A Bible study
Contents:
Preface - Two Foundation
Stones
There are two foundation stones that are fundamental to this study:
1. Scripture is the Word of God.
It has all his authority and is totally accurate.
In Isaiah 558 God says, "My thoughts are
not your thoughts."
It is our thoughts that so often need to change!
There will be much that is new and unexpected.
2. God has promised that:
| "If you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." | Deuteronomy 429 |
| "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. ... Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. | Isaiah 551, 2, 6 |
God always has, and always will, keep all that he has promised.
What is the Gospel? God's rescue
plan. Ro 11-7
Romans 11,2
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an
apostle and set apart for the gospel of God - The gospel he promised beforehand
through his prophets in the Holy
Scriptures.
What is the Gospel?
God's rescue plan.
Why do we need rescuing?
Man has struggled for years - and always failed.
We are all born corrupt. Who teaches a baby to lie or
steal or to fight ...
Why do we like doing what God says is obviously wrong?
One unbiased glance at history or at today's world
shows that hope and fact are miles
apart. Greed, war, famine, disease...
Intrigue, and especially all that
leads to family breakdown.
Though created perfect, our relationship with God has
been broken.
We are dead! Sin is a killer and
it enslaves. Ephesians 21 John 834
And our destiny is not heaven!
John 335,36
Is there any way that either of these awful truths can be changed?
Yes! This is 'the gospel he promised beforehand through
the prophets.'
Jesus desires us to know this truth and set us free.
John 832
Romans 13,4
Regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was
a descendant of David, And who through the Spirit of holiness was declared
with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus
Christ our Lord.
Who is Jesus? Son of Man (descendant of David) and the holy Son of God.
Why did he come? As Rescuer, as bearer of the punishment that we deserve.
After crucifixion, he was Resurrected. He is Lord - over sin and death.
Romans 15-7
Through him and for his name's sake, we received
grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience
that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong
to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
'Through him we received grace'.
What is grace?
Great Riches At Christ's
Expense.
Is it the same as mercy? Do we deserve the mercy of God? Luke
189-14
Grace is getting what we don't deserve. Ephesians
28
Mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Psalm
51
Many fail to realise that we are all slaves - to sin. John
832-34
In gracious mercy Jesus desires to set us free. How?
The 'truth' - the profound, simple, though so often rejected
truth -
that he would bear the punishment
we deserve but cannot pay.
Paul was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles.
It is a great privilege that God offers us salvation
too.
'Obedience that comes through faith.'
Who were those whom Jesus said built on rock? Luke
647-49
Faith in whom and for what? Christ crucified to take
away our sin. John 129
'Called to belong to Jesus Christ.'
Again, what a privilege.
Willing servants. Paul practised what he preached. Ro
11
Jesus said, 'If you love me you do what I say.' John
1423
What is Faith? Being sure of God's
Redemption. Ro 18-17
Romans 18
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all
of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.
What is 'faith'? 'Being sure of what we hope for.' Heb 111
Man's highest hope is to receive God's forgiveness;
to be reconciled with him.
In Heb 11 they were each of these men of faith were
given assurance.
Faith is more than just believing God exists. Genesis
44
Abel sought a better sacrifice
than even his best. Assured Christ would be.
Enoch sought God earnestly - and
walked with him. Genesis 524
Noah was saved in the ark covered
with atonement. Genesis 614 etc
Romans 19-15
God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching
the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my
prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may
be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to
you some spiritual gift to make you strong - that is, that you and I may
be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. I do not want you to be unaware,
brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented
from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you,
just as I have had among the other Gentiles. I am obligated both to Greeks
and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager
to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
Paul served God with his whole heart. No distractions; no pretence or hypocrisy.
His prayer was earnest. What for?
The Christians in Rome may be strong in faith/assurance.
Hence this letter.
They were being persecuted. Christians were not
'respectable', but hated.
They were a growing challenge to
the wickedness of Rome.
Romans 116,17
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the
power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew,
then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed,
a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written:
"The righteous will live by faith."
What is the gospel? (recap). It is God's rescue plan.
It requires power - why?
No good intentions or resolutions can change our naturally
corrupt nature.
We need God to change our nature;
to be born different or 'born again'.
Jesus explains this to Rabbi Nicodemus
in John 3
The result of new birth is the saving of our souls -
Salvation.
Rock of Ages cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in
Thee!
Let the water and the blood,
From thy riven side
which flowed,
Be of sin the double
cure;
Cleanse me from its guilt and
power.
Why 'first the Jew'? It was God's choice, and he is the Almighty.
The new nature is a righteous nature. What does this mean?
It is holy, good, true, compassionate, generous, ...
God sees it as such; and he sees
everything!
'By faith'. Faith is not a vague hope, nor even a focussed hope.
Some hope that their good deeds will be sufficient.
They may seek God for help. But
even this is not faith.
Faith is assurance; being certain of what Jesus has
done for us.
The Cross (St Pauls) c.f. The Scales
of Justice (Central Law Court).
What are the essentials of 'saving faith'?
We see that we can never earn God's approval.
We believe that the purpose of Jesus coming was the
Cross.
His death was no accident. It was
God's plan being fulfilled.
We trust that what Jesus has done
is sufficient.
What a relief! What a merciful and gracious God.
"He came to pay a debt he did not owe,
Because we owed a debt we could not pay."
God Removes His
Protection. Ro
118-32
This study takes us into most unpleasant territory. Sorry, but it cannot
be ignored.
God warns us of the consequences in this world of rejecting him.
Romans 118-23
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against
all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their
wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God
has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible
qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen,
being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks
to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory
of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and
animals and reptiles.
The wickedness of man does not go unnoticed by God. He is angry!
What causes his wrath? What is man doing?
'Suppress truth' of creation by God. Only evolution
is taught in schools.
'Thinking became futile'. God and his laws could safely
be ignored!
e.g. consider changes in UK law
last 50 years, and social behaviour.
Peter warns us that men will reject creation and the
flood. 2 Peter 33-7
Both require men to bow the knee
before God. They refuse.
'Foolish hearts were darkened'. c.f. Ps
119129-136 Ps 197-11
In darkness men lose their way.
They do not know right from wrong.
'Claimed to be wise'. But technology is not wisdom.
Today there an abundance of knowledge
but little wisdom.
Man worships himself.
He sees no need for God in this
world, and he denies the next.
He ignores God's word, thinking
he knows better than his Creator.
'Their foolish hearts were darkened'. There is a
consequence.
Romans 124-27
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires
of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with
one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and
served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen.
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged
natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned
natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another.
Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the
due penalty for their perversion.
If man rejects God then he will remove his protection from the evil one.
Why?
'Exchanged truth of God for a lie'. Popular humanism.
Worshipped 'Nature', not the Creator. e.g. Wildlife films never mention God.
God says twice that he will allow men their choice.
But the principle result is shameless sexual perversion. Homosexuality.
Note that Sodom was destroyed; Greece and Rome fell;
and in the end all the world will be judged.
Our government is flat out to repeal Section 28, in
spite of opposition.
God says that the greatest sign of national wickedness is homosexuality.
We even have 3 in the British Cabinet! Brown, Mendleson
and Smith.
Blair, Haig and Kennedy have all supported Gay Pride.
Homosexuality is now portrayed as a natural alternative.
Why do men so oppose God?
God tells us the truth; it is an unnatural perversion.
Even in this world there is 'a due penalty'. Av
lifespan of homosexuals is about 47 years c.f. 75.
This Scripture is becoming especially relevant today.
Sex gone badly wrong is not the only consequence of wicked men rejecting
God.
Romans 128-32
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile
to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to
do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of
wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife,
deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant
and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;
they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's
righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only
continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice
them.
Under God's direction, Paul wrote this accurate warning 2000 years ago!
The nature of man has not advanced one jot. Take a glance
at history.
Man is so arrogant that he thinks God can be chucked out like garbage.
But be warned; there is a big price to pay.
God will not force his loving presence on anyone.
God withdraws his protection. Evil spirits are given
a free rein.
The only alternative to walking
with God is 'a depraved mind'.
e.g. 'Envy, murder, strife, deceit,
malice, ... gossips, slanderers (liars),
God-haters
(persecutors), insolent, arrogant, invent evil ... disobey parents,
senseless,
faithless, heartless, ruthless.' What a list!
But what does God go on to say about it?
What is his law? What is his just and 'righteous decree'?
Death is the deserved punishment for rejecting him.
Yet most take no notice of what God says. - How insulting!
The depraved mind calls evil good and good evil. Isaiah 520
Is God blind, weak or so remote that he will do nothing? NO!
God remains the Almighty.
Man is in for a considerable shock. What will happen?
God is allowing men to have their own depraved way.
The result is not encouraging.
And the prophetic future is far worse!
God has warned and given man every opportunity to repent.
No one can say that the judgement of God is not just.
Editor to boastful farmer; "God does not always settle his accounts in October."
Personal sin leads to personal and national disaster.
The Law and Circumcision or a Changed
Heart. Ro 2
When considering the wicked world it is easy to condemn others.
Paul's challenge to us is clear.
God's patience with us is intended to lead us to repentance.
24 Math 32 417
Remorse = wishing to avoid the
consequence of sin.
Repentance = being ashamed of the
sin and learning to hate it. Jer 88-13
Ezekiel, God's prophet to the exiled Jews in Babylon over 2,500 years ago
was told to preach the same message. Ezekiel
1830-32
The question remains, who is willing to hear God's word and obey it?
The day of God's Judgement is sure: Eternal life or eternal wrath.
25-11
This is a most sobering, inescapable fact.
What does God base his judgement upon? 212-16
For both Jew and Gentile it depends on the heart.
Is there real repentance?
Has God changed my heart from being naturally corrupt?
Does it lead to righteousness and justice? God sees
all men's secrets.
Seeing that our hearts need to be changed, how can this be done?
One thing is certain - I cannot do it. Only God can
do this for me.
Saul was a most earnest Pharisee. There was no hypocrisy
or part-timing.
But he persecuted the Christians.
His heart needed changing.
God met him on the Damascus road.
Not so dramatic for most of us.
The main part of this letter is explaining God's
heart-change operation.
First he focuses on the Law and circumcision.
One key to understanding Romans is to see the 3 distinct groups Paul wrote
to:
Jews who obeyed the Law. God had changed their hearts.
Jeremiah 3131-34
Jews who thought they kept the Law, but didn't. Pharisees
and Saul.
Gentiles - those outside the Law.
What is the Law?
10 Commandments. Exodus 201-21 A summary
of the Law. Luke 1027
The 613 Laws of Moses. Jesus kept all these in Exodus
to Deuteronomy.
The 'Oral Law' (440 BC) that became the Mishna and the
Talmud (250 AD)
Introduced by Ezra nearly 100 years
after the return from Babylon.
He hoped to prevent another exile;
but introduced 1500 Sabbath laws!
Jesus ignored this Oral Law (which didn't endear him
to the Pharisees!)
What about circumcision?
Surgical operation on 8th day. Cervical cancer
rare in Jewish women.
It is much more than physical. Consider the origin.
Abraham was circumcised only after he believed God.
Genesis 156 179-14
Circumcision was a sign of his changed heart; his faith
in his Redeemer.
A sign of God's choice and covenant with Abraham and
his descendants.
But physical circumcision does not prove a changed heart.
Nor does Christening or Confirmation.
Contrast the life hopes of his grandsons Esau and Jacob.
