STUDY OUTLINES ON ROMANS

In verse 1 to 15, Paul made a long introduction, which summarized his whole life mission. He saw himself not only as an APOSTLE (i.e. a SENT MISSIONER) but also a bond-servant (i.e. a slave-minister) in relation to Christ and the Gospel. He had no doubt Christ is the Son of God. His assurance is based on the vindication of Christ by the Holy Spirit, through the fulfillment of prophetic Scriptures and the power of Resurrection (1:2-4). Firstly Paul understood that his apostleship was to bring all nations to be obedient to God by believing in Christ (1:5; 16:26). This was to be done by preaching (15:18). All those who obey by believing, receive Saving-Grace, Love and Peace from God through Christ; and so become Saints unto God (1:6,7). Secondly Paul understood that his service included praying for Christians (1:9) and visiting the brethren to encourage them in the Faith, no matter how far away they may be, no matter the tribe they may come from (1:10-15).

Next Paul states the central theme of the gospel to all without fear of contradiction or criticism. This says, “the gospel message is that through the power of God, salvation is freely given to all who believe in Christ” (1:16). Again the gospel of Christ reveals that we can only receive God’s righteousness (i.e. be justified) by faith and live righteously by faith? (1:17).

He then began to give a revelation of God’s wrath (anger) against the unrighteousness of the whole lawless and immoral Gentiles (1:18-32). Though the Gentiles have no prophetic law or scriptures, yet they have common sense enough to understand God through the visible creation (1:19,20). Though they knew God, yet they foolishly chose to worship other things rather than God. This led to God rejecting them as unrighteous and guilty (1:21-25). Being thus rejected, they became overtaken by evil desires to work more unrighteousness (1:26-32).

DISCUSSIONS

1. What do we learn from Paul’s righteous attitudes as seen in verse 9,13 and 15?

2. To gain salvation or eternal life is to gain God’s righteousness by His grace. How do we receive this salvation? (1:16,17).

3. What is FAITH (Heb 11:1-4; Romans 4:18-22)? What then does it mean to believe in Christ? (John 11:27; 1John 5:1,4; 2Corinthians 4:13; Romans 10:10)

4. Why did God hand the Gentiles over to uncleanness? (1:20-25)

5. Give examples of the unrighteous fruits of the reprobate mind in our day as mentioned in verses 26 to 32.

CONCLUSION

All Gentiles are guilty without excuse (1:20b)

For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse:

(Rom 1:20)

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: THE JEWS UNRIGHTEOUS UNDER THE LAW

TEXT: ROMANS 2

INTRODUCTION

After unfolding the wrath of God against the vile minded and debased Gentiles in Chapter One, Paul now turns to the Gentile moralists who judge actions by their conscience and by their standard societal norms (2:14,15), and the Jewish legalists who judge actions by the Law (2:17-20). The moralist Gentiles, in a way are under law like the legalist Jews (2:12-14).

While the debased Gentiles approve those who practice evil (1:32), the moralist Gentile and the legalist Jew judge those who practice evil (2:1, 21-22). But both those who approve evil and those who judge and condemn evil, all, do commit the same evil. (1:32; 2:1,3, 23). So both are hard-hearted and impenitent and therefore are under God’s wrath (2:5), for God is not a respecter of persons (2:11-13).

God will judge all men, including the Jews, ACCORDING TO THEIR DEEDS (2:6) by the standards of His righteous judgement in Christ Jesus (2:16). God will justify only the DOERS not the preachers, hearers and approvers of the excellency of the law (2:6-13; 17-24). So then outward signs and visible ceremonies will not save us (2:25-27). Only the inward circumcision of the heart, which is the new creation by the Holy Spirit, will produce in us, the life of PRAISE TO GOD (2:28, 29; Gal 6:14-16).

NOTE: JUDAH = God be praised; JEW = Praiser of God

DISCUSSIONS

1. What should the patience and goodness of God produce in us? How? (2 Cor. 7:9-11; John 16:7,8,13).

2. What will be the result of God’s righteous Judgement on believers (2:7,10) and unbelievers (2:8,9,11-13)?

3. How would you escape the wrath of God on the day of judgement? (2:13,16).

4. Compare our lives with those of the Jews described in verse 17:22.

5. What must you learn from the rebuke in verse 23 and 24?

6. Who are those truly circumcised, or the true Jew (2:28, 29; Phil. 3:3)?

CONCLUSION

Are you known to be a believer? Then, examine yourself if there be any way the name of the Lord is blasphemed amongst unbelievers through your life (2:24). Repent therefore and receive forgiveness and new life through faith in Christ alone. Then your life shall bring PRAISE TO GOD.

