuel 12:1-7.

- Why is it useless to try to shift the blame? The rest of the answer is in Vs. 2.

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

It is useless to try to shift the blame because God judges us according to the standard of truth - and that same standard applies to all of us. God judges us according to the truth - not according to how well we measure up to our neighbors.

ILLUS: Men have a great deal of difficulty applying justice and accepting justice. In the O.J. Simpson trial, blacks who believe in O.J.'s innocence outnumber whites who believe in his innocency by 2 to 1. Some blacks point out that the very fact that convictions for similar crimes are higher among blacks than whites it is clearly evident that whites are prejudicial in the application of justice. Some whites have said that if O.J. were white the number of blacks and whites who believed in his innocence would probably be equal. Men will always have difficulties in the fair application of justice and in accepting what is just. God does not have this difficulty because He judges all men according to the same standard, TRUTH.

- You can be sure, the Bible says, that God judges according to truth. There is no confusion about the integrity of the evidence.

2. Secondly, they miscalculated their odds. Vs. 3

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?

- The key to understanding this verse is found in the word thinkest. This is the same Greek word which is also translated impute, reckon, and account. (3049 logizomai {log-id'-zom-ahee}. This is accountant's terminology.

Note: The concordance says: "This word deals with reality. If I "logizomai" or reckon that

my bank book has $25 in it, it has $25 in it. Otherwise I am deceiving myself. This word refers to facts not suppositions."

What normally happens to the person who fails to keep accurate records in his check register? Usually, we end up writing a bad check. This is because it is in our natures to believe that we have more than we really do. In other words, it is easier to remember our deposits than the checks we have written.

We may imagine that our accounts are good. We may be calculating that we will escape the judgment of God - but we are only dreaming.

- The Jews thought that they could escape the judgment of God because they thought they were riding in on Abraham's coat tails. They were crediting righteousness to their own accounts because they had the law and were circumcised. They had the heritage, the temple, and the feasts. These were deposits which they thought would offset their expenditures. In God's eyes, they were wooden nickels.

The gentiles were no better. Because some of them had not slipped all the way to the bottom, they assumed a reasonable chance of success. Like men today who think that their church attendance, their activism for charity, their faithfulness to their wives, and their honesty with their customers will all go well for them.

Notice also:

3. They presumed on God's goodness. Vs. 4

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

You cannot write bad checks with God and assume that because He is a loving banker he will overlook your overdraws.

• They presumed on God's goodness. Whatever makes men think God owes them any kindnesses? Yet daily they use them up without the slightest acknowledgment of their source.

• They presumed on God's forbearance. See Ecc. 8:11 and 2 Peter 3:9

Question: We have all seen and heard of failed escape attempts. Is there any way to escape the wrath of God? (Acts 4:12). Thomas Robinson said "The guilty flee, the pardoned alone escape the judgment of God."

b. God's Judgment: Its Certainty Vs. 5-6

Consider the bottom line of this profit and loss statement:

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;

6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

Have you ever been in a position where you have had to collect money from overdue creditors? Collectors can usually expect some typical responses. Sometimes the debtor tries to shine them on. He promises them that the check is, well almost, in the mail. He assures them that the problem will soon be fixed. Other times, there is genuine regret for the problem and an honest attempt is made to remedy it. Many times the collector gets an earful. The angry debtor somehow manages to place full responsibility for all of his difficulties right at the feet of the creditor. In other words, he has a hard and impenitent heart.

God continually confronts us with our sin and our sinfulness. In the end, we either shine Him on, truly repent, or harden our hearts. God's convicting Word always accomplishes the purpose for which God has sent it. (Isa 55:10,11)

- Are you guilty of deficit spending? Paul says that we are treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath. Paul is still using accounting terminology as he explains that our indebtedness to God is increasing on a daily basis. The California State Lottery is progressive. The jackpot keeps growing on a daily basis until there is a winner. Man's indebtedness to God is progressive..the counter clicks on and on and on. But the payoff will be in wrath.

- When is the day of wrath? The day of wrath is not necessarily one day long It is simply that appointed time when God settles his accounts with men. It is the day when the books are opened. God has accounts to settle with the whole human race, He has accounts to settle with Israel. He has accounts to settle with those who have touched Israel. He has accounts to settle with each individual. The day of wrath is appointed most particularly to the tribulation period when the whole world will be brought under God's wrath. For unbelievers, the day of the Great White Throne Judgment, rest assured, will be their day of wrath. (Rev. 20:11-15).

The following notes have been inserted to help you, the instructor, see what a great emphasis the scriptures places on this theme. It is supplementary material.

Flowchart: Card: ""treasurest up""
What an awful idea is here expressed -- that the sinner himself is amassing, like hoarded treasure, an ever-accumulating stock of divine wrath, to burst upon him in the "day of the revelation of the righteous judgment of God!" And this is said not of the reckless, but of those who boasted of their purity of faith and life. JFB 226

The judgment of God is certain. God will render it.

C. God's Judgment: Its Demands

[(Please read Vs. 6-10)]

We saw that the judgment of God is according to truth. (Vs. 2). Now, we see that it is according to deeds. (Vs. 6.) God will render to every man according to his deeds.

- In these verses we see the path and reward of the righteous and the path and reward of the unrighteous. The promise of eternal life is given to all who by patient continuance lead the life of perfect well-doing.

The logical question remains "why did Paul place the gospel on these terms? Doesn't it sound as though he is offering salvation by works?" That is not the purpose of these verses. The purpose of these verses is to establish the fact that God judges all men on the same basis. He makes the exact same demands on every man. These are the demands. These are the requirements. Whether anyone can meet these demands is a question yet to be answered by Paul (Rom 3:23). The point is that these are the demands which must be met.

- Consider the story of the rich young ruler who came to Christ and asked what he should do to gain eternal life. Notice what the Saviour did not say. He did not say. "Just ask me to forgive your sins." The rich young man thought he had no sins. He thought he had kept all of the commandments from his youth. When the Saviour told him to sell all that he had and give it to the poor and then follow Him, the rich man went away with sadness. He did not see that he really had broken the commandments. Among other things he was a coveter. (Mark 10:17-22).

- We must get persons lost before we can get them saved. The Lord Jesus practiced this as well. He repeated over and again "Moses said...but I say" - His standards where always higher than Moses' - and they related to the heart - not just the behaviour. NONE of us have ever fulfilled Romans 2:7. NONE of us have, by patient continuance in well-doing sought for glory, honor, and immortality.

d. God’s Judgment: Its Impartiality

(Please read Vs. 10 - 16)

It is in our nature to see ourselves as exceptions to exceptionless rules. Our fathers used to say "The mills of God grind slowly, but ever so surely." The Bible says, "...whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Gal 6:7).

- "no respect of persons"

- God's judgment is impartial. All men are partial. Only God is impartial. We are all biased. We all filter information through our prejudices, perceptions, and the amount of knowledge available to us at the time. We cannot even conceive of a God whose mind is so perfect, so accurate, so unbiased, that He can dispense justice wisely.

- God's judgment is appropriate. God will judge both Jew and Gentile (Jew first - Vs. 9) and His judgment will be appropriate to their respective contexts. Those who have the law will be judged by the law, those who do not have the law will be judged without the law. Vs. 12)

- God's judgment is based on the facts. Vs. 13. Not the hearers, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

- God's judgment is based on all the facts. Vs. 16. God knows the secrets of men's hearts.

- God's judgment is according to the gospel. Vs. 16.

Remember the three "according to's" of God's judgment:

• According to truth - Vs. 2

• According to deeds - Vs. 6

• According to the gospel - Vs. 16

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?

There is NO ESCAPE.

Have you ever heard a little boy talk about what he would do if a robber came into his home? In his little mind he thinks that he could run so fast and hide so well that the robber would never be able to catch him. He thinks he can flee. That is the thought behind this word escape. No one will be able to flee or hide from the wrath of God.

The Bible says that, in the tribulation period - the great day of His wrath - men will ask the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the face of Him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of God. But, there will be no escape.

Are you prepared for the wrath of God?

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 6 – 2:17- 3:8

For use in preparation for Lesson 6 - Greater Privilege Means Greater Judgment

Lesson Text: Romans 2:17 - 3:8

Lesson Goal:

To understand how the Jews in Jesus' time were guilty of hypocrisy and misappropriation of the blessings of God, thus blinding themselves to real salvation. We want to examine our own hearts in order to avoid hypocrisy in our lives.

Lesson Overview:

Statements A, B, and C are one statement: False assumptions based on false foundations, always lead to false conclusions. The Jews assumed that their special place of privilege made them exceptions to the application of God's justice which applied to all others.

A. False Assumptions, (Jewish Hypocrisy Exposed) 2:17-24

1. The Jews saw themselves as:

a. Possessors of the Truth 2:17

b. Protectors of the Truth 2:18

c. Providers of the Truth 2:19-20

2. In fact the Jews were disobedient to the truth.

a. The teacher was not a learner 2:21

b. The preacher ignored his own message. 2:21

1. Great contradictions (Stealing / Adultery / Sacrilege / Lawbreaking)

2. Great consequences - Vs. 24

B. Based on False Foundations, (Circumcision Misunderstood) 2:24 - 29

1. If....

a. The value of circumcision lies in the obedience of its owners, v24; and

b. The value of circumcision is voided in the disobedience of its owners, v24;

2. Then...

a. The uncircumcised who are righteous shall be counted as circumcised, v 26; and

b. The uncircumcised who so fulfill the law may judge the circumcised who do not.

3. Because real Jewishness is inward, not outward. Vs. 28-29

C. Always Lead to False Conclusions (You Cannot Reason With God) 3:1-8

1. The truthfulness of God cannot be preempted by privilege 3:1-2

a. The Question: Was being Jewish and circumcised of no value? 1

b. The Answer: Jews were at great advantage because they had the truth. 2

2. The truthfulness of God cannot be negated by unbelief 3:3-4

3. The truthfulness of God cannot be obligated by patronization 3:5-7

4. The truthfulness of God cannot be intimidated by propaganda 3:8

Are we trying to deal with God on our own terms?

Additional Materials or Resources Needed:

Please be sure to have a copy of your current Student Guide on hand.

Highlights from our Last Study:

Two studies ago we saw truth perverted. - Men did not like to retain the truth of God, and God, in turn gave them over to their vanity.

In our last study we saw God's judgment perverted - as we saw unbelieving men try 1) to shift the blame of sin on others, and; 2) calculate their own odds for success with God based on the performance of others, and; 3.) presume on the riches of God's goodness.

We have focused especially on the decadent Gentile and the civilized Gentile. It is now time to really set our sights on the self righteous Jew.

Today’s Lesson:

Introduction: I will never forgot the surprise I experienced while walking home from school one day as a teenager. As I approached our house I looked up at the siding and realized that the paint was faded, blistered, and peeling. What surprised me was how long it took for me to notice it. Going in and out of that same house every day made it easy to overlook its faults. I had grown accustomed to its decay on a daily basis. The Jewish people needed a paint job. Their conceptions of God and His Word had decayed and blistered year after year until the time finally came when the religion they practiced had no correspondence to the truth. Religiosity had slowly replaced true religion - ever so gradually. Like the man who watched his hair fall out daily and then - on that fateful day when the last hair fell, he cried out "Oh no, I'm bald!" - these folks had no conception how bad things had gotten.

Hindsight is better than foresight. As we study the hypocrisy of these Jews we must ask ourselves -- are we guilty of the same sin? How can we protect ourselves from our own presumption?

A. False Assumptions, (Jewish Hypocrisy Exposed) Vs.. 2:17-24

1. The Jews saw themselves as:

a. Possessors of the Truth 2:17

17. Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

- Called means "surnamed" - Pride in our family names, in our heritage, and even in our race is not wrong - so long as it is the kind of pride which results from thankfulness to God for His gifts to us, and humble acceptance of the privileges which God has provided. Pride becomes sin when it is bigoted, censorious, and exclusive. There is a fine line, for example, in being proud to be an American, and thinking that as Americans we are somehow superior to other nations.

- To the Jew, it was an honor and a privilege to be called a Jew - and it is to this very day.

The point which we believe Paul was making was that - when one is proud of his name and his heritage - one has an obligation to live up to it. A man with a title should behave in a manner that brings honor to his title. The British monarchy is under great stress because this generation of royalty as lost its perception of what it means to live up to a royal title. The morality which once was expected of royalty is no longer required. No one is quite sure how royalty should behave anymore. If you call yourself an American, live like one. If you call yourself a Jew, live like one. If you call yourself a Christian live like one!

- There is a little misunderstanding concerning the term Jew, and cultists, who love to major over minors sometimes make mountains over molehills when discussing this term. The word Jew is simply a reference to anyone who is of the tribe of Judah, or a Judean. Earlier in history, the term Israel was used as a broad term referring to all the sons of Jacob, and Jew was used for the tribe of Judah - the most respected of the tribes because it was to be the tribe from which Messiah would come. In later years, however, Israelites were commonly called Jews - and they still are to this day. At the present time, of course, we have no way of distinguishing the members of the tribes of Israel. While it is OK, and proper to use the terms interchangeably, you will want to remember (for purposes of Bible history and prophecy) that it may be necessary to make the technical distinction at times.

Note: While most Jews were not members of any sect, there were three well known sects - the Pharisees - the largest sect. It prided itself on its strict adherence to both the written law and the oral traditions which it respected as law. The Sadducees had fewer members but were wealthier and held greater political power. They were the liberals of the day who denied, among other things, the resurrection. They held mainly to the inspiration (of sorts) of the books of Moses. The third group, the Essenes - are still an enigma to us. They were the smallest sect and were reclusive, rejecting temple worship at Jerusalem. Bible archeologists are still debating their true characteristics.

- The Jew rested in the law. In general, the term law was a reference to the Ten Commandments (Exodus) - in particular, and the five books of Moses - in general. The books of Moses are the first five books in your Bible. Jewish children didn't need fairy tales to capture their imagination. Every Jewish child, before he was five years old, sat wide eyed on the knees of his parents - listening to the great stories of their traditions and their heritage. They had the greatest heritage of any nation on earth - and the only nation which could authenticate theirs. And the greatest story...the greatest story of all, was how God came down to Mt. Sinai - how it trembled and filled with darkness and smoke as the glory of God was revealed and the laws of God were given - not just to any people - but to the Jews alone.

