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.

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

The Letter of Paul to the Romans Ch 1 Session 2

                                                               Session # 1.1                                                                     Pg.1
Opening prayer:                          
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would 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 the letter of Paul to The Romans, The word of God.. In Jesus Name we pray Amen
                   
This is session 2 of our study and will complete the first chapter of Romans. We have been introduced to Paul, And to the Roman Church and its ethnic makeup. And we  have some lead ins as to what Paul hopes to accomplish with his letter.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs. 1:7). Paul perfectly displays the opposite of this Psalm in these verses when he describes how low mankind’s morality has fallen. We neither fear God nor do we have a proper understanding of what God desires of us. We live in a fallen world.
Many of the Jews in Jesus' day used the Septuagint as their Bible. Quite naturally, the early Christians also used the Septuagint in their meetings and for personal reading; and many of the New Testament apostles quoted it when they wrote the Gospels and Epistles in Greek.
So through the Septuagint mankind actually did  have a working knowledge of God and there was plenty to read of what the bible says about God and sin, but the early church did not know the deeper truth of how to respond to it.
The Gospels were yet to be written. And a study of the Gospel of Christ was a matter of what people had experienced or heard. And so Paul was hoping to bring to the church in Rome, a better understanding of the word of God, and to convict them of their sinful ways, and to bring them the message of salvation.
If one is humble and contrite when approaching the matter of learning the will of God one can expect  to be helped by the one promised by Jesus, “The Holy Spirit” who will give us help with a proper understanding and a clear view of the will of God for our lives. These verses from Paul are very critical of mankind, but they represent his view of how far the morality of man has drifted from the laws of God.

                     Romans 1:18-32, God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.      

                             
                                                                                                                                                    Pg.2

                                                         Discussion
Paul is telling us in these verses, that all of mankind needs the gospel of Jesus Christ, This is reflected in the lives of so many who don’t know God, or do not know the message of Jesus, and so many who do not want to know it, and even those who do know it and will not respond to it. And like the Roman church, there are those who call themselves Christian yet have only a minimum knowledge of God, and how a Christian is to live.
We all need to hear the gospel message. If left alone, man will often stray from a life of obedience to God, then quickly begin to pursue his own desires. Just as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, could have enjoyed a perfect existence in fellowship with God, But instead chose not to obey God, we too have the same penchant for serving self.
Our modern, high tech, super sophisticated world tends to reject God’s word, and substitute social emancipation from God as a desirable condition. Society has devised a life pattern which has relegated God to what it deems a more controllable position. We have built our own golden calves, our possessions, and our comforts. Our time is our own and we allot some of it to God.  We worship in our own way, a way which soothes our conscience, and answers our need.  We have even learned to do what we have termed “good” but in Isaiah 64:6 the prophet tells it like it is.
                                                          Questions
Q.1 What are your feelings about the words of Paul in these verses to the Roman church?
Q.2 Which, if any of these criticisms can be applied to our society today?
Q.3 Paul writes in verse 23 about images, what do you think he was referring to?
Q.4 In vs 25 Paul says,“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie”, What does this mean?

                                                          Scripture continued                                                          
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 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.
                                                    Discussion
In verses 26-32 we have Paul’s assessment of how bad things in that society had become. Mankind had been given over to sexual immorality, to the lowest form of debauchery. And to make matters even worse, these sinful acts were being further magnified by glorifying the committing of them. They began to accept the matter of immorality as a preference as long as it didn’t affect anyone else.  But God was affected, He was taking notice of it.  And as is happening even in our day, in that day they  choose to ignore Gods law because it reminded them of their sins. But God says Woe unto those who commit such acts. (Isaiah. 5: 18-23).


                                                                                                                                               Pg.3
                                                  Questions
Q.1 What was the consensus about sexual immorality in Paul’s day? Is it the same in our day?
Q.2 A list of sins, but no mention of theft, fraud, slothfulness, or lying? Are there others?
Q.3 In vs. 26 - 28 the phrase “God gave them over” what meaning does that convey to us?
Q.4 How should the Christian feel about men marrying men and women marrying women ?
Q.5 Are Christians to honor such matters when it becomes law? Psalm 1:1-6, Rom.13:1-5
Q.6 What usually happens when one begins to practice sinful and corrupt acts?

