• LESSON 24 (September 28) • Romans 16:1-27 The Grace of Our Lord Be With You Throughout our study of Paul’s letter to the Romans, we’ve consistently reminded ourselves of the “big picture” formed by this God-breathed revelation. It is a revelation of magnificent scope, framed by two bookends: …we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith… (Rom 1:5) Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Rom 16:25-27) At the heart of the letter is this question: Are you willing to “present” your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship”? Will you refuse to be “conformed to this world,” choosing instead to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”? (Rom 12:1-2) The Spirit of God has led Paul to systematically reason throughout his letter that the gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:16-17) In Romans 16, we’re provided a brief glimpse of real-life men and women who had been declared “righteous” by their gracious heavenly Father and had subsequently dedicated themselves to living by faith. [print attached Lesson 24 for a complete lesson plan]

• LESSON 23 (September 21) • Romans 15:8-33 Servants of Christ Jesus We last left Paul’s letter in Romans 15:7 as he summarized our responsibility as Christians to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” This wonderful admonition turns Paul’s attention once again to the grace of God shown to Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ. For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. (15:8-9a) Let’s slow down and think through what Jesus has accomplished. In your own words, what does it mean that “Christ became a servant”: does it mean that “Christ became a servant”: To show God’s truthfulness – To confirm the promises given to the patriarchs – In order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy - This leads Paul to quote four Old Testament statements in rapid-fire succession. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” (15:9b-12) Paul’s prayer for his brethren—regardless of their physical lineage—in Rome? May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (15:13) At this point, Paul shifts the focus of his letter to his own work of ministry and how Christians in Rome might be of help to his efforts and further the spread of the gospel. I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the > continued on pdf full Lesson 23

Lesson 22 Sept 14 Romans 14:1-15:7 Let Us Pursue What Makes For Peace 1. What is an "opinion"? 2. What is "doctrine"? 3. ls it appropriate for us asbrothers and sisters inChrist to have opinions? 4. How can we discern thedifference between amatter of opinion anddoctrine?5. What's the danger of treating doctrine as a matter of opinion? Romans 14 represents a shift in Paul’s focus to another point of practical emphasis regarding what it looks like for redeemed sons and daughters of God to present themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God,,(Rom 12:1-2). As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. (14:1-3) Before we go a step further, it's pivotal that we notice and appreciate the God-breathed parameters of the topic under discussion. o The Spirit of cod is shaping our understanding of how we ought to interact with one another when it comes to matters of differing opinion.o The practical example used as an illustration is the eating of meat. Whether one eats anything or vegetables only, God welcomes both.o Since God welcomes both, the one ought not to pass judgment on the other, and vice-versa. Authority, Paul asks a perspective-shaping question. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (14:4) To further the discussion, a second example is provided. One person esteems one day as better than another,while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. (14:5-6) Once again, the issue is how we ought to interact with one another when it comes to matters of differing opinion.Whether one esteems one day as better than another or esteems all days alike, both are acceptable to God.o Since God welcomes both, the one ought not to pass judgment on the other, and vice-versa. We all have opinions, we all make judgment calls, we all develop preferences, but this is what we must remember. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die,we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written,"As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,and every tongue shall confess to God."So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Rom 14:7-12) The judgment seat belongs to God.

• LESSON 21 (September 7) • Romans 13:8-14 Put on the Lord Jesus Christ We emphasized in the last lesson that few things are more fundamental to the Christian life than genuine respect for authority. As disciples of Christ, we know the ultimate Authority. Paul emphasizes in Romans 13:8-14 that this knowledge must shape our relationships with each other and our Lord. The way we “walk” through life will either positively or negatively impact those relationships, and our “walk” will be determined by the affections of our hearts. Whom do we love? Whose desires will we gratify?Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Rom 13:8-10)“The commandments” Paul is referencing stem from Exodus 20, that section of the Old Testament frequently referenced as “the Ten Commandments.” Here’s a quick recap of Exodus 20:1-17: You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image or likeness of anything that you bow down to or serve. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal.WIn Romans 13:7 emphasized that we must pay what we owe, whether that debt be in the form of taxes, revenue, respect, or honor. What, then, does he mean in Romans 13:8 by writing, “Owe no one anything”?If we owe anything to each other, it is love (Rom 13:8). The question is, why? You shall not bear false witness. You shall not covet.

