Saturday, September 15, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Friends, Romans, Countrymen...
Well friends, we’re off and running!
Thank you for coming on Tuesday! It was great to have you all back for the latest study in the Ancient Words series. Welcome to the book of Romans!
On Tuesday, we took a broad look at the background of Romans. The outline that I handed out together with the notes included here should help you continue making your acquaintance with Paul’s letter. As we’ve noted all along, this book gives us some of the deepest and steepest theology of all New Testament writings.
But don’t let that intimidate you! Many people have walked away from the profound joy and deep truth found in these pages.
One of the most remarkable features of the first chapter is how much Paul packs into the first few verses! The number and importance of the theological themes that Paul lays out is very impressive! He talks about sin and death, salvation, grace, faith, justification, sanctification, redemption, resurrection and glorification.
And God’s righteousness is at the very heart of it all. God is righteous—blameless, guiltless, inculpable, innocent, exemplary, irreproachable, pure, virtuous, unblamable; God is righteous. And God demands righteousness of us—but humankind is incapable of any righteousness of our own. We stand before a righteous God unable to stand! But God is God and we are not! So out of grace, mercy and love, God offers us the very thing that he demands! God makes a way where there is no way! Romans 5:6 we’re reminded: “For while we were still weak at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Like a photographer who used software to cover and even erase blemishes from the face of a loved one in a portrait, God sent his son Jesus to cover and even erase our sin. So now when God looks at you and me, God sees Christ who covers us completely!
The book of Romans bears this out. Stay tuned!
See you on Tuesday!
Ancient Words from the Book of Revelation
Teaching Outline for Session One
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
I. Author
A. The writer of this letter was the apostle Paul.
1. The Book of Romans 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Romans as the Apostle Paul with the first word.
2. The letter contains a number of historical references that agree with known facts of Paul’s life.
3. The doctrinal content of the book is typical of Paul, which is evident from a comparison with other letters he wrote.
4. Romans 16:22 indicates that Paul used a man name Tertius to transcribe his words.
B. St. Paul the Apostle was born in Tarsus in 10 AD and probably martyred in Rome in the year 67 AD)
1. Known as the “Apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13, Galatians 2:8) Paul was, together with St. Peter, the most notable of Early Christian missionaries.
2. Different from all of the other Apostles, Paul did not know Jesus in life;
a. Paul came to faith through a vision of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-20) and based his apostolic authority on that vision.
Galatians 1:11–12
For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
3. Fourteen “epistles” or letters in the New Testament are traditionally attributed to Paul; and …
4. Paul's influence on Christian thinking arguably has been more significant than any other single New Testament author.
II. Date and Place of Writing
A. Date…
1. The book of Romans was written between 56-58 AD, most likely in the early Spring of 57 toward the end of his three month stay in Greece on his third missionary journey (Romans 15:25-26; Acts 20:1-3.)
2. Most likely, Paul was ready to return to Jerusalem with the offering from the mission churches for poverty-stricken believers in Jerusalem.
3. He had intended to go to Rome and then on to Spain (Romans 15:24) but his plans were interrupted when he was arrested in Jerusalem; so he would eventually get to Rome, but as a prisoner.
4. In Romans 15:26 it is suggested that Paul had already received contributions from the churches of Macedonia and Achaia, so he either was at Corinth or had already been there.
Romans 15:25-26
25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem in a ministry to the saints; 26 for Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.
B. Place
1. The most likely place of writing is either Corinth or Cenchrea (about six miles away) because of references to
a. Phoebe of Cenchrea ( Romans 16:1)
b. Gaius, Paul’s host (Romans 16:23), who was probably a Corinthian (1 Corinthians 1:14).
c. Erastus (16:23) may also have been a Corinthian (2 Timothy 4:20).
III. Recipients
A. The original recipients of the letter were the people of the church at Rome (1:7), who were primarily Gentile, but included Jews as well.
IV. Background of the Church at Rome
A. There is nothing in the New Testament that sheds any light on the origination of the church in Rome.
1. It is possible that visitors to Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost following the Lord’s ascension were among the 3000 saved and later took the gospel with them back home (Acts 2:10).
2. Or among those dispersed following Stephen's death were some that went to Rome and preached the gospel there (Acts 8:1-4).
