Fellowship Christian Church

The Apostle Paul is responsible for 14 of the 27 books we have in the New Testament.

We can trace the writing of most of his epistles by using the Book of ACTS as a guide or time line (We can trace where he was and when he wrote them, if we diligently look at the clues given in ACTS as recorded by Luke and compare them with the clues given by Paul in each epistle.) Romans follows ACTS not because it was written next, nor was it probably the first epistle Paul had written. It is placed next in the BIBLE because of its completeness. Paul goes into great detail explaining the DOCTRINE of SALVATION and all subjects dealing with it.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE TAKE THE TIME TO POINT OUT: THAT WE MUST STUDY PAULS LETTERS (EPISTLES) in there entirety. IF WE DON’T we could form a false opinion or even DOCTRINE. Paul is building a case for his readers as a lawyer would build a case for the jury. He is placing precept upon precept, line upon line. If we take any precept or line out of context then we get the wrong picture. In essence Paul was a LAWYER pleading Gods cause.

He builds this case in our hearts and minds by going back into the Old Testament and establishing the truths of GOD. That is why we did our brief outline of the Old Testament Books. I CAN NOT STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDING “ALL” THE SCRIPTURES IN CONTEXT WITH THE DIRECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THRU PRAYER!

JUST A FEW MORE NOTES:

Using ACTS as a Guide to when Paul had written Romans all the clues we need can be found in the 20th Chapter of Acts and the 15th & 16th Chapter of Romans. In 20 Acts Paul is getting ready to go to Jerusalem right after the GUY fell out of the window, during Paul’s long message. Just before this (19th Chapter of Acts) they where in Corinth, which means he most likely wrote it sometime during there stay in Corinth before he began to travel to Jerusalem to attend the Feast. In Romans 16 Paul mentions getting ready to go to Jerusalem, sends Phebe and mentions others that he was lodging with which are all Corinthians.
According to Historians that would place the writing at about 56 A.D.


NOW LET'S BREAK ROMANS DOWN BY BUILDING AN OUTLINE.

Please note: 2 Timothy 3:16   All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

THAT SAID LETS BEGIN THE OUTLINE
ROMANS Can be divided into 3-parts

1. Chapters 1-11 Doctrine (of Salvation)
a.) Chapter 1; verses 1-15: Begins with Paul’s Introduction & Qualifications and who it is addressed too.
b.) Chapter 1 beginning at verse 19 thru Chapter 4: JUSTIFICATION by FAITH.
c.) Chapter 5; GRACE thru FAITH
d.) Chapter 6-7; SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN? GOD FORBID! FAITH WITHOUT WORKS James 2:20   But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Note: Some have called it Sanctification, I call it proving to myself and others that I (we) know Him.
e.) Chapter 8; NO CONDEMNATION to them which are in CHRIST! Some have called this the GLORIFICATION chapter. BUT it is not that we are glorified but that CHRIST is Glorified thru letting him live thru us.
f.) Chapter9; The PROMISE: Who is an Israelite? THE ELECTION of GRACE and how does that fit in with the PROMISE. If we are ELECT did we not have a choice? Of course we did! He is a whosoever will God! That is what Paul is telling us, not that we are elected (predestined) but that GOD elected to SAVE whosoever will and not just the people (Hebrew Nation, literal ISRAEL) he chose to reveal himself to whosoever will believe what? THE PROMISE!. Are we better then anyone else because we are SAVED? NO! NO! NO! AT LEAST NOT OF OUR OWN ACCORD. GO BACK INTO THE OTHER CHAPTERS IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND. IS GOD THEN UNRIGHTIOUS if Israel was his chosen people and he OPENED salvation to WHOSOEVER WILL? DON’T STUMBLE AT THE STUMBLING STONE!!!!!
g.) Chapter 10; NO DIFFERENCE between the JEW & GREEK! IF the PROMISE was to Whosoever Will: PROVE IT! And Paul Does so very clearly!
h.) Chapter 11; HAS GOD CAST AWAY HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE? GOD FORBID! Romans 11:32   For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Romans 11:33   O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Romans 11:34   For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

Romans 11:35   Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

Romans 11:36   For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.


2. Chapters 12- most of 15 Practical Application of Christianity (If we believe this doctrine what should we do naturally speaking.)
a.) Chapter 12; Gives us SEVERAL Practical examples of Natural things we as Christians should do, in order that CHRIST would be GLORIFIED to our neighbor. The first verse sums it up of our introduction SUMMARY of ROMANS: Romans 12:1   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
b.) Chapter 13: More Practical examples of how to conduct ourselves, specifically in a social group.
c.) Chapter 14 & Most of 15; How to conduct ourselves in Church: Romans 14:1   Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations. Romans 15:1   We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.


3. Chapter 16 including beginning at about verse 17 of the 15th chapter. Salutation: Which includes the following; An account of what he is doing, Promise of a visit to Rome by Paul, Request that they pray for him, Greeting to friends he knows are in Rome, Warnings against those who would cause divisions in the Church, Salutation & Recommendations of Friends currently with him and a Doxology (Short Hymn or Praise) to God.

ROMANS
Chapter 1

Posted on 01/15/2016

Be advised my notes on this chapter are more in depth then most of the other chapters. Originally this one was more concise, but someone asked me a question, which necessitated that I go into more detail. This post contains Definitions and *ENDNOTES to help clarify some of my reasoning, which naturally can be found at the END of this document.

PLEASE READ MY “Study Guide Reason’s Acknowledgements and Disclaimers” (which can found near the beginning of my posts on this site) if you have not already read them.

The Apostle's Commission.

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL: At first glance, these first 7-verses seem to be just an introduction. However; given more than a cursory reading, we find Paul preaching the gospel from the moment he begins to write.

The Apostle Paul is the consummate preacher, he is a master builder, which never ceases to labor*1 . It’s almost as if his motto was; Always Be Preaching!
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Let’s take "heed"(a closer look) how a “Wise Master Builder”*2 builds a foundation.

The key to these seven verses is in the first verse, see words: 1) SERVANT,
2) JESUS 3) CHRIST, 4) CALLED, 5) APOSTLE, 6) SEPARATED and
7) GOSPEL of God.

SERVANT – a.) a slave, but not by force, by CHOICE, hence this definition- b.) metaph., one who gives himself up to another's will those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men c.) devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests. Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If ,any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. ALL IN RELATION TO THE Kingdom of God. There are many FOLLOW ME phrases quoted by the New Testament Writers, obviously a favorite saying of our Lord.

JESUS – Jesus, Jesus, the Son of God, the savior of mankind, God incarnate; ...

CHRIST, Christ is Ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah, the Son of God , the anointed, THE PROMISED ONE (as in the promise from the beginning). What Abraham believed by FAITH, What God promised to David in 1 Chronicles 17:11-13 KJV
[11] And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. [12] He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever. [13] I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee:


CALLED - called, invited (to a banquet). It is not a coincidence that the FOLLOW ME statements in the SERVANT definition above are all given by JESUS around the times that he Preached and Fed the Multitudes.

APOSTLE - a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders, IN THIS CASE TO preach the GOSPEL.

SEPARATED – a.) to mark off from others by boundaries, to limit, to separate, b.) in a good sense: to appoint, set apart for some purpose

GOSPEL - good tidings or we would say GOOD NEWS. In relation to: the kingdom of God and THE PROMISE having already been set up by what CHRIST did; In other words the preaching of (concerning) Jesus Christ as having:
1) suffered death on the cross
2) to provide eternal salvation for whosoever will
3) because he was restored to life
4) and exalted to the right hand of God in heaven,
5) making intersession for you and I
6) as prophesied by the PROPHETS of OLD.
7) AND that he will return to receive the kingdom of God which he established by the CROSS.

I LIKE THE WAY CHRIST PUT IT HIMSELF CONCERNING HIS RETURN John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

SEE HOW IT ALL FITS. AND I THOUGHT AT ONE TIME THIS WAS A SIMPLE INTRODUCTION OF WHO PAUL WAS or IS at the time of the writing.

Paul is not simply introducing himself, He is PREACHING THE GOSPEL from the moment he begins to write.

NOTE: Psalms 132:11 The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. See also: 2 Samuel 7:12 & Luke 1:32,33

Paul's Love to the Roman Christians.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

FIRST: Paul is thankful for faith of the Romans, even though he has not yet in person met with them. HE DOES LATER we find this first physical meeting between Paul and some of the Roman Church recorded in Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. So we know the letter to the Romans had its effect upon them. He also tells them he has a good report of them made by elders which have had some contact with there church.

Paul also sets an example of prayer one for another by mentioning his praying for them REGULARLY.

SO FOR WHAT PURPOSE IS PAUL LONGING TO SEE THEM AND WRITING THIS LETTER?

That they may be ESTABLISHED! 1) to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix
2) to strengthen, make firm
3) to render constant, confirm, one's mind



WHO ARE THE GREEKS and BARBARIANS v. 14

GREEKS - the name embraces all nations other than Jews that made the language, customs, and learning of the Greeks their own; the primary reference is to a difference of religion and worship.

Note: We can trace the reasoning for these distinctions all the way back to the BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY of the Hebrews, via the PROPHETS*3 . What the Jews thought the Babylonians intended for evil, God meant it for good, that many might be saved.*4 Had the Jews not been taken captive by the Babylonians and had they not destroyed Jerusalem, we would not have all the conquest by EARTHLY KINGDOMS as prophesied. This led to the Greek language being established as the predominate written language, for all of the know world at that time. (See history of Babylon, Medes/Persians and later Alexander the Great(Greek) and the consolidation of it all by the ROMAN EMPIRE. If you have never studied the succession of nations as detailed by DANIEL in the Old Testament, then you need too. This succession of kingdoms is extremely important in understanding Old Testament Prophecy! Additionally the establishment of the Greek alphabet as the predominate written word is extremely important for the spreading of God’s Word. Our Bibles today are mostly translated from Septuagint Greek Manuscripts (Old Testament) completed around 200 BC and the 1ST Century AD Original Greek New Testament Manuscripts.

BARBARIANS - used by the Greeks of any foreigner ignorant of the Greek
language, whether mental or moral, with the added notion after the Persian war, of rudeness and brutality. The word is used in the N.T. without the idea of reproachfulness. Some for whatever reason, whether it be due to their mental capacity for understanding i.e. education or because of a strong teaching or geography or whatever did not fall completely under this GREEK/ROMAN domination are still not left out by God. As could be evidenced by the day of Pentecost where every man heard them speak the wonderful works of God in their own language are NOT LEFT out of the GRACE of GOD or should I say LEFT BEHIND.

NOTE: Although the modern day LEFT BEHIND books make for good fiction, it is my belief they are totally out of context with Bible teachings. All things necessary for the fulfillment of Old Testament Bible Prophesy where accomplished by Jesus: Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets [were] until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. What did Jesus say; Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Paul further expounds on this in; Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;


Paul's Discourse on Justification by faith.
Remember according to our outline JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH is the context thru chapter 4! I POINT out our context HERE because it is easy to forget the context as we examine all the details. SOMETIMES it helps me to to read the chapters in reverse order, so I may better comprehend what the Bible is teaching.

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HUMMMMMM!
DON’T FORGET to go to Acts Chapter 7, when teaching this chapter : STONING STEPHEN he (Stephen) basically said the same thing Paul is saying. Ironic isn't it, this Paul which consented to Stephen's death, ends up spending his own life preaching the same message.

Power of God

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Paul’s declaration that he is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and what the gospel REVELS to Us. He tells us that it was to the Jew first and then to everyone else. Later in Romans he expounds upon this and tells us how “God has included all men under sin” that we might all receive the PROMISE of God’s Grace by FAITH. I like the way he explains it in: Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

The Excellency of the Gospel.

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate*5 mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.


NOW verses 19-32 are DEEP WATERS. Diving into these deep waters full grown SWIMMERS can come up with only one inescapable conclusion. "Left to our own devices we are all bad enough." (J. T. Russell) Theologians have long termed the concept Paul is relating here as: "The TOTAL DEPRAVITY of ALL mankind." Not for a particular sin only. Not a particular group or ethnicity, like Jews or Gentiles. IF YOU STUDY THIS IN DETAIL YOU SEE HE IS MAKING A REFERENCE TO IDOLATERS. Idolatry is the greatest common denominator for most sin. Idolaters give themselves totally over to fulfilling the lust of the flesh, it makes very little difference what the idol actually is, and ultimately an idolater is saying they know better than God. Again his example shows we are ALL without excuse. The Lord has in some fashion revealed himself to all mankind. As testament to this Paul uses the CREATION as its own witness of God. It is not the absence of truth that damns, but rather the despising of truth! The light has shined and the light still shines! John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. NOTE TO SELF: Think and speak about the Stoics, Epicureans, and Gnostics, also Zoastarians and others who had a knowledge of God, which most if not all turned into their own manmade god and WORSHIPED the Creature (themselves) more then the Creator. We could also mention the EGYPTIAN religion, Greek Mythology and any other religion which man (probably with satins help) conjured up after falsely interpreting the obvious clues left by God. And I will just barely mention Adam, which fell after having all the clues.

Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

WARNING WARNING WARNING
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS AT THE DOOR BEFORE WE CONTINUE FURTHER.

MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING TO DISAGREE WITH ME ON THE FOLLOWING. PLEASE BEAR WITH ME AND LISTEN TIL THE END.

I AM ABOUT TO USE LANGUAGE WHICH MAY NOT BE POLITICALLY CORRECT.

Contrary to popular opinion Romans 1 IS NOT the "HOMOSEXUAL " chapter.

"Let me make one thing perfectly clear" (Quote attributed to Richard Nixon), before I go any further. The Bible DOES NOT condone Homosexuality, likewise it does not condone illicit Heterosexuality, whether it be adultery, unwed sex or any act of fornication. The Bible clearly tells us that God is love and to demonstrate His love to mankind, He gave his only begotten Son, while we were yet sinners*6 . The Bible progressively reveals Gods plan for his creation in every way possible. As part of that step-by-step revelation the Bible uses the Union of a man(Husband) and a woman(Wife) as an analogy for Gods love for His Church .*7

The above statements being said condemning the "GAYS" is not the main point of the Sodom and Gomorrah story.

The Sodom and Gomorrah story is a JUDGEMENT METAPHOR*8 . Any time we see these cities referenced in the Bible, we should immediately think about the LORD coming in judgment.

Gods true prophets repeatedly use the story as a judgement metaphor.

Jeremiah 23
14
I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

Remember how the story goes in Genesis Chapter 18, the LORD tells Abraham he is coming in judgement against the wicked people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Faithful Abraham immediately begins to beg the LORD to spare the place. His humble argument is there may be righteous men among them. Of course there's not even ten righteous men in the cities, but the LORD does spare Abrahams Nephew "JUST"*9 Lot, and most of his family. One might ask how is Lot righteous? As far as that goes how is Abraham righteous? Lot "just", good grief, look at the guy, look at the place he chose to live and work in. And therein lies the clue, JUST(see endnote # 9). Abraham and Lot are not self-righteous, the are JUSTIFIED! Both men have a righteousness which is not their own, it is a foreign righteousness given to them via another means, by someone else. This righteousness is graciously given as a gift*10 . It is a righteousness, not of their own design. It is "JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH".

Therefore the scriptures conclude Abraham*11 believed In the LORD and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Now there is much more to this part of the story, but I will try to leave that for another time. (Hint: Who is Abraham pleading with?) As for the native inhabitants at Sodom and Gomorrah, well they like all unrepentant sinners believed in SELF! Also take note what Abraham did not do! He did not jump up and down in judgement shouting kill, kill, kill. He did not bring a railing accusation against the people of Sodom and Gomorrah!

Jude 1:9 KJV
[9] Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

The Word of God has already judged that all are guilty of sin. Even though we are not to bring a railing accusation against sinners that does not mean that we approve or sanction sin.

We see this exemplified in the early part of the Sodom and Gomorrah story found In Genesis Chapter 14. It is important to note that the LORD has not changed Abraham's name at this point, he is still called Abram! In Chapter 14 we find Chedorlaomer king of Elam, plus his confederates at war against the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah plus there allies. As part of this war the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their goods are taken away captive, Abram's Nephew Lot being numbered among the captives. When Abram hears that Lot, plus his family have also been taken, he marshals his own house and strategically defeats the oppressors. Note that after this victory two kings come out to meet Abram, one is Bera king of Sodom, who tempts Abram with worldly goods. The other is the most mysterious character in the whole Bible, one Melchizedek*12 king of Salem. We are told a lot about Melchizedek in a few short verses of Genesis 14:
1. He is the king of Salem*13
2. He is the priest of the most high God.
3. He blessed Abram.
4. He received tithes from Abram!
What a contrast of persons coming out to greet Abram.
One is a king of sinners and one is a king of peace.
One is offering material wealth and one is offering Blessing.
One is offering bondage and one is offering freedom.
One represents the kingdoms of this world. One represents the most high God.

And when put to the test Abram's faith never wavered, he simply lifted up his hand unto the LORD, the most high God, declaring God to be the possessor of heaven and earth and the less was blessed of the better*14 .

In LIGHT of ALL this INIQUITY there is NO WAY we could be justified by OUR OWN WORKS!!!!! THIS IN SUMMARY IS THE POINT OF WHAT PAUL IS MAKING IN HIS EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

Lamentations 4:6 KJV[6] For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.
Jesus SAID THE SAME THING in his Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
GO Back and study it if you don’t believe me.

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

DEFINITIONS

Definitions Verses 19-32

Recompense - 1) a reward given in compensation, requital, recompence

Reprobate - unfit for, unproved, spurious, reprobate

Convenient - becoming, not natural

Fornication -
1a) adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse
with animals etc.
1b) sexual intercourse with close relatives; Lev. 18
1c) sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman; Mr 10:11,12
2) metaph. the worship of idols
2a) of the defilement of idolatry, as incurred by eating the
sacrifices offered to idols

Covetousness - greedy desire to have more

Maliciousness - 1) malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure
2) wickedness, depravity
2a) wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws
3) evil, trouble

Debate - contention, strife, wrangling

Deceit- craft, deceit, guile

Malignity - bad character, depravity of heart and life

covenant breaker - 1) uncompounded, simple
2) covenant breaking, faithless

implacable - cannot be persuaded to enter into a covenant

REPROBATE

Strong's Greek Definition for # 96



96 // adokimov // adokimos // ad-ok'-ee-mos //

from 1 (as a negative particle) and 1384 ; TDNT - 2:255,181; adj

AV - reprobate 6, castaway 1, rejected 1; 8

1) not standing the test, not approved
1a) properly used of metals and coins
2) that which does not prove itself such as it ought
2a) unfit for, unproved, spurious, reprobate

Strong's Greek Definition for # 1384



1384 // dokimov // dokimos // dok'-ee-mos //

from 1380 ; TDNT - 2:255,183; adj

AV - approved 6, tried 1; 7

1) accepted, particularly of coins and money. P
2) accepted, pleasing, acceptable
++++
In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it
today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated
until liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins
were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The
coins were comparatively soft and of course many people shaved them
closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in
Athens, to stop the practice of shaving down the coins then in
circulation. But some money changers were men of integrity, who
would accept no counterfeit money. They were men of honour who put
only genuine full weighted money into circulation. Such men were
called "dokimos" or "approved". (Donald Barnhouse)



*ENDNOTES


*1
THINGS THAY MAKE YOU GO HUM! Notice how the English language (spelling) has changed over time. We spell labor thusly, but our particular version of the KJB (See 1 Corinthians 15:10 above) had a variant “laboured”, which we no longer use.

*2
See 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

*3
See second verse of this chapter (Romans 1:2).

*4
Genesis 50:20 KJV
[20] But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive

*5
See Definitions specifically Strong's # 96 and # 1384

*6
Romans 5:8 KJV
[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.


*7
See Ephesians 5, Revelation 21:2,9 and 22:17

*8
Matthew 10:15 KJV
[15] Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

*9
2 Peter 2:7-11 KJV
[7] And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: [8] (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) [9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: [10] But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they , selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. [11] Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. …

*10
Ephesians 2:8 KJV
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

*11
Genesis 15:6 KJV
[6] And he believed in the Lord ; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Romans 4:3 KJV
[3] For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

*12
Genesis 14:18 KJV
[18] And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Psalm 110:4 KJV
[4] The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 5:6 KJV
[6] As he saith also in another place , Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Also Hebrews, 5:10, 6:20, 7:1,10,11,15,17 and 21.

*13
Strong's 08004// Mlv//Shalem, Salem means peace, Jewish commentaries tell us it is Jerusalem!

*14
Hebrews 7:7 KJV
[7] And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

ROMANS
Chapter 2

Posted on 01/25/2016

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 2 IS A CONTINUATION OF PAUL'S DISCOURSE ON THE "DOCTRINE OF SALVATION" and SPECIFICALLY THE PORTION DEALING WITH "JUSTIFICATION by FAITH".
1. Chapters 1-11 Doctrine (of Salvation)
a.) Chapter 1; verses 1-15: Begins with Paul’s Introduction & Qualifications and who it is addressed too.
b.) Chapter 1 beginning at verse 19 thru Chapter 4: JUSTIFICATION by FAITH.

ROMANS
Chapter 2


Equity of the Divine Government.

We must jump forward to chapter 3 verse’s 9 & 10 for just a minute.

Romans 3:9 What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

This is the point Paul is making; there is nothing in us (man) worthy of Justification! So how can we be justified?

1 Therefore *1 thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth * 2 against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious ,*3 and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Lets briefly jump back to the old testament and look at a Man, who was after God’s own heart. When God first identified David to Samuel, what did he say?

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

One more Note: Here is what God told Ezekiel the Jews of Judah had done.

Ezekiel 8:17 Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.



The Pretensions of the Jews; The Depravity of the Jews.

17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. 25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

SO WHAT HAS GOD DONE????
Paul tells us what GOD has done by including all under sin! Lets jump to Ephesians and read what Paul says there, because he says it much clearer then I can/
Ephesians 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;

Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Ephesians 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.


I hope we all see how this fits with what Paul said in Romans 3:9, of which we will have more to say next week, if its God’s will.






* DEFINITIONS

*1 Therefore:
- on account of or because of or in light of. In other words because of all that Paul has just said in the previous Chapter. i.e., there is NO RIGHTIOUSNESS in us so how can we be justified?

*2 ASK THIS QUESTION
Why is God’s judgment according to Truth? ANSWER: Because he is RIGHTIOUS.

*3 Contentious:
a self-seeking pursuit - IN THIS CASE THOSE WHO ARE SELF RIGHTIOUS

ROMANS
Chapter 3

Posted on 02/05/2016

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 3 IS A CONTINUATION OF PAUL'S DISCOURSE ON THE "DOCTRINE OF SALVATION" and SPECIFICALLY THE PORTION DEALING WITH "JUSTIFICATION by FAITH".
1. Chapters 1-11 Doctrine (of Salvation)
a.) Chapter 1; verses 1-15: Begins with Paul’s Introduction & Qualifications and who it is addressed too.
b.) Chapter 1 beginning at verse 19 thru Chapter 4: JUSTIFICATION by FAITH.

ROMANS
Chapter 3

The Advantages of the Jews; Objections Answered; The Depravity of Jews and Gentiles.

1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

GREEK HEBREW WORD DEFINITIONS
[w1] MIGHTEST 302 // an // an // an //

a primary particle; particle

AV - whosoever 35, whatsoever 7, whomsoever 4, whereinsoever 1,
what things soever 1, whatsoever + 3745 7, an many as + 3745 4,
whosoever + 3745 2, what things so ever + 3745 1,
wherewith soever + 3745 1, whithersoever + 3699 4,
wheresoever + 3699 2, whatsoever + 3748 5, whosoever + 3748 3,
whose soever + 5100 2, not tr 111; 190

1) has no exact English equivalent, see definitions under AV






[w2] COMMEND 4921 // sunistaw // sunistao // soon-is-tah'-o // or (strengthened)
// sunistanw // sunistano // soon-is-tan'-o // or
// sunisthmi // sunistemi // soon-is'-tay-mee //

from 4862 and 2476 (including its collat. forms); TDNT - 7:896,1120; v

AV - commend 10, approve 2, consist 1, make 1, stand 1,
stand with 1; 16

1) to place together, to set in the same place,to bring or band together
1a) to stand with (or near)
2) to set one with another
2a) by way of presenting or introducing him
2b) to comprehend
3) to put together by way of composition or combination, to
teach by combining and comparing
3a) to show, prove, establish, exhibit
4) to put together, unite parts into one whole
4a) to be composed of, consist

NOTES:

Romans 3
10
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Psalms 14
1
The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good.
2
The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God.
3
They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

I COULD TALK ABOUT MOSES AND THE SERPENTS TORMENTING THE PEOPLE BECAUSE OF THERE SIN and God telling Moses to build a brazen serpent and lift it up on a pole. OR NOT????




Justification by Faith; Christ a Propitiation.

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
HERE v. 24 WE HAVE A PRELUDE TO Pauls discourse on GRACE.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

GREEK HEBREW WORD DEFINITIONS

[w3] Propitiation 2435 // ilasthrion // hilasterion // hil-as-tay'-ree-on //

from a derivative of 2433 ; TDNT - 3:318,362; n n

AV - propitiation 1, mercyseat 1; 2

1) relating to an appeasing or expiating, having placating or
expiating force, expiatory; a means of appeasing or expiating,
a propitiation
1a) used of the cover of the ark of the covenant in the Holy
of Holies, which was sprinkled with the blood of the
expiatory victim on the annual day of atonement (this rite
signifying that the life of the people, the loss of which
they had merited by their sins, was offered to God in the
blood as the life of the victim, and that God by this
ceremony was appeased and their sins expiated); hence the
lid of expiation, the propitiatory
1b) an expiatory sacrifice
1c) a expiatory victim

middle voice from the same as 2436 ; TDNT - 3:301,362; v

AV - be merciful 1, make reconciliation 1; 2

1) to render one's self, to appease, conciliate to one's self
1a) to become propitious, be placated or appeased
1b) to be propitious, be gracious, be merciful
2) to expiate, make propitiation for

[W4] Forebearance 463 // anoch // anoche // an-okh-ay' //

from 430 ; TDNT - 1:359,58; n f

AV - forbearance 2; 2

1) toleration, forbearance


NOTES:

Lets talk about PROPITIATION: In the old testament the priest would go into the ARK of THE COVENANT and sprinkle it with blood. WHY? Because this ARK was symbolic of the TRUE Ark of The Covenant, which was and which is JESUS CHRIST. We must go back to what John tells us in the first chapter. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” This Ark of the Covenant contained the written Word of God. The covenant or if you will contract which God made ORGINALLY with Abraham but carried out at least that far or in Moses’s time rather with the 10 Commandments THE LAW. This ARK rested in the place often referred to as the HOLY of HOLIES. Now why did they call it that? Because God is Holy and therefore RIGHTIOUS and this ARK contained a figure of his RIGHTIOUSNESS which is the covenant. AND this covenant was made complete in JESUS, who fulfilled not just the LAW, He also fulfilled all that the PROPHETS said. As the Prophet JERIMIAH put it THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Jeremiah 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

AND How did he seal this covenant? John tells us that also. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

So this word Propitiation has a lot of meaning in it, JESUS satisfied Gods sense of righteousness, He took the form of sinful flesh ALTHOUGH he knew no sin, FULFILLED the LAW and the PROPHETS and offered his own blood, a perfect sacrifice once and for all so that WE can gain entry into the Holy of Holies and have fellowship with God.

Paul puts it this way in: 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

SIMPLY PUT: HE TOOK OUR PLACE.

So if he gave Himself for us and to receive it we simply have to BELIEVE, is the LAW Void as Paul states in verse 31 of Romans Chapter 3. GOD FORBID!
We establish the LAW.

What do we establish about the LAW? We establish that the LAW is GOOD. If no flesh can be saved by the deeds of the LAW, because we can not keep it as Paul has been telling us. THEN how is it GOOD? ANSWER:


IS Paul talking in circles am I? NO! The Law proves that we are all unworthy as we have already studied. This proof of our unworthiness then leads us to Christ, whom we believe through faith is able cleanse us and make us worthy or Just.

Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

SO WHAT ABOUT THE PROPHETS:

Acts 10
43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

SO WHAT ABOUT GRACE, PAUL MENTIONS GRACE? WHY IS IT BY GRACE.

BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING IN US THAT MERRITS IT. IT IS BY GRACE BECAUSE OF

JOHN 3:16

And for this reason: 1 Corinthians 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1 Corinthians 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

ROMANS
Chapter 4

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 4 IS A CONTINUATION OF PAUL'S DISCOURSE ON THE "DOCTRINE OF SALVATION" and SPECIFICALLY THE PORTION DEALING WITH "JUSTIFICATION by FAITH".

Posted on 02/11/2016

The Case of Abraham

Paul is still talking about JUSTIFICATION by FAITH without the WORKS of the law. AND this is very hard for the Jewish believers to stomach. He has already proved it in Chapters 1 & 2 by REASON and in Chapter 3 by ARGUMENT. NOW in this chapter he proves it by example AND what BETTER example could he give then ABRAHAM. We have to remember the Jews looked at themselves as sitting in Moses seat as it where. Furthermore they where Abrahams children as is evident by their constant references to him as Father Abraham.
Perhaps at that time the REASON and ARGUMENT version of JUSTIFICATION by FAITH was for the GENTILES and the EXAMPLE version is for the JEWS. AND NOW it is for ALL. That is why it is important that we know the OLD TESTAMENT.

So now let’s look further at Paul’s EXAMPLE of Why Abraham was JUSTIFIED by FAITH and not by WORKS.

1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Verse 3 is a question. The answer is found: Genesis 15
6
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness


Verse 4 & 5 are important. If Abraham had been justified by WORKS then his reward would have been a payment for services rendered. In other words God would have been in DEBT to Abraham and then Abraham could have gloried in his own works and demanded his wages of GOD. AND how can a RIGHTIOUS God be indebted to unrighteous man. BUT since he was JUSTIFIED by FAITH then the REWARD is of GRACE. In other words a FREE Gift or REWARD. WHICH God had already promised Abraham if he would but believe, in: Genesis 15
1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.

Concerning the FREE gift, John says it this way: John 1
16
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Paul gives a further example in verse 6-8 of Romans 4, by quoting David from:

Psalms 32
1
Blessed [is he whose] transgression [is] forgiven, [whose] sin [is] covered.
2
Blessed [is] the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit [there is] no guile.

BE AWARE how this shows the importance of knowing the Old Testament! NOTE: “The New Testament is within the Old Testament Contained, the Old Testament is within the New Testament explained (Author Unknown)!”
MY SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS IS PROBABLY TIRED OF HEARING THE ABOVE STATEMENT.

The Case of Abraham (Continued)

WHEN AND WHY was Abraham JUSTIFIED by Faith? Before he was Circumcised or After?

Why is this important?


9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17a (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,)

We can read about Abrahams Circumcision in GENISIS 17. Which was the seal of Abrahams RIGHTIOUSNESS (Justification) by FAITH which resulted in the covenant God made with Abraham and this is that covenant: Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: ALSO: Genesis 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. SO ABRAHAM IS KNOW AS THE FATHER OF FAITH!

SEE

Romans 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down [from above]:)
Romans 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.



JUST A SMALL NOTE in relation to the paragraph above these verses: it was 14 years after Abraham believed and it was accounted to him for righteousness, before God sealed the covenant. THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HUMMMM! (Open lesson for discussion???)

Verses 13-16 SEE: Galatians 3
17
And this I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18
For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise.
ALSO: Galatians 3
16
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

AND FINALLY CONCERNING THIS SEE: Genesis 12
3
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

ALL. So no one is excluded not even the Gentiles. What about people before Abraham. They came the same way by FAITH. See Abel or Enoch, etc…


The Case of Abraham (Continued)

17b -- Before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.






I LIKE THIS STATEMENT: 17b God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. SEE: Revelation 13:8 which tells us about a Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. TALK ABOUT CALLING A THING WHICH BE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE.
Ephesians 2
1
And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Genesis 1
3
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. ANOTHER thing God Called that was not!
2 Corinthians 4
6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

ABRAHAM WAS OLD, so was his wife. How Old? Genesis 17
17
Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall [a child] be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
It must have been hard to believe he could be a Father of MANY NATIONS: See: Hebrews 11
11
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
12
Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
It’s a spiritual thing, but to prove HIS power and to further seal the deal Sara conceived a natural son, whose lineage can be traced to CHRIST.

The Case of Abraham (Conclusion: sort of)

23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

ALL.

As we have already discussed: ALL. So no one is excluded not even the Gentiles. What about people before Abraham? They came the same way as Abraham, by FAITH. See story of Abel or Enoch. What about people after Abraham but before Jesus resurrection, how did they receive the Promise? They received the Promise the same way, by Faith. Look at the story of Moses or any of the patriarchs. You might ask, what about Gentiles before Jesus resurrection, how did they receive the Promise? Again, they received the Promise the same way by Faith. Look at the Old Testament story of Ruth, who was a Moabite, or what about Rahab who was a Canaanite and a Harlot. Yet both women can be found in the linage of Jesus, which means they are descendants of Abraham. How can that be? HUMMMMMM!

Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.


Revelation 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.


Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Galatians 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

ALL

Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Genesis 12
3
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

How can that be? HUMMMM! Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.


