Hickory Lane Small Groups
about Rome • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Multicultural City One which Paul has never visited. Very metropolitan city with high-rise apartments A great number of public facilities provided by Caesar Strong influence of the emperor worship cult (may need to research more) The masses were provided with subsidies and entertainment by the wealthy and powerful Keep in mind the picture of it as the center Gentile world Center of a great number of Christian Persecutions Possible home of Priscilla and Aquila who left when the Jews were expelled from rome by Claudius No evidence of a Jewish / Christian conflict located in Rome at that time Likely were household churches Written before the persecution brought on by Nero Also Written before Paulʼs 3rd Missionary Journey Important location because it was the hub of civilization in those days Rome would have been a springboard to Spain Was Paulʼs purpose in writing to commend his teachings to them, or to make sure that they had the necessary groundwork laid to understand other teachings or just for the sake of them better understanding their own faith? Leading themes of the Epistle are: The Righteousness of God, the Goodness of God, the Sovereignty of God, the Grace of God, the Law of God.
Main points to walk away with • Paul was not writing to a culture or group he was totally familiar with. This is why it seems to cover so much information. • This church was predominately a gentile church. • God’s righteousness is reveled in his wrath, and in the gospel. • Man’s “wisdom could not lead them to knowledge of God.
letter to the Romans
Lesson 1: An Introduction to Romans Inside: A guide through Romans 1 Backside: Background information on Rome Small Group 1 Wednesdays 7 pm Church
Small Group 2 Sundays 5 pm TBA
Small Group 3 Mondays 7 pm TBA
Romans 1:1-32
read the text before discussing
Romans 1:1-15 Paul’s Greetings (Notice how Paul includes so many basics here in the beginning, keep in mind he has never met them). • v1. Note the phrase, “set apart for the gospel of God.” What do you think that means? • The word gospel means: news of a victory, or other personal or political news that causes joy. • What then does it mean to be set apart for God’s good news? • v3-4. It is interesting to note the dual nature of Christ alluded to here. He is son of David (flesh) and son of God (divine). • v5. Note that Paul is indicating his association with Christ as he is called the Apostle to the Gentiles • v11. What does this verse mean? Traditionally speaking, the gifts of the Spirit were delegated by the laying on of hands of the Apostles. Paul was indicating his desire to equip them with the gifts of the spirit. Q. Why might Paul be so eager to get involved with the church in Rome? Romans 1:16-32 Gospel and Wrath (Note the contrast between the good news, and the wrath of God. This theme will go into next week) • v16. Note how Paul describes the gospel. How is the gospel the power of God? In what ways are people ashamed of the gospel? • v17. In the good news of God, his righteousness is revealed. • What is righteousness? • Righteousness is conformity to the standard set by God. The qualities of God expressing themselves truly without compromise. • How is God’s righteousness revealed? (Keep this question in the back of your mind for a while) • v18-23. God’s wrath is revealed from heaven... • Who is God’s wrath revealed against? • Why is it revealed? Typify for me the kinds of people that will feel the brunt of the wrath of God. • v20-23. The “wisdom of men” kept them from coming to a knowledge of God. • v24-32 God gave “them” over to themselves • Notice the focus on idol worship (what the Romans would have been gladly engaging in). • v26-27. These are the passages often quoted about homosexuality. How should we treat homosexuals? (Just like we would want to be treated and loved). • Notice all of the other things mentioned right alongside of homosexuality: • all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful. Q. Is homosexuality a bigger deal than any of these other things that God has given them over to? Q. How is the righteousness of God demonstrated through his wrath? Q. How then is God also righteous through the gospel?
Hickory Lane Small Groups
points for discussion Romans 3:1-4 What about the Jews then? • The only advantage of the Jews is that they have a rich history of living with God. • Does their unbelief in Christ make Godʼs faithfulness to Israel void? Romans 3:5-8 What about our sins? • If our sins demonstrate the righteousness of God, should we not go without being punished. • No...thatʼs dumb. Of course God can punish sin.
letter to the Romans
Romans 3:9-18 All are sinners • Jews and Gentiles are equal and both are sinners. • Neither has reason to boast or be proud. All are in need of a savior. Questions : • What would you say the main point of this passage is? • Paul is trying to balance out his criticism of the gentiles by talking about the Jews and revealing that all are under sin. • What are some ways we see the same mentality the Jews had creeping into our own lives? • What are ways we can remain humble and continue to appreciate the fact that we too have been saved by grace? • How does the realization of our sinfulness cause a change in who we are and how we act?
