Romans - April 27, 2008

Section -- Three: Justification -- Romans 3:21-5:18 continued

VII. {Rom 5:1-11} Assurance of Justification
A. Introduction
1. Review
2. Preview
B. Question For Discussion?
1. Why can those justified by faith rejoice, in this life, with confidence?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
(continued from previous Blogs)


8. (5:6) In what way were the readers “helpless”, i.e., did they had to receive some measure of the Holy Sprit to believe?
a. Staying with context they were helpless for they tried by works and fell short, thus, they needed someone to do what they could not do — i.e., appease God’s wrath.
9. (5:6) Why the hope [5:5] given will not a disappoint?
a. God’s allowed His Son to die as a propitiation for sin, thus, accomplished what God wanted to be accomplish.
10. (5:7) What is the difference between a righteous and a good man?
a. Righteous man is one who lives by the letter of the law; gives no less measure than he should, no less respect than he should, no less work than he should.
b. Good man is the generous kind who would be just as likely to give more than he should as to give what he owed, i.e. more likeable; sees striving to be “God like” as more than an obligation, it is a worthwhile way of life.
11. (5:8) What is there about Christ’s death that is different than the death of one person for another person.
a. Christ died for all the unworthy (not just a limited few), thus, our hope will not disappoint, i.e., the promise is sound.
12. (5:9) Christ’s death justified the readers, what is the significance being justified?
a. We shall be saved from God’s wrath.
13. PONDER: Based on (5:9-10) is it an accurate sequences of events to say because one refuse to have faith in God’s Son as the propitiation they shall receive God’s wrath (cf. 4:25; 5:1)?
a. No! They receive God’s judicial wrath because they have earned it and by refusing God’s offer of salvation they receive what they earned.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD

14. (5:10) Paul has proven Christ’s death reconciled the readers to God, in what way are the readers saved by Christ’s life? (cf. 1Jo 1:7-9; 2:1)
a.

D. Evidence Applied: Why can those justified by faith rejoice, in this life, with confidence?
1.
E. Conclusion —

VIII. {Rom 5:12-17} Adam’s actions compared with Christ’s actions
A. Introduction
1. Review — Paul has shown being justified by merit cannot be accomplished, he now summarize his argument before he discussed the consequences of justification — Sanctification.
2. Preview — We move into an area (from here to the end of the chapter) causing many, because of the way Paul presents his Justification Conclusion, to think Paul supports Calvinistic views (everyone is born totally depraved) and Universalism views (no one will be lost). Such an understanding is not the fault of the Holy Spirit but the fault of the reader.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. What is the primary difference between what Adam did and what Christ did?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (5:12) “Wherefore” refers to three major blessing received through Christ of verse 5:1-11, what are they?
a.
2. (5:12) Who is the “one man” and what was the result?
a.
3. (5:12) What is the death Paul is addressing?
a.
4. PONDER: Did Adam bring physical death to the world?
a.
5. (5:12) Why did death spread?
a.
6. (5:13) The Greek word translated as “imputed” is use in the KJV four times. The other three times are Philemon 1:18. What is the meaning of “imputed”?
a. .
7. (5:13) Considering this passage, along with Rom 4:15, what is Paul saying?
a.
8. (5:14) Why did Paul pick the time frame from Adam to Moses to address the reigning (to rule) of death?
a.
9. (5:14) What was the nature of Adam’s sin?
a.
10. (5:14) What is the nature of the sins of others?
a.
11. (5:14) In what way is Adam a type of Jesus?
a.
12. (5:15) In what way does Paul say Jesus the Christ’s gift is not like Adam’s sin?
a.
13. (5:16) In what way does Paul say Jesus the Christ’s actions is not like Adam’s?
a.
14. (5:17) In what way does Paul say Jesus the Christ’s impact is not like Adam’s?
a.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What is the primary difference between what Adam did and what Christ did?
1.
E. Conclusion —

IX. {Rom 5:18-21} Conclusion of Justification Section (3:21-5:21)

Romans - April 20, 2008

Section -- Three: Justification -- Romans 3:21-5:18 continued

VII. {Rom 5:1-11} Assurance of Justification
A. Introduction
1. Review
2. Preview
B. Question For Discussion?
1. Why can those justified by faith rejoice, in this life, with confidence?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
continued See previous Blogs

