Opening Prayer Pg.1
God of our salvation, We come into Your presence tonight with the joy of being in Your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. We are thankful for your word in our study of Romans. We pray that our fellowship today will bless each one here. We pray that you will Bless those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
Prelude
At the beginning of Romans 3, Paul takes a brief break from his argument that Jews and Gentiles are both equally under the condemnation of the Lord because of their sin. He explains that the Jews will not escape judgment merely because they are Jews. This is because, if one wants to rest in the Jewish privileges of the law and circumcision for justification, one must be careful to keep the commandments perfectly. There are, nevertheless, many benefits that Jews possess. Chief among these are the “oracles of God”—the living and active Word of God, namely, the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament.
Scripture reading; All are guilty, Romans 3: 1-8
Rom 3:1-8 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge." 5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7 Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8 Why not say--as some slanderously claim that we say--"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is just!
Discussion
Under the old covenant, the Jews rightly equated divine faithfulness with God’s blessing upon them. It is likewise true that God promised Abraham that He would curse those who did not keep His covenant, which ultimately means judgment on those who are uncircumcised in heart. To be faithful to His covenant, God must judge sin. In Christ, we are rescued from this judgment, but understanding the gospel starts with knowing that our holy God cannot be faithful to His Word without finding a way to judge our sin. Proclaiming His wrath is part of the gospel. God is faithful. He promises us forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus as our Savior. Even in the worst of times, Salvation is there for us with God’s call to repentance and faith in the saving grace of His Son Our Lord Jesus Christ. read Philippians_1:18
Q.1 Why do you feel Paul is questioning the faith of the Jews?
Q.2 Could it be possible that Paul’s questioning the Jewish faith also applies to us in our day?
Q.3 How would you feel if you were entrusted with the very words of God?
Q.4 In verses 3-8, Paul discusses our unrighteousness bringing out God's righteousness. What do you feel he means by this?
Q.5 Who do you feel is righteous according to Paul’s argument?
Pg.2
The Jews did not realize that God’s judgment was on them too. God would not show his kindness to one group of people more than to another. ‘Under the power of sin’ means that sin was like a master who had complete control over his slave. Everybody is like a slave because of the power of sin.
Scripture reading; No one is righteous. Romans 3: 9-20
9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." 13 "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips." 14 "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." 15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know." 18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Discussion
Here in these verses, Paul clearly states the possibility of anyone keeping the law is totally discounted. In theory, and indeed in truth, such is not possible for human beings. Jesus, as the Son of God, yes. In any other consideration, that just is not possible. In practice, Paul says, no one does it, and therefore we are all silenced by the law. We know, and the law makes sure that we know, that we have forfeited our legal acquittal. We are all declared guilty.
People tell lies, spew curses, and gossip. Their words are like poison that can destroy other people’s happiness and character. (James 3:8-10).Evil actions are often the result of evil words, Isaiah 59:7-9 They do not try to live at peace. They cause trouble and pain wherever they go. Such behavior soon damages the rest of society too. All sin is against God. All sin comes from people’s lack of honor for God who created them.
Some Jews would think that these verses were only about wicked Gentiles. But the Gentiles did not have the law. Paul explains that the law cannot make people righteous. That is not its purpose. The purpose of the law was to show the meaning of sin and how to avoid being partakers of it, such as were Adam and Eve, who in their reasoning were doing no wrong, that is until the question of their sin was raised by God. . The law proves that everyone is guilty. So the Jews could not become righteous by means of their Jewish ceremonies. And nobody can become righteous by means of their own good works. No one has escaped the guilt of sin.
Q.1 Paul gets really descriptive of our sins in these verses, which ones get your attention first?
Q.2 A fair application of Paul’s descriptive remarks would best describe what type of person?
Q.3 Can you name some really good people who are constant in their faith and in their works,
and are they to be included in Paul’s scathing remarks?
Q.4 It takes God’s law to cause the recognition of our sin. Had we not considered God’s law as being our judgment, would there be sin?
This ends Paul’s criticism of the Jews and Greeks (Gentiles) in Rome. Next week we start with 3: 21-31 in which Paul begins our study of the righteousness of God.
Pg.3
Phlippians 1:18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
James 3:8-10 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Isaiah 59:7-9 Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. 8 The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace. 9 So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
Closing Prayer
Father God, we close our study tonight with this prayer for your protection of our souls from the wiles of Satan. Let none of us slip in our efforts to live a good and moral, God centered life. Be with those of our acquaintance who need your healing touch______________Bring to these our friends, and loved ones, Your healing touch give them strength and courage and rest. Help them to recover their health. Bless them Lord, and those who care for them. Be with us now as we go our separate ways, and bring us together again next week. We pray this in Jesus Name Amen
Pg.4
Meditation
Isn't there something deeply satisfying about someone who knows your flaws to the deepest level of your being. And even in spite of our flaws, will still reconcile us with God.
So as we finish this, Paul's final summary diagnosis of our condition,(it ends with Romans 3:20) keep thinking: this is good, this is good. Because for all this bad news about our true condition, there is good news coming. And the only reason for telling me the bad news is so that I will understand the righteousness of God, freely given to those who really trust in Christ. (starting with Romans 3:21), our next weeks study.
How does Paul support verse 9 and the sinfulness of all men from the Old Testament in all these quotations in verses 10-18? I think that Paul doesn't mean that every one of the six Old Testament quotes has the whole indictment in it, but that taken all together they have the whole indictment. When Paul quotes the Old Testament that "There is none righteous, no not one," he means that, by nature, apart from the saving grace, of Jesus Christ, we are unrighteous. Only when God breaks into our lives and gives the special grace of faith and forgiveness through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus who died because of our sin, can we get right with God, and be called "righteous”, because we are no longer under judgment, it is Jesus, He is the one, the only one, who is our righteousness.
