Chap1 Romans

Romans

Introduction to Romans

Paul wrote in the typical structure of letters of the day. There is a greeting, then a prayer, then thanksgiving, special contents, then salutations and personal greetings. Samples of other secular letters which were discovered followed the same pattern.

Many recovered documents were on papyrus, which was layered strips of pith taken from a bullrushes that grew along the Nile. As long as moisture doesn’t get to it, the paper is preserved. So in a desert climate it could last for 100’ years.

Paul’s letters were usually written as someone writing to a friend or a familiar person. They weren’t academic lessons. Most of his letters content focused on some immediate problem in one of his churches. Often you can see his emotion whether warning or advising his churches. He was not aware that his writings would become historical scripture. He cared for the ones entrusted to his proclamations of the gospel. He is personal in that he mentions others that are with him, or some of the trials he is going through.

Paul also used “dialogue” approach - Socratic approach. Answering hypothetical questions, rhetorical questions, use of aphorisms [ terse truths or astute observation.

Paul followed the common custom of having a secretary who did his writing. One scribe even mentioned himself in Romans 16:20–22 (HCSB)20 .........The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. 21 Timothy, my coworker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen, greet you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. But in another letter 1 Corinthians 16:21–22 (HCSB)21 This greeting is in my own hand —Paul.

Some of his letters seem to cutoff or jump abruptly, but picture what the situation is. Paul may be pacing and talking while his secretary/court reporter is taking down what he is saying. There is no white out or computer edit available.

Romans is unique as he was not part of establishing the church in Rome. He doesn’t go over some practical problems of the day as in his other letters. Romans isn’t as personal as are his other letters.

Some scholars say that this is close to a theological treatise in that his faith is shown as his distilled beliefs. And that this writing is to protect the beliefs. He had seen how error would try to encroach on the new belief, so he is sending a letter to the hub of civilization and power and he wants to layout some of the basics. Also, though Paul knew only a few believers in Rome, he wanted to set a foundation. The Jews had been kicked out by the emperor Claudius [52 a.d.] and returned after his death and now replaced by Nero. But the Jewish numbers were still low, so the main potential in Rome were the Gentiles.

Location: He wrote from Corinth in Greece on his 3rd missionary journey [58 a.d.] and said that he finally would get to see Rome on his way to Spain. But first he has to return with offerings to Jerusalem. He actually arrives in Rome about 60 a.d.

Motive behind letter. Paul knew that his personal danger was increasing ... Romans 15:30–32

(HCSB)30 Now I appeal to you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to join with me in fervent prayers to God on my behalf. 31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, that the gift I am bringing to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 and that, by God’s will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you. Earlier in Acts we saw how he was encouraged by Christians coming to him and welcoming him at the main port for Rome. Earlier as we can see he coveted prayers from the church.

He had a yearning to go to Spain

Romans 15:27–29 (HCSB)27 ........ 28 So when I have finished this and safely delivered the funds to them, I will visit you on the way to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

Was this part of his strategy? The great literature of the day was coming out of Spain- Seneca a great Roman stoic philosopher [Nero’s tutor], the poet Lucian. But Paul had planted churches to the west, now by using Rome as a base of operations he could go west to Spain and north to Gaul. And since it was the core of the empire, the gospel must be planted well.

This may have been his strategy, but the Holy Spirit had changed his travel plans before and Paul would listen.

Main theme: 1. righteousness - one who has a good relationship with Jesus.

2. faith - Paul knew that the Jew tried to be righteous through following the law and he was well aware of the failure of that. Plus he abandoned the law upon the personal instruction he received from Jesus?, Holy Spirit shortly after his Damascus encounter with Jesus. It was through surrender to God and trust him. This trust, this enduring faith was the entry into the kingdom; not works or intellectual knowledge.

3. the real Jew was not through circumcision or race, but through faith. He was the true descendent of Abraham.

4. He lays down ethics of the Christian way . Undoubtedly he would be teaching the beatitudes [

Matt 5-7

Chapter 1 Romans

OOOOOOOOOO Romans 1:1–7(HCSB) Paul’s Intro 1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and singled out for God’s good news — 2 which He promised long ago through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures— 3 concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh 4 and who has been declared to be the powerful Son of God by the resurrection from the dead according to the Spirit of holiness. 5 We have received grace and apostleship through Him to bring about the obedience of faith among all the nations, on behalf of His name, 6 including yourselves who also belong to Jesus Christ by calling:

7 To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

... a slave . Greek doulos means permanent servanthood whose will is completely consumed in the will of the other. It can men involuntary or voluntarily- Since Christ invites into this condition and man has free will, as used here is like a bond slave. He has given himself freely to another. A bond slave could be done to pay off a debt. Our debt of sinfulness is so great and deeply ingrained that we can never pay our way out of slavery to sin. But Jesus gave us the opportunity- our debt is paid and we are free in Him. Serving Him is our desire and privilege.

...called as an apostle and singled out for God’s good news Paus is called and selected to be an apostle. An apostle is one who is sent out - Paul had once been an apostle of the temple leaders- now he is an Apostle. In Christianity, an apostle is one who had seen and had been with Jesus. Paul heard Jesus on the way to Damascus and was then tutored by Him in Arabia. Galatians 1:11–12 (HCSB)1 Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not based on human thought. 12 For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation from Jesus Christ. and .. Galatians 1:15–18

(HCSB) 15 But when God, who from my birth set me apart and called me by His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me, so that I could preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas,

the good news about the new gospel prophesied long ago = Jeremiah 31:32–33 (HCSB) 32 This one will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke even though I had married them” —the Lord’s declaration. 33 “Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days”—the Lord’s declaration. “I will put My teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Ezekiel 36:26–27 (HCSB) 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances.

- So a new promise and the ongoing promise of the Messiah.

...4 and who has been declared the root word of this is “determined” - again God’s plan will be done

concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh 4 and who has been declared to be the powerful Son of God by the resurrection So he mentions the earthly lineage or Jesus 2 Samuel 7: 8 (HCSB) 8 “Now this is what you are to say to My servant David: ‘This is what the Lord of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture and from following the sheep to be ruler over My people Israel...

.2 Samuel 7:11–1 3 (HCSB)11 ever since the day I ordered judges to be over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies.

“ ‘The Lord declares to you: The Lord Himself will make a house for you. 12 When your time comes and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

Jeremiah 23:5–6

(HCSB)The Righteous Branch of David 5 “The days are coming” —this is the Lord’s declaration— “when I will raise up a Righteous Branch of David. He will reign wisely as king and administer justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. This is what He will be named: Yahweh Our Righteousness.

Paul addresses Jesus both from his physical appearance which was prophesied as well as his divinity being the Son of God.3 concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh 4 and who has been declared to be the powerful Son of God by the resurrection

Then Paul says that it is through Jesus we [apostles and believers ] we became apostles [being sent out] to all nations. Not just the Jews. And you are also part of this group of apostles.

...received grace by his favor, by his blessing we can bring about obedience of this faith among all nations. It is not just knowledge about the gospel, it is not just acceptance, but it goes to obedience. Actions that follow knowledge, surrender as slaves. This is part of our job description to bring about obedience not just to the law or what seems right , or acceptable, but total obedience to God - his will, his words, his example in Christ, in great and small things, in gratitude, in constant awareness.

To Rome [ Hello Houston] you are loved as and set apart [holy, consecrated, devoted to duty in Christ, sharing in God’s purity, included in God’s community] saints

Paul closes with the phrase Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. which he uses in all of his letters.

OOOOOOOOOO Romans 1:8–17 no - 15(HCSB)Paul’s Desire to Visit Rome 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world. 9 For God, whom I serve with my spirit in telling the good news about His Son, is my witness that I constantly mention you, 10 always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I want very much to see you, so I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, 12 that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

13 Now I want you to know, brothers, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now ) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the good news to you also who are in Rome.

Paul thanks them for their faith, it is well known. Paul is talking to a church or more likely churches that he did not start.

But others had listened to Paul and supported him in his earlier ministry. Acts 18:1

8 (HCSB) 18 So Paul, having stayed on for many days, said good-bye to the brothers and sailed away to Syria. Priscilla and Aquila were with him...

……….Acts 18:24–26(HCSB) 24 A Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was powerful in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught the things about Jesus accurately, although he knew only John’s baptism. 2......... After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained the way of God to him more accurately.

……..1 Corinthians 16:19 (HCSB)19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets in their home.

…… Even up to the very end of Paul’s life .2 Timothy 4:19–20(HCSB)Benediction 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus has remained at Corinth; I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.

..

....10 always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you. Paul says that he has been praying, yet the time per God’s will has not been there. Yet he says “at last” meaning that he has longed to go to Rome.

...I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now Paul was at the Lord’s direction.

may impart to you some spiritual gift Paul is very humble. He not only prays for them but he wants to see if he can provide them with a spiritual gift so that they could each encourage one another. He is not the Christian champion deigning to visit Rome. He is God’s ambassador who needs their blessings also.

...I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish. Paul is coming not just for Roman gentiles, but those of Greek culture and the unGreek, wise and foolish. Paul is coming for everyone.

OOOOOOO Romans 1:16–1-17 (HCSB) The Righteous Will Live by Faith 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

Matthew 22:29

(HCSB)

29 Jesus answered them, “You are deceived, because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God.

Paul preceding verse = 15 So I am eager to preach the good news to you also who are in Rome. He is finished with the introduction of himself and launches into major doctrine. There is no mention of state of affairs, politics, or the challenges that he has endured to reach them. He focuses on one of the major points of change. This change distinguishes him from the traditional Jewish religion and all other religions that have existed. This major departure from all that had existed in the world prior to the coming of Jesus, Paul dives into it first off. There is no gentle, polite, diplomatic courtesies - Paul first goes into the newest, most challenging areas of Christianity. Has this man never heard of caution? But the HS is driving him into this area.

When discussing a complex topic, the most remembered parts are the first and last statement. Paul presents this and then cements it into the brain with examples severe troubles for those who ignore or reject this subject.

......16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes....... Paul is coming to teach against all other beliefs. Even though churches are already present in Rome, but is going to meet head on the prevalent beliefs of that time.

1 Corinthians 1:17–22 (HCSB) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to evangelize—not with clever words, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect. 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved. 19 For it is written:

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and I will set aside the understanding of the experts..... 21 For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of the message preached. 22 For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles.

Consider that we have grown up in a culture of Christianity. Our concepts even though less followed now were the foundations of not just our country but that of the Western civilization. At the time of Paul these concepts were mocked, denied, and rejected. Paul I will deliver the gospel against the wise, the Greeks, the experts, the Jews in a way.

Think about today. Estimated World pop in May 2022 =7.6 billion people. Muslims=1.8 billion. Hindus= 1/2 billion, Buddhists = 350 million, Shintoists5 million, Animists = 3 billion This is the one that affirms the belief that there are many gods in the universe and that they interact with humanity in a symbiotic relationship. Typically, the gods are understood to be expressed in the natural world – some in material objects, some in heavenly objects, some in animals and others being the spirits of departed human ancestors. Most Animists affirm that human beings are spiritual at their core and that upon physical death, they, too, will become spirits in the spirit world.. Christians= 2.4 bill [1.2 bill Catholics, .4 bill word of faith , Jews = 20 million. And many of the Christians in Africa, Korea , and U.S. are Word of Faith or prosperity gospel- which is a different gospel. Anti God - communists, atheists ???\

So estimated 25% of the world is gospel believing Christians [Paul’s Gospel]

The key concept of this disruptive Christian philosophy was the idea of faith. It was unique among all belief systems, and even differs greatly from the Judaism.

The vital concept that underlie the gospel was rooted in this thing called faith. One commentator said that without faith, the entire gospel would dissolve. This is the primary thrust of Romans.

What is faith?

It means trust. It is used in OT often to mean trust. From Holman treasury of key bible words= faith involves believing that someone else will do something that is not yet visible or has happened. Trust /faith is to relinquish confidence in oneself and to put that trust in another. Trust is the medium by which the power of God is made visible.

Today faith is thought to be something irrational. In the bible it is the opposite- it is completely rational, practical, and real.

Trust or faith is a belief in something or someone as that is according to its promise or claim.

Noun =Trust : assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something

b: one in which confidence is placed

verb trust Definition of trust (Entry 2 of 2) transitive verb 1a: to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of : BELIEVE trust a rumor b: to place confidence in : rely on a friend you can trust

In a legal trust, your are placing your confidence [ or faith] in a will or law firm that will carry out your wishes in regards to benefits for your relatives.

To trust completely, to have Christian faith is to surrender your trusting of yourself and transfer that trust to God. Mush like in

Ephesians 5 - Wives submit to their husbands. There are two meanings to the word submit according to the Greek sentence structure and voice. One meaning is to submit, honor, or obey the hierarchical order. Obey your parents or the state. Another interpretation when there is no object stated is to submit to yourself, i.e., to surrender yourself. This complete surrender of self is only to God. The idea of faith or absolute trust in God other than yourself is like Christian faith.

Faith is a mental attitude, a heart felt belief in another- God. . It is not just an intellectual acceptance, but “a moral element” of personal trust

Faith can also be a term to those who believe. They are the faith.

Origin of faith and saving faith

Faith as a term - a noun. Saving faith

faith comes with knowledge and knowledge comes about from hearing the word of the gospel

Romans 10:15–17(HCSB)15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! 16 But all did not obey the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? 17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. But knowing about something is not sufficient for salvation.

