1 John Sketch by Minick
1 John 1:1-10
(1) The BEGINNING is the most transcendent (farthest from every day stuff) concept imaginable. You can’t go back in farther away than the beginning. Yet, the farthest concept, thing…person possible is the very same one they experienced as close as can be experienced. The WORD of LIFE is the stunning connection of the deepest and distant together with the most personal and immediate.
(2) What does one do with such information; with such an experience? Proclaim it. Don’t keep as a secret what was revealed. Reveal it more.
(3) The reason is that just as John and his friends were able to live connected to the transcendent and immanent, so can everyone who receives the message they proclaim and is brought into communion with the Father and the Son.
(4) A shared joy is a magnified joy.
(5) So, what is their message? God is totally good without bad.
(6) God plus a dark life does not add up. It is not a true life.
(7) Life in the essence of God is where we connect with others. The sacrificial death of Christ for our sins makes this possible
(8) The need for dealing with sin is a foundational truth we need to realize.
(9) Acknowledging our sins and sinfulness to Him is our way out of condemnation.
(10) Denial of our guilt accuses God and makes learning from Him impossible
1 John 2:1-29
(1) The point of the proclamation is to affect how we deal with sin. The goal is to avoid it and if necessary absolve it.
(2) Jesus Christ (the man who got life right) is the means of taking away God’s wrath at our sin, which if attached to us, means wrath towards us.
(3) Do we know the righteous man? Well, do we do what he says?
(4) e.g. “I know the righteous one, I just don’t do what he says” Nope. That one just does not get it.
(5) We need to actually do what he says, that is how God’s love grows in us and we have confidence about our faith. Without growing love from doing what he says no wonder people doubt their faith.
(6) IF I am IN HIM there should be some resemblance!
(7) So what is it that Jesus the righteous one said to do that John is now telling us to do? It is the same thing we have always heard.
(8) Still, there is a fresh angle to it in that Christ has lived it out for us and is making everything more clear.
(9) Enlightenment and contempt do not go together
(10) Valuing, loving other people (your brother) is living in enlightenment, and when you are enlightened, you can see where you are going and don’t need to be so worried about falling over things.
(11) But, if contempt is what you have for others, then you can’t see and you don’t know direction because darkness has blocked you.
(12) Again, the point is to make use of the forgiveness of our sins so that God’s name (Jesus=YHWH SAVES) will be honored
(13) Old guys are aware of the transcendent, young guys are focused on the immanent, kids feel the relationship
(14) Old guys are connected to him who is the source of all transcendence, lads are strong and active, living the word here and now.
(15) The cosmos and stuff in it are not to be loved (agape), that is not the Father’s agape and if you had the father’s agape you would not agape that stuff
(16) World=flesh desire, perception desire, pride desire, not from the Father.
(17) Cosmos will not last, nor will the desire thing. People who know and do God’s will remain.
(18) There is an antichrist after antichrists which shows the end is near
(19) Antichrists are people who abandon Christ and that shows they did not get it
(20) But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. The separated on has given you knowledge
(21) I am writing to help you focus on the truth you already have
(22) The lie is that Jesus is not enough, that Father and Son is not how it is
(23) There is no FATHER without the Son (and to have the Son is to have the Father)
(24) Grow in the basic start. The original message will keep you in the Son and Father
(25) Why? Eternal life is what the Son-Father promised.
(26) Watch out for people tricking you
(27) He gave you what you need and it is in you. Don’t be dependent on others teaching you. What has been poured into you is true and trustworthy. Listen to that and stay with Him
(28) So, stay in him and when He is finally shown fully we will not move away but towards
(29) When you think of him do you think “That’s Right!” If that is your value system in life you are His.
1 John 3:1-24
(1) God said we are his kids, because we are. The reason other people don’t see us this way is because they don’t know him.
(2) We are already God’s kids, but what that fully means is not yet revealed to us and won’t be until Christ shows up and we see him (and he is who we know we will be like).
(3) The hope of being like Christ motivates you to get on with cleaning yourself up to be clean and unmixed like him.
(4) The habit of ‘sin’ is the habit of not doing what you are designed and told to do. Sin=rebellion
(5) Christ came to take away rebellion, he is not a rebel
(6) You can’t abide, rest, exist in him and be a rebel at the same time. Defiant rebels have not seen or known him.
(7) Don’t be tricked, righteousness shows up in actions
(8) Active rebelling comes from the devil who has always been the rebelling. The Son of God came to put and end to the rebelliousness of the devil.
(9) If you are from God (born as his kid) you can’t persist in rebellion, it is not the nature in you that is from God.
(10) So, how do we distinguish God’s kids and the devil’s kids? See if the actually live out righteousness and love their brothers.
(11) The message from the start has been to actually love each other.
(12) Cain is not the example for us, he was evil and murdered his brother. He killed his brother because Cain was committed to evil actions and his brother to righteousness.
(13) So don’t be shocked that you meet people who hate you.
(14) Death is where there is no love, we know we have stepped out of that into life if we now are in fact loving.
(15) Hate your brother=murder. Murder?= no eternal life in him.
(16) How did he show he loved us? Gave his life. How do we love others? Give our lives.
(17) If love is giving our life but we won’t even give our $tuff, is it likely that God’s love matches that?
(18) Kids, come on, love isn’t just talk it is real and we do things.
(19) Actually living out love by sacrificial generosity reassures us inside our hearts
(20) God is greater than our hearts (which can put us down)
(21) But if even our own heart is not condemning us (we can have confidence there) then we can have confidence from God
(22) Since we have confidence because we are doing what he wants, we can ask and receive from him in the same way.
(23) So, what are we supposed to be doing? Trust in the NAME=Jesus and love each other like we were told.
(24) Do what he says, you are with him and him with you. His Spirit will let us know we are with him.
1 John 4:1-21
(1) Not every spirit or prophet is right.
(2) The transcendent became physically immanent in Jesus the Messiah is the test for any teaching/spirit
(3) Not with Jesus, not with God- This is the anti-Christ we warned about.
(4) Kids, God in you means you have won over them.
(5) This is their home territory, the fallen world, so they seem to fit
(6) People that belong to God get it when we explain and teach, that is how we see the difference in people.
(7) Our teaching is about effective love from God to one another,
(8) Knowing God means doing what is essential to him: love
(9) God’s love has shown up in Jesus as the way to life.
(10) Love is not us reaching to God, but God reaching to us in the real life and real death that really made it possible for us to relate to and love God.
(11) That example of Christ is what we should use for loving each other.
(12) We don’t see God who is love with our eyes, we need to love one another to have his love grow up in us so we can see him better.
(13) His spirit in us is how we know we are his.
(14) The apostles did see and say that Jesus is the one who came from God for the world.
(15) If you agree, you are with God.
(16) Again, love is where we meet God and others, that is where our confidence is.
(17) This confidence/faith is made sure when we are good at love and are therefore ready to meet him.
(18) We move from fear to love as we grow in love and grow away from the fear of judgment.
(19) Our love started with him.
(20) Loving God shows in loving people right in front of us.
(21) That is what God told us to do, love each other.
1 John 5:1-21
(1) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.
(2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.
(3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
(4) For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
(5) Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
(6) This is he who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
(7) For there are three that testify:
(8) the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.
(9) If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son.
(10) Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.
(11) And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
(12) Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
(13) I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.
(14) And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
(15) And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
(16) If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life--to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
(17) All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
(18) We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
(19) We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
(20) And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
(21) Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Monday, December 12, 2005
Sojos Christmas Worship
December 25, 2005. How shall we gather? A progressive dinner with carroling; a pot luck meal in a home; an evening woship time: a morning worship time; a Christmas Eve time? Post your preferences and lets get a sense of what would fit most people this year. As always, may God in Christ be your joy and hope.
December 18 at Hughes' House
Bring something to sit on for a shady worship outside the 4 walls of the house church! Dwayne will be teaching from 1 John and the church will finalize plans for Christmas Sunday.
A Brief Journey Through Romans
Paul said his hope in writing to, and ultimately visiting his Roman co-sojourners was that he might impart to them some spiritual gift to strengthen them-- that is, that they would be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. From faith to faith, we have been encouraged and strengthened by the letter he wrote and we have reflected on with one another.
Quite boldly, the challenge of holding together such different people as the church in Rome begins with a clarification of why God is angry with this world. Romans 1 shows a huge problem in the world. We push down the truth for doing wrong (suppress the truth in unrighteousness). That is a fundamental part of bad worship and bad living. We twist and pervert what is good and right because we cannot figure out how to receive it rightly and wisely.
Romans 2 helps to calm the rising pride of the religious people. They can get smug hearing about idolatry and immorality and show an undue superiority. The message in Romans 2: it is easier to say that suppressing the truth in unrighteousness is wrong than to actually live righteously under the truth.
Romans 3 sums it up nicely. Pagans, religious experts, drifters, ponderers... They have the same problem. They all suppress the truth. God is glorious and his way is life and right. We each and every one of us are less than we should be in wisdom and rightness. We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. That is why God in man, the Lord Jesus Christ, came to save us from untruth and unrighteousness, and that by faith.
Romans 4 asks whether this is a new idea. How can we talk about faith (trust, confidence) in God and what he provides match up with the long history of God and his people? Abraham was the father of faith, and the point is well made. Before the law, blessing and the hope of all blessing was by faith.
Romans 5 draws the breadth of the circle of hope. If we were suppressing the truth in unrighteousness, and enemies of God (not even children of Abraham) is there any hope? A huge YES is given to show that even while we were against God, his very enemies regarding truth and rightness, God made it clear he loved us; he died for us. Our ancestor Adam shows how we fail in regard to truth and rightness, Jesus is offered as our new hope, the one who is Truth and Rightness, and who provides truth and rightness, and who makes it possible for us to live in truth and rightness.
So, if it is a gift, are we free to just party on without regard to truth and rightness? Romans 6 asks that question and resoundingly says Noooo. The gift is salvation from a failed life, not salvation from consequences so you can go on with a failed life. The pagans (gentiles) are urged not to go on with their old way plus Christ.
Romans 7 warns the carefully religious people (the Jews) not to make the same mistake. Adding Christ to a life of legalistic self justification doesn't make any more sense than adding to Christ to one's indulgent life.
Romans 8 shows the answer for Jews and gentiles, the careful and the carefree: keep in step with God's Spirit. That is the new life. It is hard but it is the life that works. Creation is groaning for humanity to no longer fall short of God's glory, we know we are (sickness, sadness, death and so on...). Even God's Spirit groans with us for the day that we will no longer suppress what is really true and live the way that is really right. Christ is that hope and that way, and we are assured we cannot be separated from within that love.
Romans 9 makes a point of preparing us for living that way. We must realize that God's mercy is totally without regard to any thing we offer. It is devastatingly humbling. In fact, it is almost depressing at first, like digging down in order to build a building up with a good foundation.
Romans 10 begins the building up by clarifying again that trust in the Lord is now and always has been the way of being saved from suppressing the truth in unrighteousness and having the hope of truth and rightness.
Romans 11 continues the foundation by showing how Israel has been foundational to the gentile hope and that God's plan is on schedule. In fact, though Paul makes it clear that the how and when of God's plan is not as clear as we would like, it is still marvelously and triumphantly better than anything we could dream up and worthy of our cheers and excitement.
Romans 12 now begins and emphasis on what to do: exchange humble submission to truth and rightness for the arrogance of insubordinate untruth and unrightness.
Romans 13 expands from personal challenges to social challenges and sums up with saying we are to be clothed in the light of the way of Christ; he is our light that shows us truth and rightness.
Romans 14 practically balances us as we are all trying to grow at the same time, though we have differences in where we are, what we understand, and how we are moving forward. Essentially, we have to find ways to look out for each others' good.
Romans 15 shows how Paul lived out his path of using his gifts and calling, and goes on to mention others. As each does their part, more and more people have a chance to take part in the life of light and hope found in Christ.
Romans 16 lists people who have come out from the way of suppressing the truth in unrighteousness and are helping others to see truth and rightness. There is real love and affection and honor shown. Paul warns about letting cranky or controlling people ruin the community and encourages them to keep on the way the is right and true.