- The Jews made their boast of God. It is not a sin to be proud of God. It is a sin to be proud because God chose to reveal Himself to you instead of to others. Their joy was not in God - (Psalm 34:2). Luke 12:48 reveals a vital principle: "...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." Great advantages bring great liabilities with them. Instead of being proud that the living God had revealed Himself unto them, the Jews should have been broken in humility.

- The Jews were the sole possessors of the truth - and with that possession came great obligation. If you know Christ as Saviour, you are a possessor of the gospel - and incumbent upon you - is a duty even greater than theirs!

b. Protectors of the Truth 2:18

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

- The Jew knew - he had an intimate acquaintance with the will of God - or so he thought.

In terms of the Gentile nations around him, he certainly did have a greater knowledge of the will of God.

- The key to understanding this verse is linked very closely with the word approvest. The word signifies the ability to prove, test, and examine. It speaks of discernment. These Jews, who often prided themselves in making great hair-splitting determinations of little consequence had, at the same time, omitted the "weightier" - more important issues. Jesus said:

Matthew 23

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

- Fundamentalists pride themselves in being discriminating and discerning. We have not been innocent of all the charges made to us, that we are often more concerned about answering questions which people aren't asking while ignoring the questions people are asking. We too have the Word of God. We too know the will of God. We too are discerning. Are we guilty of the same self righteous sins to which these Jews fell. It is not wrong to have the truth, to protect the truth. It is wrong to pervert the truth to our advantage and to omit the matters of law, judgment, mercy, and faith while arguing over the length of someone's hair or hemline or the music they listen to.

Thomas Robinson has pointed out:

The Jews:

• Boasted of God as their lawgiver and King.

• Boasted of God as giving them the law on Mt. Sinai

• Boasted of God as delivering them from Egypt and Babylon

Believers:

• Boast in Him as in Christ their Law-fulfiller and Savior.

• Boast in God as in Christ satisfying that law on Calvary.

• Boast in Him as delivering them from sin, Satan and hell.

- When it comes to the subject of boasting, our best advice comes from Paul who said:

Galatians 6 :14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

c. Providers of the Truth 2:19-20 (read)

- This Jew saw himself as a guide and an instructor. A guide was a leader of the ignorant and uneducated. An instructor was one who taught by discipline and chastising. There is nothing wrong with being either a guide or an instructor. The sin of arrogant presumption is, regretfully, associated with teaching. These teachers saw their students as fools (ignorant, and senseless). They saw them as babes. One of the first indications that a teacher has been infected with arrogant pride can be found in the treatment of his students. When we begin condescending to our students we are on dangerous ground.

So we see that, these Jews saw themselves as the possessors, protectors, and providers of God's truth…

2. In fact the Jews were disobedient to the truth.

a. The teacher was not a learner 2:21

21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?

Note: If you have a student guide available, please direct the student’s attention to it and involve them in discussion at this point.

- To minister the Word of God is a serious matter. It is serious because there is a heart exercise which the teacher of the Word of God must go through each time he or she opens the Book. We are either humbled by the truth we encounter and prompted to confess our failure to obey this Book each time it shows our true character - or we become dishonest in the handling of the Word of God -- we begin emphasizing the things which do not convict us and ignoring the things which do convict us. The Bible is a fearful book to handle because it is a living book.

b. The preacher ignored his own message. 2:21

1). Great contradictions (Stealing / Adultery / Sacrilege / Lawbreaking)

- Stealing. Much of the Jews' disobedience to God's Word came from their ability to rationalize their way around the teachings of scripture. They were particularly adept at hating the Gentile dogs - and because they viewed the gentiles as almost subhuman, and as dirt in their eyes, they shared no compunctions about mistreating them, swindling and stealing from them. Professed Christians justified taking Indians and Blacks into slavery, again, by seeing them as less than human. We are thankful that many Christians, however, not only saw these races as human, but defended them and shared the gospel with them.

- Adultery. It is difficult to understand how a people who so prided themselves in the law could so openly and blatantly defy the ten commandments. At the time of Christ there were three rabbis in particular who had managed to rationalize adultery. The permanence of marriage had been reasoned away.

- Sacrilege. As a result of the captivity, it was, of course, in fashion to abhor idolatry. At the same time, when money was to be made, compromising exceptions could also made. It is not unlike some modern Jews who, while hating Christ, have no compunctions about making and selling Christmas gifts and trappings. It was quite one thing to abhor idolatry within the inner walls of the synagogue, and another to abhor it in business life.

Sacrilege is temple robbing. It could well mean that Paul was suggesting that these people who prided themselves in hating idols, where still robbing the temple of the living God - by not giving God what is rightfully His and by assisting others to default from their obligations to give to God. (Mal. 3:8-11). Modern Christians who are quick to argue that tithing is an Old Testament practice and that we are to give as God has prospered - are often guilty of giving precious little to Christ because they have excused themselves.

It is not the purpose of today's class to deal with "to tithe or not to tithe", but it is our purpose to remind ourselves that we can still rob God of what belongs to Him - and that grace does not absolve us from obeying God.

- Law breaking. It is not simply that these folks broke the law. The issue is that these are the very ones who were boasting in the law.

2). Great consequences - Vs. 24

24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you,

When we sin, we do not just sin against ourselves - we bring shame to the name of Christ.

These Jews, who were originally commissioned to be God's missionaries to the Gentiles were so disobedient that they were the cause of God's mockery and blasphemy.

When the believer succumbs to sin, alcohol, fornication, and divorce - he brings a mockery to the name of Christ.

False assumptions...

B. Based on False Foundations, (Circumcision Misunderstood) 2:24 - 29

1. If....

a. The value of circumcision lies in the obedience of its owners, Vs.. 24; and

b. The value of circumcision is voided in the disobedience of its owners, Vs. 24;

2. Then…

a. The uncircumcised who are righteous shall be counted as circumcised, Vs. 26; and

b. The uncircumcised who so fulfill the law may judge the circumcised who do not.

3. Because real Jewishness is inward, not outward. Vs. 28-29

False assumptions based on false foundations...

C. Always Lead to False Conclusions (You Cannot Reason With God) 3:1-8

1. The truthfulness of God cannot be preempted by privilege 3:1-2

a. The Question: Was being Jewish and circumcised of no value? 1

b. The Answer: Jews were at great advantage because they had the truth. 2

- Being a Jew, having the law, and having circumcision did not save - but it put men at a great advantage to be saved. It is a wonderful thing to have truth - but truth obligates us to obey it.

2. The truthfulness of God cannot be negated by unbelief 3:3-4

- Our unbelief has no impact on God. Facts are facts whether we deny them or not. If every man on earth doubted the truth of God - He would be the One who speaks the truth.

3. The truthfulness of God cannot be obligated by patronism 3:5-7

- Not only is it not possible to deny the truthfulness of God, it is not possible to assist it. God needs no help from us and is not obligated to treat us any differently because we are rooting for His truth. God will still judge us impartially and fairly whether we are against Him or for Him!!

4. The truthfulness of God cannot be intimidated by propaganda 3:8

- While we have not yet listened to Paul's great concluding remarks - which place the whole world under the judgment of God - we know enough to understand what Paul has been doing. He has been removing everyone's hope. He has shown that we are all culpable and guilty. The only answer is to provide another source of hope - another source of justification - justification by faith - and not by our works.

It is my personal opinion that Paul's enemies, upon hearing the doctrine of justification, rejected it as an insult to God. They thought that Paul was suggesting that, because a man is not saved by works he must think that he can sin in order to be saved, or that he can do evil that good may come! I believe Paul is saying, you can even insult the doctrine of justification by faithand insult God by suggesting that he is promoting evil by saving men, but in doing so you won't intimidate God!

Friend, it is an insult to God to think you can do anything to earn your salvation. We are all guilty before God. And, Christian friend - it is an insult to God to think that you can do one thing to keep your salvation. We are all totally dependent upon the grace of God. Upon what are you basing your salvation - your righteousness, or His?

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 7 – 3:9-20

For use in preparation for Lesson 7 - Guilty On All Counts!

Lesson Text: Romans 3:9-20

Lesson Goal:

Our goal is to make one final statement, leaving a long lasting impression in our minds, describing the utter depravity and hopeless of mankind without God. Believers need to be reminded what we have been saved from, and unbelievers need to flee the wrath to come.

Lesson Overview:

The apostle Paul is resting his case as he presents all the world - Jew and Gentile, guilty before God.

A. The Verdict Announced 3:9,10

1. We are all guilty 3:9

2. We are guilty of all 3:10

B. The Evidence Documented 3:11-18

1.) Sins of character Vs. 11,12

2.) Sins of speech Vs. 13,14

3.) Sins of conduct 15 - 17

4.) Sins of conscience 18

C. The Case is Closed 3:19-20

Additional Materials or Resources Needed:

Please be sure to have a copy of your current Student Guide on hand.

Highlights from our Last Study:

In our last study we were in the courtroom as the prosecuting attorney argued his case against the self righteous Jew who thought he was exempt from the rigid standards of God's justice placed upon Gentiles. These Jews, who saw themselves as possessors, protectors and the providers of truth were guilty of disobeying their own commandments. Their misplaced confidence in their circumcision and their twisted sense of righteousness had made them guilty of assuming that the righteousness of God could be bent in their favor. God's truth and justice cannot be negated by its denial, obligated by flattery, or intimidated by self righteous arguments. God's justice will stand.

Today’s Lesson:

A. The Verdict Announced 3:9,10

- There is a fable concerning a scorpion and a frog who met by the side of the pond. The scorpion asked the frog if he could hop a ride on his back to the other side of the pond. The frog was quick to refuse, and said to the scorpion "Why would I let you get on my back - you would sting me and kill me!" To which the scorpion replied - "No, I wouldn't kill you. If I stung you while we were crossing, you would die and I would drown!" So, the frog reluctantly agreed to give him a life. Half way across the pond, the scorpion stung the frog. The frog cried out "Why did you do that? Now, we'll both die!" The scorpion replied - "I couldn't help it! It's just my nature." This has been the nature of Paul's argument - it is the nature of fallen man to sin and to rebel against God. It is in our nature, it is in our blood. It is our natures which much be dealt with.

1. We are all guilty. Vs. 3:9

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;

- The "we / they" problem has been with us from the beginning. While Paul was referring to the Jews (we) and the Gentiles (they) - the truth remains that we all have a we / they problem. There is a tendency in all of us to see ourselves as somehow better than the other. Our race is the best, our team is the best, our community is the best. The problem of superiority just doesn't go away. Whether it is tension between Chinese and Japanese or Japanese and Koreans or tension between whites and blacks is irrelevant. The scholar will often condescend to the tradesmen who, in turn, bleeds him at the shop because he doesn't know how to change out the battery on his car. Mountain folks smile knowingly at flatlanders and Swedes will always joke about Norwegians. It is in our nature to want to feel superior.

In reality, there is really only one thing which separates men - and that is grace. It is God's grace which is provided for us - not on the basis of what we brought to the table, but simply on the basis of God's choosing.

1Corinthians 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]?

Those of us who are willing to recognize that this tendency is in all of us, will make every effort to follow Paul's admonition in Philippians:

Philippians 2:3 [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

- No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; The word "proved" is a legal term. Paul has made his case. What does it mean to be "under sin" ? To be under sin means to be under its domain, its bondage. Paul says later in Romans,

Romans 7:14. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

To be sold under sin is to be placed in slavery to it. When men break the laws of God they become the servants of sin by default. False teachers would have us believe that to be free from God's laws is to be free to make our own choices. The Bible warns us about them noting:

2Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

The fly moving about in the car may think he has a great deal of freedom. He only understands that he is in bondage when he crashes against the windows.

- to be under sin is not only to be under its power, but it is to be under its penalty:

1Corinthians 15:56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.

When the guilt of sin is removed, its power and penalty are also removed. Paul will be explaining this later in Romans - but first, he must make his case. We are ALL born under sin.

2. We are guilty of all. Vs. 3:10

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

Notice the constant repetition in all of these verses --

- 9 all under sin

- 10 none righteous, no, not one

- 11 There is none that understandeth

there is none that seeketh after God

- 12 They are all gone out of the way

They are together become unprofitable

there is none that doeth good, no, not one

- 19 all the world...guilty

- 20 no flesh justified

One of the commitments in the Republican Contract with America was a commitment to require congress to obey the same laws they write for everyone else! It is in our nature to write exception clauses for ourselves. We are all, everyone of us - in verses 9 - 20! No exceptions! No, not one!

- "As it is written..." Men cannot be convicted in court on the basis of subjective opinion or hearsay - the facts must be substantial and documented. When Paul inserts the words as it is written - it always means the same thing. It means that he is about to cite the Bible as his authority. Paul is about to provide us with written proof which supports the charges he has made. Proof which these Jews can read for themselves in their own Bibles.

Flowchart: Card: The following is a list of the most likely Old Testament references associated with these verses:

Vs. .10-12 ~ Psalm 14:1-3
Vs.13 ~ Psalm 5:9 (partly) and Psalm 140:3 (partly)
Vs.14 ~ Psalm 10:7
Vs.15 -17 ~ Isa 59:7,8
Vs.18 ~ Psalm 36:1

B. The Evidence Documented 3:11-18

Paul's list of 14 charges can be broken down as follows:

1.) Sins of character Vs. 11,12 (Charges 1-6)

- None righteous. Righteousness is uprightness. The Bible says that the imaginations of man's heart is evil from his youth, (Gen 8:21) and that there is no man who does not sin (1 Kings 8:46). No man can purify his own heart (Prov 8:29) and there is not a just man upon the earth that does good and does not sin (Ecc 7:20).

- None understands. No man has a correct understanding of who God is and what God expects of men. While men glory in their wealth and might, God challenges men to glory in their knowledge and understanding of Him. (Jer. 9:23, 24).

- None seeks God. To seek God is to seek His favor, to seek His blessing, to seek His approval, and most of all, to seek to know Him. (Phil 3:10). Someone has said "Two men please God; He who loves Him with all his heart because he knows Him; and He who seeks Him with all his heart because he knows Him not." There is nothing in man which causes Him to seek God. There is no divine spark which needs to be fanned into a fire. There is no little part of God in us. What causes men to seek God? The Jesus said:

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Any longings, any promptings which we have to seek after God have been placed there by His Holy Spirit.

- All gone out of the way.

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

- All are unprofitable. The basic idea behind this word is the thought of rotten fruit, dead carcases, or spoiled meat. We are all unusable. We are unsuited to the purpose for which we have been created.