What you know must be affirmed in you. You know that the knowledge is true.

Once you know this, you must choose to act. This actions is simultaneous in that you =know that thou cannot escape or cure your sin and that you must repent and believe that Jesus can and will handle it. You cannot be saved unless Jesus is your Lord and Savior. Repentance is a necessity and occurs in parallel with faith. It is not worldly regrets as with

Hebrews 12:16–17 (HCSB)16 And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau,who sold his birthright in exchange for one meal. 17 For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance, though he sought it with tears.

But repentance can lead to faith and salvation

2 Corinthians 7:8–10 (HCSB) 8 For even if I grieved you with my letter, I do not regret it—even though I did regret it since I saw that the letter grieved you, yet only for a little while. 9 Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation, but worldly grief produces death.

Saving faith, the final surrender must include repentance

Then an ongoing faithfulness as we take on Christ’s burden

Matthew 11:28–30 (HCSB)28 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Walking in faith is an ongoing, never ending journey. Galatians 2:19–20(HCSB)19 For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

The saving faith is salvation from:

1. life’s infection [un from evil]

2. from lostness - on the right path with purpose and destination

3. from sin- no longer a slave to what I don’t want to do

4. from wrath of God

5. towards victory in Christ’s triumph

6. to eternal life and rescued from death

7. towards family, kingdom, loyalty

8. to INDESTRUCTIBLE HOPE

9. to total acceptance [righteousness- justified] and absolute trust

Errors of word of faith movement

Faith is NOT:

Some commentators say these beliefs [1800’s]were started by Kennon and combine new age, eastern religion - positive confession, visualization, creating things which don’t exist and bring them into existence by words that are held onto.

The Word of Faith that believes that power is derived and contained within words in scripture, especially OT and KJV. So that faith or trust is placed in the words themselves [aka Christian witchcraft]. Meaning is taken out of context or mistranslation or extended man’s philosophy. These interpretations basically diminish Gods authority and increase man’s capability. For instance God released his faith which then created the world. God is reduced to being subservient to the word as spoken by WOF followers. Some of the beliefs are outlandish. Man is in charge because hie knows how things work in the reality of words.

This is prevalent teaching in Africa.

I watched Copeland say with theatrical preaching and feigned shock the truth that we are equal to God.

1.Faith is not a power. Faith is a mental confidence or trust in something; yourself, god, something will function as promised. Having Faith or trusting someone is your belief in the ability or promise of someone or something outside of yourself. The object that has power is the external thing or being. Example = Matthew 9:20–22(HCSB)20 Just then, a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years approached from behind and touched the tassel on His robe, 21 for she said to herself, “If I can just touch His robe, I’ll be made well!”

22 But Jesus turned and saw her. “Have courage, daughter,” He said. “Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that moment. It is Jesus who has the power to heal. She trusts Jesus to heal her. It is NOT her belief that healed her.

2. Faith is not a substance. Heb 11:1 [KJV] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Grk = “hupostasis” = the essence of something the reality of something, exact nature, certainty, the underlying support. If you look up ”substance” in Vines concordance it can mean goods or property. BUT this Grk word is”ouiosia” meaning to possess goods. Also in Vines it addresses Heb 11:1and “hupostasis” = the real nature as opposed to the outward appearance, confidence or assurance ..... This latter Greek word is used; not about goods or things [ouiosia]

Hebrews 11:1 (HCSB) 11 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen…… Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) 11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. .....

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV84)11 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

3. Our faith[ our trust] is not in the words of the OT, but our faith is in Jesus. Some of today’s Word of Faith teachers [Copeland] say that Jesus did miracles by the words used - even said that God created by releasing words.

4.Faith is not a storage vault for words of power

Mark 9:21–24(HCSB) 21 “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father. “From childhood,” he said. 22 “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

23 Then Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can’? Everything is possible to the one who believes.”

24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief.”

An all encompassing trust or belief in God. It is ongoing, living abiding in Jesus.

Romans 1:16–17(HCSB)The Righteous Will Live by Faith16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

Romans 12:3 (HCSB) 3For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. Paul is addressing believers

Romans 10:14–17(HCSB) Israel’s Rejection of the Message 14 But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! 16 But all did not obey the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? 17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.

1 Peter 1:7–9(HCSB) 7 so that the genuineness of your faith —more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

.............17 For in it God’s righteousness A better view is that the righteousness of God is God’s moral virtue and excellence that prompts Him to do all that He does, including (among other things) bringing people into a proper relationship with Him, but also judging people for their sin. God’s moral virtue and excellence includes His justice that leads Him to judge sinners, but also His love that leads Him in Christ to redeem them.