PAUL CONTINUES HIS DISCOURSE on “THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION” IN ROMANS CHAPTER 5

And God willing, so shall we…

ROMANS
Chapter 5

Posted on 02/26/2016

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 5 is about GRACE THRU FAITH

Justification and Its Effects.

Now that Paul has PROVED in the previous chapters that we are Justified by Faith. Which is indicated by the word THEREFORE, which indicates he is thru with his PROOF. Another way to say it would be to say, because it has been established that we are indeed Justified by Faith. He goes on to talk about God’s Grace.

What is Grace? I began this lesson by talking about it seeming ODD that God would shed forth his Grace upon us considering, what we ONCE where.

Next give an example of what Grace is by telling a story. In the story we have a young man which was different then everyone else. People being as they can be made fun of him for his apparent differences. While attending a religious retreat the man was treated badly by others who also attended the same religious retreat. The organizer of this retreat noticed and let the man give the convocation for the retreat. Given this opportunity the man replied:

“God loves me!”
“God loves you!”
AND I forgive you”

That is Grace. When forgiveness is given for wrongs done to someone, even though the ones receiving forgiveness have done nothing to deserve forgiveness then that is Grace.

We concluded the lesson after reviewing and expounding upon the text by coming back to this brief story and filling in the blanks.

1. The man which is different is Jesus.
2. He was different because he did not conform to the religious leader’s pre-conceived notions about what the Messiah should be.
3. The religious retreat was the Passover.
4. The organizer was God the Father.
5. The forgiveness statement is contained in: Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
6. Why God did this is contained in John 3:16

TEXT OF ROMANS Chapter 5 Begins here:

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

The First and the Second Adam; The Influence of Grace.

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul Further expounds on The First and the Second Adam in: 1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:46 Howbeit that [was] not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

1 Corinthians 15:47 The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:48 As [is] the earthy, such [are] they also that are earthy: and as [is] the heavenly, such [are] they also that are heavenly.

1 Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?

ROMANS
Chapter 6
Posted on 03/09/2016

The following is an excerpt from our outline of ROMANS found at bottom of these post:
SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN!

Chapter 6-7; SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN? GOD FORBID! FAITH WITHOUT WORKS James 2:20   But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Note: Some have called it Sanctification, I call it proving to myself and others that I (we) know Him.

Romans Chapter 6

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?   2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?   3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?   4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.   5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:   6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.   7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.   8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:   9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.   10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.   11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.   12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.   13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.   14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.   15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.   16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?   17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.   18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.   19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.   20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.   21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.   22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.   23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now there should be no doubt as to what Paul is saying here in Chapter 6, however this is an excellent chapter to show how "SCRIPTURE PROVES SCRIPTURES". In other words any true doctrine can be found in more than one place in the Bible.

We do not work for our Salvation, we work because we love God. Jesus said:
John 14:15 KJV
[15] If ye love me, keep my commandments.

"The disciple whom Jesus loved" said:
1 John 4:19 KJV
[19] We love him, because he first loved us.

Verse (1) of Romans Chapter 6 says:

Shall we continue in sin THAT GRACE MAY ABOUND? Paul has previously addressed this in; Romans 3:8   And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

In other words lets just go ahead and commit more sins, because Gods Grace will abound. SORRY, it just doesn’t work that way! Read all of HEBREWS specifically Chapter’s 10-12 of Hebrews for further understanding:

Hebrews 10:26   For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 12:8   But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Revelation 3:19   As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

HOWEVER, I want to CAUTION us with what Christ said to the Pharisees: John 5:39   Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Now I am not trying to confuse anyone, but it is important that we do as Peter instructed other followers (2 Peter 1:1 last half of verse: to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ): Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 2 Peter 1:10 AND 2 Peter 1:12  Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know [them], and be established in the present truth.

Hebrews 10:39   But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

NOTE: Perdition means to Destroy or we would say who draw back unto DESTRUCTION. Like the Pharisees: or as those Paul warned Timothy about in 2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:

TRUE BELIVERS CAN CLAIM THESE VERSES of assurance! Assurance NOT Insurance!
Romans 8:38   For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Romans 8:39   Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We examined the first verse of this Chapter, now let's look at the last verse:
v. 23 DEATH
This is why Jesus told Nicodemus: John 3:7   Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Because we are already DEAD!
How are we already dead?
Romans 7:11   For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].

Since we are ALREADY DEAD we must be Born Again and raised to newness of life through our faith in Jesus the Christ. We must take part in his resurrection, just as those who raised with him at his resurrection: Matthew 27:52   And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,:53   And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
AND
We do this through being Born Again!

Revelation 20:6   Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

So if all this is TRUE and it is our REASONABLE service that we be Dead to sins dominion over us.


Romans 12
1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
WHY?
Philippians 3
10
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Which comes back to our original POINT: Some have called it Sanctification, I call it proving to myself and others that I (we) know Him.

ROMANS
Chapter 7
Posted on 04/04/2016

NOTE: This Chapter is a continuation of the previous Chapter (As they all are!)

Observations Respecting the Law.
ARE FREE FROM THE LAW? YES!
HOW? THRU-CHRIST.
WHY SHOULD WE THEN BE SANCTIFIED/HOLY? BECAUSE WE ARE CALLED TO NEWNESS OF LIFE AND WE “LOVE HIM AND WANT TO KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS! John 14:15 KJV
[15] If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John the Apostle explains what Jesus did for us in the book of 1 John, in particular Chapter 4 and verse 19 explains our motivation for wanting to please Him.
1 John 4:19 KJV
[19] We love him, because he first loved us.

PLEASE NOTE: LAW- Means or requires that I do something in order to be right or justified. If I don’t then I have to pay a penalty.

GRACE- Means that I am given something (Justification) by someone else, even though I failed to obey the rules. In other words, someone else paid the penalty for me, even though I did not deserve it.
1 John 4:10 KJV
[10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

PROPITIATION - Strong's Greek Definition for # 2434

2434 // ilamov // hilasmos // hil-as-mos' //

a root word; TDNT - 3:301,362; n m

AV - propitiation 2; 2

1) an appeasing, propitiating
2) the means of appeasing, a propitiation

In other words, Jesus paid the penalty of sin for us. Thereby satisfying the requirements of the law, which appeased the Father.

Romans 7

1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?   2 For the woman which hath a husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.   3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.   4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.   5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.   6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

WHO IS PAUL TALKING TOO…..(for I speak to them that know the law,) JEWS: DOES THIS MEAN IT DOES NOT APPLY TO US, ABSOLUTELY NOT! Again I want to stress the importance of studying the OLD TESTAMENT including the LAW. Romans 2:28   For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: Romans 2:29   But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

In Chapter 6 verse 14, Paul tells us that we are FREE from the LAW. Romans 6
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Here he is reinforcing this thought by telling us we are delivered from the LAW thru CHRIST by being born again. He uses an example of the LAW about marriage. HOW IS THIS IMPORTANT? Because throughout the OLD Testament GOD’s relationship was symbolized as a marriage, even in the New Testament Christ relationship with the CHRUCH is symbolized as a Marriage.

In the old testament and the old covenant God said this: Jeremiah 3:14 KJV
[14] Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord ; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:


Excellency of the Law; Usefulness of the Law.

7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.   8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.   9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.   10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.   11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.   12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.   13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.   14a For we know that the law is spiritual:--

NOTE: Concupiscence means
1939   //  epiyumia  //  epithumia   //  ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah  //  

AV - lust 31, concupiscence 3, desire 3, lust after 1; 38 

1) desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden, lust


Conflict between Grace and The FLESH.

14b -- But I am carnal, sold under sin.   15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.   16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.   17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.   18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.   19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.   20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.   21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.   22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:   23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.   24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?   25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

ROMANS
Chapter 8
Posted on 04/26/2016

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 8 is about NO CONDEMNATION or "GLORIFICATION"


NOTES: Pre Study the following verse's

Romans 11
8
(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
25
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

See Daniel Chapter 9 and study in light of the above verse.


BEGIN ROMANS CHAPTER 8 Outline

The Believer's Privileges.

1 There is therefore now no condemnation *1 to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness *2 of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

The Believer's Privileges continued.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness *3*. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken *4 your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify *5 the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba *6, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

The Believer's Privileges and continued further.

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit *7, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

The Believer's Privileges and continued further.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.








The Believer's Privileges and continued further.

29 For whom he did foreknow *8, he also did predestinate *9 to be conformed *10 to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

The Believer's Triumph.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


















*1
2631 // katakrima // katakrima // kat-ak'-ree-mah //

from 2632 ; TDNT - 3:951,469; n n

AV - condemnation 3; 3

1) damnatory sentence, condemnation AV - condemn 17, damn 2; 19

1) to give judgment against, to judge worthy of punishment

*2
1345 // dikaiwma // dikaioma // dik-ah'-yo-mah //

from 1344 ; TDNT - 2:219,168; n n

AV - righteousness 4, ordinance 3, judgment 2, justification 1; 10

1) that which has been deemed right so as to have force of law
1a) what has been established, and ordained by law, an ordinance
1b) a judicial decision, sentence
1b1) of God
1b1a) either the favourable judgment by which he acquits
man and declares them acceptable to Him
1b1b) unfavourable: sentence of condemnation
2) a righteous act or deed

*3
1343 // dikaiosunh // dikaiosune // dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay //

from 1342 ; TDNT - 2:192,168; n f

AV - righteousness 92; 92

1) in a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be,
righteousness, the condition acceptable to God
1a) the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a
state approved of God
1b) integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness
of thinking feeling, and acting
2) in a narrower sense, justice or the virtue which gives each his due

*4
Quicken- to make alive

*5
2289 // yanatow // thanatoo // than-at-o'-o //

from 2288 ; TDNT - 3:21,312; v

AV - put to death 4, cause to be put to death 3, kill 2,
become dead 1, mortify 1; 11

1) to put to death
2) metaph.
2a) to make to die i.e. destroy, render extinct
2b) by death to be liberated from the bond of anything,
literally to be made dead in relation to (something

*6
5 // Abba // Abba // ab-bah' //

of Aramaic origin 02 // aba // ; TDNT - 1:5,1; n

AV - Abba 3; 3

Abba = "father"

1) father, customary title used of God in prayer. Whenever it occurs
in the New Testament it has the Greek interpretation joined to it,
that is apparently to be explained by the fact that the Chaldee
"ABBA" through frequent use in prayer, gradually acquired the
nature of a most sacred proper name, to which the Greek speaking
Jews added the name from their own tongue.

