Romans - January 25, 2009

SECTION --- Four: Sanctification (6:1-8:39) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

B. Question For Discussion?
1. How can the justified know they “are more than conquerors”? That is to ask, Can we know Deity left no stone un-turned providing the justified the means to be winners, thus, know even in times of stress and doubt they are winners?
C. Question For Discussion?
1. How can the justified know they “are more than conquerors”? That is to ask, Can we know Deity left no stone un-turned providing the justified the means to be winners, thus, know even in times of stress and doubt they are winners?
D. Questions/Ponderings For Encouraging Discussion...
1. PONDER: This is a series of rhetorical questions where Paul is giving the objector the opportunity to have their say regarding the question of Rom 7:24. Who is the objector?
a. The objector is the one questioning if the law of faith [Christ] can or does replace the Law of Moses [3:28].
2. (8:31) What things is Paul addressing?
a. This is a rhetorical question referring to the things that follow [cf. 8:37].
3. (8:31) “If God is for us...” implies what about those to whom the question is addressed?
a. They accept God as being the greatest power — the Creator of time, space, and mass.

OBSERVATION (8:31)
No power is greater than God the Creator and Sustainer, thus, we are more than conquerors. Other side of coin: “If God is against a man, who can be for him?”

4. (8:32) PONDER: It is a fact I do not receive everything I want, thus, what limits “all things”?
a. Context informs all is limited by things enabling the Justified to live Sanctified, thus, be glorified with Christ [cf. 8:17-18]
5. (8:32) What does this question tell us about God?
a. God loves mankind even more that His own Son, thus, there is nothing God has withheld from mankind enabling us to be victorious over Satan.
6. PONDER: If God has freely given all things what has God withheld that would prevent everyone from going to heaven?
a. We may refuse what God has freely given, thus, not be victorious, but God has withheld nothing — our inward man is a free moral agents, thus, we can accept or reject anything.

OBSERVATION (8:32)
God’s almost unbelievable willingness to aid and bless mankind He has withheld nothing that could prevent the fulfillment God’s eternal purpose — mankind’s ability to be with God in Heaven for eternity.

7. (8:33) Who would the readers think is the “elect”?
a. Those God has justified (8:33); Those who are in Christ Jesus (8:1); Those who have faith in Jesus (3:26) — the baptized believer (6:3-4).
8. PONDER: This would be a good place for Paul to mention it is necessary to Hear, Believe, Confess, and be Baptized — why did he not do so if Baptism is really necessary?
a. Paul is writing to saints (1:1-7) who have been baptized (6:3-4), thus, it was not necessary and would have taken away from the effect of the series of rhetorical question to pause and tell those who have obey the gospel what they must do to be saved (Act 2:38).
b. It might be good for us but not for the original readers or purpose of this letter.
9. (8:33) Paul has established there is no power greater than God, thus, who is the only one with enough power to bring a charge against the justified?
a. God or one of His agents
10. (8:33) Why does Paul say God cannot be the one bringing a charge against the justified?
a. He is the one providing the plan enabling them to be justified; He acquitted them of their sins, thus, declared them justified (3:26)

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A LOOK AHEAD

11. (8:34) Why Christ cannot be the one condemning the justified?
a.

OBSERVATION (8: 33-34)


12. (8:35) Is this Christ’s love or us our love for Christ?
a.
13. (8:35) Are the things personified and listed by Paul physical or spiritual? What is the significance of the things listed?
a.
14. PONDER: Does God’s promise to never stop loving us mean He will not punish us (make us accountable for our un-confessed sins)? Explain.
a.
15. (8:36) Why did Paul quote Psalm 44:22?
a.
16. PONDER: If the things listed at 8:35 do not mean God is mad at us or loves us less; then what does it mean?
a.

OBSERVATION (8:35-36)


17. (8:37) What are the “things”?
a.
18. (8:37) What is meant by “more than conquerors”?
a.
19. (8:37) What is the meaning of “through”?
a.
20. (8:37) What enables the readers to be more that just conquerors?
a.

OBSERVATION (8:37)


21. (8:38-39) What is the meaning of “persuaded” [“convinced]? (indicative mood; perfect tense; passive voice.)
a. .
22. (8:38-39) PONDER: Is Paul saying the items mentioned will not make us stop loving God or he is saying the items mentioned will not make God stop loving us?
a.
23. What does the items listed have in common, i.e., what is the class of listed items?
a.
24. (8:39) As used here “in” (G1722, en) denotes a fixed position where something takes place — i.e., the sphere where something happens rather than the instrument or channel something happened. What is the significance of Chapter 8 ending and beginning with “in Christ” as it relates to the man of 7:24?
a.
25. While God loves all He has created there are five benefits granted only to those obedient to God’s plan of salvation, i.e. those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus, thus, are walking in newness of life. (Rom 6:3-4) What are they? [cf. Rom 8:1; 14; 16; 24; 26)
a.
26. What is the significance of saying “Christ Jesus our Lord”
a.
27. The fact under no condition will a child of God be separated from God’s love mean a child of God cannot be lost, i.e., not go to heaven?
a.
28. PONDER: Will any of God’s children miss Heaven, i.e., be is Hell?
a.
29. PONDER: Can one who has never seen or talked with Christ one on one, as did Paul, really become as persuaded or convinced as Paul there is nothing to cause Deity to stop loving His greatest creation?
a.

OBSERVATION (8:37-39)


E. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can the justified know they “are more than conquerors”? That is to ask, Can we know Deity left no stone un-turned providing the justified the means to be winners, thus, know even in times of stress and doubt they are winners?
1.
F. Conclusion —

XVIII. Section Conclusion (Sanctification Rom 6:1-8:39) —