11-30-2011 Vol. 6 Part 4 Book of Romans (Romans 1:16-17)

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Book of Romans

11-30-2011 Vol. 6 Part 4

Psalms 51:11-19 NKJV Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar. Father we praise you, we give you all the glory. Father give us the courage and boldness to proclaim your Good News. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth we pray! Amen!

Before I get started with this lesson I want to clarify something. In the last lesson I mentioned that churches are known for many things, but hardly any, if any, are known by their faith in the community. We all know faith is dead without works, and works is defined as spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all. After a lot of thought and in my daily readings I came across the following scripture, which defines what I was trying to say. I think these verses are pretty self explanatory in stating the Thessalonians were spreading the Gospel to anyone that came along. As a result they were known for their faith. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 NKJV 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,  7  so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.  8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.  9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,  10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Romans 1:16-17

Romans 1:16-17 NKJV For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.  17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: Are you ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? When you first read that question, your answer is probably, no. Why would I be you ask? I believe in Jesus and what he did for me, so no, I’m not ashamed of Jesus. Then let me ask you another question. When was the last time, if ever have you started a conversation with someone you know, or a total stranger, or someone at work, or out shopping, or at a sporting event, etc. and the topic was about Jesus? What about when you go out to eat at a restaurant, do you give thanks for the food you are about to eat before you start eating? Do you tell people on the phone, or at a check out register, or a bank teller to have a nice day and may God bless you? Even little things like this could stir someone to pick up a Bible or start going back to church and get saved. Ok, now that I have you thinking and you are getting convicted by the Holy Spirit, ask yourself that question again. Am I ashamed of Jesus? If I’m not ashamed of Jesus, then why don’t I do these things if I claim to be a Christian?

What is the definition of ashamed? The one we are talking about here is, to have a feeling of fear or shame which prevents a person from doing something. So what is that fear? Is it the fear of not being accepted by people, or talking about something we don’t really know a lot about and might appear ignorant, or if we talk about Jesus we will be categorized as a weirdo Jesus freak? I can’t answer this question for you. You have to look deep inside and answer this question yourself, but don’t feel like the Lone Ranger, because you’re not. I was the same way at the beginning of this past summer when I would go out on Saturday nights to street witness, but by the time Labor Day rolled around I was comfortable with talking to strangers about the Gospel. Actually it was very rewarding and you know what, most people will talk about Jesus, in fact, I found a lot of people had a lot of questions about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What about the apostles/disciples of Jesus? Were they ashamed of Jesus? We know Paul wasn’t because he was imprisoned in Philippi, chased out of Thessalonica, smuggled out if Damascus and Berea, laughed at in Athens, considered a fool in Corinth, declared a blasphemer and lawbreaker in Jerusalem, stoned and left for dead at Lystra, etc., but kept right on going like the Eveready Rabbit and was anxious to get to Rome and on to Spain. If you want to model yourself after someone, I suggest you chose Paul.

What about Peter? Was he ashamed of Jesus when he denied Him three times. What about Timothy? Paul told Timothy this; 2 Timothy 1:7-8 NKJV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God. When Paul was in chains other disciples turned away from Paul in fear, but Onesiphorus didn’t. 2 Timothy 1:15-17 NKJV This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.  16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;  17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. You see, being ashamed of Jesus goes back from now to when Jesus walked the earth. It is our human flesh that gets in the way.

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,  for the Jew first and also for the Greek: Could another reason why the Gospel isn’t talked about be the convicting words of Jesus about sin and how sinful we are? Jesus words will cut you to the bone. We like to think about ourselves as being good. We compare ourselves to other people to justify our conduct, actions, and language, but God judges us by his Commandments. That is why we are like filthy rags in God’s eyes. Isaiah 64:6 NLT We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. A church that preaches the wrath of God has few members compared to a church that preaches the New Age philosophy. If only the feel good topics are preached, people will believe it is ok to keep living in sin and not come to Jesus. They will think it is ok to have out of wedlock sex, couples living together, using God’s name in vain, pornography, stealing, lying, gossiping, etc. The only thing that comes out of the, “if it feels good do it,” mentality is eternal Hell. Proclaiming the Gospel will put conviction on a person’s lifestyle, making it difficult to proclaiming, therefore they don’t proclaim it. The Gospel is the power of God.  After all, who wants to hear they are living in sin if they haven’t given their life to Jesus.