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS ONLY BY FAITH

TEXT: ROMANS 3

INTRODUCTION

Here Paul concludes the point he raised in Chapter 1:18 that ALL HUMANS (Jews and Gentiles, religious and irreligious, under the law and without law), are unrighteous without excuses before God (3:9). But first, Paul answers the questions, which the message raises in the minds of people (3:1-8). Find out the questions, below are the answers: -

(a) That the Jews (and the religious) who know about the law have some advantage (3:12), yet they are not righteous (3:19,20). This is proved with the Old Testament itself (3:10-18).

(b) That the unfaithfulness of the Jews cannot make their God unfaithful (3:3,4).

(c) That God is a JUST judge. Therefore, even though our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness and our unfaithfulness and brings out God’s faithfulness, yet the sinner deserves God’s condemnation (3:5-8).

Having shown God’s WRATH against all unrighteousness (1:18), Paul now shows God’s GRACE unto justification for the unrighteous: That the righteousness which comes from GOD is received ONLY through FAITH in Christ, by God GRACE (3:22-26): in accordance with the Old Testament (Law and Prophets) 3:21. (This is because only Christ’s blood is sufficient to both remove God’s wrath and cover man’s sins = ATONEMENT; Christ’s death was the substitute for the penalty of our sin and so, He paid the price to buy us back to eternal life = REDEMPTION). This is the GOODNEWS (GOSPEL).

Christ is for ALL, both Jews and Gentiles (3:29). Faith works for all both the circumcision and the uncircumcision (3:30). Therefore, to be JUSTIFIED (i.e. Receive righteousness from God), one must come BELIEVING in Christ alone, so that no one should boast (3:27,28).

DISCUSSIONS

1. Why does he religious (Church-going) unbeliever have more dvantage than the irreligious unbelievers? (3:12) Could such religious church-goers be saved without believing (3:20,28)

2. What to revelations of God have we learned so far (1:18;3:20,22).

3. What is the central theme of the Gospel? (Acts 10:43; Act 16:31; John 1:12) Give other Bible quotations that present this theme.

4. Does this means we believe and continue in sin? (3:8; Eph. 2:8-10; Jas 2:17-20).

CONCLUSION

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and then you shall be saved.

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: ABRAHAM’S RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH

TEXT: ROMANS 4

INTRODUCTION

After showing that the Old Testament teaching was, “Righteousness by Faith” and NEVER by works of the Law (5:21) and explaining that the Law came in order to convict us of sin (3:20), Paul now goes on to give a final proof with the experience of father Abraham. God’s dealing with Abraham is summarized in 4:3,22 (see Gen. 15:6). This shows that salvation depends NOT on MAN’S works of the Law but on GOD’S grace through faith in God’s promises. Salvation by works would be a PAYMENT of debt, while salvation by faith is a FREE GIFT of grace (4:4,5; 11:6). However, God is not a debtor to anyone (11:35): He is only a gracious giver, independent of works of the law as David said (4:7,8; Ps. 32.1,2).

Abraham’s righteousness was not only independent of works, but was also independent of circumcision. His circumcision came ten full years after he had been justified by faith (4:9,10; Gen. 17:10). Therefore, righteousness by faith is both for the circumcised and the uncircumcised (4:11,12). Abraham’s righteousness by faith came 400 years before the Law and therefore was independent of the Law too. (4:12-15; Gal. 3:17).

Paul then concludes this proof: God gave the promise to Abraham according to His grace (4:16); Abraham believed the Almighty God who has promised (4:17-21); therefore God imputed His righteousness to the faithful Abraham (4:22). This same principle applies to ALL in Christ Jesus (4:3-25), in whom we are justified through faith.

DISCUSSIONS

1. “FAITH moves into the unknown with God alone, taking Him at His word alone.” What does this means? Does this describe your own faith?

2. Why is it important to us Gentiles that justification should depend on faith and not on the Law? (4:14,16).

3. What four main characteristics of Abraham’s faith could you identify from 4:13-25? How far are they true in your own faith? (Faith is UNTO God’s faithful promises, AGAINST impossible circumstance, UPON God’s mighty power and ACCORDING TO God’s Word).

4. What faithful promises do we have in Christ? (e.g. Acts :38;39; John 1:12 and 3:16-18 and 20:31).

CONCLUSION

If you believe in God and believe that He raised Jesus from the deed to be your Lord and Saviour, you shall be saved (i.e. made righteous by God) Rom.10: 9.

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: THE BLESSEDNESS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH

TEXT: ROMANS 5

INTRODUCTION

When God justifies us through our faith in Christ, we begin to enjoy a lot of spiritual blessings (4:7-9; Eph. 1:3). First, we are reconciled back to God (5:1,10,11), and have the joyful hope of regaining all our lost glory (5:2; 3:23; Col 1:27).

