THE POWER OF GOD FOR THE SALVATION OF EVERYONE WHO …€¦ · 2 ROMANS The Glorious Gospel / 3 03 / INTRODUcTION 06 / ROMANS OVERVIEW 07 / ROMANS TIMELINE 08 / ROMANS LOcATION 09

14 STUDIES IN ROMANSTHE POWER OF GOD FOR THE SALVATION OF EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES

2 ROMANS The Glorious Gospel / 3

03 / INTRODUcTION

06 / ROMANS OVERVIEW

07 / ROMANS TIMELINE

08 / ROMANS LOcATION

09 / STUDIES

cONTENTS INTRODUcTION

The 15th century reformer Martin Luther said of the book of Romans

“This letter is truly the most important piece in the New Testament. It is pur-est Gospel. It is well worth a Christian’s while not only to memorize it word for word but also to occupy himself with it daily, as though it were the daily bread of the soul. It is impossible to read or to meditate on this letter too much or too well. The more one deals with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes.”

AUTHORSHIP & TIME OF WRITING The apostle Paul is the author of the book of Romans (1:11), but he made use of a scribe, Tertius (16:22), to do the actual writing.

Paul was a natural-born Roman citizen (Acts 22:24-29) of Jewish ancestry, reli-gion, and training (Philippians 3:4-5). He was born and educated in Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia, a city widely renowned for its Greek schools (Acts 22:3). As was the Jewish tradition, he was taught a trade by which he could support himself, in Paul’s case tent making, by which he did help support both himself and oth-ers during his preaching career (Acts 18:1-3; 20:33-35). Paul’s Grecian education and background is very evident in his writing, especially in his use of logic, which appealed especially to the Romans. Paul received further formal education in Jerusalem from Gamaliel, the finest scholar in Jewish law and tradition of his day (Acts 22:3). The young Saul, as he was known as a young man, was an extremely zealous Jew before he became a disciple of Christ (Acts 22:3; 26:4-5; Galatians 1:14), even to fierce persecution of the church (Acts 9:1-2; 22:4-5; 26:9-11; Gala-tians 1:13).

But Christ called and equipped him to be an apostle (1:1-5; Acts 26:15-18; 1 Cor-inthians 15:8-9). As such he had full authority to speak for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Galatians 1:6-12; 2 Corinthians 11:5; 12:11-12; 1 Corinthians 14:37), be-ing inspired by the Holy Spirit to reveal the mystery of God, the gospel (1 Corin-thians 2:6-13; Ephesians 3:1-6). Paul was especially selected to be the apostle of Christ to the Gentiles, the Jewish name, meaning “peoples,” for all non-Jews (Acts 26:15-18; Romans 11:13; 15:15-20).

Paul had made plans for some time to go to Rome (15:22-24,28-29; Acts 19:21) but had been hindered from completing this goal (1:13).


THE CITY OF ROME Rome is located on the banks of the Tiber River, fifteen miles from the west coast of Italy and built on seven hills. The “Eternal City” was already eight centuries old at the time Paul wrote to the Christians there. It was a city of political and economic importance in its day to such a huge proportion it is hard for modern people to imagine. In an empire that had a total population of perhaps thirty mil-lion, the populace of Rome numbered perhaps four million. It was the capital of its own empire, the most extensive empire of its day, ruling the Mediterranean world, with provinces from the Euphrates River in the east to Spain in the west, from Britain in the north to Egypt in the south. Nero was emperor at the time Paul wrote Romans.

The great city was the trading hub of the western world. It was truly said in a figure, “All roads lead to Rome.” All manner of goods were brought to Rome as tribute from the provinces and as trade from both the provinces and all parts of the known world.

Poor people flocked to Rome because of the availability of free food and free entertainment. In Paul’s day, it was said the people of Rome lived for “bread and circuses.” Holidays filled over half the calendar days of the year, and amusement was provided for the people at state expense on 95 of these days.

Religiously, Rome was polytheistic and had long ago accepted the deities of the Greeks under latinized names. All religions were tolerated so long as they did not interfere with loyalty to the emperor or undermine state religion.

The educated people of Paul’s day were skeptics toward religion and simply fol-lowed Greek philosophy. This left a void, which at first was filled partially by the Oriental mystery religions, then partially by Judaism, and finally completely by Christianity.

Rome was in many ways a beautiful city. Great thoroughfares came into Rome from all directions. The city was filled with breath-taking architecture: temples, palaces, baths, amphitheaters, theaters, and circuses. The great Circus Maximus seated 250,000. The leading amusement at the circuses in the first century was chariot races. The city had many beautiful gardens and public parks.

The wealthy people lived in a kind of house known as a “domus,” which had several rooms around a central open court. The poor lived in a squalid dwelling known as an “insula,” which was like an apartment in buildings up to six stories high and occupying as much as a city block.

KEY THEMES IN ROMANS The theme of Romans is “The Gospel is God’s power to save all that believe.” This theme is stated as the proposition of Paul’s magnificent treatise in 1:16-17.

Bible scholars are universally in awe of the Roman letter because of the compre-hensiveness of its message, the profoundness of its language, and the acuteness of its logic. One writer exclaimed, “This is in every sense the greatest of the Epis-tles of Paul, if not the greatest book in the New Testament....” (Thiessen) Another called it, “... the most profound work in existence.” (Coleridge)


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INTRODUcTORY STUDY

1. Read 2 Timothy 2:15 and 2 Timothy 3:16. Why should you study the book of Romans?

2. According to some church traditions, laypersons should not study the Word of God because the Bible can be easily misunderstood. What does the Bible teach concerning this? See 1 John 2:27, John 16:13.

3. Read Romans 1:1. According to the first word of Romans, who was the hu-man author who wrote the book? Why do we say he was the human author?

4. Paul’s given name was Saul, yet his name was changed to Paul. Under what circumstances do we first encounter Saul? Read Acts 8:1 for context.


5. Before Saul’s conversion, the Bible says, he was intensely religious. He was zealous for God and a great defender of the faith of his fathers - but he was wrong. If a man like Saul could be wrong, how can you be sure that you are right in what you believe?

6. Read Acts 9:1-22. What were the circumstances surrounding Saul’s conver-sion? What evidences can you find in this passage that his conversion was genu-ine? What evidence of conversion should we expect to find in the lives of folks who claim they have been converted in our day?

PrayerPray that as you start this journey through the book of Romans, God would teach you, change you and grow you in your love for The Lord Jesus.

ROMANS 1:1-7

Big Idea: The Apostle Paul states his credentials showing that the message he bears is the Word of God. He reminds his readers of their calling & status.

Bible Themes: Apostleship, Calling, Servanthood Aim of this study: To encourage people that Romans is God’s authoritative Word, to remind them of their calling in Christ. Highlights from our last study: Remind group members of the introductory study, and the background to Paul’s letter to the Romans.

Read Romans 1:1-7

Paul’s Credentials1. Read Romans 1:1-7 and list as many names as you can find.

2. Using verses 1-7 only list at least three things you know about the human author of Romans.

3. Have you ever used a good concordance? Every home needs a good Strongs or Youngs concordance. Look up the word servant and find out how many times it appears in the Bible. Try to find its meaning.

4. “Paul’s writings are out of step with our age, and therefore shouldn’t be taken all that seriously.” How would Romans 1:1-7 challenge the above quote?


5. Using verses 1-7 only please list at least three things you know about Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Assignment1. The word gospel is from the Greek word euanggelion {yoo-ang-ghel’-ee-on}. Essentially, the word means glad tidings or good news. The word gospel can have several meanings in our Bible and it is actually expressed in many different ways. How is the Gospel expressed in the following passages?• Matthew 4:23 • Matthew 24:14• Acts 20:24• Galatians 1:6• Revelation 14:6

2. In Romans 2:16 and 16:25 what especially precious term does he use to de-scribe the Gospel?

3. In verse 5, the term “obedience to the faith” literally means “the obedience of faith.” Which of these statements do you think best conveys the meaning of the phrase “the obedience of faith.” a, b, or c?

a) Paul was telling us we must obey God before He gives us the power to exercise true saving faithb) Paul was telling us that true saving faith always produces obedience in the life of a believer.c) Paul was saying that faith in the gospel (rather trying to please God with our works) is the true obedience, which God desires.

Can you support your answer with scripture?

Paul’s Readers1. In verse 6 Paul reminds these Roman believers of a very precious truth. Paul says they were also called, just as he had already explained that he was called in verse 1. Skip ahead to Romans 11:29 and explain in your own words what you think Paul was teaching about our call.

2. In verse 7 Paul uses two more words to describe these believers. What are they?

3. How is your calling in verse 6, related to the Apostle Paul’s calling in verse 5? What does this mean for how we approach reading & studying the Scriptures?

4. How is Paul’s greeting of “Grace & peace” more than warm fuzzies? What miraculous relaities does this greeting point to?