                                                 Commentary:                                                                    
Sexual immorality and idolatry are problematic for society today and have been such since the first century. God never intended such for man, read Jeremiah  29: 11  this scripture tells us what God wanted for all mankind.
Paul tells us in these verses that God gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts, to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another, to shameful lusts, to a depraved mind, and that God’s wrath is revealed as He hands men over to evil.
Homosexuality, debauchery, murder, theft, idol worship, and all manner of evil is not the stuff of which life is supposed to consist. Paul says that these are a sign of a sick and failing society. Just as Sodom and Gomorrah had descended into a sinful and immoral state and were destroyed by God because of their immorality, we as a society are choosing to accept such things as simply how things are in our world today. And as Paul tells us in 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.

                                                 Questions
Everyone is guaranteed the right to the freedom of expression, and to live the lifestyle and make the life choices they prefer.  It seems to be a very non restrictive, free and unjudgmental world we live in today. But there is a Judgment day coming.

1. What is it about creation that helps us understand God's eternal power and divine nature?
2. Some religions exclude the worship of Jesus, What are the Christian’s feelings about this?
3. What does it say about people who have no regard for God’s creation but worship idols?
4. Paul is referring to idolatry, are there modern applications for the same teaching?
5. Paul says homosexuality is the result of idolatry, does this relate to our society today?
6. What bible was available to the Roman church?
7. In the list of sins, does Paul refer to any of these "sins" as being more evil than the others?

                                             Closing Prayer:
Gracious God, thank you for approving and accepting your people, those who pay attention to your word, because of what Jesus did for them Give us the wisdom and strength to pursue, approve and do only what pleases you. Now we offer up those who are on our hearts, whose names are on our lips who need your healing touch__________. We pray that you will impart to them your comfort and healing touch, that they might be more able to endure and prevail over their illness. These things we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.





                                                                                                                                                             Pg.4
                                               Scripture readings
 Isaiah 64:6  All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
                                                                           
Isaiah 5:18-23 Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit, and wickedness as with cart ropes, 19  to those who say, "Let God hurry; let him hasten his work so we may see it. The plan of the Holy One of Israel-- let it approach, let it come into view, so we may know it." 20  Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. 21  Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. 22  Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, 23  who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent

Isaiah 10:1-3  Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, 2  to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. 3  What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches.
                     
Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; ...

 Jeremiah  29:11  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romans 13:1-5 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.                                                                                                                          








                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                              Pg.5
                                                           Meditation:                                                              
Gentile sins are Paul’s focus in Romans 1:18–32, as seen in his references to the worship of idols and homosexuality. However, not all Gentiles in the first-century Roman Empire worshiped graven images or engaged in homosexual acts. Some were God-fearers, Gentiles who were attracted to Jewish monotheism and ethics, and who followed the Lord of Israel except for being circumcised. There were also what we might call “virtuous pagans,” Gentiles who had no particular affection for Yahweh but were essentially monotheistic and strove to live ethically responsible lives.
Romans 1:29–32 gives the other ethical consequences that flow from humanity’s rejection of God. Paul does not give us every possible way that human beings can commit sin.. Some among the sons and daughters of Adam take their sins to the utmost conclusion in things such as murder and ruthlessness, while some merely gossip on occasion or mildly disobey their parents—transgressions that seem insignificant if we believe God grades on a curve. Either way, human beings outside the covenant community of Israel are in the worst predicament imaginable. Today’s passage has Gentiles in mind primarily, but it ultimately describes the condition of everyone who is not in Christ by faith alone.
Human beings might consider the most “minor” sin is evidence that at a fundamental level, we do not want the Lord involved with what we do or say or think. Unless and until we are convinced of that truth, we will not see our need for the gospel and the fact that it is only by grace alone that we can be saved. Paul wrote that people made a horrible trade: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (Romans 1:25). They traded worship of God for worship of things. They chose worshiping and serving created things rather than the Creator, but really they were just being foolish. Their choices showed their futile and darkened thinking. The thing in which they find their highest love and joy and hope. People love their families, their careers, their stuff, their hobbies or themselves more than God. Not much has changed since this was first written. Today, people still choose to worship the things that they have created instead of our Creator.
From the last verse of our reading for today, we see that we have a huge problem with that. We know God’s righteous decrees. Yet, we choose to do and accept so many things that fly in the face of God’s law and commandments. Since we’ve accepted and done so many of those things, will God accept and approve us? We don’t have what it takes to meet with God’s approval – There is no eternity that will be pleasing to anyone if Jesus is not in it. Have you been convicted of your sin and your need for Christ?
Thankfully, God’s acceptance of us doesn’t depend on us, but on him. If we fast-forward a few chapters in the letter to the Romans, Paul gives us great comfort. He tells us that Jesus “was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25). Jesus gave up his life and died for our sins. God accepted Jesus’ payment for our sins. And God declared you not guilty when he raised Jesus from the dead. God accepts and approves of you because of Jesus.  
Then there is the matter of Paul’s telling us that even in our present sinful state, that our faith, and being justified by the Grace of God is actually a profound truth and that our believing in God, and our promised salvation by Jesus Christ, will save us if we repent and choose  to live a Godly and repentant life. When that truth finally is brought home to us, and our promised Holy Spirit is allowed to influence our lives and the choices we make, we will submit our wills to the path of life that God has willed for us. Amen