In fact, our glory even starts now in the midst of tribulation (5:3-4; 2Cor. 3:18). All these are because through faith in Christ, an entrance is opened to us to come into God’s grace (5:2) and the Holy Spirit of love and hope is given to us to indwell our hearts (5:5) when we believed (8:9-14; Eph. 1:13-14; 1John 4:13-16).

Every Christian who has been thus recreated/translated/regenerated IN CHRIST by GRACE (2Cor 5:17; Eph 2:10; Col 1:13-14; 3:10 1Pet 1:23) is sealed and reassured as a son for eternal heritage with the indwelling Holy Spirit (8:9-16; 2Cor 1:20-22; Eph 1:13-14). Such must therefore diligently proceed to be transformed by renewing his/her mind (Rom 12:2; Eph 4:22-24; Col 1:20-23) for growth in grace (2Pet 3:17-18). This growing transformation comes by steadfast devotion to fully please God as revealed in His Word (Col 1:9-10; 1Pet 2:1-3) and by walking in the leading and power of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16-18; Eph 1:17-19; 2Pet 1:3-4) to produce Spiritual FRUIT for God, both of moral EXAMPLE (Eph 5:9) and of ministry EXPLOIT (Rom 1:13). Our outworking FRUIT for God which comes from God’s inworking SEED in us (Php 2:12-13; Heb 13:20-21), shows to all that we are approved of God in the now (Rom 14:17-18; 2Tim 2:15) and ensures our heritage and reward in eternity (2Pet 1:10-11).

Christ’s death for sinners is the greatest demonstration of God’s love (5:6-8; John 3:16 and 15:13). If God could justify us through Christ’s death when we were enemies of God under wrath, then He will more certainly save us through Christ’s life now that we have been reconciled to Him (5:9-10). Therefore, our blessedness in Christ is very sure. Amen.

But are we sure that God would accept one man’s death in substitute to all men? Are we not individually responsible to save ourselves through the law? Paul answers with another Old Testament example – Adam. In Adam all men sinned for we were all in Adam when he disobeyed God and sinned; the proof of this is that all men die (5:12). The fall was over 2000 years before the Law, which was given not to justify us but to convict us of our sinfulness both by ‘adamic’ inheritance and by our own actions or transgressions (3:20; 5:13-14). So if God judged and condemned the whole world to death through Adam’s disobedience and offence, then He would surely and likewise, justify and save the whole world to life through Christ’s obedience and gift of righteousness (5:14-19). Again the grace of Christ countered the aggravating effect of the Law (5:20-21). Praise God.

DISCUSSIONS

1. What does justification mean? Compare it with condemnation.

2. Mention some specific blessings that go with justification by Faith (5:1-5).

3. How could you demonstrate your love to Christ, in life and in death? (5:6-8; Phil 1:19-21; Gal. 2:20).

4. How do we REIGN IN LIFE through Christ? (5:17).

5. Do verses 19-21 teach that we should continue in sin so that grace may abound? (Gal. 2:16-18).

MEMORY VERSE: Romans Chapter 5 verses 1 and 2.

Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Rom 5:1-2)

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: THE HOLINESS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH

TEXT: ROMANS 6

INTRODUCTION

By our baptism (with water and Spirit) into Christ, we were united with Him in His death on the cross (6:3) and therefore in His burial in the tomb as well as His resurrection to new life (6:3-6).

Christ having died to sin once and for all has now resurrected to die no more (6:9,10). We who are united with Christ by baptism should be dead (unresponsive) to sin and become permanently alive and responsive to God in holiness and righteousness (6:11-14). We can do this by drawing from God’s grace through the Holy Spirit.

Remember also that baptism is the “WASHING OF NEW BIRTH and NEW LIFE BY THE HOLY SPIRIT” (Tit 3:5). So to be BAPTIZED WITH water and the Spirit into Christ (1Cor. 12:13) is to be BORN AGAIN OF water and the Spirit into the kingdom life of righteousness and holiness (John 3:5).

Man is a slave. His/her members (Spirit, Soul, Body) are his/her instruments of service. How he/she serves reveals who his/her master is (6:16). The first birth (of Flesh) gives the human the bias to serve sin (original sin) and exclusion from holiness. The Second birth (of the Spirit) gives him/her the power to serve righteousness and freedom from sin (6:17-22). If we serve sin, we suffer death; but if we serve Christ through the obedience of faith, we enjoy the gracious gift of eternal life (6:23).

DISCUSSION

1. What should baptism mean to those who are in Christ? (6:11-14).

2. Differentiate between resurrection and resuscitation. What does this imply to those who are baptized?

3. How far have we gone, individually and collectively, in being dead to sin and alive to God?

4. What does it mean to be under grace and not under the law? Does grace encourage sin?

5. What are the “shameful things that lead to death” of verse 21?

6. Having received God’s righteousness by faith in Christ, what kind of life should we live? (6:22).

MEMORY VERSE: Roman Chapter 6, verse 13:

Neither present your members unto sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

(Rom 6:13)

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT UNTO LIFE

TEXT: ROMANS 8

INTRODUCTION

The law always produces sin and death in those who live according to (i.e. under the control of) the flesh, but it produces righteousness and life in those who live according to the Sprit (8:20-6).