*7
(W7) Definition of WIT-03045 // edy // yada` // yaw-dah' //

a primitive root; TWOT - 848; v

AV - know 645, known 105, knowledge 19, perceive 18, shew 17, tell 8,
wist 7, understand 7, certainly 7, acknowledge 6, acquaintance 6,
consider 6, declare 6, teach 5, misc 85; 947

1) to know
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to know
1a1a) to know, learn to know
1a1b) to perceive
1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern
1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish
1a1e) to know by experience
1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess
1a1g) to consider
1a2) to know, be acquainted with
1a3) to know (a person carnally)
1a4) to know how, be skilful in
1a5) to have knowledge, be wise
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed
1b2) to make oneself known
1b3) to be perceived
1b4) to be instructed
1c) (Piel) to cause to know
1d) (Poal) to cause to know
1e) (Pual)
1e1) to be known
1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle)
1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare
1g) (Hophal) to be made known
1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself

*8
FOREKNOW
1) to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel
1a) to become known
2) to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of
2a) to understand
2b) to know
3) Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
4) to become acquainted with, to know

*9
4309 // proorizw // proorizo // pro-or-id'-zo //

from 4253 and 3724 ; TDNT - 5:456,728; v

AV - predestinate 4, determine before 1, ordain 1; 6

1) to predetermine, decide beforehand
2) in the NT of God decreeing from eternity
3) to foreordain, appoint beforehand
BEFORE

3724 // orizw // horizo // hor-id'-zo //

from 3725 ; TDNT - 5:452,728; v

AV - determine 2, ordain 2, as it was determined + 2596 + 3588 1,
declare 1, limit 1, determine 1; 8

1) to define
1a) to mark out the boundaries or limits (of any place or thing)
1b to determine, appoint
1b1) that which has been determined, acc. to appointment, decree
1b2) to ordain, determine, appoint

*10
4832 // summorfov // summorphos // soom-mor-fos' //

from 4862 and 3444 ; TDNT - 7:787,1102; adj

AV - conformed to 1, fashioned like unto 1; 2

1) having the same form as another, similar, conformed to

For Synonyms see entry 5873

END OF FOOT NOTES

ROMANS
Chapter 9
Posted on 05/15/2016

From our outline at the bottom of this post we have summarized Chapter 9 as follows:
f.) Chapter9; The PROMISE: Who is an Israelite? THE ELECTION of GRACE and how does that fit in with the PROMISE. If we are ELECT did we not have a choice? Of course we did! He is a whosoever will God! That is what Paul is telling us, not that we are elected (predestined) but that GOD elected to SAVE whosoever will and not just the people (Hebrew Nation, literal ISRAEL) he chose to reveal himself to whosoever will believe what? THE PROMISE!. Are we better then anyone else because we are SAVED? NO! NO! NO! AT LEAST NOT OF OUR OWN ACCORD. GO BACK INTO THE OTHER CHAPTERS IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND. IS GOD THEN UNRIGHTIOUS if Israel was his chosen people and he OPENED salvation to WHOSOEVER WILL? DON’T STUMBLE AT THE STUMBLING STONE!!!!!

Romans Chapter 9 begins below.


Paul's Heaviness’ for the Jews. BECAUSE MOST DID NOT GET IT.

  1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,   2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.   3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:   4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;   5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Is Gods word and desire of no effect? Isaiah 55:11   So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. Who is Israel? Romans 9:6   Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel: What is the PROMISE? Genesis 12:2   And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
What did Abram do to deserve this promise? Romans 4:3   For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Who are the children of the promise? Romans 2:29   But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God. What does a promise to an old man and his wife, that they will have a son, when the wife has already gone thru menopause and the husband is very old, have to do with Gods plan for Salvation? Genesis 17:4   As for me, behold, my covenant [is] with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. What is all this about a seed? Genesis 17:7   And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Gen. xxi. 12 Gen. xvii. 19. (Gal. iv. 29), Gal. iv. 28 Heb. xi. 11.

What does he mean about the purpose of election? Did we elect to do something or did God elect to do something? What did God elect to do? Isaiah 42:1   Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles The elder shall serve the younger? Jacob have I loved but, Esau have I hated, what does that have to do with the price of eggs in China? Mal. i. 2, 3,

6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:   7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.   8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.   9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.   10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;   11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)   12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.   13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

Is God unrighteous? NO! Then why has he done it this way? Could it be this is the only way man could understand the righteousness of God? So its not of our will or of our doing, thru the flesh, then it is purely of Gods Mercy OR Grace. So what if God chose to allow someone to raise up like Pharaoh, who was vile and corrupt. God knew Pharaoh would not willingly give him Glory. So he allowed him to be raised up that God’s name might receive Glory in Him bringing Pharaoh down, that those which might believe would see God’s sovereignty. OKAY, so God can do what ever He wants. He is God afterall! Who can resist his will since He is ALL POWERFUL! Who are we to question the will of God? What is it to us if God allows one to honor and one to dishonor Him? (Exod. iii. 14) “I AM THAT I AM”

Okay if its Gods will for all this to happen, its still not really fair that he included the Gentiles is it??????

14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.   15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.   16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.   17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.   18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.   19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?   20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?   21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?   22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:   23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,   24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

Conversion of the Gentiles.

Why did he include the Gentiles? When did he say this would happen? Is there a REMNANT?

25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.   26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.   27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:   28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.   29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

Reception of the Gentiles and Rejection of the Jews.

BACK TO THE PROMISE! WHY HAS HE BROUGHT THE LAW BACK INTO THE EQUATION? A STUMBLING STONE! WHAT IS THERE TO STUMBLE AT? (Isa. lxv. 1); he is found of those that sought him not Hos. ii. 23 and Hos. i. 10.

Isa. x. 22, 23

30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.   31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.   32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;   33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Isa. viii. 14; xxviii. 16. STONE


ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES ABOUT THE PROMISE

Luke 24:49   And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 2:33   Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Acts 2:39   For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 13:23   Of this man's seed hath God according to [his] promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

Romans 4:13   For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 4:14   For if they which are of the law [be] heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Romans 4:16   Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Galatians 3:14   That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:17   And this I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 

Galatians 3:18   For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise. 

Galatians 3:19   Wherefore then [serveth] the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 








Galatians 3:20   Now a mediator is not [a mediator] of one, but God is one. 

Galatians 3:21   [Is] the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 

Galatians 3:22   But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 

Galatians 3:23   But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 

Galatians 3:24   Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 

Galatians 3:25   But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 

Galatians 3:26   For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 

Galatians 3:27   For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 

Galatians 3:28   There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Galatians 3:29   And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 4:28   Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

1 John 2:25   And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life.

ROMANS
Chapter 10
Posted on 06/05/2016

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 10 is about; NO DIFFERENCE between the JEW & GREEK! IF the PROMISE was to Whosoever Will: PROVE IT! And Paul Does so very clearly!

Paul's Discourse of Righteousness; The Method of Salvation.

OKAY so what is going on? Let us get in context. Paul while preaching the DOCTRINE of SALVATION throughout the first 9 Chapters and here also has SEEMINGLY TORE DOWN EVERYTHING THE JEWISH BELIEVERS THOUGHT THEY KNEW. Again as Paul has previously discussed and explained the JEWS thought they could be SAVED by the works of the LAW, but Paul has proved that no one CAN BE SAVED by Works and that our righteousness is all in CHRIST. NOT ONLY has he disproved this, but their Organization (Priest, Temple and forms of worship) if not already destroyed would soon be. It has been replaced with a new form of WORSHIP to them. FAITH! Faith is not new to God, Faith is what God has always required of mankind, but it's new to those who trust in the flesh. Faith is exemplified in the form of a new religion called CHRISTIANITY, Christian churches are being set up everywhere.

This may not seem like a big deal to us, (it should) being so far removed from the actual events, BUT imagine what a BIG DEAL this was to the JEW’S.

Let me sum up this part of what Paul is saying here by quoting the title of one of my favorite songs.

“THERE IS JUST ONE WAY”

Let me say it another way: There is a big difference between the righteousness of the Law which the unbelieving JEW’S where married to and the righteousness which is by Grace thru Faith. Note to self LOOK UP SCRIPTURE ABOUT married to another.

Jeremiah 3:6   The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen [that] which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. 
Jeremiah 3:7   And I said after she had done all these [things], Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw [it]. 
Jeremiah 3:8   And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

Jeremiah 3:14   Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

Chapter 10 begins here:

1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.   2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.   3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.   4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.   5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.   6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)   7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)   8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;   9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.   10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.   11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

VERSE 1 reference: See 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance
NEAT!
VERSE 2 reference: See Isaiah 66:5  Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
NOTE: The unbelievers did bad things to the early Christians and will do so in the future. See John 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. MY NOTE: BUT I DIGRESS, even though this is true Paul’s point is simply he wants everyone to be saved as should be all our desires because it is Gods desire.
VERSE 3: Paul is telling us what there mistake is. Paul explains it this way in Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: A good example of what they thought and acted can be found in:
Luke 18:Verses 10-14 10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
VERSE 4: CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW. The law was our school master. THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO LEAD PEOPLE UNTO CHRIST. THE MORAL LAW “IDENTIFIED OUR WOUND”. This ceremonial law was a foreshadowing of the REMIDY. Which is CHRIST because he did what the law could not do, which Paus has already told us.
Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
2 Corinthians 3:7 (King James Version)
 7But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
Galatians 3 VERSES 21-29
21Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.  22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  24Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
VERSE’S 6, 7, 8 & 9
IS TAKEN from Deuteronomy 30:11For this commandment which I command thee this day, it [is] not hidden from thee, neither [is] it far off. 12 It [is] not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither [is] it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14 But the word [is] very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

What is he saying. SIMPLY THIS: We do not have to something grand to be saved, WE SIMPLY have to have FAITH in Christ.

I threw this one in just for our pastor. Its found in ISAIAH
Isaiah 35
8
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].

JERIMIAH UNDERSTOOD THIS. LISTEN TO WHAT GOD TOLD HIM.
Jeremiah 31:33 But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

VERSE’S 10 & 11
Matthew 10:32Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Importance of Preaching the Gospel; Perverseness of Israel.
THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE JEW AND THE GREEK

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.   13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.   14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?   15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!   16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?   17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.   18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.   19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.   20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.   21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

OF COURSE JOHN 3:16
Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Hebrews 11:6But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

John 20:31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

VERSE 15
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

VERSE16
Isaiah 53:1Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

1 Thessalonians 2:13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Psalms 19:4Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

Deuteronomy 32:21They have moved me to jealousy with [that which is] not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with [those which are] not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

Isaiah 65:1I am sought of [them that] asked not [for me]; I am found of [them that] sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation [that] was not called by my name. 2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;

Proverbs 1:24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

2 Chronicles 30:8Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers [were, but] yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified forever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

ROMANS
Chapter 11
Posted on 07/22/2016

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 11 is about; HAS GOD CAST AWAY HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE? GOD FORBID! Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. s about; NO DIFFERENCE between the JEW & GREEK! IF the PROMISE was to Whosoever Will: PROVE IT! And Paul Does so very clearly!

Has God Cast Away His People,

Ephesians 2:1   And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.   2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,   3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.   4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.   5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.   6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.   7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded   8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.   9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:   10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.   11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.   12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?   13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:   14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.   15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?   16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.   17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;   18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.   19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.   20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear:   21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.   22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.   23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.   24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?   25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.   26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:   27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.   28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.   29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.   30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:   31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.   32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Romans 11
[8]
(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.


Isaiah 6
9-10
[9] And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. [10] Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
Also see Jeremiah 5:21, Ezekiel 12:2, plus Mark 8:18 and other verses

Romans 11
26
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Isaiah 59
20
And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
21
As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.


Divine Sovereignty.

33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!   34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?   35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?   36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

John 13
7
Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
John 15
15
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

ROMANS
Chapter 12
Posted on 08/25/2016


PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 12 is about; Practical Application of Christianity (If we believe the doctrines previously explained by Paul, what should we do naturally speaking?)
a.) Chapter 12; Gives us SEVERAL Practical examples of Natural things we as Christians should do, in order that CHRIST would be GLORIFIED to our neighbor. The first verse sums it up; Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

Previous to Chapter 12 Paul has; reproved and rebuked, now he Mostly EXHORTS.