Stew / Peniel. Gen 2529-34 3222-30
And God's verdict. Ro
913
Jews cannot rely on either the Law or Circumcision. 217-29
Knowledge of the Law does not guarantee keeping the
Law.
Knowledge of the catechism does not ensure it is kept.
This is a major problem. And here
Paul speaks from his experience.
No man can obey all the Law. Honest
appraisal cries out for help. Gal 324
Mere knowledge does not and cannot change the heart.
This true for 'church-goers' as
well as Jews.
Going to church is good, but it
doesn't make me a Christian.
It reveals
an interest in God; but not necessarily a changed heart.
Likewise circumcision. It is a sign, a reminder of God's covenant and choice.
But salvation requires "circumcision of the heart, by
the Spirit." 229
All men need to cry to God for a new heart and a new spirit.
Jew and Gentile, men and women; all people in every
generation.
O for a heart to praise my God,
A heart from sin set free!
A heart that always feels the blood
So freely spilt for me!
A heart resigned, submissive, meek,
My great Redeemer's throne,
Where only Christ is heard to speak,
Where Jesus reigns alone;
An humble, lowly, contrite heart,
Believing, true and clean;
Which neither life nor death can part
From him that dwells within;
A heart in every thought renewed,
And full of love divine;
Perfect, and right, and pure, and good,
A copy, Lord, of thine!
Some Questions.
Ro 31-8
What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or
what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, they
have been entrusted with the very words of God. Ro
31,2
What a privilege to be entrusted with the Word of God.
Gentiles in Rome would have little or no knowledge of
God's revealed truth.
No wonder Paul says they were at an advantage. 2 Tim
315
The Jews may not have kept the Word (the Law),
they may not have sought God to change their hearts,
but they have maintained with meticulous accuracy 2/3
of the Bible, the OT
and they wrote all the NT (except
Luke and Acts)
In Qumran was found a complete scroll of Isaiah - now in the Shrine of the
Book, Jerusalem.
The Hebrew is exact. No copyist errors. (ditto other
books)
If the Jews gave us both the Old and New Testaments,
why have Christians persistently persecuted the Jews
for 1,700 years?
When Jesus Christ is revealed to observant Jews, their understanding is electric.
If Jews having the OT were at an advantage,
how much more so are we who have inherited both OT and
NT?
The privilege is only effective if the Bible is read, believed and obeyed.
Like Jews who rejected the Law, the Church also ignores
the Scriptures;
especially the parts it does not
like or are unpopular. e.g. Is 557 Jn 318-20
What if some did not have faith?
Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all!
Ro 33,4a
The answer is emphatic - and true. See Ro 9-11
But if our unrighteousness brings out God's
righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing
his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) Certainly not!
Ro 35-6a
God is totally just. His verdict is always true.
Our pride and rebellion deserve his wrath.
We are all biassed, corrupt and never know the full truth.
But God has no favourites. (211)
He cannot be bribed.
He knows all about all of us - every action and even
every thought!
The Conclusion - No one is
Righteous. Ro 39-20
Paul asks the question, 'Are we (the Jews) any better?
Not at all!' Ro 39a
Why is he so emphatic in answering?
Because 'Jews and Gentiles
alike are all under sin.' Ro 39b Jn
834
Today unbelievers may not wish to kill Jesus,
but they do want to kill the truth. In schools, in Gov.
laws and personally.
They 'have no room for my word'. It is not seen as the
revealed truth. Jn 837
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Math 53a God makes us aware
of our corruption.
Blessed are those who mourn. Math 54a
We cry out, "O God, change my heart, my nature."
I am not just sinful, but 'under sin', under its control.
Like a slave who longs to be free.
Jn 832 c.f. 833
Blessed are the meek. Math 55a
Meek = teachable. God begins to clear out the rubbish
of years of falsehood.
Paul quotes from various OT books. Ro 310-18
No one is righteous. 'All our righteousness is
as filthy rags.' Is 646
No one understands. Truth is revealed by God,
not man. Math 1616,17
No one seeks God. We seek God only because he
has awakened us.
Take care that you never drown
'the still small voice'. Math 133-8
Lips speak deceit, poison, cursing, and bitterness.
Wrong heart. Math 1234
Bloodshed (murder), ruin, misery, war. Not reconciled
with God. Lu 1941,42
No fear of God. Proud, stubborn, rebellious.
Is 336
Careless of the Judgement of God.
'For the whole world is held accountable to God.'
Ro 319
Foolish man rejects this above all. Guilty and without
excuse.
'No one will be declared righteous in his sight
by observing the Law.' Ro 311
How then can a man be righteous?
Only by a perfect sacrifice, by Jesus Christ, the Redeemer.
He has to pay the just penalty for us - we are totally
unable to pay.
What does Law do for us? Why did God give it to us in his wisdom?
It tells us what is right and wrong - according to the
Creator, he alone knows.
'Through the law we become conscious of sin.'
Ro 320b 77b Gal 324
Am I conscious of sin? Is it serious? What
is my reaction?
And above all - What is God's solution to this universal
problem?
Righteousness through Faith in Jesus
Christ Ro
321-31
Paul has shown that the Law and the Commandments are good but impossible.
Why given? what is right and wrong and that all have
failed.
No one is, or can be righteous.
We are all condReveals emned under the just death penalty
of sin.
Is the any hope of my being reprieved?
God has provided one, and only one answer to the terrible plight of man..
'But now there is a righteousness
from God!!' Ro 321
How? - we desperately ask? God graciously reveals the
principal truths.
Righteousness is:
From God. It is an undeserved,
conditional gift.
Apart from the law. Not achieved by obedience
because impossible.
Prophesied by Scripture. Redemption is
God planned and God fulfilled.
Through faith in Christ Jesus. Trust
that the price Jesus paid is sufficient.
To all who believe. Offered to Jew and
Gentile alike.
For all have sinned. All, the 'elder
brother' as well as the 'prodigal son'.
Justified. God's justice (all sin requires
punishment) is fully satisfied.
Freely by grace. It is God's gift and
cannot be earned by any man.
Through redemption by Jesus
Christ. Blood sacrifice paid in full.
Jesus, the sacrifice of atonement. A
high price; determined and paid by God.
Atonement = reparation given for injury or wrong that
brings harmony.
Redeem = recover possession by payment of a price.
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
This is God's one and only answer to sin and its
consequence.
Beware of any additions. e.g. Good works, church sacraments,
Mary ...
God's justice requires punishment for sin.
God's amazing kindness is that he receives the punishment
that we deserve.
Modern humanism releases murderers in the vain hope of bringing peace.
e.g. N.Ireland and Israel
Men aim at costless sin, they advocate safe sex, not purity ...
But there is always a price to pay - even in this world.
e.g. family breakdown, insecurity, hatred, violence,
disease ...
And after death there is a far higher and eternal price.
The punishment for sin must always be paid by someone
- that is justice.
The vital question is - Is it by
me, or by God!?
God cannot ignore sin or just say, "I forgive you".
Justice demands that a price must always be paid.
See Graham Kendrick's song, "Paid on the Nail."
Salvation is not automatically given to all men.
God offers his most costly gift of forgiveness to all, but there are two
conditions:
Repentance and faith (trust). Mark 115
We must admit our sin, the just punishment it deserves,
which has to be paid.
God reveals to us both who Jesus was and why he came.
That he alone could pay the ultimate
price for us.
We trust the Lamb of God did 'take away the sin of the
world'. Jn 129
That he did 'open the kingdom of
heaven to all believers'. Te Deum
That God's justice was fully satisfied.
That his sacrifice on the Cross
was 'full, perfect and sufficient'.
That the payment is personal; only
for those who believe.
It is the Holy Spirit who reveals the truth,
'he will convict the world of guilt in regard
to sin and righteousness and judgment.' Jn 168
So even faith is a gift, a revelation. Math 1617
If salvation was achievable through obeying the Law, the Jews could boast.
But since it by faith, Gentiles may be equally justified.
And neither have any grounds for boasting. Ro
327-30
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
Abraham Made Righteous by
Faith. Ro 41-25
God made Abraham the father of the Jews.
How was he made righteous? How was he cleared of sin,
or justified?
Abraham lived a good and godly life. He obeyed God. He left Ur and then Haran.
But before God he remained a sinner - like all men,
however good they seem.
Even this great revered forbear could not boast before
God. Ro 42
Salvation is by trust, belief, faith; not works. Ro
41-8
God is consistent and he has no favourites.
The way of salvation for Abraham is the same as for
everyone, before or since.
What was this way that he found?
Abraham believed the Lord, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
Gen 156
Salvation was not through what he did, but by what he
believed. Jn 318
Man is condemned not by his behaviour, but by what he
does not believe.
What he does results from what
he believes or does not believe.
Wages are earned, but salvation is a gift.
44,5
What does the righteous man trust God for?
That God justifies the wicked! But how? Ro
45 Lu 532 189-14
Are all the wicked saved? Obviously
not, but only those who:
1. See ourselves as sinners, separated from God, and
mourn for him.
2. Admit this separation, this death penalty for my
sin is just. Gen 2 Ro 623
3. Realise that there is nothing I can do about it.
God's price is too high.
4. Trust Jesus alone paid the redemption price for me.
This is what Abraham believed and so did Abel, Elijah, and Paul
When God showed Abraham the stars as his children,
he believed God would fulfill his promise, that he would
do the impossible.
What has the promise of descendants got to do with salvation?
Abraham believed that "God gives life to the dead"!
Ro 417
Jesus himself confirms what Abraham believed.
That God himself would provide
the Redeemer. Gen 21 Jn 856
"David says the same thing" Ro 46 Ps
321-5
Never forget that forgiveness is not free. Jesus had
to pay the bill. Hosea 3
Jesus took my place. "In my place condemned he stood".
Circumcision is God's seal of righteousness. Ro 49-15
All male Jews are circumcised - but not all are saved.
Abraham was saved approx 14 years before he was circumcised.
Ro 1616 171
True circumcision, like baptism' is a sign of what God has already done.
Repentance, revelation, forgiveness, and a new heart.
Both are useless unless God has already begun the work
of grace.
Abraham clearly reveals God's way of salvation;
for Jews and Gentiles, then and now.
And it is not based on keeping the Law. >400 years before Moses and the
Law.
Why on 8th day and not when become a 'believer'?
Also sign of God's covenant, God's choice - whether
we or Arafat likes it or not.
But circumcision is never proof of salvation and a new
heart.
Abraham, the Father of many nations. Ro 416,17
God made Abraham righteous because he believed God would do the impossible.
What was true for him, God promised would be true for all men. Gen
123b
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Abraham in hope believes. Ro 418-25
Why didn't God answer Abraham's prayer for children earlier?
Why did Jesus apparently ignore Martha's plea to come and so let Lazarus
die?
Both were for the glory of God and for our instruction.
Ro 420 Jn 114
Abraham did not waver. He looked at his own and Sara's body - impossible!
But he preferred to believe that God would do what he
said. And he did!
Do we believe Passover, 1st Fruits, Yom Kippur and Tabernacles?
Do we believe that Jesus paid the price for our forgiveness and new birth?
Do we believe that "Jesus was delivered over to
death for our sins" ? Ro 425
That he was "Raised to life
for our justification".
That he raises to life, all of us who were once dead,
but who now believe.
Made righteous - like Abraham. Just as he promised.
What did Abraham discover? Ro 41
God is faithful - always.
Miracle of salvation by believing what God would do for him.
Not based on his decision to leave Ur or Haran;
but believing God would send the
necessary Deliverer, Redeemer.