B. Aquila and Priscilla
1. The first we read of Christians from Rome is possibly that of husband and wife team, Aquila and Priscilla.
2. They were well-known tentmakers and evangelists who, along with all Jews, were expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius and were found by Paul at Corinth during his second journey (Acts 18:1-2)
3. After traveling with Paul to Ephesus and working with the church there (Acts 18:18-19, 24-26; 1 Corinthians 16:19), we find them back at Rome and hosting a church in their house (Romans 16:3-5).
C. House Churches
1. From the greetings given by Paul in Romans 16, it appears that there were several churches in Rome meeting in various homes (16:5, 14, 15).
2. The names of individuals would suggest that the Christians were primarily Gentiles, with a smaller number of Jews.
D. Reputation of the Roman Church
1. The reputation of the Christians in Rome was widespread; both their
a. Faith (1:8) and
b. Obedience (16:19) were well known.
2. For this reason Paul had long wanted to see them (15:23), with the goal of sharing in their mutual edification (1:11-12) and to be assisted on his way to Spain (15:22-24).
V. Major Theme
A. Paul’s primary theme in Romans is the basic gospel, God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind; Jew and Gentile alike (1:16–17).
1. Although justification by faith has been suggested by some as the theme, it would seem that a broader theme states the message of the book more adequately.
2. “Righteousness from God” (1:17) includes justification by faith, but it also embraces such related ideas as guilt, sanctification and security.
VI. The Purposes of the Book of Romans
A. Paul was excited about being able to at last minister in this church, everyone was well aware of that fact (Romans 1:8-15).
B. Paul’s purposes for writing this letter were varied:
1. He wrote to prepare the way for his coming visit to Rome and his proposed mission to Spain (1:10–15; 15:22–29);
2. He wrote to present the basic system of salvation to a church that had not received the teaching of an apostle before;
3. He sought to explain the relationship between Jew and Gentile in God’s overall plan of redemption;
4. The Jewish Christians were being rejected by the larger Gentile group in the church (14:1) because the Jewish believers still felt constrained to observe dietary laws and sacred days (14:2–6).
VII. The Occasion for the Writing of Romans
A. When Paul wrote this letter, he was probably at Corinth (Acts 20:2–3) on his third missionary journey.
1. His work in the eastern Mediterranean was almost finished (15:18–23), and he really wanted to visit the Roman church (1:11–12; 15:23–24).
2. But there was a bit if a “bump” in the plan…
a. Paul could not go to Rome because he felt he must personally deliver the collection—an offering taken among the Gentile churches for the poverty-stricken Christians of Jerusalem (15:25–28).
3. So instead of going to Rome, he sent a letter—probably delivered by Phoebe—to prepare the Christians there for his intended visit in connection with a mission to Spain (15:23–24 and 15:24).
4. For many years Paul had wanted to visit Rome to minister there (1:13–15), and this letter served as a careful and systematic theological introduction to that hoped—for personal ministry.
5. Since he was not acquainted directly with the Roman church, he says little about its problems (14:1—15:13; cf. also 13:1–7; 16:17–18).
VIII. Content
A. As the book opens, Paul begins by surveying the spiritual condition of all people.
1. He finds Jews and Gentiles alike to be sinners and in need of salvation.
2. That salvation has been provided by God through Jesus Christ and his redemptive work on the cross.
3. It is a provision, however, that must be received by faith—a principle by which God has always dealt with humankind, as the example of Abraham shows where God provides the very thing he requires for salvation.
4. Since salvation is only the beginning of Christian experience, Paul moves on to show how believers are freed from sin, law and death—a provision made possible by their union with Christ in both death and resurrection and by the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
5. Paul then shows that Israel too, though presently in a state of unbelief, has a place in God’s sovereign redemptive plan.
6. Now she consists of only a remnant, allowing for the conversion of the Gentiles, but the time will come when “all Israel will be saved” (11:26).
7. The letter concludes with an appeal to the readers to work out their Christian faith in practical ways, both in the church and in the world.
8. None of Paul’s other letters states so profoundly the content of the gospel and its implications for both the present and the future.
IX. Special Characteristics
A. It reads more like an elaborate theological essay than a letter.
1. The most systematic of Paul’s letters.
2. Emphasis on Christian doctrine.
3. The number and importance of the theological themes touched upon are impressive:
a. sin and death
b. salvation and grace
c. faith and righteousness
d. justification and sanctification
e. redemption and resurrection
f. glorification.
