March 31, 2010 Lesson 22 of Romans 12

In the second part of his letter Paul now shows quality of life should characterize those who believe in the gospel as set out in chapters 1-11. The close connection between belief and conduct is emphasized by the significant word ‘Therefore’ in 12:1. See analysis.
What should be the believer’s attitude: a) to God, and b) to the world? What results should such a right attitude produce? Answer: The believer’s attitude toward God should be one of humility and sacrifice. The believer should give himself to God so that God can transform his life into what God wants it to be. Each man (or woman) should keep to the path that God leads us on using those abilities He has instilled in all of us.


It has been suggested that the teaching of verses 3-8 might be summed up in the ‘humility’, and that of verses 9-21 in the word ‘love’. How far is this true? At what points do I particularly come short of these standards? Answer: I am not the best at showing God’s love. I am far from being a Grinch, but I am not the best at showing that love God has given us. I pray every day that God allows someone to see His love through me, and then I leave it up to Him! Humility, I try to lead (either formally or informally) by example, so sometimes humility is not my strong suit. I don’t necessarily think I am better than an one else, I just see something needs to be done and I do it.

Notes:
V2. ‘Transformed’: the same Greek word is used three other times in the New Testament, in Matt. 17:2 and Mark 9:2 (‘transfigured’); and in 2 Cor 3:18.
V 20. ‘Burning coals’: a figurative emblem of severe pain, here the pain of shame and contrition.

March 30, 2010 Lesson 21 of Romans 11:25-36

What is God’s ultimate purpose for Israel, and how do the scriptures cited confirm that purpose? Answer: God’s ultimate purpose is the salvation of His nation.

Consider the plan of God as revealed in chapters 9-11. By what successive steps has God acted, and will he still act, to bring about the results stated in verse 32? Does the argument of these chapters lead you as naturally as it led Paul to the doxology of verses 33-36? Answer: God started out from the beginning making all who are justified, justified through faith. Chapters 9-11 I think first show how God is sovereign through all that He does. Chapter 9 starts out by Paul stating that it is by faith not by works that one is part of Israel. Not all who are Israel through blood line are really Israel. He shows this through the example of Jacob and Esau, both children of Rebekah and Isaac. Showing that it is God’s mercy and sovereign choice, not man’s deeds. Paul then describes how the “remnant” of Israel will be saved, and how Gentiles (who should control the pride) will be “grafted in.” Then discussion of how Israel’s heart will be unhardened and “all Israel will be saved” What all means here is up for debate. My conclusion from my reading is that all refers to all those chosen. However, none are released from sin without first believing and having faith in Christ. I may not write a doxology just as Paul has here, but I do praise God everyday for His love, mercy, and sending His son do die for our sins.

March 29, 2010 Lesson 20 of Romans 11:11-24

If a man trips and stumbles, he may either rise again or fall and perish. What reasons does Paul give here for his confidence that Israel’s rejection is not final? Answer: In v11-12 I think he is talking once again about the sovereignty of God. God chooses who He will. If the person, in this case Israel, gets off track God does things or allows things to happen that will put that person back on track. I am not saying God is some big manipulator. Rather God is like a loving parent who corrects His children.

Against what spirit does he warn Gentile believers? What lessons ought we to learn for ourselves from God’s dealings with Israel? Answer: Paul warns against pride. Just because God has chosen you does not make you any better than Israel. V21 answers the second part; “For if God did not spare the naturall branches, He will not spare you either.”

How does this passage encourage the vigorous prosecution of Christian mission to the Jews? Answer: I am not sure what he is asking here??

Note
V16. Cf. Num. 15:17-21. As the offering of the first fruits was regarded as consecrating the whole harvest, so in the choice of th patriarchs the whole nation became set apart from God. Cf. v 28.

March 28, 2010 Lesson 19 of Romans 11:1-10

What three reason’s are given in this passage to show that God has not cast Israel wholly away? Answer: 1) Paul is not rejected, and he is an Israelite. 2) Elijah thought he was the last; God showed him that 7000 would be saved who had not bowed down to Baal. 3) Paul shows that even in this present time there is a remnant that will be saved.