Main points to walk away with • Paul was trying to reveal that it was not just the gentiles who were sinners, but the Jews as well. All have sinned. • We cannot be hypocritical and presume on the grace of God. Nor can we look down on others because they are outside of Christ. • We are all equal, the only difference being we have been redeemed.
Lesson 2: Chapter 2:1-3:13 Inside: A guide through Romans 2-3ish Backside: Discussion questions for study Small Group 1 Wednesdays 7 pm Church
Small Group 2 Sundays 5 pm TBA
Small Group 3 Sundays 1 pm TBA
Romans 2:1-3:18
read the text before discussing
Romans 2:1-11 Condemnation of the Jews (After attacking the gentiles and their sinfulness, Paul turns his attention to another group) • v1. Paul begins by using the word “therefore.” This means that what he is about to say is based on something earlier. What is it? • Could it refer to the following idea of the “hypocrisy of their judgment?” • Does it refer to something previous? • The availability of knowing God because of Creation? • The wrath of God being poured out on all men? • The sinfulness of man (specifically the gentiles)? • v1-11. Who is the subject of Paul’s teachings? • Is he talking to the Christians at Rome? • Is he talking to people of a Jewish background? • I think the second option is closest to the truth. The Jews were often judgmental of the gentiles, and after Paul’s dissertation on the gentiles, the Jews had to be reminded not to become proud. • v4. Like with Jonah, passing judgment on others while being guilty yourself is denounced here. Do not take God’s grace lightly. • Do you take the grace of God for granted? • Do you look down on others for something while you too are guilty? • The Jews assumed they would be saved despite their actions because they were the chosen people of God. • v5. Stubbornness and unrepentant hearts are two things the Jews are often chastened by God for having. What are some examples? • v5-10 Demonstrates that, the Law teaches that actions are important (and hypocrisy is a disgrace). • v11. This is a key note. There is no partiality with God. He will not play favorites and you will not receive special treatment because they are
Jews...because that doesn’t matter.
Romans 2:12-16 Of Gentiles and Jews (Paul contrasts Jews and Gentiles) • v12-16. Note that Paul basically puts Jews and Gentiles on equal footing. Neither is better than the other. Romans 2:17-24 The Mentality and Actions of the Jewish People • v17-24 Notice that because of their national identity, they assumed themselves to be in the right, but their hypocrisy is evident. Romans 2:25-29 The Gentiles Judge the Jews, Circumcision of the Heart • v25-27. The righteousness of the gentiles condemns the rebellion of the Jews. • v28-29. Being God’s people is not a matter of the flesh, but a matter of the heart. See back for continuation and discussion questions...
Hickory Lane Small Groups
points for discussion Romans 3:27-31 The Repercussions of Christʼs Act • v27. Boasting is to be excluded from our lives then. • Why? Because of the law...nope. Because we are all saved only by the grace of God and have no room to boast. • v28. A man is justified by faith, totally separate from any kind of work of the law. • How does legalism sometimes creep into our lives? • v29. Is God the God of the Jews only, no... thatʼs why the Law doesnʼt really matter any more. The law does not justify. • v30. God now justifies both Jew and Gentile by what? • This justification by faith has broken down the dividing wall, and now everyone has access to God by faith in Christ Jesus. • v31. Ultimately, are we ignoring, or nullifying the law through grace? • No, rather, through this new way of Faith, the law is fulfilled. Christ bore the brunt of the punishment for sin which was required by the law. Thus the law is fulfilled and done.
letter to the Romans
Questions : • How does Christ demonstrate the righteousness of God? • How is the Law established by faith? • What does living by this new system of faith look like? • Hint: Love God, Love Others • What does it mean for us that we are saved by a free gift of God, and that we are called to live lives under grace? Main points to walk away with • Christ’s actions on the cross allowed God to remain as God and stay true to both aspects of his nature. • Our salvation has absolutely nothing to do with works of the Law. • Remember Romans 1:17. Then Paul reveals that both Jew and Gentile are messed up, and today, how God fixed that problem. Notice how Paul was reasoning.