But the Gospel is the Good News, it is by the power of God that salvation for all is possible, if they believe.  Gospel is translated from the Greek word “euangelion”, which is made up of “angelia”, meaning message, and the Greek prefix “eu” means well or good. So you see, Gospel means “good message” and it is good news. Here are several other reasons why we need to proclaim the Gospel:

1.    It is the proclamation of good news; Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, He rose on the third day, and is now seated at the right hand of God Almighty so that whosoever shall believe will have eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

2.    It is the explanation of salvation; Salvation is the deliverance of man from the consequences of the fall and of sin. To be saved means to be set free from the greatest evil and placed in possession of the greatest good.

3.    It is the declaration of God’s purpose; Salvation via the Gospel is God’s purpose for lost man. Romans 8:3 NKJV  For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, When you share the Gospel with an unsaved person, you bring that person one step closer to realizing why God created them.

4.    It is the demonstration of God’s Power; The Gospel is not about the power of God, it is the power of God. Romans 1:16  The Power of God, the Gospel, is foolishness to man. 1 Corinthians 1:21 NLT  Since God in His wisdom saw to it that the world would never know Him through human wisdom, He has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. God’s resurrection power is toward believers, see Ephesians 1:19, 20.  We were created by his power, see Ephesians 2:10.  By the power of God’s saving grace we are a work in progress toward holiness, see Philippians 1:6.

5.    It is for all mankind; Whosoever believes, see John 3:16; Whosoever calls, see Joel 2:32 and Acts 2:21; Whosoever thirsts, see Revelation 22:17.

6.    It is the Revelation of God’s plan; Only God could invent the plan of salvation, because man would invent something that would make them self-righteous by their works or something that would excuse their behavior so they can commit the evil they desire. Only God with a prefect heart of love could have chosen to redeem man the way he did.

7.    It is what Jesus stands for, Righteousness; We are made in his likeness, by God and for God. Jesus is virtue, morality, justice, decency, honesty, loving, forgiving, humble, etc. Through Jesus the righteousness of God is revealed. Jesus is the only way, truth, and life.

8.    It is the affirmation of Faith; When we share the gospel, it is the love of Jesus being portrayed through us by Him. It is His love for us, that is in us, that we want to share His Gospel out of our love and obedience to Him.

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.": How is God’s righteousness revealed to non-believers? Do they one day wake up and presto they have the Gospel all figured out? Do they hear about it from a believer? Do they pick up the Bible and start reading, and the Good News is revealed to them by the Holy Spirit? Is it by going to church and Bible studies? The answer is yes to all the above and it might take all of the above to bring a non-believer to that saving Faith. Habakkuk figured out that it was by faith we are saved. Habakkuk 2:4 NKJV "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith. You see it takes the faith of a believer to share the Gospel and it also take the faith of the recipient to come to Jesus. The non-believer has to have faith in what the believer is witnessing and testifying to in order to place his faith in what Jesus did on the Cross for us. Without Faith, we are lost.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,

 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Unless you are Born Again, you cannot enter into Heaven, the Kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill

Last Week’s Trivia: Is it possible that stones and rocks can talk??????

Answer: Luke 19:37-40 NLT When He reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of His followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.  38 "Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!"  39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, "Teacher, rebuke Your followers for saying things like that!"  40 He replied, "If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!"

This week’s Trivia: Did Abraham find favor with God through obedience?

11-16-2011 Vol. 6 Part 3 Book of Romans (Romans 1:8-15)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the above title and when the Google Document window opens click on the word "File" under the word Google.

Book of Romans

11-16-2011 Vol. 6 Part 3

Psalms 51:1-10 NKJV To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David When Nathan the Prophet Went to Him, After He Had Gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (What a great confession to God our Father from David. I know it isn’t the grand flowery words we say when talking to God, it is the sincerity of our heart that makes our confessions heard, but I wish the words would flow from my heart like they did from David.) Father we praise you, we give you all the glory. Father God, some of us, maybe most of us can’t talk and pray to you like David, but we know you hear our words as if they are coming out of David’s mouth. Look deep within our hearts and if they aren’t sincere, I pray that you touch our hearts and remove the obstacles that are hindering a closer relationship with you Jesus. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth we pray! Amen!