We cannot pay - only he can provide. Gen
228,14
'God had power to do what he promised.'
And not only power but the determined will to do it.
To rescue fallen, sinful man.
Abraham's great discovery was that God would do all that he had promised.
And he HAS !
Christ has 'provided', he paid the price of justice
in full at Calvary.
No Cross - No Christianity
God is holy. I am not.
Therefore we cannot meet.
My sin deserves his judgement
-
My misery complete.
And all the good deeds I would
do
And all the laws I keep
Will only emphasise my need
To find his mercy seat.
Now God can show his mercy,
For Jesus, in my place
Died to make me holy
And offers me his grace.
So judgement meets with mercy,
And when my case is tried
The all-redeeming blood of
Christ
Will claim me as his child.
by Paula Worth
"The message of the cross is foolishness to those who
are perishing,
but to us who are being saved
it is the power of salvation." 1 Co 118
Justified !
Ro 51-11
For justice to be satisfied, the Judge has pass sentence and see the punishment
fulfilled.
Men now assume costless forgiveness.
Forgiveness does not mean no punishment. Sin can never
be ignored.
Justice demands that a retribution has to be made. Someone
must pay. Who?
The amazing truth is that Jesus was willing to bear the punishment we deserve.
'He was delivered over to death for our sins.'
Ro 425a
"Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned
he stood;..."
And having done so, 'He was raised to life for our
justification'. Ro 425b
'We have been justified by faith' Ro 51-8
Let us be like Abraham who 'did not waver', but was 'fully persuaded'.
Let us know in our hearts what Jesus has done for us. Be confident. Heb
1019-22
What is the result of this faith, this trust?
Justification - 'peace with God'. Ro 51
Because the sinless Saviour
died, my sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is
satisfied to look on him and pardon me.
Relief! God has forgiven our sin. We are reconciled,
accepted.
We know something of what Jesus yearned for in Luke
1942
Daniel was Nebuchadnezzar's PM in Babylon for 66 years.
But in this brand new city there
were over 50 temples to various idols!
Daniel yearned for a righteous kingdom, where God alone
is worshipped.
So God sent Gabriel to assure him
that his yearning for atonement,
for the end
of sin, would surely come. Dan 924
Mary the prostitute longed for her dirty life to end,
to be forgiven and to live.
She came to Jesus pleading for
mercy. It was willingly granted.
Jesus assured her she was fully
cleansed and fully justified. Luke 748,50
And Jesus said the story of what
she did would never be forgotten.
We too may have peace and 'we rejoice in the hope of
the glory of God'. Ro 52
What a difference from the guilt and condemnation. God
is so kind.
Paul is honest enough to tell us that it will also cause us to be persecuted.
It was always so. Cain hated Abel because God had forgiven
Abel. Gen 4
We are assured that suffering perseverance character
hope. Ro 53-5
And God will never be a disappointment.
His Holy Spirit changes our hearts.
He gives us a new clean heart and even lives there!
This was always his great desire and delight. Exd
258 2942-46 Rev 213,4
Christ died for us and gave us this fantastic gift while we were still sinners!
He did it at precisely the right time. He is never too
early or too late. Ro 56
Sometimes it may seem so. Consider the raising of Lazarus.
Jn 116,21
'We have now been justified by his blood' Ro 59-11
Once more Paul emphasises that our salvation required a perfect blood sacrifice.
But just see how effective and how necessary the blood of Christ is.
We are saved from the justified wrath of God and reconciled
to him! Ro 59,10
But only because he himself paid
the price we could not pay. Gen 228
Noah cried out for the mercy of God and was made righteous.
He obeyed God and spent 120 years preparing for the
wrath of God.
He too knew how effective the blood of Christ would
be. How?
God told him to cover the ark inside and out with
"Atonement". Gen 614
Hebrew = "Kaphar". We use 'bread
and wine'; Noah used 'pitch'.
Noah looked forward to the day
of Christ, we look back and remember.
Together we are justified by the perfect, all-sufficient
blood of Jesus.
Noah escaped the wrath, Israel escaped the avenging angel at the
1st Passover,
and we too escape the wrath of God and are reconciled.
Jesus, thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.
Bold shall I stand in that great day,
For who aught to my charge shall lay?
Fully absolved through these I am,
From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.
The holy, meek, unspotted Lamb,
Who from the Father's bosom came,
Who died for me, even me, to atone,
Now for my Lord and God I own.
Lord, I believe thy precious blood,
Which at the mercy seat of God
For ever doth for sinners plead,
For me, even for my soul, was shed.
Jesu, be endless praise to thee,
Whose boundless mercy hath for me,
For me and all thy hands have made,
An everlasting ransom paid.
Death or Life
? Ro 512-21
Sin and death entered the world through one man, Adam. Ro
512-14
What is this death? Their nature was changed to be naturally
sinful.
Sin became attractive. God was
sidelined, rejected; even hated.
How does it affect all men? We all inherit their new
sinful nature. Ps 515
Just as we didn't ask to be born,
we didn't ask to enjoy sin. It's natural!
How different the world is from
what we would like it to be?
And how different
we are from our goal of being like our Saviour?
The affect of sin is devastating
and disastrous. See history!
Can you imagine a world that is filled with righteousness,
truth and justice?
God can! And he has promised to
bring in such a Kingdom.
Why did sin enter? Adam and Eve fell for Satan's deceit and lies. "Did God
say?"
They chose to disobey God; knowing the consequences
he had promised.
What was the death that came to all men?
Not immediate physical death, but without salvation,
there is a 2nd death -
the eternal lake of fire. Rev
2014,15
And there is immediate separation from God.
In the evening they tried to hide and cover themselves!
Thereafter death reigned over all men.
No one could find utopia, no matter
how hard they tried.
No one could serve God and live
a righteous life.
e.g. Israelites
challenged by Joshua. Josh 2414-27
Let us be honest no man can just chose to obey God -
always.
Some Jews would ask, "What happened before Moses revealed the Law?"
They thought obeying God was just keeping the commandments.
Math 1916-22
Proud delusion. We all need Jesus
to change our nature. Jn 539,40
Paul makes it clear that 'death reigned from Adam to
Moses'.
(They didn't sin by breaking the
Law but by their rebellious nature.)
Sin was, and remains, in our very nature. Who taught
children to lie or rebel?
Even before the Law, many admitted their need: Abel,
Abraham, Jacob ...
But most didn't: Cain, Babel, the
Flood, Sodom, Canaanites, Egypt ...
Why is the gift not like the trespass? Ro 515-17
The death was certain; but the life-giving grace is
even more certain!!
Sin entered by one man; and so did mercy. But there
the likeness ends.
Condemnation and judgement inevitably
followed sin;
but the gift
of God's mercy brings justification. (See last study)
The reign of death is opposite to the reign of grace
and righteousness.
The righteous delight in the presence and the commands
of God. Ps 19
O God, rule my willful spirit and lead me in the way
of purity and truth.
"The result of one trespass ..." Ro 518,19
Man only had to sin once, and he was doomed.
And not just Adam and Eve, but
all their child too.
We are all born with a sinful nature.
Sadly, righteous parents do not
necessarily beget righteous children.
"The result of one act of righteousness ..."
Justification and life.
However, it is not automatic. Righteousness cannot spread
to all men like sin.
But many can be made righteous
and be given a new nature. How?
Because Jesus was obedient. He laid down his life for
us.
What was the purpose of the Law? Ro 520,21
To increase the sin! How different God's ways are from
ours.
To make it clear how impossible it is for man to stop
sinning. Gal 324
Continual, deliberate disobedience
and rebellion are natural to all men.
The forgiveness of God is achieved not by our obedience - impossible -
but through the obedient sacrifice of Jesus.
He alone can be our necessary Redeemer.
Buried with Christ, and raised with him too;
What is there left for me to do?
Simply to cease from struggling and strife,
Simply to walk in newness of life.
Risen with Christ, my glorious Head,
Holiness now the pathway I tread,
Beautiful thought, while walking therein:
He that is dead is freed from sin.
Living with Christ, who dieth no more,
Following Christ, who goeth before;
I am from bondage utterly freed,
Reckoning self as dead indeed.
Living for Christ, my members I yield
Servants to God, for evermore sealed,
Not under law, I'm now under grace,
Sin is dethroned, and Christ takes its place.
"Shall we go on sinning? ... By no means!"
Ro 61
True repentance requires us to be earnest about sin -
sin matters and forgiveness costs. So does holiness
- the road is not easy.
Be confident in what Jesus has done for us, but never become presumptuous.
"God forgives our sins, not our excuses."
How is it possible to stop sinning?
Even determined resolutions will always fail if without
God's grace.
Nathan revealed to David his awful sins.
God revealed what was wrong and David immediately saw
the truth.
So he cried to the Lord for 'a
new heart', a new nature. Ps 5110
No man can give himself a new heart; it can only be
God's gracious gift.
That gift required the death of Jesus, our Redeemer.
And it also requires another death - Ours!
Paul here reveals the true meaning of baptism.
"We were therefor buried with
Christ through baptism into death ..." Ro 64a
(Immersion is a far more accurate symbolism that sprinkling)
John Baptist preached 'a baptism of repentance'.
In true repentance we die to sin. It loses it's attraction.
Being given his nature, we learn
to hate sin too and it withers by neglect.
It's much more than enjoying the sin, and being sorry
about the consequences.
Does this make a believer instantly perfect?
Potentially yes! But practically no - regretfully.
Peter and Paul were not perfect, but they were certainly
changed by God.
I remain flawed and weak - but one day we will be perfect,
like Jesus. 1 Jn 32
In this baptism into the death of our old nature we were not alone,
It had to be with Christ. Without him it would
be impossible.
After Christ died, he rose again!
And just as he did not die alone, he did not rise alone
either.
"If we have been united with him like this in his
death,
we will certainly also be united with him
in his resurrection. Ro 65
The 'If ...' is vital.
What is the result of this? The Word of God affirms that we may be set free.
"Anyone who has died has been
freed from sin." Ro 67
This is why the Gospel is 'Good News'. It is certain; there is no doubt about
it.
Ponder deeply this wonderful chapter of Romans. Hear
clearly God's truth.
Not only does God forgive us and free us from the guilt
and penalty of sin,
God also frees us from the power, the dominion of sin.
(See 'Rock of ages')
God transfers us from being under Satan's dominion to being in the Kingdom
of God. Col 113
The truth of what Jesus has done sets us free from the slavery of sin. Jn
831-36
Therefore: Ro 611-14
Reckon yourselves dead to sin. Sever the corrupted blood supply.
Reckon yourselves alive to God. See the new life of God himself in us.
Do not let sin reign. You now have honest and pure moral standards.
God radically changes our goals and our hopes.
God begins to reveal the truth, his Word becomes clear
and precious.
By God's free gift of grace; sin is no longer Master, Jesus Christ is.
And what a kind Master he is!
So unlike Satan, whose purpose and delight is our eternal
pain and death.
Note:
'Because you are not under law' does
not mean the law is now irrelevant.
What does it mean?
The Law used to condemn us to death because we failed
to keep it.
The Law held us prisoner; now Jesus sets us free -
and he enables us to keep the Law!
Ps 197-11
0 to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Take my heart, 0 take and seal it,
Seal it from Thy courts above!
Slaves to Righteousness
Ro 615-23
Paul begins with the same question about continuing to sin as in
61
And he gives the same answer!
"By no means."