And all the other Old Testament quotes in these verses referring to our sinfulness simply point us to the fact of our sinful nature when we are without God. I saw this most clearly in Psalm 5, which Paul quotes in Romans 3:13, "Their throat is an open grave." This is referring to God’s enemies. Paul does not mean that there are no redeemed and righteous people in the world. He only means that apart from God's mighty grace, we are, the whole world is hopelessly corrupt, Why? Because man is “under sin”. Man by nature, would not go in the way of righteousness, in fact if left to his own devices, without God’s law and God’s love, man would always choose the worlds way, Man without God knows no other way. God alone can deliver us from sin and set us aright and cause us to walk in the way of righteousness. Without God, that is not possible.
Sin is, first and foremost, a resistance to finding joy in God. And that resistance results in a darkened mind that then suppresses the truth and does not understand God. So the mind that is "under sin" does not seek God and does not know God and does not fear God. Being "under sin" means that our relations with people are ruined, even though God's common grace may restrain us from treating people as badly as we might. In verses 13-14, Paul describes the way sin ruins our words, and in verses 13-14, he describes the way sin ruins our actions - "throat . . . tongue .. . lips . . . mouth." Then, in verses 15-17, being "under sin" is not a way of speaking, but a way of acting: "Their feet are swift to shed blood, destruction and misery are in their paths, and the path of peace they have not known." This is what happens when God is not sought or known or revered. The entire point of the book of Romans and the whole Bible and of Christianity is that God, in his great mercy, has made a way of salvation from sin - the power of sin and the penalty of sin.
And next week, Romans 3:21-22 - "But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe." Amen
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Monday, November 9, 2015
Pauls Letter to the Romans Ch. 2 session 4
Pg.1
Opening prayer: Session # 4
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. Make us aware that in this world you do not always work independently. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study Your Word as given to us in Paul’s letter to the Romans. In Jesus Name we pray Amen.
Scripture reading; Condemned by the Law Of God, Romans Chapter 2: vs 17-24
Romans 2:17- 29 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark,20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth-- 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
24 As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
Discussion
In this latter part of chapter two Paul directs his discourse to the Jews, and names the sins of which they were guilty. Telling them that if they are the ones who are trained in the law, and who claim to know the will of God, The ones who teach and instruct, and who with great pride and reverence, call themselves Jews, and hold themselves out as being an authority in relationships with God. Then why do they not teach themselves these qualities, Do you steal? Do you commit adultery? Do you rob the temples? Do you break the law? Many of the Jewish rabbis are said to have been notorious for the sin of adultery, Sacrilege - robbing in holy things, which were then by special laws dedicated and devoted to God. Paul is charging them with partaking in the sins exactly as they are teaching others to avoid. And while doing such abominations, they are blaspheming God’s name among the Gentiles. It was the hypocrisy of the Pharisees that they did not do as they taught, read (Mat_23:2-4), but pulled down with their lives what they built up with their preaching
Questions
Q.1 How is it that Paul knows so much of what is going on with the Jews in Rome when he has never yet been there?
Q.2 What is the objection, Paul states, aside from the sins they are committing, What other thing is being manifested? Vs.24 What are the ramifications?
Q.3 Does some of Paul’s criticisms seem more in the vein of judgment which we studied last week?
Q.4 When do criticisms become an effective deterrent to sin?
Pg.2
Discussion
Beginning with verse 25, Paul’s epistle takes on a different tack. Paul reprimands them about their beliefs about circumcision. He makes the point that if one is a circumcised Jew, there is a credible sanctity implied.
The ritual of circumcision was applied to all Jewish males, and because of this, writers began to consider circumcision as a normal step, God instituted, and required of all Jews. But the Jews to whom Paul was writing his epistle, had enhanced belief in the practice to extremes, as had all Jews, not just those in Rome.
In the Torah, God says to Abraham that circumcision is a part of the Covenant, or part of God’s promise to man, and mans promise to God. (genesis 17:10-16) By being circumcised, God ensured the promise of fertility to the Jewish people. Circumcision also served as a tribal sign; without it, one was banished from the tribe, which was certain death, for the banished one, for the Jewish people at that time were desert inhabitants, Under the care of their leader Moses, and God.
The Apostle has called into question the key symbol of Jewish identity. Jews of all stripes believed that no one could be acceptable to the Lord without circumcision. More significantly, many first-century Jews had come to believe that no one who was circumcised would ever go to hell even if he failed to keep God’s other commandments.
Scripture reading; Circumcision of The Heart Romans Chapter 2: vs 25-29
25. Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. 28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person's praise is not from other people, but from God.
Discussion
The Jews believed that circumcision resulted in justification. Paul teaches that such is not the case The belief that some sort of modification of the body, scriptural or not, can save one’s soul, is to be considered a false hope’ So how does circumcision work in this study?
Just as the Jews believed that circumcision sanctified them before God, some Christians today are prone to think they are right before God because they go to church, and they might believe that their children are guaranteed a place in heaven as long as they are raised in a Christian home. We cannot trust in any of these things. No matter how good you are; no matter how religious you are; no matter what you do for God, you can never be good enough, or holy enough to earn salvation.(Eph. 2:8-9)There is no automatic salvation. None of us is saved unless personal trust in the promises of God through His Son Jesus Christ resides in our hearts. A circumcision of the heart is what God requires. Removing our bent to sinning, and becoming obedient to the laws of God through faith in Jesus Christ is the object of Paul’s teaching in these verses, and is absolutely the only way to salvation.
