Institute for Training in Ministry

Institute for Training In Ministry

Study The BOOK Series

The Epistle
to the

ROMANS

by Robert Samms

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Table of
Contents

Knowing Romans—Like the Back of Your Hand ...... 3

Lesson 1:Introduction andRomans 1:1-17...... 5

Lesson 2: The NEED for Righteousness:1:18—3:20 ...... 12

Lesson 3: The WAY of Righteousness:3:20—4:25 ...... 19

Lesson 4: The RESULTS of Righteousness:5:1—8:39 ...... 24

Lesson 5: The RESULTS of Righteousness:6:1—7:25...... 28

Lesson 6: The RESULTS of Righteousness:8:1-39 ...... 34

Lesson 7: The PROBLEM of Righteousness:9:1—11:36 ...... 39

Lesson 8: The practice of Righteousness:12:1-21 ...... 46

Lesson 9: The practice of Righteousness: 13:1-14...... 51

Lesson 10: The practice of Righteousness:14:1—15:13 ...... 54

Lesson 11: Conclusions: Chs. 15:14—16:27 ...... 58

Lesson 12: Like the Back of Your Hand ...... 62

Knowing Romans—
Like the Back of Your Hand

As you prepare to lead others through this study I suggest you begin by using this illustration: your hand.

Just as there are four fingers and a thumb on your hand, so are there five main divisions to the book of Romans.

Let’s start with your smallest finger, your “pinkie”—which represents the first of these divisions: all have sinned, 1:17—3:20. (You might also mention that Paul speak of three kinds of sinner in these verses—the gross sinner, the self-righteous sinner, and the Jew.All people NEED righteousness.

Then with the second finger, or the “ring” finger” point out that a right relationship with Christ come by our faith in Jesus and what He accomplished on the Cross. We are “wed” to him by faith. This WAY of righteousness is for all people—Jew and Gentile alike. That takes us through Ch. 4.

The third finger speaks of the RESULTS of righteous-ness—which are many, including (Ch. 5) peace with God, access to God, hopeof the glory of God, and the ability to rejoice—even in sufferings.More than that, the ability to live transformed lives is taught in the balance of this third main division of the book—Chs. 5—8.

The index finger illustrates the PROBLEMof righteousness, namely, why Jews (for the most part) reject God’s gracious way of righteousness. The answer is: because they insist on seeking to achieve it through the Laws of Moses, and not by God’s way of faith. That’s the main teaching in Chs. 9-11.

Finally, there is the thumb, which illustrates the PRACTICE of righteousness. Chs. 12—15 speak of how we are called to live out the righteousness of God in us, by presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice and being transformed by the renewing of our minds (12:1-2). The balance of these chapters are filled with practical outworkings of the life of faith.

As you begin this study, either by yourself, with another person, or a group study, I encourage you to use this illustration of the human hand. It will get them on their way to understanding the book of Romans “like the back of their hand”.

Ask your learners to hold out their hand as you walk them through the five main divisions of Romans—sharing the meaning of each finger.

Then, ask them to fold their finger into a fist, with the thumb on top—suggesting that the thumb (representing the PRACTICE of righteousness) holdsthe other truths together. (The fingers have little function apart from the thumb. Just so,Chs. 1-11 are of little value if they do not transform our lives in practical ways.)

Finally, ask them to open their fingers again, showing their palm. Asking them to visualize in their palm, the nail-scarred hand of Jesus. He is the one who makes all of this possible. And then, finally, point out the arm, thinking of the arm of God, reaching down in his love, to a world of desperate need (John 3:16).

May the Lord bless you in your study of most important epistle to the Romans, and also make you a great blessing to those you lead through this New Testament book.

Lesson 1

Introduction and
Romans 1:1-17

Authorship

Paul is the stated author in 1:1. The style of writing and vocabulary suggest that Paul was the author. The early Church was in complete agreement that Paul was the author of this epistle. The Muratorian Canon, a list of New Testament books dated around 170, ascribes the Roman epistle to Paul.

Date and Place of Writing

Important information regarding both the place, and the date of writing is found in Romans 15:23-29. Paul was concluding his third missionary journey, and on his way to Jerusalem with an offering to the church in Jerusalem. In Romans 15:31 he requests prayer that he “might be delivered from the unbelievers in Jerusalem”. It is thus likely he wrote while in Corinth, or possibly nearby Cenchrea. From other knowledge about the time of Paul’s missionary journeys, we can assign the date of writing at around 57.

Founding of the Church

How the church at Rome began is unknown. If the church were started by an apostle, it is unlikely that Paul would have written as he did. In this letter he assumes the church to be under his province.

While how the church began is technically unknown, there is strong reason to believe that it began through Jewish believers who were converted at Pentecost. At this Jewish feast were “visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism)”. It is most probable that at least some of them brought the Christian message back with them to Rome.

Recipients

While Paul primarily wrote to a church consisting of Gentiles, Jewish believers were also there, as evidenced in 2:17-29; 4:1-25; and 9:1-11:36.

Author’s Goal

Paul’s immediate goal was to alert the church at Rome of his planned visit. Rome was the center of that vast and powerful Empire. Paul expected that the church there would participate in his planned mission to Spain. See Romans 15:23-24.

But Paul also wanted to provide this key group of believers a full account of Christian truth.

Importance of Romans

No writing of Paul is of greater significance than is his epistle to the Romans. It is the most complete treatment of Christian truth found in the New Testament. Many scholars believe that it is the basic message that Paul preached everywhere.

Outline of Romans

Introduction, 1:1-17.

An important question among people living in Paul’s day was, “How can I obtain a right standing before God?” In a logical and sequential way Paul answers this question. Paul first lays a solid foundation by showing—

I. The NEED for Righteousness, in 1:18-3:20.

As he does this he first shows—

A. The Pagan’s need for righteousness, in 1:18-32, then—

B. The Moralist’s need for righteousness, in 2:1-16, and—

C. The Jew’s need for righteousness, in 2:17-3:8.

Paul next reveals—

II. The WAY of Righteousness, in 3:21-4:25,

which is through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

Next he covers—

III. The RESULTS of Righteousness, in Ch. 5-8.

In Ch. 5 Paul deals with the emotional results of being made righteous, and how this righteousness is available to all people.

In Ch. 6 Paul tells us that as Christians we cannot continue in in a life of sin.

In Ch. 7 he recounts his struggles before placing his faith in Christ.

In Ch. 8 he speaks of how the Holy Spirit transforms the Christian and of his security in Christ.

Paul next reflects on his own people and relates—

IV. The PROBLEM Regarding Righteousness, in Ch. 9-11.

Essentially this was because they “did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” (10:3)

In the final chapters he zeros in on—

V. The PRACTICE of Righteousness, in Ch. 12-15.

And finally, various—

Conclusions, in Ch. 15:14-16:27.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1:1. Paul first calls himself a “servant”. The Greek word is doulos, the common word for slaves. Compare Philippians 1:1. In calling himself a slave Paul modeled both the Old Testament servants of God (Exodus 14:31; Daniel 3:26), and even our Lord Himself (Philippians 2:7). This word speaks of one who is completely at the disposal of his Master.

Is this a title that you can accept for yourself? If so, how will it affect your conduct? Your service to others?

______

Secondly, Paul describes himself as an______. The Greek word apostello literally means “messenger”. It comes from two Greek words which together carry the idea of being, “sent forth with a message” andis so used by Jesus in John 13:16[1].

How is this meaning seen in appointing the twelve apostles in Mark 3:14?

______

How is it seen in Paul’s call to ministry in Acts 9:15?

______

That the term “apostle” was not limited to the twelve is indicated in Acts 14:14; Galatians 1:19; and Romans 16:7.

In your view, is there a sense in which other people might be called “apostles”? If so, who might they be?

______

Thinking of this basic meaning of “apostle”, why is it essential that one be called to this ministry?