Free salvation and free forgiveness can easily lead
to becoming
complacent about sin, presumptuous
or carelessly excuse it.
His great concern is that although God loves
us as we are,
he will not leave us as we are.
He will make us holy people.
And for us it is not an irksome restriction, but our
full desire and hope.
Free salvation and free forgiveness can easily lead
to becoming complacent about sin,
presumptuous or carelessly excuse
it.
It may be free to us, but always remember Jesus had
to pay the full price.
Some foolishly say, "Love God, and do what you like." Remains dangerous.
Is my corrupt nature so extinguished that it now has
no affect?
Sin is always costly:
to the sinner - forgiveness does
not always remove the scars or the results.
to Jesus who paid the price we
can never pay.
Never give up the battle against sin. It always matters.
We are all slaves to the one we obey. 616 Who is
it?
Our own natural sinful desires,
Satan's temptation,
or the Lord of Glory.
The latter can only be by the Lord's grace.
God's way may seem a hard, narrow, and certainly unpopular
way;
but holiness is always better than
death!
What does it mean to be a slave to righteousness?
1. Willingly embraced. My whole desire is to be a faithful and righteous
servant.
Good parallel of a willing Hebrew slave in Exd
216
2. Not yet perfect, but we have been set free from sin.
614,18,22
Set free from its result (death), its guilt (conscience)
and its power. 614
Conscience is often governed what others think - society's
norms.
We must be transformed to how God views all sin.
Note while total abstinence may be right for one but
not for another.
Other actions are always sinful.
e.g. adultery.
There are also sins of omission. Laziness, Deut
65 Exd 2012 Math 2542,43
3. Keen and eager to obey all that God commands.
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My
Father will love him,
and we will come to him and
make our home with him." Jn 1423
"I will put my law in their minds and write it on
their hearts." Jer 3133
It will no longer be drudgery to obey God, but a delight.
Ps 197-11
The revealing of God's Word both
thrills and challenges us.
It will be costly. No longer what I want to do (or be)
but what God wants.
To produce fruit, the grain of
wheat must first die. Jn 1224
4. The result is the gift of holiness and eternal life in Christ.
622,23
Sin pays a wage, death is deserved. Salvation can never
be earned or achieved.
Forgiveness is the free gift of our most gracious God.
Mercy c.f. Grace.
Thanks be to God!
I want a principle within
Of jealous godly fear,
A sensibility of sin,
A pain to feel it near.
I want the first approach to feel
Of pride or fond desire,
To catch the wandering of my will,
And quench the kindling fire.
That I from thee no more may part,
No more thy goodness grieve,
The filial awe, the fleshly heart,
The tender conscience, give.
Quick as the apple of an eye,
O God, my conscience make;
Awake my soul when sin is nigh,
And keep it still awake.
O may the least omission pain
My well instructed soul,
And drive me to the blood again
Which makes the wounded whole.
Released from the Law
Ro 71-13
True believers have died with Christ and are freed from sin - its guilt and
power.
It is no longer our master. Now slaves to God which
leads to holiness. Ro 6
Paul now gives us a simple example of freedom. It concerns the Law and Marriage.
A married woman is bound to her husband so long as he
is alive.
But if her husband dies, she is released from the law
of marriage. 72
What is the application?
We were once under the Law - and it condemned us.
We died to sin, and were thus released from the Law
- the law of sin and death
A review of the Law:
Commandments. They reveal God's best way for men to
live.
Reveals our corrupt nature. Law condemns us because
not kept.
Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. Given new nature.
Delight in the Law.
Now we belong to Another. 74a
What does it mean to belong to Jesus? What is the result?
'That we might bear fruit to God.' 74b
Phil 48 Gal 522-24 Col 32,
12-17
Once we were controlled by our sinful nature, sinful passions that leads
to death.
Now we serve in the new way of the Spirit that leads
to holiness. 75,6
How may we break free from old habits and truly serve the Lord?
We are freed from the Law's condemnation, but thankfully not free from the
Law.
God gave Commandments and Law to reveal his best way
for man to live. Ps 197-11
A new heart will inspire and reveal the Way.
Jer 3133
We cannot chose which laws to obey and which to ignore.
It is all of nothing. God knows best.
He makes it possible to live a righteous, God-pleasing
life.
Parables and Examples should never be taken beyond their main intention.
Paul anticipates the questions:
If we are freed from the Law, is the Law sinful?
Is the Law therefor now redundant?
Again his answer is an emphatic - No!
He examines the role of the Law:
1. It reveals sin. And thus also the death penalty (the wages of sin
is death 623). 77-9
Good and evil are defined.
Rather than admit he is unable to keep the
law, men it, and God.
To others it is 'a schoolmaster to bring
us to Christ'. Gal 324
2. It reveals the truth; unlike sin that deceives.
The law was, and is, intended to bring true life.
710,11
The Law is holy, righteous and good.
712
It is a great delight to our hearts. Ps
197-11
3. It reveals the truth of just how utterly bad sin is.
713
Is this how we now see all sin? Or just
the ones we are not often guilty of?
Sin greatly offends God. It does not just make
him sad, but angry!
4. The Law and the Prophets combine to reveal the redeeming work of Christ.
How all our sin - its guilt, punishment and shame
is laid upon Jesus. Is 535,6
Our knowledge of the Law is often restricted to the 10 Commandments.
But Jews are well versed in the 613 laws of Moses.
Also in the Prophets (all scripture) and the feasts
that reveal God's plan and provision for salvation.
The On-going Struggle
Ro 714-25
This could be called "The Battle of the Two I's".
Am I spiritual, like the Law; or still a slave to sin? 714
I don't do what I want, and I do what I don't want to.
So who is the real master? 715,16
Is it sin, or me, or God?
I desire what is good but cannot carry it out. Why not?
What is the answer? Is there one?
Paul now answers this perplexing, on-going problem.
There are two contestants waging war in me.
My old sinful nature that died with Christ (that doesn't
seem to have died)
The new me that God has raised up with Christ (that
delights in God).
The transformation is not instant and complete.
Even Paul saw the law of sin at work in himself.
He cried, "Who will rescue
me from this body of death?"
Then he saw the answer. God's answer.
"Thanks be to God - through
Jesus Christ our Lord!" 724
Victory is always at hand.
No temptation has seized you except what is common
to man.
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted
beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a
way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Co 1013
Having been a strict Pharisee Paul was probably surprised to see just how
corrupt his old nature was,
and how reluctant it was to die. But God wasn't!
Christ has made me a new creation;
But if I say I am without sin I deceive myself and the truth is not in me.
1 Jn 18
There has always been a battle for my soul; but now it is open war!
How I long for the day when this war will finally be
over.
By God's grace and power alone we can experience daily
victory.
But one day we will celebrate the end of this war.
Meanwhile there is work to do.
So put on the whole armour of God. Eph
610-18
Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but the powers
of darkness.
How does God arm and protect his chosen believers, enabling
us to strand?
The belt of truth.
The breastplate of righteousness.
Shoes of the Gospel of peace.
The shield of faith.
The helmet of salvation.
The sword of the Spirit, the Word
of God. Rev 1921
Pray always.
No Condemnation
Ro 81-4
Ro 81 is a great statement of the truth. And a huge relief
!
Do all men escape God's condemnation? (that all have sinned and all
must die)
Obviously not; only those 'in Christ Jesus' escape.
Ro 81 Jn 316-18
What conditions does God place on his forgiveness?
1. Forgiveness is not God ignoring sin. His justice must be satisfied. Ro
84
He declares that the 'wages of sin is death', so the
guilty party must die.
But this denies us all any hope of heaven. So God devised
an amazing solution.
He himself would die in my place!
He alone bore the punishment I deserve, but cannot pay.
2. I must repent and believe what Jesus alone has done for me.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves
and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness. 1 Jn 18,9
These are the only conditions.
Math 53-10 The Beatitudes are 8 steps to becoming a true
believer.
When does God forgive us? 'Now'. Ro 81
Is any sin too great to be forgiven? No.
The blood of Jesus purifies us from ALL sin.
1 Jn 17
There is now NO condemnation ... Ro
81
Can any man dare to say that the blood of Christ was
not good enough?
How can we be so sure?
1. Because Jesus laid down his life - it was given, not taken from
him. Jn 1015,18
2. Jesus is our Advocate - none could be better than him.
If anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the
Father in our defence -
Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 1 Jn
21
3. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 Jn 22
(and 1 Jn 17 above)
Just as he promised Abel, Noah, Abraham and all who
longed for that day.
God faithfully fulfills all that he's promised, prophesied
and written. Lu 2133
4. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgement.
Jn 168
We are encouraged to enter with confidence by the blood of Jesus. Heb
1019-23
There is no presumption or self-confidence;
we remain amazed at how great is
his sacrifice,
how necessary it remains, and how
effective it is.
What was the purpose of the Temple veil? Why was it torn in two?
Sign of God's mercy. Within the Holy of Holies was the
Mercy Seat.
Without the veil, the Holy God would have to destroy
us. Exd 1912,24
Is there any other way that man can shed his sin and his sinful nature?
No.
Jesus agonised in prayer at Gethsemane over this very
matter. Lu 2242
Jesus is the truth: he declares that he alone can set
us free. Jn 832 146
Men will try a myriad of other false, deceptive ways
- all to no avail.
"What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of
Jesus ..."
This truth sets us free from the law of sin and its sure consequence, death.
Ro 82
Guilt
I thought of my guilt as Satan accused me
Of all that I'd done that was wrong.
I knew he was right, and my heart agreed
That the judgement be hard and the punishment long.
But Jesus said, "Child, remember my word,
And look at the Cross where I died.
Your sin and your guilt are the nails and the thorns
And the spear that they put in my side.
First on the Cross and then in the grave,
But my love was stronger than that.
For I burst through the bonds and returned to my throne;
And I burst through the bonds, but I wasn't alone!
Now fully forgiven you stand at my side.
Now eternally loved, all guilt set aside."
Paula Worth
Sons, Led by the Spirit
Ro 85-17
Are our minds set by our natural desires or by the Spirit?
85
It is a vital question that only you can answer.
This verse defines the two opposing camps.
And the next verse (86) underlines the consequences of each. i.e.
'Death' or 'Life and peace' with God. i.e. Forgiveness
and reconciliation.
Note: We cannot just choose to live by the Spirit; we
must first die with Christ.
What does it mean to 'live by the Spirit'?
The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit
to God's Laws. 87
It does not admit that God has any right to give us
his laws.
It does not see these laws as God's kindness, revealing
the best way to live.
It thinks that God can safely be ignored! But he is
Creator and Judge. 2 Pe 3
It is impossible for the sinful mind to please God.
88 Many try, and fail.
Your spirit is alive because of righteousness.
810
How can 'righteousness' bring life to my spirit?
It is the righteousness of Christ. His righteous life
in us.
He was willing and counted worthy to pay the death penalty
for my sin.
"Because the sinless Saviour died,
my sinful soul is counted free;
For God the Just is satisfied
to look on him and pardon me."
This is the glory of the resurrection. Father is satisfied.
Justice is satisfied.
Jesus the perfect sacrifice is
no longer dead, but alive.
And he is glad to raise our dead
spirits to life with him. 811 64,8
Therefore ...
812
If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of
the body, you will live. 813
We have to invite the Spirit to enable this.
Learn to be led by the Spirit.
Know and use the Word of God.
Pray.
Yearn for the living God. He is faithful to all he has
promised.
Appreciate that he has made us to become his sons and daughters.