It is the moral standard, the behavior which comes from God. it is God’s way of making “right+ before him. It is the lofty standard for human behavior which cannot be achieved by anyone apart from God’s provision. A description of living by and for God.

2 Corinthians 11:15(HCSB)15 So it is no great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their destiny will be according to their works.

Romans 3:21–22(HCSB)God’s Righteousness through Faith 21 But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed —attested by the Law and the Prophets 22—that is, God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction.

Romans 10:1–4(HCSB) Righteousness by Faith Alone 10 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation! 2 I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 Because they disregarded the righteousness from God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 5:17

(HCSB) 17 Since by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Romans (C. Paul: Convinced of the Power of the Gospel (1:16–17))

Paul is giving the Roman believers a paradigm for life that the contemporary church desperately needs to understand: nothing will display the righteousness of God (and thereby his person and glory) to a needy world like the message of the gospel

Galatians 3:10–12 (HCSB) Law and Promise 10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written: Everyone who does not continue doing everything written in the book of the law is cursed. 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. 12 But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them.

Hebrews 11:1–13

(HCSB)Heroes of Faith 11 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2 For our ancestors won God’s approval by it.

3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by God’s command, so that what is seen has been made from things that are not visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.

5 By faith Enoch was taken away so he did not experience death, and he was not to be found because God took him away. For prior to his removal he was approved, since he had pleased God. 6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

7 By faith Noah, after he was warned about what was not yet seen and motivated by godly fear, built an ark to deliver his family. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

11 By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful. 12 Therefore from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as innumerable as the grains of sand by the seashore.

13 These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.

Galatians 3:22–26 (HCSB) 22 But the Scripture has imprisoned everything under sin’s power, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. 24 The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. 25 But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus .James 1:2–4 (HCSB) 2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. Galatians 3:26–28 (HCSB)26 for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ like a garment. 28 There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

1 John 5(HCSB) 5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him. 2 This is how we know that we love God’s children when we love God and obey His commands. 3 For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden, 4 because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. 5 And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Ephesians 6:15–17 (HCSB)15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.

16 In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.

Mark 11:21–27

(HCSB) 21 Then Peter remembered and said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that You cursed is withered.”

22 Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. 23 I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for —believe that you have received them, and you will have them.

John 16:20–24 (HCSB) 20 “I assure you… 23 In that day you will not ask Me anything.

“I assure you: Anything you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

John 15:5–8 (HCSB) 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.

1 John 5:11–16 (HCSB) 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn’t have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

14 Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.

John 14:12–14 (HCSB) Praying in Jesus’ Name 12 “I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

...it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, This is better translated as the righteousness from God is revealed and from the 1st to the last, from beginning to end.

You are the vine He is the branch, you are totally dependent upon Him. It is an ongoing dependent relationship.

Galatians 2:19–20 (HCSB)19 For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Justified or imputed = when God imputes Christ’s righteousness to us it means that God thinks of Christ’s righteousness as belonging to us, or regards it as belonging to us. [Systematic Theology - Wayne Grudem, pg. 726

1st time in bible =Adam’s sin and guilt was imputed to us. 2nd time = Christ suffered and died for our sins, our sin was imputed to Christ- God though of it as belonging to Him and He paid the penalty for it] 3rd time= Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us and therefore, God thinks of it as belonging to us. Christ’s righteousness freely giving to us - a gift

Theology. to attribute (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to a person or persons vicariously; ascribe as derived from another.

Romans 4:2 (HCSB)2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to brag about—but not before God.

Romans 4:6 (KJV 1900) 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God impute the righteousness without works,

Romans 4:6 (HCSB)David Celebrating the Same Truth 6 Likewise, David also speaks of the blessing of the man God credits righteousness to apart from works:

Romans 5:17 (HCSB) 17 Since by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

OOOOOOOOOO Romans 1:18–20(HCSB)The Guilt of the Gentile World 18 For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, 19 since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.

....wrath [Greek= orge]is defined as 3 things. OT message of prophets is that there is a moral order. And that order was conducted or controlled by God’s wrath

1. as God’s extreme anger at sin- abhorrence of sin as. Emotion that hates sin. a just, holy response to sin. God’s guarantee that what is wrong will be put right .

2 Also relates to the consequences of His wrath [punishment].

3. This wrath or punishment can also be accompanied with His grief.

Mark 3:4–5 (HCSB) 4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do what is good or to do what is evil, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5 After looking around at them with anger and sorrow at the hardness of their hearts, He told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

2 Peter 3:9–10(HCSB) 9 The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

4. Day of Wrath; This anger which can build up is eventually released on an event called “The Day of Wrath”. This is not about now you get what you deserve, but it is with reluctance .

2 Peter 3:9–10(HCSB) 9 The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. 10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.

…anger. God is emotional. He created emotion in us. Some ancient Greeks and Deists thought that God was unflappable, he was intellect, he was uninvolved or so remote, so great that he could care less [ [Islam]he couldn’t be upset by mere men. Yet his anger showed that he cared for mankind. It was not some divine duty or pledge, but some sense of deep feeling. Examples of His emotion:

Matthew 21:12 (HCSB)12 Jesus went into the temple complex and drove out all those buying and selling in the temple. He overturned the money changers’ tables and the chairs of those selling doves

or with the death of Lazarus John 11:31–3 5 (HCSB) 31 The Jews who were with her in the house consoling her saw that Mary got up quickly and went out. So they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to cry there. 32 When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet and told Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died!” 33 When Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, He was angry in His spirit and deeply moved. 34 “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Lord,” they told Him, “come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. He did not weep because Lazarus died because he had the power to bring him back to life. He wept with Mary in her pain and anguish, he may have wept because of the disbelief in him as he is showing them the Father. They don’t believe in Jesus and therefore not in the Father that they are cared for and almighty even over death.

Luke 19:41–4 3 (HCSB) Jesus’ Love for Jerusalem 41 As He approached and saw the city, He wept over it, 42 saying, “If you knew this day what would bring peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come on you when your enemies will build an embankment against you, surround you, and hem you in on every side.

Or when His spirit is grieved

Ephesians 4:29–31(HCSB)29 No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. 30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption.

Therefore God is emotional and the results of his wrath and bringing about consequences are not just a mechanistic duty. God cares deeply

John 15:9–16 (HCSB) Christlike Love 9 “As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love. 10 If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love.

11 “I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.

....punishment: Wrath is related to justice and righteousness. Most commentators say that His wrath is a result of His justice and righteousness. Both of these are also God’s attributes. But how can anger be the correct for God and how can the penalties be so severe. Are they so severe because God lost control of himself and imposed such terrible penalties that have eternal consequences? Another attribute is involved. The attribute of love. God is love. The outcome is punishment against those who carry injustice and unrighteousness. There are degrees of punishment or anger. For instance: A 3 year old boy doesn’t like to eat the spinach his mother prepared for him and he scoops up the spinach from his plate and throws the it onto the floor. His mother is angry, she scolds the little boy, maybe slaps his hand and sends him to time out- a stern, but mild rebuke. CASE 2 The mother of a 3 year old boy looks out the front door of the house and sees her son running full speed up the driveway towards some boys playing in a field on the other side of a road filled with cars during rush hour traffic. She will drop everything and with screams of terror she runs to save her child even to the point of risking her life. She snatches her son back from the edge of the road just before he runs into the traffic. hugs him, she is crying and then she hollers into his face DON’T YOU EVER, EVER DO THAT AGAIN and then she spanks him hard and hollers and hugs him some more. She thought that she may have lost her only child. God looks on sin as something that has come to steal and destroy his children. The punishment for disobedience must be effective, must be strong enough that his child will never disobey him in regards to this behavior. What makes this situation even more dangerous is that instilled the nature of every person is an attraction towards sin. It never goes completely away. Because of the intensity of God’s love for us, and the lethal implications of being lured into sin and death. Major correction by God is needed to avoid sin.

God deemed that man can make a choice to receive God’s love or love himself. God is giving every incentive to accept God’s love. When that choice is made then man is exempt from God’s wrath against sin, because the payment for man’s sin was made at the cross and the approval of that payment was agreed to by man when he trusts God as Lord and Savior.

God uses a “carrot and stick” approach- there is wrath of God and there is God’s love. The degree of love is seen in

John 3:16–17 (HCSB)16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

John 3:36 (HCSB)36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.

Ephesians 2:1–7(HCSB)From Death to Life 2 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins ......... the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, 5 made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!

So deserving wrath God

grief. This wrath or punishment can also be accompanied with His grief.

Mark 3:4–5 (HCSB) 4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do what is good or to do what is evil, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5 After looking around at them with anger and sorrow at the hardness of their hearts, He told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

Day of Wrath:

This event is also called the Day of the Lord- this occurs at the end of times and when all accounts will be settled. Judgement will be made for all. Believers can be delivered out from His wrath

Romans 2:4–6 (HCSB)4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed. 6 He will repay each one according to his works:

Romans 5:8–9 (HCSB)8 But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! 9 Much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by His blood, we will be saved through Him from wrath.

Another aspect of this is that only God or his designees will judge. Mankind is not supposed to punish. It is one thing to be angry, but final punishment is in the bailiwick of God

And God says this should be limited to God- only he is all -knowing and just and he is the standard of righteousness.

His instruction for people says that punishment is not to be done by people

Romans 12:19–21 (HCSB) 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. 20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.

21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

As His designee we will be given authority in the last days

1 Corinthians 6:1–3(HCSB)Lawsuits among Believers 6 If any of you has a legal dispute against another, do you dare go to court before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Or don’t you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest cases? 3 Don’t you know that we will judge angels—not to mention ordinary matters?

......... 19 since what can be known about God is evident among them, The search for something beyond a man’s self is inbred. Even children continually ask why. In pain, or disappointment, or confusion, men cry out “Why”? They know there is something beyond themselves, something that sets a standard, something the is behind all that there is.

God is against those that reject God and His standards and behavior [righteousness]

John 14:6 (HCSB) 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jesus reflected the truth, the reality of God. But even without Jesus, God could be known through the manifestations of his attributes in creation. His attributes are characteristics of the invisible God. But in His creation the result of these attributes can be seen. The divine nature of order over chaos, of purpose in nature, of patterns, the extent of order from the macro view of the balance of the cosmos to the micro view of cells, DNA, of creatures, of symbiotic relationships built between creatures, the beauty, the harmony experienced in all nature, the complexity with simplicity. All of these are seen and could be brought about only with incredible power.

Hus divine nature seen in men as in natural law. Certain actions are universally condemned throughout all time.

So there is no excuse.

.... against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, 19 HIs wrath is against those who reject God and his ways and by their attitudes and conduct they hide or coverup what is true. They become not just unbelievers, but they recruit others to be like them by covering up or rejecting what all people know.]

OOOOOOOOOO Romans 1:21–23(HCSB)21 For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.

There is a process- 1st is lack of gratitude. And not giving God the credit for what they have. Even worldly coaches for success say that to be successful you should be grateful for what you have.

This intentional neglect of God’s influence leads to a futile thinking. People can be very intelligent, yet still practice useless thinking. Their mind is unproductive, fruitless. Then without good thinking or reasoning, their minds become corrupted leading away from the light.

Proverbs 1:7 (HCSB) 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.Their thinking becomes debased and focuses on heightened emotion or pleasure or personal reward. They veer off into things of evil self worship.

They shift from rejection of God into idolatry. By refusing God’s resources, his righteousness , they move into the habit of things that they have made, that they can control, things that they define. They leave the awareness and truth of the Creator and focus on the creation.

Psalm 14:1 (HCSB) 1 The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist. “They are corrupt; they do vile deeds.

They claim they are wise, but they become just the opposite.

Proverbs 9:10 (HCSB)10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

2 Corinthians 10:12(HCSB)12 For we don’t dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding.

OOOOOOOOOO Romans 1:24–25(HCSB) 24 Therefore God delivered them over in the cravings of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen.

...delivered Means to be given over or granted onto a power or practice. Paul says that they were given what they wanted. They received their just desserts. C.S. Lewis said “there are two kinds of people: those who say to God, “thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “Your will be done.” Why do you think. An alcoholic or addict or adulterer or a prisoner often must hit the bottom to realize that their approach doesn’t work and they look to God. But God will give a person their choice and over and over they will experience the consequences. God’s love for them never ceases but He is not going to bully them.

In that culture, idolatry almost always was associated with physical idols. Each house had their own house shrines. Sexual immorality affects not only the body, but also the mind. So when passing or rejecting God’s order, and purpose their body becomes affected. They know now that certain habits alcoholism, sexual practices alters the pathways of the brain. Addiction is difficult to escape from since it is much more than a mental habit, but because the brain becomes chemically rewired to reinforce the habit.

So God gives them over to whatever sexual impurity they desired. Wounded psyches gravitated into sexual desire that was different than God’s order - need for children and love between husband and wife. Desire became stronger into craving, lusting. As their needs were not satisfied they went further - Sexual aberrations, perversity [sadism, homosexuality, incest, sexual addiction, etc.] The church in love and through the word has often changed these practices towards God placed desires.

So they turned from the truth of God ordained reality, and worshipped the things of creation

Because immorality springs from idolatry, a holy God is justified in revealing his wrath against the unholy practices of the human race.

At this time sexual license was very common, temple prostitutes, adultery, same sex, pedophile [Greek] It was San Francisco on steroids.

How should the church react? How to love without condoning or justifying. Most lesbians were assaulted as girls or had abusive father, common pattern for boys was distant or passive or father, very strong mother. Greeks went after young boys and trained them up into male homosexuals.

OOOOOOOOOO Romans 1:26–32(HCSB) From Idolatry to Depravity 26 This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 The males in the same way also left natural relations with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty of their error.

28 And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong. 29 They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful. 32 Although they know full well God’s just sentence—that those who practice such things deserve to die —they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them.

God delivered them three time [V.24, 26, &28]to themselves.

... over to degrading passions. Their minds are clouded, distorted - their imagination, their desire became corrupted. Their desires became unnatural and one of the strongest desire = sex was twisted. Both male and females were infected and they received penalty [wrath??] in their bodies.

.....V28 God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong.

sign of times

a. Publius Vergilius Maro Virgil October 15, 70 BC – September 21, 19 BC “Right and wrong are confounded.; so many wars the world over.....” 15 yrs. before birth of Christ

; Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger ( / ˈsɛnɪkə /; c. 4 BC – 65 AD),Seneca [Nero’s tutor], was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, dramatist, and, in one work, satirist, from the post- “an age “stricken with the agitation of a soul no longer master of itself”

Tiberius (16 November 42 BCE - 16 March 37 CE) Tiberius Claudius Nero was born in 42 BCE in Rome.;

Tacitus (c. AD 56 – c. 120) was a Roman historian and politician. Tacitus is widely regarded as one of the greatest Roman historians. “I am entering upon the history of a period, rich in disaster, gloomy with wars, rent with seditions, savage in its very hours of peace. ..All was one delirium of hate and terror; slaves were bribed to betray their masters. “

Juvenal - satirist “The earth no longer brings forth any but bad men and cowards. Hence God, whoever he is , looks down, laughs at them and hates them”

Suetonius wrote of the reign of Tibverius [Nero] “ No day passed but someone was executed”

Livy the historian “Rome could neither bear its ills nor the remedies that might have cured them”

Unparalleled luxury- Caligula sprinkled the floor of the circus arena with gold dust

Juvenal A luxury more ruthless than war broods over Rome… No guilt or deed of lust is wanting since Roman poverty disappeared. Money the nursemaid of debauchery -

Seneca money the ruin of the true honor of things.

Lucretiuus “ bitterness which flows from the very fountain of pleasure

Tacitus ”the greater the infamy, the wilder the delight”

unparallel immorality -Agrippina- wife of Claudius would sneak out of the royal palace and go down to serve in a brothel for the sake of pure lust

Divorce was rampant

Properettius the poet “ I see Rome, proud Rome, perishing, the victim of her own prosperity”

Juvenal

; his nickname Caligula (/ kəˈlɪɡjʊlə /), was the third Roman emperor, ruling from 37 to 41.; was a Roman poet active in the late first and early second century AD. He is the author of the collection of satirical poems known as the Satires. The details of Juvenal's life are unclear, although references within his text to known persons of the late first and early second centuries AD fix his earliest date of composition. One recent scholar argues that his first book was published in 100; When did Gladiators end?

The final blow which ended this ancient Roman practice of entertainment was in 404 AD. According to historical records, Saint Telemachus went to end a fight between two gladiators and was killed by Romans who were displeased with him interrupting the notorious fights. It was believed he was stoned to death by the spectators.

...they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong. 29 They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. So after immorality affects their minds . Look at the things going on today the deception in 1619 project, systemic racism, political deception and lack of reason in economics, foreign policy, public health and vaccine proclamations, and shaming/confusion about gender, free speech repression.

People leave out God in these actions unless they use/misuse Bible verse for their purpose. Note they use God rather than serve Him

They are not just affected by unrighteousness, but they are filled with it along with greed [Prosperity gospel] and wickedness.

...They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful.

Now their thoughts bear fruit in the actions that occur. As their knowledge of God is denied or ignored, their passions become twisted, their thinking ability is diminished and filled with evil, and their actions are the final stage .

....32 Although they know full well God’s just sentence—that those who practice such things deserve to die —they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them.

They know or once knew before their hearts were hardened that what they were thinking and doing was wrong. They have an inkling or know that punishment awaits yet they double down. They try to attract more people to be like them. Problems like company. Drug users like to associate with drug users. Rebels like to associate with rebels. So not only do they individually try to eliminate or destroy things and they congratulate, promote, award other who practice them. Today we have the woke community offering t a false utopia and to destroy the old white patriarchal, white men society.

Their thoughts were deployed to support other lost people and their lives. Then finally they chip away in the destruction of society.