Our Objectives A Study of the Book of Romans ISU Bible Study Gain an appreciation for Romans Apply the principles to our lives Understand / be able to explain the basic concepts Learn (or reinforce) techniques for studying the Word Memorize Romans Road references Historical Background No documentation that confidently asserts how the church was founded in Rome. Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews (both Christian and non- Christian) from Rome in 49 A. D. as anti-semitism was rife in the Roman empire. Jews returned to Rome in the 50 s probably to find themselves a minority in the Christian church. Early leadership in the church is uncertain, but Christianity was growing and house churches were established. Paul s letter to the Romans was written around 57 A.D. during his stay in Corinth on his 3 rd missionary journey. There doesn t appear to be a glaring issue with the Roman church as there was with the church in Corinth. Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 What is Paul saying in Romans? Every man is guilty of sin before God This guilt is removed only when we are justified by faith which gives us access to God s grace Given free grace, we cannot go on sinning, but must yield ourselves to holiness The struggle against sin continues for the believer, but victory can be found in Jesus The Holy Spirit plays a prominent role in the life of a believer Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 God is sovereign as He deals with Jews and Gentiles God showers on His believers gifts of the Spirit to be used in His service The Christian is called to a selfless life, especially when interacting with our weak brothers Many of my fellow believers deserve commendation 1
God s right about sinners! The Emotional Roller Coaster Grace is incredible! The Holy Spirit is awesome! The body of Christ is incredible! I m surrounded by love! Romans Chapter 1 Verses 1 17: Introduction Oh, no! That s me too! There s hope! Can I ever conquer sin? I don t know what to think of God s sovereignty. Chapter 1 2 3 4&5 6 7 8 9-11 12&13 14&15 16 So I must be selfless! Rom 1:16 & 17 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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Who are considered sinners before God? 1:18 32: deliberately, openly wicked men Romans Chapter 2 Rom 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2
Who are considered sinners before God? 1:18 32: deliberately, openly wicked men 2:1 self-righteous judges Rom 2:6-11 6 7 8 Romans Chapter 2 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans Chapter 2 Rom 2:12-16 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Who are considered sinners before God? 1:18 32: deliberately, openly wicked men 2:1: self-righteous judges 2:2 16: law-breakers (based on conscience, not physical law) 3
Romans Chapter 2 Rom 2:17-29 Condemnation of those who depend on the law to give them righteousness. Who are considered sinners before God? 1:18 32: deliberately, openly wicked men 2:1: self-righteous judges 2:2 16: law-breakers (based on conscience, not physical law) 2:17 29: law-breakers (based on Jewish law) Romans Chapter 3 Romans Chapter 3 Rom 3:1-4 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 1 2 3 4 Rom 3:5-8 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 5 6 7 8 4
Romans 3:9-19 Romans Chapter 3 Further proof that both Jews and Gentiles are under the same condemnation of sin. Verses 10 18 contain 8 OT references in Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Isaiah. Rom 3:20-22 Romans Chapter 3 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Romans Chapter 3 Memory Verse Rom 3:23-26 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Rom 3:23 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 5
Bible Study Techniques Where are we Headed? 1) Read work in entirety to understand context. 2) Outline both logic and emotion. 3) Pay attention to sentence structure, punctuation, transition word usage, and thought groupings. 4) Don t hurry! This sin and guilt that we learned about in Chapters 1 3 are removed only when we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ which gives us access to God s grace. Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Key Word Usage Chapter Law Grace Spirit Faith Sin 1 2 2 6 2 21 1 3 11 1 8 2 4 5 2 10 1 5 3 6 2 6 6 2 3 17 7 23 1 14 8 5 21 4 Summary concepts Romans Chapter 4 Justification is by faith in Jesus Christ This justification is given to us, it is not earned This justification is available to everyone not just Jews 6