The law can convict us of sin (by showing us the NATURE OF SIN in us, the PENALTY OF SIN on us and the POWER OF SIN over us), but the law cannot deliver us from pollution of sin. Only by the grace of God are we justified through our faith in Christ:

Ø with whose blood we (if we BELIEVE) are pardoned of sin;

Ø with whose Holy Spirit we are empowered to overcome sin; and

Ø in whom we have a sure hope of glory.

Therefore, all who are in Christ are FREE from the condemnation of sin and death. All true believers have entered the liberating fellowship of the indwelling and sanctifying Holy Spirit; they do not mind carnal things any more, but are concerned with spiritual things always (8:1-11). Their minds are now able to overcome their members and the sinful passions of the flesh (7:21-23; 8:12-13), as long as their minds depend on the indwelling Spirit and walk in His grace and power (Gal 5:16-18, 24-25).

We are baptized into (UNION WITH) Christ to become adopted as sons of God in (UNION WITH) Christ to partake of His destiny. This is true because the Holy Spirit comes to indwell us to impart God’s righteousness on us, when we believe in Christ. So then, all who have been born again of the Holy Spirit constantly defy the flesh, setting their minds only to enjoy the victorious sanctifying fellowship of the Holy Spirit; (8:12-17).

To enter into this fellowship of the Holy Spirit is also to enter into battle against the FLESH, the WORLD and SATAN (7:21-23; Gal. 5:17). But in order to be victorious, we must patiently persevere in the present sufferings, while we eagerly wait (with the whole creation) in the hope of the exceeding glory to come (8:18-25). This can only be done by depending on the power of the Holy Spirit (8:26,27) and on the assuring promises of the call of God (8:28-30). Therefore, if God has given us His Son, His Spirit and His loving promises, then we are ALREADY sure of victory - whenever, however and whatever the circumstance (8:31-39).

DISCUSSION

1. Who are those that belong to Christ (i.e those born again of the Holy Spirit) 8:9? How should they walk (i.e. live their lives)? 8:2-8; Gal 5:19-25.

2. Why do we have the right to refuse to live after the flesh? (8:12,13)

3. What works of the Holy Spirit are mentioned in verses 14 and 26?

4. How do all things work together for the good of the believers? (8:28-30).

5. What do verses 31-39 mean to you?

BY THE SPIRIT OF LIFE, WE HAVE COMPLETE VICTORY (8:37).

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUS SOVEREIGNTY

TEXT: ROMANS 9, 10, AND 11 (PRELIMINARY)

INTRODUCTION

Before we could profitably study Chapters 9, 10 and 11 of Romans, we need to be settled in our minds concerning the mysterious way of the righteous sovereignty of God in saving man through faith in Christ.

Many questions arise: In what way is salvation eternal? How does God’s foreknowledge affect our ultimate end? Does God exercise His sovereign right and veto power in election, rejection and restoration? Does God work to fulfil His foreknowledge and His predetermined purpose (whether as His secret wisdom or as the revealed counsel of His will)? Does man have freedom to exercise his own will? Could man in his fallen state ever find God on his own without the grace of God helping him? Is the grace of God universal or restricted to a chosen few? Is it God’s will that some should not be saved? Is God’s call to all humans, or is it to a few? Did Christ die for all humans, or for only some who are predestined to eternal life? Anyway, of what benefit is the knowledge of this mystery to humanity?

First, we must be warned that the Scripture does not contain everything about God’s mysterious way but it contains all that is sufficiently necessary for our salvation (Jon. 20:30-31; 2Tim. 3:16)). We must accept God’s way with contentment and neither cook up our advice for Him, nor think that God’s wisdom is foolishness (Rom 11:33-36). Although the whole will of God revealed in the Scriptures is accessible to the faithful (Deut. 29:29) under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, yet the secret wisdom of God are unsearchable and beyond finding out (Rom. 11:33) by any man by any means. Attempting to fully know the utmost of God’s love and foreknowledge (Arminianism), or to search out the full limits of God’s sovereignty and eternal decree (Calvinism) is tantamount to searching beyond what is revealed (Job. 11:7).

DISCUSSIONS

1. What various aspects of the mysterious way of salvation are revealed to us in the Scriptures?

(a) In Adam ALL are (by God’s severity and wrath towards sin) predestinated to destruction and death once they have been born. Rom. 5:18; 1Cor. 15:22.