- None does good. No one habitually does good because men must be good in order to do good. Men can only do good in a relative sense. The good we do is usually selfishly motivated and not truly for God's glory (even when altruistic), it is sporadic and not habitual, it is done partially and with partiality. In contrast, consider the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 10:38. Isaiah said that all of our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. (Isa 64:6).

2.) Sins of speech Vs. 13,14 (Charges 7-10)

- Throat an open sepulcher.

Luke 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over [them] are not aware [of them].

# Lu 11:44

"For ye are as graves which appear not", etc. According to

the Mosaic law, any one who touched a grave was rendered unclean.

# Nu 19:16

That they might not touch graves and be made unclean without

knowing it, the Jews white-washed their graves and tombs once a year.

"The men that walk over [them] are not aware [of them]."

But Jesus likens a Pharisee to graves which defiled men

unawares. Their hypocrisy concealed their true nature, so that

men were injured and corrupted by their influence without being aware of it.

(McGarvey TFG 313)

Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.

The emphasis on our passage "throats an open sepulcher" is in reference to the symbolic "bad breath" - of men whose verbal expressions do nothing more than usher forth the gasses of corruption seething in their souls. Need any examples? Check your local tv listings. One commentator said "The sinner's words are putrid exhalations of a dead soul."

- Tongues used deceit. These tongues are a great part of what separates us from the animals (not our thumbs, as evolutionists say!). These tongues were given to us to bless God and our fellow man. Instead, James says:

James 3: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

For a full commentary on the tongue, read all of James 3:1-12

- Poison of asps under lips. Poisonous asps or adders have their poison concealed in sacs. While honey may be on the lip, poison is under the tongue. When we understand the seduction of Eve in the Garden we can understand how appropriate it is that the venomous serpent and his bite is used to symbolize the work of Satan. The entire contest between light and darkness begins - and ends with words.

- Mouth full of cursing and bitterness. [See Student Guide]

Blessing is the language of heaven and cursing is the language of hell.

Bitterness is anger nurtured.

3.) Sins of conduct 15 - 17 (Charges 11-13)

- Murder "Their feet are swift to shed blood" Feet can be the instruments of doing good or evil. Most murders are done suddenly and in fits of passion. Once a man has committed one murder he can commit a second and a third with less hesitation. When the restraints of God are removed from a society, man has no compunctions about shedding blood. Consider the mass graves which both Hitler and communism have left.

God's grace, on the other hand, teaches our feet to walk in the way of God's commandments (Ps 119:32) and compels us to spread the gospel of Christ (Isa 52:7, Eph 6:15).

- Destruction and misery in their ways. Lit: bruising and wertchedness. It is in the nature of man to be unspeakably inhumane and cruel. It accompanies man wherever he goes.

- The ways of peace unknown. We have had more wars, more wanton destruction of human life in our century than in any century of recorded history.

4.) Sins of conscience 18 (Charge 14)

- No fear of God. It is not in the nature of man to fear or respect God. When there is no fear of God there is no fear of consequence. To fear God is to have deep reverential respect for Him. This fear is a loving reverence, not a slavish dread. Modern preaching has placed such a diminished emphasis on the wrath and judgment of God, that very few flee from the wrath to come. (Matt. 3:7) Their only conception of God is a misconception.

C. The Case is Closed 3:19-20

- ...whatever things the law saith. Paul is speaking about the law in its broadest sense, in other words, the Old Testament scriptures which he has been bringing to bear upon the issue. Paul is, in effect, saying -- I have convicted you using your own scriptures - I have stopped your mouths with the Word of God. You are not arguing against me - you are arguing against your own scriptures. These believers who were so proud of their law - were being condemned by it.

- ..by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified..

The flesh is vain because of the illusions it creates in us and because of the demands it makes upon us. It is the law which shows us the true nature of our flesh. No one was ever saved by keeping the law. The purpose of the law is to make us aware of our sin. (Gal 3:24).

This ends our section of Romans which focuses on the guilt of man and the wrath of God. Stop and think about how far we have come in our presentation of the gospel. The apostle Paul had no fear or hesitation about speaking of the judgment of God. He did not hide the facts. He was not afraid of offending newcomers who might be scared away by such a weighty message. Until we see ourselves as we really are and until we see God for who He really is, there can be no genuine conversion. Thank God for the words "But now" in Romans 3:21!

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 8 – 3:21-31

For use in preparation for Lesson 8 - The Solution Revealed

Lesson Text: Romans 3:21-31

Lesson Goal: To help our students understand, appropriate, and then articulate the wonderful doctrine of justification by faith.

Lesson Overview:

• We are now moving into the second section of Romans - Justification

• Today's Outline

A. Justification - Its Provision

1. Its Autonomy 3:21a

2. Its Authority 3:21b

3. Its Availability 3:22, 23

a. By faith in Jesus Christ 22a

b. Available to all men 22b

c. Required for all men 23

4. Its Attributes 24 - 30

a. It is free because it is by grace 24a

b. It is redemptive in its scope 24b

c. It is just because:

1) It satisfies the wrath of God 3:25

2) It vindicates the integrity of God 3:26

3) It excludes the boasting of men 3:27

4) It establishes, yet supersedes the law 3:28

5) It demonstrates the equity of God 3:29-30

Additional Materials or Resources Needed:

Please be sure to have a copy of your current Student Guide on hand.

Highlights from our Last Study:

We sat in the courtroom and heard the guilty verdict pronounced upon all mankind - good and evil, Jew and Gentile, moral and depraved. We saw the utter hopelessness of mankind in the eyes of a holy God.

Today's Lesson:

Careful students will want to pay attention to the fact that we have come to a major change in the book of Romans:

I. Condemnation - 1:1-3:20

II. Justification - Its Presentation - 3:21-5:21

III. Justification - Its Application - 6:1-8:39

IV. Vindication - 9:1-11:36

V. Application - 12:1-16:27

A considerable amount of time could be devoted to the question "What are the most beautiful words in the Bible?" At the top of the list of this pastor's favorite would be the words in the form of a question found in Genesis 3:9 "Adam...where art thou?" You can picture the scene - Adam, shamed and hiding - trembling before a God whose holiness he had only taken for granted until now. And then he hears, "Adam...where art thou?" G.Campbell Morgan wrote that that was not the cry of a policeman, it was the wail of a father.

Having perused the shame of the human race and the perverseness of our natures in this study of Romans the only question which remains for us to ask is "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" What kind of God is this who could love such a race as we? The Bible tells us that God Himself fashioned those coats of skin for Adam and Eve -- those initial coverings. And, ever since, as the precious Spirit of God has led seeker after seeker into the light -- we have learned, one after another, that those coats of skin only typified a new robe which God would provide for His own in a future day. That robe, the robe of righteousness - is what Romans 3-5 is all about. "What wondrous love is this, O my soul?!"

A. Justification - Its Provision

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

- The ten verses in front of us provide a veritable gold mine of Bible terms and truths. Words such as righteousness, law, sin, justified, grace, redemption, and propitiation are the bread and butter words of sound Bible doctrine. These words are more than just the building blocks of Paul's letters - they are the building blocks of our salvation - rich, powerful, colorful, and inexhaustible in their implications.

Two of these words, have virtually the same meaning and are used interchangeably as much as the laws of grammar will allow. They are the words righteousness and justification.

The Greek word for righteousness is:

1343 dikaiosune {dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay} from 1342; TDNT - 2:192,168; n f

AV - righteousness 92; 92

The Greek word for justified (for example, Vs. 24) is:

1344 dikaioo {dik-ah-yo'-o} from 1342; TDNT - 2:211,168; v

AV - justify 37, be freed 1, be righteous 1, justifier 1; 40

The words are similar because their meanings reflect the same thing. Righteousness is a condition acceptable to God. To be righteous is to be blameless in God's eyes. A righteous man, in general, is perfect in all his ways. A man can also be declared righteous with respect to a specific action or situation. When we say that a man has been justified we can mean we mean we have found him out to be just with respect to his actions. (You were justified in driving your car to church - because you own it and have a license.). God says that no man has ever been found out to be just or righteous when compared with His standards. For this reason, God has made the righteousness of Jesus Christ available to us, in place of our own.

- Righteousness then, is right standing. To be justified is to be declared to have right standing. But, please notice, we are not just talking about righteousness in a general sense. Paul is speaking particularly about the righteousness of God being made available to us. Paul first introduced this term in Romans 1:17. When we speak of the righteousness of God, we are speaking about a righteousness which is unique to God:

• It is proprietary: God alone possesses this righteousness.

• It is accessible: God provides this righteousness for us.

• It is revolutionary: God replaces our righteousness with His.

• It is obligatory. No man can approach God who has not received it.

1. Its Autonomy 3:21a

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested,

- When something is autonomous, it stands alone. It is independent and self contained. Paul is explaining that this righteousness which comes from God is free standing. It does not require the law (the law of Moses, condensed in the Ten Commandments and expanded in the books of Moses) for its application.

- Keep in mind, what seems elementary to us was revolutionary to these readers.
The Jews had been conditioned, all their lives, to associate their righteousness with the law of Moses. Paul is explaining that God's righteousness has always been available but was never made available through the law.

- 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested,

But now... in other words, at this time. What was taught all along in God's Word was not understood all along. As children we were taught very early that we could go to the sink and draw a glass of water. We did not understand the earth's reciprocal water cycle, the concept of water reservoirs, wells, pumping stations, and pipelines, much less the fact that our fathers may have paid the water bills. We just went and got the water. Later the mechanics were manifested. In the Old Testament men were justified by faith in the Word of God, but they did not understand how God could do it. They just trusted Him. Now, we understand the mechanics of salvation. We understand how God can provide His righteousness.

2. Its Authority 3:21b

being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

- We must not think that men used to be saved by keeping the law and that now they are saved by the grace of God. Men have always been saved by grace. Even the Old Testament scriptures taught that men must receive the righteousness of God by faith. It was important for these early Jews to understand that this doctrine which Paul was teaching was scriptural and was based upon the Old Testament scriptures.

- Bible teachers have continually struggled with false teachings which have resulted from those who have misunderstood the purpose of the law. Paul taught us very clearly in Galatians 3:

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

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

The Puritans, on the one hand went to one extreme. They taught the importance of doing their "law work" before bringing a man to Christ. Their desire was to bring the full weight of the law down upon unbelievers so that they would see their utter lost condition before coming to Christ. They would often hinder their own children from coming to Christ until they came to a great time of crisis in their lives and came to a full understanding of their lost condition.

Modern Christians have gone entirely to the other extreme. We expect men to agree that they have sinned only in the slightest intellectual sense - and then rush to offer them the solution for their sins. Men who are not aware that they have offended a Holy God do not place much value on their salvation. Bob Dylan and the editor of Hustler Magazine, and a raft of others - examples of men who had a born again experience without coming under conviction about their sins.

3. Its Availability 3:22, 23 (Please read)

The concept that God is offering his righteousness to us is foreign in most gospel presentations. Keep in mind those levels of salvation awareness which we talked about earlier - restitution (God has forgiven me and I am reconciled), substitution (God can do this because Jesus died in my place), and identification (Because I am in Christ God sees me as having the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

a. By faith of Jesus Christ 22a

22 Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ

- Faith is not faith unless it is in an object. It is not enough to say "I have faith"

Our faith is in a person, not simply a doctrine.

b. Available to all men 22b

unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

- I have a framed quotation about fishing in my home written by Herbert Hoover. Hoover said that one reason why he loved fishing is that all men are equal before fish. Regardless of our status in life - all men are treated the same when they go fishing! This is the beauty of faith -- all men are equal before it. It is available to the wise and the foolish, the rich and the poor, the yellow skinned or red skinned, the communist or the capitalist. Faith places us all on the same ground.

- My mother used to be particularly irritated with other parents who would play favorites with their children, making, as she would say "flesh of one and fish of the other." God will not be accused of playing favorites. The beauty of faith in Christ is that anyone can exercise it.

c. Required for all men 23

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

- Equal opportunity also means equal responsibility! Just as all men have the same opportunity - to receive Christ by faith, so all men have the same obligation - because all have sinned.

In other words, faith in Christ is not an option - it is an obligation - because we have all sinned.

- A man standing in death valley trying to reach out and touch a star does not look any more foolish than a man standing on Mount Whitney trying to touch that same star. Both look very foolish. Both have fallen far short of the star, though one may be miles higher than the other one. All men - good and evil - have fallen short of the glory of God. That is why all men are eligible to receive His righteousness and all men are obligated to receive it.

4. Its Attributes 24 - 30

- A child may ask what the sun is and a busy father may respond "the sun is a ball of fire burning in space." The father's answer may be correct, but it is simplistic. In a few years that same child will ask his Dad, "But, if there is no oxygen in space, how can the sun burn?" Then, the father will be obligated to explain how that the gravitational effect on the elements of the sun compress them and create the phenomena which we call fusion. It is fine to say "I am saved because Christ died for my sins" It is correct, it is biblical - but it is just the beginning. The plan of salvation reflects the magnificent wisdom of God. The closer one examines it, the more amazed he becomes at the dynamics of salvation. In verses 24-30 Paul is explaining the wisdom and wonder of this offer of righteousness which God is making to all men.

a. It is free because it is by grace 24a

24 Being justified freely by his grace...

- Salvation must be free if it is to be offered freely. It is a sad thing to note that the free offer of salvation is what offends men the most. Men who are still relying on their own righteousness find it offensive that they cannot work in order to please God. The real assuring evidence that a man has received Christ can be found when he understands that he can do nothing to please God - and that God has done it all for Him. Ephesians 2:8-10

b. It is redemptive in its scope 24b

- Our salvation has not been given to us freely because it was free. It was bought and paid for at great price.

Note: This would be an excellent time to go over the three basic words which the bible uses for redemption. See your Scofield notes or other study Bibles.

c. It is just because:

1) It satisfies the wrath of God 3:25

25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood

- Remember who did the sending. The Father sent the Son. We must never nurse some foolish imagination that the Son saw this problem and cooked up a way to stave off the Father's anger in order to save us. The plan of salvation begins with the first person of the trinity - God.

- Remember who was sent. Notice that He was the Son when he was sent, not, as some would have us believe, when He got here or when He was resurrected!

- Remember why He was sent. He was sent to be a propitiation for our sins. He satisfied the father's righteous demands.