Lesson 2: Chapter 3:19-31 Inside: A guide through the remainder of Ch. 3 Backside: Discussion questions for study Small Group 1 Wednesdays 7 pm Church
Small Group 2 Sundays 5 pm TBA
Small Group 3 Sundays 1 pm TBA
Romans 3:19-31
read the text before discussing
Romans 3:19-20 Paul reinforces one last time that the Law doesn’t save. • v19. Whatever the Law says, it speaks to the person who is under it, so that they will have no room to talk or boast, because they too are called a sinner. • v20. No one has ever been justified by the law, but through the law, we realized we were sinners. • What is the purpose of the law? • Was the Law ever meant to make anyone righteous? • Is there legitimacy in using the Law in a witnessing situation to let people understand their sinfulness?
Romans 3:21-26 God’s Righteousness which provided righteousness • v21. The way that God chose to reveal righteousness was in a way that the Jews would have never expected. Apart from the Law. But at the same time, God’s righteousness, and chosen path is clearly seen in the law and the prophets. • How is it that God demonstrates this in the Old Testament? • v22. The righteousness of God is manifested to all who believe. • Notice who the recipients are. All who believe. There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile. Both sinned, both can be saved. • v23. This is a reiteration of what we talked about last week... Everyone, Jew and Gentile have sinned and fallen short of attaining perfection. • What does it mean to fall short of the glory of God? • v24. Using the same subject “all” Paul goes on to demonstrate that all who approach God in faith are made righteous as a gift by his grace. • How is it that man becomes considered righteous by God? • How can you earn this gift? (You can’t, its a gift, you can only willfully receive it) • v25-26. Paul goes on here and in v26 to define what Christ’s redemption is all about. • God publicly displayed Christ as propitiation: This word signifies the idea of an offering to turn away wrath. Jesus Christ bore the wrath of God poured out against the sin of mankind, and in this way took the wrath we deserved, so we could receive the reward that he deserved. • Paul says that God did this to demonstrate his righteousness...how does putting Christ on the cross do this? • God Hates Sin but God Love Mankind. This brings a conflict in the personhood of God. To resolve this conflict, and rightly exercise both aspects of God (love for us and wrath against sin) Jesus had to come. Jesus demonstrates the love of God by being the one to pay the penalty for sin, bearing all the wrath and furry of God because of sin so that we might live to God, and God can freely love us since our sin is paid for. • Forbearance of God? This means that since God knew what he was going to do, He let stuff slide, cause he knew sin’s penalty would be paid in the person of Jesus. • Note at the beginning of v26, Paul is once again emphasizing how the cross was necessary for God to be righteous. • Now, God can be righteous and just, while at the same time Justifying sinners like myself. This was the end goal of the cross. See back for continuation of study, and end study questions...
Hickory Lane Small Groups
points for discussion Romans 5:6-11 What God accomplished through the Cross. This section is a continuation of why our hope will not disappoint. • v6. God reached down and saved us, when we were incapable. • v7-8. What do these verses show about God? • His love is so far superior to ours. • v9-11. IF God did this while we were enemies, THEN imagine what he has in store for us as his children. • reconciled: made friends. The opposite of our standing as the enemies of God.
letter to the Romans
Romans 5:12-21 The Old and New “Adam”... • v12-14. Describing how sin entered the world through one man. • Death reigns because people are sinners... • v15-17. This describes how Christ effectively counteracted the rebellion of Adam. • Christ brings grace in to cover sin... • v18-21. Christ reversed the actions of man which brought sin, death, and rebellion. • v20. Notice the purpose of the Law. • But Grace increased all the more • v21. Now, sin no longer is to reign, but grace. This is the fundamental difference... Questions : • How does it help you to see justification by faith and Christ through these examples in a new or different way? • How did the Abraham example impact you? • How did the Adam example impact you? • Romans 5:3-5. What do you think about that? Has that happened in your life? • What do you notice about the power and strength of Christʼs grace? Main point to walk away with • There is a power in the Love and Grace of God which we can barely comprehend. Ephesians 3:14-19.