We are grateful to have taken these few months to be challenged to look at our tendencies to let our own desires dominate our wills such that we push down the truth (distort, rationalize, manipulate) so we can get what we want no matter what. It is not easy, especially the reflection on how humbly we must view ourselves. God did not have any cause to save us based on anything in us. His amazing love is in spite of us. When we get that, then humility and gratitude aren't so hard. The challenge then is to continually humble ourselves under truth for the sake of hope, enduring with joy, because we know our hope will not disappoint us.
Quite boldly, the challenge of holding together such different people as the church in Rome begins with a clarification of why God is angry with this world. Romans 1 shows a huge problem in the world. We push down the truth for doing wrong (suppress the truth in unrighteousness). That is a fundamental part of bad worship and bad living. We twist and pervert what is good and right because we cannot figure out how to receive it rightly and wisely.
Romans 2 helps to calm the rising pride of the religious people. They can get smug hearing about idolatry and immorality and show an undue superiority. The message in Romans 2: it is easier to say that suppressing the truth in unrighteousness is wrong than to actually live righteously under the truth.
Romans 3 sums it up nicely. Pagans, religious experts, drifters, ponderers... They have the same problem. They all suppress the truth. God is glorious and his way is life and right. We each and every one of us are less than we should be in wisdom and rightness. We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. That is why God in man, the Lord Jesus Christ, came to save us from untruth and unrighteousness, and that by faith.
Romans 4 asks whether this is a new idea. How can we talk about faith (trust, confidence) in God and what he provides match up with the long history of God and his people? Abraham was the father of faith, and the point is well made. Before the law, blessing and the hope of all blessing was by faith.
Romans 5 draws the breadth of the circle of hope. If we were suppressing the truth in unrighteousness, and enemies of God (not even children of Abraham) is there any hope? A huge YES is given to show that even while we were against God, his very enemies regarding truth and rightness, God made it clear he loved us; he died for us. Our ancestor Adam shows how we fail in regard to truth and rightness, Jesus is offered as our new hope, the one who is Truth and Rightness, and who provides truth and rightness, and who makes it possible for us to live in truth and rightness.
So, if it is a gift, are we free to just party on without regard to truth and rightness? Romans 6 asks that question and resoundingly says Noooo. The gift is salvation from a failed life, not salvation from consequences so you can go on with a failed life. The pagans (gentiles) are urged not to go on with their old way plus Christ.
Romans 7 warns the carefully religious people (the Jews) not to make the same mistake. Adding Christ to a life of legalistic self justification doesn't make any more sense than adding to Christ to one's indulgent life.
Romans 8 shows the answer for Jews and gentiles, the careful and the carefree: keep in step with God's Spirit. That is the new life. It is hard but it is the life that works. Creation is groaning for humanity to no longer fall short of God's glory, we know we are (sickness, sadness, death and so on...). Even God's Spirit groans with us for the day that we will no longer suppress what is really true and live the way that is really right. Christ is that hope and that way, and we are assured we cannot be separated from within that love.
Romans 9 makes a point of preparing us for living that way. We must realize that God's mercy is totally without regard to any thing we offer. It is devastatingly humbling. In fact, it is almost depressing at first, like digging down in order to build a building up with a good foundation.
Romans 10 begins the building up by clarifying again that trust in the Lord is now and always has been the way of being saved from suppressing the truth in unrighteousness and having the hope of truth and rightness.
Romans 11 continues the foundation by showing how Israel has been foundational to the gentile hope and that God's plan is on schedule. In fact, though Paul makes it clear that the how and when of God's plan is not as clear as we would like, it is still marvelously and triumphantly better than anything we could dream up and worthy of our cheers and excitement.
Romans 12 now begins and emphasis on what to do: exchange humble submission to truth and rightness for the arrogance of insubordinate untruth and unrightness.
Romans 13 expands from personal challenges to social challenges and sums up with saying we are to be clothed in the light of the way of Christ; he is our light that shows us truth and rightness.
Romans 14 practically balances us as we are all trying to grow at the same time, though we have differences in where we are, what we understand, and how we are moving forward. Essentially, we have to find ways to look out for each others' good.
Romans 15 shows how Paul lived out his path of using his gifts and calling, and goes on to mention others. As each does their part, more and more people have a chance to take part in the life of light and hope found in Christ.
Romans 16 lists people who have come out from the way of suppressing the truth in unrighteousness and are helping others to see truth and rightness. There is real love and affection and honor shown. Paul warns about letting cranky or controlling people ruin the community and encourages them to keep on the way the is right and true.
We are grateful to have taken these few months to be challenged to look at our tendencies to let our own desires dominate our wills such that we push down the truth (distort, rationalize, manipulate) so we can get what we want no matter what. It is not easy, especially the reflection on how humbly we must view ourselves. God did not have any cause to save us based on anything in us. His amazing love is in spite of us. When we get that, then humility and gratitude aren't so hard. The challenge then is to continually humble ourselves under truth for the sake of hope, enduring with joy, because we know our hope will not disappoint us.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Thanksgiving Gathering
Thanks to Tamara and all the others who helped provide an extra Thanksgiving meal. Next Sunday will be the Harbisons'. We will be looking at what practical challenges happen in a Christian community when we are trying to live out the types of submission found in Romans 12 and 13. Though we are all growing into the image of Christ, we are each in different phases of our unique journeys. This can make understanding and cooperating with other Christians unexpectedly challenging. Our goal will be to share with each other our present challenges with a hope to applying scriptual principles to future challenges.
Shalom, Russell
Shalom, Russell
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Submitting to God’s Order
- Submit your body and mind in order to know God’s will (Romans 12:1-2)
- submit to your God given gifting and area of trust (12:3-8)
- submit your service to the test of love, not of significance (12:9-16)
- submit your hardships from others to God; its his job, not yours. (12:17-20)
- submit to authorities as God’s system for civil society (13:1-7)
- submit to obligations, especially to live by Love (13:8-10)
- submit to Christ as life, not cravings, then you don’t hide, you radiate (13:11-14)
A Proposed Progression of Thought in the Book of Romans
A Proposed Progression of Thought in the Book of Romans
By CBX
Paul writes a persuasive argument in the book of Romans on behalf of God’s righteousness through the gospel of Jesus Christ. My intent here is to show, in broad strokes, how the book itself develops this “big” idea. A big idea of any piece of literature should be identifiable in the text itself through seeing what occurs most (quantity) in the work and what is discussed in the most important parts (quality). The big idea of the book of Romans I argue for in this document is this:
Romans is Paul’s defense of God’s righteousness in the gospel in order to unify the church to be a part of God’s global plan.
The question of God’s righteousness is addressed in Romans by the language of faithfulness and righteousness. We often incorrectly think of God’s attributes as being completely distinct from each other, but in the Bible God’s righteousness is an umbrella term which includes His truthfulness, faithfulness, and His justice. For example, if God were not to keep His promise, biblically He would be considered unfaithful and thus unrighteousness. Look at Psalm 143:1 as an example of this. God’s righteousness aligns itself closely with the idea of God’s glory in the Scriptures. All of these aspects of God’s character are upheld in Jesus Christ as He is revealed in the gospel that Paul writes about in Romans. Paul makes a solid case that instead of putting God in the dock, humanity is on trial for their unfaithfulness and unrighteousness because He has been completely faithful and righteous through the gospel. This defense should encourage hope (ch. 5-8, 15:13), foster unity in the church (11, 14-15), and empower mission (15:20-29). The church at Rome needed to understand that God has been gloriously faithful in Jesus Christ, and Paul writes to encourage them with this truth.
On the side: This document is the fruit of study. The way to read this document is to study the sections and then read this document. I do not show the process of how I arrived at these conclusions so the reader will have to connect the dots.
I. Romans 1:1-7 – Jesus Christ and the Promise through the Prophets for All Peoples
Paul begins his letter acknowledging that the gospel he preaches is in line with the Old Testament hope. He identifies Jesus Christ as the promised seed of David and also the Son of God who reigns victorious over the grave. Paul aligns Himself with the prophetic hope in Jesus Christ. This message is for the faithful obedience of all peoples for God’s namesake (or glory). The mention of the gospel for all peoples will be a continual emphasis in this letter as Paul desires both to unify the church as they see this truth explained (12, 14-15:7) and to have the support of the church at Rome in his missionary efforts to Spain (15:20-29). Paul bookends Romans with this truth of the obedience of all peoples for God’s glory (Romans 16:25-27).
II. Romans 1:8-14
Here Paul shows his eagerness and loving commitment to the church at Rome. He did not start this church, but he longed to be encouraged by them and endorse what God was doing there with his apostolic authority. He wanted to see them established in the gospel through his gift of apostolic approval.
III. Romans 1:14-17
This section is an important thematic overview of the book of Romans. Paul is eager to preach the gospel to the church at Rome and to be sent on his way by them to Spain. Paul is not ashamed of this gospel because God’s righteousness has been fully revealed from His own faithfulness to the righteous man’s faith (the way I interpret the phrase “from faith for faith” in 1:17).
In the gospel, the complete faithfulness of God to all His promises (15:8-12), faithfulness to His chosen people (3:1-8, 11:1-29, 15:8), and faithfulness to Himself (3:21-26) is being revealed on behalf of all those who respond in faith (Jews and Gentiles). They themselves are given the gift of being declared righteous in God’s eyes through Jesus Christ. God’s righteousness is thus seen through these truths.
There is no room for shame, in Paul’s gospel because all accounts are cleared from any charges through the work of Christ: God’s and man’s. Christ came on behalf of God to uphold His truthfulness (15:8). Christ also came on behalf of man to grant His righteousness to those who believe (3:21-4:25). God righteously justifies the ungodly through Christ’s work. Most of the letter now turns to Paul’s explanation of 1:17. Paul has proposed his thesis here and now will explain what he means.
IV. Romans 1:18-32: God’s Just Wrath against the World
Paul makes a case here for God’s righteous judgment of the wicked. The concept of “exact retribution” serves Paul’s intent to show no hint of unrighteousness in God’s wrath toward mankind. Paul is not only making the case that all humanity stands under God’s wrath, but he is also making the case that God stands free of any charge of wrong doing in this matter. The judgment coming to them is fitting. It’s an appropriate response to what they have done to Him. He has clearly revealed Himself to ALL men through creation and all men have suppressed this knowledge. The essence of human sin in this chapter is clearly revealed by a failure to honor God as God. Humanity has a worship disorder – they prefer earthly things over their Creator (1:21,25,28).
Paul vindicates God’s character here in two ways: everything humanity does to God, God in turn does to them. They fail to honor God; God gives them over to dishonor (1:21,24). They exchange the truth of God for a lie; God exchanges the natural function for the unnatural (1:25,26). They fail to approve of God; God gives them over to a disapproved mind (1:28). All of these show “exact retribution” – the greek roots are similar in 1:21 and 24 (honor and glorify) and the same greek roots are used in 1:25-26 and 28. God’s wrath is revealed here by saying, “Okay, You asked for it. Have it your way.” The second way Paul argues that God is cleared is by the three transitions he uses: “therefore” (24), “for this reason” (26), and “just as” (28). These phrases connect humanity’s rejection of God with God’s just rejection of them. Just as they rejected Him, He rejected them. We also see the truth that if humanity flips the vertical created order, it always results in damaging horizontal human relationships.
Human beings have failed to honor God as God. This is the passion of Paul’s heart in missions: the nations aren’t worshipping their Creator. John Piper said it well when he said, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t” (Let the Nations Be Glad). The problem Paul’s gospel is sent to solve is that humanity stands under the wrath of God for their failure to worship.
V. Romans 2:1-29: God’s Just Wrath against the Jews
The Jews fall under this just condemnation, too. In fact there judgment is heightened by the quotation of Isaiah 52:15 in verse 24. Paul tells them that the idolatry of the Gentiles in chapter one is because of their sin. Romans 2:2 also establishes God’s justice in this matter as it says, “the judgment of God rightly falls” upon those who pass judgment but practice the very same things (in this context the Jews, see 2:17). It is fitting that God would display His wrath against those who hypocritically judge others.