Romans 1:8-15

Romans 1:8-15 NKJV First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.  9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,  10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.  11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.  13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.  14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.  15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Before I get started, I want to give you a few details about Paul. Years after writing Romans Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon while he was in prison in Rome. Paul had a great passion for the Gospel and the churches that he started. He would get word from a messenger about situations that were going on at some of the previous towns he visited and was compelled to write letters and send back to the church to get the people back on the right track. Paul was a definite servant of Jesus with the zeal of a prophet, mind of a teacher, determination of an apostle, and the heart of a shepherd that cared for his brothers and sisters.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world: Does this verse give you a clue that Paul had a personal relationship with God. He is stating that he, “is thanking his God.” Stop and think how you pray, do you address God as your God, or do you start praying or thanking Him without making it personal. Why is Paul saying, “through Jesus Christ?” It is because through Jesus that we can call God our Father. It is through Jesus Christ and what he did on the cross at Calvary that we can call God our Father or my God. When we come to Jesus and admit we are sinners, confess our sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive us, vow to turn from sin, and ask Jesus to come into our hearts to live and rule within us, then we are adopted into God’s holy family. That is what Paul is referring to when he says, “through Jesus Christ.”

There must have been some great things going on in Rome for Paul to mention that their faith was spoken of throughout the whole world. They must have been walking and demonstrating their faith daily. What a great compliment this was to be recognized by the world for their faith. How many churches today are recognized by their faith and daily walk with God. Do you know of any churches in your community that is recognized for faith. Thinking about this for a minute I can remember churches recognized for their quick Sunday service; go to such and such church you are in and out in half an hour and you have your religious duty done for the week. Some churches may be known by a yearly activity like a Biblical play, or some known for an un-liked minister, or churches with discord among the congregation, but I can’t really say that I know of any, known for their faith. That’s got to be real disheartening to Jesus. What good is it if we know what the Bible teaches, but don’t practice it? Is Jesus looking down on us saying, what a bunch of hypocrites?

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers: Paul is declaring here that God is his witness since he is serving Him with his spirit which is united in Jesus. Scripture tells us we are united in Jesus, Jesus is in us and in God, and God is in Jesus. This all happens when we have that spiritual birth. John 14:17-20 NKJV the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.  18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.  19 "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.  20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. Reading all the letters that Paul wrote you know that Paul was a Prayer Warrior. Here he is stating that he constantly prays to God, his God for the believers in Rome. Paul doesn’t even know them, but he is praying for them constantly. Just to make sure the recipients know how sincere he is about them Paul states that he prays, “without ceasing” and “always”. Part of being a servant is praying for our fellow believers just like Jesus did. We pray that they can continue to stand firm in their faith and not give in to their fleshly desires, things of the world, and Satan’s temptations. We pray that their roots go deep into Jesus so that when something comes along in their life they will be able to discern truth from false teachings.  John 17:9 NKJV "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.  John 17:20 NKJV "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;

making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you: Paul is making a request to go to Rome from God. He is coming boldly before God and asking to go to Rome. There is nothing wrong in being bold and asking God for things and if God thinks we can handle the request we will be granted it, because we all know, “Father knows best.” Hebrews 4:16 NKJV Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Paul is asking, but is in total submission to God’s will. This verse also tells me that Paul is patient and will only go to Rome when God dictates that he does, even though Paul has a plan that he would like to execute. Paul is thinking of going to Spain and stopping at Rome for a while on his way to Spain. Paul reveals this to us in chapter 15. Romans 15:24 NKJV whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established,  that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.  I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.  So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Verses 11 – 15 Paul is telling the Romans why he wants to come, why he hasn’t been able to come, and that he is coming for all believers not just the Jews. He starts out saying he wants to, “impart some spiritual gifts.” What are these spiritual gifts? Are they gifts of the Holy Spirit, gifts of the Gospel, or what? It could be the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues or some of the other spiritual gifts that are listed in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. But what Paul is actually talking about is the Gospel, because he is referring to them and himself being edified by their mutual faith in Jesus Christ. Paul wants to make sure they are rooted deeply in their faith by him preaching the Gospel to them. By fellowshipping with them, Paul will be reassured that they are in the right Gospel and their faith is in Jesus and what He did on the Cross. If Paul can be assured they are abiding by the true Gospel he will be encouraged knowing they all share a mutual faith. Paul had a passion for new believers and wanted to make sure a false shepherd didn’t come by and lead them astray before they were solid in their faith. That’s what happened in Galatia, the new believers were being led astray by a false prophet. Galatians 1:6-7 NKJV I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,  7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