815,16
This will put an end to the fear that many are plagued
by.
Perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to
do with punishment. 1 Jn 418
But know also The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom. Prov 17
Co-heirs with Christ.
817
What a privilege!
What did Jesus inherit? The Kingdom of God.
And this kingdom he gladly shares with us who believe.
But there is a condition - that we share in his sufferings.
817
This is where many turn away. The price seems too high to them.
We need to be sure of what we are saved from and what we are saved for.
Jesus does not keep all his well earned glory to himself; he shares this
too.
Being a Christian will inevitably bring ridicule, hardship and persecution.
Jesus made this clear when he sent out the Apostles.
Math 1017-33
This warning was, and continues to be fulfilled.
There is a cost; but it is nothing compared to the reward.
Act 541
"When I survey the wondrous Cross ...
My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on
all my pride."
Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea;
A great High-priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Saviour died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on him and pardon me.
Behold him there! the risen Lamb!
My perfect, spotless Righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace!
One with himself, I cannot die;
My soul is purchased by his blood;
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Saviour and my God.
The Spirit of God witnesses to us of our new relationship with God.
So why do we still suffer? And sometimes even suffer
more!
Paul suffered persecution and the discomforts of missionary life.
818 2 Co 1123-28
But he was quick to add it was nothing compared to the
glory to come.
How real is our hope for the future?
Pray and support today's missionaries who are willing
to suffer for Christ.
Creation groans in frustration. 820
It has done so since the day that Adam and Eve sinned
and earth came under God's curse;
the just punishment for sin..
Now it also sufers abuse and careless destruction from
greed.
It waits in eager expectation. What for? The answer
is surprising.
'For the sons of God to be revealed'.
'The pains of childbirth'. 819,22
It's groaning
is not so much for present pain, but future godly men.
Then Creation will be liberated
from this bondage to decay. 821
Decay of
resources, and decay morally and spiritually.
It will gladly
join the children of God in glorious freedom.
Sin and its
consequence will be ended.
Most
Environmentalists try to right the world's wrongs without God.
We too groan inwardly for adoption as sons and redemption of our bodies.
823
But believers have the witness that we are already sons.
1016
This is a paradox. We are sons, yet we wait for
sonship.
The kingdom of God is within us, and we pray for the
kingdom to come. Lu 1721 112
We have a foretaste; but wait patiently for the complete
fulfilment. 825
God shows us enough to kindle a spark of secure hope.
It is secure and certain because
the Lord God has promised it.
He wants us to share heaven with
him. Rev 21,22
In our current weakness, do we have any help? Yes! The Spirit comes to our
aid.
We often don't know what to pray, what to ask for, what
is God's solution. 826
e.g. Personal situations. World
affairs. Disasters, war or even prosperity!
He may not say, "Vote Tory or Democrat ..."! It
may be only with groans and tears.
But we will know we have somehow
touched the heart of God, and he ours.
We share God's concern, his joy,
his anger - even if we lack knowledge.
Paul is consistently honest. He pleads with God about
his wretchedness. 724
He pleads with God for his will
in the many perplexing problems. Act 166-10
And God answers. e.g. Elijah.
James 517,18 1 Kg 171 181,42
We may see the need to pray for
UK or for Israel. But what do we pray?
Vague platitudes
to make life easier, or for peace? Ps 1226 c.f. Jer
716
What is the will of God?
Do we know, or do we just guess?
We all need
continuous help, and often courage too!
Few will cry to Jesus except out of great need. Dare we pray for this?
Or do we pray only for instant relief from the current crisis?
We usually learn more in a week of trial than 10 years of ease.
Learn to intercede with the Spirit.
His help is
essential and exciting. A constant challenge.
The Love of Christ is
Secure Ro 828-39
Paul continues on his teaching about the present sufferings (persecution).
He wanted the church to be absolutely sure about their life with Christ.
In all things God works for
the good of those who love him. 828
We are called according to
his purpose; predestined, not random or chance.
Predestined, yet given choice -
not 'fate'. God knows who will respond.
Predestined, called, justified and finally glorified.
830
Predestined to be like Jesus: 829
In character - righteousness, truth,
kindness, courage, justice ...
In conflict with the world - they
hated Jesus without reason. Jn 1518-25
Be sure of the answer to Satan's age-old question,
"If God really loved you and is in command, why does
he allow xxx to happen?"
Know that what God has written here and elsewhere is the sure truth.
If God is for us, who can be against us?
831
Answer? No one and nothing of any eternal consequence.
This does not mean we do not suffer tragedy, war etc
like everyone else.
Our destiny is for Jesus to share himself and all things
with us.
Who can bring any charge against those whom God
has chosen? 833
No one of eternal consequence.
Jesus suffered a most unjust trial. We may do so too
and even die.
But before the judgement seat of
God we will never be condemned. 81
Jesus remains our Advocate. He
speaks for us. 834 Heb 735 924
Jn 171-19
Why does the
Judge hear him?
Because Jesus
died and rose again! Justice was satisfied. 834
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
835
No one and nothing.
As Christ triumphed, so he will enable us to do so too.
We stand together. He is King,
and a friend who will never flee. Jn 1011-13
But note especially the circumstances in which
we are more than conquerors.
Trouble, hardship, persecution,
famine, nakedness, danger and sword. 835
Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of
God. Nothing!
In the world nations will continue to fight against other nations,
Families will be torn apart, there will be disease,
poverty, drought, ...
Even in the church, wickedness will cause the love of
many will grow cold.
But in Christ there will never be rejection. We are totally secure; always.
Trust this true fact, it is the Word of God, not our feelings or not
circumstances.
I've found a Friend; oh, such
a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew him;
He drew me with the cords
of love,
And thus he bound me to
him;
And round my heart still
closely twine
Those ties which nought
can sever;
For I am his and he is mine,
For ever and for ever.
I've found a Friend; oh,
such a Friend!
He bled, he died to save
me:
And not alone the gift of
life,
But his own self he gave
me.
Naught that I have my own
I call,
I hold it for the Giver:
My heart, my strength, my
life, my all
Are his, and his for ever.
I've found a Friend; oh,
such a Friend!
All power to him is given,
To guard me on my onward
course
And bring me safe to heaven.
Eternal glories gleam afar,
To nerve my faint endeavour;
So now to watch, to work,
to war,
And then to rest for ever.
I've found a Friend; oh,
such a Friend!
So kind and true and tender!
So wise a Counsellor and
Guide,
So mighty a Defender!
From him who loves me now
so well
What power my soul shall
sever?
Shall life, or death, or
earth, or hell?
No! I am his for ever.
God Chooses Israel Ro
91-21
Paul has another problem; and it is related to suffering.
92
Most suffering and persecution he received was from
his fellow Jews.
Now he directs our attention to what will happen to them?
To those whom God had chosen, but who rejected Jesus,
the Jewish Messiah?
Like Moses, Paul was even willing to offer his own life
to obtain their salvation.
Exd 3232 Good example
of the Lord's command in Lu 627,28
What was to happen to those who rejected Jesus, the Jewish Messiah?
Like Moses, Paul was even willing to offer his own salvation
to obtain theirs.
What was, and remains the privilege of the Jews? 94,5
Adoption as sons. But no easy back door to heaven.
96-8 Jn 111,12
(Note these verses do not proclaim
the church now substituted for Israel)
Received the Covenants
to Abraham Gen
1518-21 Moses Exd 1526 David 2
Sam 711-16
and the Law (the Scriptures
32). Imagine life without the Bible! Act 828-31
Also the Temple worship and the promises. (The Gospel
in the Feasts of Israel)
Their blood-line from Abraham to Christ. Ro
29,10
This privilege of opportunity is not dependant on their response - or lack
of it.
Both Abraham and Isaac had two children. One chosen and the other not.
96-13
Why? What does this reveal?
Ishmael was not the child of promise, Isaac was. Gen
2112 222 255 1612
Ishmael was not God's choice.
Isaac's son, Esau, despised his birthright - and God.
Gen 2534
God was not Esau's choice. He,
and all like him, pay a heavy price.
Jacob was not a macho man, but
he sought God. And God loved him.
God had promised Abraham that through him many would be blessed.
But it is never to be through Ishmael (other gods or
Islam)
nor through Esau (Humanism - no
god but self).
Three difficult questions arise - and are immediately answered:
1. Because they rejected God, has God's Word failed?
96-9
Has his promise of blessing failed?
No.
It is not to the natural children of Isaac, but to the
children of promise.
Isaac was promised; Ishmael wasn't.
Also Jn 842-44
Even though Israel often rejected God, the promise was
fulfilled:
Jesus, the Messiah came.
And the 'Good News' was spread
by believing Jews.
2. God chose Jacob before he was even born! Was this just?
910-18
a) God has a right to choose.
We can only marvel at the love
of God and say, "Why have you chosen me?"
b) God's choice is just, though it may seem arbitrary
to men.
Note Gen 123 can be
part of the reason. God has warned us.
c) Salvation depends on God's mercy, not upon our efforts.
916 Exd 3319
Not at all! I will have
mercy on whom I have mercy.
Gives example of Pharaoh, who hardened
his heart.
Also consider opportunities Jesus
gave to Judas - he rejected them all.
What does it depend on? How can
a man be saved and receive mercy?
Cry to God. Plead with him. Repent.
Believe the ransom Jesus paid in full.
A man will only do so if the Holy
Spirit first convicts us. Jn 167-14
3. If solely God's choice, why does God still blame us?
919
Who are you, O man, to talk back to God?
920
Example of relation of clay to potter.
God's choice does in part depend upon our response,
which he already knows.
Sometimes difficult questions have to be shelved.
God will reveal the truth in time.
Since the Fall, all sinful men are the objects of his wrath.
922,23
But God has both power and patience.
To some he has determined to show his great mercy - and thus also his glory.
Among these are Gentiles, as well as Jews.
924
Gives example from what God revealed to the prophet
Hosea;
he had to redeem his wife from
her sin. Hosea 3
Also through the naming of his 3 children. Hos
14-8
Yet 'not my people' will become 'sons of the living
God'. Hosea 110
The story of how this would happen is told in Hosea
2. Also Jer 3012,17
Isaiah speaks the truth, unless the Lord has mercy, we would all be like
Sodom.
Left to our own devices, gross sin and judgement are
inevitable. Ro 126 927-29
But given the mercy of God, we become his true sons
- for ever.
Summary:
God is the Almighty. He can chose whoever he wishes.
His choice is just and true, not vindictive or emotional.
He chose the Jews - and amazingly, he also chose us.
Paul gives two examples of God's choice; and the reasons for it.
He chose Isaac and not Ishmael. (Much to the chagrin
of the Arabs)
Isaac was the child of promise;
Ishmael was Hagar's daughter, not Sarah's.
He chose Jacob and not Esau.
The humanist Esau rejected God;
but Jacob sought God with all his being.
Note: Ishmael and Esau both married wives from local
idol-worshipping tribes.
God's Desire is to have
Mercy Ro 922-33
Since the Fall, all sinful men are the objects of his wrath.
922,23
All are under the death sentence.
"When you eat of it you will surely die." Gen
217 A warning, not idle threat.
But the Sovereign Lord has both power and patience.
To some he has determined to show his great mercy - and thus also his glory.
Among these are Gentiles, as well as Jews.
924-26
Gives example from what God revealed to the prophet
Hosea,
who had to redeem his wife
from her sin. Hosea 3
Also through the naming of his
3 children. Hosea 14-8
Yet 'not my people' will become
'sons of the living God'. Hosea 110
The story of how this would happen
is told in Hosea 2. Also Jer 3012,17
Isaiah speaks the truth to others.