God will render each person according to His deeds which continues to reveal God’s righteousness in judging all people. The internal law God has placed in all human beings also gives grounds for God’s just judgment (2:12-16). God has given humanity sufficient witness of Himself: creation (ch. 1) and conscience (ch. 2). If they fail to respond appropriately they will be judged. These are not enough to save sinners, but they are sufficient to point them to their need for a Savior.
The rest of chapter 2 establishes the fact that God holds the Jews in contempt not only for their sin but also for the sin of the world. The Jews had the Law but did not keep it, telling the world that God’s Law is not worth keeping and God Himself is not worth obeying. The Jew’s disobedience, instead of being a light to the world, cast a shadow on God to the world. They are the reason His name is blasphemed among them (2:24). Romans 2:25-29 completely reverses the Jewish assumption that they were in the “right” and the Gentiles were in the “wrong.” In 2:1 they are passing judgment on the world. Now the world passes judgment on them in 2:27. The nations don’t even have the Law and sometimes they keep it which does not bid well for the Jews. Paul shockingly levels the playing field of humanity by declaring that God’s people have an inward change in them that is wrought by the Spirit in the heart and not just an outward show of circumcision. Paul has biblically shown that both Jews and Gentiles deserve God’s just wrath.
In all of this, God remains free of any charge of wrongdoing because He is upholding His just principle of exact retribution. You reap what you sow. The reader can’t blame God for any wrongdoing (some questions still remain unanswered). Paul’s argument up until this point raises a significant biblical question: if the Jews are being rejected by God, where is God’s faithfulness to His promise?
VI. Romans 3:1-8: Paul’s Clarification of God’s Promise
Jews thought their privileged status before God meant they would never be susceptible to His judgment. They did not correctly understand it. David correctly understood it in Psalm 51 (quoted in 3:4). He knew He stood under God’s just condemnation after his failure with Bathsheba. The Jews did have advantages because they were given the promises of God (look at 9:4-5). The logic of the charge against God is this: if the Jews are unbelieving and God is rejecting them, then that must mean God is unrighteous (or unfaithful to His promise), right? The subtle tone is: “Why should I believe in your God Paul, if He can’t even keep His promises to His people?” Paul basically answers: for those who assume upon God’s covenantal favor because of outward circumcision or the Law and still live a life of unbelief and disobedience, their condemnation is just (3:8). These outward signs of favor do not guarantee salvation. As he already stated in Romans 2:29, God’s people have an inward change wrought by the Spirit. Paul clarifies for the Jewish objector that God’s righteousness is not only a saving righteousness by being faithful to His promise, it is also a judging righteousness by being true to His character. God takes everyone at face value (2:11). God did give the Jews advantages, but these advantages aren’t a license to live outside His boundaries for life and expect salvation. This would mean God would be unjust to punish the world (3:6) and would give all peoples ground to charge Him with unrighteousness.
Romans 3:1-8 is the hardest in the book of Romans. Paul returns to this objection in chapters 9-11, but here he only establishes the fact that Jews also stand under God’s judgment. The question still remains of how God can be faithful to His promise and yet judge them. Paul turns to that question in Romans 9.
VII. Romans 3:9-20: No Objections Allowed
The Old Testament proves that all of humanity stands under sin. Romans 3:19 reveals that all the world is accountable before God. The fact that every mouth is closed confirms our thesis that Paul is vindicating the honor of God in this judgment. No one has room to defend themselves before Him. God stands free of charge and humanity stands guilty before Him.
VIII. Romans 3:21-31: God: The Just Justifier of Sinners
The letter to the Romans could have ended at 3:20 and God would be on His throne enjoying the Trinity while all of humanity suffered under His just punishment. But thankfully, it didn’t end there. God is incredibly gracious. Why is the gospel of Jesus Christ such good news? Through Jesus’ faithfulness (3:22) those who believe can stand before God as righteous as Jesus Christ is. In Jesus Christ, sinners who believe are declared righteous in God’s eyes.
How can God let sinners go free? It’s a huge theological question especially after what Paul has just argued, namely the truth of exact retribution. God gives you what you deserve and all humanity deserves judgment. To let the sinner go free would show that the Judge of the universe is no worthy judge, right?
Paul’s response: Nope. Jesus Christ took the penalty meant for those who have fallen short of the glory of God and appeased His wrath (propitiation). He did this in such a way to make sinners righteous in God’s eyes without impugning God’s character. Jesus upheld the righteousness of God in declaring sinners to be righteous. This fits with the big idea for which I am arguing – God remains just even when He justifies sinners (3:26).
Both sides, God and those who have faith in Jesus Christ, now stand clear of any charge. The good news of Jesus Christ is that through Him sinners are declared righteous while also upholding God’s standard of righteousness. Both sides are vindicated through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:27-31 reveals that faith not works of the Law is what God requires to be righteous in His eyes. This is for all peoples, Jews and Gentiles.
IX. Romans 4: Abraham: the Father of All Who Believe
The beginning of Romans 4 establishes more clearly why the gospel blessing cannot come through the law. Keeping the law would give grounds for boasting, but God’s grace in salvation eliminates all human boasting. Abraham believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness. God demands belief – that’s it. The promise is through faith not through the Law and is available to all peoples.
Romans 4:18-25 supports our thesis that the book of Romans is intended to help us trust God’s faithfulness even when circumstances might seem like He is being unfaithful. Abraham exemplifies what it means to trust God through tough circumstances. In hope against hope he believed in God’s ability to fulfill His promise. When circumstances shouted at him to doubt God’s promise, he remained faith-full and that is the kind of faith that is accounted righteous. God is able to come through on His promise – always.
This is one reason why we sense Paul is defending God’s righteousness in the letter. There are obvious tensions in the letter. Why are God’s people rejecting the Messiah? Doesn’t that call into question God’s faithfulness to His promise? Paul’s response is this – believe like Abraham. He believed God was able even when circumstances didn’t encourage belief. He trusted God through the dark times. He is an example to us who are still awaiting salvation (Romans 8:23-25).
X. Romans 5: Hope in the Sufficient Work of Christ
Linking to Romans 4:18-25 (hope against hope), Paul begins a section explaining some of the grounds of the Christian hope. Romans 5 begins this section, and the end of Romans 8 ends this section. The beginning of Romans 5 and the end of Romans 8 have this in common: the finished work of Christ on our behalf and abiding presence of the Holy Spirit solidify God’s claim to love us. This should give us enduring hope in our sufferings. Christ’s death anchors our hope in objective fashion and the imparted Spirit brings that hope to our experience as believers. In Christ the promises of God are yes and amen (2 Cor. 1:20-21).
Romans 5:12-21 shows us that we can have hope because the comprehensive effect of Adam’s sin on all of humanity is completely surpassed by the effect of the new Adam’s faithfulness, Jesus Christ. Paul makes the case that all the damage we see from Adam is overturned and abundantly exceeded by Christ’s work. Hope is encouraged because Adam is no rival for Jesus.
XI. Romans 6:1-14: Hope over Sin and Death
The question: Since God’s grace is amplified through the disobedience of Adam, shouldn’t we all keep transgressing to manifest His grace more and more? Paul’s answer: heck no!
God’s grace changes everything. Sin and death used to be king in our lives by Adam’s fall and our choice, but now through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we have new life. Death and sin are no longer king for those who are united with Jesus in his death and resurrection. “We believe that we shall also live with Him” is the hope of every believer after death with Christ (conversion). We have a choice now by grace – we can present ourselves to our rightful King, Jesus Christ or we can resort back to our old self and salute to sin and death. When we were in Adam, we had no choice. Sin and death were king, but through the King’s death and resurrection we become overcomers. We have hope over the enemies of sin and death.
XII. 6:14-7:25: Hope over the Law
The question: doesn’t this grace open the door for wickedness? We have to keep the Law to keep morality right? Paul’s answer: heck no!
The Law is written on our hearts in this grace (6:17, Jer 31, Deut 30) and grace not only restrains disobedience like the Law but gives power to obey! In the law, as chapter 7 so visibly demonstrates by its tension, there were no resources to obey. The law keeps on demanding and by this works our death. The Law convinced us of our sin, but gave no remedy for it. The despair of Rembrandt’s Moses’ face is the portrait of Romans 7 (see picture with Romans 7). John Bunyan may have said it best, “Run, John, run, the Law commands; but gives neither feet nor hands. Far better news the gospel brings, it bids us fly and gives us wings.” Believers have been released from the Law and walk in the newness of life through the Spirit (ch. 6 and 7:6).
The Law accomplishes God’s good purpose of convicting of sin and thus is a gracious gift of God (7:7), but it is powerless to save and empower obedience. It only leads to death. It’s like being diagnosed with AIDS. There is no remedy. Each time you hear your diagnosis, it is death to you. It is the end of hope. The Law keeps telling us our grim diagnosis but never grants aid.
We also believe that Paul’s tone here fits right into our argument that Romans is vindicating the righteousness of God. The law was seen as great and a way to life (Lev. 18:5), but Paul is saying completely the opposite. This question comes immediately to mind: “Why the Law, Paul?” Paul’s answer is complete. He upholds the honor of the law (thus vindicating God’s righteousness in giving the Law, 7:13) and He shows the true intent of the Law (thus correcting misconceptions). Paul’s view of the Law is in agreement with Ezekiel 20 and Jeremiah 7 (read in NASU).
There is hope over the Law through Christ and through the promised Spirit (chapter 8!). Chapter 7’s frustration through the Law is triumphantly overcome by chapter 8’s exposition of the Spirit’s role in believers.
XIII. 8:1-39: Hope Through the Spirit of God and The Work Of Christ
What is filled with death and frustration in chapter 7 is now surpassed by life and power in chapter 8. What is lacking in the Law is abundantly supplied through the Promised Spirit. Romans 8:3-4 is a good summary: “for what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did; sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
The Spirit enables hope over the flesh (8:5-13), hope in that we are God’s children and if children, heirs (8:14-17), and hope in our suffering through creation’s curse, our weakness, and persecution. The hope is that in all things God is working together for our good (8:18-30). The Spirit is the guarantee of better days coming. We see this in Romans 8 beautifully portrayed.
Romans 8:31-39 anchor us again on the finished work of Christ as the credibility of our hope as did chapter 5:1-11. Since God gave up His one and only Son, all these other things do not even compare to this incredible gift. This should empower us to have hope and suffer well because God has shown us His commitment to us in Christ (8:32).
Summary of 5 – 8: The life of faith is a life of hoping against hope. The biggest enemies of our hope: Adam’s sin, death, sin, law, the flesh, and suffering are defeated through Christ. The big idea to encourage and promote faith in God’s faithfulness even when circumstances look grim is continued through this section. Paul’s extended teaching on these subjects reveal that the believer should trust God to fulfill His promises for his or her future, like Abraham modeled in chapter 4. “In hope against hope” we must believe (4:18-25) for “in hope we have been saved…” (8:24).
XIV. Romans 9: Paul Clarifies the Promise for Israel
The key verse in chapters 9-11 is 9:6 (which supports our claim that Paul is defending the righteousness of God). Romans 9:6a states, “But it is not as though the word of God has failed.” The rest of this section unpacks how God’s promises of the Old Testament haven’t failed and God Himself is faithful.
Paul is still making a case why people should believe this God that he proclaims in his gospel. An unbelieving Gentile in this context could possibly ask the question, “Why should I trust God’s promise if He isn’t faithful to those whom He made it?” This would seriously undermine Paul’s claim that the gospel is such “good news.”
Paul returns to the idea of chapter 3:1-8. Is God being faithful to His Word to Israel?
Paul’s answer: the word of God has not failed. First, he establishes this by teaching from the Old Testament that not all Israel is Israel. Privileged earthly status (like being the firstborn like Esau) is nothing in God’s eyes. God loves to reverse human expectation. God loves those whom He loves. He will have compassion on whomever He has compassion. Paul undercuts the Jewish assumption that they have a “right” to the grace of God. Grace is free. He gives it to whomever He wishes.