Lesson 4: Chapter 4-5 Inside: A guide through chapters 4-5 Backside: Guide (Cont.) and Discussion questions for study Small Group 1 Wednesdays @7pm Church
Small Group 2 Sundays @ 5pm Call Cameron: (740-636-8864)
Small Group 3 Sundays @ 1pm Call Rob: (937-903-0825)
Romans 4-5
read the text before discussing
Romans 4:1-22 Looking at Abraham, prototype of those who would be justified by faith. • v1-5 How was Abraham justified (made righteous)? • Notice in verses 4&5, Paul makes a very careful distinction that this faith was given to him totally separate from works or deeds. It is purely by faith. • v6-8. Notice here that Paul references David’s Psalm 32, which seems to be discussing his own personal experience with the grace of God. • Take just a minute, and read this psalm. By bringing it into this discussion, what other images, emotions, or ideas come into the discussion. In other words, when he quotes these verses, if the audience were to think of them, and then think of the entire psalm, what would that bring to the discussion? • v9-12. Looking at the example of Abraham, is this faith available to the circumcised, or the uncircumcised. • Both... It is available to both. • NOTE: This justification by faith was given to Abraham prior to circumcision. What does this mean for the Jews reading this letter? • v13-17. Paul reiterates the fact that this promise came not through the Law, but by Faith in God. • Because it is by faith, this is made available to all thus making Abraham our father, and making us children of God and heirs according to the promise. • v18-22. Notice the faith of Abraham. • How does reading and understanding this help us to better define what faith is, and what it looks like? • Make sure to take away from this section the fact that Abraham is our father in the faith, and a prototype for all those who would be Justified by God through faith, apart from the observance of the law. Romans 4:22-5:5 We are children of Abraham because we are justified by faith. Therefore, we boast in God. • v22-25. We partake along with Abraham in the fact that we too are justified by faith. • This is why it talks about Abraham in the first place, so we can better understand our own salvation. • 5:1-2 We now have peace with God through Jesus Christ, and have been introduced to his grace through faith. • v2. Ends with “and we boast in hope of the glory of God. What do you think this means? • 3-5. We also boast in our tribulations. • The reason for this boasting is because a.) tribulation -> b.) perseverance -> c.) proven character -> d.) hope • a.) tribulation: trouble, distress, suffering, hard circumstances. • b.) perseverance: patient endurance, steadfastness, sticktoitiveness (i know, how is that a real word... but it is...) • c.) proven character: character, worth, proof, evidence • d.) hope: trust, confidence in the unseen, hope (more than wishful thinking) • This hope does not disappoint us because: • The love of God has been poured out in our hearts, and the Holy Spirit (the long awaitedpromise of God) has been given. See back for continuation of study, and end study questions...
Hickory Lane Small Groups
points for discussion Romans 7:13-25 Paul’s strangely encouraging view of himself This section is one that definitely gives the believer a great deal of hope for their own lives... • v13 Here, Paul begins to note that there are two separate and distinct forces that seem to be at work inside of him. • Have you ever felt this kind of inner turmoil before? • If so, you are not alone...in fact you have pretty good company. • v14-20 Paul recognizes that he wants to do what is good, but what he finds himself continually doing are the bad things he did not want to do. • This kind of inner turmoil is what we find throughout our own lives, our relationships, and every aspect of our being. • What does this help you to understand about yourself? • v21-24 Paul envisions what is going on within him as a battle. • Paul agrees with the word of God, the “law of God” • Paul sees that another law is at work in his body. • Who can save us from our own contradictory nature? • v25. Jesus Christ is the one who has saved us from our own contradictions. He is the one who saves us from the part of us that wants to follow the lusts of the flesh. • It is only through Christ that we receive deliverance from these things. Questions : • Paul illustrates baptism and this new life through some interesting illustrations. Are there any more that you have heard, or do you have another one that helps you understand it better? • What is your view of the Law? How does this impact your daily life? • Paul notices the contradictions in his own life. Do you recognize yours? • How does this passage change your view of Christʼs work? Main point to walk away with • Christ’s granting of new life and rebirth frees us from the sin which has so long had control over our lives.