- Remember how He satisfied God's demands - through His blood. There are some who teach that the value of Christ's blood was limited to:

1. Its fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial symbolism, and

2. Its ability to show the violent nature of the death of Christ.

- But, Paul shows us here that it was that actual blood of Christ which was the propitiation or satisfaction for our sins. The blood of Christ saves us as much as the death of Christ saves us. One does not point to the other. Both save us.

- Please notice also that the blood of Christ provided universal forgiveness for all believers of all ages:

...to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

In the Old Testament, God patiently atoned for the sins of believers who trusted Him by faith, until the day came when the blood of Christ would remit those sins. We do not need to worry about those Old Testament saints who lived before the death of Christ.

2) It vindicates the integrity of God 3:26

(God cannot exercise one attribute at the expense of another)

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

- Simple careless minds still think that God can just forgive men - on no basis other than His life. In the words of one famous song "..and though it makes Him sad to see the way we live, He'll always say 'I forgive.'" God cannot do that. God cannot overlook sin. God had to provide a way to forgive men which would be just. God has to live with Himself. This ingenious plan to send His Son to pay the penalty for our sins and to allow us to be placed in Christ so that God sees us in His Son - satisfies the justice of God.

3) It excludes the boasting of men 3:27

4) It establishes, yet supersedes the law 3:28

5) It demonstrates the equity of God 3:29-30

"Oh the love that drew salvation's plan,

Oh the grace that brought it down to man,

Oh the mighty gulf that God did span,

At Calvary!"

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 9 – 4:1-25

For use in preparation for Lesson 9 - The Solution Defended

Lesson Text: Romans 4:1-25

Lesson Goal:

To expand our knowledge of the doctrine of justification by arguing:

1. That justification by faith is separate from our works, not in addition to them, and;

2. That justification by faith saved Abram, and David and precedes both circumcision and the law.

3. To help each student personally understand and appropriate this righteousness which comes by faith apart from works.

Lesson Overview:

In our last study we saw the solution revealed (see highlights below). In this study we see the solution defended as Paul takes on the challenge of authenticating the doctrine of justification by faith using typical Rabbinical logic.

Justification By Faith Defended

I. The Primacy of Justification by Faith - Vs. 4:1-15

A. It was the basis of Abraham's righteousness 4:1-5

B. It was the basis of David's righteousness 4:6-8

C. It preceded and validated the seal of circumcision 4:9-12

D. It preceded the law 4:13-15

II. The Purpose of Justification by Faith Vs. 16:-24

A. It was provided so that grace could be revealed 16a

B. It was provided so that all the seed could obtain righteousness 16b-18

C. It was credited to Abraham, (not earned) 19-22

1. The belief of Abraham and Sarah produced works, ( 19-21), but

2. The righteousness was credited, (not earned) Vs. 22.

III. The Promise of Justification by Faith Vs. 23-25

A. It was not for Abraham's sake alone 23

B. It was also provided for our benefit 24

C. It must now be obtained through the risen Christ 24-25

1. Notice that our belief is in the One who raised up Jesus (the Father)

2. Notice that Christ was delivered for this specific purpose

3. Notice that Christ was raised as proof of our justification.

Justification By Faith - Defended

Intro: The doctrine of justification by faith is the great watershed of the Christian faith. It separates the truth from the lie and from it there is no retreat. Your Mormon missionary carries a special compendium in the back of his materials - devoted to refuting justification by faith. If you attend the annual Greek Food Festival and browse the book tables you will find books warning the reader against the doctrine of justification by faith. The Council of Trent declared that all who teach this doctrine (you and me) are apostates and anathematized. That declaration still stands.

The irony is that all of the above mentioned groups give lip service to holding the Bible to be the Word of God. When we read the plain and simple statements of Romans 4 we scratch our heads and wonder how anyone could miss the point. Part of the answer lies in the fact that the Mormons, the Orthodox churches, and the Roman church have the same problem in common with the very Jewish people to whom Paul wrote this letter. Each of these groups see faith as a work. The Jews, for example, read Genesis 15:6 (And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.) and assumed that Abraham’s ability to exercise faith was just one more great meritorious work which secured his salvation.

False teachers hold that Faith + Works = Salvation.

The Bible teaches that *Faith=Salvation and Salvation produces works.

*By faith, here, we are referring to faith in Christ's finished work on Calvary's cross.

Paul is about to dismantle the rabbinic thinking on this issue as he takes the Jewish thinkers back into the Old Testament scriptures and proves justification by faith.

I. The Primacy of Justification by Faith - Vs. 4:1-15

1. What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

Imagine sitting in a room with a bunch of scholarly bearded rabbis with you as the sole representative of Christ. How would you approach them?

In our culture it is assumed (sometimes at great expense) that newer is better and older is obsolete. The Jew did not think that way. He reasoned that there is One God and that He is truthful. Any new information must correspond with what is already known about God. Paul was being cast as the leader of a new sect with new ideas. His work has been cut out for him. He must convince these Jews that he represented the old ways which were taught all along and that, if anyone had moved from the truth, it was the modern Jew of his day.

As you will soon see - Paul was up to the task as he turns our attention to antiquity and demonstrates that justification by faith has been God's way all along. He starts with father Abraham.

A. It was the basis of Abraham's righteousness 4:1-5 (Please Read)

Consider these statements one at a time...

• The Example Presented.

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

This was the attention-getter: The Jews would most likely have said the opposite! They would have said, “If anyone gets to heaven, it will be Abraham, because of his many works - especially his works of faith."

• The Scripture Cited.

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

By citing this passage Paul was doing two things. He was referring to an undeniable authority - the scriptures. They were bound to listen. He was referring to the ultimate example - their father. He was referring to one of their favorite passages - Genesis 15:9. You must not think that Genesis 15:9 was new to these Jews. What would be new to them was Paul's treatment of the verse.

The key word in this verse is counted, or reckoned. This word occurs as counted, reckoned, and imputed over and over in this chapter. In our terms, what Paul is saying to these Jews is this: If Abraham had earned his righteousness by exercising his faith God would NOT have imputed or credited it to his account. Watch as Paul drops the bomb:

• The principle explained.

4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Some folks read this passage and they say, "You see, the harder you work to earn your salvation, the more debt you incur," and that may be true - but that is not what Paul is arguing here. Paul is arguing an important principle:

When a man works for another man he puts that man in debt to himself.

Consider the possibility that you have hired me to come and work in your fields at harvest time. I report faithfully each day and help you bring in your harvest. At the end of the harvest you get out your check book and you say, "Friend, you have been such a help to me I am going to give you a gift. I hope you will accept it with gratitude." I might be inclined to say, "Friend, I do not want your gift, I want the wages which you owe me." When an employer hires a worker he is indebted to him until he pays his wages.

So, what is Paul arguing? Paul is arguing that God does not in debt Himself to anyone. God does not pay anyone for their good works.

How then can a man receive the righteousness of God?

5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

God credits His righteousness, NOT to those who work for it, but to those who believe God.

So, we see that the first mistake these Jews were making was to assume that the exercise of Abraham's faith was a meritorious work.

Now, Paul draws our attention to King David...

B. It was the basis of David's righteousness 4:6-8 (Please Read)

C. It preceded and validated the seal of circumcision 4:9-12

- The two important arguments here are 1) justification by faith preceded circumcision and was already in effect, and 2) circumcision was the seal of the righteousness of faith (Vs.. 11) - In other words, its very outward purpose was to validate the justification by faith which occurs inwardly.

D. It preceded the law 4:13-15

II. The Purpose of Justification by Faith Vs. 16:-24

A. It was provided so that grace could be revealed 16a

- Justification by faith is the only equalizer. Faith has been instituted so that all men approach God on the same basis. It was His means of revealing the character of His grace.

B. It was provided so that all the seed could obtain righteousness 16b-18

C. It was credited to Abraham, (not earned) 19-22

1. The belief of Abraham and Sarah produced works, ( 19-21), but

2. The righteousness was credited, (not earned) Vs. 22.

- Again, the reminder - something credited is not something earned.

III. The Promise of Justification by Faith Vs. 23-25

A. It was not for Abraham's sake alone 23

B. It was also provided for our benefit 24

- Have you taken advantage of this wonderful offer?

C. It must now be obtained through the risen Christ 24-25

- Abraham believed God and acted upon His Word. Now, we must believe what God says about His Son. Justification by faith can come only through the risen Christ.

1. Notice that our belief is in the One who raised up Jesus (the Father)

- A careful study of the scriptures, especially Acts, will show you that the biblical emphasis is not simply on "the resurrection." The biblical emphasis is on the fact that the Father raised Him from the dead. Never neglect this emphasis.

2. Notice that Christ was delivered for this specific purpose

3. Notice that Christ was raised as proof of our justification.

- Lit: he was raised again on account of our justification. The proof that Christ's sacrifice was sufficient is found in His resurrection.

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 10 – 5:1-5

For use in preparation for Lesson 10 - The Solution Applied

Lesson Text:

Romans 5:1-5

Lesson Goal:

To help the student appreciate the benefits of the doctrine of justification by faith - especially, the certainty which it brings into the Christian walk. This foundation of safety and certainty is vital to a healthy, growing walk. Without this absolute conviction Christian growth can be lethargic and even retarded.

Lesson Overview:

The Certainty of Justification By Faith - Romans 5:1-11

I. The Benefits of Justification By Faith 5:1-5

A. A New Position

1.) Peace with God 5:1

2.) Access into Grace 5:2a

B. A New Perspective

1.) We rejoice in our new hope 5:2b

2.) We rejoice in our tribulations 5:3

a. We understand the process of tribulation 3b-4

b. We understand the product of tribulation 5

II. The Assurance which Justification By Faith provides us 5:6-11

A. Consider how far God went while we were yet enemies: Vs. 6-9

1. In the timing of God's provision - Vs. 6

2. In the greatness of the One who provided our justification Vs. 6b

3. In the distance to which Christ stooped to reach us 6b -7

4. In the level to which His love extended Vs. 8

B. Consider how much more God cares for us now! Vs. 9-11

If God did so much for us before we were justified, consider how committed He is to us right now!

Additional Materials or Resources Needed:

None specified. Instructors who enjoy additional reading on Romans will find nothing finer than Martin Lloyd-Jones' volume on Romans 5. He devotes one entire book (26 lessons) to this chapter alone. You will do yourself and your family a great service by securing (and reading) this 8 volume set.

Highlights from our Last Study:

Our last lesson provided the biblical and logical support for the doctrine of justification by faith by showing us its historic primacy. It was the basis of Abraham's hope and David's hope. It was in effect before circumcision and the law and was not nullified by either. Therefore, justification by faith is not a new doctrine. The gospel of Christ provides the explanation as to how God can justify men by faith and still be righteous.

Today's Lesson:

The Certainty of Justification By Faith - Romans 5:1-11

I. The Benefits of Justification By Faith 5:1-5

Intro: We all remember some of the first times we were allowed to exercise new privileges and rights. I remember my first official "date" and how my family carefully prepared me for it. I remember the first time I drove my own car and the tremendous feeling of freedom which it gave to me. Most of all, I remember getting married and all the privileges associated with beginning a new home and a new life and a new ministry - all within the space of a few months. When folks receive Christ as Saviour they become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ to a full complement of blessings, rights, and privileges - privileges and blessings which are available to us right here and now.

Paul has been explaining the dynamics of justification by faith, its integrity and its legality. But amidst all of this discussion Paul does not want us to lose sight of its personal benefits and all the joy which it brings into our lives. Study these ten or eleven verses with us and taste again, the riches which belong to us as a result of justification by faith.

A. A New Position

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

- It is very important for you to notice those words "being justified by faith". In the original language, the word "being" which we encounter here is a participle in the aorist passive. Simply stated in English it would be better to render this "having been justified by faith."

We are not bantering about words when we make this important distinction. The Christian who receives Christ as Saviour, HAS BEEN justified by faith. This is not an ongoing process which can be interrupted, this is a stated fact of history which happened once and for all at a single point of time. The Roman catholic church justification is an ongoing process which must be maintained through the sacraments. God's Word teaches us that this justification is a one time - for all time - event. Now, notice the specific benefit which we receive from justification by faith:

1.) Peace with God 5:1

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

- Let's talk about peace with God from God's point of view. Please take a moment to understand where you are in modern history. There has been a major shift in the presentation of the gospel in the last fifty years. Historically, it has been the work of the evangelist to establish the existence of God, then to help the unbeliever understand the separation which has come about between God and men because of our sinfulness. Then, unbelievers saw the wrath of God, the eternal consequences of rejecting Him, and, finally, they were shown how to be reconciled to God, how to have peace with God. While it is true that some groups (such as the Puritans) overemphasized the wrath of God, almost hiding the solution from the seekers, believers in general did not.

In the late nineteen-fifties and early sixties a new genre of Christians rose up who were discontented with the deadness of fundamental churches. Groups such as Youth for Christ, Campus Crusade, and later, Intervarsity rose up with the stated objective to rekindle the revival and evangelistic fires in spite of, and without the guidance of local churches. With these new groups and their new emphasis on evangelism rose a new style of evangelism - patterned much more after Fifth Avenue marketing than biblical preaching. Instead of warning about the wrath and judgment of God in order to prepare men's hearts for salvation, these folks began with the message "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.." In other words, instead of placing the emphasis on the need for reconciliation, these groups promoted the gospel, based first, on the benefits which it offers. The discussion of sin was added almost as an afterthought, and the message of eternal damnation was hidden as obscurely as possible in their literature.

We have now lived for many years with the results of this evangelistic style - this back-pedaling on the wrath of God and eternal damnation.

Now, the most important benefit of the doctrine of justification by faith is the fact that through it men can have peace with God. Through justification by faith men can be reconciled to God. This has always been the issue. Our purpose in evangelism is to save men from their sins (1 Thess 2:16) and to reconcile them to God.

2Corinthians 5:18 And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

By the way, there is no other avenue for man to find peace with God. The man who rejects the teaching of justification by faith cannot be reconciled to God.

- Now, let's talk about peace with God from our point of view. If we believe that we have been justified by faith, as we explained earlier in the text, it has great impact on the way we think and behave. For example, when someone asks us if we think we will go to heaven we can respond "Of course! That issue was settled a long time ago. It was settled the day I was justified by faith.!" In general, you will find that the more strongly a person or church argues that one can "lose his salvation" the less likely it is that those folks really understand justification by faith.