The Letter of Paul to The Romans Ch1 Session 1

                      This is the first in the series of studies in Romans, We begin with a brief description of Pauls relationship with the Roman Church at the time of his epistle to them. The fact is, Paol had only hear some reports and descriptions of the Roman Church. He had never been in Rome Paul’s relationship with the Roman Church at the time of his letter had not yet occurred. Below are some of the details of the time and conditions
                                                     Session one begins.
Rome was the most important city in the world at the time of Pauls writing of his letter. He had not visited Rome at the time of the writing of this letter. Paul wrote most of his letters to churches that he himself had established. But the church at Rome was different. There were already many Christians in Rome long before Paul wrote this epistle to the Roman Church
1. About 30 A.D.. The first Christian church began in Jerusalem, on the day called Pentecost. On that day, Peter preached to many visitors to Jerusalem. Among them were ‘visitors from Rome, both Jews and Gentiles who believed the Jewish religion. Some of these were probably among the 3000 that became Christians (Acts 2:9-11; 2:41). They carried the gospel to Rome.
2. 49 A.D.. The Emperor Claudius ordered Jews to leave Rome. There had been some trouble among the Jews. A Roman called Suetonius wrote that someone called ‘Chrestus’ had caused the trouble. Chrestus may have been a Jew who caused the trouble. But ‘Chrestus’ may be the same as ‘Christus’ (that is, Christ). Jews opposed those who preached the message about Christ. So the trouble might have begun at that time.
3. 57 A.D.. Paul probably wrote this letter about 57 A.D.. He had not yet visited Rome. But he knew many people in the church at Rome. Many Gentile as well as Jewish Christians were already members of the church there. In his letter, Paul says that Gentile Christians must not consider themselves more important than the Jewish Christian brothers (Romans 11:18-20).
4. Aquila and Priscilla from Rome were probably Christians before they met Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). They probably returned to Rome, after they worked in Corinth and Ephesus. Christians used to gather in their home, (Romans 16:3-5).


Opening prayer:                                Session # 1                                                                        Pg.1

Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word.  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. Bless us now with understanding as we study Your Word as given to us in  Paul’s letter to the Romans.  In Jesus Name we pray Amen
     
                 Romans 1:1-17 Paul’s salutation and introduction                    
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God--
2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures
3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David,
4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
                                                               Discussion
When writing letters in our day and time, one immediately addresses the party to whom the letter is to be sent, then a salutation, then the subject matter. In those days, It was the practice when writing to someone to first tell them who it is writing to them.  Paul  then sets out the privilege of Christians; they are beloved of God, and are members of that body which is beloved. He states the duty of Christians; to be holy, hereunto are they called, called to be saints. These the apostle saluted, by wishing them grace to sanctify their souls, and peace to comfort their hearts, as springing from the free mercy of God. And reminding them that they too are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Q. 1 When meeting someone for the first time, or addressing them by letter for the first time what are some of the things that one hopes to accomplish?
                                                         Scripture continued
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.
9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
11 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.
                                                               Discussion
Paul then touches briefly on their faith and how he is constantly remembering them in his prayers and how he hopes to be coming to them soon. And how he hopes to impart to them some spiritual gift, which will encourage them, and himself as well. This is Pauls way of saying to them that he already has heard good things and hopes to add to their spiritual growth.