Questions Pg.3
Q.1 What did Paul write about why he was going to the Church in Rome Romans 1: 11 & 12?
Q.2 Paul quotes, about Israel, "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." It's easy for us to look back 2,000 years and say how bad those Jews were, but what about our present day, does our conduct today cause non Christians to blaspheme our savior?
Q.3 Why do you think Paul goes into the discussion about circumcision?
Q.4 Are there times in your life when you feel the world is totally against Christianity?
Q.5 Why do you think some people who call themselves Christian reject going to church?
Scripture readings
Mat 23:2-4 "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
Gen 17:10-16 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner--those who are not your offspring. 13 Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant. 14 Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant." 15 God also said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her."
Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Romans 1: 11 & 12 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong-- 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
Closing Prayer
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We thank you Lord for the teachings of your apostle Paul, and we pray that you will impart to our hearts, those things from this study that you would have us learn. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. ____________Some are ill some are conflicted, and Some of Lord are in distress, all need your healing power. We pray now that we will have Your guidance as we continue in our day to day living. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Pg4
Meditation:
It was forty years since the people of Israel left Egypt. In that time a generation had been lost in the wilderness, and there had been a change in the demography of the nation.
Over those forty years Israel was going round in a circle. They were stagnant. That generation did not make progress in the purpose of God. They lost out of the inheritance that God had for them. The younger people who were spared death in the wilderness, however moved about aimlessly for a big part of their lives. From that bitter lesson, they learned that you either do the will of God or you suffered the consequences, and they would plunge ahead without looking back. That is when the task of taking over the Promised Land begun in earnest under the leadership of Joshua.
Before that, God saw fit that the people should be circumcised, having not done so throughout their time in the wilderness. With the circumcision, they reaffirmed their identity as God’s covenant people, unique among all nations. They reconnected to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, through the covenant rite of circumcision.
Unlike the Jews of that day, Our relationship with God is a heart relationship, thus our circumcision is of the heart. Our heart of stone was changed to that of a heart of flesh when we met Christ. To prepare our heart as God’s dwelling place, the blood of Jesus had to be its cleansing instrument. Without the blood of Jesus, it would have been impossible to clean the heart. It had to be none other than the blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28).God incarnate.
That is what purges our hearts from sin consciousness. Now what we are conscious of is the presence of God, the hand of God on our lives, not the works of the flesh. We should recognize that there is a change in the dynamics of our relationship with God; we should have an emphasis of the individual experience of God and not a collective experience. We have to know God for ourselves. It must be that we undergo a radical change in our individual heart thinking. How shall I live this life of mine now, in total response to God?
So the idea of having a religion for a nation is really off the mark. You cannot legislate Christianity. What we have is an individualistic experience of God in the dimensions of his wisdom. It is the call of the church, the representative of the kingdom of God on the earth, to manifest the wisdom of God to the principalities and powers. Individuals will manifest the different dimensions of God within themselves.
Peter said that as each has received grace we should manifest it either in speaking or in physical expression of service (1Peter 4:10-11). Paul said that we are unique as parts of the body of Christ and we are different as different parts of the body, we can only discover and explore the purpose of God in our placement and the expression of the grace of God in that body, and not try to force ourselves into another person’s mode.
The circumcision of our heart prepares it to connect us to the purpose of God; this is because God is now in us through the Holy Spirit. Our heart is conducive now to have God dwell there.
The Holy Spirit connects us with the purpose of Jesus. Jesus said that when the Spirit of truth comes he would guide us into all truth and help us to focus on Him (John 16:13). He (the Holy Spirit) would not glorify himself, He would glorify Jesus.
In Christ, because of the circumcision of our heart, our lot was changed. We are changed in the core of our being. We are made priests and kings (Revelation 5:10), made new creatures (2Corinthians 5:17), made partakers of the life of God. Amen.
Opening prayer: Session # 4
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. Make us aware that in this world you do not always work independently. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study Your Word as given to us in Paul’s letter to the Romans. In Jesus Name we pray Amen.
Scripture reading; Condemned by the Law Of God, Romans Chapter 2: vs 17-24
Romans 2:17- 29 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark,20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth-- 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
24 As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
Discussion
In this latter part of chapter two Paul directs his discourse to the Jews, and names the sins of which they were guilty. Telling them that if they are the ones who are trained in the law, and who claim to know the will of God, The ones who teach and instruct, and who with great pride and reverence, call themselves Jews, and hold themselves out as being an authority in relationships with God. Then why do they not teach themselves these qualities, Do you steal? Do you commit adultery? Do you rob the temples? Do you break the law? Many of the Jewish rabbis are said to have been notorious for the sin of adultery, Sacrilege - robbing in holy things, which were then by special laws dedicated and devoted to God. Paul is charging them with partaking in the sins exactly as they are teaching others to avoid. And while doing such abominations, they are blaspheming God’s name among the Gentiles. It was the hypocrisy of the Pharisees that they did not do as they taught, read (Mat_23:2-4), but pulled down with their lives what they built up with their preaching
Questions
Q.1 How is it that Paul knows so much of what is going on with the Jews in Rome when he has never yet been there?
Q.2 What is the objection, Paul states, aside from the sins they are committing, What other thing is being manifested? Vs.24 What are the ramifications?
Q.3 Does some of Paul’s criticisms seem more in the vein of judgment which we studied last week?
Q.4 When do criticisms become an effective deterrent to sin?
Pg.2
Discussion
Beginning with verse 25, Paul’s epistle takes on a different tack. Paul reprimands them about their beliefs about circumcision. He makes the point that if one is a circumcised Jew, there is a credible sanctity implied.