The devil does not want you to know that God is pleased with you. The devil wants you to cower in fear before God, secretly wondering if you have really crossed the line from darkness into light. He does not want you to bask in the joys of being reconciled to a God who will remember your sins no more - a God who forgave your past, present, and future sins in one fell swoop - the day you were saved. There can be no real growth, no real healing, no real forward movement in your life until you realize how completely delighted your Heavenly Father is - in you! He loves you, warts and all. He cares for you and dotes over you with greater attention than any earthly father devoted to his infant. Christian friend, do not let the accuser of your soul place you once again in bondage and fear (Heb. 2:15).

- But please remember - you cannot have the peace of God until you have peace with God, and that peace comes from justification by faith.

There is another wonderful benefit which belongs to the justified. We have:

2.) Access into Grace 5:2a

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,

- A friend recently told me about a computer program which he had been using for years on a daily basis. Quite by accident he discovered a labor saving feature which had been there all along. He was frustrated because he had used the program so long and had been ignorant of this wonderful feature. His story reminded me of so many Christians who don't understand the dynamics of grace. They know that God expressed His grace at Calvary and that we are saved by grace, but they do not know the secret. They do not know about living grace. They do not know that we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand. You see, Paul is really telling us two things here:

• First, he is telling us that justification by faith gives us a standing in Grace. We have a position before God which can never be altered. We have a standing which is ours in Christ. That is salvation. That is saving grace. But that is not all...

• Paul is also telling us that we can access this grace. We have the rights and privileges of enjoying this grace in our daily walk. This is living grace. If you will take your concordance and look up all of the uses of the word grace in the New Testament you will discover that the Bible speaks as much of living grace, divine enablement, as it does of saving grace!

Another way to say it is that family members get family privileges. You are not unfair when you do special things for your children which you do not do for your neighbor's children.

A while back I was admitted to a hospital. Because I wear a robe of flesh I had to suffer right along with everyone else. Christians and non Christians have the same surgery which I had. But I had some distinct advantages. God's timing in placing me in the hospital was impeccable. The pain which I experienced after surgery was negligible. A hundred other details came together - details which the world attributes to luck and chance. The believer knows better. I know that God's people were praying for me and that, as a result, there was special grace available to me.

God's grace is constantly working on our behalf - sparing us from unnecessary danger, heartache, and trauma. But, I regret to note as the old song writer once said:

"Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry - everything to God in prayer!"

When I was in the hospital I had a button by my bed which allowed me to dose myself with a pain killer. If I suffered pain it was because I neglected to use the remedy. Are you using the remedy God has provided? Are you accessing His grace? It is one of the rights and privileges which comes to the justified. Take advantage of it!

The author of Hebrews wrote:

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

B. A New Perspective

The believer who has been justified by faith finds two new and unexpected sources of joy and pleasure. The first is noted in 2b:

1.) We rejoice in our new hope 5:2b

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

- Look at the three essential words in this phrase:

• rejoice = literally, this means boast or glory!

• hope = this is not wishful desire, but confident expectation!

• glory = the exalted condition of splendor and brightness which belongs to God.

When we string the words together I believe Paul is saying this... now that we are justified by faith we glory and boast in the confident expectation of the glory of God which is going to be ours. There is a curtain which hides the reality of eternity from us, and from all of our efforts to peer through and around it one thing stands out above all others. That day of reunion with Christ will be a glorious day which will usher in for us a glorious eternity spent in the presence of His glory. Already, the quiet confident expectation is growing. Already, our ties to earth are weakening and we long more and more for our heavenly home.

"When all my labors and trials are o'er, and I am safe on that beautiful shore,

Just to be near the dear Lord, I adore, that will be glory, be glory for me!

Oh, that will be, glory for me, glory for me, glory for me,

When by His grace, I shall look on His face, that will be glory, be glory for me"

- There is a bumper sticker which can be seen now and then that says, "Now that I have given up all hope, I feel better." That is the best the world can offer. The believer boasts in his great confidence that he has just begun his journey into the presence of God where he will spend eternity - in glory!

- So we see that justification by faith changes our perspective - it replaces the depression of mankind with the hope which can be found only in Christ. Only a born again believer has a right to the promise "the best is yet to be!" For unbelievers there is only a fearful looking for judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries. (Heb 10:27).

Now, notice the second area where our perspective changes...

2.) We rejoice in our tribulations 5:3

3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also:

The new believer soon learns that he not only "glories" in the glory of God, but he also "glories" in tribulation. In contrast to the suffering which unbelievers experience, his suffering is for an eternal purpose. He is no longer the victim of meaningless chance, he is part of a process which God is working out in his life...

a. We understand the process of tribulation 3b-4

knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Please notice that Paul does not specify just exactly what kind of tribulation benefits us. We may suffer for a variety of reasons. We may suffer simply as a result of the fall and because we live under the curse. We may suffer because of our own sin and the Lord may be disciplining us. We may be privileged to suffer for the sake of Christ and the gospel - the scripture places a heavy emphasis on this kind of suffering. Paul is not concerned with the source of our suffering at the moment - he is concerned with the benefit.

Paul wants us to see that when we are justified by faith our understanding of how God works in our lives begins to change. We begin to see that "all things" - not just some, work together for "the good" for those who are the "called" in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:28.) This means that we no longer cringe in fear when difficulties enter our lives, but that rather, we welcome them as a sure sign that God is working out His plan for us.

- How does this process work?

• Tribulation produces patience

• Patience produces experience

• Experience produces hope

Tribulation produces patience. This statement reminds us of the message of James, who also talked about tribulation and patience. James said:

James 1

2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Tribulation accomplishes two purposes. It roots the young sapling and prepares it for greater stress. That same tribulation destroys the false professor who wither's away with the heat of persecution. (Matt 13:21). Testing removes the dross and tempers the steel. It is a priceless and wonderful thought that God devotes Himself to our testing.

Then Paul says:

• Patience produces experience. By this Paul means proof of soundness. It tempers the soul. Job understood this. He said:

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

This pastor has heard many testimonies of God's wonderful blessing and care over the years, but he has not heard as many folks stand up to rejoice that they finally have some trials in their lives after a long period of blessing!

Then Paul says:

• Experience produces hope. I remember my first bee sting and my first encounter with an angry dog. I remember the great fear that coursed through my body the first time when, as a night watchman, I knew someone else was in the building I was guarding. After that first sting I thought I would fear bees more than ever, but the truth is, while I respected them, I feared them less because I knew that a bee sting was not that bad. I learned not to fear dogs the same way. Tribulation produced patience and patience produced confident expectation. First grade prepared me for second grade. This process continues on as God builds us.

But what is the end result of all of this?

b. We understand the product of tribulation 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.

What does Paul mean when he says that hope makes not ashamed? Does he mean that I will have more boldness for Christ as a result of going through trial? Paul means more than that. Once the mission I was with asked me to study for a ham radio license. My friend encouraged me and told me that if I would follow his instructions I would be able to get a license. He taught me what I needed to know - he disciplined me in my study. The day came when I was to take the test. Before the test, I had confidence, because of his discipline.

After the test I received my grade and I was not ashamed.

- Probably the most exciting part about testing in our lives is the new awareness of the love of God which fills us. Paul said that hope maketh not ashamed because of the love of God which is shed abroad by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Just as children who are not disciplined feel unloved, so it is the dark times, the times of trial, when we sense and feel the love of God. Those dark hours of trial are the promise of a new day and a closer walk with the Lord - when we willingly submit to God's discipline.

All of these things are benefits of justification by faith. They are things which the world can never understand. Peace with God, access into His grace, hope in His glory, glorying in tribulation as we watch the plan of God worked out in our lives - and a new personal awareness of the love of God in our lives. In the words of the hymnwriter:

2. Jesus! what a Strength in weakness! Let me hide myself in Him;

Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing, He, my Strength, my vict'ry wins.

Hallelujah! what a Saviour! Halelujah! What a Friend!

Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 11 – 5:6-21

For use in preparation for Lesson 11 - The Solution Offered

Lesson Text:

Romans 5:6-21

Lesson Goal:

To help the student understand fully the total contribution which God makes to our salvation and the lack of any contribution which we make toward it, and that salvation is simply the outworking of justification by faith. People are not justified because they have been saved. People are saved because they have been justified. Once this is truly understood by the student he realizes the full certainty of his salvation which was provided in Christ.

Lesson Overview:

The Certainty of Justification By Faith - Romans 5:1-11

I. The Benefits of Justification By Faith 5:1-5

A. A New Position

1.) Peace with God 5:1

2.) Access into Grace 5:2a

B. A New Perspective

1.) We rejoice in our new hope 5:2b

2.) We rejoice in our tribulations 5:3

a. We understand the process of tribulation 3b-4

b. We understand the product of tribulation 5

II. The Assurance which Justification By Faith provides us 5:6-11

A. Consider how far God went while we were yet enemies: Vs. 6-9

1. In the timing of God's provision - Vs. 6

2. In the greatness of the One who provided our justification Vs. 6b

3. In the distance to which Christ stooped to reach us 6b -7

4. In the level to which His love extended Vs. 8

B. Consider how much more God cares for us now! Vs. 9-11

If God did so much for us before we were justified, consider how committed He is to us right now!

III. The Answer which Justification By Faith provides for Adam's sin Vs. 12-21

A. Adam infected the whole human race Vs. 12-14

B. Christ provided the cure for the whole race Vs. 15-21

Highlights from our Last Study:

In our last lesson we placed heavy emphasis on the benefits of justification by faith. It anchors us in a new peace with God and it gives us access into His grace. Justification by faith changes our perspective - it gives us biblical hope and changes our whole approach to the circumstances and trials of life. When troubles come, we no longer fear an angry God, but rather, rejoice in the great purpose He will accomplish in our lives through tribulation. Only Christians can truly say, "No fear!"

Today's Lesson:

(An extra long introduction!)

They say that the last earthly object which can be recognized from space as the astronauts speed away - is the Great China Wall! From our point of view, one side of that wall represents freedom, and one side represents bondage. Our prayer is that one day that China Wall will be dismantled, just as the Berlin wall was, so that freedom can reign.

Among Christians there is a wall which has separated us since the early days of our history - a wall which has brought bondage and fear into Christ's body. The great modern spokesman for this type of thinking was James Arminius, who lived in the 1500's. The great modern opponent of this type of thinking was John Calvin. While modern Arminians to not necessarily hold all that Arminius taught and modern Calvinists do not necessarily hold all that John Calvin taught - we still use these names, Calvinist and Arminian to generally recognize the distinctions - the great wall which divides Christ's body.

Who are the Arminians? All Roman Catholics and a great majority of those whom we loosely call Protestants today are Arminian in persuasion. Charismatics in general and the Assemblies of God in particular, represent the largest group of Arminians. Examples of Calvinists include Reformed churches, Presbyterians, a significant number of Baptists, and Bible Church folk .

What is the wall, and why are the issues so divisive? At the root of Arminianism is an erroneous view of man's fall and an erroneous view of salvation. A true Arminian, for example, holds that we are identified with Adam's sin, but not his guilt. Death passed upon all men because all men have sinned personally. The Calvinist, on the other hand, teaches that we were all in Adam when he sinned and that we are personally responsible, not only for our own sins but also for Adam's sins.

But the rift goes even deeper. The Arminian holds that not everything was lost at the fall and that there is a small divine spark in all of us which can be fanned into a flame and cause us to respond to the gospel. The Calvinist says there is nothing good, nothing salvageable in man - period. If a man comes to Christ it can only be because the Spirit draws him, not because there was something good in his nature which responds to God.

Finally, the Arminian teaches that, while Christ provided our salvation by His death on the cross, we as believers must work to maintain it. The Roman Catholic, for example, teaches that this ongoing saving grace is received through the sacraments. While there are many variations on the theme, most Arminian sects hold that men must do something to keep their salvation and that it is offensive to God to teach that we have any kind of a "free ride".

What does all of this have to do with Romans 5? In a word, Romans 5 roots out and pulverizes the errors of the Arminians. Please remember, as we study it, and you begin to see these things yourself - that many of our brothers in Christ who have not been taught the Word of God are Arminians. We would not castigate them for a minute. It is important, for you to understand the real issues if you would be a blessing to them and lead them out of the fear and bondage in which they are entrapped. Romans 5 will help you do this.

II. The Assurance which Justification By Faith provides 5:6-11

Remember those important words which lead off the discussion of chapter five...

"Therefore being justified by faith..."

Remember that the best way to render these words from the Greek is to say, "Therefore, having been justified by faith..." To miss this little change in tense is to miss what justification by faith is all about. The act of being justified by faith, is just that. It is an act, a legal declaration by God that we have the righteousness of Jesus Christ credited to our account. It is not an ongoing process (such as salvation) - it is a one time declaration which is made by God.

As you may have already noted in your review - the benefits of being justified by faith are beyond comprehension. It anchors us in a new peace with God and it gives us access into His grace. Justification by faith changes our perspective - it gives us biblical hope and changes our whole approach to the circumstances and trials of life. When troubles come, we no longer fear an angry God, but rather, rejoice in the great purpose He will accomplish in our lives through tribulation.

Now, Paul is going to lead us a step further in his logical process. He wants us to know that you and I, who have been justified by faith have great certainty and assurance. He wants us to see just how privileged we are - and how safe we are - once we are in Christ. You will be amazed at Paul's reasoning…

A. Consider how far God went while we were yet enemies: Vs. 6-9 (Read)

Notice that little word "For." Paul is carrying on the subject he has just begun - he is expanding it. May I put some words in Paul's mouth? In effect, I believe Paul is saying "Now I am going to show you how much assurance you have in Christ now that you have been justified by faith. I want you to consider just how far Christ went for you, before you were saved. And if he went that far for you while you were His enemy, consider how much more He will care for you now that you are saved!"

1. In the timing of God's provision - Vs. 6

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

• "When we were yet without strength..." That's the first thought. This tells us that the action was completely on Christ's part. Paul did not say, "When you had just a spark of divine fire in you, my Spirit fanned it into a flame!" He helped you when you were dead (Ephesians 2:1-5). Dead men cannot respond to stimulus. Salvation is entirely of God. God the Father was the prime mover in setting forth salvation's plan. God the Son was the prime executor of the Father's plan. God the Spirit was the prime facilitator. When an unthinking man comes along and he says "God did His part and I did my part" he is speaking with the foolishness of a child. You and I were without strength - we were unable to contribute.

• "...in due time..." - that's the second important thought. It was the appropriate time, it was the proper time, it was the best time. It might even be best to say that it was the appointed time. What did Paul mean by this term? He could have meant that it was just in time. Because no other solution was available.