(b) In Christ ALL are by God’s mercy and grace towards the sinner, (and by God’s will for EVERYONE’s salvation Ezk. 18:23; Jon. 3:16; 6:40) predestinated to Salvation and eternal life if they believed. Rom 11:32; 2Tim. 1:9; Acts 17:30; 1Tim 4:10; 1John 2:2: Eph. 3:11.

(c) Those who are mercifully chosen by God (The Elect) and those who would take advantage of God’s gracious call by believing in Christ (the Called Faithful) are foreknown by God 1 Pet 1:2; Acts 13:48; Rom 8:29; 11:2; Matt. 25:34.

(d) The Called Faithful is usually the Elect, but may include the Reprobate who has been grafted in by grace through faith. Rom. 9:25-26; 11:20-24; Rev. 17:14; 2 Cor. 3:16.

(e) Those who are severely rejected by God (the Reprobate) and those who would disregard God’s grace by refusing Christ (the unbelieving) are foreknown by God. Rom 9:22.

(f) The unbelieving are usually the Reprobate but may include the Elect who have been plucked off for wrath because of unbelief/drawing back. Rom. 11:20-24.

(g) The grace and call of God is to all humans but the choice and salvation of God is for a few. Matt. 2:14; Rev. 17:14.

(h) All humans (Elect or Reprobate, Faithful or Unbelieving) are free to exercise their will, but none can turn to Christ except one was helped by God’s grace and drawn by God’s call through the Word and the Holy Spirit. John 6:44,65.

(i) Christ’s death, God’s grace, the Holy Spirit as well as this world are meant for all humans. 1Tim. 2:4-6; 2Pet. 3:9; Tit 2:11; Rom. 10:14. This is why we must evangelise, so as to give opportunity to the Elect and the Faithful to take the advantage and be saved. Mark 16:16; John 1:12; Rom 10:13.

(j) God in His righteousness can (and has the right to) use anybody (whether as Elect or Reprobate, Faithful or Unbelieving) to show His power (whether as wrath or as mercy) Rom. 9:14-24. After all, all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Rom. 3:23.

(k) The purpose of election is not to exclude the Reprobate from being saved but rather to guarantee a Remnant is saved even in the event of mass apostasy. Rom 11:3-6.

(l) ELECTION MUST BE UNDERSTOOD AS A SPECIAL DIVINE SAFEGUARD (Rom. 9:27-29), NOT AS A USUAL DIVINE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION. This, the Calvinist as well as the Arminian doctrines tend to miss.

(m) It is important to note that though He was slain from the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8) and bears away the sins of the whole world (Isa 53:6-11; John 1:29), yet since the foundation of the world, Christ has been ENROLLING believers (Dan 12:1; Luk 10:20; Phil 4:3; Heb 12:23) and DE-LISTING apostates (Exod 32:32-33; Psa 69:28; Rev 22:19) in His Book of Life. Hear now (Rev 3:4-6)!!! You are out of time. He will soon call the roll. (Rev 20:15; 21:22-27).

2. What things are NOT revealed to us in the Scripture about election and salvation?

(a) Once saved, always saved, or once an unbeliever always an unbeliever. Rom 11:1-23; John 15:3-6.

(b) Whatever God decides for us must be done by us whether we choose to do it or not (Fatalism). 2 Tim. 2:19-21.

(c) God can only save by His predetermined election and not necessarily by our faith response to His call (Rom 11:20; Matt. 8:10-12).

(d) God can save by works apart from faith (Eph. 2:9).

(e) Salvation is not generally available to all but only particularly accessible by election. (John 1:11-13; 3:16; Eph. 1:5,11: Psa 10:11-13)

CONCLUSION

Although God exercises His sovereign right and power to Elect, Reject and Restore according to His pleasure and for the fulfilment of His purpose, yet He also meant His Salvation to be for all humans. And the only way to enter into that salvation is by His GRACE and through our FAITH in Christ, so that no man should boast (Rom. 3:27). If we trust in God and walk in His love, we can be certain that all things will surely work out for our good according to God’s calling and purpose (Rom. 8:28; John 14:23; Acts. 5:32). The grace of God is available to all humans, so all should take advantage of that grace by believing unto salvation. And all that are saved should be rest assured that they are called of (and are in accord with) God, who is both faithful and almighty (Heb. 6:17-19).

NOTES:

1. God has eternal foreknowledge as well as eternal will, counsel and purpose. He does not usually seem to work out His foreknowledge; rather He makes use of His foreknowledge in working out His purpose (Eph. 1:11).

2. Election to salvation is always accompanied by a saving covenant; otherwise it does not lead to eternal life, since eternal life is a covenant promise of God. The only way to enter into a saving covenant with God is by faith and continued obedience of faith (2Pet. 1:2-11)

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: GOD’S SOVEREIGN CHOICE BY GRACE

TEXT: ROMANS 9

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, Paul attempts to explain the purpose of God (i.e His secret wisdom and the revealed counsel of His will). He makes it clear that God has the right to make His own choice in everything.