4. Widespread use of Old Testament quotations.
a. Paul knew his Hebrew Scriptures
b. Genesis 8 times
c. Isaiah 18 times
d. Others 31 including references from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, 1 Kings, Psalms (10), Proverbs, Habakkuk, and Malachi.
5. Deep concern for Israel.
a. Paul writes about Israel’s present status, relationship to the Gentiles and final salvation.
X. Brief Summary
A. The Book of Romans can be divided into four sections:
1. Righteousness Needed, 1:18 - 3:20;
2. Righteousness Provided, 3:21 - 8:39;
3. Righteousness Vindicated, 9:1 - 11:36;
4. Righteousness Practiced, 12:1 - 15:13.
B. The main theme of this letter is obvious of course, it is Righteousness.
1. Guided by the Holy Spirit Paul first condemns all people of their sinfulness.
2. He expresses his desire to preach the truth of God’s Word to those in Rome.
3. It was his hope to have assurance that they were staying on the right path.
4. He strongly points out that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is what every one need to direct them to Salvation.
C. Paul points out again that God did not demand that people have their lives straightened out before coming to Christ.
1. Because, it is a fact that while we were still sinners He, Christ died on a cross for our sins.
2. When we turn our lives over to Jesus Christ, we are no longer controlled by our sin nature, but we are controlled by the Spirit.
3. If we make confession that Jesus is Lord, and believe that He is raised from the dead, we are saved, born - again.
4. We are called to live our lives offered to God as a living sacrifice to Him.
5. Because, that should be our highest desire to worship Him so.
6. We cannot please Him by living according to this world and its pleasures.
7. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus at all times.
XI. Practical Application:
1. This book provides the core of what it means to be a Christ-Follower!
2. The Book of Romans tells us about God, who He is and what He has done.
3. It tells us of Jesus Christ, what His death accomplished.
4. It tells us about ourselves, what we were like without Christ and who we are after trusting in Christ. Perhaps the best application of Romans would be to apply Romans 1:16 and not be ashamed of the Gospel.
5. Instead, let us all be faithful in proclaiming it!
Thank you for coming on Tuesday! It was great to have you all back for the latest study in the Ancient Words series. Welcome to the book of Romans!
On Tuesday, we took a broad look at the background of Romans. The outline that I handed out together with the notes included here should help you continue making your acquaintance with Paul’s letter. As we’ve noted all along, this book gives us some of the deepest and steepest theology of all New Testament writings.
But don’t let that intimidate you! Many people have walked away from the profound joy and deep truth found in these pages.
One of the most remarkable features of the first chapter is how much Paul packs into the first few verses! The number and importance of the theological themes that Paul lays out is very impressive! He talks about sin and death, salvation, grace, faith, justification, sanctification, redemption, resurrection and glorification.
And God’s righteousness is at the very heart of it all. God is righteous—blameless, guiltless, inculpable, innocent, exemplary, irreproachable, pure, virtuous, unblamable; God is righteous. And God demands righteousness of us—but humankind is incapable of any righteousness of our own. We stand before a righteous God unable to stand! But God is God and we are not! So out of grace, mercy and love, God offers us the very thing that he demands! God makes a way where there is no way! Romans 5:6 we’re reminded: “For while we were still weak at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Like a photographer who used software to cover and even erase blemishes from the face of a loved one in a portrait, God sent his son Jesus to cover and even erase our sin. So now when God looks at you and me, God sees Christ who covers us completely!
The book of Romans bears this out. Stay tuned!
See you on Tuesday!
Ancient Words from the Book of Revelation
Teaching Outline for Session One
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
I. Author
A. The writer of this letter was the apostle Paul.
1. The Book of Romans 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Romans as the Apostle Paul with the first word.
2. The letter contains a number of historical references that agree with known facts of Paul’s life.
3. The doctrinal content of the book is typical of Paul, which is evident from a comparison with other letters he wrote.
4. Romans 16:22 indicates that Paul used a man name Tertius to transcribe his words.
B. St. Paul the Apostle was born in Tarsus in 10 AD and probably martyred in Rome in the year 67 AD)
1. Known as the “Apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13, Galatians 2:8) Paul was, together with St. Peter, the most notable of Early Christian missionaries.