He could have meant that it was at the perfect point in time. Historically, we know that was the case. Philosophy had come full circle from a promising beginning to an existential demise. The world's religions had had their day in the sun and failed to deliver. Man was not capable of saving or ruling himself. Life had no value. The mighty Roman Empire had paved its roads to the farthest reaches of the known world - so that the gospel could be easily communicated. The Greek language was the perfect vehicle for encapsulating God's truth. Paul could have meant that this was the perfect point in time for turning the heads of a depressed discouraged world to the hope which is in Christ.

Paul could have meant the above things, but I believe that when Paul said "in due time" - he meant - in God's perfect timing. Or to state it as Paul said in Galatians:

Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

And again in Ephesians..

Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

In other words, every prophetic step had been fulfilled. Every Old Testament intimation - every part of the great redemptive process had been put in place. Had the Triumphal Entry, for example, been one day earlier or one day later, Daniel's prophecy of Seventy Weeks would have been incorrect! Christ came at the appointed time - the perfect time. And, by the way, He will return - at the appointed time - the perfect time. What a blessing it will be for us to look back at that time and see His perfect timing! God's timing is also perfect in your life!

But we are not yet finished with verse 6... notice what else Paul says as we see:

2. In the greatness of the One who provided our justification Vs. 6b

in due time Christ died

This was no ordinary death - this was the Son of God Himself! This was the One who fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. This was the sinless, perfect Son of God of whom Paul says He did not think that His equality with the Father was a thing to be grasped, but He laid it aside and humbled Himself as a servant and became obedient to the most dehumanizing death known to man - the death of the Cross. The Lord of Glory, in due time, died. Consider how far God went - in the timing of our salvation, and in the greatness of the One whom He sent.

And please notice - His death was the evidence of the extent of His love! He came to die.

What wondrous love is this! But that is not all...

Consider how far He went...

3. In the distance to which Christ stooped to reach us 6b -7

Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

• Who are the ungodly? The ungodly are those who are not God-like. They are not like God. When we think of someone who is ungodly today we simply think of an immoral person, a filthy person. But, an ungodly person is more than that - he is anyone who does not think like or act like God. As the Psalmist said "God is not in all his thoughts," and as Paul warned us earlier in Romans, the ungodly man changes the image of the glorious God into an image made like unto corruptible man. Men will always shape God in their own image. They will always try to decide what He is guilty of and where He is remiss. We are the ones for whom Christ died - not innocents, but men and women who have rejected the truth and the knowledge of the living God and have substituted our own gods in place of Him. And still,he died. He died for unlikely candidates.

4. In the level to which His love extended Vs. 8

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

The argument is going to shift, so please don't miss Paul's point. Most of all, Paul has been arguing the matter of timing. Paul said that when (that is a time word) we were yet without strength…in due time…Christ died. He commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. In other words, Christian friend, Paul is saying, look at the kind of love that god demonstrated to us before we belonged to him! If God loved us as dead, stinking reprobates who were hopeless and without help before…

B. Consider how much more God cares for us now! Vs. 9-11

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

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.

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

Much more! Much more! Now, that you have been justified by His blood -- consider how much MORE God is committed to you. If He loved you when you were NOT His child -- if he did ALL OF THAT FOR HIS ENEMIES...consider how committed He is to you AS HIS CHILD!

Here are some important points to remember...

1. Don't forget, we are justified by His blood. Don't let anyone tell you that the blood of Christ was only the fulfillment of prophetic symbolism which pointed to His death. His blood justifies the sinner.

2. Notice the words "we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Do you remember that we said there is a difference between justification and salvation? Men are not justified because they have been saved or born again. They are saved because they have been justified. Justification is an act of God - a legal declaration. Salvation is the process of God whereby He works out the results of justification in our lives! There is a sense in which we were saved the day we were justified. There is a sense in which we are being saved as we work out our salvation. There is a final sense when we will be saved - in that final day when our redemption is complete. This is because salvation is a process that God is working out in our lives.

By the way - it is my personal opinion that God will not allow any of His wrath to be placed upon His bride, and that one reason why the church will not go through the tribulation is because the Bible refers to it as the time of the wrath of the Lamb.

3. And don't forget the argument of verse 10 --

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.

If God reconciled Himself to you while you were his enemy, consider how much more assured you may be that you will be saved by His life. What does Paul mean by the term "saved by his life"? Does he mean that the life of Christ saves us just as much as the blood and death of Christ saves us? The answer is no! The Greek word translated "by" in verse ten is "en" in the Greek and is the equivalent of our word "in." We are saved in Christ - Because we are IN Christ we are in the safest place in all of heaven and the universe! You cannot get any safer!

So, rejoice in Paul's argument....

If God did so much for us before we were justified, consider how committed He is to us right now! Dear Christian friend, stop fearing for your salvation. Stop listening to those who would always have you wondering if you quite measure up! You measure up because you are in Christ!

Now, Paul changes direction and answers another Arminian problem. Men resent the fact that they are responsible for Adam's sin. They somehow feel that God is unjust in making us accountable for something we "did not do." Is God just? Of course, He is. Paul is about to explain how that, just as the problem began with one man - Adam -- so the solution was made available by one man - Jesus Christ. Isn't it strange how the very men who claim they should not be held accountable for one man's sin (Adams') - are the same men who are willing to take the benefit of One Man's salvation? (Christ's)? There is no injustice here.

III. The Answer which Justification By Faith provides for Adam's sin Vs. 12-21

A. Adam infected the whole human race Vs. 12-14 (Read)

- One man infected the whole race with sin -- Vs. 12

- God graciously gave the law in order to help us see our sinfulness Vs. 13

- Regardless of whether or not men had the law, death reigned as a result of sin 14

B. Christ provided the cure for the whole race Vs. 15-21 (Read)

- One man sinned - and all died. Another died - so that all can live. But Paul wants us to know that Christ's action went further! Adam sinned once, and all died. Christ died once, and His death did not just account for one sin, but for many offenses. In other words, "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." The solution was greater than the disease. It had a far greater scope, a far greater power. The consequence of Christ's action goes far beyond the consequence of Adam's action. The death of Christ covers all our sins.

You see, Paul is still arguing the certainty of our salvation. He is saying, we do not need a fresh salvation every time we sin! The sacrifice of Christ was far greater than that!

- The important point to remember is this - justification by faith is a free gift -made available by one person - Christ. There is only one hope for our salvation - one solution - found in one person - Jesus Christ.

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 12 – 6:1-14

For use in preparation for Lesson 12 - The Source of Power for the Believer

Lesson Text:

Romans 6:1-14

Lesson Goal:

Our theological goal: To help the student understand that the doctrine of justification by faith does not allow for permissiveness and tolerance to sin - as some suggest.

Our spiritual goal: To help the believer understand his position on Christ and to understand the tools which God has given him for overcoming sin and temptation. (Our next lesson will expand this second goal.)

Lesson Overview:

Justification Applied (the Doctrine of Sanctification)

Justification by Faith - Its Use and Abuse

A. The Question Stated As It Relates to Grace 6:1-13

1. Its Doctrinal Answer 6:2

a.) The argument 6:2b

b.) The evidence 6:3-10

1) Our union with Christ forbids its abuse 6:3-10

a. Our union in death frees us from sin's penalty

b. Our union in resurrection frees us from sin's power

c.) The application 6:3:11-13

a. We reckon ourselves as dead Vs. 11-12

b. We yield ourselves as alive Vs. 13

B. The Question Restated As It Relates to the Law 6:15 - 7:24

1. Its Personal Answer 6:15

a..) The argument 6:16

b.) The first illustration - (the servant master relationship) 6:17-23

1.) The illustration expressed 6:17,18

2.) The illustration explained 6:19-20

3.) The evidence asserted 6:21-23

4.) The conclusion reaffirmed 6:23

c.) The second illustration (the marriage relationship) 7:1-6

d.) The purpose of the law revealed 7:1-24

(to be continued)

Technical Note For Instructors: The information provided below is especially for your benefit as the teacher. Your class may or may not be ready for this information, but please take them as far as you can- and you will have to be the judge as to how far you can go. It is important, however, that you as a teacher understand it.

When we began our study of Romans we provided a general outline of the book for you.

The outline we provided is the most traditional and easy to understand outline of Romans. However, when we provided this outline (Lesson One) we explained that we would alter the outline at a later time in our study of Romans. The time has come to alter this outline.

Here is the traditional outline:

I. Condemnation - 1:1-3:20

II. Justification - 3:21-5:21

III. Sanctification - 6:1-8:39

IV Vindication - 9:1-11:36

V Application - 12:1-16:27

Here is the suggested outline:

I. Justification Necessitated - 1:1-3:20

II. Justification Provided - 3:21-5:21

III. Justification Extended - 6:1-8:39

IV. Justification Defended - 9:1-11:36

V .Justification Experienced - 12:1-16:27

Why is this change important? When we speak of sanctification we are speaking of the process whereby God works out His plan for separating us from sin unto holiness. God already sees us as holy because of our position in Christ. He is also working our sanctification out in our daily lives (our practice) and, when Christ returns, we will be completely and finally sanctified. For more information on sanctification see Scofield's footnote to Revelation 22:11.

So, what is the problem with titling chapters 6-8 Sanctification? The problem is, that by doing this we take away from the power of Paul's argument. We break up his reasoning. In chapters 3-5 Paul has been presenting the doctrine of justification and now, beginning with chapter six, Paul has simply begun defending it and applying it to our daily lives. He is going to defend it against those who would accuse and abuse it. He is going to show us how it plays out in our daily living. Paul never changed the subject, so we want to be careful not to change it for him. Sanctification, you see, is simply the practical outworking of the doctrine of justification by faith in our lives. We must never separate justification by faith from sanctification (as many Arminians do) - When we do so we open ourselves to all kinds of problems - as you will see later in Romans.

Highlights from our Last Study:

We have been meditating on the wonderful assurance and certainty which the doctrine of justification by faith provides. We reasoned that, if God did so much for us when we were His enemies, consider how much more committed to us He is now that we are His children!

We also introduced the class to the dangers of Arminian thinking with respect to salvation.

The Arminian usually holds:

• We are identified with Adam's sin but not his guilt.

• Not everything was lost at the fall - there is a spark of the divine in us which can be fanned into a

spiritual flame causing us to receive the gospel.

• While Christ provided our salvation, we must, at least to some degree, work to maintain it.

The Calvinist usually holds:

• We were in Adam and are personally responsible for his sins and ours.

• There is no life in a dead man. There is no goodness in us which causes us to respond to Christ. Only the Spirit draws us. (Please see Note* at end of lesson.)

• It is an offense to God to believe that we can work to gain our salvation or to maintain it.

What are some of the results of Arminian thinking? The doctrine of justification by faith is weakened; believers lose much of their hope and certainty and are neutralized by Satan. Churches are forced to struggle over issues of original sin and practical sin and sometimes begin seeking a means of finding ongoing saving grace through false teachings about good deeds, sacraments and the priesthood. It just gets worse and worse. Justification by faith frees us from all of this.

Today's Lesson:

Introduction: Let's assume you are a college professor. One day, while you are teaching a seminar with one hundred students attending, a murder is committed across town. Later the police come knocking at your door investigating you for the murder. When you are challenged, what would your strongest defense be? Would you argue that your finger prints are not on the murder weapon, or would you argue that you were across town with 100 witnesses at the time of the murder? Obviously, your presence in class would be your strongest defense. You would strike at the heart of the issue.

Very often we are ridiculed because we teach the doctrine of eternal security. Folks who believe one can lose his salvation make great sport of Christians who do not. They will often say, "Are you one of those folks who believe you can get saved and then live like the devil?" When we are criticized for this, we often make the strangest and most foolish defenses - instead of striking at the heart of the issue. That very accusation is the one which Paul is now going to address in Romans 6. He is going to chop the tree at its roots.

Justification by Faith - Its Use and Abuse

A. The Question Stated As It Relates to Grace 6:1-13

1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Paul has just finished a magnificent explanation of the doctrine of justification by faith. He has explained how that "...where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (5:20b).

He has been explaining how God's gift of righteousness through the death of Christ not only met and compensated for Adam's sin, but it paid the penalty for all of our sins. Grace abounded much more.

A good teacher anticipates the questions of his class, and you can be sure that Paul knew exactly what his students would be thinking about this doctrine of justification by faith. They would be saying, "Paul, if that is true - if grace abounds more than sin, then you are guilty of teaching license. If what you say is true, the more I sin, the greater the grace would be that would be manifested for me."

There are many who slander (Romans 3:8) the doctrine of justification by faith alone by teaching that such a doctrine leads to permissiveness and disobedience. The very argument which the Arminian makes today is the very argument Paul anticipated in Romans 6:1. Well, what about that question - What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Technical note: There are many who teach that Paul was here addressing the Antinomians - the false teachers who taught this very thing - that the more a man sinned the more he glorified God because more of God's grace would be revealed. I find no historic justification for this, for it is very unlikely that the Antinomian teaching was even in existence at this time. Clearly, Paul was anticipating the Arminian question -- "If what you say is true, then we have permission to sin and God's grace will abound to cover it all." He was not refuting a false teaching already in existence.

Well, what about this accusation? If a man is safe and secure as a result of being justified once and for all - what is to keep him from sinning while being protected under the umbrella of grace?

1. Its Doctrinal Answer 6:2

Paul responds: God forbid. The thought is repulsive and unthinkable. Only a carnal mind would want to pervert the pure and precious doctrine of salvation from sin by grace to imply permission to sin - as though sinning is something to be desired. In truth, the more one understands grace and exults in it, the more he shuns and turns away from sin - the more he desires personal holiness.

a.) The argument 6:2b

How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Why is such a suggestion unthinkable? why is it repulsive? It is unthinkable and repulsive because it shows our ignorance of justification. It shows that we really do not understand what took place on that cross. In a moment, Paul is going to explain himself. For the present he is gaining our attention by announcing that it is unthinkable that a man who is dead to sin would live any longer in it. It is as foolish to entertain that thought as it is to offer a steak dinner to a corpse.

- In the Greek, we would read this: "How shall we who have died to sin..." This is a very permanent arrangement. When you're dead, your dead. Folks who believe that they must be saved over and over are really teaching that they can die, revive, die, revive, and die again. It just doesn't make sense. Death is very final. The man who is dead to sin is dead to sin - he cannot become undead to sin.

b.) The evidence 6:3-10

The obvious question is - when did I die to sin? how did this come about? Paul produces the evidence for this claim...

