"OVERVIEW OR ROMANS"
Notes
Transcript
Review Themes –
Matthew – “Jesus as King”
Mark – “Jesus as Servant”
Luke – “Jesus as Son of Man”
John – “Jesus as Son of God”
Acts – “The Birth of the Church”
Romans, Paul’s magnum opus, is placed first among his thirteen epistles in the New Testament. While the four Gospels present the words and works of Jesus Christ, Romans explores the significance of His sacrificial death. Using a question-and-answer format, Paul records the most systematic presentation of doctrine in the Bible. But Romans is more than a book of theology; it is also a book of practical exhortations. The good news of Jesus Christ is more than facts to be believed; it is also a life to be lived—a life of righteousness befitting the person “justified freely by His [God’s] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (3:24). Wilkinson, B., & Boa, K. (1983). Talk thru the Bible (p. 371). T. Nelson.
Background info –
· Author – Paul
· Date – 56-57 AD
· Audience – Romans
· Theme – “Righteousness of God” (Salvation By God’s Grace)
The theme of Romans is found in chapter 1, verses 16–17: God offers the gift of His righteousness to everyone who comes to Christ by faith. Paul wrote Romans to reveal God’s sovereign plan of salvation (1–8), to show how Jews and Gentiles fit into that plan (9–11), and to exhort them to live righteous and harmonious lives (12–16). In his sweeping presentation of God’s plan of salvation, Paul moves from condemnation to glorification, and from positional truth to practical truth. Key words like righteousness, faith, law, all, and sin each appear at least sixty times in this epistle. Wilkinson, B., & Boa, K. (1983). Talk thru the Bible (p. 373). T. Nelson.
Romans was not the first of Paul’s epistles, but it was appropriately placed at the beginning of the Pauline corpus not only because it was Paul’s longest work, but because it provides the doctrinal foundation upon which the other epistles are built. Wilkinson, B., & Boa, K. (1983). Talk thru the Bible (p. 374). T. Nelson.
The book or Romans is addressing two specific doctrines – Hamartiology which is the doctrine of man and Soeteriology which is the doctrine of Salvation. Specifically in chapter 3 Paul focuses on the condition of Man. That is we are all sinners and destined for eternal damnation. (6:23)Throughout the book of Romans Paul is addressing the righteousness of God.
There is every reason to expect it, and the chief reason is that Christianity has been the most powerful, transforming force in human history—and the book of Romans is the most basic, most comprehensive statement of true Christianity. Boice, J. M. (1991-). Romans, Volume 1: Justification by Faith(13). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
Paul’s presentation of the gospel in Romans has impacted the church’s life in every age:
1. Augustine was converted in 386 AD reading Romans 13:13–14
13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
2. Martin Luther’s understanding of salvation was radically changed in AD 1513 as he compared Ps. 31:1 to Rom. 1:17 (cf. Hab. 2:4).
1 In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed; In Your righteousness deliver me.
17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”
4 “Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.
3. John Wesley was converted in AD 1738 by hearing Luther’s sermon on the introduction to Romans.
To know Romans is to know Christianity! The letter shapes the life and teachings of Jesus into bedrock truths for the Church of all ages. Utley, R. J. (1998). Vol. Volume 5: The Gospel according to Paul: Romans. Study Guide Commentary Series. Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.
As we do a flyby of the book of Romans we will see how the righteousness of God is revealed, how it is credited to our account, and lastly how it is lived out on a daily basis.
1. The Righteousness of God Revealed - 1 - 8
1. The Righteousness of God Revealed - 1 - 8
17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”
If you look at the previous verse you will come to find that it is talking about the gospel. The question is how is God’s Righteousness revealed? (through His Son)
21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;
25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
What is propitiation? God’s righteousness was shown by His Son’s death on the cross.
17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.
21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The righteousness of God has been revealed by the death of His Son Jesus Christ.
2. The Righteousness of God imputed - 9 - 11
2. The Righteousness of God imputed - 9 - 11
What does imputed mean?
30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,
Paul’s point is simple the way that Gentiles (non Jews) received the righteousness of God was through faith.
What does the word righteousness refer to? Salvation
In other words Paul is saying that Salvation is through faith in the righteousness of God that has been revealed.
How has it been revealed? (through His Son’s death on the cross)
When God’s Righteousness is embraced through faith that is when Christ’s righteousness (Perfection) is credit to our account.
2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
The bottom line is this when someone believes is Jesus Christ then His righteousness is imputed to their account.
3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
9 Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.”
5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
22 Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness.
Faith in Christ = Salvation & Imputation
Is the righteousness of God imputed to every ones account? Why or why not?
Remember that His righteousness is conditional, it is based on faith in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished on the cross.
Use of the word “Justification/Justified”
28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.
Define Justification –
It is a legal term whereby someone is declared righteous
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.
18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.
24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
The righteousness of God is imputed (credited) to our account when we embrace faith in what Christ accomplished on the cross.
3. The Righteousness of God lived out - 12 - 16:2
3. The Righteousness of God lived out - 12 - 16:2
19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.
22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Marks of a Christian
Romans 12:9–21 (NASB95)
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Submission to Government Authorities
Romans 13:1–5 (NASB95)
1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;
4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
Love
8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Do not pass Judgment
Romans 14:1–4 (NASB95)
1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. 2 One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.
4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
Do not cause others to stumble
Romans 14:13–18 (NASB95)
13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
SO WHAT??
Believer – Realize how blessed we are to have the gospel.
Unbeliever - Repent and turn to Christ
DISCUSSION - HOW ARE YOU LIVING OUT THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD?