Letter to the Romans

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Romans 9:19-33

Rom 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

Rom 9:20 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?

Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

Rom 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

Rom 9:26 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.

Rom 9:27 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:

Rom 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

Rom 9:29 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.

Rom 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Main Points: Paul starts this section by eliminating any judgments/complaints against God. The accusation is that if God forces someone to sin, how can sin be imputed against the sinner? Paul’s answer sets the believer in their proper context with God. 1^st – We cannot judge God for how He has dealt with people in the past – 2^nd we must consider what He has done for our CURRENT condition with Him.(23-24) The overriding message here is the inclusion of Gentiles and not much more than that.

9. Explain verses 19-24. What is Paul proving concerning God’s purpose in election? The purpose of election in the last section was illustrating how God chose Jacob over Esau before they were even born. It was the lineage of Jacob that would fulfill His purpose. Jacob however was not the fulfillment of God’s ultimate purpose. Jesus was. Jesus was the catalyst for salvation to all mankind. THAT too was God’s purpose. In THAT day (Paul’s day) THEY were the vessels through which God would demonstrate His MERCY and ultimately: When they (and us) are drawn to God, through obedience, we reveal God’s glory. WE (Jew and Gentile) are now vessels that demonstrate God’s mercy and glory.

10. (vs 25/26) How does the prophecy from Hosea prove Paul’s point concerning God’s election? (2:23, 1:10) Within the context of Hosea: God explains to Israel that although they had been unfaithful to Him, He will win them back as a “bride.” The entire effort that can accomplish it is generated by God and responded to by mankind. In the text, Hosea is talking about Israel, but the extended implication (by prophecy) is that the Gentiles are now included. i.e “not my loved one” – “not my people” – “you are not my people" - Paul is explaining that Israel had become Gentiles themselves in the past.

11. How does Isaiah’s prophecy prove Paul’s point? (RE: 27-28) (Is 10:22-23)

We see in this instance, God’s judgment in relation to there being a remnant (of believers) in Israel. As sure as this came to pass and was performed by God, so is this gospel. This doing is of a divine nature, which is only part of Paul’s main point.

12. What does the second quotation from Isaiah prove for Paul? (RE:29) (Is. 1:9)

Again, this alludes to the remnant. Within the context of God’s divine selection/election, Israel was always to be a part of it. Because of their rejection of God many were rejected by Him, but there would always be some who seek Him and are a part of His purpose of election. But even that is not Paul’s main point. He is extending the concept of remnant beyond the borders of Israel.

13. What did the Gentiles not pursue but receive? (30-31) What did the Jews pursue but not receive? Righteousness: G1343: δικαιοσύνη dikaiosunē dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay From G1342; equity (of character or act) – Root word means “holy”

14. Why did the Jews not receive what they were seeking? CEV: ….because they were trying to be acceptable by obeying the Law instead of by having faith in God.
Paul interjects this statement as a reminder of previous points made in his letter. Understand that by removing the perceived power of the law, he is opening the door to where the power really is: God, and a belief/faith in Him.

15. How does Paul’s third quotation in this section from Isaiah prove his point?

(vs 33)(Is. 8:14, 28:16) – Paul’s point is made in verses 30-32. Gentiles have attained righteousness through faith, not law/works, as attempted by Israel. The stone that causes people to stumble was belief in their own righteousness, and not God. In Paul’s day it was Jesus who was the stumbling stone for anyone who sought to be justified through the law. Isaiah calls Him the corner stone and as Paul is pointing out, some are stumbling over it instead of humbling themselves before it (Him).

In both Isaiah references, God makes it clear that He is the one who will make righteousness achievable for His people. They cannot do it on their own.

Is 28:17 “I will make justice the measuring line” 28:2-3 Sing about a fruitful vineyard, I the Lord watch over it, I water it continually, I guard it day and night 8:13 The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy…

Paul is still dismantling any arrogance based on lineage.

Chapters 9-11 have several threads.

1. A personal plea to the Jews to conform to the gospel (without law)

2. Rely on Jesus and this gospel…and not law

3. Accept that the Gentiles are God’s children, fellow heirs

4. Defend God’s right to bring in the Gentiles and this covenant

Friday, April 24, 2020

Romans 9:1-18

ASV

Rom 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,

Rom 9:2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.

Rom 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren's sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Rom 9:4 who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

Rom 9:5 whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Rom 9:6 But it is not as though the word of God hath come to nought. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel:

Rom 9:7 neither, because they are Abraham's seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Rom 9:8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed.

Rom 9:9 For this is a word of promise, According to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.

Rom 9:10 And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, even by our father Isaac--

Rom 9:11 for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,

Rom 9:12 it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

Rom 9:13 Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.

Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.

Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy.

Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, For this very purpose did I raise thee up, that I might show in thee my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth.

Rom 9:18 So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will be hardeneth.

Main Points: Paul finishes his statement from 3:1 and brings down the spinning plate by reminding his Jewish family what advantages they had historically. He brings this up first to point out that God has not failed when it comes to inclusion of Gentiles. He weaves in his plea to them to conform to the gospel along with arguing for Gentile salvation. This will be his main theme through chapter eleven.

1. Explain verses 1-3 Paul uses some hyperbole to stress the importance of what he is teaching and he connects it to himself emotionally. It is causing him great sorrow to know his kinsman are rejecting the Christ. This stress is something that never leaves him….it is continual…that is not hyperbole. Saying that he would trade places with those who are condemned is simply an exaggeration to make a point.

2. What was given to the Israelites? How does this connect back to Romans 3:1? ….adoption…glory….covenants…giving of the law…worship…promises…patriarchs – “Rom 3:1 What good is it to be a Jew? What good is it to be circumcised?” 3:1 is Similar in that Paul is debunking the perception of God being unjust. In chapter three his point is that it was man’s sin that was at fault “Rom 3:5 If our evil deeds show how right God is, then what can we say? Is it wrong for God to become angry and punish us? What a foolish thing to ask. Rom 3:6 But the answer is, "No." Otherwise, how could God judge the world?”

3. What does Paul mean, “For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel?” (6) This is a reiteration of chapter 2 and following: Rom 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. These detractors are pulling God down to a human level, trying Him with human logic. Why? Because they expected to have power in this new church/covenant.

4. How can you be Abraham’s child if you are not his offspring? “not all…because they are his offspring” according to Paul’s line of reasoning? (7) He cites the promise as being manifested through Issac, Abraham’s son, Rebekah,…NOT Abraham. Isaac’s sons became more than one lineage. Jacob’s lineage brought the Israelites, Esau brought the Edomites

5. How are not all Jacob’s children the children of promise, according to Paul’s line of reasoning? All of Jacob’s children are part of the promise, they just aren’t the ONLY children of promise. Notice that Paul does not state anywhere that either one of these twins were exempt from God’s promises. That is Paul’s main point. God hated Esau for his rebellion, but never exempted him (and his lineage) from His Love. Remember “when we were God’s enemies” and “while we were yet sinners of God…”
Again, Paul is taking what God is doing to a spiritual level.

6. Explain verses 11-13 and God’s purpose of election. How is God’s purpose of election seen in Jacob and Esau? Purpose-G4286 prothesis proth'-es-is
From G4388; a setting forth, Election –G1589 eklogē ek-log-ay'
From G1586; (divine) selection An overriding point is how it will “stand” or stay, or be reliable? (Without mankind’s effort, only God can do this) - Another component is despite our assessment of who this promise is for….who is it for? It is for everyone. Esau rejected what was Godly and valuable yet even though his lineage did not become Israel, they too are afforded this gospel. These are simply two contrasting paradigms, one of them justifies God’s election.

7. Looking at verse 16, what exactly does not depend “on human will or exertion?” Similar to verse 11. This is written to those who are called that are looking for God’s mercy. The system that affords salvation is completely dependent on God. He made it, not man. The concept of mercy suggests a response to the call (urging) by God.

8. How does God’s dealing with Pharaoh prove God’s purpose of election?
Regardless of Pharaoh’s attitude toward God, God was still able to exhibit His glory and strength. God was glorified with no help from Pharaoh.

This is another sticky section that can get us all hung up if we do not look to Paul’s main point(s). As we will see, Paul is making the case for Gentile inclusion in the church…..always in God’s plan.

It’s better to focus on what he does say than to attempt to argue futile teachings about which many go off the rails.

Chapters 9-11 have several threads.

1. A personal plea to the Jews to conform to the gospel (without law)

2. Rely on Jesus and this gospel

3. Accept that the Gentiles are God’s children, fellow heirs

4. Defend God’s right to bring in the Gentiles and this covenant

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Romans 8:31-39

KJV

Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Rom 8:32 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?

Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

Rom 8:34 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.

Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Rom 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.

Main Points: This section comes after Paul’s exhortation that God will glorify those He adopts, so any suffering simply will not compare to the glory. And we can rely on this gospel! He puts God/Jesus in the seat of ultimate authority. It ends his life/death dissertation (chaps. 5-8). He completely associates himself with this sentiment since it looks to God/Jesus for answers to our lives.

23. Looking at verses 31-32, what exactly is God going to give us because He is for us and did not spare His own Son? “All things.” No doubt, “all things” as pertains to Godliness, a more spiritual life, freedom from sin/law, justification, faith, grace, mercy, holiness, sanctification, eternal life, heirs with Christ. All those things he has been alluding to!

24. Can charges be brought against God’s elect? (33) How does God solve the problem? No. God is the one who justifies! This is a direct statement against those attempting to bind the old laws on Christians. ANY system of law for that fact.

25. Who can bring a condemnation against us? (34) Extending verse 33 – No one can condemn the Christian (before God). We are brothers and sisters of the Son! Paul makes an authoritative play with words by putting Jesus at the right hand of God. Jesus speaks for us before the King….who would look to accuse anyone in that position?

26. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? No one and nothing. This language raises the question of the level of possible suffering Christians were facing at this time. No doubt, the Jewish leaders has not adopted Christianity and fought it at the governmental/religious levels. In Rome and surrounding areas, it became financially perilous to be Christian as well. Eventually Christianity became a death sentence. Paul addresses persecution as a possibility, but inconsequential to the love of God. God’s love in the Christian life is just more important than any physical suffering.

27. What point is Paul driving at with these rhetorical questions? The immediate encouragement cannot be ignored. God loves His children and nothing can change that. To the Jewish listener, Paul uses terms they recognize: “God’s elect” “justified” “right hand of God” “(nothing) shall be able to separate us from the love of God”. These are things the Jews would value and have a history of wanting. He finishes it with “which is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” He is purposefully associating Jesus and God. The implication is “this is where we need to be, stop teaching adherence to law.”

We must note Paul’s use of personal pronouns. He really makes sure to let them know when what he says is good: us/we vs. when things are wrong – they, them, you.

Chap. 1 “they” focus on Gentiles

Chap. 2-3a “you” focus on Jews

Chap. 3b “We” Jews-Gentiles by faith

Chap. 4 – Faith/grace – Abraham

Chaps 5-8 – “We, Us, Our”

5- We have been justified by faith, …access by faith into this grace in which we stand, we rejoice in hope …, we rejoice in our sufferings, hope does not put us to shame, …God’s love has been poured into our hearts, …the Holy Spirit who has been given to us, … we have been justified by his blood, ….we shall be saved from the wrath of God, while we were still enemies we were reconciled, we will be saved by His life, we rejoice in God through Jesus through whom we have received reconciliation.

6- What shall we say, are we to continue in sin, we died to sin, all of us have been baptized into Christ, we were buried with Him, ….as Christ rose from the dead we too might walk in newness, we have been united with Him in death…we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection. We know our old self was crucified with Him, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. If we died with Christ, we will also live with Him. We know Christ….will never die again.

YOU must consider yourselves dead to sin (and alive to God). For the remainder of chapter 6 Paul references his audience as you and your ….because they were slaves of sin (16).

7- Paul continues with YOU for those who want to practice law/sin (5). He interjects “we” statements when addressing being released from law(6)

8- More me/we/us vs. they - “Jesus made me free from sin” “….righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us” “they that are in the flesh cannot please God” etc