Consider these suggestions as we begin our journey into Romans. . .Seek to get to know God in a more intimate way.Try to take a positive mindset toward Bible doctrine. Determine that you are going to be able to explain and defend the truths, which you hold dear, as a result of studying Romans.Expand your horizons. Start using your concordance or find an additional Commentary you can read along with your study of Romans.

PrayerSpend time as a group in prayer, giving thanks to God for the message of Romans 1:1-7. Pray for your time together over the next 14 weeks.


ROMANS 1:16-17

Big Idea: The Christian is justified by faith, in and through the Gospel.

Bible Themes: Revelation, Justification by faith.

Aim of this study: To clearly explain Justification by faith, its relationhip to the Gospel, and its effects in the day-to-day life of the Christian.

Highlights from our last study: In our last study we asked Who is this Paul? And, Who is this Jesus? In the last study, heavy emphasis was placed on the words, beloved, called, and saints. Please review the importance of understand-ing the difference of our position and our practice, (or, our standing and our state). Do not fail to do this. It is fundamental to understanding all of the letters of Paul.

Read Romans 1:16-17.

The GospelRomans 1:16 and 17 is Paul’s proposition for the entire book of Romans. It is his “big statement.” In a word, the subject is the gospel or salvation. When Paul says that he is not ashamed he is probably using a figure of speech, an understate-ment. Both Luke and Paul made special use of understatement.

1. Read the following references and locate the understatementActs 12:18, Acts 20:12, Acts 26:19

2. When Paul said that he was not ashamed he was really saying that He could not be more proud of the gospel. Look at vs. 16 and 17 again and list some of the reasons why Paul took great pride in the gospel.

3. For what reasons are people embarassed by the Gospel today? For what reasons can a Christian speak of the Gospel with pride?

Righteousness4. There are many things that we can learn about God from nature. We can learn of His majesty, His power, His Wisdom, and His might - just to name a few. But, it took the gospel to reveal something about God which nature does not reveal. According to verse 17 what is it?

5. What is the gospel? With what does it have to do? Why is the gospel so wonderful? Why is it so necessary?

6. What are the possible meanings of the righteousness of God, and what is Paul’s meaning in 1:17?

Our ignorance of the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God has kept us from dealing with our sinfulness. It blinds us to our need of a Saviour. We assume that as long as our performance is as reasonable as the performance of the next person, God will accept us as we are. If you understand Romans 1:17 you understand that the subject of salvation is righteousness. The man who believes God receives His righteousness in place of his own. This bedrock truth permeates Romans. Many Christians do not understand, however, that this doctrine is also the secret for victory in the Christian walk. The Christian learns that he is completely accepted by the Father (in spite of all his faults) because he has the righteousness of Christ given to him. It is in the awareness of that full acceptance of God that we can begin to grow. We call this doctrine of receiving the righteousness of God by faith the doctrine of justification by faith. Have you “accepted” God’s acceptance of you???

7. What day to day things challenge my trust in God’s justification of me by faith?

8. How should justification by faith change my prayers?

PrayerSpend time as a group in prayer, giving thanks for the glorious Gospel, and for our justification by faith.


ROMANS 1:18-32

Big Idea: Mankind are in rebellion against God and stand under his anger and judgement. This is what the Gospel saves us from.

Bible Themes: The anger and judgement of God.

Aim of this study: To highlight our pitiful plight, the just anger of God, and to show our only hope lies within the Gospel.

Highlights from our last study: In our last study we say Paul’s grand and glorious statement of the gospel. It is that “big statement” in verses 16 and 17 of Romans, which form the basis for the whole book. Paul is now beginning a process of describing just exactly what that gospel is and why it is needed. In chapters 1 - 3 the whole world is declared guilty before God.

IntroductionThe issue has always been the same. It has never changed. The issue has always been the issue of knowledge - knowledge in general, and the knowledge of God in particular. That was the issue in Eden - “has God said?” And that is the issue now. Truth and lie in continual combat.

1. Before we study Romans 1:18-32 we need to read it one more time. As you read the verses over, take a pen and jot down each reference and phrase which has to do with the words knowledge, truth, wise or understanding.

2. Draw a flowchart or diagram that shows the movement of the passage in Romans 1:18-32.

Knowledge Suppressed (v18-20)3. God’s wrath is revealed against mankind because they suppress the truth. God charges us with concealing evidence, holding back the facts. Examine 2 Peter 3:3-10 in depth. How does this add to our understanding of Romans 1:18-20?

Knowledge Rejected (v21-23)4. Verses 21-23 place special attention on the heart and the mind - the mental rejection. Note down the 7 steps of regression Paul outlines in these verses. How do you see these evidenced in your own life and in the world around us?

