Introduction to Romans

Importance of the bookAugustine read Romans and was savedMartin Luther studied Romans leading to the Protestant reformation

The undisputed author – The Apostle PaulThe date of writing – A.D. 57Place of Writing - Corinth

Phebe was entrusted to carry the letter to RomeRom. 16:1-2Cenchrea – Near Corinth

Gaius – Paul’s hostRom. 16:23Convert at Corinth – 1 Cor. 1:14

The Author – PaulThe Date of writing – A.D. 57Location – Corinth

Church at RomeWho started the church? UnknownWhen did it start? UnknownIt was a strong church – (Rom. 1:8)It had existed for many years – (Rom. 15:23)Had no major errorsWell organizedJewish and Gentile believersLarge population of believers

Occasion for WritingInform church of his intended visit (Rom. 1:10)Present detailed gospel (Rom. 1:15)Ease tensions between Jewish and Gentile believersCorrect rumors about his teaching (Rom. 3:8)

ThemeThe Righteousness of God through faithRomans 1:16-1716 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

What does righteousness mean?Webster - acting in accord with divine or moral law free from guilt or sin Right standing and right behavior within a communityDoing what is right

Romans Chapter oneThe Revelation of God’s RighteousnessIntroduction 1:1-17

Paul describes himselfAttitude - Servant of Jesus ChristAuthority- Called by God to be an apostleApplication - Separated unto the gospel

Why does he do this?Give credibility to his message

What is the Gospel?εὐαγγέλιον (euaggélion) –Good NewsGood News of God’s salvation for mankindDeath, Burial, Resurrection, and appearing of Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 15:1-8Paul’s Gospel given by revelation of JesusGal 1:12

Paul’s description of the gospelPromised by Prophets in scriptures (v. 2) Isaiah 53:4-10 Concerning His son, Jesus Christ (v.3)Made of the seed of David – Humanity

Declared the Son of God - DeityBy the resurrectionApplied to the believers in Rome (v.8-9)By faithReason for Paul’s prayers

Paul’s relationship to the gospelIndebted (v.14)Morally bound to preach gospelReady to preach (v. 15)Understood the importance of the gospelNot ashamed (v.16)Power of God unto salvationTo everyone who believes

The GospelNothing to be ashamed about he knew how the gospel can change livesImprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:23, 24)Chased out of Thessalonica (Acts 17:10)Smuggled out of Berea (Acts 17:14)Laughed at in Athens (Acts 17:32)Regarded as a fool in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:18, 23)Stoned in Galatia (Acts 14:19)

The GospelThe Source of the Gospel – GodThe Nature of the Gospel – PowerThe Purpose of the Gospel – SalvationThe Scope of the Gospel – To everyoneThe reception of the Gospel – BelieveThe outcome of the Gospel – Live by faith

Righteousness of God revealed v.17God is righteous, He is the standard.God demands righteousness.Man is unrighteous.God provides righteousness.

Faith to FaithFrom FaithWe are saved from our sins by placing our faith in the gospel. To FaithWe also live each day of our lives but placing our faith in God.True faith is not a single event but a way of life

“Religions are man’s search for God; the Gospel is God’s search for man. There are many religions, but one Gospel.”E. Stanley Jones

Part One: The Revelation of the Righteousness of God (1:1–8:39)Condemnation: The Need for God’s Righteousness 1:18-3:20Guilt of the Gentile 1:18-32Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

The Wrath of God Wrath - ὀργή – wrath or angerAn expression of God’s own righteousness and holiness reacting against man’s sinfulness, or anything opposed to his moral character.God hates all sinHebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Is God just an angry wrathful God?Ex 32:7-10 God’s wrath against Israel for the golden calf.Why was God angry?Disobedience – ungodlinessDeut. 9:7-8John 3:36

God is just and graciousGod is graciousPsalms 103Ex 34:6Joel 2:13-14Rom 5:9

The Need for God’s righteousnessIn order to establish the need for God’s righteousness, man’s sin is given as evidence. The justice of God must punish sin. The grace of God finds a way to save people from His punishment.

Reason for God’s wrath ungodlinessLack of proper reverence for God First half of 10 CommandmentsDeveloped on verses 19-23unrighteousness Injustice relating to man’s conduct toward his fellow men Second half of the 10 CommandmentsDeveloped in verses 24-32

Hold the truth in unrighteousnessHold – κατέχω - hold down, quash, suppressPeople had God’s truth but suppressed it, refusing to heed it.Romans 1:25Romans 2:8Refuse to acknowledge God

Reason for God’s wrathThe greater picture Paul paints of man depraved and sinful condition the greater picture he paints of the power of God to save mankind from their sins. More sin found in man, the more the powerful nature of God’s grace is displayed.

The revelation of God v 19-20Knowledge of God is manifest in conscienceRom. 2:14-15Knowledge of God is manifest in creationeternal power Godhead

God’s revelationGeneral

The heavens declare the glory of God. (Psalm 19)The conscience of Man (Rom 1:19, 2:15)Special God’s revealed word the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:16-17)God’s resurrected Son (Living word) (John 1:1)

Natural revelation is sufficient to make man responsible, but is not by itself sufficient to accomplish his salvation. Through natural revelation there is knowledge of God but not knowledge of the means to receive salvation. We must take God’s special revelation to the world in order for the world to be saved.

Man is without excuseThe revelation of God in conscious and creation is so clear that ignoring it is indefensible.“without excuse”

The rejection of God v21-23Failure to worship – glorifyFailure to acknowledge the work of God – not thankful

The result of rejecting of God v21-23DarknessInstead of wisdom foolishnessΣοφός – (philosophy – Love of wisdom) WiseΜωραίνω – (Moron) FoolishEmptiness – vanity (Ecclesiastes)Instead of worship of creator they worshiped the creation (Idolatry) v25

God gave them upRepeated phrase (vv. 24, 26, 28)παραδίδωμι - To deliver over or up to the power of someone.1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

God gave them upThe same expression is used of God’s judgment on Israel for idolatry.

Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?

Consequence of rejecting God“Gave them up”Uncleanness – fornication (24-25)Vile affections –sexual perversion (26-27)Reprobate mind – depraved lifestyle (28-31)

Uncleanness - fornication v. 24UncleannessLusts of heartsDishonorTheir own bodiesMoral disintegration in society is the consequence of rejecting God.People are creatures of God and can find true fulfillment only in worshiping and obediently serving God the Creator.

Vile affections – v26-27Vile - Dishonor, disgraceAffections - Passion, lustSexual perversion – using our bodies in ways contrary to God’s intent

Reprobate mind v28They put God out of their minds. When God is rejected man’s mind is filled with evil.They failed to honor God which resulted in failure to honor one another.The result was havoc.

Specific types of wickednessfull of envy – discontent with another possessions or advantagemurderdebate – Contention, strifedeceit –a bait or snaremalignity –Ill will, cruel wayswhisperers – secret slanders

Backbiters – open slandershaters of God despiteful - insultingproud – one who swaggersboastersinventors of evil thingsdisobedient to parentsWithout understandingCovenant-breakerswithout natural affectionimplacable – unable to be satisfiedUnmerciful

Defiance toward God (1:32)Knew the judgment – consequence - deathContinued in their defiant rebellionEncourages other to join themRomans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Part One: The Revelation of the Righteousness of God (1:1–8:39)Condemnation: The Need for God’s Righteousness 1:18-3:20Guilt of the Gentile 1:18-32Guilt of the Jews 2:1-3:8Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

The Guilt of the JewsRomans 2:1-3:8

Divine JudgmentKey word in 2:1-16 is Judge – ΚρίνωTo separate, distinguish, discriminate between good and evil, select, choose out the good. Used 10 times in these verses

Judgment contrastedMan’s judgment self righteousnessJudgment based on actions of othersGod’s judgmentGod’s righteousness Judgment based on truth

Man’s JudgmentsMan judges those around himself but fails to judge himself.Romans 2:1Man’s standard of judgment is based on the behavior of others.If your standard is faulty then your judgment will be wrong.Man is blind to his own wrongs.

God’s JudgmentGod’s judgment is based on truth.Romans 2:2There is an objective standard of conduct.God’s Word is truth.John 17:17, Romans 2:16God’ judgment is according to His timing.Romans 2:4Lack of consequences does not indicate lack of guilt.God desire all to repent and turn back to Him.

Principles of JudgmentGod’s Judgment is according to truth v2

Romans 2:4God’s goodnessHolding forth his grace.God’s forbearanceHolding back his wrath.God’s longsufferingWaiting for the perfect time

Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Why is God so patient?2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God is a Just GodHe must punish evil and reward good.God is a gracious GodHe has a way for men to escape the punishment through Jesus Christ.

Certainty of JudgmentGod gave man up to his sins but there is coming a day of judgment. (v. 5)Great White throne – Rev 20: 11-15

Principles of JudgmentGod’s Judgment is according to truth v2God has an absolute standard.God judgment is based on man’s deeds v6Blessing for obedience, cursing for disobedience.Romans 2:7-11Identity Good Doers Evil Doers

Actions patient continuance in well doing contentious, disobedient to truth, obey unrighteousness

Seek glory and honor and immortality indignation and wrath

Reward eternal life, glory, honour, and peace tribulation and anguish

QuestionsWhy do people think they can escape the wrath of God?Judged themselves by one anotherWhat are God’s judgments based on?Truth, Deed’s of manApart from Jesus Christ, can anyone escape the wrath of God?NoWhy is God patient with us rather then just zap us now?

He wants us to Repent

QuestionsWhat does it mean that God is Just?He must punish evil and reward good.What does it mean that God is gracious?He has a way for men to escape the punishment through Jesus Christ.

Principles of JudgmentGod’s Judgment is according to truth v2God has an absolute standard.God judgment is based on man’s deeds v6Blessing for obedience, cursing for disobedience.God’s judgment is fair. V11God does not play favorites.

God is fair in his judgmentsJewsWith the lawGentilesWithout the law(written in their hearts)Not the hearers but the doers will be justified.

Principles of JudgmentGod’s Judgment is according to truth v2God has an absolute standard.God judgment is based on man’s deeds v6Blessing for obedience, cursing for disobedience.God’s judgment is fair. V11God does not play favorites.God’s judgment is coming. V16All will be revealed

Jewish Privileges v17-18Called a Jew – chosen people of GodRestest in the law – Special revelation given by GodMakest thy boast of God –Glory in their covenantal relationship with God

Knowest his willApprovest the things that are more excellentInstructed out of the law

Jewish Superiority v19-20A guide of the blindA light of them which are in darknessAn instructor of the foolishA teacher of babesHast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

Jewish Condemnations:Teachest thou not thyself?Dost thou steal?Dost thou commit adultery? Dost thou commit sacrilege? Take to one’s own private use what is consecrated to GodThrough breaking the law dishonourest thou God? do we understand what sin really is?

Result of Jewish behavior v24The name of God is blasphemedBlasphemyTo hurt the reputation or smite with reports or words, speak evil of, slander, rail

What was the purpose of Circumcision?Outward Sign of God’s covenant with IsraelGenesis 17:11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

Universal Condemnation

Gentiles (pagan)Ungodliness – Sins against God (1:21-23)Unrighteousness – Sins against man – (1:24-32)

Jews (religious)Ungodliness – Sins against God (2:22)Unrighteousness – Sins against man – (2:22-23).

Part One: The Revelation of the Righteousness of God (1:1–8:39)Condemnation:

The Need for God’s Righteousness 1:18-3:20Guilt of the Gentile 1:18-32Guilt of the Jews 2:1-3:8Conclusion: All Are Guilty before God 3:9-20

The Universal charge against Jew and GentileRomans 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; Rom 3:10-12 - Ps. 14:1-3Rom 3:13a – Ps. 5:9Rom 3:13b - Psalm 140:3 Rom 3:14 – Ps. 10:7Rom 3:15 –17 - Isaiah 59:7-8Rom 3:18 - Psalm 36:1

Conclusion to the Argument (3:19-20)What is the Purpose of the Law?It does not justify a personIt provides us with a knowledge of Sin – God’s Holy Standard of Righteousness.

Part One: The Revelation of the Righteousness of God (1:1–8:39)

Condemnation: The Need for God’s Righteousness 1:18-3:20Guilt of the Gentile 1:18-32Guilt of the Jews 2:1-3:8Conclusion: All Are Guilty before God 3:9-20

Justification:God’s provision of righteousness in Christ 3:21-5:21Description of Righteousness 3:12-31Illustration of Righteousness 4:1-25Benefits of Righteousness 5:1-11Contrast of Righteousness and Condemnation 5:12-21

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Two false teachings eliminatedRomans 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:

Limited Atonement – “unto all”Only elect are saved

Universalism – “upon all that believe”Everyone will be saved.

JustificationTo declare righteousTo be treated as righteousJust as if I had never sinned The righteousness of God is imputed to meAs righteous as God is, that righteousness is now mine in Christ by faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross.Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Old Testament Witnesses

LawForeshadowed through the Temple priesthood and offerings

ProphetsForetold by their writings (Isa. 53; Lk. 24:25-27; Jn. 5:46; 1 Pet. 1:10, 11).

Definitions

JustificationTo be declared as righteousOne who was unrighteous is considered righteous before God by faith in Jesus Christ

Grace God’s unmerited favorOne who receives salvation when they only deserve damnation

RedemptionTo be released from bondage through a payment Christ paid my sin debt on the cross

Propitiation mercy-seat, or covering (Heb 9:5)Appeasement , satisfactionThe death of Christ fully satisfied all the righteous demands of God toward the sinner.My sin debt has been PAID IN FULL

RemissionPassing over of sins formerly committedA passing over, an overlooking of faults. It refers to the putting aside of our sins, without punishment, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Unrighteous

No inheritance FornicatorsIdolatersAdulterersEffeminateAbusers of themselves with mankindThievesCovetousDrunkardsRevilersExtortioners

Declared Righteous

inheritanceWashed

SanctifiedJustified

Means of Justification3:22 – Which is by faith of Jesus Christ3:25 – Through faith in His blood3:26 – which believeth in Jesus3:27 – Law of faith3:28 – Justified by faith without the deeds of the law3:30 – justify circumcision and uncircumcision by faith

Law (works) vs. FaithRomans 3:20Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Obedience to the Law does not bring justification.The Law brings the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:28Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Man is justified by faith not by the law

Illustration of Righteousness 4:1-25

How was Abraham saved?

Two ChoicesBy keeping the LawHe would receive glory Through FaithGod would receive the glory (Rom. 3:27 – no boasting)

One answerBy faith (Genesis 15:6, Galatians 3:6)Romans 4:3 Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

To Count or ReckonTo add something to someone's account.Adam's sin is imputed to us.

(Rom. 3:23, 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22) Our sins are imputed onto Christ. (Isa. 53:5; Heb. 2:9; 2 Cor. 5:14) Christ’s righteousness reckoned to us. (Phil. 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:21)

Example of David (4:6-8)What great sins did David commit? AdulteryMurderWas David justified by keeping the Law?No, he was a law breaker.How was David Justified?By the imputation of “righteousness without works”By faith

When was Abraham saved?Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. At this point Abraham was around 85 years old and childless.Genesis 17:24 And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.In this passage Abraham is 99Abraham’s FaithHe was not weak in faith despite insuperable odds (v. 19)He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief (v. 20a)He was strong in faith (v. 20b)He was fully persuaded God has the ability to do what He had said (v. 21)

Part One: The Revelation of the Righteousness of God (1:1–8:39)

Condemnation: The Need for God’s Righteousness 1:18-3:20Guilt of the Gentile 1:18-32Guilt of the Jews 2:1-3:8Conclusion: All Are Guilty before God 3:9-20

Justification:God’s provision of righteousness in Christ 3:21-5:21Description of Righteousness 3:12-31

Illustration of Righteousness 4:1-25Benefits of Righteousness 5:1-11Contrast of Righteousness and Condemnation 5:12-21

Benefits of Righteousness 5:1-11Present: Peace with God (5:1-5)Past: Powerlessness of Sinners (5:6-8)Future: Escape from God’s Wrath (5:9-11)

Present: Results of JustificationWe have peace (v. 1) We have access to God's grace (v.2a) We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (v. 2b) We have ability to glory in tribulations (v. 3)

Past: God’s Love for us as sinnersFirst, we were powerless (6a)We were helpless to rescue ourselves.Secondly, we were ungodly (6b)Instead of loving God with all our being, we have rebelled against him. (1:21)Thirdly, we were sinners (8)we had departed from the way of righteousness, fallen short of God’s standards and missed the target. Fourthly, we were God’s enemies’ (10)

Future: Escape from God’s WrathJustified by his blood (v. 9a)Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Saved from wrath (v. 9b)Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Reconciled to God (v. 10, 11)Romans 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.

Reconciled (Romans 5:10)The removal of enmity that stands between people and God. (Col. 1:21). The basis of restored fellowship between people and God (2 Cor. 5:20-21).

DefinitionsJustification - To be declared as righteousGrace - God’s unmerited favorRedemption - To be released from bondage through a payment Propitiation (Translated mercyseat in Heb. 9:5) - To satisfy by a sacrifice, to appease Remission - The putting aside of our sins, without punishmentWhat Christ’s death achieved for us.

Redemption Pertains to sin [Release] (3:24; 1 Cor. 1:30; Gal. 3:13; Eph. 1:7);

Propitiation Pertains to God [Satisfied] (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10);

Reconciliation Pertains to Believers [Restoration] (Rom. 5:10-11; 2 Cor. 5:18-20; Col. 1:22)Totally the work of God, accomplished through the death of Jesus Christ unto Believers. We were Reconciled

Result of Adam’s sin• Romans 5:12 …by one man sin entered into the world…• One Man

– Adam, the first man• Sin - ἁμαρτία hamartía

– An offense in relation to God (Gen 3:6)– To miss the mark

• Entered - εἰσέρχομαι eisérchomai– Entered into– The world was perfect before this time

• Romans 5:12 …and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:• Death

– God’s penalty for sin (Gen. 2:16-17)– Both Spiritual and physical

• Passed– Spread through– As sin entered the human race, death followed after

• All men, all have sinned– Adam’s sin had consequences for the entire human race.– The entire human race is viewed as having sinned in the one act of Adam’s sin

The participation of the human race in the sin of Adam• Federal Headship of Adam

– Representative– Adam’s act of sin was considered by God to be the act of all people and his penalty of

death was judicially made the penalty of everybody.• Natural or Seminal Headship of Adam

– Physically in Adam– The entire human race was seminally and physically in Adam, the first man. As a result

God considered all people as participating in the act of sin which Adam committed and as receiving the penalty he received.

Contrast of Righteousness and Condemnation 5:12-21

Men Adam Christ

Acts One trespass (vs. 12,15,17,18,19) One righteous act (v.18)

Disobedience Obedience

Results Condemnation, guilt, death on all men (vs. 15, 16,18, 19)

Justification, life, kingship on all who believe (vs. 17, 18, 19)

Differences One sin – condemnation One sacrifice – justification

Reign of death Reign of eternal lifeReign of sin Reign of grace