When listening to Tim Keller’s lectures on how to preach, what burned in my heart is that instead of telling listeners how to apply the sermon at the end and hope that they do, that transformation of the heart must happen during the preaching. Their hearts have to be melted by the beauty of Christ so that application is already happening. That happened for me during Paige’s introductory lesson on Romans, and I so pray it did for you as well.
And so we begin! Paige gave the analogy of how when building with Legos, you don’t take just one piece out and begin, but you spread them on the floor to get a scope of what you have. So this is our getting a scope week. In case you missed it, here’s a link to watch her:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTWUMpiHQPI
We need to understand the foundation, the pillars of the book of Romans, before we begin.
Paul begins in Romans 1:16-17 with the central message:
And then, he begins to turn to diagnosis of our problem. This is a crucial pillar, for if we do not truly see what is wrong with us, we will not see the GOSPEL as truly good news. I had to look up the word “meh” she kept using! This is a dangerous attitude many have developed toward the GOSPEL:
It’s old news more than good news. It’s like when someone rudely says: “whatever,” conveying a complete lack of enthusiasm.
Romans 1-3 is meant to revive us and see the gospel as the wondrous news it is, news that makes us so thankful we want to weep, news that makes us not approach Jesus as a “tonic” for our problems, but as our Savior for our desperate daily need. This turns “meh” into “grateful joy.”
So here we go. Paige reminded us to be like the Bereans, with our Bibles open, checking eveything she says.
Questions in purple are for those who are simultaneously reviewing Revelation, for we are taking a break with Romans, but want to keep our momentum, for we will return to the second half of Revelation in November. Those doing just Romans are free to do them or skip them. It is possible to link Revelation to Romans for the Bible is all one story.
Word Document for this lesson
Sunday: Getting Started
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- Share one take-a-way from Paige’s lecture and comment.
Mon: Announcement Pillar
(Romans 1:16-17)
3. What is the thesis of Romans as stated in Romans 1:16-17? Look at it carefully and make observations.
Paige: “So often good news for us is not the righteousness of God but the usefulness of God.” We see Him as a tonic for parenting, health, money — which He can be, but miss the great Good News for we don’t really grasp our daily need. Our own Bing said the word “tonic” awakened her.
Questions preceded by a star are from Paige’s Questions for Discussion/Reflection
*4. Can you detect in yourself any “tonic” approach to Jesus? What do you most readily look to Christ for? What are you most eager for Him to do for you? What needs prompt your most immediate prayers?
5. How is Jesus Christ and His Gospel described in Revelation 1:5-7? What similarity do you see with the basis thesis of Romans?
Tues: Analysis Pillar – Part I. (Defining Sin)
(Romans 1:10-3:20)
Paige: “When there is not rejoicing over the gospel it means we aren’t grasping it.”
6. Definition of Sin: Read Romans 1:18-25
A. Make comments and observations
John Stott: “Sin is the negation of good — essence of sin is godlessness.”
B. What is the root of all sin according to this passage, which culminates in verse 25?
Tim Keller: “Idolatry is the root of all sin. Taking a good thing and making it an ultimate thing.”
C. What happens to our minds when we do not cling to God through the day but cling to idols according to verse 21?
D. Paige defined the wrath of God as anger against evil. The form it takes is handing them over to their idols. The word “Therefore” is important in Romans. How do you see it in verse 24?
E. She gave an illustration with how drowning happens. Do you remember it?
John Piper: “Sinning is any thought or feeling or action that comes from a heart that does not honor God. We talk about sin and brokenness and don’t talk about God. It’s all ultimately against God. Sin is a rejection before it is ever a transgression.”
*F. Before this study, how would you have defined sin in a conversation? Has 1:18-25 changed your understanding of sinfulness? Of your own sinfulness?
7. Analysis of our problem has to happen before there can ever be a solution. How did you see that in each of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation? Do you remember what the basic problem was in Ephesus? How does this relate to the analysis of the source of sin?
Wed: Analysis Pillar – Part II. (Dimensions of Sin)
8. Length: How long have the qualities of God been seen (and ignored) according to Romans 1:20?
9. Depth: Sin goes to the center of us: our love, our hearts, are worship. Paige said: “Worldliness is what makes sin look normal in any age and righteousness look odd.” Comments?
*10 Breadth: What are the most shocking sins erupting from sinfulness listed in 1:29-31? What are the strangest combinations to see together in this list? What mindset makes them strange? Why would this list follow the failure to acknowledge God, or the refusal to fit Him into our thinking?
11. Width: How does Paul show those us, if we are thinking of how this applies to others, our blindness in Romans 2:1-4? Why does he begin with therefore?
*12. Look at 2:1-4. Do you struggle with the tendency to be critical of everyone except yourself? Whose sin are you more aware of than your own? What is the basis of the difference you see between yourself and them?
13. In the book of Revelation there are four different perspectives of the wrath of God: We have been through the 7 seals and the 7 trumpets. Against what is God so angry? Is this only against unbelievers? How is this similar to Romans?
Thurs: BUT! (The Hinge)
How do we respond to the bad news? We can either despair, or run to one of our tonics (idols) or feel true desperation and turn to Jesus. If we accept God’s diagnosis MEH turns to tearful gratefulness. Romans 3:21 is the hinge. The Gospel has to be painted on a canvas of desperation and need. Then the grammar is reversed from therefore to but.
14. Meditate on Romans 3:21-22 and share your observations and comments.
15. Redemption — the gospel takes Jesus to the slave market. How do you see this in 3:24?
16. Reconciliation — the gospel takes Jesus to the mercy seat. How do you see this in 3:25?
17. Righteousness — the gospel takes Jesus to the law court. How do you you see this in 3:25?
18. In Revelation John was about to despair because no one, not one, was worthy to open the scroll. Then one of the elders told him good news in Revelation 5:5. What was it, and how does the picture of the lamb take us back to our great need and to the mercy seat?
Fri. Therefore: Pillar of Access
19. Who receives this gift and access to God according to Romans 5:1-2?
20 Paige assigned Romans 4 to be read. Read it and make observations and comments.
21. Be sure to listen to Paige’s 2nd lecture. Here is the link: Take good notes for she takes it down Tues. night.
Sat:
22. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
143 comments
Thurs: BUT! (The Hinge)
How do we respond to the bad news? We can either despair or run to one of our tonics (idols) or feel true desperation and turn to Jesus. If we accept God’s diagnosis MEH turns to tearful gratefulness. Romans 3:21 is the hinge. The Gospel has to be painted on a canvas of desperation and need. Then the grammar is reversed from therefore to but.
12. Meditate on Romans 3:21-22 and share your observations and comments.
“But now apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in[h] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,”
Our righteous standing is by faith in Jesus Christ alone
Our righteous standing is believing in Jesus Christ
We all stand at the same level before God.
13. Redemption — the gospel takes Jesus to the slave market. How do you see this in 3:24?
We have been bought (redeemed) at the price of Jesus’ blood.
14. Reconciliation — the gospel takes Jesus to the mercy seat. How do you see this in 3:25?
He is the sacrifice for our atonement and satisfied the wrath of God
15. Righteousness — the gospel takes Jesus to the law court. How do you see this in 3:25?
Our faith in Jesus brings our justification. He finished the punishment for us.
16. In Revelation John was about to despair because no one, not one, was worthy to open the scroll. Then one of the elders told him good news in Revelation 5:5. What was it, and how does the picture of the lamb take us back to our great need and to the mercy seat?
The good news of Revelation 5:5 is Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
The picture of the slain Lamb reminds us of the sufficiency of Christ’s death so that we have access and can come to the mercy seat. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.…” Hebrews 4:16
8. How long have the qualities of God been seen and ignored, Romans 1:20? Ever since Adam and Eve, ever since the world was created- and the consequence was, Go and make your own life.
9. “Worldliness is what makes sin look normal in any age and righteousness look odd.” We have an unfit mind- thinking up foolish ideas of what God was like, so claiming to be wise we became foolish.
10. Most shocking sins from the list- All these are shocking but quarreling, deception , malicious behavior , haters of God, having no mercy, disobeying parents are all very sad to me, separating people, families, churches. We know that God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. The mindset to me is the thought, how much can we get away with? This leads to unfit minds and the refusal to fit Him into our thinking.
Width, Romans 2:1-4 Why does he begin with Therefore? “You are just as bad! “for we judge others- thinking they deserve punishment, but we do these very same things and deny it.
11. Do you struggle with the tendency to be critical of everyone except yourself? Yes, I must admit it is very easy for me to see others’ sins and be oblivious to my own or to downplay my own. It is hard to get the blinders off my eyes and look hard at myself. Psalm 139: 23-24 Search me, O God and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
I see why God values humility.
12. In the book of Revelation we are confronted with the wrath of God. God’s anger seems to be pointing to the unrepentant hearts, the refusal to turn from sin and to acknowledge the glory of God alone.
14. Romans 3:21-22. Paige said that the righteousness of God is not just morality, the way we think of righteousness. Rather, it is who He is in His perfection. He is the standard of what is right because it describes Him. Paul is saying in this passage, God is now making His righteousness known and available through faith in Jesus. It isn’t a striving for morality, like the law, but instead if I can go so far as to say, we get to share in being as righteous as God is. Paul says the scriptures have imbedded in it allusions to this, in effect testifying ahead of time what God would do.
15. Redemption. Jesus in the slave market, vs 24. Is this referring to Jesus being fully human, and as such was the only one who could save us from our slavery to sin? Like a virus getting into the DNA of a cell and killing it. Since He came as a man, He was able to take all the punishment due us and kill it, buying us out of that slavery forever.
16. Reconciliation. Jesus in the mercy seat, vs 25. Never, never have I equated the mercy seat with the word propitiation. He bore my sin so that the Father’s face would turn toward me. He paid for my reconciliation.
17. Righteousness. Jesus in the law court, vs 26. I think of movies I’ve seen where you see the same character being both the judge and the accused. Jesus is both my judge and the one standing in my place as accused and condemned.
18. Revelation 5:5. What good news did John get when he despaired there being anyone worthy to open the scroll? He was directed to look at the slain lamb. The one who is worthy . The lamb had shed His blood, which in the Old Testament, got applied to the mercy seat. He met our great need.
19. Romans 5:1-2. Who receives this gift, this access to God? Those who through faith in Jesus have been justified and given grace; they have been declared no longer guilty.
Friday
19. Who receives this gift and access to God according to Romans 5:1-2?
Those who have been justified by faith.
20. Paige assigned Romans 4 to be read. Read it and make observations and comments.
The ancestry of faith.
Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of faith, not because of his work, otherwise he could of boasted.
David spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it (I’d never seen this before).
This was not only for the Jews as God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised so it was for the Gentiles too.
God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.
The promise of faith is free, all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses , if we have faith like Abraham’s.
When God counted him as righteous it didn’t just benefit Abraham but it benefits us as righteous if we believe in Him, the One who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
Christ was handed over to die because of our sins, raised to life to make us right with God.
12. Look at 2:1-4. Do you struggle with the tendency to be critical of everyone except yourself? Whose sin are you more aware of than your own? What is the basis of the difference you see between yourself and them? I observe in myself the tendency to be critical of others’ choices that are different than mine. When folks do things I would not do, there is a sense of religious pride that I made a different (better) choice. God has been working in my heart…reminding me that we are all on a journey. That all His children have to wrestle with choices and beliefs and even just gain awareness! He has had such patience with me as I have stumbled down my own path … other Christians need not impress *me* to “stay in the nice column.” (Said tongue in cheek but with an element of truth.) He is giving me humility and compassion.
14. Meditate on Romans 3:21-22 and share your observations and comments. Apart from the Law His righteousness is revealed – does this indicate the disobedience the prophets saw and spoke against (things people did not in accordance with the law) – this contrast of disobedience to the Law revealed even more so God’s righteousness…unattainable. But faith in Christ has now, without distinction, imputed God’s righteousness to us.
Love your heart, Jill.
Jill, this really resonates with me and I often have to repent of these thoughts: ” When folks do things I would not do, there is a sense of religious pride that I made a different (better) choice.”
13. In the book of Revelation there are four different perspectives of the wrath of God: We have been through the 7 seals and the 7 trumpets. Against what is God so angry?
He is angry because of the martyred souls. He v is angry because the churches have “let themselves go.” They no longer uphold the values of God. They have chosen apathy, lethargy, and idols of the v world above God.
Is this only against unbelievers?
Everyone except those marked by the seal of God on their foreheads.
How is this similar to Romans?
Both address the wrath of God. Paige says that everything in Romans is about the wrath of God. Evil will provoke His wrath. His wrath takes v the firm of idols. He leaves us to our defenses. You will worship something. If it’s not God, then what?
I’m thinking about your answer to 13. I know we will suffer, and that suffering will purify us, for we still battle with sin, but our souls will be protected. Do you agree?
Yes I do!
Fri. Therefore: Pillar of Access
17. Who receives this gift and access to God according to Romans 5:1-2?
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Anybody justified by faith has access by faith into the throne of grace of God.
God’s Riches At Christ Expense. All-access pass!
18. Paige assigned Romans 4 to be read. Read it and make observations and comments.
Abraham believed and it was credited to him as righteousness. Abraham (and we) couldn’t boast of any works; he just believed.
I do not have to work for my righteousness.
David said my sins are forgiven and I am righteous because of that; my sins are covered; not counted against me.
Circumcision or uncircumcision does not matter.
The Promise of righteousness is by faith and through grace
The Promise is as good as Performed. DONE!
The Promise was not only for Abraham but for his descendants and all who believe in Jesus, His death and resurrection.
19. Be sure to listen to Paige’s 2nd lecture on YouTube and take notes for next week. She takes it down on Tuesday night.
Paige is right-there is no contest! We have a sure salvation, Scripture-based evidence!
Song: Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, O what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchased of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood!
Love that hymn…Fanny Crosby was so gifted!! I read the story behind this song…one evening a friend/composer Phoebe Knapp came over and played a tune. Asked Fanny what it sounded like and she said “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine.”
I do love Fanny Crosby, too! I could spend the whole day just listening to the hymns that she wrote.
8. Length: How long have the qualities of God been seen (and ignored) according to Romans 1:20?
Since the creation of the world God’s qualities have been seen, and Paul even says “seen clearly”.
9. Depth: Sin goes to the center of us: our love, our hearts, our worship. Paige said “Worldliness is what makes sin look normal in any age and righteousness look odd.” Comments?
I agree with this statement. We are all “worldly” in our modern society: we have the ability to access news, trends, information, current thought and it’s right at our fingertips via our phones, ipads, televisions, computers. In general, our modern society operates every day without mention of God, and we are used to it. Things that wouldn’t have been permitted on a television show or in a movie 50 or so years ago are very commonplace today. I think we get desensitized to sin; but again, as Paige defined it, with sin not being a specific action or thing, but that something is wrong with us, I would say that we get desensitized to the fact that something is wrong with us and wrong with everyone around us.
10. Breadth: What are the most shocking sins erupting from sinfulness listed in 1:29-31? What are the strangest combinations to see together in this list? What mindset makes them strange? Why would this list follow the failure to acknowledge God, or the refusal to fit him into our thinking?
These sins listed here are the product of a depraved mind. A depraved mind does things that ought not to be done. Everything in this list ought not to be done. Gossip is listed in combination with God-haters; and we think gossip isn’t such a big deal, sometimes. This list would follow refusing to acknowledge God or to fit Him into our thinking because when people do that, God gives them fully over to their desires. Minds become darkened. Paige said this list leaves nothing out, even saying that they invent new ways to do evil.
11. How does Paul show us, if we are thinking of how this applies to others, our blindness in Romans 2:1-4? Why does he begin with therefore?
Paul’s use of therefore means something like “Therefore – you too!” Paige explained that we can all agree about “the world, the media…” as if what’s wrong with the world is somebody else’s fault. But we, too, will be judged according to our knowledge or by our own self-righteousness.
12. Look at 2:1-4. Do you struggle with the tendency to be critical of everyone except yourself? Whose sin are you more aware of than your own? What is the basis of the difference you see between yourself and them?
I can be critical of others, but I am also very critical of myself. Sometimes I might be reading a passage of Scripture or something in a book and I’ll think “This person I know needs to hear this….they are just like what’s being described here.” In those cases, the difference I see between them and me is that I “know” that this is wrong, and they don’t.
13. In the book of Revelation there are four different perspectives of the wrath of God. We have been through the 7 seals and the 7 trumpets. Against what is God so angry? Is this only against unbelievers? How is this similar to Romans?
I’m trying to remember….one of the reasons for God’s wrath is that He is angry at the enemies of His Bride, the Church. I think the commonality between Romans and Revelation is God’s wrath against all who suppress the truth by their wickedness. I think this is pictured in Revelation when people gloat over the apparent downfall of the Church (the two witnesses) and gloat over their bodies. Without anyone to call out what is true and right, it seems that the “world” wins. People are free to do whatever they want.
Is this only against unbelievers? When I look at the list in Romans, even as as believer, I can see how I can sin in these ways, such as gossiping, causing strife, deceitfulness, pride and arrogance. (I would hope that I am not malicious or ruthless…) I know that I am no longer under the wrath of God because of Jesus, but when I do these things, my relationship with Him suffers. I would say that God is not angry with believers.
!
Glad you pondered that last. I commented on Laura’s answer too. I would say He is allowing suffering to purify us of sin, but yes, not angry. Angry at sin, but loving us.
14. Meditate on Romans 3:21-22 and share your observations and comments.
The “But now” reads very dramatically. It reminds me of a curtain about to be pulled back to reveal something truly amazing and never seen before. When I read the phrase “This righteousness from God” it makes me think simply of Jesus. He is the righteousness from God.
15. Redemption – the gospel takes Jesus to the slave market. How do you see this in 3:24?
We are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus. Redemption means to redeem, to buy back. Jesus buys us back with His whole self.
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18)
16. Reconciliation – the gospel takes Jesus to the mercy seat. How do you see this in 3:25?
The mercy seat was the place where atonement was made for sins. God presented Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement; His blood shed on the mercy seat.
17. Righteousness – the gospel takes Jesus to the law court. How do you see this in 3:25?
The justice of God is satisfied by Jesus’ sacrifice, and all sin is paid for, even sins that were previously left unpunished. We have no righteousness of our own. We are given Christ’s righteousness.
18. In Revelation John was about to despair because no one, not one, was worthy to open the scroll. Then one of the elders told him good news in Revelation 5:5. What was it, and how does the picture of the lamb take us back to our great need and to the mercy seat?
The good news in 5:5 was that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed and is able to open the scroll. Then, John sees not a lion, but a lamb. This triumph that was achieved by the lamb was the satisfaction of God’s wrath….our debt was paid….our great need was/is to be made right with God and to be rid of the stain of sin, to pay the debt we owe to God for sinning against Him but which we cannot in our own strength ever pay. The Lamb’s blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat, the Lamb triumphed over sin and death, and He is worthy to open any scroll, anytime, anywhere.
19. Who receives this gift and access to God according to Romans 5:1-2?
We do….we who have been justified by faith have peace with God through Jesus Christ and by faith, we gain access into this grace offered to us by God.
20. Paige assigned Romans 4 to be read. Read it and make observations and comments.
Abraham was justified by faith. He believed God’s promises and God credited it to him as righteousness.
When you work and earn your wages, your wages are not a gift; you are getting paid for what you do. It’s an obligation.
The one who does not work but trusts in the God who justifies the wicked; that person’s faith is credited as righteousness.
Paul demonstrates that circumcision does not make a man righteous.
I like this verse: “Abraham is the father of us all. He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed – the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.”
Abraham believed God against all odds, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
These words, “It was credited to him” were written not for Abraham alone, but also for us (me), to whom God will credit righteousness – for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus from the dead.”
What is your take-away this week and why?
To think about what is means to really have faith and believe God, to take Him at His word. Yes, there is something terribly wrong with me, but God had mercy on me. The bad news needs to be looked at, stared at right in the face. It is true. Then the BUT becomes anything but “Meh”. There was A LOT to cover this week, much to think about.
And you did a great job!
12. But! (the hinge) Romans 3:21-22 We are shown God’s righteousness- if we accept it by faith our Meh turns to gratefulness! No one can be justified by the law, though the law gives knowledge of sin. But all who believe are justified by his grace. amazing love!
13.Redemption- the gospel takes Jesus to the slave market
Jesus paid the price by giving himself as a sacrifice to pay for our sinfulness.
14. Reconciliation- the gospel takes Jesus to the mercy seat
Jesus shed his blood; the mercy seat was where blood was sprinkled as a sin offering.
15. Righteousness -the gospel takes Jesus to the law court
The price must be paid for our sins.
16. Revelation 5:5 What is the good news? We see John weeping because no one is worthy to open the scroll
but then the slain Lamb is found worthy! He has paid the price for our sin! God’s judgments and future rewards can only be revealed by the one who paid the atonement and cleansed us from our sin.
Sat:
20. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
If we accept God’s diagnosis MEH turns to tearful gratefulness. Romans 3:21 is the hinge. The Gospel has to be painted on a canvas of desperation and need. Then the grammar is reversed from therefore to but.
“ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[a] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
Why do I sometimes think that I need to conjure enough emotions to really feel my wretchedness? The Word of God tells me, I am a sinner, in desperate need of the gospel. I need to accept the diagnosis of my condition. My sin took Jesus to the cross so I can be made righteous before God in Him. Upon acceptance is the resulting gratitude of the greatest gift ever given to me. Like Mary Magdalene in The Chosen: “I was one way and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between was Him.” From another source: “that part of me, the past, no longer exists.” Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
Paige’s second study on Romans is excellent! God has gifted this woman to preach powerfully and passionately.
Saturday
22. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
This weeks study has been a whirlwind for me. There is so much really good stuff from Paige and y’all here. I desire for the gospel to be more than just “meh.” I want it to be the “good news” in my life, to get excited and share it unashamedly. I did something different for myself in listening to this weeks teaching and that is listening to it through once and follow along with the scripture and then took notes the 2nd time. It helped me put it all together. My husband is reading through Romans on his own so it was fun to discuss what God is teaching us.
That’s great for you and Jim!
14. Meditate on Romans 3:21-22 and share your observations and comments.
We don’t have rules to follow anymore to be right with God. This applies to everyone who believes.
15. Redemption — the gospel takes Jesus to the slave market. How do you see this in 3:24?
We are free because Jesus was bought for us. As Mike Reeves has said, “He gave us His crown of glory and He took our crown of thorns.”
16. Reconciliation — the gospel takes Jesus to the mercy seat. How do you see this in 3:25?
God took His own Son and presented Him on the mercy seat. He gave of Himself, He didn’t take someone else.
17. Righteousness — the gospel takes Jesus to the law court. How do you you see this in 3:25?
I see this in verse 26. He is fair and just. He is righteous. I tell my students that I wouldn’t ask them to do anything I am not willing to do myself.
18. In Revelation John was about to despair because no one, not one, was worthy to open the scroll. Then one of the elders told him good news in Revelation 5:5. What was it, and how does the picture of the lamb take us back to our great need and to the mercy seat?
The elder says the Lion of the tribe of Judah can open the scroll. Our. Our need is to be right with God by believing. Jesus, the lamb, affords us the privilege. We are to be the “kingdom of priests” who spread the Word of God.
20. Romans 4. I pondered a concept here I’d never seen before. Not sure if it’s a complete bunny trail or not. The word discovered in the very first verse stuck out to me. The Greek word used can also mean obtain, considered, decide, or even enjoyed. I was intrigued that Paul would talk about what Abraham had ‘discovered’ in ‘this matter’, when as yet there was no law as is being highlighted in Romans. So, I’m wondering on paper, even before Moses, there were laws of various governments. Were these remnants of understanding from ages past that people were falling short of the standards? And if so, given that every culture had not only laws but religious ceremonies to deal with sin, then it seems even more remarkable and unusual for Abraham to believe God and trust in Him instead of trying to earn his forgiveness. Abraham got it that we can never do enough to really please God, but turning to Him and trusting Him, God is pleased and shows it by sharing His righteousness. David understood it and wrote about it. So Paul works on the logic. Does righteousness come from what we do, our obedience to law, which for the Jews was symbolized by circumcision? But Abraham hadn’t been circumcised when God called him and he responded. So it is belief that makes a person a true child of Abraham, circumcised in heart. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Abraham held to God’s promises. Not just barely, but fully persuaded. Paul points out that the words ‘being credited’ were written then so that people in Paul’s day and continuing to us, can be strengthened in their faith.
Some thoughts on Paige’s first lecture. She pointed out that Romans says people suppress the truth; it is not ignorance but deliberate denial. So many people use the question of those who haven’t heard of Jesus as an excuse for their own refusal to come to Him. Paige said that it is only evil that provokes God’s wrath, but that it inevitably does. The wrath is not against people, but against evil. When we look down on God, is it because we think He is holding back something good from us? Or is it actually Him having given us over to what we wanted instead of Him? I’m still pondering when she said that the rule of judgement is what you know, but the ground of judgement is what you do. How simultaneously convicting and comforting, sin can’t keep us from Jesus; only our unwillingness to admit it and turn to Him. I loved how she said the Bible is not primarily about how bad we are, but rather the answer to it. Faith is either in Jesus or in something else, but never both. Salvation costs us nothing to buy. But it costs us everything, because Jesus wants our whole self, just as He gave us His whole self.
Good pondering, Mary!
Thurs: BUT! (The Hinge)
How do we respond to the bad news? We can either despair, or run to one of our tonics (idols) or feel true desperation and turn to Jesus. If we accept God’s diagnosis MEH turns to tearful gratefulness. Romans 3:21 is the hinge. The Gospel has to be painted on a canvas of desperation and need. Then the grammar is reversed from therefore to but.
14. Meditate on Romans 3:21-22 and share your observations and comments. – I see that God is giving us an easier way to be with Him. We can believe and have faith in Him and still get our heavenly reward. That yes the laws are important but they are not the only way to get to Him. There are some who will follow the laws, but those who do not have the faith in Him will still not see His righteousness. Once we all believe and have faith we are one and the same in the eyes of Jesus.
15. Redemption — the gospel takes Jesus to the slave market. How do you see this in 3:24? – I looked at 3 different versions and the Life Application Paraphrased version is very clear for me. It says “yet now God declares us ‘not guilty’ of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.” This shows just how much Jesus loves us. Our side of the equation is simple, trust in Jesus Christ, yet so many can’t do this simple task. They trust in their tonics or idols that they think will help them.
16. Reconciliation — the gospel takes Jesus to the mercy seat. How do you see this in 3:25? – God used Jesus’ blood as atonement for our sins so they would be washed away and our sins would be forgiven.
17. Righteousness — the gospel takes Jesus to the law court. How do you you see this in 3:25? – His judgement against us was fair because of using the blood of Christ and our faith as our saving grace. Christ would come and take our sins away.
18. In Revelation John was about to despair because no one, not one, was worthy to open the scroll. Then one of the elders told him good news in Revelation 5:5. What was it, and how does the picture of the lamb take us back to our great need and to the mercy seat? – That the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered and proven himself worthy to open the scroll and to break the seven seals. This refers back to Jesus being put in the judgement seat for us, he is the only one that could have taken our place and wiped away our sins.
Fri. Therefore: Pillar of Access
19. Who receives this gift and access to God according to Romans 5:1-2? – Everyone that has been made right in God’s sight because of our faith in His promises. How sad for those who don’t think He is faithful and true.
20 Paige assigned Romans 4 to be read. Read it and make observations and comments. – It is not our good deeds that makes God accept us. It is simply our faith in Him and his promises. Our right to heaven is free to us, it is not our good deeds that gets us there, otherwise the gift of righteousness would not be free. We would have to do something to earn it and we don’t. In God’s eyes even sinners are good in his sight if they have faith in Christ to save us from God’s wrath. We receive our blessing of faith before we know of any of the laws, like Abraham God gave him his blessing before he became a Jew and before he went through the initiation of circumcision. I’m grateful for this, because sadly I am a sinner and I’m saved by God’s grace and my faith in Him. I couldn’t live in this world without him in my life. This world is falling away from the truth every day and it’s sad to see how careless and thoughtless people are to what is going on around them.
21. Be sure to listen to Paige’s 2nd lecture. Here is the link: Take good notes for she takes it down Tues. night. – I can’t wait to listen to her again. So much knowledge. Thanks Dee for leading us to her.
So glad you are looking forward to it, Julie!
My takeaway this week is summed up in the hymn by Charles Wesley, And Can it Be
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace!
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race!
Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me.
The hymn story is beautiful, as Charles shares of his own conversion experience He came to realize that salvation was by faith alone. Yes, it surely is.
I deserve nothing…A wonderful beginning study in Romans
Shirley, that is another one of my favorite hymns! Thanks for sharing!
Love it!
Oh, yes, Shirley! A perfect hymn for this week!
19. Who receives this gift and access to God according to Romans 5:1-2?
We do!
20 Paige assigned Romans 4 to be read. Read it and make observations and comments.
Abraham is our father. Abraham had faith. God said he was righteous. All are righteous who have faith. Abraham was the Father of all nations, Jews and Gentiles alike.