Q. 2 What are some ways to build good relationships that Paul uses in his salutation?

                                                 Scripture continued                                                                  Pg.2
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith.
                                                         Discussion
Here Paul tells them he is obligated, (called and set apart by Jesus) to bring them his gospel message. We should readily impart to others that which God has entrusted to us, rejoicing to make others joyful, especially taking pleasure in communing with those who believe the same things with us. If redeemed by the blood, and converted by the grace of the Lord Jesus, we are altogether his; and for his sake we are debtors to all men, to do all the good we can. Such services are our duty. Paul was given this charge by Jesus and Jesus gave the same charge to all His disciples. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation".  To the wise and to the foolish alike (what does that mean)? To the Greeks and non Greeks. (Non Greeks were called barbarians by the Greeks).
Q.3 I am not ashamed of the gospel, What did this mean to Paul, and what does it mean to us today?
Q.4 What messages do we derive from these verses 13-17 ?

                                                                          Commentary:                                                                    
When Paul wrote his letter to Christians at Rome, he was communicating with a firmly established collection of believers. It is generally agreed that non-apostolic Jewish Christians brought the faith of Christ to Rome in the early decades of the church.. Although there were many sects, cults, and beliefs in other gods of all types, and various types of religions in Rome at that time, the teachings of Jesus had begun to spread. The church that received Paul’s letter in the late 50’s met in small groups around the city but maintained communication and held onto a common identity and mission. And “Followers of The Way” began to grow in number and although being severely persecuted, they were steadily growing.                                              
In vs 1:5 Paul tells us the goal of his apostleship: "We have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations Romans is about the people groups who don’t yet believe on Christ. Who are not justified and not yet sanctified and therefore will not be glorified if they are not reached with the gospel. This is  crucial to see in our pluralistic time. Christianity calls for faith and allegiance from every people and every nation. Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings, and there is no other name under heaven by which all men must be saved. The message of Romans is not just one way of salvation among many. It is the only way of salvation, because Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God and the author of our salvation.

Q.5 How should those of the Christian Faith view other faiths
Q.6 How are Christians received around the world?

                                                                                                                                              Pg.3
So it is utterly crucial that we understand the universal claims of the mighty and merciful message of Romans. We are not dealing here with a human opinion, or a human philosophy, or a self-improvement program, or a tribal religion, or something parochial and limited. We are dealing here with the true news that the one and only God has acted uniquely in history to save the eternal souls of all people by sending his one and only Son to die for sinners and rise again. To reject this news is to perish.
Q.7 How do you feel about that last sentence?                                                                                             Q.8 What is the Christians response to those who do not believe Jesus is Lord?
So Paul states his point in Romans 1:16-17 and then explains and applies it in the rest of the letter. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’" First, Paul says that his message – his gospel – is mighty and merciful to save: it is the power of God unto salvation. And this salvation is through faith. The power of the gospel to save penetrates to our souls with faith in Jesus Christ.
Q.9 What do you feel best represents the power of the Gospel?
Then in verse 17 he explains why the gospel has this power: "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed." The gospel has the power to save those who trust Christ because it reveals the righteousness of God.
Q.10 What does that mean?
                                             Questions for discussion
1.  Paul had not yet visited Rome and met the Christians he's writing to.  Who do you feel led these people to Christ?  Is there Biblical evidence?
2.  Why do you think Paul is so specific about who Jesus is if he's writing to Christians?
3.  What is the evidence Paul cites for Jesus to be the Son of God?
4.  What do you feel Paul means by using the term "saints"?  How does it differ from the modern idea that Christians have of saints, today?
5.  In verse 12, Paul, though an Apostle seems to be placing himself, as an equal to the Roman believers.  How does this compare to the behavior of Christian leaders, today?
6.  What do you feel Paul means by the term Gentiles?
7. In verse 16, what does Paul say is required for someone to receive salvation?
8. What other phrases come to mind as to our salvation?
9.  Why do you feel Paul said, "first for the Jew, then for the Gentile"?
10, What do you feel is meant by the phrase, "The righteous will live by faith"?  Is Paul expanding the meaning in any way?





Meditation:                                                                                                                                 Pg.4  
All believers have been called by God to a specific task and given certain gifts for ministry.  The question for us is whether we feel driven to fulfill this vocation and use the gifts that the Lord has given us. Unfortunately, we sometimes find well-meaning Christians in our day opposing the concepts of duty and delight. It is a mistake, many of these individuals tell us, to ever conceive of ourselves as having a duty to the Lord. In fact, if we do anything out of a sense of duty and not because we eagerly want to do it, our actions are completely worthless.