5. What does verse 23 teach us about human’s innate need to worship?

Knowledge Perverted (v24-32)6. What does Paul mean in verse 24, 26 and 28 when he says “God gave them over…”? Read 2 Chronicles 30:7 and Acts 7:42 for help.

7. In Romans 1:24-32, to what did God give these truth-rejecters up?V24V2526-2727-32


We are often very naive. We are shocked at the unbelievable moral bankruptcy of the Roman Emperors, and at the “Hitlers” and all the thousands who followed them. How could such atrocities by accepted by so many? How could man stoop so low? We forget that God graciously hinders the outworking of our natures sparing us from experiencing the full truth about ourselves. And, when God gives men up to their true desires, giving us a glimpse of human nature without God, the whole world gets a small taste of the hellish capabilities all of mankind has. This kind of behavior is latent in all of us. We must not presume upon our own righteousness.

8. How does God’s anger and judgement relate to his love? Is the Christian able to draw confidence from this? Why or why not?

8. Paul exhaustively outlines God’s just charges against us. Conversely, what can you learn from these verses about how we are to live?

9. How do these verses challenge the way you view--the World?--Yourself?--Those who don’t know Christ?

PrayerSpend time as a group confessing your sin. Pray that God would give you greater insight into the sin in your own life, and a refreshed endurance to repent. Give thanks to God for his gracious patience, for his just judgement, and for sparing us that ultimate judgement through his Son.

ROMANS 2:1-29

Big Idea: The day of God’s righteous judgement is coming, so repent!

Bible Themes:

Aim of this study: To gain a deeper understanding of the doctrine of the wrath of God. To better prepare ourselves to deal with morally self righteous people who do not see their need of the gospel. To increase our own appreciation of God’s wonderful saving grace.

Highlights from our last study: The whole world has been called into the courtroom before a holy God. The first division of Romans (Condemnation - 1:1-3:20) is living up to its name. The whole world is being declared guilty before God. We saw that the knowledge, which God has revealed, has been suppressed, rejected, and perverted. We saw that this is a progressive process of denial. In other words, when men suppress the truth they will inevitably reject it, and ultimately pervert it.

Read Romans 2

Why do people think they don’t deserve to face God’s judgement? What would your friends say?

Gods judgement and ours (v1-5)1. Whom is Paul addressing at the start of chapter 2? Why does this person pass judgement?

2. What is Paul’s verdict on those who think themselves better than others?

3. Summarise Paul’s message to those who dissaprove of sinners in God’s world.


The Nature of God’s Final Judgement (v6-16)4. How does God’s judgement result in everyone being condemned? What is the basis of his judgement? Why does this comdemn us?

5. What difference does it make, having or not having the law (v12-16)? Why will the outcome be the same either way?

The Law Won’t Save The Jews (v17-29)6. What does Paul suggest is the Jews’ assesment of themselves in relation to God? To what extent is it justified?

7. What is Paul’s argument against the privileged Jews? How does he apply the principle of verse verses 12-13?

8. Looking back, what is Paul’s purpose in this chapter?

9. What would Paul say to people who make the following claims, thinking they will escape God’s judgement?--’I’ll be ok. I’ve never murdered anyone!’--’I’m a Jew! I’m one of God’s people.’--’I come from a Christian family, and I go to Church regularly.’

10. What would Paul’s verdict be on Ghandi, Hitler, Us?

PrayerSpend time as a group confessing your sin. Pray that God would give you greater insight into the sin in your own life, and a refreshed endurance to repent. Give thanks to God for his gracious patience, for his just judgement, and for sparing us that ultimate judgement through his Son. Pray that as you start this journey through the book of Romans, God would teach you, change you and grow you in your love for The Lord Jesus.


ROMANS 3:1-20

Big Idea: God is righteous and just and our condemnation is deserved.We are without excuse!

Bible Themes: God’s righteousness, judgement and the doctrine of sin.

Aim of this study: To understand the truth that there is no escaping God’s righ-teous judgement and to acknowldege we have no excuse.

Highlights from our last study: Last study Paul made it clear that those with the Law (the Jew) and those without the Law (the Gentile) are all guilty, and fall under the righteous judgement of God.

Read Romans 3:1-20

1. Does the picture of humanity in this passage, match with your observations of the world around us? Why or why not?

2. Why do we find it difficult to believe we will face God’s judgement? Be honest!

In Condemming The Jews, God Remains Faithful & Just (v1-8)3. Why do the questions in verses 1-8 matter? What aspects of God’s character are at stake at the end of chapter 2?