The ritual of circumcision was applied to all Jewish males, and because of this, writers began to consider circumcision as a normal step, God instituted, and required of all Jews. But the Jews to whom Paul was writing his epistle, had enhanced belief in the practice to extremes, as had all Jews, not just those in Rome.
In the Torah, God says to Abraham that circumcision is a part of the Covenant, or part of God’s promise to man, and mans promise to God. (genesis 17:10-16) By being circumcised, God ensured the promise of fertility to the Jewish people. Circumcision also served as a tribal sign; without it, one was banished from the tribe, which was certain death, for the banished one, for the Jewish people at that time were desert inhabitants, Under the care of their leader Moses, and God.
The Apostle has called into question the key symbol of Jewish identity. Jews of all stripes believed that no one could be acceptable to the Lord without circumcision. More significantly, many first-century Jews had come to believe that no one who was circumcised would ever go to hell even if he failed to keep God’s other commandments.
Scripture reading; Circumcision of The Heart Romans Chapter 2: vs 25-29
25. Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. 28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person's praise is not from other people, but from God.
Discussion
The Jews believed that circumcision resulted in justification. Paul teaches that such is not the case The belief that some sort of modification of the body, scriptural or not, can save one’s soul, is to be considered a false hope’ So how does circumcision work in this study?
Just as the Jews believed that circumcision sanctified them before God, some Christians today are prone to think they are right before God because they go to church, and they might believe that their children are guaranteed a place in heaven as long as they are raised in a Christian home. We cannot trust in any of these things. No matter how good you are; no matter how religious you are; no matter what you do for God, you can never be good enough, or holy enough to earn salvation.(Eph. 2:8-9)There is no automatic salvation. None of us is saved unless personal trust in the promises of God through His Son Jesus Christ resides in our hearts. A circumcision of the heart is what God requires. Removing our bent to sinning, and becoming obedient to the laws of God through faith in Jesus Christ is the object of Paul’s teaching in these verses, and is absolutely the only way to salvation.
Questions Pg.3
Q.1 What did Paul write about why he was going to the Church in Rome Romans 1: 11 & 12?
Q.2 Paul quotes, about Israel, "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." It's easy for us to look back 2,000 years and say how bad those Jews were, but what about our present day, does our conduct today cause non Christians to blaspheme our savior?
Q.3 Why do you think Paul goes into the discussion about circumcision?
Q.4 Are there times in your life when you feel the world is totally against Christianity?
Q.5 Why do you think some people who call themselves Christian reject going to church?
Scripture readings
Mat 23:2-4 "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
Gen 17:10-16 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner--those who are not your offspring. 13 Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant. 14 Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant." 15 God also said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her."
Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Romans 1: 11 & 12 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong-- 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
Closing Prayer
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We thank you Lord for the teachings of your apostle Paul, and we pray that you will impart to our hearts, those things from this study that you would have us learn. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. ____________Some are ill some are conflicted, and Some of Lord are in distress, all need your healing power. We pray now that we will have Your guidance as we continue in our day to day living. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Pg4
Meditation:
It was forty years since the people of Israel left Egypt. In that time a generation had been lost in the wilderness, and there had been a change in the demography of the nation.
Over those forty years Israel was going round in a circle. They were stagnant. That generation did not make progress in the purpose of God. They lost out of the inheritance that God had for them. The younger people who were spared death in the wilderness, however moved about aimlessly for a big part of their lives. From that bitter lesson, they learned that you either do the will of God or you suffered the consequences, and they would plunge ahead without looking back. That is when the task of taking over the Promised Land begun in earnest under the leadership of Joshua.
Before that, God saw fit that the people should be circumcised, having not done so throughout their time in the wilderness. With the circumcision, they reaffirmed their identity as God’s covenant people, unique among all nations. They reconnected to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, through the covenant rite of circumcision.
Unlike the Jews of that day, Our relationship with God is a heart relationship, thus our circumcision is of the heart. Our heart of stone was changed to that of a heart of flesh when we met Christ. To prepare our heart as God’s dwelling place, the blood of Jesus had to be its cleansing instrument. Without the blood of Jesus, it would have been impossible to clean the heart. It had to be none other than the blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28).God incarnate.
That is what purges our hearts from sin consciousness. Now what we are conscious of is the presence of God, the hand of God on our lives, not the works of the flesh. We should recognize that there is a change in the dynamics of our relationship with God; we should have an emphasis of the individual experience of God and not a collective experience. We have to know God for ourselves. It must be that we undergo a radical change in our individual heart thinking. How shall I live this life of mine now, in total response to God?
So the idea of having a religion for a nation is really off the mark. You cannot legislate Christianity. What we have is an individualistic experience of God in the dimensions of his wisdom. It is the call of the church, the representative of the kingdom of God on the earth, to manifest the wisdom of God to the principalities and powers. Individuals will manifest the different dimensions of God within themselves.
Peter said that as each has received grace we should manifest it either in speaking or in physical expression of service (1Peter 4:10-11). Paul said that we are unique as parts of the body of Christ and we are different as different parts of the body, we can only discover and explore the purpose of God in our placement and the expression of the grace of God in that body, and not try to force ourselves into another person’s mode.
The circumcision of our heart prepares it to connect us to the purpose of God; this is because God is now in us through the Holy Spirit. Our heart is conducive now to have God dwell there.
The Holy Spirit connects us with the purpose of Jesus. Jesus said that when the Spirit of truth comes he would guide us into all truth and help us to focus on Him (John 16:13). He (the Holy Spirit) would not glorify himself, He would glorify Jesus.
In Christ, because of the circumcision of our heart, our lot was changed. We are changed in the core of our being. We are made priests and kings (Revelation 5:10), made new creatures (2Corinthians 5:17), made partakers of the life of God. Amen.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Paul's Letter to the Romans ch 2 session 3
Opening prayer: Session # 3 Pg.1
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. Make us aware that in this world you do not always work independently. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study Your Word as given to us in Paul’s letter to the Romans. In Jesus Name we pray Amen.
Prelude
Paul’s life as a God fearing obedient Jew, an intense persecutor of Christians was suddenly and vitally reshaped by a dramatic meeting with Christ on the Road to Damascus. It was this drama, coupled with his fervor that drove Paul to take the Message of Jesus to what was then most of the known world. A devout Jew that would now seek to bring the message of Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ to the gentile world. This effort would mold Christianity for the next two Millennia.
He succeeded in making Christianity a universal religion, not just in the spiritual sense but also in the physical sense. Spreading the Gospel far and wide across the Roman Empire was Paul's mission. His missionary journeys brought him to Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia and eventually Rome. There is no question that his Roman citizenship and his intense training as a Pharisee helped him immensely in this mission. He was arrested several times because of his preaching and several times was saved because of his elevated status within the Empire.
Paul was a charismatic individual. He was a sure leader of men. Seldom did he doubt himself. He saw his mission as not only bringing the "Good News" to the Gentiles, but also to organize the Church so that it would grow, even when he was not present to urge it on. Thus, he created an organization and trained leaders. This organization would one day become modern Christianity as it came to supersede the original authority of the Church in Jerusalem. Ultimately, it was Paul who both physically and theologically made Christianity a "universal" church.
Scripture reading
The Judgment Of God, Romans Chapter 2: vs 1-8:
Rom 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God "will repay each person according to what they have done." 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
Pg.2
Discussion
Paul is telling us that judgment is relative, we pass judgment on others, and we have judgment passed on us. No one will escape judgment, not even the Jew. This condition will show that we have a tendency to judge all things which come to our notice. Then whether or not they meet the expectations that our life experiences have taught us, we make a judgment, as to our reaction. We also have a tendency to believe that what goes around comes around. Now then, because we have admitted that there must be a judgment of all human deeds. We’d better get right with God, because for a certainty we will be judged.
Now Paul is saying that Israel, deserving of her merits, having rejected the Messiah, has laid herself open to God’s judgment and could be justly blotted from the face of the earth.. But God is longsuffering, still exercising patience with His people. Why? Paul explains what the Jew did not recognize: “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance”, God will not coerce the will. He allows that we will have time to make the right decision of our own choosing being lead to repentance by His goodness. And that choice will lead to our Obedience to his word.
Obedience means submission. If we obey the law because it is God’s law, we are showing trust in Him. But if we “do what is right,” ignoring the element of obedience, and judging it right of our own volition, we are acting in pride. Such “good deeds” are faithless and sinful, no better “than filthy rags”. True obedience is a sign of faith, and only those who trust and obey will be saved. Paul further tells us that there will be a day of Judgment, a day of joy, when the obedient will reap their reward, and a day of Wrath when God will declare his final judgment of all sin. Are you ready? (see also Zephaniah 1:15–18). And Romans 1: vs 32
Q.1 What are your feelings about the words of Paul in these verses to the Roman church?
Q.2 What if any of these criticisms can be applied to our present day?
Q.3 What is there about judging others that is so consoling to our conscience
Q.4 Why is it so, that we do not like being judged?
Scripture reading
The Impartiality Of God, Romans Chapter 2: vs 9-16
9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism. 12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Pg.3
Discussion
Scripture’s teaching on the depravity of man is clear that “there is none who does good” (Psalms. 14:1–3). Paul indicates that unbelievers sometimes do simply by natural instinct what the law requires. This does not make anyone righteous apart from Christ? .
When Paul says that Gentiles do instinctively what the law requires, He means that it is the nature of man to obey God’s law, even though that decision is not from the heart. They do not obey in response to God, but simply by natural instinct. Even without Christ, people know enough in most instances to “do right”, but this does not lead one to righteousness.
God’s judgment will not be based on mere appearance but on truth (see vs.2). God’s judgment will also take into account our knowledge and privilege. The Jew of Paul’s day, having more knowledge and greater access to the truth, will be judged by the stricter standard of the revealed law. The Gentiles will be judged according to their inner knowledge of God, a knowledge all men possess, as we have seen. Since all men do evil, all men are under the condemnation of God. Being a Jew and having the law avails nothing if you do not keep it in an attitude of faithfulness, and obedience.
Keeping God’s commandments requires a response to God’s word. Paul says that the first-century Jews are not true followers of God’s law. They do not fully exemplify what God has said in (Heb_8:10) The above verses remind us how seriously God takes the principles set out in his laws. Paul is making his point that while having Scripture is an advantage in that it gives the Jew knowledge of God, this knowledge is of no help for salvation if it is not put to use. Similarly, we cannot rest merely in the fact that we have God’s Word to guide us, But it must be put into action in the living of it. It must also be in our minds and hearts.
Q.1 “First for the Jew, then for the Gentile” Paul puts God’s condemnation of sin, and God’s honor
and glory for those who do good in that order, why is that?
Q.2 What does Paul say is needed for one to be declared righteous in God’s sight?
Q.3 Ignorance of the law is no excuse, have you heard that before? What does it
mean when applied to this study?
Q.4 God’s law written in your mind, and in your heart. What does that mean?
Q.5 Is Paul telling us that there are varying degrees of judgment? Under the law, and not under the law, What does that mean?