Of course, God finds our works more pleasing when our whole heart is in it. However, if we sharply oppose duty and delight, we run the risk of making people think that the Lord’s commands become optional. Scripture is quite clear that although delighting in one’s duty is the goal, our Creator still expects us to fulfill His demands even when we would rather do something else. The story of Jonah, who took no delight in his duty but whom God forced to go to Nineveh anyway, perfectly exemplifies this principle.

We do well to remember that the Bible never places duty and delight in opposition. By God’s grace and power, we can find our duties delightful and we can delight in the opportunity to do our duties. Paul certainly experienced his duty in this way. As he continues his opening message to the Romans in today’s passage, he notes that he is under the obligation to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and that it is a task he is eager to accomplish (Rom. 1:14–15). In fact, he was so committed to this mission that he could say, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16b). But this was not a burden that he found onerous. By the Lord’s grace, Paul found this mandate to be a delight, viewing his preaching as a means by which he could worship God and show his thankfulness for his salvation.

Paul explains that his obligation is to “Greeks and to barbarians … to the wise and to the foolish” (Rom. 1:14), indicating the comprehensive nature of his mission to the nations.. The Greeks were wise, having produced some of the most noteworthy philosophers and finest art, and the barbarians (gentiles) were foolish, not being known for their contributions to mankind. Though ancient peoples made such differentiations, Paul and the God he served do not. The gospel is for all people without distinction. And as Christians we are called, (duty bound) to respond to God's call as was Paul, to spread the word of salvation to all who will listen. It is God's will that not only that we become children of God by knowing and accepting Jesus Christ as our savior, but having been sanctified as such, we are to do good works (1 Peter 2:15).

Closing Prayer
Dear God  We thank you for Your Son Jesus, We know we need Your guidance and direction for our lives, we need to understand that it is not what we worship that saves us, but it is who we worship and in whom our faith is built around that will bring us out of the chaos that we experience day by day in this world. Be with those of our group who are suffering illness or infirmity_______________Be with those whom we have spoken Lord, and with those remaining in our hearts concern, bring them your strength and give them peace as they battle for their health and well being. Now be with us as we leave this place and bring us again to study Your word next week. We pray this in Jesus name Amen

Beginning the study of Romans- A 32 week study

                                          A Study of The Book of Romans
                        Paul’s relationship with the Roman Church at the time of his letter

Rome was the most important city in the world at the time of Paul's writing of his letter. He had not visited Rome at the time of the writing of this letter. Paul wrote most of his letters to churches that he himself had established. But the church at Rome was different. There were already many Christians in Rome long before Paul wrote this epistle to the Roman Church
1. About 30 A.D.. The first Christian church began in Jerusalem, on the day called Pentecost. On that day, Peter preached to many visitors to Jerusalem. Among them were ‘visitors from Rome, both Jews and Gentiles who believed the Jewish religion. Some of these were probably among the 3000 that became Christians (Acts 2:9-11; 2:41). They carried the gospel to Rome.
2. 49 A.D.. The Emperor Claudius ordered Jews to leave Rome. There had been some trouble among the Jews. A Roman called Suetonius wrote that someone called ‘Chrestus’ had caused the trouble. Chrestus may have been a Jew who caused the trouble. But ‘Chrestus’ may be the same as ‘Christus’ (that is, Christ). Jews opposed those who preached the message about Christ. So the trouble might have begun at that time.
3. 57 A.D.. Paul probably wrote this letter about 57 A.D.. He had not yet visited Rome. But he knew many people in the church at Rome. Many Gentile as well as Jewish Christians were already members of the church there. In his letter, Paul says that Gentile Christians must not consider themselves more important than the Jewish Christian brothers (Romans 11:18-20).
4. Aquila and Priscilla from Rome were probably Christians before they met Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). They probably returned to Rome, after they worked in Corinth and Ephesus. Christians used to gather in their home, (Romans 16:3-5).


The book of Romans is a Pauline Epistle. The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans about 56-57 A.D. The book of Romans reveals the answers to important questions and supplies information on many topics, such as salvation, the sovereignty of God, judgment, spiritual growth, and the righteousness of God. Many scholars also describe it as The Gospel and the Righteousness of God, which can be received only by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ.

The focus of the “righteousness of God” is foundational throughout the book of Romans. Paul reiterates this so that the reader may realize that salvation cannot be attained through man’s good deeds but only through faith in God’s righteousness: One cannot repair a relationship with God through good deeds; this is only accomplished through faith in the perfect and finished work of Jesus Christ.

•    In chapters 1-8, Paul explains the fundamentals and foundations of the Christian faith. This is the Gospel Message, which all believers are commanded to share with the entire world. Paul teaches about the sinful nature of all men in the eyes of God, justification by faith in Jesus Christ, freedom from sin, and victory in Christ.

•    Chapters 9-11, Paul explains God’s sovereignty over salvation. He also spells out how an individual may come into a right relationship with God: "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." (10:13). Place your faith and trust only in what Jesus Christ has already done on the cross and make Him the Master of your life and trust He raised Himself from the grave conquering death. His promise is "You will be saved''.

• In chapters 12-16, Paul gives instructions for all Christians about how to live a holy lifestyle. In the beginning of chapter 12 he writes, “Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice”, and “Do not be conformed to this world” (vs. 1-2). Much of the errors and trials that Paul dealt with in his “Epistles”, were because the believers had conformed their lives to the world and not to God.

· Practical Application: The Book of Romans makes it clear that there is nothing we can do
to save ourselves. Every “good” deed we have ever done is as a filthy rag before God. So dead in our trespasses and sins are we that only the grace and mercy of God can save us. God expressed that grace and mercy by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place. When we turn our lives over to Christ, we are no longer controlled by our sin nature, but we are controlled by the Spirit. If we make confession that Jesus is Lord, and believe that He is raised from the dead, we are saved, born again. We need to live our lives offered to God as a living sacrifice to Him. Worship of the God who saved us should be our highest desire. Perhaps the best application of Romans would be to apply Romans 1:16 and not be ashamed of the gospel. Instead, let us all be faithful in proclaiming it!



                   The following are some key verses from Romans

Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of every one who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

Romans 3:9-11, “What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.’”

Romans 3:21, “But now a righteousness from God apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and Prophets testify.”

Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:9, “You however, are controlled not by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”

Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:37-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 10:9-10, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Romans 12:19, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

Romans 16:17, “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”

For each of the 16 chapters of Romans our study plan will consist of one or more sessions for each chapter.

My recommendations are that you read the chapter for each study session a day or two before we do  the study. However we will have the scripture print out as well, included with each study.  We will have no Study on this Wednesday the 14th of October. We will begin the new study the next week, on the 21st of October with a study of Romans, chapter one, vs 1-17, this will be a two part study.                            

The Parable of The Vine and The Branches

                                                                                                                                  Pg.1
Opening Prayer:                              
Father God as we come to this the last of our studies of the parables of Jesus we ask that you guide our thoughts and words that we may speak nothing here tonight which is contrary to your will, and that each of us will learn that which you have purposed for our understanding from this study tonight. Be with those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we ask that you share our blessing with them, and bring them back into our midst when next we meet. And now bless this the study of the words of Jesus to our understanding. In Jesus name we pray Amen.

  The Parable of The Vine And The Branches

This discourse takes place just after Jesus and his disciples have had their last supper, and after Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples. Then after Judas had been identified as his betrayer, and had left the group, Jesus is addressing only his disciples in the last things. Jesus begins to speak comforting words to them about his leaving, and then returning. He has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, to help them continue their mission, and who will remain with them and within them. He will teach them everything and make them remember everything Jesus taught. This promise of the Holy Spirit then is followed by our scripture.
When we started this study of the parables of Jesus, we started with The parable of the Householder, one who has been prepared for almost any circumstance that may occur, wisdom from experience, and knowledge acquired throughout life’s learning and preparation for both new things which we are to encounter, and the old things with which we find some comfort.
In that study, I am reminded of my Grandmother, a woman of infinite resources, and a wealth of experience. There was no circumstance that could come upon us as a family that she was not prepared to meet, and to lead us through. To her there were no surprises, she had been through it all, including the depression, and she had the resource and determination to see her family through anything that could happen. And she was in full control at all times.
Now we come to this the last parable which Jesus will speak, and by now, having studied all the parables Jesus Spoke, and having learned that every word which proceeds from the mouth of Jesus is a learning experience We find ourselves as disciples, learning these last things about Jesus and our relationship with him. In this study, I picture sitting in the presence of Jesus clinging to every word, as if each word were a living experience to be savored, a moment in time set aside just so I might learn these last things that Jesus is teaching.

                                           Scripture reading
Joh 15:1  "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5  "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8  This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.