How have the remnant who have been saved come into that blessedness, and how have the others failed to obtain salvation? What has been God’s part in the result, and what ours? Answer: those who are saved are saved by faith, and those who are not saved do so through unbelief. God first chose us, then we must chose Him. He hardens the hearts of some, but open the hearts of others.

March 27, 2010 Lesson 18 of Romans 9:30-10:21

What are the two ways of seeking acceptance with God that are contrasted here? How are they shown to be mutually exclusive? See 9:30-10:9. What was the cause of Israel’s failure? Answer: Acceptance through faith and believing contrasted by using the law of righteousness (using the law to put God into one’s own debt). Israel’s problem here as Paul describes it is that they continue to think that they can perform works to get grace from God. Or use heroic measures (v 6). It is only through faith in Christ Jesus that we can receive the grace and acceptance through righteousness to God.

Righteousness by faith (10:8-15). What does the apostle say regarding: a) its simplicity; b) its universal application; and c) the necessity of proclaiming it? Answer: The simplicity is simply believing in Christ. The application is to both Jew and Gentile. The necessity of proclaiming it is that all need to hear to have the opportunity to believe.

What light does 10:14-21 throw on man’s responsibility: a) in proclaiming the gospel; b) In hearing it? Answer: I think people can listen without hearing. Mat 11:15 let those who have ears let them hear. We all have ears (even the deaf can communicate), it is god who gives us the understanding to hear, not just listen to the Words of the Bible.

March 26, 2010 Lesson 17 of Romans 9:14-29

How does Paul show that in his election of men God retains absolute liberty of action: a) without compromising his own righteousness, and b) without giving man any just ground for complaint? See verses 15, 16, 23-26. Answer: I think Paul does a great job of showing the sovereignty of God. He shows in 15 and 16 how God told Moses that He is the one who chooses who is righteous, not man. V23 shows we are “prepared in advance for His glory.” Paul takes from Hosea in v 25 to show how a few from Israel will be chosen (not the entire nation, or even descendants from Abraham). This is made evident in v27 where Paul again quotes scripture (Isaiah 10:22-23) so show how not all of Israel will be saved. Paul does point out in 24-25 that this election is not only for Israel. God also elects those gentiles who believe.

What is the purpose of God’s election, and how do the scriptures which Paul quotes illuminate the purpose? How does this truth concern me? Answer: God’s election has to be shown or no one would know of His justice. If we did not know of His justice we could not know of His love, mercy, and grace.

March 25, 2010 Lesson 16 of Romans 9:1-13

In chapters 9-11 Paul deals with the great problem of the rejection of their Messiah by the bulk of the Jewish nation, and God’s consequent rejection of them. Two questions arise: a)’Has God broken His promises?’ and b) ‘If not, how are they fulfilled?’ Paul answers the first question in chapter 9 and 10 and the second I chapter 11.


Chapter 8 is full of triumphant joy. How, then, can Paul speak of having great sorrow and unceasing pain in his heart? See especially 9:3. What made him sorrowful? How much of this Christian joy and how much of this Christian sorrow do we ourselves know? Answer: It appears to me that he is sorrowful for not all in Israel believe. Many want to still continue in the old ways of the Law, not believing that Christ is Lord. I can say I have a burning desire to spread the Word of God in a dying world. Our world today is headed down a very dark path. People are full of anger and hatred. Just look at many teen’s face book pages or my space posts. See how people drive on the interstate. See how people treat each other at the mall. For these reasons I want others to feel and know the peace and joy that God has given me!!

V9-13. The question with which Paul is dealing here is: ‘If God rejects those Jews who reject Jesus as Messiah, has not his word come to nought? For were not the promises (v4) made to the Jews?’ How does Paul answer this question? And what tor principles of God’s election does he find in the Old Testament stories of the births of: a) Isaac and b) Jacob and Esau? Answer: I think v6-8 answer the question; 6 It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." 8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring. Other passages I have learned today: Romans 11:4And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." God is telling Elijah that of all the Jews in the city God chose the 7000. John 8:33 They (the Jews) answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" and John 8:39 "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. In other words Abraham’s seed is the Spiritual believer.