2. Different from all of the other Apostles, Paul did not know Jesus in life;
a. Paul came to faith through a vision of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-20) and based his apostolic authority on that vision.
Galatians 1:11–12
For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
3. Fourteen “epistles” or letters in the New Testament are traditionally attributed to Paul; and …
4. Paul's influence on Christian thinking arguably has been more significant than any other single New Testament author.
II. Date and Place of Writing
A. Date…
1. The book of Romans was written between 56-58 AD, most likely in the early Spring of 57 toward the end of his three month stay in Greece on his third missionary journey (Romans 15:25-26; Acts 20:1-3.)
2. Most likely, Paul was ready to return to Jerusalem with the offering from the mission churches for poverty-stricken believers in Jerusalem.
3. He had intended to go to Rome and then on to Spain (Romans 15:24) but his plans were interrupted when he was arrested in Jerusalem; so he would eventually get to Rome, but as a prisoner.
4. In Romans 15:26 it is suggested that Paul had already received contributions from the churches of Macedonia and Achaia, so he either was at Corinth or had already been there.
Romans 15:25-26
25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem in a ministry to the saints; 26 for Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.
B. Place
1. The most likely place of writing is either Corinth or Cenchrea (about six miles away) because of references to
a. Phoebe of Cenchrea ( Romans 16:1)
b. Gaius, Paul’s host (Romans 16:23), who was probably a Corinthian (1 Corinthians 1:14).
c. Erastus (16:23) may also have been a Corinthian (2 Timothy 4:20).
III. Recipients
A. The original recipients of the letter were the people of the church at Rome (1:7), who were primarily Gentile, but included Jews as well.
IV. Background of the Church at Rome
A. There is nothing in the New Testament that sheds any light on the origination of the church in Rome.
1. It is possible that visitors to Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost following the Lord’s ascension were among the 3000 saved and later took the gospel with them back home (Acts 2:10).
2. Or among those dispersed following Stephen's death were some that went to Rome and preached the gospel there (Acts 8:1-4).
B. Aquila and Priscilla
1. The first we read of Christians from Rome is possibly that of husband and wife team, Aquila and Priscilla.
2. They were well-known tentmakers and evangelists who, along with all Jews, were expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius and were found by Paul at Corinth during his second journey (Acts 18:1-2)
3. After traveling with Paul to Ephesus and working with the church there (Acts 18:18-19, 24-26; 1 Corinthians 16:19), we find them back at Rome and hosting a church in their house (Romans 16:3-5).
C. House Churches
1. From the greetings given by Paul in Romans 16, it appears that there were several churches in Rome meeting in various homes (16:5, 14, 15).
2. The names of individuals would suggest that the Christians were primarily Gentiles, with a smaller number of Jews.
D. Reputation of the Roman Church
1. The reputation of the Christians in Rome was widespread; both their
a. Faith (1:8) and
b. Obedience (16:19) were well known.
2. For this reason Paul had long wanted to see them (15:23), with the goal of sharing in their mutual edification (1:11-12) and to be assisted on his way to Spain (15:22-24).
V. Major Theme
A. Paul’s primary theme in Romans is the basic gospel, God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind; Jew and Gentile alike (1:16–17).
1. Although justification by faith has been suggested by some as the theme, it would seem that a broader theme states the message of the book more adequately.
2. “Righteousness from God” (1:17) includes justification by faith, but it also embraces such related ideas as guilt, sanctification and security.
VI. The Purposes of the Book of Romans
A. Paul was excited about being able to at last minister in this church, everyone was well aware of that fact (Romans 1:8-15).
B. Paul’s purposes for writing this letter were varied:
1. He wrote to prepare the way for his coming visit to Rome and his proposed mission to Spain (1:10–15; 15:22–29);
2. He wrote to present the basic system of salvation to a church that had not received the teaching of an apostle before;
3. He sought to explain the relationship between Jew and Gentile in God’s overall plan of redemption;
4. The Jewish Christians were being rejected by the larger Gentile group in the church (14:1) because the Jewish believers still felt constrained to observe dietary laws and sacred days (14:2–6).
VII. The Occasion for the Writing of Romans
A. When Paul wrote this letter, he was probably at Corinth (Acts 20:2–3) on his third missionary journey.
1. His work in the eastern Mediterranean was almost finished (15:18–23), and he really wanted to visit the Roman church (1:11–12; 15:23–24).
2. But there was a bit if a “bump” in the plan…
a. Paul could not go to Rome because he felt he must personally deliver the collection—an offering taken among the Gentile churches for the poverty-stricken Christians of Jerusalem (15:25–28).
3. So instead of going to Rome, he sent a letter—probably delivered by Phoebe—to prepare the Christians there for his intended visit in connection with a mission to Spain (15:23–24 and 15:24).
4. For many years Paul had wanted to visit Rome to minister there (1:13–15), and this letter served as a careful and systematic theological introduction to that hoped—for personal ministry.
5. Since he was not acquainted directly with the Roman church, he says little about its problems (14:1—15:13; cf. also 13:1–7; 16:17–18).
VIII. Content
A. As the book opens, Paul begins by surveying the spiritual condition of all people.
1. He finds Jews and Gentiles alike to be sinners and in need of salvation.
2. That salvation has been provided by God through Jesus Christ and his redemptive work on the cross.
3. It is a provision, however, that must be received by faith—a principle by which God has always dealt with humankind, as the example of Abraham shows where God provides the very thing he requires for salvation.
4. Since salvation is only the beginning of Christian experience, Paul moves on to show how believers are freed from sin, law and death—a provision made possible by their union with Christ in both death and resurrection and by the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
5. Paul then shows that Israel too, though presently in a state of unbelief, has a place in God’s sovereign redemptive plan.
6. Now she consists of only a remnant, allowing for the conversion of the Gentiles, but the time will come when “all Israel will be saved” (11:26).
7. The letter concludes with an appeal to the readers to work out their Christian faith in practical ways, both in the church and in the world.
8. None of Paul’s other letters states so profoundly the content of the gospel and its implications for both the present and the future.
IX. Special Characteristics
A. It reads more like an elaborate theological essay than a letter.
1. The most systematic of Paul’s letters.
2. Emphasis on Christian doctrine.
3. The number and importance of the theological themes touched upon are impressive:
a. sin and death
b. salvation and grace
c. faith and righteousness
d. justification and sanctification
e. redemption and resurrection
f. glorification.
4. Widespread use of Old Testament quotations.
a. Paul knew his Hebrew Scriptures
b. Genesis 8 times
c. Isaiah 18 times
d. Others 31 including references from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, 1 Kings, Psalms (10), Proverbs, Habakkuk, and Malachi.
5. Deep concern for Israel.
a. Paul writes about Israel’s present status, relationship to the Gentiles and final salvation.
X. Brief Summary
A. The Book of Romans can be divided into four sections:
1. Righteousness Needed, 1:18 - 3:20;
2. Righteousness Provided, 3:21 - 8:39;
3. Righteousness Vindicated, 9:1 - 11:36;
4. Righteousness Practiced, 12:1 - 15:13.
B. The main theme of this letter is obvious of course, it is Righteousness.
1. Guided by the Holy Spirit Paul first condemns all people of their sinfulness.
2. He expresses his desire to preach the truth of God’s Word to those in Rome.
3. It was his hope to have assurance that they were staying on the right path.
4. He strongly points out that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is what every one need to direct them to Salvation.
C. Paul points out again that God did not demand that people have their lives straightened out before coming to Christ.
1. Because, it is a fact that while we were still sinners He, Christ died on a cross for our sins.
2. When we turn our lives over to Jesus Christ, we are no longer controlled by our sin nature, but we are controlled by the Spirit.
3. If we make confession that Jesus is Lord, and believe that He is raised from the dead, we are saved, born - again.
4. We are called to live our lives offered to God as a living sacrifice to Him.
5. Because, that should be our highest desire to worship Him so.
6. We cannot please Him by living according to this world and its pleasures.
7. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus at all times.
XI. Practical Application:
1. This book provides the core of what it means to be a Christ-Follower!
2. The Book of Romans tells us about God, who He is and what He has done.
3. It tells us of Jesus Christ, what His death accomplished.
4. It tells us about ourselves, what we were like without Christ and who we are after trusting in Christ. Perhaps the best application of Romans would be to apply Romans 1:16 and not be ashamed of the Gospel.
5. Instead, let us all be faithful in proclaiming it!
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