Pg.4
Commentary
In Romans 2:14, Paul is telling us that even those without divine revelation make laws that forbid things like murder, theft. child molestation and human bondage. Nevertheless, even now, immorality and relativism prevail because the public demands it. Not because it is good, but because it is deemed socially correct. How far astray have we as a society gone.
But consider this; Had Paul not taken on the role of Apostle, and we not knowing of God through someone’s revealing it to us, where would we be in God’s judgment? One cannot save oneself in the doing of good, nor in the belief of a superior being, nor even in the belief that there is a God. There must be Jesus.
Think about it. Paul revealed to the world, what the Jews were taught, and who they have rejected. He taught that there is a Savior, a Rabbi, Teacher, Interpreter of the law, a Devine Authority, a Son of God. One who will stand with us in Judgment, One who has taken all our sins, our shortcomings, our evil deeds, our pride, our arrogance, our selfish acts, our insolence and our disrespectful thoughts, words and deeds, as his own, then He died for us, to free us from the certain condemnation from God that those sins would otherwise bring down on each of us. Had Jesus not lead Paul to us from the Damascus road where would we be today?
God has answered that. With Paul’s letter to Titus which we will study at a latter date.
Tit 1:15 & 16 and Tit 2:1.
1. Is Paul is writing to Jews or to Gentiles here?, or is his message for today's Christian?
2. What is there about judging the ways and words of others that is so addicting to humankind?
3. Why does Paul say we have no right to judge others on any of these things if we do or do not
approve any of these things?
4. Paul says that God’s kindness, patience and forbearance, will lead one to repentance, How
would one explain that to a non believer?
5. How do you feel our judgment of others could affect their repentance?
6. How does your judgment compares to Paul’s description of the righteous judgment of God?
7. What do you understand Paul to be saying is required for salvation?
7. Is obedience to God’s law a needed condition for our salvation or is it a result of God’s
kindness, patience and forbearance”
9. What does verse 2:14-15 tell you about innocent children or remote peoples who have never heard of Jesus?
10 Read vs,16. To what is Paul referring with the words “when God judges people's secrets
through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares”?
Closing Prayer
Father God, we close our study tonight with this prayer for your protection of our souls from the wiles of Satan. Let none of us slip in our efforts to live a good and moral, God centered life. Be with those of our acquaintance who need your healing touch______________Bring to these our friends, and loved ones, Your healing touch give them strength and courage and rest. Help them to recover their health. Bless them Lord, and those who care for them. Be with us now as we go our separate ways, and bring us together again next week. We pray this in Jesus Name Amen.
Pg.5
Scripture readings
Zephaniah 1: 15-18: . 15 That day will be a day of wrath-- a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness--16 a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers. 17 "I will bring such distress on all people that they will grope about like those who are blind, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath." In the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live on the earth.
Romans 1: vs 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Psalm 14:1-3 For the director of music. Of David. The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Heb_8:10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Titus 1:15 & 16 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Tit 2:1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.
Pg.6
Meditation
We live in a fallen world, on any given day one is inundated with news of Murder, rape, child molestation, theft, and fraud. Then we see our society in a state of accepting some form of sin and corruption, and even glorifying that which God has forbidden. Our world leaders give themselves over to a thirst for wealth and power, at the peril of the people over whom they rule. And this even filters down to us through our local governance. It even infects the education of our children. It is even infiltrating our religious institutions.
To counter this all consuming passion for making sin to be “not sin”, the Christian is faced with the choice of joining in or rejecting what the world offers. Adam and Eve were tempted in this way. As we read of their fall we become aware that they had choices to make. They looked upon the fruit, it was pleasant to view, after all it had been put there by God. They took it in their hand, it felt normal, like what they expected, and they felt no need to discard it. Then they had another decision to make. If they wanted to be fully informed, and live forever like God, they must partake of it. So they did. Sin for them was made to be appealing. All sin is offered by Satan to us, in like manner. It is made to seem like an appealing and good choice
No need to go into the matter of what happened next, but we all need to understand our choices. We have many and they are all before us. In the middle of the darkness and gloom of Genesis chapter three - verse 15 to be exact - we have the first promise by God that a Savior is coming who will defeat the work of Satan. In The Old Testament we see this promise over and over and as well, in The New Testament. Jesus is born in fulfillment of the prophecies and the Provider of redemption and hope to all who believe and repent of their sins.
When a conversion to Christ occurs, many things change; the new Christian has new purpose, responsibility, and a new relationship with God. But at the same time, there is a perplexing realization that many things also remain the same. He or she still lives in the same fallen world with its evil, corruption and suffering. And temptation is still there as well, and ultimately the disappointing realization that there is still a long way to go before perfection is reached; mistakes are still made and there will be times where one will stumble. How does one live successfully as a Christian in such an environment?
First. We must gain wisdom from the scriptures, Jesus used Scripture to turn Satan away, from this we must learn the nature of Satan and sin. Satan can be very deceptive sometimes even appearing to be the opposite of what we might expect . Sin deceives, often offering more than it can deliver while obscuring the horrible reality of the ultimate outcome.
Second. As Did Jesus, we must be aware of and develop a hatred for sin. God hates sin and continually through scripture warns us that we must not be merely indifferent about it, we must flee from it, and condemn it as God’s hated enemy.
Third. We should remember how Jesus met temptation. He was absolutely successful. He met every temptation with Scripture. Scripture was His absolute authority for right and wrong and His guide for conduct. It should be for you and me as well.
Fourth. We should pray for wisdom, strength and guidance in doing what is right 1n the sight of God for the sake of our faith. Again, this is like Jesus handled His dread of the cross. He found strength in this approach (Matt. 26:39).
