Romans 5:1-11

KING JAMES:

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

Rom 5:3  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 

Rom 5:4  And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 

Rom 5:5  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. 

Rom 5:6  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 

Rom 5:7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 

Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

Rom 5:9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 

Rom 5:10  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. 

Rom 5:11  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 

Main Points: Despite tribulations, we rejoice in God and His extended grace. We know (now) that he sought to justify us through faith, even though we were still sinners. This great love was exhibited in the death of Jesus. Much more now in His LIFE will we find the glory of God, a Father who loves us absolutely, completely and willingly.

1.    Write down all we have because we have been justified. Explain these blessings. (1-4 Only) Peace through Jesus: Access to stand in God’s grace through our faith: We rejoice in hope of the glory of God: We rejoice in our sufferings: Endurance: Character: Hope:
See notes below for verses 9-10 Justified-Saved-Reconciled

2.    Explain verse 5. How has God’s love been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit? One must understand the purpose(s) of the Holy Spirit first– 1) Bring the word to remembrance Jn 14:25-26, 2)Bear Witness Jn 15:26, 3)Convict the world Jn 16:7-8, 4)Guide into all truth, glorify Christ Jn 16:12-14, 15) 6)Comforter Acts 9:31.
Then understand what the Holy Spirit did – Acts 2-He brought mankind into an understanding of the mission of Jesus….reconciling mankind back to God almighty. In Acts 1 they knew nothing, in Acts 2 they were preaching….they knew everything (relative). The Holy Spirit FINISHED the work of Jesus by making it understandable within the context of a plan of God from the beginning. This is action by God to reclaim mankind as His children. If that does not touch the heart…..well…I have to assume the heart must be calloused.

3.    Write down all the descriptions of what we were in relationship to God.
Weak: G772 asthenēs as-then-ace' From G1 (as a negative particle) and the base of G4599; strengthless Ungodly: G765 asebēs as-eb-ace' From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G4576; irreverent, that is, (by extension) impious or wicked, Sinners: G268 hamartōlos ham-ar-to-los' From G264; sinful, that is, a sinner Enemies: G2190 echthros ekh-thros' From a primary word ἔχθω echthō (to hate); hateful (passively odious, or actively hostile)

4.    Explain Paul’s point in verse 10.  It is difficult if not impossible to separate verses 9-11 as it is one linear thought. 10 Appears to appeal to reason: If God exhibits his power to reconcile us BACK TO HIM through the death of Jesus, imagine the power (of salvation) we will find in the Life of Jesus (who defeated death and lives). Through this reconciliation (10) which is a mutual effort, God’s first and ours second….we are truly reconciled as only God can afford (11) which is a restoration to His favor…..i.e. He makes us His children. This power that God has afforded to us, and it’s blessing, is what produces the joy Paul speaks of. These verses expound o Paul’s assertion that God is loving on us!

Additional:
1) Peace: G1515 eirēnē i-rah'-nay Probably from a primary verb εἴρω eirō (to join); peace

5) Love: agapē ag-ah'-pay From G25; love, that is, affection or benevolence;

Note the linear benefits: This is a Godly order of events

9) Justified: G1344 dikaioō dik-ah-yo'-o From G1342; to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent
    Saved: G4982 σώζω sōzō sode'-zo From a primary word σῶς sōs̄ (contraction for the obsolete σάος saos, “safe”); to save, that is, deliver or protect

10)  Reconciled: G2644 καταλλάσσω katallassō  kat-al-las'-so From G2596 and G236; to change mutually, that is, (figuratively) to compound a difference: - reconcile.

11) Reconciliation: G2643 καταλλαγή katallagē kat-al-lag-ay' From G2644; exchange (figuratively adjustment), that is, restoration to (the divine) f

Romans 4:13-25

KING JAMES:

Rom 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. 

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

Rom 4:15  Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 

Rom 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, 

Rom 4:17  (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 

Rom 4:18  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. 

Rom 4:19  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 

Rom 4:20  He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 

Rom 4:21  And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 

Rom 4:22  And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 

Rom 4:23  Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 

Rom 4:24  But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 

Rom 4:25  Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 

Main Points: Paul closes the door on law and opens the dialog for the case concerning the power of practicing faith in God/Jesus. This is Paul’s second round of case building for faith (3:21-31). Now, we see his personal pronoun structure change! It is no longer them/they/you….but us/our. His penchant for unity building has him associating himself and the other Jewish members with the Gentiles (24).

6. Explain the promise to Abraham. How does Paul expand on the promise? How does one receive the promise? “That he would be heir to the world” …this only being accomplished in his descendant Jesus, the Christ. The original promise to Abraham (in his mind) would have been limited to the area where he lived. God extends the promises to say “many descendents (etc)” and Gen 12:3 in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. ----This is a known factor to the Jew. But Paul uses this opportunity to finalize the obliteration of any Judaizing teaching of the need for law….or any other law! It’s faith that will give God a case for justice with his creation!

7. What does the law bring?  “Law worketh wrath” ….or punishment. Nope….that’s not what we’re looking for. That’s not what GOD is looking for. Note that Paul’s secondary statement in this verse is key: for where no law is, there is no transgression. That is not to say that sin will simply stop plaguing the believer. But if we exercise faith, sin diminishes and we give God just cause to judge us without regard to our sin.

8. Explain verse 16. This is Paul’s reiteration of Jew and Gentile inclusion. He is not saying that reliance on law will make justice, that would be a complete contradiction. Those “which is of law” are the Jews (the direct offspring). Those who have the faith of Abraham are made a part of this system….being “the father of us all”.

9. What lessons do we learn from Abraham? The importance of faith is punctuated by the CHARACTER of Abraham.  (19) he did not waver, (20) no distrust, grew strong  (21) fully convinced. Abraham practiced these beliefs in cases where the odds seemed impossible, but he just simply did not stop believing in God’s ability.

10. Explain verses 23-25.  This message is two-fold. First, we are all in this together. He is hearkening back to his earlier argument that we all need this salvation found in God through Jesus. Secondary and more importantly, this system of faith/grace is how we work out our salvation. It is how we give God the ability (opportunity) to JUSTIFY us while HE remains JUST.

Additional:
Note that it is this faith that gives God the power to find us justified. Without it, God cannot help us (let’s not forget, our faith is manifested through our obedience). In this illustration, there is a promise made by God. The promise is not faith…that is something we have to supply. In the end, God must be able to justify us before the promise can be delivered in a just context.

The flow of this section is to help us understand how to become righteous/justified before God so we can be His servants/children. The illustrated promise is the messianic promise given to Abraham.
Numbers after the word are for verses and  Strong’s references:

The Promise	Not Delivered Through Law	Rather By Faith	And Belief
13, 14, 16, 20/1860 21/1861	13, 14, 15, 16/3551 (Parceling out punishment)	13, 14, 16, 16, 19,20/4102 (inferred only in 22)	17, 18, 24/4100
	God’s Character	(16) Grace/5485
Man’s Proven Character (Evidentiary)	Resulting Opportunity(s)	Verdict
(19) Did not waver (20) No Distrust (20) Grew Strong (21) Fully Convinced	22, 23, 24/3049 Imputed, or Conclusion-	13, 22/1343 – Righteousness 25/1347 - JUSTIFICATION

Romans 4:1-12

KING JAMES:

Rom 4:1  What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath  found? 

Rom 4:2  For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 

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

Rom 4:4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 

Rom 4:5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 

Rom 4:6  Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 

Rom 4:7  Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 

Rom 4:8  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 

Rom 4:9  Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 

Rom 4:10  How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 

Rom 4:11  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: 

Rom 4:12  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. 

Main Points: Paul extends the case for the spiritual Jew: Noting that Abraham was found acceptable before God because of his faith. This transaction occurred before his circumcision…thus establishing what it is that makes us acceptable to God….faith. This is without regard to nationality or heritage.

1.       How was Abraham justified? God was given the ability to justify, because Abraham believed God, and he believed IN God. Remember, this teaching is supporting what Paul lays down in chapter 2….the Law does not justify. It convicts!

2.       Explain the principle in verses 5-6: We must not ignore verse four’s grace component. We cannot make God owe us a righteous judgment.  As stated, we all just sin too much for that to ever happen. So, it can never be earned. In this section, Paul focuses on belief…..putting our trust in God. THAT is what gives God the path to a righteous judgment for us. Paul will address how works integrate into this system later.

3.       How does David confirm these principles of justification?  Ps32- This Psalm teaches the virtue of confession before God, and opening our lives to His teaching and discipline(s).  “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him”

4.       How does the timing of Abraham’s justification further Paul’s point? This is actually his main point. It is an extension of the statement not all are Jews outwardly only. Abraham was found righteous before God BEFORE the Jewish covenant seal of circumcision. Thus: Showing that justification/righteousness before God is found the more abstract act of belief….not with futile works (of law). This justification is apart from the later development of the Jewish nation. Most specifically, it is separate from a system based on laws.

5.       Who are the children of Abraham?  11,12) Anyone who practices and exhibits faith in God….ANYONE

NOTE: It is very easy to get ahead of Paul and try to make the case for obedience (works). Stop. Don’t do that. He will do it later. I would suggest that if we continually feel the need to qualify the need for works, perhaps we are ourselves stuck in a system of law. Paul at this juncture is looking to emphasize faith. Leave it at that…the rest will fall into place.

Additional:
KJ -JUSTIFIED  Vs 2,5- G1344 From G1342; dikaioō dik-ah-yo'-o to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent
KJ RIGHTEOUS(NESS)- 3,5,6,9,11 -G 1343 -dikaiosunē dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay From G1342; equity (of character or act)

Believe/Faith-Used some 6x in this text carries the argument  -

3,5) Believed G4100 pisteuō pist-yoo'-o From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust

5,9,11,12)Faith  G4102 pistis pis'-tis From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction

Belief/faith is the underpinning of being found “justified” – “righteous” by God.

Romans 3:21-31

KING JAMES:

Rom 3:21  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 

Rom 3:22  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: 

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

Rom 3:24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 

Rom 3:25  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; 

Rom 3:26  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 

Rom 3:27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 

Rom 3:28  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 

Rom 3:29  Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 

Rom 3:30  Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 

Rom 3:31  Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. 

Main Points: If we are not justified through the law….then WHAT? Faith. Faith is a main point, but more broadly, you don’t need to be a Jew to have faith in God. Thus: Justification is extended to anyone who has this faith.

12. How has the righteousness of God been revealed? What does this mean? (21) Apart from the law, but testified to by the law and prophets. Paul explains that the law and prophets are merely witnesses to something better. They were not THE things by which God would parcel out justice.

13. How has the righteousness of God been revealed? How is a person benefited by this? (22) By/through faith in Jesus Christ. Belief in God (trust) becomes the corner stone to being in a right relationship with God. This type of system is not identified by heritage.

14. What is there no distinction concerning? God does not differentiate between races or ancestory.

15. Explain verse 25. What does it mean that Jesus was put forward as a propitiation? Define propitiation. How is this propitiation received? How did this show God’s righteousness? Propitiation-G2435 hilastērion hil-as-tay'-ree-on Neuter of a derivative of G2433; an expiatory (place or thing), that is, (concretely) an atoning victim. For Propitiation to have any significance, one must also understand Redemption and Remission. Redemption denotes “off/loosen” or not being held accountable for a wrong committed. Strong’s adds the sense of a ransom being paid. REMISSION –in this context it means to overlook, or pass over (judgment of sin(s)).  How do we achieve this? Faith in the blood of the propitiation….the atoning victim, Jesus the Christ

16. Explain verse 26. Within this plan, God is just (innocent/holy) because through the plan mankind has a path to God. Also within this plan, God is the catalyst behind that path. HE is the one who makes it work.

17. How is one justified (27-28)?  By faith, without regard to obedience to the law. Note: This is not necessarily a commentary of the VALUE of law. Nor does it try to explain everything good concerning the law. Paul is focusing on how humans can be found righteous before God.

Additional:
Note: Paul is speaking directly against reliance on the law. His words will be specifically directed towards establishing what Christ’s system IS and that which is foundational to that system. He will also be focusing on what this system can accomplish (compared to what the  law cannot accomplish on its own).

21) Witnessed- G3140 martureō mar-too-reh'-o From G3144; to be a witness, that is, testify

24) Grace - 5485 From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; (5463 – full of cheer)

24) redemption – G629 apolutrōsis ap-ol-oo'-tro-sis From a compound of G575 and G3083; (the act) ransom in full, (root words denote “off” – “loosen”)

25) remission – G3929 paresis par'-es-is From G2935; praetermission  - (to overlook or pass over)

31) Establish (the law) – G2476- histēmi his'-tay-mee A prolonged form of a primary word στάω staō (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand

Romans 3:9-20

Contemporary English Version -

Rom 3:9  What does all this mean? Does it mean that we Jews are better off than the Gentiles? No, it doesn't! Jews, as well as Gentiles, are ruled by sin, just as I have said. 

Rom 3:10  The Scriptures tell us, "No one is acceptable to God! 

Rom 3:11  Not one of them understands or even searches for God. (Ps 53:1-3) (Ps 14:3)

Rom 3:12  They have all turned away and are worthless. There isn't one person who does right. 

Rom 3:13  Their words are like an open pit, and their tongues are good only for telling lies. Each word is as deadly as the fangs of a snake, (Ps 5:9, 140:3)

Rom 3:14  and they say nothing but bitter curses. (Ps 10:7)

Rom 3:15  These people quickly become violent. (Is 59:7) (Prov 1:16)

Rom 3:16  Wherever they go, they leave ruin and destruction. 

Rom 3:17  They don't know how to live in peace. (Is 59:8)

Rom 3:18  They don't even fear God." (Ps 36:1)

Rom 3:19  We know that everything in the Law was written for those who are under its power. The Law says these things to stop anyone from making excuses and to let God show that the whole world is guilty. 

Rom 3:20  God doesn't accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin. 

Main Points: Paul flips his assertion that there are some advantages to being Jewish. They have God’s words for one thing. However, within the context of the Law, there are no advantages. It was simply not there to do that (create an advantage)….it is there to convict (literally). Verse 9 indicates it is a system  “under sin”…or ruled by sin. He states this to solidify his later arguments for what the Gospel does accomplish that the Law cannot (by design).

6. What question is Paul asking when he asks, “Are we Jews any better off?” He is following up the “advantage” he spoke of earlier. The “question” was likely more of a posturing of “power” within the member ranks.  If the faith was delivered through the Jews, wouldn’t it make more sense to go to the Jews for advice? Problem was, many Jews were trying to bind the old law practices onto the Gentiles. Their argument of dealing with God over thousands of years might have held weight with some. Others may not have been so gullible, seeing that it was the Jews that forced Jesus into crucifixion.

7. Where does Paul quote from? See above text. Why would Paul quote these scriptures? Sometimes….more often than not, a quoted ancient scripture would have a direct parallel to the point being made. That is some of the case here, but Paul is not directing attention to the original speaker or the condition under which these words were stated. It seems as though he is just pulling one convicting verse to another to make a case for his argument. Nobody  should consider themselves good before God. He will make the case for the remedy LATER. For now, he is dismantling any arrogance based on ANYTHING!

8. Explain verse 19. By this time, Paul has a split context created in the letter. To the Jew….the Mosaical Law which he has made the main context in this section. However we must not ignore the fact that he has unequivocally included the Gentiles as being under a system of law as well. By extension, whatever he hands down to the Jews here, the Gentiles will eventually need to apply to themselves….thus making THE WORLD guilty.
That is: All law has left mankind without any excuses. We are all guilty before God.
Note: The words “to show”..indicating the purpose of the law. Everyone was at one time living UNDER this system, SUBJECT to its provisions, and all it did was justify God, and condemn mankind.

9. (20) Define the works of the law. For help, look back at Romans 2:25-29 and Galatians 2:1-21. WORKS: G2041 ergon er'-gon From ἔργω ergō (a primary but obsolete word; to work); toil – LAW: G3551 νόμος nomos nom'-os From a primary word νέμω nemō (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), generally (regulation)
Rom2:25-29 Circumcision/obedience
Gal 2:1-21 (21) If we can be acceptable to God by obeying the Law, it was useless for Christ to die.
Works  of the law were to include ALL the prescribed sacrifices and festivals. It required the one practicing them to know them. 

10. With this definition, explain verse 20. Even with a strictest adherence to the precepts of the law it was always a reaction to or because of sin. Obedience TO THE LAW…not necessarily an alignment with God.

11. What does come through the law? What is the purpose of the law? Conviction only in the sense of BEING convicted (of transgression). See Question 8 – This is what the law satisfies, (revealing mankind’s sin). True, this was its primary purpose. As Paul will explain later, its more important purpose is to drive mankind to a different  system that promises greater results.

NOTE: The Roman dedication to gods was typically one out of compulsion and not “love” in the adoration sense. Roman gods were to be placated publically as a matter of duty. This would play negatively later in the persecutions against the Christians.
What Paul is doing HERE is accusing the law of becoming that same sort of religion. And, in a sense he is correct. It became more of a thing to placate an angry God.  It was about sin….not God. It simply COULD NOT become more valuable.