The question of Romans 9:14 highlights what we are arguing is the major theme of the book of Romans, “There is no injustice with God, is there?” (the root for injustice is the same as for righteousness in Greek). Paul once again stands to God’s defense. This time Paul argues that God’s main commitment is to Himself and displaying the full panorama of His perfections – through wrath and mercy. God’s allegiance is to displaying His worth and not allowing anyone to charge Him of wrong. God’s righteousness here is the commitment He has to protect the purity of His name. He establishes the point in 9:24-29 that the vessels of mercy are not just the Jewish people, but Jews and Gentiles alike.
XV. Romans 9:30-10:21: Israel Stumbled Over the Law
Romans 9:30-31 raises an interesting question about the law in view of what has just been said. “If Gentiles are understanding this and believing, why is Israel missing it and they have the Law?” They stumbled over the Law, Paul says. They failed to read it like it was intended to be read.
They tripped over Leviticus 18:5 (Romans 10:5) and stumbled because they thought by the Law they could earn life. But Moses even evaluates this covenant and its failure in Deuteronomy 30 as he orients the reader of the Pentateuch toward the new covenant, when God would give what He commanded through faith through Jesus Christ. Here, Paul is somewhat coming to the defense of God’s dealings with Israel by showing the reader of Romans why they missed it. It wasn’t because God hadn’t revealed it. It was because they got caught in the outward “stuff” of the law and not the goal of the Law: Christ. (This is very similar to the prophetic charge against Israel.)
The Law was meant to show them their need (Romans 7) and point them to the way of life through Christ (not the Law).
Paul then goes on to show from the Old Testament itself how the Lord is Lord of both Jews and Gentiles and how salvation was prophesied for both groups. He ends in verse 21 with another indictment against Israel. The Gentiles are responding, but the Jews remain obstinate. That leads him to this obvious question: where is God in their disobedience? Is He being unfaithful to His people?
XVI. Romans 11:1-36: Who has been His Counselor?
Romans 11:1 begins with the question, “God has not rejected His people, has He?” Again, the question of God’s faithfulness is at the forefront of this section. First, Paul illustrates how God is still being faithful to His promise through the example of his testimony (v.1). Paul himself believes and is from the tribe of Benjamin, thus His own testimony confirms God’s faithfulness. Paul then argues that God has in the past always preserved a remnant, even if we don’t see it sometimes (sound familiar? In hope against hope…). God had graciously preserved for Himself a faithful remnant during Elijah’s day and He is doing the same in the present time (4-5). Just like Elijah didn’t know about the remnant of 7,000 men, we too can’t see everything God is doing.
Paul gives evidence from Isaiah and Psalm 68 that what God is doing now should be of no surprise: preserving a few by His gracious, electing love and hardening others. This hardening is an outworking of God’s wise, global, and merciful plan.
Verses 11-16 reveals that Israel’s transgression has led to salvation to the Gentiles. So, instead of these circumstances calling into question God’s commitment to His promise, we see God working out His plan in a way that human ingenuity would have never dreamed. God is working His plan of mercy through Israel’s disobedience. The nations (Gentiles) are responding in the obedience of faith to the message of Jesus Christ and Paul has even been sent to them specifically. Paul never loses sight of God’s overall plan though, so even in his desire to reach all the Gentiles with the good news, He is mindful of his brethren and God’s chosen people (9:1-2, 10:1). He hopes to move his own people to jealousy by his ministry to the Gentiles. He wants Israel to look at what the Gentiles have in Christ and for this to lure them to Christ through jealousy.
Verses 17-24 reveal a tension in the church in Rome along with a few earlier texts (2:1, 3:27-31). The Gentiles were taking pride in the fact that God had shown them mercy (how crazy is this especially in view of chapter 9). Paul says, “Do not be arrogant because you are in Christ and they are not. Don’t look down on them. God hasn’t spared the natural branches (Israel), and He will not spare you either.” He in effect is arguing, “Be careful, Gentiles, that you don’t forfeit your place in His plan by your unbelief like them.” If Israel doesn’t continue in unbelief, God is certainly able have them share in Christ.
God is being and will be faithful to His promise. He has not rejected His people (as Paul’s argument shows they have rejected Him and are being unfaithful). There is a future day coming for ethnic Israel after the full number of Gentiles have been saved (25-27). The ones living at that time will believe in Christ and then Christ will come again (the “Deliverer”). God is preserving a faithful remnant, proving His faithfulness in the present time, and will bring His promise to completion by blessing Israel. God cannot go back on His word which brings the argument full circle from 9:6 (11:29).
Paul ends this section in praise. Who has been God’s counselor? God is deeply wise and knows how to run the universe. Once again, we are brought back to the central idea of Romans: Paul defending God’s righteousness. This benediction has a subtle slant against questioning God’s ways (34-35). We shouldn’t arrogantly stand as the counselor of God. We have no idea what all He is mercifully doing.
XVII. Romans 12:1-21: The Practicalities of this Unity
Paul begins by exhorting the readers to respond appropriately to God’s mercy by living their lives with total abandonment to God (a living sacrifice). This leads directly into a discussion on the church and how we are to relate to each other. This ties in directly to the discussion at the end of chapter 11 when Paul was encouraged the Gentiles not to be conceited (11:20) and to not be wise in their own estimation (11:25). Instead of looking down on others in the body, we are to identify with people wherever they are (rejoicing, weeping, etc.). If some are poor in the body, we need to love them and contribute to their welfare. Paul exhorts them, “Do not be wise in your own estimation” (12:16).
There is no place in the body for pride and haughtiness. Paul has subtly been making this point since chapter 2. He has been emphasizing that the same God of the Jews is the same God of the Gentiles (3:9-20, 27-31, 4, 10:12). Later in the book we will see more evidence of this tension, but here we see the practicalities of unified body of Christ. We must guard ourselves from being wise in our own estimation and putting down others around us.
XVIII. Romans 13:1-14: The Practicalities of Faith
A life of worship is characterized by loving unity (12, 15:1-7), returning good for evil by trusting the vengeance of God (12:17-21), and now submission to earthly authorities. “Vengeance is Mine!,” declares the Lord in 12:19, and now we see one of the earthly mediators of God’s vengeance: human government. God has provided an earthly means to exercise punishment against evildoers, human authorities. This gives us hope in returning good for evil because through a just government we see God’s system of justice displayed. We have an earthly reminder that all accounts will be justly repaid.
The emphasis in the middle of this chapter is on keeping the law of love. The end of this chapter orients us toward our future hope and the end of all history. It gives us hope that the day is drawing near when evil will be cast under foot and darkness will be consumed by light. In view of this day approaching, we are to clothe ourselves with Christ and walk in the light of day.
XIX. Romans 14-15:7 Edification in the Body
This section highlights the tension in the church when both Jews and Gentiles are called into one body. The main point of this section is to not put a stumbling block in someone’s way with your observance or lack of observance of the law. The ones with bold, strong consciences who feel free to partake of all kinds of food (not just the ones the law allowed) are to be mindful of those who have limited, weak consciences and do not sense the same freedom (it’s the same with the observance of the Sabbath day (14:6)).
The problem that comes into play with this is two-sided. On the one hand, those who feel freedom to not limit their food or celebrate certain days can really upset and even disturb the faith of those whose consciences are bound in these areas. Paul basically tells those who are free to limit themselves around those who are bound by their consciences because it just isn’t worth it. On the other hand, the ones with the weak consciences and cannot partake of all foods are not to teach and prohibit those who feel free to partake of God’s gift of freedom. The object is to build up one another in love not to tear down one another because of convictions. Haughtiness toward one another results in tearing down the body of Christ (similar to chapter 12).
The object of this loving unity is to glorify God with one voice (15:6). We are to be like Christ, identifying with others in need (15:2-3). The church that seeks to glorify God with one voice has to labor in the trenches of love where sensitivity to others must reign.
XX. Romans 15:8-13: Christ: The Proof of God’s Truthfulness
Here we come to one of the most important parts of Romans because in it many of the themes of the letter intersect. We have just learned about unity in the body (14-15:7). The unity between Jew and Gentile is found in Christ. This Christ came on behalf of the truth of God (1:17, 3:21-26), confirming the promises given to the fathers (the patriarchs, 1:1-5, 3:21-26, 4, 11), and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy (4, 15:8-9).
Christ came to uphold the truthfulness of God. This expresses exactly what Romans 3:21-26 expresses. Christ removed any doubt that God was being true to His word in the Old Testament. Romans 1:1-5 starts with this same idea of Christ being the seed of David. The truthfulness of God’s being and the truthfulness of God’s promise go hand in hand and Christ came as the confirmation that God is being faithful to the promises given to the fathers. In God’s global plan, the Gentiles were grafted into Christ and are shown mercy. This shouldn’t catch the reader of the Old Testament by surprise, Paul adds. Paul gives four verses that ground his statements concerning Christ in verse 8-9. These four verses cover every part of the threefold division of the Old Testament (the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings). Verse 13 ends with an emphasis on hope. Paul knows that after we see the absolute integrity and trustworthiness of God’s Word we should abound in hope by the Holy Spirit because the promises on which we are relying to live are confirmed in Christ.
XXI. Romans 15:14-33: The Ministry of Worship: Missions
Paul now invites the church at Rome to be a part of God’s global plan to bring all the nations to the obedience of faith for God’s fame (1:5). Paul encourages them and explains his ministry using language filled with the language of worship (14-19). Paul seems himself as recruiting worshipers from all over the globe to honor their Maker and Lord. Worship is the problem with the human heart (1:18-32), and God’s plan brings forth worshippers (1:5, 12:1-2). Paul’s aim then is to go find worshippers from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Paul’s aspiration is not just to those who have had exposure to the gospel, but he wants those who have no exposure to have the good news preached to them (21).
Paul wants the church at Rome to help him on his mission to go to Spain. The whole theological nature of this letter is now brought to a very practical application. Paul wants the church at Rome to understand that in the gospel: God is completely trustworthy and righteous, God has a plan for all peoples, and through their unified church they can be a part of God’s global plan to reach the nations (and like chapter 11 argues, bring about the salvation of Israel and the end of human history!). The trustworthiness of God empowers hope which gives endurance in mission. His argument all along has been, “You can trust God through His work in Jesus Christ. He is completely faithful to His Word.” He now hopes that as they have seen God’s wise plan unfolded before them through the Holy Scriptures that they will join God’s plan and support him to Spain.
Romans 15:25-29 tells us why Paul is heading back to Jerusalem. He is concerned for the poor saints there and wants to give his approval of a gift that has been given to the saints by Gentile believers. His aim in this seems to be to continue to instigate jealousy in his people as they begin to see some of the fulfillment of the Old Testament hope (Isaiah 60, Psalm 72 – the nations bringing their wealth to Jerusalem). The nations are bringing their wealth to Jerusalem and Paul wants to place his approval on it so that the Jewish people begin to understand they are living in a day of fulfillment. The end of this section asks for prayer to that end.
XXI. Romans 16:
Paul ends his letter saying hello and encouraging others whom he knows in the congregation to stay strong. The letter ends where it began, with a desire to see all nations obediently believing and worshiping God through Christ.
Summary:
Justification by faith alone has been taken to the be the main theme of the book of Romans ever since the reformation. This is certainly a central component to the book (1-5), but a more comprehensive theme might be titled “the Justification of God.” Paul certainly answers the question, “How can man be righteous?” but he also answers the question, “Is there injustice with God?” at the same time. Paul comes to the defense of God and his ways. The resounding answer of the book of Roman’s question, “Has God been righteous?,” is that God has been completely faithful to Himself and to His promises through Christ. The evidence Paul gives for this should inspire hope against hope – when sin, suffering, and reasons for doubt abound, the book of Romans is there to give hope. This hope is not to be detached from God’s purposes in the world, but instead is to give power to endure through all the hardships of loving unity and global missions. Unity is hard. Missions is hard, but God is and will remain faithful. His glory is worth it all.
By CBX
Paul writes a persuasive argument in the book of Romans on behalf of God’s righteousness through the gospel of Jesus Christ. My intent here is to show, in broad strokes, how the book itself develops this “big” idea. A big idea of any piece of literature should be identifiable in the text itself through seeing what occurs most (quantity) in the work and what is discussed in the most important parts (quality). The big idea of the book of Romans I argue for in this document is this:
Romans is Paul’s defense of God’s righteousness in the gospel in order to unify the church to be a part of God’s global plan.