Romans Chapter 4 Romans Chapter 4 Rom 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? Rom 4:2-5 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans Chapter 4 Romans Chapter 4 Rom 4:6-8 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Verses 9-12: The blessing of righteousness came before Abraham was circumcised Circumcision was a seal, not a work of righteousness Righteousness can be imputed to those not circumcised 7
Romans Chapter 4 Romans Chapter 4 Verses 13 22: Abraham exhibited faith even though: He was too old to have children He was asked to sacrifice Isaac Because of that faith, God imputed righteousness to him (v 22) Rom 4:23-25 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans Chapter 3-4 Romans Chapter 5 Conclusions of Romans 3:25 4:25 We are justified before God by faith This righteousness is given to us, it is not earned by works or the law It is available to all who will call upon His name Rom 5:1-2 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 8
Romans Chapter 5 Romans Chapter 5 Peace Faith Hope Grace Tribulation Patience Experience Rom 5:6-11 Conclusions of what Christ did for us: Died for the ungodly Died for the sinner Saved us from God s wrath Reconciled us to God Saved us Memory Verse Romans Chapter 5 Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:12-18 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 9
Romans Chapter 5 Romans Chapter 5 Rom 5:13-17 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Rom 5:20-21 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Amazing Grace Bible Study Techniques Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. 1) Look at word frequency to see the major theme of the author. 2) Look up Greek words to get a more exact meaning of the passage. 10
Where are we Headed? Romans Chapter 6 Transition to holy living The constant battle against the sin nature The Holy Spirit s role in a believer s life Rom 6:1-2 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom 6:14-16 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 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? Romans Chapter 6 Romans Chapter 6 Rom 6:3-13 Identifying with Christ Rom 6:17-23 No longer slaves to sin, but to Christ Rom 6:13 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. Rom 6:19 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 11
Memory Verse Romans Chapter 6 Conclusions Rom 6:23 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Even though we are under grace, we should not continue in sin We must consciously offer our bodies to righteous living, not sin Romans Chapter 7 Romans Chapter 7 Rom 7:1-4 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? 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. 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. Rom 7:5-6 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. 12
Romans Chapter 7 Even though we are dead to the law, the law is not a bad thing 7 the law is not sin 12 the law is holy, just, and good What does the law do? 7 the law defines sin 8 the law makes sin come alive 10 the law brings death Sin personified Romans Chapter 7 8 w/o law, sin was dead 9 the law revived sin 11 sin deceived me and slew me Romans Chapter 7 Romans Chapter 7 The battle of every Christian 15 We don t do what we want to do, but we do what we hate to do Rom 7:18 (KJV) 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Rom 7:18 (NIV) 18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 13
Romans Chapter 7 Conclusion Romans Chapter 7 Conclusion Rom 7:21-24 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom 7:25 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Questions? Romans Chapter 8 It s all about the personal relationship between God (the trinity) and us. The roles Our role Jesus role Father role Holy Spirit role The result of that relationship 14
Our role Romans Chapter 8 (1, 5) Walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit (2) Realize the freedom we have in Christ Jesus (13) Mortify (put to death) the misdeeds of the body (14) Allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit (15) Cry Abba, Father (18) Realize that as we suffer as a Christian, it is nothing compared to the glorious reward (23) Groan as we await our adoption (25) Patiently wait with hope (28) Know that all things work together for our good Jesus role Romans Chapter 8 (3, 34) Came in the flesh to condemn sin in the flesh (34) Makes intercession for us Romans Chapter 8 Romans Chapter 8 The Father s role (3) Initiated the plan of salvation by sending Jesus (his only son) to live in the flesh (29,30) predestinated, called, justified, and glorified us (32) Freely give us all things (33) Justifies us The Holy Spirit s role (9) He dwells in us (11) He will quicken (give life) to our mortal bodies (13) He helps us mortify the deeds of the body (16) He bears witness that we are the children of God (26, 27) He groans for us in our weakness (intercedes for us) 15
Romans Chapter 8 Romans Chapter 8 The result of this relationship to the believer (1) No condemnation (6) Life and peace (16) Called Children of God (17) Joint heirs with Christ (24) Saved by hope (38, 39) Inseparable from God s love Rom 8:38-39 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Where are we headed? 9:1 9:5 Lament over Israel 9:6 9:29 God s promises have not failed 9:30 10:21 Israel s rejection because of their unbelief 11:1 11:32 Israel s rejection is temporary 11:33 11:36 Closing doxology Romans Chapter 9 1 5 Lament over Israel Paul s passion for the saving of his people 16
Romans Chapter 9 Romans Chapter 9 6 13 God has always been choosing people These examples show the doctrine of election It s all about God who calls, not of man s national identity 14-23 God s choosing is divine mercy at work. Romans Chapter 9 Romans Chapter 9 Conclusion 24-29 The Old Testament verifies that this day would come when God would chose Gentiles. 30 33 God has chosen to declare righteousness to come by faith, not by the law Gentiles (as well as Jews) are now being chosen to be called righteous because of their faith Some Jews are not being chosen to be called righteous because of their lack of faith 17
Romans Chapter 10 Romans Chapter 10 1 4 Israel has a zeal for righteousness after the law but are not submitting to the righteousness of God through faith in Christ 5 13 Faith is the only way to have a right relationship with God, and it includes both the mouth and the heart both confession and belief. Memory Verse Romans Chapter 10 Rom 10:9 9 If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 14 21 Sovereignty and responsibility are interdependent. 18
1 6 Romans Chapter 11 God has not rejected His people Israel, but has chosen from them a remnant 11 32 The stumbling of Israel has resulted in salvation to the Gentiles But Gentiles must remain faithful or they will be broken off from God like a branch Some day the nation of Israel will return to God All men have been guilty of disobedience so that God might have mercy on all Rom 11:33-36 Romans Chapter 11 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Romans Chapter 11 Parable of the Gift 33 36 God is deep in wisdom and knowledge God s ways are far beyond our comprehension None of us are wise enough to be His counselor None of us have ever given anything to God that deserves repayment It s all about Him, not us Glory belongs to Him forever 19
Memory Verse Romans 12 Rom 12:1-2 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. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom 12:1-2 The passion The living sacrifice The focus The reasonableness The transformation The will of God Romans 12 Romans 12 Rom 12:3 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Rom 12:6 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, Verses 4 8 The body of Christ We don t all have the same function Prophesying Ministering (serving) Teaching Exhorting (encouraging) Giving (contributing to needs of others) Ruling (leadership) Showing mercy 20
Romans 12 Romans 13 Verses 9 21 1. Thought processes 1. How to love 2. What to hate 3. Responding to hope 4. How to pray 2. Relationships with others 1. The Saints 2. Our enemies 3. People of low estate (low position) 3. Responses to situations 1. When others rejoice or weep 2. When we are persecuted Verses 1 7 Response to governing authorities Verses 8 10 Love thy neighbor as thyself Verses 11 14 Put on the Lord Jesus Christ Romans 14 Romans 15 Getting along with other believers with different views: For disputable matters, accept each other without judging or condemning Both are servants of Christ Every one of us will give a personal account of himself to God Instead of judging, determine not to put a stumbling block in your brother s way An activity (like eating meat) may be sin to one and not to another Follow after peace and edification The final encouragement Christ as the example Glorify God and Jesus Christ Abound in hope Full of goodness and knowledge 21
Romans 16 Phoebe is to be commended Others were: A succourer Helpers Dear friends Relatives Laborers Chosen Rom 16:25-27 Conclusion 25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Romans Road Memory Verses 1) Romans 3:23 2) Romans 5:8 3) Romans 6:23 4) Romans 10:9 5) Romans 12:1-2 Concluding remarks Study is a lifelong goal Cross-reference scripture to find corroborating evidence to difficult doctrines Stick with the Word itself 22
Did we meet our objectives? Gain an appreciation for Romans Apply the principles to our lives Understand / be able to explain the basic concepts Learn (or reinforce) techniques for studying the Word Memorize Romans Road references 23