Finally, Learn how to be positive about good and negative about evil. Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Christianity is not only putting away sin, but also adding goodness and kindness to our lives as we obey the gospel of Christ…..Amen
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. Make us aware that in this world you do not always work independently. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study Your Word as given to us in Paul’s letter to the Romans. In Jesus Name we pray Amen.
Prelude
Paul’s life as a God fearing obedient Jew, an intense persecutor of Christians was suddenly and vitally reshaped by a dramatic meeting with Christ on the Road to Damascus. It was this drama, coupled with his fervor that drove Paul to take the Message of Jesus to what was then most of the known world. A devout Jew that would now seek to bring the message of Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ to the gentile world. This effort would mold Christianity for the next two Millennia.
He succeeded in making Christianity a universal religion, not just in the spiritual sense but also in the physical sense. Spreading the Gospel far and wide across the Roman Empire was Paul's mission. His missionary journeys brought him to Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia and eventually Rome. There is no question that his Roman citizenship and his intense training as a Pharisee helped him immensely in this mission. He was arrested several times because of his preaching and several times was saved because of his elevated status within the Empire.
Paul was a charismatic individual. He was a sure leader of men. Seldom did he doubt himself. He saw his mission as not only bringing the "Good News" to the Gentiles, but also to organize the Church so that it would grow, even when he was not present to urge it on. Thus, he created an organization and trained leaders. This organization would one day become modern Christianity as it came to supersede the original authority of the Church in Jerusalem. Ultimately, it was Paul who both physically and theologically made Christianity a "universal" church.
Scripture reading
The Judgment Of God, Romans Chapter 2: vs 1-8:
Rom 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God "will repay each person according to what they have done." 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
Pg.2
Discussion
Paul is telling us that judgment is relative, we pass judgment on others, and we have judgment passed on us. No one will escape judgment, not even the Jew. This condition will show that we have a tendency to judge all things which come to our notice. Then whether or not they meet the expectations that our life experiences have taught us, we make a judgment, as to our reaction. We also have a tendency to believe that what goes around comes around. Now then, because we have admitted that there must be a judgment of all human deeds. We’d better get right with God, because for a certainty we will be judged.
Now Paul is saying that Israel, deserving of her merits, having rejected the Messiah, has laid herself open to God’s judgment and could be justly blotted from the face of the earth.. But God is longsuffering, still exercising patience with His people. Why? Paul explains what the Jew did not recognize: “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance”, God will not coerce the will. He allows that we will have time to make the right decision of our own choosing being lead to repentance by His goodness. And that choice will lead to our Obedience to his word.
Obedience means submission. If we obey the law because it is God’s law, we are showing trust in Him. But if we “do what is right,” ignoring the element of obedience, and judging it right of our own volition, we are acting in pride. Such “good deeds” are faithless and sinful, no better “than filthy rags”. True obedience is a sign of faith, and only those who trust and obey will be saved. Paul further tells us that there will be a day of Judgment, a day of joy, when the obedient will reap their reward, and a day of Wrath when God will declare his final judgment of all sin. Are you ready? (see also Zephaniah 1:15–18). And Romans 1: vs 32
Q.1 What are your feelings about the words of Paul in these verses to the Roman church?
Q.2 What if any of these criticisms can be applied to our present day?
Q.3 What is there about judging others that is so consoling to our conscience
Q.4 Why is it so, that we do not like being judged?
Scripture reading
The Impartiality Of God, Romans Chapter 2: vs 9-16
9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism. 12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Pg.3
Discussion
Scripture’s teaching on the depravity of man is clear that “there is none who does good” (Psalms. 14:1–3). Paul indicates that unbelievers sometimes do simply by natural instinct what the law requires. This does not make anyone righteous apart from Christ? .
When Paul says that Gentiles do instinctively what the law requires, He means that it is the nature of man to obey God’s law, even though that decision is not from the heart. They do not obey in response to God, but simply by natural instinct. Even without Christ, people know enough in most instances to “do right”, but this does not lead one to righteousness.
God’s judgment will not be based on mere appearance but on truth (see vs.2). God’s judgment will also take into account our knowledge and privilege. The Jew of Paul’s day, having more knowledge and greater access to the truth, will be judged by the stricter standard of the revealed law. The Gentiles will be judged according to their inner knowledge of God, a knowledge all men possess, as we have seen. Since all men do evil, all men are under the condemnation of God. Being a Jew and having the law avails nothing if you do not keep it in an attitude of faithfulness, and obedience.
Keeping God’s commandments requires a response to God’s word. Paul says that the first-century Jews are not true followers of God’s law. They do not fully exemplify what God has said in (Heb_8:10) The above verses remind us how seriously God takes the principles set out in his laws. Paul is making his point that while having Scripture is an advantage in that it gives the Jew knowledge of God, this knowledge is of no help for salvation if it is not put to use. Similarly, we cannot rest merely in the fact that we have God’s Word to guide us, But it must be put into action in the living of it. It must also be in our minds and hearts.
Q.1 “First for the Jew, then for the Gentile” Paul puts God’s condemnation of sin, and God’s honor
and glory for those who do good in that order, why is that?
Q.2 What does Paul say is needed for one to be declared righteous in God’s sight?
Q.3 Ignorance of the law is no excuse, have you heard that before? What does it
mean when applied to this study?
Q.4 God’s law written in your mind, and in your heart. What does that mean?
Q.5 Is Paul telling us that there are varying degrees of judgment? Under the law, and not under the law, What does that mean?
Pg.4
Commentary
In Romans 2:14, Paul is telling us that even those without divine revelation make laws that forbid things like murder, theft. child molestation and human bondage. Nevertheless, even now, immorality and relativism prevail because the public demands it. Not because it is good, but because it is deemed socially correct. How far astray have we as a society gone.