1) Our union with Christ forbids its abuse 6:3-10

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

When a man receives Jesus Christ as Saviour the Bible says that God sees him as being in Christ. The new Testament makes some 60 or 70 references to the fact that we are in Christ and it also teaches us that Christ is in us. (Col 1:24). This was the great mystery which the Old Testament saints could not see - the mystery of godlikeness. Cultists teach that we will all become gods. Christianity teaches no such foolishness - it teaches something better. It teaches us that we are placed in Christ and He is placed in us. This is perfect union and perfect identification.

- Paul was not teaching that water baptism was the method by which we were placed into the body of Christ. Water baptism is the outward, public expression, the type or symbol, of what occurred when we were placed in Christ. Paul was not speaking of water baptism here, he was speaking of Spirit baptism. How do we know this? Paul explains just exactly what Spirit baptism is in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:

12. 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.

13 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.

- When we were placed in Christ we became identified with all that Christ ever did. Do you remember how some folks resist the fact that we are responsible for Adam's sin? They resist the idea that we were identified with Adam in his sin because we were in Adam. They do not like the idea that they are guilty of something they did not consciously do, (as though they would not have committed Adam's sin!) Keep in mind that you were not conscious of the fact that you were in Christ at the cross either - but if that fact were not true -- you could not be saved! You would not have died to sin. Death and sin would still have power over you. Do not foolishly reject your identification with Adam's sin and then accept the same doctrine of identification as it is expressed in Christ.

- Now read verses 3-10 over carefully, and notice that Paul stresses two ideas:

a. Our union in death frees us from sin's penalty

- We are buried with Him by baptism into death. The wages of sin is death (Vs. 23). Let's assume you had a dog named Spot. One day Spot was feeling particularly doglike and he chose to eat your slippers. As a result of eating your slippers he inevitably died. Would you punish dead Spot? Would you scold him? Not likely. If you have been justified by faith, you died in Christ at the cross. Sin and death has no more authority to exact a penalty from you. Satan wants you to think that God is still exacting penalties from believers. God exacted the ultimate penalty on that cross. Because you are dead you are free from sin's penalty.

b. Our union in resurrection frees us from sin's power

- Paul is not satisfied with leaving us in the tomb. He reminds us that we are risen with Christ as well:

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.

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

If you look closely you will see that verse 4 talks about our present response to the resurrection, and verse 5 tells us of the resurrection and our future

- When Christ was raised, we were raised from the dead. Far from wanting to sin in order that grace should abound, now we can walk in newness of life, free from sin's penalty and power. And better yet, I live for the day when I will catch up with Christ and actually enjoy all the benefits of the resurrection. (Phil 3:10-12)

- Now, let's try to get this down to where the rubber meets the road. Be patient and try to follow Paul's reasoning. Remember, Paul is explaining the relationship of the believer to sin, now that he has been justified by faith. He is explaining the whole idea of union or identification.

1. I was in Adam when Adam sinned. (Need more proof? Read how Levi was in the loins of Abraham when Abraham tithed years earlier to Melchizedek!)

2. Christ came and shed His blood, He died and was buried, and rose again.

3. I came along 2,000 years or so later and was justified by faith. (Of course, in

God's eyes - He planned this in eternity past - before Adam or Christ's birth).

4. God was able to justify me legally by placing me in Christ so that, just as I was identified with Adam in his sin, I was identified with Christ in His solution.

- Now, when I was in Adam, was my body in Adam? No, my body had not yet been created.

- When I was in Christ at the cross was my body in Christ? No, my body had not yet been created.

- Did my body die with Christ? No. It has neither died nor has it been raised again. Did my spirit die and rise with Christ? yes.

- In my spirit, I have experienced the full results of Calvary! I am free from the penalty of sin and free to walk in newness of life.

- My body lags behind - it has not yet been made in the likeness of His resurrection.

This creates a conflict in me - a conflict over sin. I have a body which desires to sin and a Spirit which does not. What's a body to do?

- There is a story of an old Indian who once discussed the matter of the flesh warring with the spirit. He said that there were two dogs in him - a black one and a white one, and they were fighting. He said that whichever dog heard him say "sic him" was the dog that won. That may make for a good story, but it makes for poor theology. Overcoming sin is not merely a situation of mind over matter. It is the struggle of spirit against flesh. Follow the rules and you will win. The Bible says that we must approach this struggle with sin in our lives using two important steps. To forget either of these steps is to fail utterly. It is not a matter of saying sic him to the white dog! Do you use these steps when confronted with sin and temptation? Pay close attention:

c.) The application 6:3:11-13

a. We reckon ourselves as dead Vs. 11-12

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

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

- Do you remember what the word reckon means? It's that familiar old accounting term we saw so many times in Romans 5. It means to credit to one's account. To impute. Do you remember how Abraham believed God and it was credited to him for righteousness? That is what justification by faith is all about -- God reckons us to be righteous, based on the death of His son. God says that we are to act upon the fact that we already know is true. We are to see ourselves as dead to sin. What does it mean to reckon ourselves to sin? It means that we understand that it no longer has any more power over us than we have over dead Spot. We do not have to sin. We do not have to be caught up with sinful habits and lustful thoughts.

- By the way, there is one little difference between God's reckoning and our reckoning. The Bible says (in the Greek structure) that when a man is saved, God reckons Him to be righteous once and for all. But when a man is commanded to reckon himself dead to sin, it is an ongoing command. We need to continually remind ourselves that sin has no power over us. Not one bit! That's the first step. But don't stop now, or you'll surely fail.

b. We yield ourselves as alive Vs. 13

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.

We must not just see ourselves as dead to sin. We must see ourselves as alive unto God.

It is not enough to turn away from something - we must turn to something. We must yield our members as instruments of righteousness.

- What is a member? A member is a body part. Where has the problem been all along? with our bodies or with our spirits? The problem has been with our bodies. It is the flesh which lusts against the spirit. How, then, do we walk in the spirit? By offering up our bodies, our members, as instruments of righteousness.

Paul is just beginning his treatment of this great warfare between flesh and spirit. He has many more things to say. The important thing to remember is that the doctrine of justification by faith does not give us permission to sin, it gives us power over sin. How do we gain that power? by reckoning ourselves as dead unto sin, and yielding our members as instruments of righteousness.

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

Does sin have dominion over you? You do not have to allow it. Don't say sic him to the white dog - reckon yourself dead to sin and alive unto God - and yield your body members as servants of righteousness!

- Remember that victory over sin is available only to those who have been justified by faith. Are you trusting in Christ for your righteousness - or are you still going about seeking to establish your own? (Rom 10:3).

*Note: This author believes that Calvinists draw some erroneous conclusions from their fundamental contention that men are dead in their sin and, therefore incapable of responding to God. This is built upon the assumption that a dead man cannot respond to stimuli. In reality, the biblical conception of death has to do with a man being separated from God, and has no reference to either his soul or body being annihilated. We agree then, that God must initiate the work of regeneration and that there is nothing in man which exonerates him, in any way, before God. At the same time, we do not believe God must perform some act of pre-salvation or pre-regeneration in order to allow men to respond to the gospel by faith.

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 13 – 6:15-23

For use in preparation for Lesson 13 - The Secret of Releasing Power in Your Walk

Lesson Text:

Romans 6:15-23

Lesson Goal:

To apply the truths of Romans 6 in a manner which will equip the student to actively overcome sin in his life.

Lesson Overview:

Justification by Faith - Its Use and Abuse

A. The Question Stated As It Relates to Grace 6:1-13

1. Its Doctrinal Answer 6:2

a.) The argument 6:2b

b.) The evidence 6:3-10

1) Our union with Christ forbids its abuse 6:3-10

a. Our union in death frees us from sin's penalty

b. Our union in resurrection frees us from sin's power

c.) The application 6:3:11-13

a. We reckon ourselves as dead Vs. 11-12

b. We yield ourselves as alive Vs. 13

B. The Question Restated As It Relates to the Law 6:15 - 7:24

1. Its Personal Answer 6:15

a..) The argument 6:16

b.) The first illustration - (the servant master relationship) 6:17-23

1.) The illustration expressed 6:17,18

2.) The illustration explained 6:19-20

3.) The evidence asserted 6:21-22

4.) The conclusion reaffirmed 6:23

c.) The second illustration (the marriage relationship) 7:1-6

d.) The purpose of the law revealed 7:1-24

(to be continued)

Building On Our Background:

Before we jump directly into today's text we want to stretch our minds a bit, and strengthen some of the points which we have been trying to make - especially in three areas. Coincidentally, all three of these ideas begin with the letter "A".

• A is for the aorist tense. In the English language we often use three tenses - the past tense when we are referring to an action in the past, the present tense, when we refer to an action occurring in the present, and the future tense when we refer to an action in the future. When pastors refer to the Greek you will often here them refer to other tenses. One of these is called the aorist. When a verb occurs in the aorist in the Greek, it is usually the writers intent for us to understand that a certain action occurs only once, at a specific point in time. For example, when Paul says in Romans 5:1: "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God..." Paul was using the aorist tense. We should properly render this "Therefore, having been justified by faith..." - because Paul was referring to a single action which occurred at a single point in time - once and for all. Believers are not justified on an ongoing basis - it happened once - at the cross - when we were placed into Christ. Remember this idea behind the aorist tense, we will be referring to it again in today's lesson.

Now, for the second "A”.

• A is for Arminianism. It is not our desire to offend our Arminian friends - only to understand them and the issues. Because Romans 5-8 deals so much with Arminian issues, you need to remember the difference between the extreme differences between Arminianism and Calvinism. Please keep our chart in mind:

The Arminian usually holds:

• We are identified with Adam's sin but not his guilt.

• Not everything was lost at the fall - there is a spark of the divine in us which can be fanned into a

spiritual flame causing us to receive the gospel.

• While Christ provided our salvation, we as believers must work to maintain it.

The Calvinist usually holds:

• We were in Adam and are personally responsible for his sins and ours.

• There is no life in a dead man. There is no goodness in us which causes us to respond to Christ.

Only the Spirit draws us. Please see note at the end of chapter 12. – Page 86.

• It is an offense to God to believe that we can work to gain our salvation or to maintain it.

These are not minor issues; they represent the roots from which many other doctrinal differences grow. Even if you do not see their importance now, it is good for you to understand that these are watersheds. If you studied our last lessons you can see how clearly Romans 5 and 6 refute the Arminian teachings. For example, Christ loved us when we were yet without strength - we were dead in our sins. And if, we have been justified by faith once and for all then there is no place for us to work in order to keep our salvation any more than there was a place for us to work in order to receive it.

Oh? But you say? Does that mean that Christians can live like the devil and still be saved?

That is what Romans six and Romans seven is about. Paul was probably already anticipating the objections of his listeners as he taught them justification by faith. He could just hear them saying that the doctrine of grace teaches men that they can sin all they want! Those who reject the doctrine of justification by faith often slander it in this way. So, Paul carefully explains what really occurs in salvation. We are identified with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection, and it is unthinkable (God forbid!) that any believer would see his salvation as an excuse to sin!

Here is the third and final "A" in our background study for today's lesson:

• A is for Antinomianism. Antinomians were folks who came along later and taught that very thing - that the more a Christian sins, the more he manifests God's grace. Obviously, they flunked Romans! Believers must never pervert the Gospel of Christ by "turning the grace of God into lasciviousness." (Jude 4).

Note: Modern Calvinists often respond to what they call “easy believism” In two ways. First, they exert great effort to make salvation “hard” and something which one must agonize for in order to be saved. They sometimes do this by insisting that one must own Christ as His Lord, fully counting the cost as to what that means, before the free gift of salvation can be had. Additionally, Calvinists extend the believer’s doctrines of assurance and eternal security into what they call the perseverance of the saints. This uniquely Calvinistic doctrine contends that a man who “falls” in the end could never have been saved in the first place. Thus, because Calvinists do not know if they will ultimately fail they cannot know for certain, in the most absolute sense, that they are saved. You may notice that this has a very “Arminian” ring to it!s

In today’s lesson, please take special care to notice how Paul addresses this issue of Antinomianism. He approaches it from an entirely different direction.

Today's Lesson:

Romans 6 asks one question in two different ways. In verse one, we see:

A. The Question Stated As It Relates to Grace 6:1-13

1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

The answer, of course, was a resounding "perish the thought!" How unthinkable it would be for a believer who is one with Christ in His death and resurrection to be under the dominion of sin.

We actually left off in our study with verses 11-13 where we learned those important principles for understanding our relationship to sin and to obedience. Two key words stood out:

• Reckon. Now that we know we died with Christ, verse 11 tells us that we are to live as though we understand that fact. When we are dead to something, it no longer has dominion over us.

• Yield. We are to yield our members - our body parts unto God as though our bodies have already been resurrected from the dead. We are to yield them as instruments of righteousness. We are going to learn a little more about this word yield in today's lesson.

Now we pick up our discussion with the second question of Romans 6

B. The Question Restated As It Relates to the Law 6:15 - 7:24

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

The question remains effectively the same as verse 1 "Shall we sin?" When Paul first asked it, he was responding to the question as it related to grace. Now, he is answering the same question as it relates to the law. The law which Paul was speaking about was, of course, the Jewish Law - not just the Ten Commandments, but all of the laws of God as handed down through Moses. Why was Paul raising this issue? Once again, the enemies of justification by faith would be quick to point out that if the law was done away with, men would naturally turn to permissiveness. It is the same argument which Arminians still make to this day when they say, "When you teach eternal security Christians will become permissive."

What was the problem? The problem was that these Jews often misunderstood the purpose of the law. They thought that God had given them the law in order to restrain them from doing what was wrong. But that was never the purpose of the law. The purpose of the law was to show the Jews that they could never be good enough to please God in their own effort. Do you remember Romans 5:20? It clearly explains the law's purpose:

Romans 5

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

Why did the law enter? So that the offense might abound! The law was our tutor to show us our need for redemption through Christ - to show us our need for grace!

If the purpose of the law was to restrain us, we would still need it today - but if the purpose of the law was to show our need for grace, then we are far better off receiving God's grace.

Note: Some folks think that law and grace are sort of opposites and that the law ruled in Old Testament times, while grace rules today. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible says that sin and death ruled in Old Testament times, and that God graciously gave men the law to show them their sin. The only purpose of the law was to show us the consequences of our sin so that we would respond to the grace of Christ.

We'll be adding to this argument when we get into the last portion of chapter 7.