2. (5:1) What has happened to cause the readers to receive the exhortation?
a. Have been justified by faith and not by works or a physical relationship (as indicated by the act of circumcision).
3. (5:1-3) What three things are the readers exhorted to do?
a. Have peace with God
b. Rejoice in the hope and glory of God.
(1) Hope and glory of God is what they fell short (3:23) but now have, i.e., being righteous (4:24).
c. Rejoice in tribulations (does not say enjoys tribulations).
4. (5:3-5) What support has Paul previously given his readers for the assurance tribulations will lead to hope?
a. Abraham had the hope of God’s promise (4:18), readers have the hope of being credited with righteousness because of their faith in Jesus’ death (4:23-25)
5. The readers rejoice in “tribulation” because of a hope that does not disappoint; when did they have that hope, i.e., what is the time frame?
a. It is part of the “therefore” [5:1], thus, they had it when they had faith they would be credited with righteousness — believe Jesus was raised from the dead. [4:24].
(Rom 5:5 is first time Holy Spirit is mentioned in Romans}
OBSERVATION: (5:5) KJV reads knowledge of God’s love “is given” to those with “hope”. Context [Rom 5:1] is knowledge of God’s love “was given” so one could believe and have “hope” if they want to. Verse 5:5 is used to support the doctrine the Holy Spirit is poured (given) upon people so they can believe and He produces in them, without any effort or their part, the “Christian graces and fills their mind with peace, joy, and love”. Compare this popular position with the passage.
6. (5:5) Why did they have hope that did not disappoint?
a. Love of God poured into their heart (inward man)...
(1) When we think of heart we think of emotion, to the Greek heart was the seat of intellect — intestine (Phi 1:8; 2Co 7:15) was the seat of emotion.
7. (5:5) How was the love of God poured into their inward man?
a. By the Holy Spirit using His sword [Eph 6:17] and the tools of the inward man (memory, reason, contemplation, perception, judgment) influencing them to accept what was presented by inspired men (scripture) and eye witnesses, thus, believe Jesus was raised from the dead [cf. Rom 10:14,17; 1:15-17; Tit 3:5-7; Rom 12:2].
b. Their hope, as seen in Paul’s logical arguments, was based on logical faith, not blind faith nor some better felt than told felling
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD
8. (5:6) In what way were the readers “helpless”, i.e., did they had to receive some measure of the Holy Sprit to believe?
a.
9. (5:6) Why the hope [5:5] given will not a disappoint?
a. .
10. (5:7) What is the difference between a righteous and a good man?
a.
11. (5:8) What is there about Christ’s death that is different than the death of one person for another person.
a.
12. (5:9) Christ’s death justified the readers, what is the significance being justified?
a.
13. PONDER: Based on (5:9-10) is it an accurate sequences of events to say because one refuse to have faith in God’s Son as the propitiation they shall receive God’s wrath (cf. 4:25; 5:1)?
a.
14. (5:10) Paul has proven Christ’s death reconciled the readers to God, in what way are the readers saved by Christ’s life? (cf. 1Jo 1:7-9; 2:1)
a.

D. Evidence Applied: Why can those justified by faith rejoice, in this life, with confidence?
1.
E. Conclusion

Romans - April 13, 2008

Section -- Three; Justification -- Romans 3:21-5:18

VI (Romans 4:18-25)
A. Introduction
B. Question For Discussion
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion
1. Continued from previous Class Follow Up's

11. (4:25) Justification means being freed from the guilt of wrong doing (sin), this was accomplished by Jesus’ death (3:25), thus, what part does Jesus’ resurrection have in our justification (cf. 1Co 15:16-19).
a. Gives tangible proof God accepted Jesus as the propitiatory sacrifice.
b. Gives us more than “blind faith” there is life beyond this life.
c. Give us more than “blind faith” when we go to Christ ask for our “new” sins to be forgiven He is there (1Jo 1:7-2:2)
d. Satan could not stop the resurrection, but can create doubt it happened in the minds of those not seeking Truth based on quality written evidence.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What is specifically required of Paul’s readers to be credited as righteous as was Abraham?
1. Paul’s readers must have faith in what God says to them as Abraham had in what God said to him — i.e., Jesus died because of their transgression and was raised from the dead.
E. Conclusion
1. Paul has provided arguments, from scripture, showing Abraham was declared righteous (saved) by God’s grace not by Abraham’s works (works of merit) — Abraham was saved by his faith (trust) because God did not own Abraham anything.
2. Abraham’s faith was not a blind faith, but a faith based on seeing God in action, the reader’s faith was to be based on evidence and sound (logical) argument from Holy Spirit inspired Scripture.
3. Faith’s fruit is trusting God in our words and deeds — walking the talk in good times and bad times, when it is logical and practical and when it is not.

VII. {Rom 5:1-11} Assurance of Justification
A. Introduction
1. Review — Paul has established that neither Jew nor Gentile has been justified with God by their efforts. None have been perfect keepers of the law, consequently all were sinners and could not be sure they were justified. Abraham, however, was revealed as being justified and, contrary to the Jews thinking, as Paul has shown by using scripture, he was not justified by works nor by circumcision, but by faith!
2. Preview — Paul now explores not the fruits of justification by faith but the graciousness and the certain reliability of justification by faith based on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. Why can those justified by faith rejoice, in this life, with confidence?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. NOTE: (5:1) “we have” should read “let us have” (footnote ASV, NASB).
a. Not present active indicative [TR] = The subject of verb has something done to it.
b. But present active subjunctive [WH] = The subject of verb is exhorted to do something
c. Point: Those in Christ are to do (“let us have”) what follows — it is not done (“we have”) to them against their will.
(1) As followers they have it available and they are to use it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD

2. (5:1) What has happened to cause the readers to receive the exhortation?
a.
3. (5:1-3) What three things are the readers exhorted to do?
a.
4. (5:3-5) What support has Paul previously given his readers for the assurance tribulations will lead to hope?
a.
5. The readers rejoice in “tribulation” because of a hope that does not disappoint; when did they have that hope, i.e., what is the time frame?
a.
6. (5:5) Why did they have hope that did not disappoint?
a.
7. (5:5) How was the love of God poured into their inward man?
a.
8. (5:6) In what way were the readers “helpless”, i.e., did they had to receive some measure of the Holy Sprit to believe?
a.
9. (5:6) Why the hope [5:5] given will not a disappoint?
a. .
10. (5:7) What is the difference between a righteous and a good man?
a.
11. (5:8) What is there about Christ’s death that is different than the death of one person for another person.
a.
12. (5:9) Christ’s death justified the readers, what is the significance being justified?
a.
13. PONDER: Based on (5:9-10) is it an accurate sequences of events to say because one refuse to have faith in God’s Son as the propitiation they shall receive God’s wrath (cf. 4:25; 5:1)?
a.
14. (5:10) Paul has proven Christ’s death reconciled the readers to God, in what way are the readers saved by Christ’s life? (cf. 1Jo 1:7-9; 2:1)
a.

D. Evidence Applied: Why can those justified by faith rejoice, in this life, with confidence?
1.
E. Conclusion

Romans - April 7, 2008

Section -- Three: Justification -- Romans 3:21-5:18 (continued)

VI. {Rom 4:18-25} Abraham’s faith based on what God could do, not what was logical or practical
A. Introduction
1. Review — Paul has provided sound arguments using human logic with Holy Spirit inspired writings establishing it is not possible nor appropriate for the efforts of mankind (works of merit) to be the source or reason a person is righteous — only by God’s grace can one be righteous.
2. Preview — Necessary consequences, for the readers, of Abraham’s example of righteousness as the fruit of faith not merit.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. What is specifically required of Paul’s readers to be credited as righteous as was Abraham?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. There are two ways to be righteousness or justified before God, i.e., have one’s sins not taken into account — one is stated and one is implied; one is possible and one is not.
a. By grace or by being worthy (earning it)
OBSERVATION: There are two types or kind of faith: Blind faith (believe because I want to believe) and faith based on accurate evidence (e.g., the testimony of qualified witness such as found in the Word of God, i.e. our Bible.)
2. (4:18) Why did Abraham, according to this verse, not give up hope?
a. It was beyond Abraham’s power to produce a child, only way he “might become a father...” was by God’s ability to fulfill the promise made to Abraham.
3. (Gen 16:2; 17:15-18) Abraham was 86 when Ishmael was born and 99 when he made this request on behalf of Ishmael. What insight does this give to Rom 4:18?
a. Abraham’s faith in God did not waver (he always had faith in God) but there is at least one time when he felt God needed a little help.
b. Righteousness is credited not because Abraham’s faith was perfect but because it was the quality acceptable to God. (cf. 1Jo 1:9)
4. (4:19-21) What is the logical or practical situation with Abraham and Sarah having a child?
a. They do not have the physical ability to have child.
5. How did Abraham respond to his and Sarah’s physical situation?
a. Trusted more in God and continued to praise God — did not reject God nor blame God.
6. Why did Abraham’s faith in God grow stronger?
a. Abraham was confident God had the ability to do what God said He is going to do — even if time frame (25 years) was not same as Abraham’s.
b. From the time God made the child promise Abraham had more than one opportunity to observe God operate in the affairs of man.
7. (4:22) What was reckoned to Abraham as equal to righteousness?
a. The “therefore” refers to the quality of Abraham’s response to God’s promise (4:21)— was “fully assured”
b. Righteousness was given based not on his quality of works but his quality of faith (trust) in God’s promise
8. (4:23-24) Why is what is written about Abraham’s faith also for the sake of the Paul’s readers?
a. The readers are informed those accepting and acting upon what God says are righteous — to enable everyone to know faith not works is credited as righteousness.
9. To be righteous Abraham had to have faith he and Sarah would have child, what is expected of Paul’s readers?
a. Believed Jesus was raised from the dead.
10. (4:25) What enabled God to not apply judicial wrath to those earning His wrath (broke His law) because they did not earn righteousness? (cf. 3:25)
a. Faith in Jesus, because of His life and death, as a propitiation (sacrifice).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD

11. (4:25) Justification means being freed from the guilt of wrong doing (sin), this was accomplished by Jesus’ death (3:25), thus, what part does Jesus’ resurrection have in our justification (cf. 1Co 15:16-19).
a.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What is specifically required of Paul’s readers to be credited as righteous as was Abraham?
1.
E. Conclusion
1.

VII. {Rom 5:1-11} Assurance of Justification
A. Introduction
1. Review — Paul has established that neither Jew nor Gentile has been justified with God by their efforts. None have been perfect keepers of the law, consequently all were sinners and could not be sure they were justified. Abraham, however, was revealed as being justified and, contrary to the Jews thinking, as Paul has shown by using scripture, he was not justified by works nor by circumcision, but by faith!
2. Preview — Paul now explores not the fruits of justification by faith but the graciousness and the certain reliability of justification by faith based on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. Why can those justified by faith rejoice, in this life, with confidence?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. NOTE: (5:1) “we have” should read “let us have” (footnote ASV, NASB).
a. Not present active indicative [TR] = The subject of verb has something done to it.
b. But present active subjunctive [WH] = The subject of verb is exhorted to do something
c. Point: Those in Christ are to do (“let us have”) what follows — it is not done (“we have”) to them against their will.
(1) As followers they have it available and they are to use it.
2. (5:1) What has happened to cause the readers to receive the exhortation?
a.
3. (5:1-3) What three things are the readers exhorted to do?
a.
4. (5:3-5) What support has Paul previously given his readers for the assurance tribulations will lead to hope?
a.
5. The readers rejoice in “tribulation” because of a hope that does not disappoint; when did they have that hope, i.e., what is the time frame?
a.
6. (5:5) Why did they have hope that did not disappoint?
a.
7. (5:5) How was the love of God poured into their inward man?
a.
8. (5:6) In what way were the readers “helpless”, i.e., did they had to receive some measure of the Holy Sprit to believe?
a.
9. (5:6) Why the hope [5:5] given will not a disappoint?
a. .
10. (5:7) What is the difference between a righteous and a good man?
a.
11. (5:8) What is there about Christ’s death that is different than the death of one person for another person.
a.
12. (5:9) Christ’s death justified the readers, what is the significance being justified?
a.
13. PONDER: Based on (5:9-10) is it an accurate sequences of events to say because one refuse to have faith in God’s Son as the propitiation they shall receive God’s wrath (cf. 4:25; 5:1)?
a.
14. (5:10) Paul has proven Christ’s death reconciled the readers to God, in what way are the readers saved by Christ’s life? (cf. 1Jo 1:7-9; 2:1)
a.

D. Evidence Applied: Why can those justified by faith rejoice, in this life, with confidence?
1.
E. Conclusion