4. What does Paul mean by God’s faithfulness in verse 3? To what is God being faithful? See Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Nehemiah 9:32-33.

Everyone, Including The Jew, Is Guilty & Silenced Before God (v9-20)5. In verse 9, what does Paul mean when he says Jews and Gentiles alike are all “under sin”? See Romans 7:14, 2 Peter 2:19 and 1 Corinthians 15:56 for more details.

“as it is written”. Men cannot be convicted in court on the basis of heresy or opinion - the facts must be substantial and documented. Whenever Paul inserts the words “as it is written”, it means he is about to cite the bible as his authority.

6. Look up the following verses and note how they explain Paul’s charges against humanity.

No one righteousGenesis 8:21, 1 kings 8:46, provers 8:29, ecclesiastes 7:20

No one understandsJeremiah 9:23-24

No one seeks GodPhilippians 3:10, John 6:44

All have turned awayIsaiah 53:6

No one who does goodIsaiah 64:6


Throats are open graves and deceitful tonguesLuke 11:44, numbers 19:16, Matthew 23:27, James 3:8,

No fear of GodMatthew 3:7

This ends Paul’s section of Romans that focussed on the guilt of man and the just wrath of god. Stop and think about how far we have come in the presentation of the gospel. The apostle Paul had no fear or hesitation about speaking of the judgement of God. He did not hide the facts. He was not afraid of offending newcomers who might be scared away by such a weighty message. Until we see ourselves as we really are, and until we see God for who He really is, there can be no genuine conversion.

7. To what extent is our evangelism faithful to the message of Romans 3:10-20?

8. Paul says that everyone is guilty, including us. In what ways do we demonstrate that we forget this? How can we remember God’s truth in this passage?

9. In explaining our guilt, where has Paul’s focus been, and why? How can we remind ourselves of God’s righteousness?

PrayerSpend time as a group thanking God for the next few words in verse 21...but now...

ROMANS 3:21-26

Big Idea: God, through Jesus’ death, has righteously dealt with the problem of his wrath and his salvation is available to all.

Bible Themes: Justification by faith, atonement, imputed rightesousness. Aim of this study: To help people understand, appropriate and then articulate the wonderful doctrine of justification by faith.

Highlights from our last study: So far Paul has explained the problem of God’s wrath against humanity’s rebellion and has explained there are no excep-tions. How then, can God possibly fulfill his promises of saving a people? There seems to be no hope for anyone. The word ‘But’ in 3:21 is the pivotal point in Paul’s argument, as he turns away from the problem and begins to focus on God’s solution - the glorious Gospel!

Read Romans 3:21-26

1. Complete this sentence in less than 20 words: “The heart of the Christian good news is...”

2. In what way is Romans 3:21 a turning point in Romans so far?

A Righteousness By Faith, Apart From The Law (v21)In verse 21, Paul begins to write about a ‘righteousness from God’. This verse is the key phrase in this passage. In this passage, as in 1:17, Paul has two mean-ings in mind for the word ‘righteousness’. In verses 25-26 he means God’s righteous character, but in verses 21-24 he os referring to the righteousness that God gives to people.

3. What different thing does Paul tell us about this righteousness in verses 21-22? What is the significance of each?


God’s Righteousness Is Available To All (v22-24)4. To who is this righteousness available, and why is this surprising in the context of Romans so far?

5. Read Galatians 3:23-25. How do these verses help us understand the relationship between justification in the old and new testaments?

God Is Righteous In Salvation, Through Jesus’ Death (v24-26)6. On a large sheet of paper, trace the process by which God’s righteousness comes to all. Use the diagram on the next page to assist you.

7. Using a Bible Dictionary, write out in your own words a defintion for--Justified--Grace--Redemption--Propitiation

8. Of what would ‘redemption’ have reminded a Jew? How do these verses relate to God’s big pciture plan of salvation?

9. Read Leviticus 16:15-17 and 17:11. How does the Day of Atonement deal with the problem of God’s wrath against Israel’s sin? How does this background help us to understand Romans 3:25?

10. How is God just in justifying those who have faith in Jesus?

11. Look back at the sentence you completed in the beginning. How would you revise it, having studied this passage?

Prayer MEA

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of

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“fai

th a

lone

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are

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by

faith

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of c

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t by

the

grac

e of

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(3:2

2,

25-2

6).

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SIS

of

ou

r j

ust

ific

atio

n=

“chr

ist a

lone

”

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are

just

ified

thro

ugh

the

cros

s of

C

hris

t by

the

grac

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ROMANS 4

Big Idea: Abraham’s example demonstrates that righteousness has always been given to anyone who has faith in God.

Bible Themes: Justification by faith.

Aim of this study: To firmly believe God’s promises of righteousness through Jesus Christ, becuase righteousness has always been given to anyone who has faith in God.

Highlights from our last study: Paul has explained how God can be both “just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” He now shows through the example of Abraham, that his has always been the case.

Read Romans 4

Righteousness By Faith Is Upheld By The Old Testament, As Exemplified By Abraham

1. What does Paul intend to prove by referring to Abraham?

2. What are the ways in chapter 4 that Abraham was not made righteous?

3. Think through the implications of this for us. What should be our attitude towards ‘works’?

4. In verse 9-12, Paul shows that Abraham was not made righteous by circumcision. What implication does Paul draw from this?

5. What is the nature of Abraham’s faith (v17-25)? What is his faith in? In what circumstances did he have faith?

6. How does Paul’s teaching on faith differ from the world’s view? Has your understanding changed? How so?

7. Why are these views wrong?--’Faith is a leap in the dark’.--’Faith is trying to believe what you know isn’t true’.

8. For what, in this passage, can we give thanks to God as we pray?

Prayer


ROMANS 5:1-11

Big Idea: The grace and mercy of Christ in dying for us while we were still God’s enemies means that by faith alone we have peace with God and live lives of hope and rejoicing.

Bible Themes: Justification by faith, peace, suffering and joy, reconciliation and rejoicing.

Aim of this study: To ponder and reflect upon the joy of being justified by faith in the atoning death of Jesus so we are able to rejoice in sufferings of this world and look forward to life eternal with our God.

Highlights from our last study:

Read Romans 5:1-11

Justification By Faith (5:1-2)1. According to these verses faith is a key to salvation. For Abraham (4:3), what was the relationship between faith and justification?

2. For us what is the relationship between faith and justification?

3. In your own words, what does it mean to be justified?

Joy, Hope and Suffering (5:2-5)4. According to Romans 5:2-5, why should we rejoice in our sufferings and tribulations?

5. Share with each other the importance of the following things in our lives:a. Perseverance b. Characterc. Hope

Christ’s Death for Sinners (5:6-8)6. Why is it so important to embrace the truth that “Christ died for the ungodly” (5:6), that “Christ died for sinners” (5:8)?

7. According to 5:8, did Christ die for us at our best or at our worst?

8. Share how this gives us assurance against the devil’s lies about us being too bad to be forgiven?

Rejoicing in Reconciliation (5:9-11)9. What do you think “reconciliation” means? (Romans 5:9-10)

10. Why is reconciliation with God necessary?

11. We understand our having been saved by Jesus’ death (5:10a, past tense). In what sense are we being saved (5:10b, present tense) by his life?

12. How do you rejoice in what is Jesus doing for us in the present?

PrayerSpend some time praying in thanks of God love for us in dying for us while we were still sinners. Pray that we would rejoice in sufferings and rejoice in the fact that we are reconciled to God.


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ROMANS 6:1-14

Big Idea: Christ’s death and resurrection for us mean that we are united to him, dead to sin and alive to God.

Bible Themes: Union with Christ, baptism, sin and grace.

Aim of this study: To deepen our comprehension of how we are dead to sin and alive to God by being united to Jesus – this should challenging our thinking about how we live.

Highlights from our last study: In our last study we considered the joy of be-ing justified by faith and how that grants us eternal life.

Read Romans 6:1-14

Dead to Sin (6:1-2)1. Why do you think Paul asks the rhetorical questions in 6:1?

Baptism and Union with Christ (6:3-5)2. In what sense does baptism symbolize our union with Christ?

3. In Paul’s reference to baptism in 6:3-4, what does “buried” and “raised” correspond to in the act of baptism?

4. How are we united with Jesus?

5. Is this just theological mumbo-jumbo or does it have some basis in reality?


Dead to Sin, Alive to God (6:6-14)6. What does it look like to be emancipated from slavery to sin? (v6-7)

7. What difference does this understanding make in our struggles against temptation?

8. What does it mean to “reckon, consider, count” in verse 11?

9. Can you sin if you are dead to sin? Why?

10. In what ways do you “offer the parts members of your body” (v13) to either sin or God multiple times in a day?

11. Why is it that we can sin unconsciously?

12. How can we begin to offer our life deliberately to God?

13. What changes will it take in our daily life to do this?

PrayerSpend some time in prayer thanking God that we are now dead to sin and that our lives will reflect this amazing reality.

Bonus Round Questions... 6:15-231. What does obedience have to do with slavery (Romans 6:15-18)?

2. In what way does doing acts of righteousness demonstrate your slavery to God?

3. In what ways does doing wrong things demonstrate a slavery to sin?

4. How is such a slavery or bondage broken?

5. What part does obedience have in breaking this bondage?

6. In what areas is God speaking to you about a fresh obedience in your life?

7. How does good doctrine affect the way we live (Romans 6:17b)?

8. Why should we honour good doctrine?

9. If we shouldn’t look down on doctrine itself, what kind of teaching should we be avoiding?

10. In Paul’s analogy in these verses 18-22, is there a place of independent freedom apart from “slavery” to sin or to Christ?

11. Why do we long for this kind of independent freedom?

12. Why do we hesitate to firmly take sides and make our allegiance clear to all?


ROMANS 7:7-25

Big Idea: God’s law shows sin to be sin, but God’s law itself is good.Bible Themes: God’s Law is good, it is sin that is evil; the normal Christian will experience struggle against sin.

Bible Themes: God’s Law is good, it is sin that is evil; the normal Christian will experience struggle against sin.

Aim of this study: To acknowledge that constant battle with sin is part of life for all Christians but there is a hope to come. To recognise the goodness of God’s law.

Highlights from our last study: As we are united to Christ, his death and res-urrection mean that we are dead to sin and alive to God.

Read Romans 7:7-25

God’s Law: Good but Reveals Sin (7:7-13)1. Discuss why you think most people tend to believe that they are basically good.

2. Why does the sinful nature (flesh) respond to being told “Do not covet” by coveting all the more?

3. Do you think we would be better off without the law – then we would not know what sin is?

4. What does the law do well? What does it do poorly?

5. Why is the law (knowing right and wrong) powerless to save us? What is the problem here?

6. If we are sinful, does it mean that none of God’s original goodness shows through? If not, then what does it mean? (see v11 and 13)

Struggling with Sin (7:14-25)Important Note: This section of Romans (7:14-25) has been under much discus-sion for hundreds of years. The major question concerns Paul’s experience: Is he talking about himself before he was a Christian? Or now that he is a Christian? Or is he perhaps viewing the former through the eyes of the later?

7. Christians disagree about who is the “I” in Romans 7. Is Paul referring to himself or others?

8. In what ways does Romans 7 apply to your own life and experience?

PrayerPray that we will be honest with God about the struggle with sin that we all face. Pray that we will have confidence in the goodness of God and his law and that we will be emboldened to stand firm in the face of temptation and humble repent when we fail and sin.


ROMANS 8:1-17

Big Idea: Paul’s aim in these verses is to reassure Christians that they face no condemnation by reminding them that, 1) Jesus has died for them 2) they have been given God’s Spirit 3) they will be raised from the dead and 4) they are members of God’s family.

Bible Themes: No Condemnation! Guarantee of the Holy Spirit.

Aim of this study: To be fully confident that we are not condemned if our faith is in Christ Jesus.

Highlights from our last study: The Christian life is often marked by struggle with sin, but sin is not victorious.

Read Romans 8:1-17

Spirit and Law (8:1-4)1. Thinking back to last week, why can’t obedience to the law save us?

2. How does the Spirit of Life set you free from the law of sin and death?

Spirit and Minds (8:5-8)3. Exactly what does it mean to set your mind on the things of the Spirit? How do you do this?

4. How can you recognize when the things you’re setting your mind on relate to your sinful nature? How much of this is deliberate? How much is habit?

Spirit in Us (8:9-11)5. What does it mean to be controlled by the Sprit

6. How do we remain “full” of the Spirit?

Spirit and Adoption (8:12-17)7. What does it mean to be “led” by the Spirit? (v14)

8. What does this look like in actual practice?

9. How do “putting to death” and being “led” by the Spirit fit together?

10. How does the Holy Spirit inspire us to pray “Abba, Father”?

11. What is the significance to you to be able to call God “Dad”? How does that change the way you relate to God?

PrayerGive God great thanks that we do not face condemnation, are free from sin and death and are adopted as his sons – calling him dad. Pray that we will live lives led by the Spirit.


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RO

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-30

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toge

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iny:

to

be

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the

liken

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of J

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, G

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esus

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w d

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od th

roug

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ath

and

resu

rrec

tion.

ROMANS 8:18-39

Big Idea: Throughout this passage, Paul helps us to distinguish between the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet’. Christians feel this tension between what they experi-ence in the present and what they are looking forward to in the ‘not yet’ – indeed the whole creation looks forward too.

Bible Themes: Creation and new creation, suffering and hope, freedom.

Aim of this study: That we should look forward to God’s certain and glorious future while at the same time understand the nature of our suffering now.