Unless the Lord has mercy, we would all be like Sodom.
927-29
Left to our own devices, gross sin and judgement are
inevitable. Ro 126 927-29
But given the mercy of God, we become his true sons
- for ever.
Paul asks a question: If God wants to have mercy, why doesn't he save all
men?
God is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to
come to repentance. 2 Pe 39
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love
...
He does not treat us as our sins deserve ... so
far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Ps 1038,10,12
What is the problem? Sadly few men admit the need to be saved.
Few are willing to humble themselves and cry to God for
mercy.
God knows the hearts of all men perfectly. Both now and what they will be.
He will not force himself upon any man who does not want
him.
Why do men reject God? They prefer evil; leads to disaster. Jn
319,20 Is 309-11,18
But calamity does not prove sinfulness. e.g. Job Men
of Siloam. Lu 134,5
Though God often judges with 'natural' disasters. Noah's
Flood, Sodom,
Egyptian plagues, Amos,
and today AIDs etc. Also the Great Tribulation.
How can Gentiles be saved, but the 'chosen' Jews fail? Ro
930,31
The stumbling stone of 'works' i.e. keeping
the Law.
Oral Law became Mishna and Talmud approx 250 AD. It
had some 1500 Sabbath laws!
Jesus kept the 613 Laws of Moses perfectly, but not the
many extras of men.
Some add laws (Pharisees and Roman Catholics);
others subtract them (Sadducees
and Liberals)
Either way, I am utterly unable to make myself acceptable
to God.
There is no way I can earn the approval of God. e.g.
Rich ruler. Lu 1818-25
So how are we saved? By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ
alone.
Grace is the undeserved gift of God. Eph 28,9
Do we trust our efforts at holiness, or what Jesus has
done for us?
This is a most vital question - unchanged in all ages.
The basis of our hope.
Most find the fact that we can do nothing is humiliating
and unacceptable.
Why is the necessary Cross of Christ such a stumbling block?
Pride, riches, power, popularity, time (wrong priority),
deceived...
But to those being saved, it is the power and wisdom
of God. 1 Co 118,24,30
Both Jew and Gentile need redeeming. No short cut or easy way for either.
God set the just price of pardoning our sin at a perfect
blood sacrifice.
Christ came to pay this price in full. White stone -
'paid in full' inscribed.
No one else has the right currency to pay.
Paid on the Nail
By Graham Kendrick
Is the rich man worth more than
the poor man?
The stranger worth more than a
friend?
Is a baby worth more than an old
man?
Your beginning worth more than
your end?
Is a President worth more than
his assassin?
Does your value decrease with your
time?
Like when Christ took the place
of Barabbas,
Would you say he was wasting his
time?
Well
how much do you think your are worth, boy?
Will
anyone stand up and say?
Would you say that a man is worth nothing
Till
someone is willing to pay?
Suppose that you think that you
matter,
Well how much do you matter to
whom?
It's much easier at night when
with friends and bright lights
That much later alone in your room.
Do you think you're just one in
a million
When you finish this whole human
race?
Does it really make much of a
difference
When your friends have forgotten
your face?
Well
how much do you think your are worth, boy? ....
If you heard that your life had
been valued
And a price had been paid on the
nail,
Would you ask what was traded,
how much and who paid it,
Who was he, and what was his name?
If you heard that his name was
called Jesus,
Would you say that the price was
too dear?
He was held to the cross, not by
nails but by love;
It was you broke his heart, not
the spear!
Would you say you are worth what
it cost him?
You say no, but the price stays
the same.
If it don't make you cry, knock
it off, pass it by,
But remember the day when you throw
it away
That he paid what he thought you
were worth!
Faith Comes from
Hearing Ro
101-21
Paul greatly desires that his fellow Jews may be saved. 101
But there is a problem - and he speaks from experience.
What is it?
Being zealous for God is often a hindrance!!
102,3
Why? No man can earn God's approval or achieve
righteousness.
Paul was a real Pharisee, earnest
and true; he was no hypocrite.
Sincere, yet so very wrong.
Salvation cannot be earned; saved
by grace and kindness of Christ.
Great
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense. Eph 27-9
Church attendance, Pilgrimage, generosity, compassion,
knowledge ...
Each is good, but they cannot save
my soul.
Christ is the end (=goal, fulfilment) of the Law. 104
Math 517
Righteous not because Jewish, but because a believer.
Believe what?
1. Before God I am a sinner.
2. Sin condemns me. God justly
declares the death penalty.
3. There is nothing I can do to
save myself or make amends.
4. Christ Jesus came and paid the
necessary price. He died in my place.
See notes Ro 41-8 also Math 53-10
and Ro 39-20
Moses speaks of being righteous by the Law. But none can keep it.
105
Faith does not seek righteousness where it cannot be found.
106,7 Deut 3012,13
It is not found up in the sky nor is it buried in the
depths of the earth.
It is not even a page in a mysterious book. See
Act 826-39
'The Word is near you' and 'in your heart'.
108
How do we know? How can we be sure? What is the evidence?
Faith proclaims: Jesus is Lord (over my sin and its
punishment). 109,10
Faith believes: God raised Jesus from the dead (and
he raised me with him).
Faith is not a man's imagination or even his hope.
'As the Scripture says ...' 1011 'It
is written' c.f. 'I hope so' Lu 44,8,12
The Scriptures are Jewish. They say the same things to Gentiles and to Jews.
1012
They speak to 'everyone who calls on the name of the
Lord'. 1013 Jer 333
e.g. Gen 128
134 2133 2625 1 Ch
2126 Ps 996-8 1164 119145
What is the result? Faith is not just hope, but God revealing the truth.
The Word brings certainty and assurance 'You will be saved'. Lu
2444-46 Jn 832
Our sureness rests on what Jesus has done;
and on the effectiveness of his sacrifice and the certainty
of his Word. Heb 619,20 1019-23
Paul then returns to the problem of Israel, his fellow Jews;
"How can they call?' And so believe and be saved.
1014,15
Answer - Evangelism by Jews or even Gentiles. i.e. preaching
the Word of God.
"Faith comes by hearing'.
1017 "He who has ears to hear ...' Lu 88
Men need to hear and
heed the truth; what God says.
Sadly even when truly proclaimed, only a few really "understand'.
Not by intellect or heritage, but by the gracious revelation
of God. Math 131-23
To whom does God reveal himself; and when?
To all who call on the Lord for salvation.
1013 (Joel 232)
To all who seek the Lord with all their heart. Jer
2913 Deut 429 2 Ch 714
Not always immediately. God knows when the best moment
is.
e.g. Jacob. Peniel
20 years after Bethel. Gen 2813 3226
Abraham
and Sarah had to wait 25 years for Isaac.
Moses
was 40 years a shepherd in Midian before God spoke to him.
3000 knew immediately on the day of Pentecost
- after "cut to the heart'
they
cried, "What must we do (to be saved)?" Act 237
Jesus told the disciples
11 times how he had to be crucified.
But
it was only after 3½ years that they "understood'. Lu
2444-46
It was not just who
Jesus was, but why he came, that is so vital.
Gentiles will make Jews envious. 1019
But instead we have persecuted the Jews.
e.g. Crusades, Edward I expels all Jews in 1290, return
1655, ...
Found "by those who did not (previously) seek God'. i.e. Gentiles.
1020 930
God reveals his continuing forbearance and faithfulness to the Jews (and
Gentiles). 1021
But concerning Israel he says, "All day long I have
held out my hands
to a disobedient and obstinate
people." Is 652
This remains true.
Both the rebellion of most Jews and the faithfulness
of God.
One day soon, in 'the time of Jacob's trouble',
Israel will call on the Lord their God and be saved.
Jer 31 Zech 1210 131
Israel Stumbled - A Warning to
Gentiles 111-24
'Did God reject his people?' 111
Why is this a most vital question, then and now?
Cannot otherwise understand world events today. Jerusalem
is central issue.
God remains the Sovereign
Lord and what he has ordained will happen.
God reveals his consistent faithfulness - to Jews
and to us.
See Hosea 11-14
God reveals his justice and his tenderness.
Like
marriage, his covenant is unconditional and for ever.
All the Apostles who first spread the Gospel were Jews.
112-4
Not all Jews were saved. But as in Elijah's day,
there was a vital remnant. 1 Kg 1818
But why so few?
'Chosen by grace', not by works (hope to earn salvation)
115,6
When seeking God and eternal life our only claim
must be 'Christ crucified'.
It can't be what I
have done, but what only Jesus has done for me. 1 Co 130
What do men ask of God today?
Too often it is only
'peace',
and
the option to continue doing what they want! c.f. Lu
1942
What does God require? Why did Israel fail? 117-10
Even the religious refused to admit their natural
corruption and need. Rev 317
And others were carefree and careless. Zeph
215-35 Zeph 38b c.f. 312
Their minds were hardened - by their own choice.
(see "A Hardened Heart")
They refused all
correction. Jer 253
e.g. Pharaoh - after
plagues 1-5 c.f. 6-10.
All
disciples 'why this waste?' But Judas betrayed. Math 268-16
+ Jn 13
God knows our hearts and our desire for him.
We've proved how glad
God is to feed the hungry. Lu 150-55 Is
551-7 Rev 2217
Israel has paid a high price for being 'disobedient and obstinate'.
2000 years of rejection and wandering.
May we learn from this example the danger of being
stubborn and rebellious.
God cannot be pleased with the UK in recent years.
Politicians must reflect popular views to be elected.
None have spoken against
abortion, homosexuality; or of our need for God.
None proclaim Israel
as God's covenant people; need Arab oil too much?
Paul asks, "Are they beyond recovery? Not at all!"
1111
And neither are we! But we do need Jesus Christ,
not just a costless religion.
Why did Paul become a much needed 'apostle to the Gentiles' ?
God promised Abraham that all peoples would be blessed through him. Gen
123
He chose Paul to fulfill this promise. Act
915
'To make Israel envious'. 1111 (How we have failed in this.
See notes on 1019)
How made envious?
Life and faith seen
- like Cain saw Abel's faith (but hated him). Jn 524,25
Love and gratitude
expressed. Again we have badly failed here.
Israel's failure meant 'riches for the world' 1112
Jewish missionaries brought the Gospel to us Gentiles.
Our Christian life and salvation are indeed a rich
inheritance.
Many Western leaders have rejected it and are now
busy praising Islam!
Don't see current terrorism
is Islam declaring war on Christians and Jews.
If Israel's failure has brought riches, just think what Jewish fulness will
bring!
Why did Paul address the Gentiles in Rome? 1113
A Pharisee who was given a compassion to save the
Gentiles!
Never forget it was
the Jews who first brought us the Gospel.
We owe them so much.
Let us show them our gratitude.
Also to arouse his own Jewish people.
1114
Introduces the Root and Branches (wild and natural) theme.
1117-21
What does he say to the 'wild (Gentile), grafted in branches' ?
You receive 'sap' (the life of God) from the Root
(Jesus Christ)
Do not be arrogant and boast over the natural, broken
off branches.
Prophetic - Since
Constantine in 312 AD Christians have persecuted Jews
If God did not spare the Jews, he will not spare
the wicked Gentiles either!
The US and UK will
pay for their anti-Israel, pro-Arab Islamic stance.
God will certainly
judge this, together with our growing wickedness.
Consider therefore (both) the kindness and the severity of
God. 1122
Kindness - God's love, his earnest desire to forgive
and banish sin. Hos 118
Jesus gave his life
as a ransom. Sin costs. Jesus paid! No greater kindness.
New covenant will be
fulfilled. Jer 3131 - 3225
God showers his kindness
upon us as David upon Mephibosheth. 2 Sam 9
Severity - Too often ignored, but see history of
the Jews!
Israel ignored loud,
clear warning of prophets. Permanent exile by Assyria.
Sin separates; it brings
death. Is 592 24 139-13 51-23
Consider what is happening in the world today - and what will happen.
1. God is side-lined, ignored and ridiculed by proud
foolish man.
Creation
and Judgement is scoffed at. 2 Pe 33-7
2. Men are deceived. Math 244, 11, 24
The
rise of idol worshipping Islam, New Age, Humanism.
Wake
up !!
3. "Wars and rumours of wars" could speak of terrorism
+ local ethnic wars.
4. Tribulation disasters will be GOD controlled just
judgement. Rev 6-19
To
judge Jerusalem, God chose to use the Babylonians. Hab 15-11
Therefore:
Be afraid. 1120 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom".
Prov 1427 1516
But there are not many wise men living today!
See also Lu 125 Is 335-24
"God is able to graft them in again". 1123, 24
Being "natural" olive, not wild, their grafting in
will be much easier.
And God has promised to save the Jews - in the same
way as he has saved us -
by the crucifixion
and raising of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
"They will look on
me, the one they have pierced ..." Zech 1210,11
131
See and rejoice in this glorious plan of God.
All Israel will be
Saved 1125-36
When Paul begins, "I do not want you to be ignorant ..." We usually
are!
1. A warning about Gentile conceit. 1125 (Which we have largely
ignored)
Church history (and
current policy) is nothing to be proud of.
Jews thought Gentiles
had to become Jews to be saved. Act 2221,22
Times in history when
they thought they alone were favoured.
Ezek, Jer and Amos
had to tell the people unpleasant truths. Amos 521
So
did Jesus. Does this surprise us? Math 23
2. Hardening of Israel is only until 'the full number of Gentiles has come
in' 1125
We are only just in
time!
3. Then 'all Israel will be saved'. 1126 Zech 8
1210,11 131
'The deliverer will
come'
'This is my covenant
with them when I take away their sins'
The conclusion: 1128-32
The Jews were enemies of the Gospel (for the benefit of the Gentiles).
They are loved by God on account of the patriarchs (family ties). Jer
3017
God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. 1129
We were once disobedient and wicked, yet received mercy.
No one deserves God's mercy - neither Jew nor Gentile.
Paul concludes with a reasoned song of praise. 1133-36
extolling the greatness of God's mercy and grace.
Grace is getting what we do not deserve.
Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.
We all deserve death and punishment. But Jesus bore it for us.
Who are we to question the wisdom and the just judgement of God?
What is mere man beside God?
How can we ever deserve his kindness?
O the riches of his grace. 'To him be the glory for ever!'
Israel (see
Zechariah)
When you were a child I loved you,
Tho' you turned your face from me,
Held my arms out while you stumbled,
Longed to teach you to walk free;
Watched in anguish while the nations
One by one declared you'd die
Without trace, not understanding
You're the apple of my eye.
Still I sent you as I'd promised
My Messiah, Holy Lamb.
O my heartache then, and sorrow
When you didn't see my plan.
Now I wait my bride to cherish,
These are days for other men
To find grace and my salvation,
Days to be fulfilled, and then,
Then with shouts of 'Grace' and 'Glory',
My Corner-stone now recognised,
I shall pluck you from the burning
And declare you justified.
Then the fountain which I opened
Still shall plead your cause to me;
And my child, beloved Israel
Bring me joy - Eternally.
by Paula Worth
Our Response to God’s
Mercy
121-21
Therefore ... in view of God’s mercy ... He has rescued us from death
...
What’s next? Do we just carry on vaguely? Certainly
not!
God loves us as we are; but he will not leave us as we are.
And we don’t want to remain as we are, but changed
to be like Jesus.
God expects a response - holy living. 121 See Isaiah
52b, 7b
It is sometimes costly (a sacrifice). ‘Nevertheless
not my will but thine ...’
It will please God. Always the desire of true love.
It is true worship. And is much more than just words.
The more we see the greatness of our rescue, the
more grateful we will be.
Lu 747
511 198 212 Not saved by giving;
but gave because saved.
Evangelism or ashamed of Jesus? Lu
922-26
How must we all respond?
Paul tells us. Although a brilliant theologian, but was also very practical.
1. Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and pleasing to God. 121
Is this possible? What does it mean?
1 Co 619,20 ‘You are not your own; you were bought at a price.'
The context of this was sexual immorality. 1 Co
613,15-18
i.e. Do not give yourself to anyone
who is not your wife.
‘Offering our bodies' is not asceticism, nor the other extreme - living
in luxury!
How did Jesus live? What was his life-style?
Disciplined, loving, relatively poor, pure, holy, devoted
...
Service and the willing ‘extra mile' c.f. Selfish
self-indulgence.
A few are called to be single missionaries. e.g. Jeremiah.
Jer 161,2
Note: wearing a hair-shirt does not earn us any extra ‘brownie-points'!
We can never even begin to repay the debt we own to
our Redeemer.
It is always, ‘in view of
God's mercy ...'
It is our willing, eager worship.
2. Do not conform any longer to the pattern
of this world. 122
First, what is the ‘pattern of this world?
Humanist pride admits no need.
It leaves God out of
the equation of life - with dire consequences
Is
478-11 describes unbelievers, not just Babylon. Dan
530 and Rev 184-8
Some may have a ‘form of godliness, but deny
its power’ to save. 2 Tim 35
They pick and choose
the Scriptures they like.
They insult God’s
Word as being ‘old-fashioned’ - safe to ignore.
They deny the truth
of Scripture e.g. evolution not Creation by God,
sin,
all man’s natural corruption, and the just judgement of God.
Popular right-sounding trends - interfaith, peace
by appeasement, tolerance.
Bush, Blair, our Queen and even George Carey say
we must respect all faiths.
But 1st
Commandment is ‘You shall have no other gods before me’. Exd
203
And the 2nd Commandment forbids
making any idols and images. Exd 204
What is the black Ka'aba stone in Mecca
if it is not an idol?
Islam is an evil,
idol-worshipping religion that denies God has a Son.
The world denies God is the Almighty -
it boldly declares
that man is free to do whatever seems right and best.
Is
520,21 Judges 176 2 Tim 31-5
Lawlessness
2 Thes 21-12 + Gen 65 Ro
121-32 Gal 516-21 c.f. 522-23a
Broken promises litter man’s pathway; only honoured
when convenient.
Impatience - want everything now, use credit don’t
save, sex before marriage.
Many claim abortion’ is a woman’s right.
But God says, “Do not murder.”
The world says if it makes you happy, go for it.
But God says, “Be holy.”
How do we ‘keep the Sabbath’? c.f.
what the ‘world’ does.
What makes a Christian different? Gal 522-24
Faith, honesty, morality, compassion, motives, humility,
assurance, loyalty,
discipline, temperance,
courage, courtesy, steadfast, discerning ...
But unbelievers from Ghandi to Geldof may have compassion, honesty,
even humility and morality. Unbelievers are
not all lying adulterers.
They may have many good characteristics,
but they don’t
see Almighty God’s right to command us to keep the Law.
He is certainly not seen as a loving Father telling
us what is best for us.
They don’t admit natural corruption of all
men and our urgent need.
They don’t have faith’s certainty of being
rescued by the Lord Jesus.
Nor the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life
with the Lord of Glory.
Nor the obvious gratitude to Jesus for bearing our
just punishment.
3. Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.
122
Why does God say our minds need transforming? All our minds are corrupt!!
The way we naturally think needs changing.
'My thoughts are not your thoughts
...' Is 558,9
'The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers'.
2 Co 44
Not brain-washing, but God teaching us the truth to
replace Satan’s lies.
e.g. Future - Heaven or hell
c.f. Nothing, reincarnation, vague hope, or false assurance, ...
Present -
Holy living + urgency of evangelism + learn God's Word
c.f. Enjoy yourself, free to do what feels right, ...
or try to earn God's approval, responsibility,
goodness.
Past - Creation
by God + learn from history, God faithfulness
c.f. Man is advancing, forget tradition, be bold and try new.
Satan always likes to question and bring doubt of what God declares.
See how man first sinned. Gen 31-6 God always
tells the truth. Jn 845,51 101 etc
Satan's nature is always to lie, to deceive with
half-truths. Jn 844
He says God is not Almighty, either
he cannot or he will not judge sin.
And thus no need for Christ crucified.
What we think inevitably determines what we are and what we do.
It determines our instinctive reactions, and well
thought-out decisions.
See the battle for our minds in 2 Co 105 - and the conclusion
/ remedy:
‘Take captive every thought to make it obedient
to Christ’.
Temptation begins in the mind.
Often the result of what we see
or hear. Advertising, pornography ...
e.g. Greed and lust. Math
527,28 Col 35 1 Jn 215-17 Hatred.
Gen 41-7
A man who buys the Sun and
‘feasts' on page 3 will not have a pure mind.
Which claims
more of our time; reading what God says
or what the
newspaper and TV say. Neither are known for their truth!
It usually takes time to change years of ingrained thinking. But God will
do it.
It requires our determination as well as God’s
grace and power.
Our attitude to money is often resistant to change. e.g. Mk 144
c.f. 6
See also Is 557 Ps 104 Math 1519
1 Co 127,28 Heb 412 Lu 134,5
The result of being transformed:
We will know the will of God; his purpose,
his plans for us and
for his world will be revealed. Amos 37
It will be seen to be good; even if difficult or
costly.
God is not restrictive and harsh. Math
2514-30 He tells what is truly the best.
Unbelieving man thinks
he knows better than his Creator.
But the Lord God is always
proved right in the end.
Believers witness
to the truth that God is most wise, kind and gracious.
Gifts 123-8
'Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought'.
Judge using 'the measure of faith God has given you' rather than human ability.
Why does Paul emphasise this before continuing with 'gifts'?
Very few are immune from self-importance in some area
of life.
When does leadership become assertiveness?
One body with many members. Each needed and valued.
All gifts are given by God - no room for pride.
We each belong to all the others. Willingly given c.f.
presumed and taken.
Discover and use what God has given to the utmost.
Prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing, leadership, mercy
...
Paul gives a few examples here - there are many more.
1 Co 127-11
Good parents, helping, caring, praying, preaching, telling
others ...
Beware of defining their relative importance. e.g. "Just
a helper"
The most important is to do well what God has directed
me to do.
Learn to trust God with variations. e.g. Moses Exd
1525 176 Num 2011-12
Relationships 129-21
Sincere love. Not a reluctant show, not spasmodic, but thorough and
real.
Hate what is evil. Satan can only tempt us when we want what he
offers.
Honour and respect others. But beware of toleration of evil and compromise
of truth.
Spiritual zeal. Not half-hearted, only when convenient or popular.
Joyful in hope. What are our hopes? Do they have God's
assurance?
Patient in affliction
Faithful in prayer. Always a challenge.
Share willingly and practice hospitality. Costly.
Bless persecutors
Share in both the joy and tears of others
Do not be proud or snobbish. Who do we honour most?
Try to live at peace with all
Don't take revenge - God will repay
Feed your enemy (personal, not military enemy)
Overcome evil or repay evil with good
Our holiness is a continuing battle; let us strive to win.
We are assured that one day we will be like our Saviour. 1 Jn
31-3
Submission to the
Authorities
131-7
'Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities'. Why?
Because they 'have been established by God'. But
note 1 Sam 8
David would not harm Saul because he was the Lord's
anointed. 1 Sam 24, 26
'Rulers hold no terror for those who do right'.
They exist to keep law and order, and to ensure the
common good.
How do we submit?
Pay taxes and give respect. Lu
2020-26 Math 1724-27
Pray earnestly for those in authority. 1 Tim
21,2
Are there any exceptions?
Democratic government has given us the vote and freedom of speech.
Thus these verses do not forbid us striving for better
local counsellors,
better MP's, a better
Executive (chooses Archbishops)
Or a more righteous
media.
Submission does not forbid respectful letters of
complaint or suggestions.
Use the rights that
authorities have given us while we may.
Forced to worship idols. Dan 3, 6 Rev 1314,15 also
1316-18
Many martyrs throughout history chose to obey God rather than men. Act
419
And there will be many more!
How much does Christian truth matter? Ecumenical and Inter-faith threat.
In Reformation many died rather than accept the Mass
or Trans-substantiation
Love, for the Day is Near
138-14
How may we love one another?
'Let no debt remain outstanding'.
'Continuing debt of love to one another'.
Keep Commandments: No adultery, murder, stealing
or coveting.
'Love is the fulfilment of the Law'; not ignoring
it.
Do no harm to your neighbour.
'Understand the present time'. See 'Danger Signs'
The time is urgent; Christ's coming is near.
Therefore 'behave decently' 'clothe yourselves with
the Lord Jesus Christ'.
No drunkenness, immorality,
jealousy or satisfying the sinful nature.
Are we ready for what the Lord has prophesied will
happen before he comes?
Live 'in Christ Jesus'. Col 27-14 1 Jn
31-6
i.e. Fulfill 122
To live a holy and honest life is an ongoing challenge
for all of us.
Stop Passing Judgement
141-23
It is difficult to resist putting people in neatly labelled boxes.
He's vegetarian, a Euro-sceptic, a Charismatic, 'High'
church, etc
Paul appeals for understanding of unimportant differences.
Judgement of diversity is often difficult.
What are real 'faith'
issues?
What are seen as 'Errors'
that cannot be ignored?
1. Meat.
Abattoirs used to offer meat to idols.
Thus some thought it wrong for Christians to eat
it. Others didn't.
Act 109-16,34 1118 Act
2125 1 Co 84-13 Rev 214,20
Paul does not discuss the issue; or try to indicate whether it is right or
wrong.
He teaches us about our attitude towards each other.
We are each servants of the Lord Almighty; and answerable
to him.
2. 'Special' Days.
This does not refer to Sabbaths.
God says keep the Sabbath holy, separate, not just
special.
It is not just for
family or sport; but the whole family for God.
These special days refer to many minor Jewish festivals - like our 'Saints
days'.
Again, Paul does not discuss which are good or bad,
but writes, 'Each one should be convinced in his
own mind'. 145
This presumes that we all do everything 'to the Lord'.
Is this valid presumption?
It is helpful to remember our forebears who witnessed for the truth.
We all have so much to learn from history. Causes
of triumph and failure.
Learning from history is very different from venerating the saints.
What about 'Flora Day'? More than a harmless, joyful tradition or fun day.
Origins lie in superstitions, not truth. Like 'Crying
the neck'.
Paul never misses an opportunity to remind us that Christ died and rose,
so that we may 'belong to the Lord'. 148,9
You are not your own. You were bought at a
price. 1 Co 619,20
Do look down on others or despise those who do not see things as you see
them.
Revelation in God-given, to each in his time.
What Jesus said to some of the Pharisees who were
proud, may apply to us!
'Each of us will give an account of himself to God'.
1412
God loves us as we are, but he will not leave us as we are.
Let us each encourage that change without judgement
or pride.
The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,
but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
1417
Therefor strive for peace and mutual edification. 1419
Everything that does not come from faith is sin.
1423b
Everything we do should have God's stamp of approval
- assurance.
Let us take heed of our conscience. See how it grows
more sensitive.
Observe what other Christians do and think - then
test it and learn.
Church tradition may
be good, or not!
But much more important seek what God desires for
you.
God's well done
is far more important than man's approval.
As Christians we are on a journey as pilgrims. Heb 1113,16
Each have differing experience and needs.
The weakness of one may be the strength of another.
Strive to learn
This chapter is about being concerned that we do not offend others;
learning to encourage each other in the truth and
in holy living.
It is a warning to avoid any suspicion of pride or
Christian smugness.
Endurance, Encouragement and
Hope 152-13
How can we do good to our neighbour? 152-4
Do I live for their good or to please myself? 1
Co 1023,24 Phil 24-8
Do I shield them from insults - due to becoming
Christians? Ps 699b
The Scriptures were written to teach us; to assure and strengthen our hope.
154
What is our hope?
Forgiveness, eternal
life, holy life in a kingdom of righteousness.
The Word of God reveals the true witness of many
who endured.
God protected, encouraged,
provided, revealed and remains faithful.
Develop a spirit of unity. 155-7
But it must never preclude discernment.
Try to be tolerant of different styles of worship and music.
Learn to differentiate vital truth from different opinions. e.g.
It is wrong to say no OT men were saved because Jesus
was not yet crucified.
But to believe the rapture is before the tribulation
may not be wrong,
although I personally
do not believe it to be the truth.
(It may lead the church into
false security, disillusionment
and render us unprepared for persecution.)
Beware of false 'Church unity' and compromise.
We are all on a pilgrim road with an ongoing need to learn and to change.
It is unreasonable to expect young Christians to instantly change all their
beliefs and life-style.
Strive to encourage each other in this.
Discern the difference between church tradition and Biblical truth.
Am I willing to change?
'With heart and mouth'. Oneness must be real, not pretend or just 'mouth'.
156
Cultivate an eager heart that searches the scriptures.
The Word of God and a gracious spirit are the best means to unity and truth.
Have a common goal - to 'glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ'.
Thus are Jew and Gentile reconciled under the canopy of God's mercy.
158-12
This was always God's intention and promise. He has
fulfilled his Word.
Gen 123b
Is 496 Ro 1625-27 Gal
327-29
As we trust God who is always faithful, he will fill us with joy and peace.
In all things God works for the good of those who love him.
828
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved
us. 837
The power of the Holy Spirit brings to us enlivened hope and assurance.
813
There is no uncertainty or disappointment in this
hope. Eph 113,14 Ro 55
Emmaus pair before
c.f. after meeting Jesus. Lu 2421 c.f. 32,34
Paul, a Minister to the
Gentiles
1514-22
Paul makes clear his reason for writing this letter:
1. That 'the Gentiles might become an acceptable offering to God'.
1516b
How do we become an
acceptable offering?
Because Christ himself
was a 'full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice
for
the sins of the whole world'; the offering promised from the beginning,
long
awaited and accepted by God - proved by raising him from the dead.
We are 'buried' with
Christ. United in his death and his resurrection. 63-11
Jesus, with all our
sin on his back, was accepted; therefore we are too.
2. That the Gentiles might be 'sanctified by the Holy Spirit'.
1516c
What does it mean to
be 'sanctified'?
To live a holy, pure,
righteous life, fully pleasing to God.
God 'writes' his Law
in our hearts; we learn to want to obey him. Jer 3133,34
Gladly, we no longer
'conform to the pattern of the world',
and
we are being 'transformed by the renewing of our mind'.
122
Such is the mercy and
grace of our God.
Paul is convinced that
the Roman Christians knew this. 1514
Would
he be equally convinced about our 'knowledge' and 'goodness.?
He wrote this letter
to 'remind' us Gentiles of these truths.
Over
the centuries, God has been pleased to save many souls by this letter.
But
sadly few Gentiles have seen the privilege of our being 'grafted in'.
They
have not seen the debt we owe to the Jews
who
in the beginning brought us the Scriptures
faithfully
revealed the gospel of Jesus
and
did so at a high price - many martyrs.
'Therefore': 1517
Paul glories in Christ Jesus that many Gentiles now obey God.
1518
How many in the UK today are zealous to obey God?
Do we love the Lord your God with all our heart,
soul and strength? Deut 65,6
Note Jn 1423
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.
For this purpose he 'fully proclaimed the Gospel of Christ'.
1519
What does this include? Jn 33-5
Math 53-10 Ro 61-14 1 Co
118-22
Our desperate need of rescue
and God's gracious
and reliable gift of forgiveness and life.
Unlike today, he was never afraid to challenge us
with the unpopular. Gal 116
He especially delighted to preach where no one had been before.
1520,21
Many had preached in Rome; that was why he didn't
till the end. 1522
Longs to go to Rome
1523-33
Paul had spent 20 years (AD 37-57) founding and building the church
in today's Turkey and Greece. God had greatly blest
his zeal.
Now he desired to go to Spain, via Rome.
This was introductory letter! How would you have
written?
Paul had plans - Christians need to plan; and ask God to change them if need
be!
e.g. Bithynia or Macedonia? Acts
166-10 And he never did go to Spain.
Now he first had to go to Jerusalem, 'in the service of the saints'.
In what ways may we learn to serve each other?
Paul was taking gifts from the mostly Gentile churches
to Jerusalem.
They were pleased and even obliged to do it.
1527 is rarely considered today.
He would come to Rome 'in the full measure and blessing of Christ'.
1529
The whole church is the fulness of Christ. Eph
122,23 411-14
Paul prayed that the Ephesians would be
'filled to the measure
of all the fullness of God'. Eph 314-19
'You have been given fullness in Christ'.
Col 210
Paul would exercise an apostolic ministry with the
Christians in Rome.
Personal
Greetings 161-27
Paul commends sister Phoebe who had been a great help to so many.
161,2
This is one small proof that Paul did not despise
women.
The one common characteristic of those being greeted was they 'worked hard'.
'Watch out for those who cause divisions'. 1617-19
How?
By contrary teaching. Liberal theology, replacement
theology, multi-faith ...
By 'smooth talk and flattery they deceive'.
It is vital to learn all of Scripture.
Know the contest; learn
to 'test' what is said.
They usually tell us
what we want to hear. Peace, ease, revival, ...
Often popular figures
- not the same as being widely respected.
Paul
was respected; Simon the Sorcerer (not Peter) was popular. Act
89-11
See how Paul's gospel centres on Jesus Christ. 1625 1
Co 22 Gal 220 Phil 34-11
What was 'the mystery hidden for long ages past' and now revealed?
1625,26
'That all nations might believe and obey him'.
1626
That salvation is by grace alone, though faith alone,
in Christ alone.
It is not by keeping
the Law or deciding to follow Jesus.
Both are 'made known through the prophetic
writings'. Lu 2427 2445
See notes on
158-12 121 and all Ro 1-8
'To the only wise God be glory for ever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
1627
Indeed so. He well deserves all glory and praise.
In 1534 William Tyndale wrote in his exhortation about the Roman Letter:
"Now go, reader, and follow the order of Paul's writing. First, behold yourself diligently in the Law of God, and see there your just condemnation. Second, turn your eyes to Christ, and see in him the great mercy of your kind and loving Father. Third, remember that Christ did not make atonement that you should anger God again, nor did he cleanse you that you should return to your old ways again. He wants you to be a new creation and to live a new life, following the will of God and not the sinful nature."