LESSON 20 (August 31) Romans 13:1-7 Subject to the Governing Authorities As the Holy spirit continues to lead Paul to describe what it will look like for redeemed sons and daughters of God to present themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God" (Rom 12:l-2), he turns our attention to respect for authority. Let's read the entire context, then take our time thinking through how God is seeking to shape this aspect of obedience in our lives. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God,and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct,but to bad. would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (13:1-7). Having gotten the entire context in mind,let's take the time to dissect how Christians are to live in relation to the governing authorities.* What does it mean to "be subject" to someone or something? Paul references "the governing authorities" in Romans 13:1, but this is not the only time the attention of Christians is pointed in this direction. Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. (Tit 3:1-2)Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of cod, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a coverup for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.Honor the emperor. (1 Pet 2:13-17)Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle [Jesus] in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to caesar, or not?" But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "why put me to the test, you hypocrites? show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away. (Matt 22:15-22) It's important for us to remember that these words weren't written to Americans living in the 21st century under a democratically-elected government. These words were written to Christians who lived in the 1st century city of Rome. Why is it important for us to remember the original audience of these God-breathed expectations? Does that mean that Romans 13:1-7 no longer applies to us? If not, why not?

LESSON 19 (August 24) Romans 12:3-21, Lives of Sacrifice to God Remember that the beginning of Romans 12 serves as a connective link between the doctrinal foundation of Romans 1-11 and the practical application called for of"living sacrifices" in Romans 12-16. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:1.-2) One of the most fundamental aspects of presenting myself as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, is growing to think about myself, the people around me, and the opportunities that have been granted to me in the way my heavenly Father would have me to think. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we,though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (Rom 12:3-5). What will it look like, practically speaking, if we grow to think, treat each other, and faithfully serve as stewards of our God-given opportunities in the way our heavenly Father intends? Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Rom 12:6-8) At this point, Paul launches into a "bullet-point" sort of rapid-fire description of what redeemed sons and daughters of cod ought to be and do. These are straightforward. It doesn't get more practical. These meet us at the level of real life. Take your time with the following points. Think through them. Make them personal. How can these God-breathed phrases shape us into men and women who are yielding the obedience of faith as living sacrifices to God? Why does Paul say what he does in Romans 12 "by the grace given tome" (12:3)? Why must we be constantly reminded not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think? Why would the Spirit of God lead Paul to remind these Christians in Rome about the beautiful nature of the one body with many members?

. LESSON 18 (August 17) .Romans 12:l-2 I Appeal to You Therefore, BrothersWith the beginning of Romans 12, we have reached the turning point in Paul's letter to the Romans. Take a moment to look back and reflect on the massive doctrinal foundation that has been laid by the Spirit of Cod. * Romans 1: Gentiles are guilty before God * Romans 2: Jews are guilty before God * Romans 3: None is righteous, no, not one * Romans 4: Justification depends on faith * Romans 5: Grace can reign through Jesus * Romans 6: How can we who died to sin still live in it? * Romans 7: We are released from the law that we may serve in the new way of the Spirit * Romans 8: If God is for us, who can be against us? * Romans 9: Not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring * Romans 10: Israel has a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge; as a result, they are not submitting to God's righteousness * Romans 11: Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of cod! One of the key words in Romans 12:1 is "therefore." It serves as a connective link between the doctrinal foundation of Romans 1-11 and the practical application called for of "living sacrifices" in Romans 12-16. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:1-2) Why does it make sense that Paul would methodically lay a solid foundation of teaching before making this appeal to his brothers and sisters in Christ? Romans 12-16Present your bodiesas a living sacrifice* Paul is making his appeal "by the mercies of God,' (12:1a). o What does it mean to make an appeal “by” something? o of all the things Paul could root his appeal in, why "the mercies of God',? * Paul's appeal is that we, as sons and daughters of God, would "present" our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship,' (12:1b). o What does it mean to "present" something to someone? Specifically in this context, what does it mean to “present” to God? o In everyday terms, what will it look like if we present our bodies as a "living sacrifice"? Both of those words are significant. What are they communicating? o "Holy and acceptable" are key words in Paul's appeal. What do they add to his appeal? o "Which is your spiritual worship" (spiritual service, ASV; reason able service, NKJV).What does Paul mean by describing our sacrifice in this way? * "Do not be conformed (syschdmatizes the, Greek) to this world..." (Rom 12:2a).To conform is to make similar in form, nature, or character; to mold or to pattern. o When Paul references "this world," what does he have in mind? o How does this world exert powerful shaping influence? Think in terms of a potter with a lump of clay or a cookie cutter used on dough. o why would it be devastating, in light of Romans 1-11, for a Christian to be conformed to this world? * "But be transformed (metamorphousthe, Greek) by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (12:2b). o In your own words, what does it mean to be "transformed”? o Why do men and women need to be transformed? o The spirit of cod links this transformation to "the renewal of your mind." What is this "renewal"? How does it take place? Why does transformation hinge on it? o What does it mean to "discern" something? In this context, why does Paul bring up the idea of "testing"? o God's will is described as "good and acceptable and perfect." what are the opposites of those qualities? In what way do the opposites perfectly describe the qualities of this world? CIOSING THOUGHT: God is willing to show such incredible mercy

. LESSON 17 (August 10) .Romans 1L:1-36 Lest You Be Wise in Your Own Sight Romans 11 is a conclusive chapter of Paul's letter on two fronts. It is the last of three chapters wherein Paul specifically focuses in on what the revelation of the gospel now means for Israel. It is also the conclusion of eleven chapters worth of deep, rich, doctrinal material. Beginning in Romans 12 and continuing throughout the rest of theletter, Paul will provide a great deal of practical insight into how the gospel shapes everyday life. But first, the God-breathed concluding thoughts of Romans 11. I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means!For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? "Lord, they have killed your prophets,they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left,and they seek my life." But what is God's reply to him?"I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace,it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (11:1-6) Hasn't that been one of Paul's most foundational points since Romans 3:20? It is a lesson that the descendants of Abraham must grasp, apply, and build their lives upon if they are to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. If they continue to refuse and insist on their own way... "God gave them a spirit of stupor,eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear,down to this very day."And David says,"Let their table become a snare and a trap,a stumbling block and a retribution for them;let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,and bend their backs forever."So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles,how much more will their full inclusion mean! (17:7-12) What is Paul's point in reminding his readers of Elijah's words of despair and the LORD's response in 1 Kings 19:9-18? "There is a remnant,chosen by grace." Who was this remnant and in what way were they"chosen by grace"? What had lsrael been seeking and why had they failed to obtain it?

*** LESSON 16 (August 3) *** Romans 10:1-21 No Distinction Between Jew and Greek It's helpful to remember that Paul didn't include chapter breaks in his letters. While we depend on chapters and verses for ease of reference, they can sometimes be a slight interruption. Romans 10 is a continuation of the same thought Paul was developing throughout Romans 9. He begins with a reaffirmation of his feelings for his fellow Jews. Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. (10:1-2) Take a moment to revisit Romans 9:4-5. How could the zeal of so many of Paul's kinsmen according to the flesh not be in accordance with knowledge? For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. (10:3) Remember the pivotal point Paul made in Romans 3:20-25. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. So many physical descendants of Abraham had stumbled,were stumbling, and continue to stumble over the chosen and precious cornerstone of God's entire plan for mankind's redemption-Jesus Christ (t pet 2:6). So many have failed to grasp the weight of the logical questions Paul asked of all-Jews in Romans 3:27-28.Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.this is the point to which Paul has returned in Romans 10. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, "Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into heaven?"' (that is, to bring Christ down) "or' Who will descend into the abyss?"' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (10:4-13) Everyone. Jew and Gentile. Male and female. Rich and poor. Free and slave. Everyone. On the same basis-the obedience of faith in Christ (Rom 7:5;3:27-22;76:25-27). Clearly, it was and is absolutely critical that this good news continues to spread. What does it mean to "have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge"? Can we make the same mistake today? lf so, how? How would you rephrase the tragic diagnosis of Romans 10:3? Why ?

• LESSON 15 (July 27) • Romans 9:1-33 Is There Injustice on God’s Part? In Acts 9, Luke tells the story of Saul’s conversion. Before the end of the chapter, certain Jews were plotting to kill Saul (9:23). In Acts 14, Jews from Antioch and Iconium stoned Paul, drug him out of the city of Lystra, supposing that he was dead (14:19). In Acts 17, Jews who were jealous of Paul took “some wicked men of the rabble,” formed a mob, and set the city of Thessalonica in an uproar (17:5). Paul knew all too well what it was to be at odds with his fellow descendants of Abraham. And yet, Paul would not shrink back from or stop proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Eph 3:1-6) In Romans 9-11, Paul specifically focuses in on what the revelation of this mystery now means for Israel. I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. (9:1-3) How would you summarize the feeling of many unbelieving Jews towards Paul? Why did they feel the way that they did? How would you summarize what Paul is saying about his kinsmen in Romans 9:4-5? What do these phrases mean? They are Israelites – To them belong the adoption – To them belong the glory – To them belong the covenants – To them belong the giving of the law – To them belong the worship – To them belong the promises – To them belong the patriarchs – From their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ – Where, then, is the breakdown? But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named” (9:6-7) Note See the attached complete Lesson 15 plan for the rest.