But consider this; Had Paul not taken on the role of Apostle, and we not knowing of God through someone’s revealing it to us, where would we be in God’s judgment? One cannot save oneself in the doing of good, nor in the belief of a superior being, nor even in the belief that there is a God. There must be Jesus.
Think about it. Paul revealed to the world, what the Jews were taught, and who they have rejected. He taught that there is a Savior, a Rabbi, Teacher, Interpreter of the law, a Devine Authority, a Son of God. One who will stand with us in Judgment, One who has taken all our sins, our shortcomings, our evil deeds, our pride, our arrogance, our selfish acts, our insolence and our disrespectful thoughts, words and deeds, as his own, then He died for us, to free us from the certain condemnation from God that those sins would otherwise bring down on each of us. Had Jesus not lead Paul to us from the Damascus road where would we be today?
God has answered that. With Paul’s letter to Titus which we will study at a latter date.
Tit 1:15 & 16 and Tit 2:1.
1. Is Paul is writing to Jews or to Gentiles here?, or is his message for today's Christian?
2. What is there about judging the ways and words of others that is so addicting to humankind?
3. Why does Paul say we have no right to judge others on any of these things if we do or do not
approve any of these things?
4. Paul says that God’s kindness, patience and forbearance, will lead one to repentance, How
would one explain that to a non believer?
5. How do you feel our judgment of others could affect their repentance?
6. How does your judgment compares to Paul’s description of the righteous judgment of God?
7. What do you understand Paul to be saying is required for salvation?
7. Is obedience to God’s law a needed condition for our salvation or is it a result of God’s
kindness, patience and forbearance”
9. What does verse 2:14-15 tell you about innocent children or remote peoples who have never heard of Jesus?
10 Read vs,16. To what is Paul referring with the words “when God judges people's secrets
through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares”?
Closing Prayer
Father God, we close our study tonight with this prayer for your protection of our souls from the wiles of Satan. Let none of us slip in our efforts to live a good and moral, God centered life. Be with those of our acquaintance who need your healing touch______________Bring to these our friends, and loved ones, Your healing touch give them strength and courage and rest. Help them to recover their health. Bless them Lord, and those who care for them. Be with us now as we go our separate ways, and bring us together again next week. We pray this in Jesus Name Amen.
Pg.5
Scripture readings
Zephaniah 1: 15-18: . 15 That day will be a day of wrath-- a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness--16 a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers. 17 "I will bring such distress on all people that they will grope about like those who are blind, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath." In the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live on the earth.
Romans 1: vs 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Psalm 14:1-3 For the director of music. Of David. The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Heb_8:10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Titus 1:15 & 16 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Tit 2:1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.
Pg.6
Meditation
We live in a fallen world, on any given day one is inundated with news of Murder, rape, child molestation, theft, and fraud. Then we see our society in a state of accepting some form of sin and corruption, and even glorifying that which God has forbidden. Our world leaders give themselves over to a thirst for wealth and power, at the peril of the people over whom they rule. And this even filters down to us through our local governance. It even infects the education of our children. It is even infiltrating our religious institutions.
To counter this all consuming passion for making sin to be “not sin”, the Christian is faced with the choice of joining in or rejecting what the world offers. Adam and Eve were tempted in this way. As we read of their fall we become aware that they had choices to make. They looked upon the fruit, it was pleasant to view, after all it had been put there by God. They took it in their hand, it felt normal, like what they expected, and they felt no need to discard it. Then they had another decision to make. If they wanted to be fully informed, and live forever like God, they must partake of it. So they did. Sin for them was made to be appealing. All sin is offered by Satan to us, in like manner. It is made to seem like an appealing and good choice
No need to go into the matter of what happened next, but we all need to understand our choices. We have many and they are all before us. In the middle of the darkness and gloom of Genesis chapter three - verse 15 to be exact - we have the first promise by God that a Savior is coming who will defeat the work of Satan. In The Old Testament we see this promise over and over and as well, in The New Testament. Jesus is born in fulfillment of the prophecies and the Provider of redemption and hope to all who believe and repent of their sins.
When a conversion to Christ occurs, many things change; the new Christian has new purpose, responsibility, and a new relationship with God. But at the same time, there is a perplexing realization that many things also remain the same. He or she still lives in the same fallen world with its evil, corruption and suffering. And temptation is still there as well, and ultimately the disappointing realization that there is still a long way to go before perfection is reached; mistakes are still made and there will be times where one will stumble. How does one live successfully as a Christian in such an environment?
First. We must gain wisdom from the scriptures, Jesus used Scripture to turn Satan away, from this we must learn the nature of Satan and sin. Satan can be very deceptive sometimes even appearing to be the opposite of what we might expect . Sin deceives, often offering more than it can deliver while obscuring the horrible reality of the ultimate outcome.
Second. As Did Jesus, we must be aware of and develop a hatred for sin. God hates sin and continually through scripture warns us that we must not be merely indifferent about it, we must flee from it, and condemn it as God’s hated enemy.
Third. We should remember how Jesus met temptation. He was absolutely successful. He met every temptation with Scripture. Scripture was His absolute authority for right and wrong and His guide for conduct. It should be for you and me as well.
Fourth. We should pray for wisdom, strength and guidance in doing what is right 1n the sight of God for the sake of our faith. Again, this is like Jesus handled His dread of the cross. He found strength in this approach (Matt. 26:39).
Finally, Learn how to be positive about good and negative about evil. Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Christianity is not only putting away sin, but also adding goodness and kindness to our lives as we obey the gospel of Christ…..Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)