Definitions:
REPROVE –
to convict, refute, confute 
1a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted 
1b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose 
2) to find fault with, correct 
2a) by word 
2a1) to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove 
2a2) to call to account, show one his fault, demand an explanation 
2b) by deed

REBUKE –
to show honour to, to honour 
2) to raise the price of 
3) to adjudge, award, in the sense of merited penalty 
4) to tax with fault, rate, chide, rebuke, reprove, censure severely 
4a) to admonish or charge sharply

MORE ON REBUKE, IN THIS CASE IT MEANS THIS: //  elegcw  //  , on the other hand, means to rebuke with sufficient cause, 
and also effectually, so as to bring the one rebuked to a confession 
or at least a conviction of sin. In other words, it means   //  to  //  
  //  convince  //  .

EXHORT –
AV - beseech 43, comfort 23, exhort 21, desire 8, pray 6, intreat 3, 
misc 4, vr besought 1; 109 

1) to call to one's side, call for, summon 
2) to address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in 
the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc. 
2a) to admonish, exhort 
2b) to beg, entreat, beseech 
2b1) to strive to appease by entreaty 
2c) to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to 
comfort 
2c1) to receive consolation, be comforted 
2d) to encourage, strengthen 
2e) exhorting and comforting and encouraging 
2f) to instruct, teach

Consecration to God; Duty towards God; Duty towards Ourselves; Due Exercise of Spiritual Gifts; Duty towards Our Brethren; Brotherly Love; Love to Enemies.

BESEECH –
AV - beseech 43, comfort 23, exhort 21, desire 8, pray 6, intreat 3, 
misc 4, vr besought 1; 109 

1) to call to one's side, call for, summon 
2) to address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in 
the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc. 
2a) to admonish, exhort 
2b) to beg, entreat, beseech 
2b1) to strive to appease by entreaty 
2c) to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to 
comfort 
2c1) to receive consolation, be comforted 
2d) to encourage, strengthen 
2e) exhorting and comforting and encouraging 
2f) to instruct, teach.

Chapter 12 begins here:

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.   2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.   3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.   4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:   5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.   6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;   7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;   8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.   9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.   10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;   11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;   12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;   13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.   14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.   15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.   16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.   17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.   18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.   19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.   20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.   21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

MORE DEFINITIONS:

dissimulation - AV - unfeigned 4, without dissimulation 1, without hypocrisy 1; 6 

1) unfeigned, undisguised, sincere

ROMANS
Chapter 13
Posted on 08/25/2016


PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 13 is a continuation of; Practical Application of Christianity; 13 deals mostly with how to conduct ourselves in social groups, (If we believe the doctrine of Paul's letter to the Romans, what should we do?)

ROMANS
Chapter 13
NOTE: (Chapters 12-end of Romans should be taught all together)

SOMA
Society of Mutual Autopsy?

I FOUND THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WHILE RESEARCHING FOR THIS SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON. THOUGHT THE NAME SOMA WAS VERY FUNNY. BUT REALLY BEGINNING IN ROMANS 12 PAUL IS ASKING US TO PERFORM A LIVING AUTOPSY ON OURSELVES, AS THE BIBLE CALLS FOR REPEATEDLY.
Romans 12:1   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
2 Corinthians 13:5
[5] Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
1 John 3:14
[14] We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.



ONE OF THE FREQUENT VERSES I OFTEN QUOTE INSTRUCTING US TO AUTOPSY(examine) OURSELVES IS BY JESUS:
John 14:15   If ye love me, keep my commandments.

THAT IS THE REAL TEST OF FAITH! ARE WE CONSTANTLY EXAMINING OUR SELVES BY THE STANDARD SET BY HIS COMMANDMENTS? NOW WE KNOW AND PAUL HAS PROVED IN THE FIRST 11 CHAPTERS THAT THE LAW CAN NOT SAVE US AND WE CAN NOT KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS ON OUR OWN (if you are guilty of failing one commandment , you are guilty of all), HENCE THE SACRIFICE WHICH JESUS MADE. THE LORD HAS BECOME OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Jeremiah 23:6   In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

What is the Society of Mutual Autopsy?
In 1876, a group of French scientists and intellectuals set out to unlock the mystery of the human soul. More to the point, these freethinking anthropologists hoped to prove that the soul doesn’t exist. They maintained that an individual’s personality, character, and abilities, or what we tend to think of as “soul,” correspond to the shape and size of one’s brain. And they believed they could demonstrate this by performing autopsies on decedents whose traits in life they knew. Hitch was, they needed volunteers. Looking around the room, they finally agreed to dissect one another after death, and thus the Society of Mutual Autopsy was born.
Needless to say, after some 30 years of cutting each other’s heads open, this unusual group of organ donors didn’t prove much of anything, except perhaps that there’s a lot about human existence that scalpels can’t explain. But they did leave us a wonderfully evocative metaphor—autopsy as a tool for exploring the soul. In the original Greek sense, “autopsy” means to examine, to see with one’s own eyes. For eons, prophets and theologians have understood that faith involves a process of self-examination, questioning and criticism. “All faith is autopsy,” declared Søren Kierkegaard, a painfully self-scrutinizing theologian who insisted that an unexamined faith is not worth having.
SoMA is a magazine devoted to dissecting matters of the soul—the sacred and the profane, the ridiculous and the sublime. We don’t think of religion primarily in terms of churches or institutions. We side with the theologian Paul Tillich who understood faith, and indirectly religion, as “ultimate concern.” He saw faith as a movement toward the unconditional, or God, the “ground of being” that eludes theistic thinking. Thus, religious vitality can be found in things that aren’t overtly religious, such as a “secular” films, art, and literature. Similarly, explicitly religious beliefs, symbols, and systems easily become rigid and lose their meaning, turning idolatrous. As Tillich said, religion itself is paradoxically one of the great threats to the religious life.
As an ongoing autopsy of religion and culture, SoMA seeks to illuminate the difference between authentic and inauthentic faith, not because we consider ourselves experts on the subject—we don’t—but because we need to keep reminding ourselves that there is a difference. Our faith depends on it.

2 Corinthians 13:5   Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
REPROBATE - AV - reprobate 6, castaway 1, rejected 1; 8 

1) not standing the test, not approved 
1a) properly used of metals and coins 
2) that which does not prove itself such as it ought 
2a) unfit for, unproved, spurious, reprobate

WE ARE CALLED TO A HIGHER STANDARD, CAN WE MEET THE TEST?

Chapter 13 begins below:

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.   2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.   3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:   4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.   5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.   6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.   12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.   13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.   14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

ROMANS
Chapter 14
Posted on 09/18/2016

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 13 is a continuation of; Practical Application of Christianity; 13 deals mostly with how to conduct ourselves in social groups, (If we believe the doctrine of Paul's letter to the Romans, what should we do?)


(Chapters 12-thru-end of Romans should be taught all together)
AND
It all ties back to this verse - Romans 12:1   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

OKAY remember all through-out the book of Romans Paul has made it evident that there are both Jews and Gentiles in this group of believers. We have repeatedly made mention of this in our Sunday School Class.

For undeniable proof of this let us turn to the 28th Chapter of Acts and read verses 17-24. Remember we have talked previously how that we can use The Book of Acts as a Guide for where Paul was when he wrote the book of Romans. Additionally we will see in the 16th Chapter of Romans that Paul had a plan to come and see the Romans, but Gods plan at least for how Paul arrived at Rome was somewhat different then Pauls, which brings us back to Acts and the conclusion of “GODS” plan for Paul Going to Rome.


Acts 28:24 tells us this - And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
This takes us to the root of the problem Paul is addressing here, which is that some of the possible Jewish believers are teaching and practicing doctrines which are adding old traditions onto JUSTIFICATION by GRACE thru FAITH. Its not that some of the Jews did not believe in Jesus many did. Its that some of the believers where teaching things that where incorrect. YES I BELIEVE IT IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE to be a believer and be wrong about certain thing. I am and have been in the past a good example of that. NOW there are also other SO-CALLED believers, which are not believers at all which are teaching incorrect doctrine out of selfish or malicious desires, which Paul will address in the 16th Chapter. Also Jude, Peter and James address these types of people. I like the way JUDE describes it best.

Jude 1:4   For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:12   These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

AND Jude gets even more explicit than that. Now Jude nor any of the other inspired writers leave us hanging about what to do or how to handle issues associated with this problem. Your Sunday School homework is to read Jude and 2 Peter Chapter 2 as we will come back to this in Romans Chapter 16.

It also appears that some believers possible both the Gentiles and Jews are teaching that they should observe the other Holy Days, besides the Sabbath, which you can find detailed in the Book Deuteronomy and other Levitical Books about the Law. (These would be the Feast of Passover, etc…) AND possible that the Sabbath should be on one day instead of another, as would suit what ever belief they held. These are common teaching that persists to this day. Which I take by Paul’s letter here is akin to straining at GNATS and Swallowing Camels if I may borrow a line from our Lord Jesus.

1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.   2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.   3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.   4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.   5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.   6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.   7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.   8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.   9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.   10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.   11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.   12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.   13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.   14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.   15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.   16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:   17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.   18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.   19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.   20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.   21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.   22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.   23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

EATING MEAT?

2-POINTS

First: What about meat sacrificed to Idols? 1 Corinthians 10
27 If any of them that believe not bid you [to a feast], and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

Second and the main point in this text: Was it lawful for a Christian to eat meat which the LAW said was unclean?

Bring in Paul’s dispute with Peter.

Galatians 2:9   And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 
Galatians 2:10   Only [they would] that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 
Galatians 2:11   But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Galatians 2:12   For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 
Galatians 2:13   And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Galatians 2:14   But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 
Galatians 2:15   We [who are] Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 
Galatians 2:16   Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 2:17   But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 
Galatians 2:18   For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 
Galatians 2:19   For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 
Galatians 2:20   I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 
Galatians 2:21   I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 3:28   There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.





1 Corinthians 1
10
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Philippians 3
15
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

ROMANS
Chapter 15
Posted on 09/20/2016
Please read the outline posted at the beginning of these chapters.

(Chapters 12-thru-end of Romans should be taught all together)
AND
It all ties back to this verse - Romans 12:1   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

CHAPTER 15 is Paul’s Conclusion to the whole IDEA he has expound on since the First Chapter. I liken it to what the writer of ECCLESIASTES said in the next to the last verse at the end of the book: Ecclesiastes 12:13   Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

THREE THINGS MUST HAPPEN TO GET ANY IDEA OR POINT ACROSS
WE MUST HAVE:

a title or INTRODUCTORY SUMMARY for the discourse or IDEA.
a thorough EXPLINATION or understanding of all aspects of the IDEA
FINALLY a Conclusion which restates the original Idea or discourse.