Paul expressed great sorrow for the Israelites who rejected Christ, despite the fact that they were the chosen people of God (9:1-5). But the choice of God, which never fails, should not be seen as something easily understood (9:6-13). Out of many, God makes His choice of those on whom to show mercy and those on whom to show wrath; yet, this never means that God is unrighteous or unfaithful (9:14-18).

Although God exercises His sovereignty (i.e. over-ruling power and right) in choosing, He is still righteous in judging all disobedience and rewarding the faithful. Yet no man has the right to question God for He is our maker (9:19-21). In order to show His power and glory (9:22-24), God could choose to narrow down or expand His choice (9:25,26). Nevertheless, He makes sure that He has a FAITHFUL REMNANT even if the whole world decides to go astray (9:27-29; 11:4-6). God has the whole world in His hands. Amen

The only way to obtain salvation is therefore to depend on God’s grace, obeying Him and trusting Him (by faith) to choose us and count us righteous through Christ (9:30-33).

DISCUSSIONS

1 Paul made a solemn declaration (swore an oath) in verse 1 (Also see 2 Cor 1: 23; 11 31; 1Thes .2:5,10 1Tim 2:7). How do we reconcile this with Matt. 5:34 and Jas. 5:12? What does this teach you to bear in mind whenever you speak?

2 Is your own solemn declaration as selfless as that of Paul (9:1-2)? Do you seek how to get YOUR WELL BEING from the gospel or do you seek to do GOD’S WILL for the Gospel? How? (Consider Ex. 32:32).

3 By God’s grace, He has enabled ALL men to freely choose or reject Christ (9:33). Dose God in His grace and righteousness have the over-ruling right and power to freely choose or reject SOME humans? (9:15-21). Why do you say so?

4 Is God’s electing grace limited to the Israelites (9:24-26)? What dose this mean to you?

5 Since we cannot know all the secret wisdom of God concerning election, how should we respond to God? (9:30-33).

MEMORY VERSE: Romans Chapter 9 verse 30.

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith:

(Rom 9:30)

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: ISRAEL’S FAITHLESS ZEAL

TEXT: ROMANS 10

INTRODUCTION

As in 9:1-3, Paul again starts by solemnly declaring (as an oath), his heart’s desire for the Jews: that they shall be saved (10:1). Although the Jews were very zealous in seeking God’s righteousness through the law, they did not obtain it because God’s righteousness could only be obtained through faith in Christ and submission to His lordship (10:3). Christ’s faith-righteousness, (which is simple, universal, eternal and superior) is given by GOD to those who BELIEVE and submit to Jesus Christ. But law-righteousness (which is complex, restricted, temporary and inferior) is to be achieved by MAN through WORKS and KEEPING of the law. This is impossible for man in his fallen state. The law was meant to show us our helplessness and so move us to reach out for Christ in whom the law is both fulfilled and ended. So then righteousness is freely available to everyone who believes (10:4-8).

To prove that we believe in God’s record concerning His Son, we must confess Him openly. So while Faith OBTAINS righteousness, confession PROVES the presence of righteousness. It is Faith that produces confession, not the reverse (10:9-11). Confession includes calling upon the name of the Lord, which does not mean reciting religious and liturgical formulae but TRUSTING and SUBMITTING to HIM upon whom we call. This is why; we must preach Christ to those who have not known Him (10:12-18), even when they refuse to believe as the Israelites (10:19-21). Preaching is also an aspect of confession.

DISCUSSION

1. What could you learn from verse 1 (compare 9:1-3)

2. What are the differences between law-righteousness and faith-righteousness? (10:5,10).

3. Consider these two: confession without faith, and faith without confession. What should you have as a true Christians?

4. Does calling upon God lead to faith? What leads to faith then? (10:14,17).

5. What warning could we hear from verse 2? (Heb. 4:6)

6. Who are those sent to preach the Goodnews? (10:15)

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 10:9 and 10

Because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

(Rom 10:9-10)

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S PURPOSE

TEXT: ROMANS 11

INTRODUCTION

In expounding his doctrine of JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH, Paul now tries to answer two last questions. These questions concern the sorrowful issue of JEWISH unbelief despite the fact they are chosen by God and have zeal for God (9:1-65; 10:1-3).

First Paul explains that God did not reject Israel totally but only partly, because God always makes sure He reserves some who remain faithful (THE REMNANT). God chooses the remnant in His grace. Paul cited himself, Elijah and the seven thousand prophets as examples (11:1-6). He quotes some scriptures to support his teaching concerning this mystery (11:7-10).