Paul’s next sentence he is back explaining why he hasn’t made it to Rome yet. He has a great desire to get to Rome, but it seemed there was always something hindering his journey to Rome. Why was Paul so anxious to get to Rome? It was because God told him that he would go there and preach the word. Acts 23:11 NKJV But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome." Paul kept getting delayed due to various reasons. God had some unfinished business in Asia Minor and Greece for Paul to do Romans 15:19-23; Satan had detained him, 1 Thessalonians 2:18 NKJV Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us; he was being led by the Holy Spirit to other regions, Acts 16:6-7 NKJV Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.  7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.  Acts 16:9-10 NKJV And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."  10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. So as you can see Paul was a very obedient servant/bondservant to Jesus.

Paul does get to Rome, but not the way he anticipated. He was delivered to Rome as a prisoner in chains. The chains didn’t bother Paul at all, because he preached the Gospel to the Roman officials and guards. It didn’t matter who you were, Paul preached the Gospel to all, Jew, Gentile, wise, unwise, barbarians, etc. If you were within ear shot of Paul’s voice, you would be preached to. He actually looked at the chains as being a blessing because he wrote a letter to the Philippians stating that his chains furthered the Gospel. He considered himself as being chained to Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:12-14 NKJV But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,  13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;  14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

The last thing Paul states is that he wants to have some fruit among them. There is controversy on what Paul was actually meaning, but to me it is the fruit of preaching the Gospel and saving souls and nothing else. It is plain as night and day when you read the following verse. Jesus told the Apostles to go and bear fruit and that is what Paul is referring to. John 15:16 NKJV  You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Paul’s leadership is summed up this way: He loved the Christians in Rome; He prayed for them even though he hadn’t met them; He had a plan to get to Rome, but submitted it to God; He was persistent, even though his plans often changed; He was patient, obedient, and trusting in God’s purpose; and He was passionate about peoples spiritual needs.

If we had just a fraction of Paul’s commitment to Jesus, this world would be a much better place to live.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

 for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,

 for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth,

Unless you are Born Again, you cannot enter into Heaven, the Kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill

Last Week’s Trivia: Why did Paul call himself the least of the Apostles?

Answer: Paul called himself the least because he persecuted Jesus saints. 1 Corinthians 15:9 NLT  For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I'm not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God's church.

This week’s Trivia: Is it possible that stones and rocks can talk??????

11-9-2011 Vol. 6 Part 2 Book of Romans (Romans 1:1-7)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the above title and when the Google Document window opens click on the word "File" under the word Google.

Book of Romans

11-9-2011 Vol. 6 Part 2

Psalms 50:14-23 NKJV Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to declare My statutes, Or take My covenant in your mouth, Seeing you hate instruction And cast My words behind you? When you saw a thief, you consented with him, And have been a partaker with adulterers. You give your mouth to evil, And your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother's son. These things you have done, and I kept silent; You thought that I was altogether like you; But I will rebuke you, And set them in order before your eyes. "Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces, And there be none to deliver: Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God." Father we praise your name, we give you all the glory. Father God I ask that you bless us and our loved ones this upcoming holiday season. Touch our hearts and turn our thoughts toward Jesus your son as we go about the business of the season.   In Jesus name we pray! Amen!

Romans 1:1-7

Romans 1:1-7 NKJV Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God  2  which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,  3  concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,  4  and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.  5  Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,  6  among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;  7  To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The book of Romans is referred to by some as the Constitution of Christianity, and by the time we get done with this book of the bible I think you will have to agree. In the days when Paul was evangelizing, Rome was like a pot of burgoo. Every class of people were present from all countries. Over six hundred thousand of the 2 million people were slaves owned by citizens who were themselves ruled by an often corrupt class of military and political leaders. Nero was the Roman ruler and he was one of the cruelest persecutors of Christianity. He even had his own mother killed. So for someone to go to Rome to spread the news of the Gospel of Jesus, could and probably was sure death for that individual. In fact that is where Paul and Peter were martyred.

Paul’s opening verse establishes his credibility since he hadn’t been to Rome yet, but had a great yearning to get there. He uses three words to describe his relationship with God and his dedication to the ministry, bondservant, apostle, and separated.

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ: Knowing what Rome was like, then Paul’s opening statement in his book of himself being a bondservant of Jesus Christ, states the dedication Paul has to Jesus and the spreading of the Gospel. By using the term bondservant the people could relate to his calling since there were so many slaves in Rome and the people were slaves to the government.  A bondservant, is translated from the Greek work “doulos”, it is defined as a slave; one who is subjected to the authority of another that will lay down their life for them or what they believe in. A slave in that time period was set free after seven years of service. Often if the slave had a better life with their master than what they would have out on their own, the slave could go to the master and ask to become a lifelong servant. The master would then pierce the lobe of the servant’s ear, identifying that person as his property. Paul makes a similar claim in Galatians 6:17 NKJV From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. If you know anything about Paul’s life after he became an Apostle, he was beaten many times and had the scares to prove his Christ-like life. He describes his scared body like Jesus scared body with lash marks, thorn marks, nail marks and spear marks. Many of the OT patriarchs are referred to as servants. Abraham in Genesis 26:24; Moses in Joshua 14:7; Joshua in Joshua 24:29; David in Psalms 89:3; Isaiah in Isaiah 20:3; and many more.

called to be an apostle: The next thing Paul identifies himself as is an “apostle”. Apostle is defined as a person chosen to execute some important business, such as the disciples of Christ commissioned to preach the gospel. The word called is very appropriate in Paul’s calling just like the other Apostles of Jesus since Jesus choose/called them and commissioned them to the spreading of the Gospel.

separated to the gospel of God: This phrase is used by Paul signifying that God had set him apart from mankind to be his servant right at birth, Galatians 1:15-16 NKJV But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles. Jesus tells Ananias that Paul is set apart. Acts 9:15 NKJV But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. In the church of Antioch the Holy Spirit reveals the setting apart of Paul. Acts 13:2 NKJV As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So using the term separated is most fitting for Paul to describe his servant role since the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all make the same claim for Paul. When a person has a spiritual birth, they are separated from the world and have the assurance from God they are adopted into his family.

which He promised (Jesus) before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures: This verse is stating the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ, that was God’s plan before the beginning of time. God revealed his plan to the prophets of the OT, as did Jesus in his teachings to his disciples. Jesus and the authors of the NT frequently referred back to what the prophets of the OT preached. Jesus mentions many times to the Pharisees about the OT scripture and asks them if they have forgotten what is says. Luke 24:26-27 NKJV Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Titus 1:2 NKJV in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. We live by the NT, but the OT is hidden within the NT as is the NT is hidden in the OT.

concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,  4  and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Here again Paul gives the people of Rome assurance that he is authentic and that his teachings are of sound nature by referring again to the OT in the fact that the Messiah would come from the linage of David and in human form. Isaiah 11:1-2 NKJV There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

Paul goes on to say in verse four that Jesus was all powerful because He was the Son of God and possessed the Spirit of Holiness. He possessed the Spirit of Holiness being part of the Trinity. Jesus has the power over sins pull which He demonstrated during His 40 days in the wilderness where Satan tempted Him. He defeated sin when He rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. By His power He has made it possible for all who desire, to have eternal life by putting their faith in Him. John 10:18 NKJV No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."

Paul also points out Jesus humanity and deity in verses 3 & 4. Often times scripture does this, but we just gloss over it not making the connection, for example.

Christ’s Humanity	Christ’s Diety
Verse 3 “born”	Verse 4 “declared to be”
Verse 3 “according to the flesh”	Verse 4 “according to the Spirit of holiness”
Verse 3 “the seed of David”	Verse 4 “the Resurrection from the dead”
Isaiah 9:6 “a Child is born”	Isaiah 9:6 “a Son is given”
Galatians 4:4 “born under the law”	Galatians 4:4 “God sent forth His Son”

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name: What Paul is conveying here in his opening statements is that we can’t do anything without the Grace of God Almighty. Take Paul’s previous life, he was a sinner, a persecutor, and a murderer of Jesus followers, and Paul admits this in this statement, “1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” But by the saving power of Jesus Christ, Paul was converted into a believer, an apostle, an obedient servant to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ into all nations. Acts 9:15 NKJV But the Lord said to him (Ananias), “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.”

among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;  7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Starting verse 6 Paul is addressing the recipients of his letter by telling them that they, and he, are of one accord, called, beloved, saints, believers of Jesus Christ. What does verse six mean? Who is Paul referring to? In the NT epistles it is referring to anyone that is saved; Born Again. In verse seven the phrase, “beloved of God”, is also referring to fellow believers. Beloved, what a grand expression of love, it means loved, greatly loved, dear to the heart. That is what believers are in God’s  eyes, dear to His heart. Let the words, “Beloved of God” sink into your spirit. If those three words don’t give you comfort and peace of mind nothing will.

Called to be saints is referring also to Born Again believers. The two words “to be” was not in the original script of Paul’s. The Bible is referring to believers that come to Christ and they give their life of service to Jesus. That is what a saint is in the Bible. Saint refers to “to be set apart or holy.” The word never refers to a spiritual condition, but always to a spiritual position. One is a saint not because of extraordinary behavior, but because of God’s love and call. Due to our human nature we do not act saintly all the time, but in God’s eyes we are saints, provided we have had a Spiritual Birth.

Paul has gone into a great amount of detail in his opening statements to the Romans. If he, or any of the other apostles hadn’t been to Rome yet, then how did it happen that there were believers in Rome? Did Jesus come down there and appear or what? Here is what I think happened. Rome and Jerusalem were hubs and people came and went all the time. It makes a statement in Acts at Pentecost time there were visitor there for the Feast of Pentecost. I think people were saved at that time and then went back home to Rome and spread the news of the Gospel. Acts 2:5 NKJV And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. Acts 2:10 NKJV Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes. So I think this is why Paul was so eager to go to Rome, to make sure those that believed could get deeply rooted in the New Covenant and get started out in the right beliefs.

In these seven verses Paul has made claim that Jesus has captured his heart, he is a bondservant being totally committed to God and God’s people, that Jesus is Holy, scripture is holy, and believers are holy, he is dedicated to the great commission, and that he is captivated by God’s grace.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

 for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,

 for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth,

Unless you are Born Again, you cannot enter into Heaven, the Kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill

Last Week’s Trivia: Why did Judas betray Jesus?

Answer: John 12:4-6 NKJV But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. Jesus tells us we cannot worship God and mammon. Matthew 6:24 NKJV "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Judas love for Jesus left him at some point of time and greed set in, causing him to love money instead of his Creator. Are we guilty of this?

This week’s Trivia: Why did Paul call himself the least of the Apostles?

11-2-2011 Vol. 6 Part 1 Book of Romans (Introduction)

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Book of Romans

11-2-2011 Vol. 6 Part 1

Psalms 49:10-20 NLT Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever. They may name their estates after themselves, but their fame will not last. They will die, just like animals. This is the fate of fools, though they are remembered as being wise. Like sheep, they are led to the grave, where death will be their shepherd. In the morning the godly will rule over them. Their bodies will rot in the grave, far from their grand estates. But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave. So don't be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success. But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don't understand; they will die, just like animals. Father we praise your name, we give you all the glory. Jesus I ask that you bless the readers of these lessons and that you be with me so that I can present these messages in a fashion that is understandable. I also ask that you reveal anything we need to do to prepare for this winter season so that we aren’t caught off guard. I pray for those on the east coast that are receiving snow this weekend that none are stranded.   In Jesus name we pray! Amen!

Introduction

Why study the book of Romans you ask? It isn’t one of the Gospels, it is just a book written by someone that is not one of Jesus apostles. He wasn’t chosen by Jesus when the twelve were chosen. He wasn’t with Jesus for 3 years like the twelve were, or in the upper room when Jesus breathed on them and they received the Holy Spirit, so how can we believe what he has written.

First of all Paul was an educated man and a student of Jewish law. He knew the laws as well as anyone in that time period. In fact he knew the law so well that he was convinced that Jesus wasn’t the Messiah and what the apostles were preaching had to be stopped in his eyes. Paul stood by and approved of Stephens stoning, he was a thorn in the Christians side. Acts 8:3 NKJV As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Paul was so sure of himself he would seek petitions from the high priest to seek out and arrest believers. Acts 9:1-2 NKJV  Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest  2  and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Ananias also made a statement concerning Paul’s mission toward the Christians. Acts 9:13 NKJV Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.

Second of all, Paul was chosen by Jesus. On his way to Damascus Jesus struck Paul blind and spoke to him. When Paul arrived in Damascus he was given his sight back by Ananias who then spoke to him about Jesus and Paul believed and was baptized. You can read about Paul’s conversion in Acts Chapter 9 Paul was chosen by Jesus to go out and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. I’m thankful that he was so obedient and did so. Acts 9:15 NKJV But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

I don’t know the answer to this question, but I think his name will be on one of the foundations of the New Jerusalem since he was chosen by Jesus. What do you think? The apostle that replaced Judas was chosen by the other apostles. Someday I will see the answer for myself when I get to Heaven. Revelation 21:14 NKJV Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

I admire Paul and all that he did for us. He was a real soldier for Jesus. He suffered through many persecutions, but never once lost his faith in Jesus. He wrote 13 of the New Testament books with the Book of Romans being his masterpiece. The book of Romans was written in 57 A.D. and is one of Paul’s longest, most theological and influential letters. The book of Romans is a flagship of all his other letters. Romans’ takes all the other books of the New Testament and rolls them all together for a systematic approach to what Christianity is all about. It supports the Old Testament and Prophecies. It deals with many of the deepest problems of Christian thought. It gives solid answers to our questions. It give your mind a good workout with every verse, phrase, or word. It explains the meaning of the Cross for the believer’s life. While explaining why Jesus died for all of humanity, Paul clarifies the core concept of what Christian faith is: sin and righteousness, faith and works, justification and election. The book contains Christian doctrine that details with who, what, where, when, and why of Christianity:

•       A detailed description of mans sinfulness, the problem with sin, and humanity’s need of righteousness is universal and applies to all 1:18 – 3:20.
•       A discussion of justification by faith 3:21 – 4:25, and a clear interpretation of the death of Jesus 3:24-26.
•       The doctrine of reconciliation, sin, grace, and assurance of salvation in chapter 5.
•       The doctrine of sanctification in chapter 6 and 7.
•       The doctrine of security through our adoption as God’s children and our new life through the leading of the Holy Spirit resulting in glorification, chapter 8.
•       The doctrine of election pertaining to Israel’s disbelief and the destiny of God’s people chapter 9 - 11.
•       The doctrine of living a new transformed life as a result of being Born Again and how Christians are to live their new life pertaining to all areas of behavior; Christ like, social, and moral in chapters 12 – 14 and to be prepared for the second coming of Christ.
•       In chapters 15 and 16 tells of his personal plans, a list of personal greets, and the closing of the letter.

 Also in the book of Romans we will discover the prime secrets of Spiritual life like:

•           The reality of sin and the extent to which it has damaged our lives.
•           What is means to be redeemed and related to God.
•           How to be filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit.
•           How to live a holy life through identification with Jesus.
•           How to live a life of loyalty, love, and obedience to Jesus.
•            How to know Jesus and love Him with all of your heart.

 Why is the book of Romans placed where it is in the Bible? After all it was written after the other epistles. It is because it is a great summary of what the Gospels are all about along with the actions of the Apostles in the book of Acts. It explains in great detail what sin is about, what we have to do to receive God’s grace, and how we are to live our lives in a nutshell. If the book of Romans was the only book of the Bible you had and you studied it very closely, you would know what salvation is all about. I would venture to say that the book of Romans has led more people to Jesus that any other book in the Bible. Romans 1:16-17 NKJV For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (meaning Gentile). 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." Paul learned this great truth about faith from Habakkuk 2:4 NKJV "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

Three expressions of the Gospel are found in Romans:

·         “The Gospel of God”, indicates Source. Romans 1:1 NKJV Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God

·         “The Gospel of Christ”, indicates Subject. Romans 1:16 NKJV For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

·         “My (Paul’s) Gospel”, indicates Servant. Romans 2:16 NKJV in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

If the book of Romans was fully understood by all people, this world wouldn’t be in the shape it is today.

Next week we will start with chapter one. I pray that I can present this book in a manner for all to understand and have a deeper understanding of who we are, why we are the way we are, and how to foster a much deeper relationship with Jesus.

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God!

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth,

Unless you are Born Again, you cannot enter into Heaven, the Kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill

Last Week’s Trivia: Where in the Bible can we find Paul rebuking Peter, and why?

Answer: Galatians 2:11-21 is the answer. Peter was associating with the Gentiles until some Jewish brothers showed up on the scene and then Peter would no longer associate with them for fear of criticism. Paul goes on and points out that Peter is sending mixed messages and that he was wrong in what he was doing. Paul asks if he is living according to law or faith in Jesus. Galatians 2:11-21 NLT But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn't eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. As a result, other Jewish Christians followed Peter's hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, "Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions? "You and I are Jews by birth, not 'sinners' like the Gentiles. Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law." But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

This week’s Trivia: Why did Judas betray Jesus?