AS I HAVE STUDIED ROMANS AND THE REST OF BIBLE I HAVE BEGUN TO SEE HOW
GOD IN HIS INFINITE WISDOM HAS LAID DOWN THIS PATTERN FOR US FROM THE BEGINNING AS IT WERE, AS FOLLOW:

GOD THE FATHER
GOD THE SON
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

So in order for God to SAVE man, God had to reveal Himself to man.
Paul began in the First Chapter by showing us that God had done this: SEE;

GOD THE FATHER an INTRODUCTORY SUMMARY: Romans 1: 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.   20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: AND God has further shown his HOLINESS thru the LAW as Paul explains in ROMANS 2: BUT MAN COULD NOT KEEP GODS COMMANDMENTS AND GOD REALIZING THIS FROM THE BEGINNING SENT THE COMMANDMENTS ANYHOW SO THAT MAN WOULD REALIZE THAT HE WAS UNRIGHTEOUS. SO AS PAUL SAID IN ROMANS 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.   20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.: SO WE BEGIN TO REALIZE THAT THEIR IS A GOD, WHICH IS HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS. Paul expounds on this further in Chapter 4 by giving the example of God revealing himself to ABRAHAM and explains that we all come as ABRAHAM DID THRU FAITH.
GOD THE SON an EXPLANATION: PAUL PUTS IT THIS WAY ALSO FOUND IN CHAPTER 3: 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;   22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:   23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: I REALLY LIKE THE WAY JOHN PUTS IT IN THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF JOHN: John 1:14   And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. “THAT’S MY FAVORITE SCRIPTURE” (as part of my running joke with the Sunday school class! It’s all my favorite!!!!) SO WE SEE GOD HAS GIVEN US A FULL EXPLANATION OF SALVATION BY SENDING HIS SON TO LIVE THE WORD.
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT-RESTATES THE ORIGINAL IDEA. Let’s skip what Paul says for just a moment and go to what JESUS said in JOHN 14: John 14:16   And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17   [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18   I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. AND WE THAT BELIEVE HAVE THIS SPIRT WHICH LEADS US AND GUIDES US AND CONSTANTLY REMINDS US THAT “WE HAVE BEEN BOUGHT WITH A PRICE.” It keeps us, it teaches us to love our brother. Remember this scripture often quoted in our church: Matthew 24:13   But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. The HOLY SPIRIT allows us to “ENDURE TO THE END” by keeping GODS truth alive in our heart. BACK TO WHAT PAUL SAYS AND HE SAYS IT IN THIS CHAPTER as follows: Romans 15:13   Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
THIS IS THE SPIRIT WHICH URGES AND ALLOWS US TO ROMANS 12:1 present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] our reasonable service.
VERSE’S 1-4 are actually the MAIN POINT or I could say of Paul’s discourse in the previous chapter. Actually it is the GOAL we are striving for as we Grow in God’s Grace and Knowledge to become CHRIST LIKE.

1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.   2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.   3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.   4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

One Mind

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:   6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The closing statement or summary statement for the entire book. (Less salutations and one final warning in Chapter 16)

7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.   8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:   9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.   10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.   11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.   12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.


13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

VERSE 16 TELLS US WHAT THE HOLY GHOST ULTIMATELY DOES FOR US.
14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.   15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,   16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Paul Giving God All the Glory 

  17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.   18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,   19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.   20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:   21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

THE FOLLOWING VERSES ARE INTERESTING TOO ME BECAUSE, IT LETS US KNOW THAT PAUL HAD A DESIRE TO GO PREACH AT ROME AND THAT HE UNDER STOOD THAT IT WAS GODS WILL THAT HE GO TO ROME. IT ALSO LETS US KNOW THAT EVEN THOUGH IT WAS GODS WILL FOR PAUL TO PREACH AT ROME, GOD DID NOT GIVE PAUL ALL THE DETAILS ON HOW HE WOULD ARRIVE. THIS GIVES ME A GREATER APPRECIATION FOR WHAT PAUL WRITES IN PHILLIPIANS.

Promise to come and visit Rome

22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.   23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;   24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.   25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.   26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.   27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.   28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.   29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.


 
Request for their Prayers

30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;   31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judæa; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;   32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.   33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

ROMANS
Chapter 16
Posted on 09/25/2016

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW OUR OUTLINE (It is the first post at bottom of this study guide.)
FROM OUR OUTLINE WE CAN SEE THAT CHAPTER 16 is Paul's salutation to the Church at Rome.

(Chapters 12-thru-end of Romans should be taught all together)
AND
It all ties back to this verse - Romans 12:1   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

It appears at first glance that Chapter 16 is simply a SALUTATION to Friends at Rome, Friends in other Places which may come to them or to which they may go visit, one final warning against those that would cause divisions and PRAISE AND CELIBRATION OF GODS GLORY.

OH BUT IT IS MUCH MORE!

It is further proof that all of God’s WORD IS TRUE.

I offer the following verse: James 4:10   Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

This is GODS record and WITNESS for all of eternity of Saints from the early church who presented their bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God. THEY LIVED THE “REASONABLE SERVICE.”

IT’S A CALLING FOR US TO DO THE SAME.

WE COULD EASILY DISMISS THESE NAMES AND CONTINUE TO THE NEXT BOOK, BUT IN LIGHT OF THEIR SACRIFICE AND GOD LIFITING THEM UP HERE I WANT TO MENTION EACH AND EVERY NAME AND GIVE WHAT LITTLE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ABOUT THEM.

LET’S BEGIN

1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:   2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.   3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:   4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.   5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.   6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.   7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.   8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.   9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.   10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.   11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.   12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.   13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.   14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.   15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.   16 Salute one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

THE FINAL WARNING TO TE ROMANS

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.   18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.   19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.   20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

YES ONCE AGAIN WE SEE THAT PAUL WAS LONG WINDED.
Just a little joke, but it’s true, remember the guy which went to sleep and fell out the window at one of Paul’s all night message.

21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.   22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.   23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.   24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Giving God the Glory and Praise one more time!

  25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,   26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:   27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

PHEBE – A SHINNING EXAMPLE OF WHAT ANY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE
Phebe - 5402   //  foibh  //  Phoibe   //  foy'-bay  //  

from phoibos (bright, probably akin to the base of   5457  ); n pr f 

AV - Phebe 2; 2 

Phoebe = "radiant" from the root word phao which means light. (I am amazed at how the names of many of the people we read about in the Bible fit what we know about them so well. Perhaps they took a name change as Paul did?

1) a deaconess of the church at Cenchrea, near Corinth

Paul thought so much of Phebe that she was given the task of delivering what we call The Book of Romans to the church at Rome. See verse 27

It seems she was a person of some wealth or at least she had, some business which called her to Rome, where she was a stranger; and therefore Paul recommends her to the acquaintance of the Christians there: an expression of his true friendship to her.

I like the way Paul introduces her as his sister: Phebe our sister; not in nature, but in grace; not like a blood relative or as a girlfriend, but in pure Christianity: his own sister in the faith of Christ, loving Paul, and beloved of him, it was a pure, chaste and spiritual love, as a sister; for there is neither male nor female, but all are one in Christ Jesus, Gal. iii. 28. Both Christ and his apostles had some of their best friends among the devout (and upon honorable) women. (2.) As a servant to the church at Cenchrea: diakonon, a servant by office, a stated servant, not to preach the word (that was forbidden to women of that time), but in acts of charity and hospitality. Some think she was one of the widows that ministered to the sick and were taken into the church's number, 1 Tim. v. 9. But those were old and poor, whereas Phebe seems to have been a person of some account; and yet it was no discouragement or disgrace to her to be a servant to the church. She presented herself a living sacrifice, Romans 12:1. Probably they used to meet at her house, and she undertook the care of entertaining the ministers, especially strangers.

Cenchrea was a small sea-port town very near Corinth. Kind of like Halls is near Knoxville. Some think there was a church there, distinct from that at Corinth, though, being so near, it is very probable that the church of Corinth is called the church of Cenchrea, because their place of meeting might be there, on account of the great opposition to them in the city (Acts xviii. 12), as at Philippi they met out of the city by the water-side, Acts xvi. 13.

BEFORE WE GO ON ABOUT Phobe we need to define the word succourer: 4368   //  prostativ  //  prostatis   //  pros-tat'-is  //  

from a derivative of   4291  ; n f 

AV - succourer 1; 1 

1) a woman set over others 
2) a female guardian, protectress, patroness, caring for the affairs 
of others and aiding them with her resources

She chose to actively participation in the needs of many and was totally unselfish with here resources both spiritually and materially. Notice the gratitude of Paul in mentioning her particular kindness to him: And to myself also. This is Paul’s Graceful way of saying THANK YOU Phobe. So wherever this epistle is read her kindness to Paul is told for a memorial of her and especially a memorial of her Love of Christ and his people.

Priscilla and Aquila

A husband and wife TEAM, to my knowledge the two names are never mentioned apart an example of the two becoming one!

For the sake of this study though we will start with the wife Priscilla.

4252   //  priskilla  //  Priscilla   //  pris'-cil-lah  //  

diminutive of   4251  ; n pr f 

AV - Priscilla 5; 5 

Priscilla = "ancient" 

1) a Christian woman, the wife of Aquila

I do not think the definition of Priscilla’s name fits with my amazement statement over Phebe’s name fitting her so well as it means ancient. I cannot fathom any woman desiring such an attachment to her name. Ha! Ha!

Aquila

207   //  Akulav  //  Akulas   //  ak-oo'-las  //  

probably for Latin aquila (an eagle); n pr m 

AV - Aquila 6; 6 

Aquila = "an eagle" 

1) a Jew of Pontus, a tent maker convert to Christ, companion and 
ally of Paul in propagating Christianity

Paul first met Priscilla and Aquila at Corinth. You can find this meeting in Acts xviii. 2. They were originally Romans but had been banished by the Roman Ruler Claudis probably because of their Christianity, we are not told. Apparently this banishment or edict was of a limited time frame and they later returned to Rome. Paul affectionately calls them his Helpers in Christ Jesus. I imagine they were taught of Paul and He was taught of them. Like a group of friends today privately discussing and studying the Scriptures.

We find them again in Acts 18:26 privately correcting and expounding the scriptures to Apollos. See text of this verse below:
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Notice how well this fits in with the lesson we had from Chapter 14 of Romans about when to correct an errant fellow believer. This gives us a perfect example of how it should be done.

They were true Christian friends. I like how Paul said: They have for my life laid down their own necks. We find one such incident recorded in the early to mid-part of the 18th Chapter of Acts when the Corinthians would have killed Paul, Priscilla and Aquila exposed themselves that they may help Paul escape and even had to leave with him. Paul further encourages the Romans to greet the Church with in Pricilla and Aquila’s House.

Priscilla and Aquila are also mentioned in1 Cor. xvi. 19, when they obviously stayed and lived at Ephesus for some time, though just visitors there, yet there also they had a church in their house.

True religious people take the church with them wherever they may go; EXAMPLE: Genesis 13:18
Then Abram removed [his] tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which [is] in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

P & A a true testament to Godly Love and dedication by a husband and wife team.