The question of God’s righteousness is addressed in Romans by the language of faithfulness and righteousness. We often incorrectly think of God’s attributes as being completely distinct from each other, but in the Bible God’s righteousness is an umbrella term which includes His truthfulness, faithfulness, and His justice. For example, if God were not to keep His promise, biblically He would be considered unfaithful and thus unrighteousness. Look at Psalm 143:1 as an example of this. God’s righteousness aligns itself closely with the idea of God’s glory in the Scriptures. All of these aspects of God’s character are upheld in Jesus Christ as He is revealed in the gospel that Paul writes about in Romans. Paul makes a solid case that instead of putting God in the dock, humanity is on trial for their unfaithfulness and unrighteousness because He has been completely faithful and righteous through the gospel. This defense should encourage hope (ch. 5-8, 15:13), foster unity in the church (11, 14-15), and empower mission (15:20-29). The church at Rome needed to understand that God has been gloriously faithful in Jesus Christ, and Paul writes to encourage them with this truth.
On the side: This document is the fruit of study. The way to read this document is to study the sections and then read this document. I do not show the process of how I arrived at these conclusions so the reader will have to connect the dots.
I. Romans 1:1-7 – Jesus Christ and the Promise through the Prophets for All Peoples
Paul begins his letter acknowledging that the gospel he preaches is in line with the Old Testament hope. He identifies Jesus Christ as the promised seed of David and also the Son of God who reigns victorious over the grave. Paul aligns Himself with the prophetic hope in Jesus Christ. This message is for the faithful obedience of all peoples for God’s namesake (or glory). The mention of the gospel for all peoples will be a continual emphasis in this letter as Paul desires both to unify the church as they see this truth explained (12, 14-15:7) and to have the support of the church at Rome in his missionary efforts to Spain (15:20-29). Paul bookends Romans with this truth of the obedience of all peoples for God’s glory (Romans 16:25-27).
II. Romans 1:8-14
Here Paul shows his eagerness and loving commitment to the church at Rome. He did not start this church, but he longed to be encouraged by them and endorse what God was doing there with his apostolic authority. He wanted to see them established in the gospel through his gift of apostolic approval.
III. Romans 1:14-17
This section is an important thematic overview of the book of Romans. Paul is eager to preach the gospel to the church at Rome and to be sent on his way by them to Spain. Paul is not ashamed of this gospel because God’s righteousness has been fully revealed from His own faithfulness to the righteous man’s faith (the way I interpret the phrase “from faith for faith” in 1:17).
In the gospel, the complete faithfulness of God to all His promises (15:8-12), faithfulness to His chosen people (3:1-8, 11:1-29, 15:8), and faithfulness to Himself (3:21-26) is being revealed on behalf of all those who respond in faith (Jews and Gentiles). They themselves are given the gift of being declared righteous in God’s eyes through Jesus Christ. God’s righteousness is thus seen through these truths.
There is no room for shame, in Paul’s gospel because all accounts are cleared from any charges through the work of Christ: God’s and man’s. Christ came on behalf of God to uphold His truthfulness (15:8). Christ also came on behalf of man to grant His righteousness to those who believe (3:21-4:25). God righteously justifies the ungodly through Christ’s work. Most of the letter now turns to Paul’s explanation of 1:17. Paul has proposed his thesis here and now will explain what he means.
IV. Romans 1:18-32: God’s Just Wrath against the World
Paul makes a case here for God’s righteous judgment of the wicked. The concept of “exact retribution” serves Paul’s intent to show no hint of unrighteousness in God’s wrath toward mankind. Paul is not only making the case that all humanity stands under God’s wrath, but he is also making the case that God stands free of any charge of wrong doing in this matter. The judgment coming to them is fitting. It’s an appropriate response to what they have done to Him. He has clearly revealed Himself to ALL men through creation and all men have suppressed this knowledge. The essence of human sin in this chapter is clearly revealed by a failure to honor God as God. Humanity has a worship disorder – they prefer earthly things over their Creator (1:21,25,28).
Paul vindicates God’s character here in two ways: everything humanity does to God, God in turn does to them. They fail to honor God; God gives them over to dishonor (1:21,24). They exchange the truth of God for a lie; God exchanges the natural function for the unnatural (1:25,26). They fail to approve of God; God gives them over to a disapproved mind (1:28). All of these show “exact retribution” – the greek roots are similar in 1:21 and 24 (honor and glorify) and the same greek roots are used in 1:25-26 and 28. God’s wrath is revealed here by saying, “Okay, You asked for it. Have it your way.” The second way Paul argues that God is cleared is by the three transitions he uses: “therefore” (24), “for this reason” (26), and “just as” (28). These phrases connect humanity’s rejection of God with God’s just rejection of them. Just as they rejected Him, He rejected them. We also see the truth that if humanity flips the vertical created order, it always results in damaging horizontal human relationships.
Human beings have failed to honor God as God. This is the passion of Paul’s heart in missions: the nations aren’t worshipping their Creator. John Piper said it well when he said, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t” (Let the Nations Be Glad). The problem Paul’s gospel is sent to solve is that humanity stands under the wrath of God for their failure to worship.
V. Romans 2:1-29: God’s Just Wrath against the Jews
The Jews fall under this just condemnation, too. In fact there judgment is heightened by the quotation of Isaiah 52:15 in verse 24. Paul tells them that the idolatry of the Gentiles in chapter one is because of their sin. Romans 2:2 also establishes God’s justice in this matter as it says, “the judgment of God rightly falls” upon those who pass judgment but practice the very same things (in this context the Jews, see 2:17). It is fitting that God would display His wrath against those who hypocritically judge others.
God will render each person according to His deeds which continues to reveal God’s righteousness in judging all people. The internal law God has placed in all human beings also gives grounds for God’s just judgment (2:12-16). God has given humanity sufficient witness of Himself: creation (ch. 1) and conscience (ch. 2). If they fail to respond appropriately they will be judged. These are not enough to save sinners, but they are sufficient to point them to their need for a Savior.
The rest of chapter 2 establishes the fact that God holds the Jews in contempt not only for their sin but also for the sin of the world. The Jews had the Law but did not keep it, telling the world that God’s Law is not worth keeping and God Himself is not worth obeying. The Jew’s disobedience, instead of being a light to the world, cast a shadow on God to the world. They are the reason His name is blasphemed among them (2:24). Romans 2:25-29 completely reverses the Jewish assumption that they were in the “right” and the Gentiles were in the “wrong.” In 2:1 they are passing judgment on the world. Now the world passes judgment on them in 2:27. The nations don’t even have the Law and sometimes they keep it which does not bid well for the Jews. Paul shockingly levels the playing field of humanity by declaring that God’s people have an inward change in them that is wrought by the Spirit in the heart and not just an outward show of circumcision. Paul has biblically shown that both Jews and Gentiles deserve God’s just wrath.
In all of this, God remains free of any charge of wrongdoing because He is upholding His just principle of exact retribution. You reap what you sow. The reader can’t blame God for any wrongdoing (some questions still remain unanswered). Paul’s argument up until this point raises a significant biblical question: if the Jews are being rejected by God, where is God’s faithfulness to His promise?
VI. Romans 3:1-8: Paul’s Clarification of God’s Promise
Jews thought their privileged status before God meant they would never be susceptible to His judgment. They did not correctly understand it. David correctly understood it in Psalm 51 (quoted in 3:4). He knew He stood under God’s just condemnation after his failure with Bathsheba. The Jews did have advantages because they were given the promises of God (look at 9:4-5). The logic of the charge against God is this: if the Jews are unbelieving and God is rejecting them, then that must mean God is unrighteous (or unfaithful to His promise), right? The subtle tone is: “Why should I believe in your God Paul, if He can’t even keep His promises to His people?” Paul basically answers: for those who assume upon God’s covenantal favor because of outward circumcision or the Law and still live a life of unbelief and disobedience, their condemnation is just (3:8). These outward signs of favor do not guarantee salvation. As he already stated in Romans 2:29, God’s people have an inward change wrought by the Spirit. Paul clarifies for the Jewish objector that God’s righteousness is not only a saving righteousness by being faithful to His promise, it is also a judging righteousness by being true to His character. God takes everyone at face value (2:11). God did give the Jews advantages, but these advantages aren’t a license to live outside His boundaries for life and expect salvation. This would mean God would be unjust to punish the world (3:6) and would give all peoples ground to charge Him with unrighteousness.
Romans 3:1-8 is the hardest in the book of Romans. Paul returns to this objection in chapters 9-11, but here he only establishes the fact that Jews also stand under God’s judgment. The question still remains of how God can be faithful to His promise and yet judge them. Paul turns to that question in Romans 9.
VII. Romans 3:9-20: No Objections Allowed
The Old Testament proves that all of humanity stands under sin. Romans 3:19 reveals that all the world is accountable before God. The fact that every mouth is closed confirms our thesis that Paul is vindicating the honor of God in this judgment. No one has room to defend themselves before Him. God stands free of charge and humanity stands guilty before Him.
VIII. Romans 3:21-31: God: The Just Justifier of Sinners
The letter to the Romans could have ended at 3:20 and God would be on His throne enjoying the Trinity while all of humanity suffered under His just punishment. But thankfully, it didn’t end there. God is incredibly gracious. Why is the gospel of Jesus Christ such good news? Through Jesus’ faithfulness (3:22) those who believe can stand before God as righteous as Jesus Christ is. In Jesus Christ, sinners who believe are declared righteous in God’s eyes.
How can God let sinners go free? It’s a huge theological question especially after what Paul has just argued, namely the truth of exact retribution. God gives you what you deserve and all humanity deserves judgment. To let the sinner go free would show that the Judge of the universe is no worthy judge, right?
Paul’s response: Nope. Jesus Christ took the penalty meant for those who have fallen short of the glory of God and appeased His wrath (propitiation). He did this in such a way to make sinners righteous in God’s eyes without impugning God’s character. Jesus upheld the righteousness of God in declaring sinners to be righteous. This fits with the big idea for which I am arguing – God remains just even when He justifies sinners (3:26).
Both sides, God and those who have faith in Jesus Christ, now stand clear of any charge. The good news of Jesus Christ is that through Him sinners are declared righteous while also upholding God’s standard of righteousness. Both sides are vindicated through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:27-31 reveals that faith not works of the Law is what God requires to be righteous in His eyes. This is for all peoples, Jews and Gentiles.
IX. Romans 4: Abraham: the Father of All Who Believe
The beginning of Romans 4 establishes more clearly why the gospel blessing cannot come through the law. Keeping the law would give grounds for boasting, but God’s grace in salvation eliminates all human boasting. Abraham believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness. God demands belief – that’s it. The promise is through faith not through the Law and is available to all peoples.
Romans 4:18-25 supports our thesis that the book of Romans is intended to help us trust God’s faithfulness even when circumstances might seem like He is being unfaithful. Abraham exemplifies what it means to trust God through tough circumstances. In hope against hope he believed in God’s ability to fulfill His promise. When circumstances shouted at him to doubt God’s promise, he remained faith-full and that is the kind of faith that is accounted righteous. God is able to come through on His promise – always.
This is one reason why we sense Paul is defending God’s righteousness in the letter. There are obvious tensions in the letter. Why are God’s people rejecting the Messiah? Doesn’t that call into question God’s faithfulness to His promise? Paul’s response is this – believe like Abraham. He believed God was able even when circumstances didn’t encourage belief. He trusted God through the dark times. He is an example to us who are still awaiting salvation (Romans 8:23-25).
X. Romans 5: Hope in the Sufficient Work of Christ
Linking to Romans 4:18-25 (hope against hope), Paul begins a section explaining some of the grounds of the Christian hope. Romans 5 begins this section, and the end of Romans 8 ends this section. The beginning of Romans 5 and the end of Romans 8 have this in common: the finished work of Christ on our behalf and abiding presence of the Holy Spirit solidify God’s claim to love us. This should give us enduring hope in our sufferings. Christ’s death anchors our hope in objective fashion and the imparted Spirit brings that hope to our experience as believers. In Christ the promises of God are yes and amen (2 Cor. 1:20-21).