______

When was Paul called and set apart for this ministry? See Galatians 1:15 ______

This verse indicates that God knows all about us, and has a plan for our lives. How do you respond to this thought?

______

1:2 speaks of the “gospel” in the Old Testament. This word is euaggelion in Greek. Eu means “good” and aggelos “messenger”, or “angel”. Isaiah 53 is a good example of the gospel being taught in the Old Testament. How is this truth brought out in Luke 24:27 and 44?

______

1:3-4. This good news is about Jesus, God’s Son. He had both a human nature—being a descendant of ______, and a divine nature, proven by the fact that He:

______

1:5-6. In v. 5 Paul says that he had received, 1) grace—which means God’s favor (a favor that we did not earn); and 2) apostleship. What was the purpose of Paul’s apostleship?

______

The word “obedience” is a vital but oftenoverlooked truth of the Christian life. This obedience does not earn salvation, but is rather the fruit of the salvation we received by faith.

This call, is extended to: ______

In 1:7 Paul says that his readers are called to be ______. Compare 1 Peter 1:15-16. What is the implication of this for your life? ______

______

Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome, 1:8-17

1:8. When Paul wrote there was aalready strong church in Rome. Almost certainly this church began from the witness of those Jewish “visitors from Rome” (Acts 2:10-11) who became believers when the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost.

1:9-10. Paul then speaks of how much he prays for them, and of his desire to visit them.

1:11. What is one reason Paul wanted to visit them?

______

1:12. What is another reason?

______

1:13. What is still another reason?

______

1:14-15. Why do you think Paul felt “obligated” to preach the good news?

______

Is this an obligation that we also share? Compare 1 Corinthians 9:16.

______

Considering Acts 22:1-21, what was the basis of this obligation?

______

1:16. Why was Paul “not ashamed of the gospel”?

______

For whom is this gospel available?

______

1:17. This verse defines the “good news” of the gospel. The words , “righteousness from God” can also be translated, “righteousness of God”, as in the KJV. The meaning is that God imparts His righteousness to those who believe.

This righteousness is “from faith for faith”(NIV, “by faith from first to last”), and is supported by Habakkuk 2:4 “the righteous will live by faith.” The term “by faith” in Hebrew can mean both faith, and faithfulness. Paul teaches that faith is a faith that works. Paul’s faith totally transformed his life. True faith always does.

Share your own experience of faith in Jesus Christ.

______

Lesson 2

The NEED for Righteousness:
1:18—3:20

In this section Paul teaches that all mankind have a desperate need to be made righteousness. He does this by first exposing the abominable life-style of Pagans, then the hypocrisy of the self-righteous, and finally Jews who sought righteousness through the law. Let’s examine at each of these in turn.

A. The Pagan’s Need for Righteousness, 1:18-32.

Having spent 18 months in Corinth (the “sin city” of that day), Paul was well aware of the depraved morals of this class of people.

1:18. Why is God’s wrath revealed against these sinners?

______

Notice Paul says this wrath “is being revealed”. What does this suggest?

______

In the Old Testament, God’s wrath was experienced whenever Israel departed from the Lord. His wrath brought defeat in battle (Joshua 7); direct judgments from God (Numbers 16:28-33, 25:3); plagues and famines, (Numbers 14:36-38; 16:46-50; Isaiah 51:17-20; Amos 4:6-10;) and captivity in foreign nations (Amos 4:1-3; 2 Kings 24:20). How might this principle apply in our day?

______

1:19-20. Paul here speaks of heathen people. Why are they “without excuse”?

______

Compare Acts 14:17 where Paul emphasized this truth to the people of Lystra. Tertullian from the 3rd century said: “nature is the teacher; the soul is the pupil.”

Two things we can learn about God from nature are:

______

Share your personal experience about seeing God in nature.

______

Compare also Psalm 19 and 97:6.

How might your experience help someone else find the Lord?

______

1:21-23. Paul states that these people “knew” God. In what sense did they “know” Him?

______

What caused the downward spiritual slide seen in these verses?