Highlights from our last study: This is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus – we have been adopted as his sons to live according to his spirit.

Read Romans 8:18-39

The Promised Future (8:18-27)1. Why do you think Paul makes such a bold promise in v18?

2. Why is the rest of creation so linked which what happens to humanity?

3. Try to put verses 24-25 in your own words.

4. How does v26-27 give you comfort?


More than Conquerors (8:28-39)5. How does verse 28 give you hope?

6. What does it mean to “be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (v29)?

7. In practical terms, what does that involve in our lives?

8. Why does Paul support this statement with ideas of our destiny? (v28-30)

9. What is the significance of the statement: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Who might our enemies be?

10. How does this statement make you feel? How does it affect hope? How does it allow you to act?

11. How does this passage reassure us?

12. In what sense are we as Christians ‘more than conquers’ (v37) despite the obstacles we face?

PrayerUse v37-39 as a basis of your own prayer

ROMANS 11:1-36

Big Idea: God’s saving plan is for all people.

Bible Themes: Salvation history, Jews and Gentiles.

Aim of this study: To understand God’s plan of salvation. This understanding should include the realisation that God has not turned away from all Jews, and also that Gentile believers should be humble, not boastful towards Jews. Such an understanding should cause us to be amazed, at God and his astonishing plan for the rescue of his people.

Highlights from our last study: We have seen the great freedom and glory that awaits us as we are more than conquerors through Jesus.

Read Romans 11:1-36

The Remnant of Israel (11:1-10)1. What is the ‘remnant’ Paul talks about in v5?

2. What do you think Paul means in saying this remnant is chosen by grace?

3. What do you think it means to be hardened by God?

4. Can you think of times in Jesus’ life when He confronted “hardened” people?

5. If people were hardened by God, do you feel they are responsible for their actions? Why/why not? What passages in Scripture support your answer?


The Olive Tree (11:11-24)6. What does the olive root represent in Paul’s example?

7. What does it mean to “boast” about salvation v18?

8. Why do you feel Paul is telling boastful Christians to be afraid?

9. Considering how often Paul is warning against Christian boasting, arrogance and conceit, what is the kind of behaviour he is warning against?

Doxology (11:33-36)10. Why do you think Paul ends this chapter with a doxology? V33-36

11. Share in praising God in creating your own doxology.

PrayerPray that we may never be arrogant and boast in ourselves. May we always seek to humbly praise God for what he has done in and for us.

ROMANS 12:1-21

Big Idea: Chapter 12 is a key point as he turns from instruction to exhortation – Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice.

Bible Themes: Sacrifice, transformation, a new mind.

Aim of this study: To be so aware of God’s overwhelming mercy towards us that we give ourselves wholeheartedly to him.

Highlights from our last study: We have seen the danger of boasting and hardness of heart in the history of God’s people.

Read Romans 12:1-21

Living Sacrifices (12:1-8)1. What is “therefore” there for?

2. According to Paul, why should we present our bodies as living sacrifices?What do you think it means to do this?

3. Why do you think renewing your mind is necessary before you can know God’s will?

4. In verse 3, Paul tells us how to think of ourselves. What role does faith play in how you should think of yourself?

46 ROMANS The Glorious Gospel /

5. Think of Paul’s analogy of the body. What are some examples you’ve seen of one part of the “body” not doing its part? What are some examples of one part doing the job of another part? Have you ever seen one part try to say how another part should function? What is your part? Are you doing it?

6. Verses 6-8 have been described as “ministry gifts”. Why do you feel these gifts would be less desired and preached about than the other Spiritual gifts?see I Corinthians 12.

7. How do you feel each of these gifts serves and builds the “body”?

Living Love (12:9-21)8. What do you feel it means to honour one another above yourselves (v10)?

9. What are some examples and benefits of Christians practicing hospitality?

10. Why is the command in v15 so important in a church setting?

11. Rewrite verses 17-19 in your own words. What makes this difficult?

12. How does good overcome evil? Is this just ignoring justice?

13. Share how you have been transformed by God’s grace over the last few months

PrayerIn light of God’s mercy, pray that he will transform our minds so that we will offer ourselves to him as living sacrifices, marked by our love of God and each other.

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Naremburn, NSW 2065

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Documents

THE POWER OF GOD FOR THE SALVATION OF EVERYONE WHO …€¦ · 2 ROMANS The Glorious Gospel / 3 03 / INTRODUcTION 06 / ROMANS OVERVIEW 07 / ROMANS TIMELINE 08 / ROMANS LOcATION 09