1. Its Personal Answer 6:15

When Paul first asked the question "shall we continue in sin..?" in verse 1, he provided a doctrinal answer for us. He explained how flawed this teaching was in light of our union with Christ. This time, Paul provides a personal answer. He wants us to see what happens to us personally when we yield to sin and when we yield to righteousness. The answer is once again "God forbid!" or, "May it never be so!" Now, Paul is going to explain how this affects us personally.

a.) The argument 6:16

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?

Paul first lays down the principle and then he illustrates it. To understand the principle we must look more closely at the word yield. We have already explained that the key to experiencing victory over these bodies which have not yet been resurrected is locked up in two words : reckon (Vs. 11), and yield (Vs. 13 and following).

Step One: Reckon - or account yourself as dead to sin because you died in Christ.

Step Two: Yield - more specifically, yield your members - your body parts.

When we think of yielding we think of giving up a right. We might say that it is a negative idea, the idea of giving up. That's OK, but there is a little more to the idea of yielding in the biblical sense. The word yield carries with it the idea of presenting ourselves, of standing by (especially in the context of a royal court) ready for service at a second's notice. In other words, it is a positive idea. As believers we consciously dedicate our bodies and their respective members or limbs as standing by, being ready at a moment's notice to serve Christ. Defensively, then, we reckon our bodies dead to sin. Offensively, we present them for royal service to our great King. That is really the idea behind victory over sin.

When we say that the idea behind the word yield really means to present ourselves it has probably brought another verse in Romans to your mind - Romans 12:1. In this verse, Paul says:

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.

Do you see that word present? It is the same Greek word we are translating yield in Romans 6!

- There is one more important thought about yielding. There is something which the Greek is very emphatic about and something which is vital to your walk. When the command is made to yield or present ourselves it is expressed as an aorist imperative. The imperative simply tells us that it is a command. The aorist (remember?) reminds us that it is to be a single action in time, once and for all! As believers, we are to present the members of our bodies, once and for all to Christ for His immediate beck and call - ready first, last, always, and with an instant's notice to serve Him. They we are to go on through life in that condition.

You may not have understood this when you received Christ as Saviour - and this may be the part of the formula which is missing, hindering you in your struggle with the flesh. Have you ever, as a believer, gone to Christ and presented your body and its members for His use and glory? If you have never made this once and for all decision now would be a good time to bow your head and do it -- settle it once and for all! We use many terms for this decision - we call it dedication and surrender. Some mistakenly call it being sanctified or receiving the second blessing. The Bible calls it presentation. The Lord is waiting for you to present yourself to Him - in one final act which you can look back on and respond to accordingly for the rest of your life.

Now, let's establish the principle: The one to whom you present yourself as a servant to obey, his servant you are. Here are your options:

• You may be a servant of sin unto death

• You may be a servant of obedience unto righteousness

Do you see those words obey and obedience in verses 16 and 17? This is where the Antinomians and the Arminians are put to silence. When a man says that we can sin because we are not under the law he does not understand that all men are slaves - ever to sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness.

Note: There is a great deal of misunderstanding concerning freedom today. The average American, for example, understands freedom to be the privilege of being without restraints. That is not what our forefathers intended. They understood that freedom was the privilege to govern ourselves. This is why our Bill of Rights is abused so terribly today. It is because its authors assumed the moral goodness of our people. They assumed that free men would govern themselves.

Christians who think that Christian liberty frees them from the constraints of legalism know little about either. Christian liberty is simply the privilege to submit to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit instead of to a list of hard and fast rules. In the spiritual realm there is no such thing as absolute freedom. You are only free to choose your master, (and even then, you have only been given permission to receive Christ). You may be a slave of sin or a slave of Christ.

Paul now expands his discussion about law and grace with two illustrations. First he talks about the legal relationship between the servant and his master. In our next lesson he will present the legal relationship between a wife and her husband.

b.) The first illustration - (the servant master relationship) Vs.. 6:17-23

1.) The illustration expressed 6:17, 18

Verse 17 is one of the purest expressions of the outworking of grace in the life:

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.

We often say that there are three elements which make us unique as men and women. We have intellect, sensibility, and will. That is to say, we have intelligence, we have emotions, and we have volition. Notice how grace affects all three of these areas:

• "ye have obeyed.." Obedience relates to our will. We decide to obey.

• "from the heart.." That speaks to our emotions, our desire, our longing.

• "that form of doctrine which was delivered you." That speaks to our minds, our intelligence.

- Notice, by the way, that Paul did not say "But psychology be thanked..." He said, "but God be thanked." God has provided us with everything which pertains to life and godliness. It is not some esoteric, theoretical principal - you can have victory over sin now, if you will reckon and present.

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

- By now you know that Paul begins all of his arguments from the same place - he stresses our position in Christ. If you are in Christ your position demands that you are a servant of righteousness, not a slave of sin. Your body would impress upon you its desire to serve itself, to serve sin - but you know better - these instruments belong to God. But consider the seriousness of this. When a Christian lends out his members for sinful purposes he is aiding the enemy, he is advancing Satan's cause. He is, in effect, traitor to his cause. It is a high calling to be a servant of Christ and a soldier of Christ. One cannot switch sides and we dare not aid and abet the cause of the enemy. You are a servant of the living Christ.

2.) The illustration explained 6:19-20 (Read)

This underscores the second principle: There are only two sides. No neutral territory. You are a slave of Christ or a slave of sin. If you are the servant of sin you are free from servanthood to righteousness, and vice versa, if you are the servant of Christ you are free from servanthood to sin. Slaves do not have co-owners. No man can serve two masters. It is unthinkable that a slave of Christ would want to serve sin. This is why the doctrine of justification by faith does not teach permissiveness. It gives us a new Master

3.) The evidence asserted 6:21-22

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

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

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?

Years ago our family had occasion to visit Hollywood and Universal Studios. It was quite an eye opener to see all those props which were designed to convey the image of substance when there was really nothing to them. I was especially surprised when we saw the set of a TV game show. Everything was so chincy and even dirty. Yet, to the eye of the TV viewer is was beautiful, sparkling, and luxurious. It reminded me of sin and the false fruit it represents. Television, from morning to evening glamorizes it - but there is never any fruit. It only leads to death. What believer who has walked with Christ would ever want to go back to the foolish, empty, and lonely ways of the world? What good ever came of it? Certainly, no eternal good came from it. The end of those things is death. John said:

1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

4.) The conclusion reaffirmed 6:23

Now, instead of quoting Romans 6:23 as one of a chain of verses in the Roman's road - take a second look at it in its context:

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

These two opposing statements are really a grand summarizing statement: For the wages of sin is death... there are no fruits - only wages. The servant of sin can only expect a lost eternity or spiritual death. But the gift of God is eternal life.. What gift? The gift Paul has been talking about all along. The gift of salvation? Yes, but not exactly. Paul has been talking about only one gift, the gift of righteousness.

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. Ephesians 2:8-10

Saved to sin? God forbid! May it never be! We have been saved to serve! Have you received the gift of righteousness which is by faith? And, if so, have you presented your members, once and for all - to God?

ROMANS – STUDY AND TEACHER’S GUIDE - LESSON 14 – 7:1-25

For use in preparation for Lesson 14 - Our Great Temptation!

Lesson Text:

Romans 7:1-25

Lesson Goal:

To help the student understand the true purpose and function of the law and to warn the student of the dangers of submitting to the influences of the law.

Lesson Overview:

In Romans six Paul has been explaining how justification by faith makes the believer dead to sin and dead to the law. In Roman's seven Paul continues with a full explanation of the purpose and influence of the law as Paul raises three questions:

Three Questions Concerning the Law

I. The Question of Its Legal Authority 7:1-6

A. The Principle Stated 6

B. The Example Cited 2, 3

C. The Conclusion Asserted 4-6

II. The Question of Its Moral Integrity 7:7-12

A. The Principle Stated 7a

B. The Example Cited 7b-11

C. The Conclusion Asserted 12

III. The Question of its Present Influence 7:13-25

A. The Principle Statedn13a

B. The Example Cited 13b-24

C. The Conclusion Asserted 25 (and all of chapter eight)

Highlights from our Last Study:

As noted earlier, in Romans six Paul has been explaining how justification by faith makes the believer dead to sin and dead to the law. We left off answering the question "..Shall we sin because we are not under the law?" Paul then offered two illustrations to help us explain our relationship to both sin and the law. He first discussed the servant/master relationship. He wanted us to know that "..to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are.." ..Whether this is to sin or righteousness. In other words, the Christian does not hate sin because the law taught him to hate sin - he hates sin because he serves another master. We either serve sin or we serve Christ.

As we approach Romans 7, Paul sets aside his first analogy (servant/master) in favor of a new analogy - the husband wife relationship - as he continues to help us understand the interplay between sin and the law.

Today's Lesson:

True or False?

1.) The main theme of Romans 7 is our sanctification. ___

2.) Romans 7 contains an autobiographical sketch of Paul and his struggles with sin. ___

3.) The "man" of Romans 7 can only be the unbeliever under the influence of the law.___

4.) The "man" of Romans 7 is the believer in his struggle with the old nature.___

If you answered "True" to any of the above questions we invite you to consider rethinking your ideas about this chapter. It is true, for example, that we may say in the most general sense that Romans 7 concerns our sanctification, but if you will read Romans 5, 6, 7, and 8 together you will understand that they all have to do with the same theme - the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Paul has been defending this precious doctrine by explaining to us how it does not teach permissiveness, but obedience. In Romans 7 Paul is simply explaining how, that as a result of justification by faith, we are dead to the law and that we must not allow it to influence us any longer!

Please ignore your Scofield Bible notes on this chapter! This chapter is not an autobiography of Paul; this chapter is a trip into the laboratory. Paul wants us to see the dynamics of sin and the law and how the law is a catalyst which allows sin to make us exceedingly sinful.

There is no man in Romans 7! The issue is not whether Paul is talking to saved or unsaved people - these dynamics apply equally to both! Any person, saved or unsaved, who places himself under the influence of the law will experience the dynamic interaction between sin and the law!

Paul poses three questions in chapter seven - verse 1, verse 7, and verse 13. These three questions help us understand the three ideas which Paul is working out.

Three Questions Concerning the Law

I. The Question of Its Legal Authority 7:1-6

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?

Paul's first question is possibly in the form of a mild rebuke. It was common practice for Paul to say, "know ye not?" As noted earlier, it is my personal opinion that Paul is anticipating the questions he knows the opponents of justification by faith will ask. He knows they will not give the law up easily. He knows they will accuse Paul of defaming the law. So Paul, very carefully and wisely, points to principles which they should already know. He is, in effect, putting them on the defensive - perhaps intimating that they had a deficiency in their education. In any case, he has their attention.

A. The Principle Stated Vs. 6

The principle is obvious: The law has dominion over a man only as long as he lives. It has long been said that there are two inevitabilities in life - paying taxes and death. One advantage of death, however, is that you no longer have to pay taxes! The law has no authority.

B. The Example Cited Vs. 2, 3

Paul is, of course, talking about our relationship to the law. He has already taught us that we are dead to sin (Romans 6:2). He now wants us to see that we are dead to the law. He offers us a textbook example of teaching by analogy:

2 For the woman which hath an 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.

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.

Some preachers notwithstanding, the scriptures, common sense, and the law of Moses allow a woman to remarry if her husband dies and vice versa. A woman who marries another man, while her husband lives, is called an adulteress. If the man dies, the woman is free from that law - the law which required her to be bound to her husband.

C. The Conclusion Asserted 4-6

Based upon the above example, Paul says:

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.

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.

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.

What are some of the facts?

• Fact: You are become dead to the law by the body of Christ. Do you remember how Romans 6 taught us we were dead to sin? How did we die to sin? We died to sin because we were in Christ - at the cross. When we died - the wages of sin were paid in full. We were in Christ's body. You also died to the law. It lost its authority over you!

• Fact: You did not become single again when you died to the law! If you have been justified by faith you are married to Jesus Christ. (By the way, this is second aorist - this event has occurred once and for all). How does this work? When you were placed in Christ you were placed in His body. The scripture is very emphatic on that point. As a member of His body you are His bride. Remember, that according to Jewish marriage customs, the espoused couple are seen as two married persons who have not yet come together - but they are seen as married. You have not been physically claimed by your groom - but it would be good for you to have your wedding gown in order - because it could be today!

• Fact: The purpose of this marriage is to bring forth fruit. There are times when God, in his infinite wisdom, love, and mercy, does not bring children into a home. The normal desire for every couple, however, should be to bear fruit. In your first marriage you also brought forth fruit - unto death!

• Fact: When you were in the flesh, sin took advantage of the law's effect upon you and brought forth fruit unto death!

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.

This law, intended for our blessing and benefit has been our bane - because it allows our sinful nature to flourish. The history of the Jewish people who lived under the law attests to this. The long sad history of the Jewish people up until the time of Christ was one continuing testimony of the power of sin to thrive under the administration of the law.

• Fact: We now have complete deliverance from the law in Christ!

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.

Dear Christian friend, guard yourself against those who would put you back under that law today! Guard yourself against that cultic fringe element which reasons - "If those Old Testament laws were given by an all wise God for the benefit of the Jewish people, we would be foolish to ignore them today!" You have been delivered from the oldness of the letter so that you can serve Christ in the newness of the spirit. Why would you serve your dead husband who could only criticize you, while ignoring your new husband (Jesus Christ) - the perfect husband - who wants to nurture you?? Flee from the law - and let the living Christ and the indwelling Spirit guide you daily!

Clearly God's experiment was a total failure, and God had to figure out another way to solve our problems! Right? Wrong.

II. The Question of Its Moral Integrity 7:7-12

7. What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid.

The news recently reported on the terrible neglect of one of our local high schools - plastic sheets covering books to protect them from leaks, grass growing in the roof - yards neglected. The implication was that lack of funding was the culprit and that the people of California are depriving their children of a proper education by refusing proper funding. Other folks say, however, that that is not the real problem. The problem is that for every teacher in the classroom there are several non teachers in the system and that the layers of bureaucracy and unnecessary spending are the true reasons for this neglect. Who is really at fault? What are the real facts?

Is the law at fault because sin took advantage of it in order to have its way in me? Is the gun or knife at fault when I commit a crime - or does our sinful nature take advantage of the proliferation of guns?

God was not performing an experiment. The law was not sinful because it was abused. God knew exactly what would happen. Why then did he allow it? Paul continues:

A. The Principle Stated 7a