letter to the Romans
Lesson 5: Chapter 6-7 Inside: A guide through chapters 6-7 Backside: Guide (Cont.) and Discussion questions for study Small Group 1 Wednesday @ 7 Church
Small Group 2 Thursday @ 6 Call Cameron: (740-636-8864)
Small Group 3 Sunday @ 3 Call Rob: (937-903-0825)
Romans 6-7
read the text before discussing
Romans 6:1-14 The Meaning of Baptism • v1-2. This section of text deals with finding a different perspective on the reason for morality. • Because of Christian teachings, people began to accuse them of willfully sinning so that grace could abound and cover their sin (see 5:20-21) Paul attempts to put these arguments by asking the question and subsequently answering it. • Are we to go on sinning...? • No, how shall we who died to sin live in it an longer. Notice he doesn’t threaten with hell, but commends them to the fact that their person has changed. • We are moral people because who we are has been changed, not because we are in constant fear of hell. • v3-7. This section discusses Baptism, and reveals that it is more than a simple action... • What things are identified with baptism? • Joining with Christ’s death burial and resurrection. Dying to an old way of life and beginning a new. Being freed from sin. • v8-14 The implications of baptism are as follows. • Dying with Christ means that you will live with Christ. • Consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive in Jesus Christ. What does this mean? • This means that sin is not something that you willfully do, nor is it the norm in your life. • Do not present yourselves to serve sin, but God. Though no one willfully would present themselves to serve sin, they do this by willfully choosing to sin when confronted. Romans 6:15-7:6 Helpful analogies on life after baptism... • v15-23. Slaves and masters (Paul uses an analogy about slaves and masters to help us understand life after baptism.) • You are a slave to the one you present yourself as a servant to. You present yourself as a servant by the way you act. • We have gone from being slaves to sin, to slaves to righteousness. • Notice verse 23. The wages of serving sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life. • v1-6. Paul then uses the helpful analogy of Marriage to help us understand what it means to be reborn through the “death” of baptism. • Just like a woman is freed from being united with her husband after he dies, so we too were freed from the bondage of sin by dying with Christ in baptism. • How is this analogy helpful for you? Romans 7:7-12 The Law revealed sin to us... • v7 Is the law sin? This is a good question. Is the law sinful. Think about it, the law reveals sinfulness and it is only because there isa standard to break that sin is reckoned as sin to begin with. So is the law evil? • No, the law reveals evil, but it is not evil itself. It only makes the wickedness more apparent to us. • I would not have known sin apart from the commandment. What does this mean? • Paul is talking about the reality of sin. It is deliberately rebellious. When it sees the line it wants to cross it all the more. See back for continuation of study, and end study questions...
Hickory Lane Small Groups
points for discussion Romans 8:18-25 Suffering in Hope • v18. All the suffering we could ever encounter is nothing compared to the hope we have and the joy that awaits us. • v19-23. All creation is waiting in expectation for the return of Christ and the revealing of the children of God. We are all waiting in eager expectation... Do you think about that future often? • v24-25. The Christian life is supposed to be one of hope. Unbridled, optimistic hope. We know that though we do not see the promises of God, they are true. Romans 8:26-27 The Spirit Helps us. • In the midst of our sufferings while waiting for the fulfillment of our hope, we see that the Holy Spirit talks to God on our behalf for the things we don’t know how to pray for. Maybe even the things we need to pray for but just don’t. • It is encouraging to KNOW that the Holy Spirit is always there for us, talking to God on our behalf. Romans 8:28-30 • What are the source of some of these situations that God has to turn for the best? • Does God cause these bad things to happen to people? • Does God just work through circumstance to deliver us? • In here is also a section dealing with predestination. • I believe that predestination in the sense of Calvinism is flawed and wrong. Seriously call me if you want more information because there is not enough room in this booklet to go into an appropriate discussion here. Romans 8:31-39 • It is an amazing thing to know that there is absolutely nothing that can ever separate you from the Love of God. • In my personal opinion (because the bible only hints at it, no direct statements about it) is that the only way for you to lose your salvation is to purposefully and knowingly turn away from God. Call me if you have questions... • Meditate on the love of God talked about here before you go. Main point to walk away with • God loves you very much, and he made it possible for you to be delivered from death, and brought to eternal life.
letter to the Romans
Lesson 6: Chapter 8 Inside: A guide through chapter 8 Backside: Guide (Cont.) and Discussion questions for study Small Group 1 Wednesday @ 7 Church
Small Group 2 Thursday @ 6 Call Cameron: (740-636-8864)
Small Group 3 Sunday @ 3 Call Rob: (937-903-0825)
Romans 8
read the text before discussing
This is an amazing section of Text. It deals with continuing Paul’s discussion of the Law and grace, but in addition to that, it carries in it some pearls of encouragement which can so often be needed. This is one of my favorite sections of text. Romans 8:1-4 • v1. Notice this verse which Paul begins with. I know that Romans has seemed repetitious, and that’s because in many ways it is. Paul is trying to provide an appropriate and comprehensive view of the Grace and Redemptive action of God. • This passage has a lot of meaning in it, and it gives us a good summary of Grace. There is no condemnation, punishment, guilt for those who are in Christ. • How can this affect your life? • v2-4. Here Paul is kind of summarizing what he has said in previous chapters. • What the Law (the OT Law) could not do (provide righteousness) God did by sending his Son. • What does it mean to fulfill the requirement of the Law? This is similar to the answer to the question in a previous week, how does the cross demonstrate the righteousness of God? Romans 8:5-14 Spirit and Flesh. Two words you will be tired of reading after this section of the study... I’m going to try to do the best I can to rephrase what is going on, but there is nothing like careful, slow reading to get you through this section of text. • v5-8. People that are of the flesh think about “fleshly” things, and those of the spirit think on “spiritual” things. (Notice that this is just dealing with a separation of those who are of God and those of the world). The mind set on fleshly things brings death because only a person of the flesh thinks on fleshly things and this mindset leads to death. The one who thinks on “spiritual” things receive life and peace because life and peace come to those of the spirit, and those of the spirit think on spiritual things. (Notice we are dealing less with actions, and more with the kind of person someone is) The mind that thinks on fleshly things, who is a person of the flesh is hostile toward God, it does not subject itself to God and it is not able to. Because of this, people who are of the flesh are not capable of pleasing God because they cannot do those things which make him happy. • v9-11. You are not in the flesh but in the spirit if God’s spirit is in you. (In other words, if you are Christ’s then you are not of the flesh). If you do not have the spirit of God, then you do not yet belong to God, thus you are of the flesh. If Christ dwells within you, if you are his and have his spirit, then you are alive in spite of the sin which lives in you. God will empower you to life through his spirit so you can overcome the death that is brought on by your sinfulness. • Is this the spirit enabling us to live better lives? • v12-14. Because of all this, we are no longer obligated to sin (for we have a bent toward sinfulness). If you live in the ways of the flesh, then you are of the flesh and death awaits you. But if you are living in accordance with the spirit, and attempting to stop following the sinfulness in you, then you have life. Everyone who is led by the Spirit of God is God’s child... Romans 8:15-17 We get what Christ gets!? • We have not received the spirit of God so that we could be slaves who fear. We have received his spirit so that we can be children who call out in a personal, loving way to our father. • If we are the children of God, then that means we are God’s heirs with Christ Jesus. This means that all Christ gets, we get!!! • If we suffer with him, we will be glorified with him. • Do we suffer for our faith in America? Why or why not? Why should we want to suffer for our faith? See back for continuation of study, and end study questions...
Hickory Lane Small Groups
points for discussion Romans 9:14-29 God’s right to make his choice... • v14. God is not unjust in making this choice to bless Abraham’s descendants by faith and not blood? Is he? • v15-18. No, of course not. God has mercy on whoever he wants. • If God chooses to have mercy on those who call on the name of his Son Jesus, then that’s his choice... • It would have been tough to deal with not being God’s chosen people anymore if you were a Jew. Wouldn’t it? • v19-23. We have no right to complain against God for his choice in doing this (unless we were Jews, I doubt we would complain) • God used the nation itself as a means of delivering the world through the coming of Christ. • That’s the meaning of v. 22-23. • God put up with Israel until Christ came to demonstrate his power and glory. • v24-29. God had always had it in his plan to include the Gentiles into his people. These passages help to illustrate this, and what Paul has been talking about this whole time. Romans 9:30-33 God’s inclusion of the Gentiles... • v30-31. The gentiles which had not been pursuing God had found him, and been made righteous. The Jews who had always been pursuing the Law and righteousness have missed it. • v32-33. The Jews, though they pursued it, they did so by the works of the Law, and not by faith. • The Jews Stumbled over a stumbling stone... The Law. • They thought they could achieve righteousness by it, and this prevented them from approaching God by faith. MAIN POINT: Notice even here that God’s will is for all men to be saved. This includes the Jews. What Paul is dealing with in this Chapter is the difficulty of the Jews being “God’s Chosen People” and their fate being hell without Christ. He is trying to bring an understanding to this dilemma by highlighting that God’s people have always been the people based on the choice and faith, and never off bloodline and works. Paul’s main point in all this is that those who thought they were God’s people were not, and those who shouldn’t be were brought into God’s kingdom. APPLICATION: If we could have the heart for the lost around us Paul did for the Jews, that he wished he would be estranged from Christ if they would be saved, imagine how our focus would change.
letter to the Romans
Lesson 7: Chapter 9 Inside: A guide through chapter 9 Backside: Guide (Cont.) and Discussion questions for study Small Group 1 Wednesday @ 7 Church
Small Group 2 Thursday TBA Call Cameron: (740-636-8864)
Small Group 3 Sunday TBA Call Rob: (937-903-0825)
Romans 9
read the text before discussing
Romans 9:1-5 • v1-3. Paul is speaking in like this because he is trying to convey the depth of his emotion for all of the Jews who have not yet turned to Christ. • 1. In the first verse, Paul is being emphatic about the truthfulness of what he is about to say. This could be because of the extreme nature of the following statements, or because Paul might have had a reputation as not caring for the Jews. • 2. Verse two begins Paul’s lament over the Jewish nation. He is experiencing unending grief and great sorrow because not all of the Jews have accepted Christ. • 3. In this passage we see Paul taking these emotions to the extreme when he reveals that he cares so much for his fellow countrymen that he would even wish to be apart from Christ if it would bring the Jews to saving faith in Christ. • Is this statement an over exaggeration to prove a point? • Does Paul really feel that way? If so it demonstrates a commendable heart of a person who cares more about others than he does himself. • When is the last time you felt so strongly toward reaching another group of people? • v4-5. Paul makes mention of those benefits which come with being an Israelite by blood. Namely this benefit which he speaks of is having deep roots in a long tradition of interaction with God. This is not however a commentary on the salvation status of Israel. • Many people believe that God will still redeem the Israelites when he returns. This is a false teaching. The only advantage an Israelite has is a strong heritage. But they are not saved apart from belief in Christ. Romans 9:6-8 Who are the real people of God? Who is the real Israel? • v6a. In the first portion of this verse, Paul asks the question... If Israel is not saved, nor is it God’s people, then what about the promises of God toward Israel, have these promises failed? • v6b-8 It is not children of the flesh, but children of the promise... • Here Paul begins to make a distinction. Abraham’s descendants were never simply descendants because of flesh or blood line. Abraham’s true descendants are those who are according to the promise of God. • Bloodline has nothing to do with it any more, and it never really has. Those who are of God’s because of the promise have always been the recipients of his blessings. Romans 9:9-13 This fact is explained to a greater degree... • v9. Paul illustrates the role of the promise instead of bloodline alone here. Sara received a child based on the promise of God, and nothing more nothing less than the promise of God. • v10-13. Here is another way to understand. Also look at Jacob and Esau. Esau should have been the first choice because he was the firstborn. But God chose to make Jacob the one to inherit the promise given to Abraham. It is based on God’s choice. • This is not being said to invalidate man’s free will, but so far as how one is part of God’s people, and the means of becoming part of God’s Kingdom, it has always been God’s choice...not bloodline. • God’s choice is to provide salvation to all men. It is still the choice of man to come to God for salvation by Grace through Faith. • Some will say that this chapter is one which points to the idea that God predestines some to salvation, and others to damnation. This is an unnecessary conclusion. Paul is simply dealing with God’s choice not being the bloodline of Israel, but the descendant based on faith and promise. These situations are not to say we humans have no choice in the matter, it merely reflects God’s. See back for continuation of study, and end study questions...
Hickory Lane Small Groups
points for discussion Romans 12:9-21 Overcome Evil with Good (Cont.) • v11. not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. • Notice the qualities and characteristics we are to strive toward in our lives. Diligence, fervency, service. • v12. rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer. • How can we model these traits better as a small group bible study? As a church? • v13. contributing to the needs of the saints, being hospitable. • Notice that generosity is encouraged. We are the richest nation on the planet...how generous are we really being? • v14. Bless those who persecute • This deals with some of the same stuff Jesus talked about. Loving your enemies is hard. How can you do it better? • v15-16. Notice that unity is heavily stressed here. How can we be more unified as a church? How can we help to unify the church world wide and bridge the gap of denominations? • v17. NEVER PAY BACK EVIL FOR EVIL... • This does not mean being a doormat, but it does mean you use your strength of will to never “give them what they deserve.” • Of course there are times when violent crimes occur that you are protecting others by pressing charges. What other situations do you see as being exceptions to this rule? • Would Christ see them as exceptions? Why or why not? • v17b-18. Respect what is right in the sight of all men, do your best to live at peace with all men. • This involves being aware of the perceptions of others, and seeking to be at peace with them if it is humanly possible and not violating our faith. • v19-20. Never take your own revenge, leave that to God. Why is this good? Why is this difficult? • Instead, God encourages us to be kind and merciful to those who mistreat us. • v21. Do not be overcome with evil. but overcome evil with good. • Do not let yourself be defeated with evil (possibly using evil for any purpose) but overcome evil with good. How?
letter to the Romans
Lesson 8: Chapter 12 Inside: A guide through chapter 12 Backside: Guide (Cont.) and Discussion questions for study Small Group 1 Wednesday @ 7 Church
Small Group 2 Thursday TBA Call Cameron: (740-636-8864)
Small Group 3 Sunday TBA Call Rob: (937-903-0825)
Romans 12
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Realizing that Paul continues his discussion about Israel, and does so in very unclear terminology, I have decided that we were going to skip chapters 10 and 11 because of the repetitive themes found within. This is not to say that these are unimportant chapters, just that we will not cover them in this format. So we will pick up with Romans 12. (any questions about 10 and 11 if you read them on your own, feel free to call me ~Rob). The background of this chapter is in Paul’s dealing with the state of the Israelites in the previous chapters. Paul notes that God used the hardened hearts of the Jews to make the gospel available to the gentiles. And by accepting the gentiles God seeks to bring Israel to him because of Jealousy. By the mercy of God, he is actively trying to draw all men to himself. It is in this context verse 1 of chapter 12 begins. Romans 12:1-2 To be a living sacrifice. • v1. In view of the mercies of God, present yourselves as living sacrifices. • Notice that the reason for offering yourself as a living sacrifice is a reaction to seeing the mercy of God. Fear is not the motivator, gratitude, joy, and thanksgiving are. • What does it mean to be a living and holy sacrifice? • Notice, this is our spiritual act of worship. • v2. Notice also that this statement and all of the moral exhortations that follow are a grateful response to the mercy of God. • What does it mean to be conformed to the world? Stay with this for a while, because I think we are more conformed to the world than we think we are. What does it mean to be conformed to the world and are you? • What is the transformation, the renewed mind? Romans 12:3-8 No reason to be proud, we’re all equal, just differently equipped. • v3. Paul encourages humility, and encourages them not to get involved in comparing one another’s faith. God has equipped them all differently and they should not become proud one way or another. • v4-5. God has equipped everyone differently. Just like the body has many parts, so to the church needs people to have different gifts and abilities. It does not make them any less a part of the body. Notice his parallels with Corinthians. :-) • v6-8. Paul lists a variety of gifts and abilities here. Notice that the source of these gifts is God, who has equipped people with them for the purpose of serving the church. Talk about each one a little. • Notice that the way to exercise these gifts properly is when they do it in accordance to faith. Romans 12:9-21 Overcome Evil with Good • v9a. Let love be without hypocrisy. • What does this mean? Let love be genuine? Have you seen someone express love in a hypocritical way? What does that look like? • v9b. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. • Notice that we are called to be revolted by evil, but love what is good. Why is this important? How do we do this today? • v10. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. • Are we devoted to loving one another? I mean really devoted? • Giving preference to one another... Is this differing so that the other person can have their way? Is this honoring others instead of yourself? One way or another, it involves making yourself take last place in the relationships you have. See back for continuation of study, and end study questions...