______

Rejecting known truth always leads to further decline. How have you seen this principle at work, either in yourself, or in someone you know.

______

1: 24-32. God’s response to those who willfully turn away from God is clearly seen in this passage. Notice the threefold “God gave them over . . .” in 1:24, 26, and 28. What are some things that, because God’s influence is gone, they now freely “enjoy?

______

How does this compare with what you see in society today?

______

C. S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain, pg. 115, says that people like this “enjoy forever the horrible freedom they have demanded and are therefore self-enslaved.”

While we live “in the world” we are not to be “of the world”. What does this mean and how does it apply to your life?

______

B. The Moralist’s Need for Righteousness, 2:1-16.

In this section Paul shows that even the person of high moral standards is also guilty of sin. Among the moralists of Paul's day were the Stoics. They believed that by following Reason men could be freed from passion and achieve satisfaction and happiness in life. Paul encountered Stoics in Athens (Acts 17:18).

2:1-3. Why is the moralist also condemned?

______

2:4. By standing on their own morality, these people really—

______

2:5. And the result will be—

______

Reflect now on the really “good’ people you know. How does this passage apply to them?

______

How might you help them see this truth?

______

2:6-11. Paul is not contradicting what he says elsewhere, that righteousness is through Christ alone. See Romans 3:28, 5:1, 5:6-10, also Ephesians 2:9; Titus 3:5 and 2 Timothy 1:9. Paul is speaking to those who think they can get to heaven by good deeds. He says in Galatians 3:21, “if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law”. But Scripture declares the whole world a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.” Righteousness cannot come by keeping the Law, because no one can fulfill the law perfectly. And that is what is required. See also Romans 10:1-4

2:12-16. Note how this principle is brought out in these verses. “All who sin apart from the law” will what?

______

And “all who sin under the law” will what?

______

These people will be judged according to their deeds “on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ,” vs. 16.

C. The Jew’s Need for Righteousness, 2:17-3:8

17-20. The Jews, like the moralists, believed they could become righteous by keeping the law. Their advantages, and what they prided themselves inare:

______

Notice the progression: first, the law itself; then a relationship to the law; then the result of this relationship, and finally the resulting actions.

3:19-20.The Jews also felt they had a special calling. This was:

______

3:21-24. The problem was:

______

It is easy to point fingers at these keepers of the law. In Matthew 22:18-29 Jesus called them what there were: “hypocrites”.

Compare Luke 11:42-44 and Matthew 23:13-36, where Jesus exposed the hypocritical living of these religious leaders.

Reflect on this verse: “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6). Share your thoughts about the importance of “walking the walk”.

______

2:25-29. Now, Paul says, what happens to those Jews who have been circumcised, yet break God’s law?

______

And what of those who, while not under God’s covenant, yet obey God’s law?

______

Paul refers to Gentile Christians, who “by the Spirit” kept God’s laws better than did the Jews.

In 3:1-8 Paul interacts with an imaginary objector. He had experienced many actual ones during his ministry in Athens. Paul was in Greece over 1 1/2 years and it was from there that he wrote this letter.

3:1.Since Paul teaches that the “real Jew” keeps God’s commands, this “objector” responds, “What advantage then, is there in being a Jew?”—to which Paul says:

______

(In Ch. 10 Paul lists many advantages of being a Jew.)

At this point another objector seems to say, “even though the Jews had God’s word, most disbelieved. Does this not make God’s promises of little value?” To which argument Paul responds:

______

God’s faithfulness can never be based on the response of man.

3:3.The Greek “unfaithful”, is apistasan, meaningan absence of faith or faithfulness. Similarly the word pistin, means either faith or faithfulness. See Romans 1:17.

In 3:5-8 another objector seems to appear. His argument is: “God is unfair to punish me for my unrighteous acts since these sins more clearly sets forth God’s righteousness.”

Paul’s response to this argument is:

______

3:8.The argument of this objector continues its horrible logic: “Let us do evil that good may result.” To this, Paul concludes: