Romans 1:1-17
Paul longs to visit the Romans
Romans may be the most important book of the Bible.
The two parts of the Book of Romans: 1) Chapters 1-11: Doctrine and Theology 2) Chapters 12-16: Application to our lives
Paul makes a formal salutation in Romans 1:1-7. His eagerness to visit them in Rome is seen in Romans 1:8-15. He then bridged to the main argument of the book in Romans 1:16, 17.
We can learn about Paul through the Salutation 1) Paul describes himself as
a) A servant of Christ
b) An apostle
c) One set apart for the Gospel of God
He then goes ahead and describes the Gospel
a) It is theocentric (having God as the central focus)
b) It was promised beforehand by the prophets
c) It concerns God’s Son Jesus Christ who was “marked out” by the resurrection
d) The goal of the Gospel is to call people to obedience that comes from faith. True faith always produces obedience.
He then summarizes the whole letter to Romans in 1:16, 17
a) Salvation is by faith alone. Faith produces obedience. But salvation is by faith alone.
b) Salvation is offered to all people
c) This salvation is consistent with what the Old Testament taught.
“Righteousness of God” - That expression is used eight times in the Book of Romans
a) It is used three times to refer to God’s attribute of justice (3:5, 25, 26)
b) It is used five more times in 1:16, 17; 3:21, 22; 10:3
c) It means “the righteousness that God imparts or imputes to all who believe in His Son”.
d) It is apart from works of the Law. (Romans 3:28; 4:1-8, 23-25)
e) It is not our own. (Philippians 3:9)
f) It is the gift of God. (Romans 5:17)
g) It is received by faith. (Romans 1:17; 9:30-10:4; Galatians 2:15-21)
“Christ our righteousness” sums it up. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Paul is writing to a group of Christians he has not yet met. He writes it from Corinth.
Paul’s secret of success: a) He knew who he was. b) He prayed all the time. c) He had a clear sense of purpose. d) He felt a heavy obligation - he owed people the Gospel.
Romans 1:18-2:28
God's judgement
The doctrinal section is chapters 1-11. The introduction, the first subsection, is 1:1-15. The statement of the book’s main theme, “the Gospel of God” is 1:16,17. Romans 1:18-3:20 is the second subsection. The main goal is to show that all people are guilty and without excuse before God. Romans 3:23 sums it all up: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” If that's the case, no one can be justified by keeping the law.
Paul begins by turning his attention to those who have never acknowledged the Lord as their God. Similar tactic is seen in Amos' book. He talks about the judgement on the hedon nation surrounding Israel. Then he brings the attention to Israel and Judah and talks about God's wrath upon them for living like the Hedonistic nations. Paul follows a similar tactic in showing the sin of the Jews and those who follow the law.
Romans 1:18-32 is important because:
a) It tells us that all human beings, by virtue of their creation in God’s image, know that their Creator exists and is powerful. Perhaps there is no such thing as an atheist. We learn that all people are responsible to respond to the light given them by their Creator.
b) Romans 2:12 is the answer to the question of what happens to people who have never heard the gospel. "All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law." Is it fair for God to judge the heathen who have never heard? Another questions is this - How can God judge people, even if they are guilty, if they never had a chance to repent? (Jeremiah 29:13)- You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
The gospel will reach every person who earnestly seeks God.
c) We learn that there is a universal tendency to suppress the knowledge of God that is innate in every person. There is a chilling progression in chapter 1. They did not glorify God. They did not give thanks. They exchanged God’s glory for that of corruptible things. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and God gave them over. They exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones and God gave them over to a depraved mind. His Spirit stops striving with man, and man is given over to “reprobation”. The downward spiral starts with a lack of thanksgiving.
Homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle in God’s view in the Old or New Testament.
The terrible list of sins on Romans 1 includes: murder, strife, deceit, malice, disobedience to parents, envy and gossip. Some things we call character flaws, God calls them as sin. Before we start throwing stones at people with alternate sexuality, remember that we may be at par with them on sinning.
A solid evangelistic principle: Before we can welcome the good news, we much first understand the bad news. Chapter 1 proves that the Gentiles are living under the curse of sin and can do nothing to merit God’s acceptance. Chapter 2 draws the same conclusion about the Jews. Romans 2:4: “Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” What is needed is an inner circumcision - a circumcision of the heart.
God's judgement
The doctrinal section is chapters 1-11. The introduction, the first subsection, is 1:1-15. The statement of the book’s main theme, “the Gospel of God” is 1:16,17. Romans 1:18-3:20 is the second subsection. The main goal is to show that all people are guilty and without excuse before God. Romans 3:23 sums it all up: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” If that's the case, no one can be justified by keeping the law.
Paul begins by turning his attention to those who have never acknowledged the Lord as their God. Similar tactic is seen in Amos' book. He talks about the judgement on the hedon nation surrounding Israel. Then he brings the attention to Israel and Judah and talks about God's wrath upon them for living like the Hedonistic nations. Paul follows a similar tactic in showing the sin of the Jews and those who follow the law.
Romans 1:18-32 is important because:
a) It tells us that all human beings, by virtue of their creation in God’s image, know that their Creator exists and is powerful. Perhaps there is no such thing as an atheist. We learn that all people are responsible to respond to the light given them by their Creator.
b) Romans 2:12 is the answer to the question of what happens to people who have never heard the gospel. "All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law." Is it fair for God to judge the heathen who have never heard? Another questions is this - How can God judge people, even if they are guilty, if they never had a chance to repent? (Jeremiah 29:13)- You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
The gospel will reach every person who earnestly seeks God.
c) We learn that there is a universal tendency to suppress the knowledge of God that is innate in every person. There is a chilling progression in chapter 1. They did not glorify God. They did not give thanks. They exchanged God’s glory for that of corruptible things. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and God gave them over. They exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones and God gave them over to a depraved mind. His Spirit stops striving with man, and man is given over to “reprobation”. The downward spiral starts with a lack of thanksgiving.
Homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle in God’s view in the Old or New Testament.
The terrible list of sins on Romans 1 includes: murder, strife, deceit, malice, disobedience to parents, envy and gossip. Some things we call character flaws, God calls them as sin. Before we start throwing stones at people with alternate sexuality, remember that we may be at par with them on sinning.
A solid evangelistic principle: Before we can welcome the good news, we much first understand the bad news. Chapter 1 proves that the Gentiles are living under the curse of sin and can do nothing to merit God’s acceptance. Chapter 2 draws the same conclusion about the Jews. Romans 2:4: “Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” What is needed is an inner circumcision - a circumcision of the heart.
Romans 3
Establishing the law
Romans 3 is a monumental “great chapter” of the Bible - it contains the verse that underlines the whole of creation-redemption story - Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." It tells me why Christ had to die. It explains what really happened on the cross.
All people are under the wrath of God because of sin. Gentiles cannot use the excuse of ignorance of special revelation. Jews are held accountable because they hold the very words (oracles) of God. Having the Law exposes you to greater condemnation.
Paul then deals with three objections:
a) What is the advantage in being a Jew? Much advantage. Because you have the very words of God.
b) How can God punish the Jews - He has promised to be their God - if he punishes them, that would make Him unfaithful? Paul's answer is that God remains faithful regardless of their lack of faith.
c) If the wickedness of the Jews shows God’s justice, then it would be unfair to punish them for it. Paul condemns such thought.
The conclusion of the matter, bolstered by many Old Testament proof texts is that everyone - Jew and Gentile - is under the power of sin and has failed to keep God’s law.
Justification - be declared righteous
“Justification is a legal sentence or declaration issued by God in which He pronounces the person in question free from any fault or guilt and acceptable in His sight.” Justification is a “forensic” or “legal” term. It denotes the act of saying guilty or not guilty. There are two methods of justification - by works or by faith. Justification by works means perfectly keeping all the law. This is not possible (Romans 2:14). Law cannot save anyone. It just helps identify sin. Justification by faith is the Gospel method.
The Doctrine of Total Depravity - is another important doctrine.
It does not mean that individuals never do anything good. It does mean that we are totally unable to contribute anything to our own salvation. It means that every bit of our being is corrupted and is sinful. We are unable to save ourselves. We need to die to our self and receive the salvation that comes from faith in Jesus.
The Gospel - The Good News (Romans 3:21)
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
“A righteousness from God has been made known.”
a) It comes FROM God.
b) It comes through faith.
c) It comes to all who believe.
Let's go back to our interpretive scheme: (From passages we have already read…) - prophecy, fact and interpretation.
About the death of Christ, there is no question at all.
1) Prophecy: Jesus Christ’s death (Psalm 22; Christ’s own words in the Gospel of Luke)
2) Fact: Dr. Luke, the historian records the history
3) Interpretation: Romans 3:21-26 explains His death and educates us in terms of its significance (interpretation).
Please notice these three words: 1) Justified (v24) 2) Redemption (v24) 3) Sacrifice of Atonement or Propitiation - in KJV (v25)
When we understand these three words, we are able to comprehend the meaning of the word 'Grace'.
Establishing the law
Romans 3 is a monumental “great chapter” of the Bible - it contains the verse that underlines the whole of creation-redemption story - Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." It tells me why Christ had to die. It explains what really happened on the cross.
All people are under the wrath of God because of sin. Gentiles cannot use the excuse of ignorance of special revelation. Jews are held accountable because they hold the very words (oracles) of God. Having the Law exposes you to greater condemnation.
Paul then deals with three objections:
a) What is the advantage in being a Jew? Much advantage. Because you have the very words of God.
b) How can God punish the Jews - He has promised to be their God - if he punishes them, that would make Him unfaithful? Paul's answer is that God remains faithful regardless of their lack of faith.
c) If the wickedness of the Jews shows God’s justice, then it would be unfair to punish them for it. Paul condemns such thought.
The conclusion of the matter, bolstered by many Old Testament proof texts is that everyone - Jew and Gentile - is under the power of sin and has failed to keep God’s law.
Justification - be declared righteous
“Justification is a legal sentence or declaration issued by God in which He pronounces the person in question free from any fault or guilt and acceptable in His sight.” Justification is a “forensic” or “legal” term. It denotes the act of saying guilty or not guilty. There are two methods of justification - by works or by faith. Justification by works means perfectly keeping all the law. This is not possible (Romans 2:14). Law cannot save anyone. It just helps identify sin. Justification by faith is the Gospel method.
The Doctrine of Total Depravity - is another important doctrine.
It does not mean that individuals never do anything good. It does mean that we are totally unable to contribute anything to our own salvation. It means that every bit of our being is corrupted and is sinful. We are unable to save ourselves. We need to die to our self and receive the salvation that comes from faith in Jesus.
The Gospel - The Good News (Romans 3:21)
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
“A righteousness from God has been made known.”
a) It comes FROM God.
b) It comes through faith.
c) It comes to all who believe.
Let's go back to our interpretive scheme: (From passages we have already read…) - prophecy, fact and interpretation.
About the death of Christ, there is no question at all.
1) Prophecy: Jesus Christ’s death (Psalm 22; Christ’s own words in the Gospel of Luke)
2) Fact: Dr. Luke, the historian records the history
3) Interpretation: Romans 3:21-26 explains His death and educates us in terms of its significance (interpretation).
Please notice these three words: 1) Justified (v24) 2) Redemption (v24) 3) Sacrifice of Atonement or Propitiation - in KJV (v25)
When we understand these three words, we are able to comprehend the meaning of the word 'Grace'.
Romans 3:21-31
The Most Important Passage in Romans
What really happened on the cross? Why did Jesus have to die? What did his death accomplish?
The answer lies in the three words - Justification, Redemption and Sacrifice of atonement (propitiation).
1) Justification - It is a “forensic” or “legal” term. Since we cannot be justified by a personal righteousness, we need an “imputed” or “credited” righteousness. Imputed righteousness is credited to my account only by someone who has no sin.
A nice sunday school definition of 'Justification' - Just as if I never sinned.
The triangle illustration below defines the act of justification.
God (justification)
Christ (redemption)--> Me
2) Redemption - This is a “commercial” or “financial” term. It means to buy something back. It contains the idea that a price has been paid for that which was held captive. Redemption is well illustrated in the Book of Hosea. The relationship between Hosea and Gomer, his adulterous wife symbolizes the act of redemption. Hosea represents God, and Gomer represents Us. God told Hosea to redeem Gomer despite Homer knowing what kind of woman she was. 1 Peter 1:18-19: you were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. We were enslaved to sin, but God redeemed us from the sin. We are no longer slave to sin. Satan has no role in this act of redemption. The three persons involved in this are represented in the triangle above.
I Peter 1:18, 19: “For you know it was not with perishable things such a silver and gold that you were redeemed…but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without defect or blemish.”
Propitiation - It is a “religious” word. It means “to turn way the wrath of” (God, in this case.) God cannot allow sin to go unpunished without ceasing to be perfect. The difference between “Christian” and “pagan” propitiation is that God Himself took the initiative - He paid the price. (John 3:16)
These three transactions all occurred the moment Christ cried out, “It is finished!”
The “why” of the cross is explained in verse 26 - so that He might be both “just and the justifier”. The work of Christ on Calvary’s cross is appropriated to any individual on the basis of faith. All I can do is simply “believe” and “receive”.
The Most Important Passage in Romans
What really happened on the cross? Why did Jesus have to die? What did his death accomplish?
The answer lies in the three words - Justification, Redemption and Sacrifice of atonement (propitiation).
1) Justification - It is a “forensic” or “legal” term. Since we cannot be justified by a personal righteousness, we need an “imputed” or “credited” righteousness. Imputed righteousness is credited to my account only by someone who has no sin.
A nice sunday school definition of 'Justification' - Just as if I never sinned.
The triangle illustration below defines the act of justification.
God (justification)
Christ (redemption)--> Me
2) Redemption - This is a “commercial” or “financial” term. It means to buy something back. It contains the idea that a price has been paid for that which was held captive. Redemption is well illustrated in the Book of Hosea. The relationship between Hosea and Gomer, his adulterous wife symbolizes the act of redemption. Hosea represents God, and Gomer represents Us. God told Hosea to redeem Gomer despite Homer knowing what kind of woman she was. 1 Peter 1:18-19: you were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. We were enslaved to sin, but God redeemed us from the sin. We are no longer slave to sin. Satan has no role in this act of redemption. The three persons involved in this are represented in the triangle above.
I Peter 1:18, 19: “For you know it was not with perishable things such a silver and gold that you were redeemed…but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without defect or blemish.”
Propitiation - It is a “religious” word. It means “to turn way the wrath of” (God, in this case.) God cannot allow sin to go unpunished without ceasing to be perfect. The difference between “Christian” and “pagan” propitiation is that God Himself took the initiative - He paid the price. (John 3:16)
These three transactions all occurred the moment Christ cried out, “It is finished!”
The “why” of the cross is explained in verse 26 - so that He might be both “just and the justifier”. The work of Christ on Calvary’s cross is appropriated to any individual on the basis of faith. All I can do is simply “believe” and “receive”.
Romans 4-5
Abraham's righteousness
Outline of Romans thus far
Introduction (1:1-15)
Bridge verses; statement of theme (1:16,17) 3) No one will be justified by works (1:18-3:20)
From 3:21 through the end of chapter 5, Paul explains what “justification by faith” really means. The end of Chapter 3 - explanation of what it means
Chapter 4 - Abraham as an example
Chapter 5:1-11 - Blessings that come to us because of it
Chapter 5:12-21 - Parallel between Adam and Christ as representatives of the human race
God’s method for offering salvation to mankind has never really changed.
Credited or imputed righteousness
Two men who were credited righteousness - Abraham, the friend of God; David, the man after God’s own heart.
Christianity, in the mind of the people, was not a totally new thing from the Jewish religion of the Old Testament. Abraham is the father of all people - not just Jews. The last part of Chapter 4 illustrates the Gospel method of “justification by faith” through Abraham’s life. Object of his faith was the promise of God that he will be the father of many nations. He believed in it even though he knew it was not possible and that was the strength of his faith. The ground of his faith was in his faith in the ability of God to fulfill the promise. The result of his faith is his claim as the father of multitudes. The record of his faith was given to teach us that faith results in righteousness.
It is impossible to over-emphasize the importance of faith. God has taken the initiative but we must believe. The key to activating the promise is faith. Faith in the promises of God. We are justified by grace. God's grace. But we are justified through faith.
We are saved BY grace THROUGH faith (Ephesians 2). The greatest weapon God has given us is faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Romans Chapter 5
The results of justification through faith:
a) Peace with God - we now stand as children of God; once we were enemies of God and were worthy of God's wrath.
b) Hope - it is an assured certainty that what God has said will happen.
c) Joy
How well you have understood the doctrine of justification through faith can be gleaned by the peace, hope and joy in your life.
The comparison between Adam and Jesus Christ: a) Both represented all of mankind. b) The meaning of “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (I Corinthians 15:22) c) Adam was our “federal head.” Christ represents us in righteousness.
Abraham's righteousness
Outline of Romans thus far
Introduction (1:1-15)
Bridge verses; statement of theme (1:16,17) 3) No one will be justified by works (1:18-3:20)
From 3:21 through the end of chapter 5, Paul explains what “justification by faith” really means. The end of Chapter 3 - explanation of what it means
Chapter 4 - Abraham as an example
Chapter 5:1-11 - Blessings that come to us because of it
Chapter 5:12-21 - Parallel between Adam and Christ as representatives of the human race
God’s method for offering salvation to mankind has never really changed.
Credited or imputed righteousness
Two men who were credited righteousness - Abraham, the friend of God; David, the man after God’s own heart.
Christianity, in the mind of the people, was not a totally new thing from the Jewish religion of the Old Testament. Abraham is the father of all people - not just Jews. The last part of Chapter 4 illustrates the Gospel method of “justification by faith” through Abraham’s life. Object of his faith was the promise of God that he will be the father of many nations. He believed in it even though he knew it was not possible and that was the strength of his faith. The ground of his faith was in his faith in the ability of God to fulfill the promise. The result of his faith is his claim as the father of multitudes. The record of his faith was given to teach us that faith results in righteousness.
It is impossible to over-emphasize the importance of faith. God has taken the initiative but we must believe. The key to activating the promise is faith. Faith in the promises of God. We are justified by grace. God's grace. But we are justified through faith.
We are saved BY grace THROUGH faith (Ephesians 2). The greatest weapon God has given us is faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Romans Chapter 5
The results of justification through faith:
a) Peace with God - we now stand as children of God; once we were enemies of God and were worthy of God's wrath.
b) Hope - it is an assured certainty that what God has said will happen.
c) Joy
How well you have understood the doctrine of justification through faith can be gleaned by the peace, hope and joy in your life.
The comparison between Adam and Jesus Christ: a) Both represented all of mankind. b) The meaning of “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (I Corinthians 15:22) c) Adam was our “federal head.” Christ represents us in righteousness.