Secondly, he discloses that the unbelief of Israel is only a temporary stumbling and not a final fall. Israel’s stumbling is used by God to extend His blessings to the Gentiles. Paul illustrates this with the Olive tree with the natural and grafted wild branches. Beyond election, faith leads to being grafted in while unbelief leads to being plucking off. (11:11-24).

Further Paul unfolds the purpose of God, which is, that Israel is rejected in unbelief until the full number of Gentiles has come in, after that, Israel shall believe and be saved also, as God has spoken. The mystery is that God is letting all humans have their portion of disobedience in order that all humans (Jews and Gentiles) may need to receive mercy (11:25-32). In this way, no one would boast before God.

God’s mysterious purpose is a wonder! Man’s disobedience cannot spoil God’s plans. We cannot know all the secret wisdom of God but He has revealed enough counsel for our salvation (11:33-36).

DISCUSSION

1. What warning could we hear from verses 17 to 20?

2. Seeing that the scriptures quoted in verses 8-10 was fulfilled in the life of the Israelites, what should be our attitude towards similar prophecies concerning this end time, e.g. 1 Tim 4:1?

3. Differentiate between magnifying and boasting with our ministry (see 11:13; 2 Tim. 4:5; 2 Peter 2:9-12).

4. How are you magnifying your ministry today?

5. What do you understand by the mystery of God’s purpose stated in verses 30-32?

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 11:33

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!

(Rom 11:33)

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: RIGHTEOUS WAY OF LIFE

TEXT: ROMANS 12

INTRODUCTION

Having explained and proved his doctrine of justification (i.e. being counted righteous) by faith in Christ, Paul now goes on to apply it to daily life.

God, in His mercy, has called us; chosen us and counted us righteous; grafted (baptized) us into Christ by giving us the Holy Spirit to indwell us; and washed our sins with Christ’s blood when we believed. THEREFORE the only reasonable service we should give to the Lord that has shown such a great mercy to us is to present our whole being as a living sacrifice to Him in every way (12:1). We must first be transformed and be renewed, then shall we be enabled to do God’s pleasure and perfect will (2:2).

We should magnify and make full proof of our Ministry according to our Gifts to benefit others. This we must do with all humility, faith, diligence, cheerfulness and sobriety, remembering that our gifts are GIVEN to us by grace (12:3-8).

Sincere love which hates evil, holds to good, respects others, has spiritual zeal, rejoices in hope and faith and practices hospitality, must characterise our lives (12:9-13). To hate evil must not be understood as cursing our persecutors, despising and quarrelling with others, or avenging our enemies. The love that hates evil overcomes evil with good (12:14-21).

DISCUSSION

1. Why should we present our bodies and renew our minds to serve God? What does this reasonable service or spiritual worship mean? (12:1,2).

2. Do we have any of the gifts mentioned in verses 6 to 8? Are we using them righteously as instructed by Paul in this passage?

3. How should we show sincere love (12:10,13)?

4. Love hates evil and goes for what is good (12:96; 1 Cor. 13:6). How should we hate evil? Do we hate evil the way Paul has instructed in verse 17-21?

5. What do you understand by “heaping burning coals on his (i.e. enemy’s) head” (12:20)?

6. What do you understand by being fervent and not slothful in verse 11?

CONCLUSION

When we understand that it was by God’s mercy that we were saved, the only reasonable thing to do is to respond to God’s love with our whole being, and to love others till they are shamed unto repentance and faith. This is the righteous way of life.

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Rom 12:21)

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS IN THE SOCIETY

TEXT: ROMANS 13

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, Paul makes it clear that those who have received God’s righteousness through faith in Christ must be subject (i.e obedient and responsible) to higher human authorities that govern in our society. God ORDAINS all ruling/governing authorities in the society, as His MINISTERS of the sword: for promotion of good, for wrath and vengeance on evil and disobedience, and for security. We should fear, honour, recognise, respect and submit to these authorities because of their ministry and because of other people’s conscience and our conscience towards God (13:1-7). All this should be done in LOVE (13:8-10).

Those who have been given God’s righteousness by faith in Christ should wake up and live in the society as they ought to: not in darkness (i.e. strife, envy, etc) but in he light (i.e. putting on the Lord Christ), because Christ would soon come to judge the living and the dead (13:11-14)

DISCUSSION

1. How does Paul’s teaching in 13:1-10 agree with those of Christ in Matt. 2:17-21 and of Peter in 1 Peter 2:13-21?

2. How far do you subject to and love those in authority? (see one example of Paul in Acts 23:1-5). What about Peter’s example in Acts 5:27-32?

3. What are the present and eternal consequences of resisting any human authority in the society? (13:2-4).

4. What are the tributes that Christians must pay to all human authorities and all men in the society? (13:6-10).

5. What are the roles of those in authority (earthly and human) in our society as mentioned in 13:3-4) (see 1 Pet 2:13,14) Does this apply to Christians in temporal (i.e. earthly) authority?

6. “It is high time we awoke” (13:11) “Let us walk properly as in the day” (13:13). What warnings and admonitions do you get from verses 11-13.

7. How do we prevent the flesh from having its way? (13:14).

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 13:10

Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law.

(Rom 13:10)

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: RIGHTEOUS PRINCIPLES OF LIBERTY

TEXT: ROMANS 14

DEFINITIONS

1. Christian Liberty means all things, which those who are justified in Christ have been given power and freedom to do (both essential and non-essential).

2. The STRONG in faith were NOT the MORE committed BUT the MATURE brethren whose faith in Christ is grounded in a proper knowledge of the mystery of the truth about salvation in Christ (1 Cor. 8:4-6).

3. The WEAK in faith were NOT the LESS committed BUT the IMMATURE brethren who because of improper conception of the gospel mystery develop an attitude that identifies everything as sinful or demonic, fearing that such things would defile believers (1 Cor. 8:7-9).

INTRODUCTION

There was no unity (love and peace) between the weak and the strong in the Roman Church. Instead of the weak aspiring to gain the wonderful knowledge of the strong, they judged the strong for eating pagan meat freely, instead of the strong to respect the scrupulous, conscience of the weak, they despised the weak, they despised the weak for not understanding how great or liberty in Christ is. Therefore, Paul wrote to teach them how righteous saints should exercise their liberty whether weak or strong.

(a) Saints should not judge but welcome themselves and prepare to meet Christ who has welcomed them and who shall yet judge them (14:1-13).

(b) Christ has declared all food pure and clean (14:14; Mk. 7:15 –19). Yet any brother who eats what he considers unclean shall be condemned because of his conscience 914:20-23);

(c) Souls are more important than food; don’t condemn souls for eating or not eating; don’t destroy souls by eating or not eating; be sure you are accepted by God and approved by men; as a true servant of Christ walk in love aiming for peace and edification in all things (14;14-19);

DISCUSSIONS

1. Compare (b) with 1 Cor. 8:4-13 and discuss

2. Compare (c) with 1 Cor. 10:23-33 and discuss.

3. Give some other areas (dressing, tradition, culture etc) where we have

scruples, and apply the apostolic righteous principles to each of these.

4. What is the extent of our salvation in Christ? (Eph. 1:15-23; 3:17b-19).

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 14:13

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock in his brother's way, or an occasion of falling.

(Rom 14:13)

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THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD BY FAITH

TOPIC: RIGHTEOUS GREETINGS AND COMMENDATIONS

TEXT: ROMANS 16

INTRODUCTION

Righteous greetings are the greetings of the saints. The Saints are those who have received God’s righteousness through faith in Christ. In this chapter, Paul shows us the way in which saints should greet, appreciate and commend one another in holiness and righteousness in Christ Jesus.

Righteous greeting is a greeting of love, peace, goodwill, oneness, appreciation, warm friendship and close fellowship. It is a greeting in first names. Above all it is a greeting in the Lord. Righteous greeting does not discredit, rather it commends and encourages in the Lord. Although Paul had not yet been to Rome, he had cultivated personal friendship with about 30 members of the Roman congregation: both males and females, Jews and Gentiles, married and unmarried.

Paul referred to the Saints as his dear friends (beloved), fellows-workers in the Lord, relatives (kinsmen), sisters, brothers, and mother (16:1-16). In conveying greetings from the brethren with him, he used similar righteous language (16:21-24). He also commended each saint for his or her labours in the Lord.

Paul did not forget to warn the brethren against those who cause divisions and make arguments against what the Apostles had taught. (16:17-19). He also assured them of God’s grace and victory over Satan (16:20). Finally, in a doxology, he gave glory to God for His power and wisdom (16:25-27).

DISCUSSIONS

1. Phoebe who took this letter from Corinth to Rome was described as a sister, a Deaconess (Servant) and a Patroness (Great helper) (16:1,2). How many other women who worked hard in the Lord were mentioned? (16:3,6,12,15) What does this teach us about women in the Church?

2. Would one be telling the truth if one commended you with the same words used for the Roman Saints? (16:3,10a, 12).

3. How did Paul describe those whom we should avoid? (16:17,118). Are you one of such dangerous Christians?

4. What does this “holy kiss” (of peace and love) mean? (16:16). What are the equivalents of kissing in our culture?

5. How many Christians of various tribes and of both sexes are you so personally friendly with? Do you write and greet them in holiness and righteousness, like Paul? Has EVERYONE heard about your obedience? (16:19).

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 16:17

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine, which ye learned: and turn away from them.

(Rom 16:17)

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Last revised: March 10, 2006

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