Epaenetus

1866   //  Epainetov  //  Epainetos   //  ep-a'-hee-net-os  //  

from   1867  ; n pr m 

AV - Epaenetus 1; 1 

Epaenetus = "praiseworthy" 

1) a Christian at Rome, greeted by the Paul in Ro 16:5

Concerning Epenetus, v. 5. He calls him his well-beloved. Where the law of love is in the heart the law of kindness will be in the tongue. Endearing language should pass among Christians to express love, and to engage love. Of Epenetus it is further said that he was the first-fruit of Achaia unto Christ; not only one of the most eminent believers in that country, but one of the first that was converted to the faith of Christ: one that was offered up to God by Paul, as the first-fruits of his ministry there; an earnest of a great harvest; in Corinth, which is the main city of Achaia, InActs xviii. 10we are told that “God had much people, in this area.. We find in 1 Cor. xvi. 15 that Paul uses this same phrase when mentioning the household of Stephanas this household is said to be the first-fruits of Achaia,. Perhaps Epenetus was one of that household; or, at least, he was one of the first; not the first alone, but one of the many which came to Christ at Paul’s preaching in the region of Achaia afforded.


Mary (of Rome)

3137   //  Maria  //  Maria   //  mar-ee'-ah  //  or 
  //  Mariam  //  Mariam   //  mar-ee-am'  //  

of Hebrew origin   04813    //  Myrm  //  ; n pr f 

AV - Mary the mother of Jesus 19, Mary Magdalene 13, 
Mary the sister of Martha 11, Mary the mother of James 9, 
Mary the mother of John Mark 1, Mary of Rome 1; 54 

Mary or Miriam = "their rebellion" 

1) Mary the mother of Jesus 
2) Mary Magdalene, a women from Magdala 
3) Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha 
4) Mary of Cleophas the mother of James the less 
5) Mary the mother of John Mark, a sister of Barnabas 
6) Mary, a Roman Christian who is greeted by Paul in Ro 16:6

Paul refers to her as “Who Bestowed Much Labor on US” Another FAITHFUL Christian woman whose life evidently showed Christ. Some Historians think she may have been in several towns where Paul preached or others think because of the statement Labor on Us that Paul had just heard of Her good works for his friends and knowing that she lived or was at Rome, gave her his recommendation based on her good reputation.

Salute Andronicus and Junia

408   //  Androkinov  //  Andronikos   //  an-dron'-ee-kos  //  

from   435  and   3534  ; n pr m 

AV - Andronicus 1; 1 

Andronicus = "man of victory" 

1) a Jewish Christian and a kinsman of Paul

2458   //  Iouniav  //  Iounias   //  ee-oo-nee'-as  //  

of Latin origin; n pr f 

AV - Junia 1; 1 

Junia = "youthful" 

1) a Christian woman at Rome, mentioned by Paul as one of his kinsfolk 
and fellow prisoners

Another Husband and Wife Christian team which Paul evidently had great respect. It is not known if they are actual blood kin of Paul or if this is just an affectionate term he has used for them. More than likely Paul uses this term as it appears that they also suffered persecutions because of their faith as Paul did. Also he makes special mention that they are well known and well thought of by the other APOSTLES.

Amplias, Urbane & Stachys

We have very little information about these three faithful Christians, other then what is mentioned her, except as noted below.

291   //  Ampliav  //  Amplias   //  am-plee'-as  //  

contracted for Latin ampliatus [enlarged]; n pr m 

AV - Amplias 1; 1 

Amplias = "large" 

1) a Christian living in Rome

3773   //  Ourbanov  //  Ourbanos   //  oor-ban-os'  //  

of Latin origin, urbanus; n pr m 

AV - Urbane 1; 1 

Urbane = "of the city; polite" 

1) a certain Christian in Ro 16:9

4720   //  stacuv  //  Stachus   //  stakh'-oos  //  

the same as   4719  ; n pr m 

AV - Stachys 1; 1 

Stachys = "a head of grain" 

1) a man with a Greek name, he is said to be one of the seventy 
disciples, and bishop of Byzantium (Gill)

Apelles = "called" 

1) a certain Christian

Paul says Approved of Christ. What more could we ask for then to be approved of our Lord and Saviour?

Aristobulus = "the best councillor" 

1) a certain Christian

Herodian = "heroic" 

1) a certain Christian

Narcissus = "stupidity" 

1) a dweller at Rome mentioned by Paul in Ro 16:11

Very little is known, some think this is a family name or the Patriarch of a particular family, which had passed away and that he may not have been a convert but many in his family was.

Tryphena & Tryphosa

Tryphena = "luxurious" 

1) a Christian woman

Tryphosa = "luxuriating" 

1) a Christian woman

Persis = "a Persian woman" 

1) a Christian woman at Rome

Rufus

Rufus = "red" 

1) name of a certain Christian

Concerning Rufus (v. 13), chosen in the Lord. He was a choice Christian, whose gifts and graces evinced that he was eternally chosen in Christ Jesus. He was one of a thousand for integrity and holiness.--And his mother and mine, his mother by nature and mine by Christian love and spiritual affection; as he calls Phebe his sister, and teaches Timothy to treat the elder women as mothers, 1 Tim. v. 2. This good woman, upon some occasion or other, had been as a mother to Paul, in caring for him, and comforting him; and Paul here gratefully owns it, and calls her mother

Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.

Asyncritus = "incomparable"
Phlegon = "burning"
Hermas = "Mercury" (See Below) 

1) a Christian mentioned in Rom 16:14 . According to tradition, he 
was one of the seventy disciples, and afterwards bishop of 
Dalmatia. (A.D. 55)

Patrobas = "paternal"
Mercurius or Hermes = "herald of the gods"


Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.

Philologus = "lover of the Word"
Julia = "soft haired"
Nereus = "lamp"
Olympas = "heavenly"

NOW WE COME TO FRIENDS WHO ARE MOSTLY TRAVELING WITH PAUL
Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

Timothy = "honoring God" 

1) a resident of Lystra, apparently, whose father was a Greek and 
mother a Jewess; he was Paul's travelling companion and fellow 
laborer

Yes this is the same Timothy to whom Paul had written that epistle.

Lucius = "light: bright: white" 

1) a man from Cyrene who was a prophet and a teacher of the church in 
Antioch ( Ac 13:1 ), perhaps the same one as mentioned in Ro 16:21

Jason = "one who will heal" 

1) a Thessalonians who entertained Paul and Silas, and maybe a cousin 
of Paul ( Ro 16:21 )
This Jason
Acts 17
5
But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
6
And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

Sosipater = "saviour of his father" 

1) a kinsman or fellow tribesman of Paul

This Sopater of Berea is probably the same gentleman
Acts 20
4
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

and Sosipater, supposed to be the same with Sopater of Berea, mentioned Acts xx. 4. These Paul calls his kinsmen; not only more largely, as they were Jews, but as they were in affinity nearly allied to him.


Tertius = "third" 

1) amanuensis (SCRIBE) of Paul in writing the epistle to the Romans
v. 22): I Tertius, who wrote this epistle. Paul made use of a scribe, not out of state nor idleness, but because he wrote a bad hand, which was not very legible, which he excuses, when he writes to the Galatians with his own hand (Gal. vi. 11): pelikois grammasi--with what kind of letters. Perhaps this Tertius was the same with Silas; for Silas (as some think) signifies the third in Hebrew, as Tertius in Latin. Tertius either wrote as Paul dictated, or transcribed it fairly over out of Paul's foul copy. The least piece of service done to the church, and the ministers of the church, shall not pass without a remembrance and a recompense. It was an honor to Tertius that he had a hand, though but as a scribe, in writing this epistle

Gaius = "lord"

Pauls host at

Some others that were of note among the Christians (v. 23): Gaius my host. It is uncertain whether this was Gaius of Derbe (Acts xx. 4), or Gaius of Macedonia (Acts xix. 29), or rather Gaius of Corinth (1 Cor. i. 14), and whether any of these was he to whom John wrote his third epistle. However, Paul commends him for his great hospitality; not only my host, but of the whole church--one that entertained them all as there was occasion, opened his doors to their church-meetings, and eased the rest of the church by his readiness to treat all Christian stranger that came to them

Erastus = "beloved" 

1)a companion of the apostle Paul 
2) the chamberlain or rather the public treasurer, of Corinth

Definition of Chamberlain: 1) the manager of household or of household affairs 
1a) esp. a steward, manager, superintendent (whether free-born or 
as was usually the case, a freed-man or a slave) to whom the 
head of the house or proprietor has intrusted the management 
of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures, and the 
duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant and 
even to the children not yet of age 
1b) the manager of a farm or landed estate, an overseer 
1c) the superintendent of the city's finances, the treasurer of a 
city (or of treasurers or quaestors of kings) 
2) metaph. the apostles and other Christian teachers and bishops 
and overseers

MORE ON ERASTUS: Erastus, the chamberlain of the city is another; he means the city of Corinth, whence this epistle was dated. It seems he was a person of honor and account, one in public place, steward or treasurer. Not many mighty, not many noble, are called, but some are. His estate, and honor, and employment, did not take him off from attending on Paul and laying out himself for the good of the church, it should seem, in the work of the ministry; for he is joined with Timothy (Acts xix. 22), and is mentioned 2 Tim. iv. 20. It was no disparagement to the chamberlain of the city to be a preacher of the gospel of Christ.

Quartus = "fourth" 

1) a Roman; probably before he lived at Rome, and therefore sends his 
salutations to the Christians there: he is mentioned among the 
seventy disciples, and said to be bishop of Berytus. (Gill)

PHEBE ONE MORE NOT ABOUT HER.

I NEVER NOTICED THAT ROMANS SAID THIS BEFORE.

[Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.]

REASON:
Please be advised that all study guides accredited to Archie Wilson Jr, published on fccltn.org, are my Personal study guides. They have been developed first of all to aid myself in walking with Christ. As an extension of that some studies have been completed specifically for teaching Sunday school. All have also been done with the thought that I may leave them to my children. It is my desire to encourage my family and others to walk with Jesus. I hope these study guides are a benefit to others and demonstrate my love for God’s Word (See John 1:14).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I am simply a parrot. I claim no originality for any words found within my study guides. It is not my intent to add or take away anything from God’s Word. God’s Word is complete within itself, but sometimes we need others to jog our memory (Acts 8: 30-31). I have no new revelation. Many sources have been used in developing these study guides and I would like to acknowledge a few here;
King James Version, Thompson-Chain Reference Bible®
http://www.apostolic-churches.net/bible/search/
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (1721)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, first published in 1890 (James Strong)
http://www.equip.org/ AKA Christian Research Institute CRI
Hank Hanegraaff, and his many books, Especially, The Complete Bible Answer Book
Reverend Ralph Woodrow and his many articles and books. http://ralphwoodrow.org/
Reverend Glen Beeler – Elder and former Pastor of Fellowship Christian Church (1 Corinthians 4:15)
Reverend Ralph Cox – Former Pastor of Milan Baptist Church (1 Corinthians 4:15)
Reverend James Russell – Elder, My former Pastor at Fellowship Christian Church, Father-in-Law and the person who gave me the most singularly useful instruction on how to study the bible: “When studying the Holy Bible look for Jesus. When you find Jesus in a Scripture, then you have found understanding of that Scripture.”

DISCLAIMER: 2 Timothy 2:15   Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
I am not God’s oracle. Men’s Interpretations of the Holy Scriptures are so varied, that frankly it can be downright confusing and discouraging. Many teachers use the same scriptures to teach “diametrically opposed” views (opposite extremes). Therefore, it stands to reason: “We cannot all be correct, but we can all be wrong.” (Author Unknown) My purpose is not so much to tell you what the scriptures say, it is rather to teach you how to Study.
“The New Testament is within the Old Testament Contained, the Old Testament is within the New Testament explained” (Author Unknown)