                                                                                                                                       Pg.2

This parable is a perfect allegorical comparison of  Jesus as the vine, God as the vinedresser, and we as the branches bearing the fruit that the vinedresser expects to harvest. In these verses we learn that those branches bearing no fruit are to be cut off, and those bearing fruit will be pruned to bear more fruit. And further we learn that we cannot do this on our own, but we must remain in perfect harmony with Jesus, the vine. And should that not be the case, we will become useless, wither and be thrown into the fire and burned.

Verse 1, I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
Jesus begins his discourse identifying himself as the "true vine" and his Father as the caring gardener. The word "true" has important links with the scriptures. Israel is called the "true vine" Jeremiah 2: 21 But Jesus is in fact emphasizing that he is the reality of which the Vine of Israel is but a type, and it must remain in him to be useful and produce fruit . In light of this it is worth reflecting on Isaiah 5: 1 — 7, and Ezekiel 15: 1 — 8  God expects more from his vineyard than sticks, dry leaves and wood which is of no value except to be burned.

Q.1 Why is Jesus calling himself the true vine, what distinction is he making?
Q.2 Do we have such false representation in the church today?

Verse 2, He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
The vine is constantly watched by the caring gardener who cuts away branches which do not bear fruit. He does this for the sake of those that do bear fruit, to strengthen them and help them to be more fruitful. Jesus is stating in no uncertain terms, the displeasure of the Father towards faithless followers. The church is filled with disciples who work for a season and then quit. God will not continue to watch over those, but will continue to work with those who remain in his service, even helping them improve their own work to be more fruitful.

Q.1 What meaning is conveyed to us by the cutting off of the branches bearing no fruit?
Q.2 In Jesus’ day he was sorely disappointed with the Jews, Does this parable reflect that feeling?    Q.3 Would this parable have any comparisons for our nation ?

Verse 3, You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
In Verse 3. This brief statement, "You have already been trimmed and cleaned up through the power of my word". What word?  All that Jesus has taught about Israel's history and prophetic insight and through his teaching in parables, has taken root in them. They have welcomed his word, which has become part of them. This is in reference to those disciples who remain steadfast even through hard times. Remember, one of the disciples did not remain in him, and became his betrayer.
Q.1 How does this verse have any meaning for us today?
Q.2 What comparison is expressed with this verse?





                                                                                                                                                               Pg.3
Verse 4, Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
The branch can receive no nourishment from the vine unless there is intimate and unencumbered contact between them. The supreme condition of fruitfulness, is abiding in Jesus; as the branches draw nourishment from the vine, so believers must derive their strength, wisdom, holiness and power from their Lord.

Q.1 How is this to be best accomplished?
Q.2 What is there that could interrupt this closeness?

Verse 5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Again he says, "I am the vine", but adds the reassuring phrase "you are the branches". The early Church, looking back realized that the presence of a traitor was not allowed to weaken the rest. At a certain moment he was removed so that the other branches could grow even stronger. So the "true vine" is sending out new branches. You are those branches Jesus says. This is a very special moment to ponder. But what is the fruit Jesus is talking about? The fruit of the beatitudes: humility, true sorrow, meekness, striving for purity of heart, enduring persecution and injustice for his sake.
Q.1 What is meant by the phrase “apart from me you can do nothing”?
Q.2 How does that apply to our living in the world day by day?

Verse 6, If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
And now another warning: abide or depart!  Jesus is saying this to show how strongly his Father disapproves of branches which soak up the living sap and grow fat on it without giving fruit in return. There is absolutely no place for them!

Q.1 Where in our day to day experience does this apply?
Q.2 Where in our faith life does this apply?

Verses 7, If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. Vs.8, This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
"Ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." Why should Christ's words abiding in us be the ground of this particular promise? Evidently for this reason: the more the words of Christ abide in us by our receiving them in implicit faith, and appropriating them, the more the mind of Christ will be in us; for the words of Christ convey the mind of Christ, and the more we have of the mind of Christ the more we shall fall in with the will and purposes of God: and so our desires will be expressed in prayer to God for what He is most disposed to grant. The words of Christ abiding within us will inspire us to pray for what He wills, and what He wills His Father approves, and will bring about.

Q.1 What is meant by this vs. 7?
Q.1 Where in our faith life does this apply?


Scripture readings:
Jeremiah 2:21  I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?

Isaiah 5:1-5  I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. 2  He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. 3  "Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. 4  What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? 5  Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled. 6  I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to rain on it.

Ezekiel 15:1-8  The word of the LORD came to me: 2  "Son of man, how is the wood of a vine different from that of a branch from any of the trees in the forest? 3  Is wood ever taken from it to make anything useful? Do they make pegs from it to hang things on? 4  And after it is thrown on the fire as fuel and the fire burns both ends and chars the middle, is it then useful for anything? 5  If it was not useful for anything when it was whole, how much less can it be made into something useful when the fire has burned it and it is charred? 6  "Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: As I have given the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest as fuel for the fire, so will I treat the people living in Jerusalem. 7  I will set my face against them. Although they have come out of the fire, the fire will yet consume them. And when I set my face against them, you will know that I am the LORD. 8  I will make the land desolate because they have been unfaithful, declares the Sovereign LORD."
                                        Meditation:
How truly rich in meaning is this image chosen by Jesus to help us understand who he is and how we are totally dependent upon Him for life eternal and fruitfulness of that life. We have heard this Gospel many times, and we are again and again taught its central truth, that life comes to us only through Christ who is the vine. He is the vine and we are his branches. How marvelous all this is we only gradually come to appreciate by much reflection and prayer.
It is clear to faith that Jesus is the supernaturally fertile vine planted by the Father in this world. Faith teaches us that we are the recreated branches who have been grafted onto Him by workers in the vineyard of the Father, the Apostles of Jesus and their successors. In the great vineyards of this world, the skilled vine tenders are often descendents of generations of skilled workers, and this pattern holds true in the Father’s vineyard as well. Skills and tools (the sacraments) are handed down. Our vinedressers too graft branches onto the one great vine who is Christ, the source of their life, and these workers assure that it gets the care that helps these new branches to take root in the vine and grow and flourish.
What modern genetic discovery confirms in terms of the parable is that the great fruit produced from the grafting of Jesus onto the root of Israel is from the vine which is Jesus Himself. He is the great vine that has been introduced by the Father into His vineyard of humanity; He is the true source of a wine that Israel could never produce, the richest of wines because it brings eternal life and joy to the heart of men.
But the next grafting is what involves us, the branch that is grafted on to the vine of Jesus who was planted in the root of Israel. The Father, indeed the Trinity, produced the first grafting, while the Apostles are privileged to graft us onto Christ. But we ourselves do not produce the genetic richness of the vine as the vine did to the root plant. All the richness of life and fruitfulness comes to us through the vine. And yet, and this is extremely important, we actually do produce the fruit, but a fruit whose richness is ultimately produced from the vine and its life flowing through us. We are the branches who produce the fruit.
And another aspect of this truth is that not all branches produce the same quantity or quality of fruit. That’s true in the natural vineyards as well. But here again the abundance really depends not on ourselves alone, but on the Father, the Master vine grower Himself who knows just what each branch needs to flourish. Jesus tells us this at the beginning of this Gospel passage:  my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. God actually “prunes” us, and this pruning is inevitably painful for the branch.
And here again the modern science of winemaking is enlightening. For modern winemaking teaches us that just the proper degree of “stress” has to be produced in the vines and branches to bring out the best wine and greatest abundance. Too much stress, and the branch withers; just enough stress tolerated, and the branch explodes in fruitfulness. This too confirms a spiritual truth; that nothing truly spiritually great is ever produced in this fallen world without passing the stress test of the Cross.
How loving then is the true vine Master toward His vine and His (Christ’s) branches; and how richly this divine parable can enlighten us regarding both the true source of eternal life and the role of the Cross in enriching our lives. The next time you are suffering anything, meditate on this rich parable and trust that great stress, when transformed by God, can be a source of a richer life and richer fruit. If we just allow the Vine Master to do his work, this stress will pass and will produce much fruit for us and for the world around us. He knows what we are made of, each of us individually. He knows and He cares and He will never allows any of us to be stressed beyond the power of his grace to heal us and he will help us to produce an abundant fruit, thirty, sixty and a hundred fold. Jesus promised this, and His promises never fail.
Closing Prayer:
Dear God of our salvation, we offer our thanks for your allowing us these few minutes of study in your word, and we ask that you help us to manifest these words of Jesus into the fruit of our branches, that we may glorify You Oh God and Your Son our Lord Jesus in all that we do and say. Be with those of our acquaintance who are suffering illness and infirmity____________-
We ask that you grant your strength and comfort to those mentioned and for those who care for them, give them your blessing and Your healing touch. We pray in the name of Jesus Ame