1-25-2012 Vol. 6 Part 11 Book of Romans (Romans 3:3-8)

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

1-25-2012 Vol. 6 Part 11

Psalms 56:1-13 NKJV To the Chief Musician. Set to "The Silent Dove in Distant Lands." a Michtam of David When the Philistines Captured Him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me. My enemies would hound me all day, For there are many who fight against me, O Most High. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? All day they twist my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. They gather together, They hide, they mark my steps, When they lie in wait for my life. Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God! You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me. In God (I will praise His word), In the LORD (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You, For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living? Father we praise you, we give you all the glory. I ask that you remove the veil from our hearts so that we can see the truth that your Holy Word teaches. Turn the light bulb on in our mind so that we can understand and put into practice your laws and not our self righteous laws. In the name of Jesus of we pray! Amen!

Romans 3:3-8

Romans 3:3-8 NKJV For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?  4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "THAT YOU MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR WORDS, AND MAY OVERCOME WHEN YOU ARE JUDGED."  5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.)  6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?  7 For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?  8 And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come"?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

In this lesson Paul deals with man’s unfaithfulness, unrighteousness, and untruthfulness compared to God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and truthfulness. Now days you hear people say God is all about love and he will forgive me no matter what I do. It doesn’t matter how I live God will forgive me. When people say and act this way they are playing with spiritual fire. God is forgiving, but he is also just and will judge us according to our disobedient self centered life style. Throughout this lesson and the ones to follow please do this, every time scripture refers to Jewish people or religious Jews, insert yourself or your religious heritage. Don’t just read the Bible as a text book, put yourself in the place of the people, the Apostles are preaching to. What applied over 2,000 years ago, applies today.

As stated in earlier lessons where Paul points out to us and the Jewish people of his day, just because they are Jews or we belong to a certain religion, doesn’t mean we have diplomatic immunity in God’s eyes Romans 2:17-29. For example: Several years ago a twenty-one year old son of one of the European ambassadors to the United States struck and killed a middle aged working woman with his car. He was charged with murder, but when he claimed diplomatic immunity, the charges were dropped. He had been arrested four times in the previous thirty months. Each time, he claimed diplomatic immunity and was released. We can claim immunity/justification of our sins here on earth all we want, but when we stand before our Lord Jesus Christ and our life flashes before our eyes, and Jesus puts his hand to his chin and goes, hmmmm, let’s see? You use my name in vain, you use foul language, you pray to others to intercede for you, you don’t keep the Sabbath, you don’t respect your spouse, you lie, you steal, you commit fornication, you’re an adulterer, you gossip, you covet, etc. Then He walks over and looks in the Lambs Book of Life and then walks back to you and looks you square in the eye and says your name is not in the Book, therefore you are guilty. You can say but, but, but and it will have no effect on your sentence.

In this week’s verses Paul deals with three issues before the Jews even asked any questions, because he knew what they were thinking. The three issues being, God and mans perspective of faithfulness, righteousness, and truthfulness.

Romans 3-4; Faithfulness: Let’s say a young person is given the opportunity to attend a prestigious college due to his parents, who he knows, money no object, and many people would like to go to this college but can’t because of certain stipulations. As a result this young person fails because he didn’t apply himself. This is exactly what was going on with the Jewish people. This young person and the Jewish people were unfaithful to their heritage and all that was promised and provided to them.

Verse three stated in another version helps us to understand what is being said. Romans 3:3 NLT  True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? Paul is speaking of the religious Jews who were unfaithful to what God had entrusted to them by not being transformed by the truths of the Holy Scriptures. Paul is anticipating they will accuse him of saying that God has abandoned them. Paul answers them with verse four stating absolutely not. God is true to His word, man isn’t true to his word, but you can bank on God being true to His words.

Paul uses the words of King David in Psalm 51:4 as an example of God’s faithfulness. Paul knew the Jews would recognize these words of their most famous king. When David realizes that he had sinned by sleeping with Bathsheba and then having Uriah killed (2 Samuel chapters 11 & 12) he confessed his sins to God, instead of accusing God of lying. Psalms 51:4 NKJV 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.

The Old Testament is full of testimonies of God’s faithfulness:

Psalms 89:34-35 NKJV My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.  35 Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David:

Isaiah 11:5 NKJV Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist.

Numbers 23:19 NKJV "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Psalms 119:90 NKJV Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides.

Romans 5-6; Righteousness: In verses 5 the thought is that mans unrighteousness will make God’s righteousness stand out more. Of course this is mans reasoning, which is totally wrong. If we act this way, God’s judgment will be poured out on us. God will fulfill his promises to believers and bring his vengeance upon unbelievers. Man can make up many forms of excuses in order to justify his sinfulness. Some people reason that if sin abounds then God will pour out his grace more abundantly. This is far from the truth, in fact, when sin abounds, it only leads to spiritual death. Romans 5:20-21 NKJV Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,  21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:1-2 NKJV What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?  2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Paul answers verse 5 with verse 6, “certainly not”. God is just and will judge the world according to His standards and not mans standards. He will judge believers and unbelievers and give us what we deserve according to what we do with our life here on earth. Genesis 18:25 NKJV Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"

Romans 7-8; Truthfulness: Verse 7 is another form of reasoning like verse 5. It is another form of justification. When we read verse 7 we think to ourselves, how silly is this statement, but it is very much alive today. People think doing something evil, good will come as a result. For instance; the mercy killer believes it is ok to kill to alleviate pain; the abortionist believes it is ok to kill, to spare a child from a difficult life; the gambling proponent justifies the financial ruin of some to subsidize education; the racists would drive the Jews from Europe in order to fulfill God’s prophecy of returning them to their homeland. This type of reasoning will creep into us if we are not vigilant and this is why we need to study God’s word and not just read it.

Here again verse 8 is very similar to verse 5. The reasoning in verse 8 is, if sin abounded, grace abound much more. This comes from Romans 5:20 NKJV Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more. People were twisting the facts thinking that by sinning more, they would receive more of God’s grace. The actually meaning is that God’s commandments came into being to show us what sin is and when a person comes to realize he is sinning against God, repents, asks forgiveness, and turns their lives over to Jesus, Gods grace will abound over the sin nature.

Anyone thinking the following; doing evil more good will come their way; or if evil in our self and in others does not distress us; or if we take the transgressions of God’s commandments lightly, then we have to ask ourselves this, am I a Christian? A Christian will hate sin, repudiate sin, fight against sin, and strive for righteousness. The end does not justify the means when the means is sin, evil, or unrighteousness of any kind. Paul ultimately is saying to the Jews, “your sin is not justifiable in any way.

Many people don’t worry about sin because they think, it's God's job to forgive, He is so loving that He won't judge, and that He has changed over time. But God hasn’t changed.  Hebrews 13:8 NKJV Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It is far too easy to take God's grace for granted. But God cannot overlook sin. No matter how many excuses we make, sinners will have to answer to God for their sin.

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: How old is this expression? Apple of my eye.

Answer: The first place it is found in the Bible is in Deuteronomy. So how old exactly, let’s just say old.

Deuteronomy 32:10   "He found him in a desert land And in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.

Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,

Proverbs 7:2 Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye.

Zechariah 2:8 For thus says the LORD of hosts: "He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.

This week’s Trivia: Do you remember the story about Elijah, the lady, and her son and there was just enough flour and oil for one last meal. 1 Kings 17:11-16 What do you harvest from this story?

Verse List:

Faithfulness:

Joshua 23:14

2 Timothy 2:13

James 1:17

Righteousness:

Jude 1:4

Psalm 9:8

John 16:8

Truthfulness:

Proverb 12:19

Deuteronomy 32:4

John 14:6

1-18-2012 Vol. 6 Part 10 Book of Romans (Romans 3:1-2)

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

1-18-2012 Vol. 6 Part 10

Psalms 55:17-23 NKJV Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me. God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah. Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God. He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You. Father we praise you, we give you all the glory. We thank you for all you provide to us. We ask for your warm embrace that gives us the assurance that we are right with you and ask that you touch and change the hearts of our loved ones that don’t know you like they should.  In the name of Jesus of we pray! Amen!

Romans 3:1-2

Romans 3:1-2 NKJV What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?  2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.

Paul has really brought to light many truths of what God has stated in His Holy Word. He has put conviction on the Jews of his time and also convicted us of the same things. The things Paul has stated are very true and some of them are hard to swallow. All of us, pagan Gentiles, humanitarians, and religious people, are condemned by our own actions. The law, which God gave to show the way to live, holds up our evil deeds to public view. Yes, says Paul. The law condemns us, it is true, but the law is not the basis of our hope. God himself is. He, in his righteousness and wonderful love, offers us eternal life. We receive our salvation not through law but through faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot earn it; we accept it as a gift from our loving heavenly Father. If you agree with the things that have been stated in chapters 1 & 2, then I would say you are living for Jesus, but if you disagree and have had conviction placed upon you by God’s word, then you may not be in a relationship with Jesus like you should be. Please take some time and do some real deep down soul searching and listen to that voice within you and what it is saying. Sometimes we have a hard time admitting we are wrong, I know I do, so don’t put off your total trust in Jesus today thinking you have time, because we don’t control our time here on earth.

Verses 1-2: Paul starts out with a question that the Jews were thinking and wondering what is the advantage of being a Jew or even participating in the rite of circumcision? He explains to them that God had chosen them to be the guardians of His oracles. There is no other honor higher than to be chosen as God’s people and then be trusted with the scriptures. The privilege associated with the Word of God is best expressed within the Word of God. The Word of God is our Salvation Survival Kit. It reveals to us the way to salvation in two ways:

1.    What the Word of God does to us.

2.    How the Word of God is like a picture book.

We are converted:

Psalms 19:7 NKJV The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

1 Peter 1:23 NKJV having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,

James 1:18 NKJV Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

John 20:30-31 NKJV And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;  31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

2 Timothy 3:15 NKJV and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

We are convicted:

2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

We are cleansed:

John 17:17 NKJV Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Psalms 119:9 NKJV How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

We are comforted:

Romans 15:4 NKJV For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

We are counseled:

Psalms 19:7-8 NKJV The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;  8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

We are corrected:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,  17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Word of God is seed:

1 Peter 1:23 NKJV having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,

1 John 3:9 NKJV Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

The Word of God is a mirror:

James 1:22-24 NKJV But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;  24  for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

The Word of God is body armor:

Ephesians 6:11-13 NKJV Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

The Word of God is a girdle:

Ephesians 6:14 NKJV Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth……

The Word of God is a breastplate:

Ephesians 6:14 NKJV …… having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

The Word of God is shoes:

Ephesians 6:15 NKJV and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

The Word of God is a shield:

Ephesians 6:16 NKJV above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

The Word of God is a helmet:

Ephesians 6:17 NKJV And take the helmet of salvation,…….

The Word of God is a sword:

Ephesians 6:17 NKJV ……… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Word of God is a hammer:

Jeremiah 23:29 NKJV "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, "And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

The Word of God is a lamp:

Psalms 119:105 NKJV Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

2 Peter 1:19 NKJV And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

The Word of God is milk:

1 Peter 2:2 NKJV as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

Hebrews 5:12-13 NKJV For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.  13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 

The Word of God is solid food:

Hebrews 5:14 NKJV But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The Word of God is a fire:

Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

Luke 24:32 NKJV And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"

This is just a sampling of what the Bible contains for us. The Bible holds all the answers for our life here on earth. If read and studied it will show you the way to Jesus in a very intimate way.

The organization that has promoted Bible reading throughout our society is Gideon’s International. In1985, they produced this statement concerning the Word of God:

The Bible-it contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is the grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

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: Can man tame all things?

Answer: We can tame all things but the one thing we cannot tame is ourselves, meaning our tongue. James 3:7-8 NKJV For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.  8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. If we could tame out tongue, love would overflow here on earth.

This week’s Trivia: How old is this expression? Apple of my eye.

Verse List:

Exodus 19:6

Deuteronomy 10:14, 15

Psalm 135:4

Amos 3:2

Deuteronomy 32:10

Psalm 17:8

Romans 9:4, 5

1-11-2012 Vol. 6 Part 9 Book of Romans (Romans 2:25-29)

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

1-11-2012 Vol. 6 Part 9

Psalms 55:8-16 NKJV I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest."  9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.  10 Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.  11 Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.  12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him.  13 But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.  14 We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.  15 Let death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.  16 As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me. Father we praise you, we give you all the glory. We thank you for all you provide to us. I ask that you pour out your wisdom to those that read this message of yours and shower us with your loving-kindness in all we do. In the name of Jesus of we pray! Amen!

Romans 2:25-29

Romans 2:25-29 NKJV For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.  26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?  27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law?  28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;  29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

Religious Rituals: What are they? What do they mean? What is there origin? Are current day rituals biblical? Do they hold meaning in modern day times? Why do we do them? Are modern day rituals from God, or has man came up with them to satisfy his human desire. Have we done what is stated in Romans 1:21-23 ……And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

Lots of questions as to why we do the things we do when we go to church or practice the religion we are involved in. Questions like these are what we should be asking ourselves concerning the religion we practice. Our religious customs have been handed down to us from generation to generation. In studying the Bible and especially the last lesson I can see a correlation in what the Jewish people practiced over 2,000 years ago and how certain denominations are very ritualistic today. The Jewish people were very ritualistic in the Old Testament. It was all about ritual and they adjusted their customs/laws to fit the need, like on the Sabbath they could only carry a certain weight, or couldn’t walk over a certain distance, or spit on the ground because they would be making mud and it was forbidden to work. The Jewish people were caught up in the rituals of their religion. They placed their faith in their religion meaning their laws and ceremonial rituals. Paul points out to them and us that religious heritage (what is handed down to us from previous generations), religious claims (knowing Gods word), and religious associations (what denomination we belong to) will not get a person to Heaven. The Jews, like many religious people today, were confident that they were right with God because they practiced the rituals or liturgies of their faith/denomination. Using the Old Testament, Paul now shows that rituals are not sufficient to commend one to God.

Verses 25–27: Paul starts out with the ritual of circumcision and how it was being used by the Jews in them thinking that if they were circumcised they were guaranteed passage into Heaven. With this way of thinking the Jewish people figured they could live any way they wanted. They could break God’s commandments and still go to Heaven. Paul is doing a reality check here. How foolish were the beliefs of the Jewish people thinking that if they were circumcised they were living right in God’s eyes. It kinda makes ya chuckle doesn’t it, but wait, what about our modern day belief that if we are baptized as infants we will go to Heaven? It is this idea that a mere religious ordinance can profit the soul in place of a person’s spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ, that’s what Paul is condemning, then and now.

The circumcision ritual was a sign that whoever was circumcised would be a covenant member of Abraham and his descendants community, but with time it was misinterpreted by humans. Genesis 17:10-11 NKJV This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised;  11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. Paul clarifies why Abraham received this ritual of circumcision in Romans 4:11 NKJV And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also. Abraham received this covenant due to his faith in God, not by any good deeds or ritualistic act. Many people in today’s world believe that if they perform all that is required by their practiced religion, they will be made right with God.

Circumcision was more important than keeping the laws in Israel. Many rabbis taught that if you were circumcised you would go to Heaven and none would go to Hell. The second part of verse 25 Paul points out that if they didn’t obey the law they were no better off than the Gentiles. It doesn’t matter if we keep all the laws but one, we are still a transgressor in the law. James 2:10 NKJV For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. The error of the Jews has become our error. We count our church membership, our baptismal record, our denominational  affiliation, and many other things as proof that we are Christians, yet go on living a sinful life with the expectation of going to Heaven when we die. Outward signs only have meaning if there is an inward reality.

Paul goes on to point out that God will adopt anyone into His family if they obey His laws. This also holds true today. We have a merciful God and He is waiting for us to repent and ask Jesus to come into our heart. In verse 27 Paul isn’t saying the Gentiles will judge the Jews some day, but what he is saying is that God’s righteous adopted children will be present come judgment day. Matthew 12:41-42 NKJV The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.  42 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.

Verses 28-29:

In these next two verses Paul points out to the Jews and to us, that Jewishness/Christianity is not something we inherit from our parent, receive from a denominational rite, obeying laws, belonging to a certain denomination, receiving sacraments, receiving last rites, etc. In other words, it is what is in a person’s heart, it is that spiritual birth we must have that Jesus was telling Nicodemus about.  John 3:3-7 NKJV Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"  5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

Paul is trying to get through to the Jewish people to climb down from their high pedestal and start humbling themselves and seeking God. Jesus took on human form so that all might be saved if they believe in Him. This not only pertains to the Jewish people of Paul’s time, it also pertains to us today. Please don’t take what I’m about to say the wrong way. I’m not condemning the religion I grew up in, in fact if it wasn’t for my upbringing and the importance my parents put on religion I probably wouldn’t be doing these Bible studies. I left a denominational church and joined the church of Jesus Christ. The church the Bible teaches about. I’m going to use my life experience as an example so people can relate to what Paul is saying. After all Paul was a Jew and what was coming out of his mouth was condemning the Jewish people and his own past and what he was taught when he was young. I too can relate to what Paul is saying and feeling.  So here it goes, I was taught by religious instructors, nuns and priests that the Catholic denomination was the one and only true church. That if a person belonged to the Catholic denomination and received all the sacraments, they would be guaranteed passage into Heaven. Over the years I have heard this proclaimed at times by other Catholic’s. I have also heard some people of other denominations proclaim similar things. What does a proclamation of such sound like? To me it sounds like the Jewish people of Paul’s time over 2,000 years ago. If anyone thinks there is a religion that guarantees passage into Heaven they are only fooling themselves. Their minds have become dark and confused. Jesus came so that all can have a chance to be saved if they seek, ask, and knock. We have to have a spiritual birth in order to go to Heaven, no denominational doctrine will save us.

The circumcision Paul is speaking of is a circumcision of our hearts. The giving of our hearts to Jesus, so He can come in a live within us. It is the cutting away the corrupt skin that surrounds our hearts to  expose a new clean heart that Jesus can transform into a righteous one with His laws written on it. Deuteronomy 10:16 NKJV Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer. Deuteronomy 30:6 NKJV And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

A true Jewish person of Paul’s time or a true Christian of our day is one whose heart is right with God, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. A person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

Man looks at our outward appearance, but the Lord looks in the heart 1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." The praise of God can only be bestowed on those who conform internally, and not externally to his requirements. What we learn from Paul that he addressed to the Jews holds true for us today in:

1.    That the external ritual of religion from generations past, are of little importance compared to the state of the heart.

2.    That the only value of rituals is to promote holiness of heart and life, like the Commandments are to point out what sin is.

3.    That the mere fact that we are born of pious ancestors or raised up in a denomination will not save us.

4.    That the fact that we were dedicated to God in baptism will not save us.

5.    That a mere profession of religion, however orthodox may be our creed, will not save us.

6.    That the value people put on our piety is not the proper measure of our true character and standing with God.

7.    It is a privilege to be in possession of the Word of God, and our duty to be doers of the word and not just know it.

8.    It is a fearful thing to neglect Gods Word because we will be judged according to it. It will be an awful event to stand before Jesus with his word externally in hand, and not internally in our hearts.

9.    Whatever our destiny is, it is our duty to make preparation to meet God. Speculating on what our destiny may be based on our actions, religion, heritage, or status quo would be fatal. It is the duty of every individual to be at peace with God, and to flee from the wrath to come.

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: Why do some denominations hold up their hands in prayer?

Answer: To lift up the hands denotes supplication, as it was a common attitude of prayer to spread abroad the hands toward heaven. God’s word tells us to in, 1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. Here is another way to think of it. We want to be submissive to God and by raising our hands it is a show of us submitting our lives to Jesus. Another way to think about being submissive is if you are being held at gun point. Where are your hands? They are raised to signify that you are submitting to the person with the gun. Have you ever watched two strange dogs greet each other, what does one of the dogs usually do? One will invariable lay down on its back submitting its vital organs to the other dog. It is a dog’s way of submitting. Cats do the same thing. So when we stretch out our hands and arms toward Heaven, it is a form of submission to God Almighty.

This week’s Trivia: Can man tame all things?

Verse List:

Genesis 17:10-14

Romans 4:11-12

Exodus 4:24-26

Joshua 5:2-5

Galatians 5:3

James 2:10

Matthew 12:41-42

John 3:3-7

Ezekiel 33:30-32

Deuteronomy 10:16

Deuteronomy 30:6

Jeremiah 4:4

Colossians 2:11

1 Samuel 16:7

1-4-2012 Vol. 6 Part 8 Book of Romans (Romans 2:17-24)

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

1-4-2012 Vol. 6 Part 8

Psalms 55:1-7 NKJV To the Chief Musician. With Stringed Instruments. A Contemplation of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me. My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness.  Father we praise you, we give you all the glory. We thank you for all you provide to us. We thank you for this mild winter we are having so far. We ask that you bless us with good health and a kind and loving heart. In the name of Jesus of we pray! Amen!

Romans 2:17-24

Romans 2:17-24 NKJV Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God,  18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,  19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,  20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law.  21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?  22 You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?  23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?  24 For "THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU," as it is written.

This lesson tells us how it is possible to have all the right information and still apply it incorrectly and fall way short of a spiritual relationship with God. This lesson goes hand in hand with verse 13 in chapter 2 which states, “for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified.” In verses 1:18-32 Paul addressed the heathen, in 2:1-16 he addressed the hypocrites, and now in 2:17-24 he addresses the Hebrews/Israelites/Jews. Paul demonstrates that they are just as guilty before God.

Verse 17-20: Paul starts out by appealing to the Jews in who they are, what they stand for, what God has done for them, etc. His first statement to them is, “you are a Jew.” What does he mean Jew? Where did this name come from? Does it mean the same as Hebrew or Israelite? Jew originated from the tribe of Judah and came from the patriarch Judah. It was given to one belonging to the tribe of Judah or to the separate kingdom of Judah. It set this tribe apart from the other tribes. The tribe of Judah and Benjamin was preserved from the exile of captivity unlike the other ten tribes. Why was this, these two tribes were spared from captivity? The tribe of Benjamin was small in number compared to the other 11 tribes due to numerous civil wars they had with the other tribes. In fact the tribe of Benjamin was almost wiped out at one time. The first king of the Jews was Saul, a Benjamite. During this time and afterwards, a great alliance was formed with the tribe of Benjamin and Judah. See how this is starting to fit together? What tribe was the Messiah to come from? You got it, the tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:10 NKJV The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. The tribe of Benjamin was so small they probably blended in with the tribe of Judah and weren’t considered a threat or worth bothering with. The name Jew would therefore be one that would suggest the facts that they were preserved from captivity, that they had received remarkably the protection of God, and the Messiah was to be sent to them.

Originally God’s people were called Hebrew, but after the exile, all of the twelve tribes were referred to as Jews. Are you starting to see why the name “Jew” came to denote all the peculiarities and special favors of their religion and they regarded it as a name of honor, and placed themselves above all others? Galatians 2:15 NKJV We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles.

In the New Testament there are three names used to designate these people:

·         Jews, as regards their nationality, to distinguish them from Gentiles.

·         Hebrews, with regard to their language and education, to distinguish them from Hellenists, i.e., Jews who spoke the Greek language.

·         Israelites, as respects their sacred privileges as the chosen people of God. To other races we owe the splendid inheritance of modern civilization and secular culture; but the religious education of mankind has been the gift of the Jew alone.

Getting back to the rest of the verses 17-20 it doesn’t leave much explanation as to why they were the way they were. After their exile they were all classed as Jews. This gave them all a connection with their highly respected ancestor Judah, and they prided themselves of this. The name Judah meaning, “praised”.  Having a Hebrew birth, they felt favored by God and could do no wrong. They had the Holy Book in their possession, the Pentateuch plus Psalms and Proverbs and other books up until Paul’s time. They had the truth in their hands and didn’t need to go in search of the truth elsewhere. They had the wisdom of God by means of scriptures that God himself gave them and no one else on the face of the earth had. They rested on Gods laws, they knew His will and approved of what the laws stated. They were instructed out of God’s laws from generation to generation. They prided themselves in knowing the laws which resulted in them looking in a mirror and seeing themselves as a guiding light to the blind walking in darkness. They viewed themselves as instructors of the foolish and teachers of babes since they had an in with God. All of these things that God granted to the Jewish people was to draw them to Him in a closer relationship, but instead the pride of human nature intervened. Zechariah 8:23 NKJV  "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."

Just in a couple verses Paul address the character of the Jewish people of his time, they were Jewish, they boasted about it, they had God’s laws, they viewed themselves above mankind, they believed they were the guiding light, they were confident, and they viewed themselves as teachers of the laws.

Verses 21-23: After building up the Jewish people and getting their attention, Paul turns it all around and starts pointing his finger and asking point blank question of them. We all know what it feels like to be lifted up, but then when the rug is pulled out from under us our tendency it to start placing the blame elsewhere and our temperature rises.

Paul knows they are well versed in the laws, but he asks them if they teach themselves. In other words he is asking them if they practice what they preach. Matthew 23:3 NKJV  Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. He is saying to them being book smart is good, but can you apply what you know? Evidently they were stealing and didn’t even realize it. Some examples of how they were stealing may be in tithing, or not giving to Cesar what tax was due, maybe borrowing something from a neighbor without asking, cheating God out of service, worship, and thanksgiving time that is due Him, etc. Some of these same things are still happening today, like tithing to a church, cheating on income tax, borrowing without asking, only giving an hour of time each week on Sunday, downloading things off the internet, or hooking up to a utility and getting free service. Paul is making this statement just like the following ones to get the Jewish people and ourselves to do a self check, examination of conscience in hopes of repentance.

Next Paul asks if they commit adultery. He knows they do and adultery was something that was common yet they preached against it and probably engaged in stoning of those caught in the act of adultery. John 8:7-9 NKJV So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first."  8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.  9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. Paul could also be referring to spiritual adultery meaning idolatry, covetousness, and apostasy in their relationship with God. Matthew 12:39 NKJV But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. What we do know for sure is that the Jews were committing adultery, both sexual and spiritual yet teaching that is was a violation of Gods law. Again I point out the fact that Paul is addressing the Jews of his time, but also our current time and how we live. Are we adulterers, sexually and/or spiritually? Matthew 5:28 NKJV But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:32 NKJV But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. Matthew 19:9 NKJV And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."

Next Paul makes a statement that they abhor idols. Hmmmm, what does Paul mean? Wasn’t idolatry one of the main sins that separated them from God? Well it was before the Babylonian captivity, but afterwards they drilled home the fact that worshipping and praying to any person, place, or thing other than God was wrong and they had the proof of their captivity as an example. Since Paul couldn’t accuse them of idolatry, he skirted right over it and asked the question, “do you rob temples?” The KJV and the Catholic Bible I have state, “dost thou commit sacrilege?” Paul has them here because they were guilty. Sacrilege is the crime of violating or profaning sacred things, or of using them for common purposes and not what they have been devoted to be used for in a religious way. Paul is accusing them of a form of spiritual adultery. They were being abusive and withholding from God what was due Him. This the Jews did by going astray from the proper use and specifications of the offerings, and what they were designed for, God’s honor. They would bring sick, crippled, or stolen animals to be sacrificed, thinking God wouldn’t know. Malachi 1:7-8 NKJV "You offer defiled food on My altar, But say, 'In what way have we defiled You?' By saying, 'The table of the LORD is contemptible.'  8 And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?" Says the LORD of hosts. Another example is how they were using God’s temple for something other than what its purpose was. Matthew 21:12-13 NKJV Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.  13 And He said to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER,' but you have made it a 'DEN OF THIEVES.'"

Verses 23 & 24: The last two verses Paul points out to the Jewish people that they need to get their act together and to start practicing what they are teaching. They need to humble themselves and stop bringing disgrace to God by not being doers of the word. James 1:22 NKJV But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because of how the Jewish people were conducting their lives, the Gentiles were blaspheming God. They were probably saying, if their God is like them we don’t want anything to do with their God.

This holds true for us if we proclaim to be Christians. We need to practice what is printed in the Bible and not just read it like a history book. We need to be meek, humble, kind, loving, compassionate, gracious, etc. like Jesus is. I don’t know about you, but some of these lessons really make me look at my life and how I’m living, and sometimes I get conviction and have to go before God and ask for forgiveness. Many times I pray and ask God for help so that I can conduct my life in a manner like Jesus. So whenever we pick up the Bible and do some reading, we need to analyze what we are reading, and then go find a mirror and ask those hard hitting questions of our self, like Paul ask.

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: What is myrrh and where does it come from?

Answer: Myrrh: This substance is mentioned in Exodus 30:23, as one of the ingredients of the "oil of holy ointment:" in Esther 2:12, as one of the substances used in the purification of women; in Psalm 45:8; Proverb 7:17, and in several passages in Canticles, as a perfume. The Greek occurs in Matthew 2:11, among the gifts brought by the wise men to the infant Jesus, and in Mark 15:23, it is said that "wine mingled with myrrh" was offered to, but refused by, our Lord on the cross.

Myrrh was also used for embalming. See John 19:39. The Balsamodendron myrrha, which produces the myrrh of commerce, has a wood and bark which emit a strong odor; the gum which exudes from the bark is at first oily, but becomes hard by exposure to the air.

(This myrrh is in small yellowish or white globules or tears. The tree is small, with a stunted trunk, covered with light-gray bark. It is found in Arabia Felix. The myrrh of Genesis 37:25, was probably ladalzum, a highly-fragrant resin and volatile oil used as a cosmetic, and stimulative as a medicine. It is yielded by the cistus, known in Europe as the rock rose, a shrub with rose-colored flowers, growing in Palestine, and along the shores of the Mediterranean.)

This week’s Trivia: Why do some denominations hold up their hands in prayer?

Verse List:

Romans 9:3 Romans 12:1,2 Luke 6:39 Isaiah 42:6 1 Corinthians 9:27 James 3:1