Romans 5:12-21 shows us that we can have hope because the comprehensive effect of Adam’s sin on all of humanity is completely surpassed by the effect of the new Adam’s faithfulness, Jesus Christ. Paul makes the case that all the damage we see from Adam is overturned and abundantly exceeded by Christ’s work. Hope is encouraged because Adam is no rival for Jesus.
XI. Romans 6:1-14: Hope over Sin and Death
The question: Since God’s grace is amplified through the disobedience of Adam, shouldn’t we all keep transgressing to manifest His grace more and more? Paul’s answer: heck no!
God’s grace changes everything. Sin and death used to be king in our lives by Adam’s fall and our choice, but now through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we have new life. Death and sin are no longer king for those who are united with Jesus in his death and resurrection. “We believe that we shall also live with Him” is the hope of every believer after death with Christ (conversion). We have a choice now by grace – we can present ourselves to our rightful King, Jesus Christ or we can resort back to our old self and salute to sin and death. When we were in Adam, we had no choice. Sin and death were king, but through the King’s death and resurrection we become overcomers. We have hope over the enemies of sin and death.
XII. 6:14-7:25: Hope over the Law
The question: doesn’t this grace open the door for wickedness? We have to keep the Law to keep morality right? Paul’s answer: heck no!
The Law is written on our hearts in this grace (6:17, Jer 31, Deut 30) and grace not only restrains disobedience like the Law but gives power to obey! In the law, as chapter 7 so visibly demonstrates by its tension, there were no resources to obey. The law keeps on demanding and by this works our death. The Law convinced us of our sin, but gave no remedy for it. The despair of Rembrandt’s Moses’ face is the portrait of Romans 7 (see picture with Romans 7). John Bunyan may have said it best, “Run, John, run, the Law commands; but gives neither feet nor hands. Far better news the gospel brings, it bids us fly and gives us wings.” Believers have been released from the Law and walk in the newness of life through the Spirit (ch. 6 and 7:6).
The Law accomplishes God’s good purpose of convicting of sin and thus is a gracious gift of God (7:7), but it is powerless to save and empower obedience. It only leads to death. It’s like being diagnosed with AIDS. There is no remedy. Each time you hear your diagnosis, it is death to you. It is the end of hope. The Law keeps telling us our grim diagnosis but never grants aid.
We also believe that Paul’s tone here fits right into our argument that Romans is vindicating the righteousness of God. The law was seen as great and a way to life (Lev. 18:5), but Paul is saying completely the opposite. This question comes immediately to mind: “Why the Law, Paul?” Paul’s answer is complete. He upholds the honor of the law (thus vindicating God’s righteousness in giving the Law, 7:13) and He shows the true intent of the Law (thus correcting misconceptions). Paul’s view of the Law is in agreement with Ezekiel 20 and Jeremiah 7 (read in NASU).
There is hope over the Law through Christ and through the promised Spirit (chapter 8!). Chapter 7’s frustration through the Law is triumphantly overcome by chapter 8’s exposition of the Spirit’s role in believers.
XIII. 8:1-39: Hope Through the Spirit of God and The Work Of Christ
What is filled with death and frustration in chapter 7 is now surpassed by life and power in chapter 8. What is lacking in the Law is abundantly supplied through the Promised Spirit. Romans 8:3-4 is a good summary: “for what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did; sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
The Spirit enables hope over the flesh (8:5-13), hope in that we are God’s children and if children, heirs (8:14-17), and hope in our suffering through creation’s curse, our weakness, and persecution. The hope is that in all things God is working together for our good (8:18-30). The Spirit is the guarantee of better days coming. We see this in Romans 8 beautifully portrayed.
Romans 8:31-39 anchor us again on the finished work of Christ as the credibility of our hope as did chapter 5:1-11. Since God gave up His one and only Son, all these other things do not even compare to this incredible gift. This should empower us to have hope and suffer well because God has shown us His commitment to us in Christ (8:32).
Summary of 5 – 8: The life of faith is a life of hoping against hope. The biggest enemies of our hope: Adam’s sin, death, sin, law, the flesh, and suffering are defeated through Christ. The big idea to encourage and promote faith in God’s faithfulness even when circumstances look grim is continued through this section. Paul’s extended teaching on these subjects reveal that the believer should trust God to fulfill His promises for his or her future, like Abraham modeled in chapter 4. “In hope against hope” we must believe (4:18-25) for “in hope we have been saved…” (8:24).
XIV. Romans 9: Paul Clarifies the Promise for Israel
The key verse in chapters 9-11 is 9:6 (which supports our claim that Paul is defending the righteousness of God). Romans 9:6a states, “But it is not as though the word of God has failed.” The rest of this section unpacks how God’s promises of the Old Testament haven’t failed and God Himself is faithful.
Paul is still making a case why people should believe this God that he proclaims in his gospel. An unbelieving Gentile in this context could possibly ask the question, “Why should I trust God’s promise if He isn’t faithful to those whom He made it?” This would seriously undermine Paul’s claim that the gospel is such “good news.”
Paul returns to the idea of chapter 3:1-8. Is God being faithful to His Word to Israel?
Paul’s answer: the word of God has not failed. First, he establishes this by teaching from the Old Testament that not all Israel is Israel. Privileged earthly status (like being the firstborn like Esau) is nothing in God’s eyes. God loves to reverse human expectation. God loves those whom He loves. He will have compassion on whomever He has compassion. Paul undercuts the Jewish assumption that they have a “right” to the grace of God. Grace is free. He gives it to whomever He wishes.
The question of Romans 9:14 highlights what we are arguing is the major theme of the book of Romans, “There is no injustice with God, is there?” (the root for injustice is the same as for righteousness in Greek). Paul once again stands to God’s defense. This time Paul argues that God’s main commitment is to Himself and displaying the full panorama of His perfections – through wrath and mercy. God’s allegiance is to displaying His worth and not allowing anyone to charge Him of wrong. God’s righteousness here is the commitment He has to protect the purity of His name. He establishes the point in 9:24-29 that the vessels of mercy are not just the Jewish people, but Jews and Gentiles alike.
XV. Romans 9:30-10:21: Israel Stumbled Over the Law
Romans 9:30-31 raises an interesting question about the law in view of what has just been said. “If Gentiles are understanding this and believing, why is Israel missing it and they have the Law?” They stumbled over the Law, Paul says. They failed to read it like it was intended to be read.
They tripped over Leviticus 18:5 (Romans 10:5) and stumbled because they thought by the Law they could earn life. But Moses even evaluates this covenant and its failure in Deuteronomy 30 as he orients the reader of the Pentateuch toward the new covenant, when God would give what He commanded through faith through Jesus Christ. Here, Paul is somewhat coming to the defense of God’s dealings with Israel by showing the reader of Romans why they missed it. It wasn’t because God hadn’t revealed it. It was because they got caught in the outward “stuff” of the law and not the goal of the Law: Christ. (This is very similar to the prophetic charge against Israel.)
The Law was meant to show them their need (Romans 7) and point them to the way of life through Christ (not the Law).
Paul then goes on to show from the Old Testament itself how the Lord is Lord of both Jews and Gentiles and how salvation was prophesied for both groups. He ends in verse 21 with another indictment against Israel. The Gentiles are responding, but the Jews remain obstinate. That leads him to this obvious question: where is God in their disobedience? Is He being unfaithful to His people?
XVI. Romans 11:1-36: Who has been His Counselor?
Romans 11:1 begins with the question, “God has not rejected His people, has He?” Again, the question of God’s faithfulness is at the forefront of this section. First, Paul illustrates how God is still being faithful to His promise through the example of his testimony (v.1). Paul himself believes and is from the tribe of Benjamin, thus His own testimony confirms God’s faithfulness. Paul then argues that God has in the past always preserved a remnant, even if we don’t see it sometimes (sound familiar? In hope against hope…). God had graciously preserved for Himself a faithful remnant during Elijah’s day and He is doing the same in the present time (4-5). Just like Elijah didn’t know about the remnant of 7,000 men, we too can’t see everything God is doing.
Paul gives evidence from Isaiah and Psalm 68 that what God is doing now should be of no surprise: preserving a few by His gracious, electing love and hardening others. This hardening is an outworking of God’s wise, global, and merciful plan.
Verses 11-16 reveals that Israel’s transgression has led to salvation to the Gentiles. So, instead of these circumstances calling into question God’s commitment to His promise, we see God working out His plan in a way that human ingenuity would have never dreamed. God is working His plan of mercy through Israel’s disobedience. The nations (Gentiles) are responding in the obedience of faith to the message of Jesus Christ and Paul has even been sent to them specifically. Paul never loses sight of God’s overall plan though, so even in his desire to reach all the Gentiles with the good news, He is mindful of his brethren and God’s chosen people (9:1-2, 10:1). He hopes to move his own people to jealousy by his ministry to the Gentiles. He wants Israel to look at what the Gentiles have in Christ and for this to lure them to Christ through jealousy.
Verses 17-24 reveal a tension in the church in Rome along with a few earlier texts (2:1, 3:27-31). The Gentiles were taking pride in the fact that God had shown them mercy (how crazy is this especially in view of chapter 9). Paul says, “Do not be arrogant because you are in Christ and they are not. Don’t look down on them. God hasn’t spared the natural branches (Israel), and He will not spare you either.” He in effect is arguing, “Be careful, Gentiles, that you don’t forfeit your place in His plan by your unbelief like them.” If Israel doesn’t continue in unbelief, God is certainly able have them share in Christ.
God is being and will be faithful to His promise. He has not rejected His people (as Paul’s argument shows they have rejected Him and are being unfaithful). There is a future day coming for ethnic Israel after the full number of Gentiles have been saved (25-27). The ones living at that time will believe in Christ and then Christ will come again (the “Deliverer”). God is preserving a faithful remnant, proving His faithfulness in the present time, and will bring His promise to completion by blessing Israel. God cannot go back on His word which brings the argument full circle from 9:6 (11:29).
Paul ends this section in praise. Who has been God’s counselor? God is deeply wise and knows how to run the universe. Once again, we are brought back to the central idea of Romans: Paul defending God’s righteousness. This benediction has a subtle slant against questioning God’s ways (34-35). We shouldn’t arrogantly stand as the counselor of God. We have no idea what all He is mercifully doing.
XVII. Romans 12:1-21: The Practicalities of this Unity
Paul begins by exhorting the readers to respond appropriately to God’s mercy by living their lives with total abandonment to God (a living sacrifice). This leads directly into a discussion on the church and how we are to relate to each other. This ties in directly to the discussion at the end of chapter 11 when Paul was encouraged the Gentiles not to be conceited (11:20) and to not be wise in their own estimation (11:25). Instead of looking down on others in the body, we are to identify with people wherever they are (rejoicing, weeping, etc.). If some are poor in the body, we need to love them and contribute to their welfare. Paul exhorts them, “Do not be wise in your own estimation” (12:16).
There is no place in the body for pride and haughtiness. Paul has subtly been making this point since chapter 2. He has been emphasizing that the same God of the Jews is the same God of the Gentiles (3:9-20, 27-31, 4, 10:12). Later in the book we will see more evidence of this tension, but here we see the practicalities of unified body of Christ. We must guard ourselves from being wise in our own estimation and putting down others around us.
XVIII. Romans 13:1-14: The Practicalities of Faith
A life of worship is characterized by loving unity (12, 15:1-7), returning good for evil by trusting the vengeance of God (12:17-21), and now submission to earthly authorities. “Vengeance is Mine!,” declares the Lord in 12:19, and now we see one of the earthly mediators of God’s vengeance: human government. God has provided an earthly means to exercise punishment against evildoers, human authorities. This gives us hope in returning good for evil because through a just government we see God’s system of justice displayed. We have an earthly reminder that all accounts will be justly repaid.
The emphasis in the middle of this chapter is on keeping the law of love. The end of this chapter orients us toward our future hope and the end of all history. It gives us hope that the day is drawing near when evil will be cast under foot and darkness will be consumed by light. In view of this day approaching, we are to clothe ourselves with Christ and walk in the light of day.
XIX. Romans 14-15:7 Edification in the Body
This section highlights the tension in the church when both Jews and Gentiles are called into one body. The main point of this section is to not put a stumbling block in someone’s way with your observance or lack of observance of the law. The ones with bold, strong consciences who feel free to partake of all kinds of food (not just the ones the law allowed) are to be mindful of those who have limited, weak consciences and do not sense the same freedom (it’s the same with the observance of the Sabbath day (14:6)).
The problem that comes into play with this is two-sided. On the one hand, those who feel freedom to not limit their food or celebrate certain days can really upset and even disturb the faith of those whose consciences are bound in these areas. Paul basically tells those who are free to limit themselves around those who are bound by their consciences because it just isn’t worth it. On the other hand, the ones with the weak consciences and cannot partake of all foods are not to teach and prohibit those who feel free to partake of God’s gift of freedom. The object is to build up one another in love not to tear down one another because of convictions. Haughtiness toward one another results in tearing down the body of Christ (similar to chapter 12).
The object of this loving unity is to glorify God with one voice (15:6). We are to be like Christ, identifying with others in need (15:2-3). The church that seeks to glorify God with one voice has to labor in the trenches of love where sensitivity to others must reign.
XX. Romans 15:8-13: Christ: The Proof of God’s Truthfulness
Here we come to one of the most important parts of Romans because in it many of the themes of the letter intersect. We have just learned about unity in the body (14-15:7). The unity between Jew and Gentile is found in Christ. This Christ came on behalf of the truth of God (1:17, 3:21-26), confirming the promises given to the fathers (the patriarchs, 1:1-5, 3:21-26, 4, 11), and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy (4, 15:8-9).
Christ came to uphold the truthfulness of God. This expresses exactly what Romans 3:21-26 expresses. Christ removed any doubt that God was being true to His word in the Old Testament. Romans 1:1-5 starts with this same idea of Christ being the seed of David. The truthfulness of God’s being and the truthfulness of God’s promise go hand in hand and Christ came as the confirmation that God is being faithful to the promises given to the fathers. In God’s global plan, the Gentiles were grafted into Christ and are shown mercy. This shouldn’t catch the reader of the Old Testament by surprise, Paul adds. Paul gives four verses that ground his statements concerning Christ in verse 8-9. These four verses cover every part of the threefold division of the Old Testament (the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings). Verse 13 ends with an emphasis on hope. Paul knows that after we see the absolute integrity and trustworthiness of God’s Word we should abound in hope by the Holy Spirit because the promises on which we are relying to live are confirmed in Christ.
XXI. Romans 15:14-33: The Ministry of Worship: Missions
Paul now invites the church at Rome to be a part of God’s global plan to bring all the nations to the obedience of faith for God’s fame (1:5). Paul encourages them and explains his ministry using language filled with the language of worship (14-19). Paul seems himself as recruiting worshipers from all over the globe to honor their Maker and Lord. Worship is the problem with the human heart (1:18-32), and God’s plan brings forth worshippers (1:5, 12:1-2). Paul’s aim then is to go find worshippers from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Paul’s aspiration is not just to those who have had exposure to the gospel, but he wants those who have no exposure to have the good news preached to them (21).
Paul wants the church at Rome to help him on his mission to go to Spain. The whole theological nature of this letter is now brought to a very practical application. Paul wants the church at Rome to understand that in the gospel: God is completely trustworthy and righteous, God has a plan for all peoples, and through their unified church they can be a part of God’s global plan to reach the nations (and like chapter 11 argues, bring about the salvation of Israel and the end of human history!). The trustworthiness of God empowers hope which gives endurance in mission. His argument all along has been, “You can trust God through His work in Jesus Christ. He is completely faithful to His Word.” He now hopes that as they have seen God’s wise plan unfolded before them through the Holy Scriptures that they will join God’s plan and support him to Spain.
Romans 15:25-29 tells us why Paul is heading back to Jerusalem. He is concerned for the poor saints there and wants to give his approval of a gift that has been given to the saints by Gentile believers. His aim in this seems to be to continue to instigate jealousy in his people as they begin to see some of the fulfillment of the Old Testament hope (Isaiah 60, Psalm 72 – the nations bringing their wealth to Jerusalem). The nations are bringing their wealth to Jerusalem and Paul wants to place his approval on it so that the Jewish people begin to understand they are living in a day of fulfillment. The end of this section asks for prayer to that end.
XXI. Romans 16:
Paul ends his letter saying hello and encouraging others whom he knows in the congregation to stay strong. The letter ends where it began, with a desire to see all nations obediently believing and worshiping God through Christ.
Summary:
Justification by faith alone has been taken to the be the main theme of the book of Romans ever since the reformation. This is certainly a central component to the book (1-5), but a more comprehensive theme might be titled “the Justification of God.” Paul certainly answers the question, “How can man be righteous?” but he also answers the question, “Is there injustice with God?” at the same time. Paul comes to the defense of God and his ways. The resounding answer of the book of Roman’s question, “Has God been righteous?,” is that God has been completely faithful to Himself and to His promises through Christ. The evidence Paul gives for this should inspire hope against hope – when sin, suffering, and reasons for doubt abound, the book of Romans is there to give hope. This hope is not to be detached from God’s purposes in the world, but instead is to give power to endure through all the hardships of loving unity and global missions. Unity is hard. Missions is hard, but God is and will remain faithful. His glory is worth it all.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Romans 12 God mercifully has freed us from the need to be arrogant failures, so let’s be intentional!
Romans 12:1-21 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Why was God so merciful to us? 11 chapters have explained to us how God owed us nothing, but gave us everything of value. Did He just want to forgive us? Or was forgiveness given so He could give us what He really values: Life.
We are to worship God with all our being, and from that to love others as ourselves. Sin, the arrogant choice to act outside of God’s will, has ruined us. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we now can choose a different way of life. But we need to live like Christ, not differently. John says it this way:
1 John 2:4-6 Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, (5) but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: (6) whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
So how do we walk as Jesus walked? We, like him, offer up our bodies to God the Father saying “Not my will but yours.” That is the opposite of the arrogance of sin. That is the humility of righteousness.
But How do we do that??? Ever since we were little toddlers, we have wanted to satisfy our bodies and have used our ability to set our minds on things in clever ways to get what we want. We can suppress the truth in unrighteousness because our desires are sinful. Really? Have you ever seen a toddler fall, look back thinking no one was there and not cry. Then, noticing mommy is in fact watching, start to cry with great urgency? Maybe this is going a bit to far in noticing our early tendency to manipulate what is real in order to get what we want; maybe not. From there on we take what is familiar and make it normal, even acceptable. “Well, that’s just the way boys are.” Really? What way? According to the world, boys just can’t help but be wild, self-centered, rough, sometimes cruel to insects (or cats or worse)… But is that really true? No. That is what boys do as they get used to living in a world separated from God. They conform to expected patterns. They need to be trained not to do that. The same for little girls, and when we don’t get it done right early on, the same for men and women.
(2) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (3) For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (4) For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, (5) so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
In order to break out of the resignation to human arrogance that makes excuses for disobeying God and hurting others, we need to have our thinking changed. That is what Jesus preached when he came out of his 40 day fasting trial. “Change your thinking (repent)! God is in charge here and now (the kingdom of heaven is near)!
When we do get our bodies submitted and our minds renewed, then the Truth rises back up and we can see, relatively clearly, what is God’s will (Telos/complete/mature will at that).
What is His will? Do not be conceited, arrogant (the key ingredient for sin). Instead think with a clear mind about what your role is and just do that with contentment.
(6) Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; (7) if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; (8) the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
So, if I am gifted in a particular way, and we all are in a way or ways, we should be intentional about using those gifts well.
(9) Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (10) Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (11) Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (12) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (13) Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (14) Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. (15) Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (16) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. (17) Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. (18) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
As we get good at our gifts, we need to constantly check ourselves to be sure that we are intentionally developing and using our gifts out of love. Real service is intentional, and the purpose is to glorify God by being good at love. Each of the gifts listed above are forms, ways in which love is actually expressed, actually done. We constantly are to avoid arrogance (read: sin) and instead control ourselves well. That is all we can do, despite the suggestions of some teaching (expand, control, fix…).
(19) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (20) To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." (21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Of course even when we do what we should we aren’t guaranteed everyone else will do what they should. In fact, we are guaranteed that all those who live righteously in Christ will experience being treated wrongly by others. So what can we do? SUFFER WELL. We could just blast the evil ones, but that is arrogance again. God is going to do a better job, mainly because it is His job. Our job is to do good and stop doing evil. Do your job. The other person’s job is also to do good and stop doing evil but remember, they don’t work for you! They are to do their job (stop doing evil and start doing good) to God and if they don’t He doesn’t need your help in “firing” them. Just work on you (you won’t run out of challenges, I promise) and God will keep count of all the evil done by referees, other drivers, in-laws, and the serious offenders too. Remember, there is only one God and you aren’t Him. To a mind that isn’t suppressing the Truth, that is Good News.
Why was God so merciful to us? 11 chapters have explained to us how God owed us nothing, but gave us everything of value. Did He just want to forgive us? Or was forgiveness given so He could give us what He really values: Life.
We are to worship God with all our being, and from that to love others as ourselves. Sin, the arrogant choice to act outside of God’s will, has ruined us. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we now can choose a different way of life. But we need to live like Christ, not differently. John says it this way:
1 John 2:4-6 Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, (5) but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: (6) whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
So how do we walk as Jesus walked? We, like him, offer up our bodies to God the Father saying “Not my will but yours.” That is the opposite of the arrogance of sin. That is the humility of righteousness.
But How do we do that??? Ever since we were little toddlers, we have wanted to satisfy our bodies and have used our ability to set our minds on things in clever ways to get what we want. We can suppress the truth in unrighteousness because our desires are sinful. Really? Have you ever seen a toddler fall, look back thinking no one was there and not cry. Then, noticing mommy is in fact watching, start to cry with great urgency? Maybe this is going a bit to far in noticing our early tendency to manipulate what is real in order to get what we want; maybe not. From there on we take what is familiar and make it normal, even acceptable. “Well, that’s just the way boys are.” Really? What way? According to the world, boys just can’t help but be wild, self-centered, rough, sometimes cruel to insects (or cats or worse)… But is that really true? No. That is what boys do as they get used to living in a world separated from God. They conform to expected patterns. They need to be trained not to do that. The same for little girls, and when we don’t get it done right early on, the same for men and women.
(2) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (3) For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (4) For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, (5) so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
In order to break out of the resignation to human arrogance that makes excuses for disobeying God and hurting others, we need to have our thinking changed. That is what Jesus preached when he came out of his 40 day fasting trial. “Change your thinking (repent)! God is in charge here and now (the kingdom of heaven is near)!
When we do get our bodies submitted and our minds renewed, then the Truth rises back up and we can see, relatively clearly, what is God’s will (Telos/complete/mature will at that).
What is His will? Do not be conceited, arrogant (the key ingredient for sin). Instead think with a clear mind about what your role is and just do that with contentment.
(6) Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; (7) if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; (8) the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
So, if I am gifted in a particular way, and we all are in a way or ways, we should be intentional about using those gifts well.
(9) Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (10) Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (11) Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (12) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (13) Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (14) Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. (15) Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (16) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. (17) Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. (18) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
As we get good at our gifts, we need to constantly check ourselves to be sure that we are intentionally developing and using our gifts out of love. Real service is intentional, and the purpose is to glorify God by being good at love. Each of the gifts listed above are forms, ways in which love is actually expressed, actually done. We constantly are to avoid arrogance (read: sin) and instead control ourselves well. That is all we can do, despite the suggestions of some teaching (expand, control, fix…).
(19) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (20) To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." (21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Of course even when we do what we should we aren’t guaranteed everyone else will do what they should. In fact, we are guaranteed that all those who live righteously in Christ will experience being treated wrongly by others. So what can we do? SUFFER WELL. We could just blast the evil ones, but that is arrogance again. God is going to do a better job, mainly because it is His job. Our job is to do good and stop doing evil. Do your job. The other person’s job is also to do good and stop doing evil but remember, they don’t work for you! They are to do their job (stop doing evil and start doing good) to God and if they don’t He doesn’t need your help in “firing” them. Just work on you (you won’t run out of challenges, I promise) and God will keep count of all the evil done by referees, other drivers, in-laws, and the serious offenders too. Remember, there is only one God and you aren’t Him. To a mind that isn’t suppressing the Truth, that is Good News.
Romans Chapter Overviews
Romans 1 Life works when we trust God, not when we push down truth for pleasure.
Romans 2 Religious people can see where pagans push down truth for pleasure, but fail to see we do the same thing (and God feels the same way about us doing it as when they do it)
Romans 3 Everyone is guilty of the arrogance of rejecting God for the sake of personal choice and would be doomed if not for God’s mercy.
Romans 4 Abraham was called righteous because he wasn’t arrogant; he believed God was right and trusted him.
Romans 5
Romans 6 Since sin is what shows grace, shouldn’t I get a bumper sticker that says “Christians aren’t perfect, they are just forgiven!” ?
Romans 7 Since I don’t want to just keep on sinning, maybe I could follow some strict rules to live God’s way!
Romans 8 Creation, me and the Spirit groan at the hidden nature of God’s children. We are intended to keep in step with the Spirit as we are changed to be like Christ, safely in his love.
Romans 9 But wasn’t Israel safely in God’s love? Why are they rejecting Jesus?
Romans 10 Isn’t faith really invoking the LORD as Truth (and not suppressed Truth either)?
Romans 11 Is God using failure to show how life ought to be lived?
Romans 12 Since God is so merciful, we really should be intentional about how we live as Christians.
Romans 13 As we are living intentionally, it should show up in how we overcome arrogance and submit to proper authorities.
Romans 14 As we are living intentionally, we should work with one another because we are not all at the same level on the same issues at the same time.
Romans 15 As we are living intentionally, we should see an ever increasing impact in the world around us.
Romans 16 As we live intentionally we should notice lots of other people are as well and we can learn from each other.
Romans 2 Religious people can see where pagans push down truth for pleasure, but fail to see we do the same thing (and God feels the same way about us doing it as when they do it)
Romans 3 Everyone is guilty of the arrogance of rejecting God for the sake of personal choice and would be doomed if not for God’s mercy.
Romans 4 Abraham was called righteous because he wasn’t arrogant; he believed God was right and trusted him.
Romans 5
Romans 6 Since sin is what shows grace, shouldn’t I get a bumper sticker that says “Christians aren’t perfect, they are just forgiven!” ?
Romans 7 Since I don’t want to just keep on sinning, maybe I could follow some strict rules to live God’s way!
Romans 8 Creation, me and the Spirit groan at the hidden nature of God’s children. We are intended to keep in step with the Spirit as we are changed to be like Christ, safely in his love.
Romans 9 But wasn’t Israel safely in God’s love? Why are they rejecting Jesus?
Romans 10 Isn’t faith really invoking the LORD as Truth (and not suppressed Truth either)?
Romans 11 Is God using failure to show how life ought to be lived?
Romans 12 Since God is so merciful, we really should be intentional about how we live as Christians.
Romans 13 As we are living intentionally, it should show up in how we overcome arrogance and submit to proper authorities.
Romans 14 As we are living intentionally, we should work with one another because we are not all at the same level on the same issues at the same time.
Romans 15 As we are living intentionally, we should see an ever increasing impact in the world around us.
Romans 16 As we live intentionally we should notice lots of other people are as well and we can learn from each other.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Condemened as unjust; Credited as Just.
Paul was all excited to share good news with the Roman Christians. Then he goes on about how angry God is with Pagan perverts. The church is ok with that, maybe, until he keeps on with the same theme and says God is angry at the religiously rite-ous folks as well. Matter of fact, Paul says the whole lot of us are in as much danger as all of Lot's neighbors were. God did not created us for unrighteousness, but that is where we have all fallen; far below the glory of God.
So, Paul, what about the good news? But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (Romans 3:21-25)
So God's wrath is diverted to Christ Jesus for those who believe? That is good news, but how can that be true?? What about the long history of Abraham and the Law? Paul makes it clear, Abraham believed God against all hope, had more challenges, believed more, more challenges, believed more... He was credited with righteousness for believing and nothing could stop him. His faith grew from credited righteousness justifying him by grace before God, and over a lifetime Abe's righteous works showed the fruit of righteousness extended from the solid roots of that initial faith. In doing so, Abraham's works justified him before men (James helps us see that faith without works, is, uh, well no adequate faith).
So, where are we headed? Hope. How can we have the kind of confidence like Abe? How can we really trust God and then stand in that trust, even when life is puzzling and really hard? The 5th chapter tells us how that happens and why Paul told us so much bad news. IF we didn't realize how bad off we were, we might miss the point of what a great salvation we do have in Christ. Romans 5 helps us see how God turned bad to good. That is good news.
So, Paul, what about the good news? But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (Romans 3:21-25)
So God's wrath is diverted to Christ Jesus for those who believe? That is good news, but how can that be true?? What about the long history of Abraham and the Law? Paul makes it clear, Abraham believed God against all hope, had more challenges, believed more, more challenges, believed more... He was credited with righteousness for believing and nothing could stop him. His faith grew from credited righteousness justifying him by grace before God, and over a lifetime Abe's righteous works showed the fruit of righteousness extended from the solid roots of that initial faith. In doing so, Abraham's works justified him before men (James helps us see that faith without works, is, uh, well no adequate faith).
So, where are we headed? Hope. How can we have the kind of confidence like Abe? How can we really trust God and then stand in that trust, even when life is puzzling and really hard? The 5th chapter tells us how that happens and why Paul told us so much bad news. IF we didn't realize how bad off we were, we might miss the point of what a great salvation we do have in Christ. Romans 5 helps us see how God turned bad to good. That is good news.
Sept 25th Romans 5 at SBC Dorm in World Club
SBC Dorm in World Club Land
Second left beyond the Minick’s house are two large dorms. The angled grey one is where we will meet Sunday September 25 at 10 am for visiting, 10:30 for church.
Second left beyond the Minick’s house are two large dorms. The angled grey one is where we will meet Sunday September 25 at 10 am for visiting, 10:30 for church.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Romans 2 Who else is without excuse?
Idolaters without excuse because they act perverted? No, because they suppress the truth in unrighteousness. They act perverted because they suppress the truth.
So, if we boast in TRUTH and teach other, will we be safe? No. Your life is what will be judged, not your ability to observe what ought to be right. You actually need to be right. No excuses.
You don’t win a game by saying that scoring more points than the other team would be best. You actually need to win. Living life of faith (Romans 1:17) is something you actually have to do. How will this work out?
Will do-gooders who don't believe in (or have even heard of Christ) receive eternal life?
Will people who do believe in the Messiah be subject to wrath for not living without fault?
The tension builds all the way from Romans 1:18, through chapter 2 and keeps building all the way to the end of chapter 3. Can we bear it? If we stick to the text it will be a great learning experience; if we skip to our personal theologies we will miss the impact that was intended for the Romans and preserved for us. Lets brace ourselves and face the Text bravely!
So, if we boast in TRUTH and teach other, will we be safe? No. Your life is what will be judged, not your ability to observe what ought to be right. You actually need to be right. No excuses.
You don’t win a game by saying that scoring more points than the other team would be best. You actually need to win. Living life of faith (Romans 1:17) is something you actually have to do. How will this work out?
Will do-gooders who don't believe in (or have even heard of Christ) receive eternal life?
Will people who do believe in the Messiah be subject to wrath for not living without fault?
The tension builds all the way from Romans 1:18, through chapter 2 and keeps building all the way to the end of chapter 3. Can we bear it? If we stick to the text it will be a great learning experience; if we skip to our personal theologies we will miss the impact that was intended for the Romans and preserved for us. Lets brace ourselves and face the Text bravely!
Monday, September 05, 2005
SOJOURNERS’ CHURCH EXISTS TO GLORIFY GOD
SOJOURNERS’ CHURCH EXISTS
TO GLORIFY GOD
BY TRAINING SOJOURNERS TO LIVE
IN THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF THE TRIUNE GOD
(We want to help each and all of us get really good at
living well with the real God who is really Glorious.)
Our church is a sojourners’ church. We are about pilgrims making progress. We study what is true so that we know what to do. Our commission is not to go. As sojourners, we are going. None of us stay the same. Our environment changes, our bodies change, our responsibilities change, our community changes. We are all, whether we are aware of it or not, celebrate it or not, sojourners.
Our great commission, then is not to go. It is to MAKE APPRENTICES, disciples, students by means of immersing them in Yahweh, the Name of the self-existent, covenant making God who is revealed as being Father, and Son and Holy Spirit. We are to train people how to live with saturated awareness of the reality of the Triune God by teaching them. What do we teach them? We teach them to obey the things that Jesus said to obey. We teach for a result: transformed lives.
We teach with great confidence, because we are not alone. Christ is with us through the entire process. We teach with faith (God will bring it about by His Word), Hope (we trust that He who began a good work in us, and our students, will bring it to completion), we teach with love. We most importantly teach with love. Because the very thing we are to be trained in is to love one another as Christ has loved us.
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
John 15:12
So, as we study the book of Romans, let us get good at being aware of the majesty and glory of the Triune God who has loved us with an everlasting, merciful and effectual love. In growing aware of our great and glorious savior, let us actively equip and encourage one another to be increasingly transformed into the character of Christ, for our good, but most importantly, for His glory.
TO GLORIFY GOD
BY TRAINING SOJOURNERS TO LIVE
IN THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF THE TRIUNE GOD
(We want to help each and all of us get really good at
living well with the real God who is really Glorious.)
Our church is a sojourners’ church. We are about pilgrims making progress. We study what is true so that we know what to do. Our commission is not to go. As sojourners, we are going. None of us stay the same. Our environment changes, our bodies change, our responsibilities change, our community changes. We are all, whether we are aware of it or not, celebrate it or not, sojourners.
Our great commission, then is not to go. It is to MAKE APPRENTICES, disciples, students by means of immersing them in Yahweh, the Name of the self-existent, covenant making God who is revealed as being Father, and Son and Holy Spirit. We are to train people how to live with saturated awareness of the reality of the Triune God by teaching them. What do we teach them? We teach them to obey the things that Jesus said to obey. We teach for a result: transformed lives.
We teach with great confidence, because we are not alone. Christ is with us through the entire process. We teach with faith (God will bring it about by His Word), Hope (we trust that He who began a good work in us, and our students, will bring it to completion), we teach with love. We most importantly teach with love. Because the very thing we are to be trained in is to love one another as Christ has loved us.
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
John 15:12
So, as we study the book of Romans, let us get good at being aware of the majesty and glory of the Triune God who has loved us with an everlasting, merciful and effectual love. In growing aware of our great and glorious savior, let us actively equip and encourage one another to be increasingly transformed into the character of Christ, for our good, but most importantly, for His glory.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Romans 1- God's Grace by Faith is Good (the other option isn't)!
Paul is excited about how life from faith to faith makes a difference for people everywhere. We catch his excitement in verses 1-17. He knows he has a good thing to offer others, both to Jews and Gentiles, believers and unbelievers. The good news is that life can and should be lived effectively.
In fact, the rebellion that makes God angry in verse 18 is because righteousness is supressed even though it actually offers a better life. The sad story of how people distort their idea of God to that which they can control ends with them being perverted and wanting others to join them in perversion. The good news is that people don't have to live like that. If by faith they trust God to be who he reveals himself to be (in nature, conscience and Scripture) they can live a satisfying and joyful life that is right.
In fact, the rebellion that makes God angry in verse 18 is because righteousness is supressed even though it actually offers a better life. The sad story of how people distort their idea of God to that which they can control ends with them being perverted and wanting others to join them in perversion. The good news is that people don't have to live like that. If by faith they trust God to be who he reveals himself to be (in nature, conscience and Scripture) they can live a satisfying and joyful life that is right.
Studying the Letter to the Romans Together
Hi Church! This blog will be available for us to reinforce some of what we are learning as we study through Romans in our worship time. Our goal is to help us all live effectively by faith. We want to trust God in such ways that we keep in step with the Spirit and leave transformed lives with renewed minds.
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