ROMANS Study Guide

THE BOOK OF ROMANS

A Running Commentary for Study

Daniel J. Griffiths, D.Min

Copyright 2022

This material cannot be resold or reproduced except by expressed permission from Dr. Dan Griffiths

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New American Standard Version & Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, Modern King James Version Copyright © 1962 – 1998 By Jay P. Green, Sr.

Used by permission of the copyright holder. (up to 1000 verses)

Printed By BT Johnson Publishing www.BTJohnsonPublishing.com

RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY

The International Bible Commentary by F.F. Bruce (general editor) (Book of Romans by Leslie C. Allen)

The New International Commentary on the New Testament; The Epistle to the Romans by John Murray

The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee

The Letters to the Romans by William Barclay

The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, New International Version, Executive Editor: Spiros Zodhiates. Book of Romans

Foreword

Romans

I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Dan Griffiths for nearly 50 years. He has served the body of Christ as a teacher, pastor, and prophet. His understanding of the book of Romans is thorough, scholarly, and most practical when instructing us on contents of this essential book. Every Christian will find this textbook an essential addition to their theological library; we all need to know the Book of Romans!

Pastor David Sell , President of Northern Calif. Bible College

Table of Contents

Foreword............................(Week 1).........................................................................................4 Introduction........................(Week 1)......................................................................... . ................ 6 Section 1................................................................................................... ....................... . .... .. .... 8 Romans 1.................(Week 1).............................................................................. ... ........ 9 Romans 2.................(Week 2).......................................................................... . ............1 7 Romans 3.................(Week 2)............................................................................. . .........2 3 Romans 4.................(Week 3)................................................................................... . ... 29 Romans 5:1-11.........(Week 3).............................................................................. . ........3 4 Section 2................................................................................................................................. . . 38 Romans 5:11.............(Week 3)..................................................................................... 39 Romans 6..................(Week 4)..................................................................................... 43 Romans 7..................(Week 5)..................................................................................... 50 Romans 8..................(Week 6)..................................................................................... 60 Section 3............................................................................................................................. ..... 79 Romans 9..................(Week 7)........................................................................... .. ........ 80 Romans 10................(Week 7).............................................................................. .. ..... 89 Romans 11................(Week 8)......................................................................... . ........... 95 Romans 12................(Week 9)...................................................................................10 3 Section 4................................................................................................. ...............................11 4 Romans 13................(Week 9)...................................................................................11 5 Romans 14................(Week 10).................................................................................12 1 Romans 15................(Week 10).................................................................................13 0 Romans 16................(Week 11).................................................................................1 39 Appendix A: Assignments.....................................................................................................14 4 Appendix B: Syllabus............................................................................................................14 7 Other Books by Daniel Griffiths............................................................................................14 8

Introduction The purpose of this manual is not to do an exhaustive verse by verse exegesis of the book of Romans but to grasp firmly the key truths that are essential for successfully “living out” the life of Christ here and now. There is not a more comprehensive book in the Bible that deals with the meaning of “being in Christ” and “what we have in Christ” than this amazing book by Paul the Apostle. One of the major issues in the Church today, especially in America, is that so many Christians do not comprehend what “full” salvation is in Jesus Christ. Many have enough understanding to enjoy what Paul calls “justification” (our forgiveness and acceptance by God) but not enough to enjoy sanctification (living the life given to us in Jesus Christ). The results are that many believers live an exhausted and frustrated cycle of sinning, repenting, being forgiven, trying to be good, sinning… over and over again until finally they give up ever expecting anything more than this defeated cycle in their Christian walk. Also, many Christians today continue to live under God’s law rather than his grace resulting in their feelings of constantly not being good enough to personally enjoy what they see in the Bible or what they hear being preached from the pulpit. And most tragic of all, many know enough about Jesus to think they are saved but their lives clearly show they are not. In the book of Romans, we find a clear and full understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. More than ever, the church today needs to recapture what our decision to receive Jesus Christ as our Savior really means and what living out our salvation looks like. These issues and concerns will be the focus of this class as well as a good all- around understanding of this amazing book. F.F. Bruce, a British theologian that I have enjoyed over the years, said of the Book of Romans… “time and again in the course of Christian History it has liberated the minds of men and brought them back to an understanding of the essential Gospel of Christ, and started spiritual revolutions.” Both Augustine and Martin Luther were such spiritual giants whose lives had been utterly turned around because of the impact of the book Romans on them. It is universally agreed among Bible Scholars that Paul the Apostle was the author of this book. The book has been found written in different forms in some early manuscripts but these variant forms most scholars believe were changes to the original letter trying to edit out the specific references to the Roman church so it could be used as a more general letter to other churches. Looking at the books content, the letter appears to have been written at the end of Paul’s third mission journey around 57 to 59 A .D. as Paul was considering new territories to go to where Christ had not yet been preached. Background on the Book of Romans

The purpose of the letter seems to be two-fold (1) to alert the Roman Church to his coming and desire to build a partnership with them as he began his new gospel campaign into Spain (2) and to

present his understanding of the Gospel that he wanted to clearly impart to them. Paul knew that many had tried to distort his gospel and Paul saw this church as a significant and influential church which needed to understand what God had shown him in regard to the full gospel. Paul realized that this church would become a strategic church in supporting him in his future efforts to launch his gospel campaigns into Spain and Europe.

Section One: Romans 1-5:11

Themes found in this section:

1. Sin (focus on human disobedience that brings us into divine condemnation both Jew and Gentile) 2. The Judgment and wrath of God upon our sins

3. The work of the shed Blood of Christ 4. Forgiveness and the peace of God 5. Reconciliation and atonement

6. Substitution 7. Justification

Chapter One

Paul in this beginning chapter expresses his desire to come to the Church in Rome. There are a variety of reasons for this desire but overall, Paul most likely sees this dynamic and growing church as a key anchor church to support him in his future plan to go to Spain to preach the gospel. But also, Paul wants them to understand his gospel message in the light of any confusion from hearing wrong and slanderous comments about him and his message. Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated to the gospel of God Rom 1:2 (which He had promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures), Rom 1:3 about His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh, Rom 1:4 who was marked out the Son of God in power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Rom 1:5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, to obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name. Rom 1:6 among whom you also are the called-out ones of Jesus Christ: Rom 1:7 to all those who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

PAUL’S INTRODUCTION

1. Paul’s introduction of his apostolic calling: vss.1-7

a. Paul’s unique calling as an Apostle to the Gentile peoples

1) Paul directly received his call from Jesus Christ (vs.5… also see Gal.1:15-17) 2) He received grace Chara ” ( supernatural ability) to do his calling. 3) Apostleship: He affirms his commission as a “sent one”

b. Paul affirms Jesus as the Christ by two things:

1) Fulfillment of prophecy vs.2 2) The resurrection (proof of his life and message by the power of the Holy Spirit) vs.4

2. His acknowledgement of the respect he has for the Roman church

and his desire to come and bless and be blessed in sharing with

them vss.6-7

a. Paul in vs.6 - points to the Roman church as a part of God’s great calling ( Kletos : invitation) of the Gentile peoples to belong to Jesus Christ.

b. This church is “beloved” (precious) to God and are saints ( hagios: a thing or person set aside or dedicated for God’s use…thus made acceptable to God) vs.7 c. Paul extends his “impartational greeting” he is kn own for in his letters… this should be continued by the church in its correspondence and personal interactions. Vs.7b

Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you Rom 1:10 always in my prayers, making request if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come to you. Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to you for the establishing of you. Rom 1:12 And this is to be comforted together with you by our mutual faith, both yours and mine. Rom 1:13 But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that oftentimes I purposed to come to you, and was kept back until the present; that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other nations.

d. Paul acknowledges the wonderful reputation of this church…

they are known for their faith throughout the known world. Vs.8

1) Paul had come to recognize the unique grace and blessing of God on this church and had begun to pray fervently and intensely for it. Vss.9-10 2) It had been in his heart for years to come and offer his unique gifting and message to build up and strengthen this church. Vss.11-13

Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the foreigners, both to the wise and to the unwise. Rom 1:15 So, as much as is in me lies, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are at Rome also. Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

e. Paul acknowledges that he has been made a “debtor” by God to all the Gentile peoples… he owes them the message of the gospel…to be presented in the unique way God has gifted him. He could not come to them before now but now he can and he is ready to do so. Vs.14-15 (Paul gives his reason for being detained in chapter 15:20-22)

3. Paul is not ashamed of his gospel! Vs.16

a. Paul has been rejected and slandered by the Jews and mocked by the Athenian Greeks (Acts 17:32) for what he preached… but Paul was not embarrassed in the lest over his message. b. His message has been affirmed by God through His Power ( dunamus : miraculous signs that had impacted whole cities)

c. Bringing salvation (soteria: deliverance, rescue, healing, safety and well-being)

d. To everyone who believed in his gospel (trusted in it to save them)

e. Paul’s oft repeated formula… ”first to the Jew and then to the Gentile” … The promised salvation has to come to the Jew first since God had promised them it would come to them before it went to the Gentile peoples. (Both judgment and blessings begin with God’s People…1Peter 4:17)

Faith Alone

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

2. Paul now in vs.17 launches his theme that he will deal with in the

next five chapters.

a. Being right in our relationship with God comes from faith alone!

1) Faith to Faith … an intensive phrase signifying two essential

meanings:

a) ”Faith alone makes us righteous b) and we must grow in this “ever increasing” faith

2) God’s righteousness is being revealed (Pres. Pass. Indic.).

The word means “what was once invisible is now being made

visible”) in Jesus Christ. This is a righteousness that is

progressively growi ng in us… but we are the “passive recipients”

(it is nothing we have done – to deserve his grace)

b. Paul quotes Hab.2:4… which declares that those who will be

justified before God will do so by faith alone.

(Note to class: do not limit this principle to just justification, apply it to every area of Christian life and ministry where faith is required, healing, deliverance, spiritual blessings, spiritual growth, etc.)

The Lost’s Rejection of God

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, Rom 1:19 because the thing which may be known of God is clearly revealed within them, for God revealed it to them. Rom 1:20 For the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being realized by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse. Rom 1:21 Because, knowing God, they did not glorify Him as God, neither were thankful. But they became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Rom 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools Rom 1:23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.

3. “For the Wrath of God is ‘revealed’ (Same word used in vs.17)…from

Heaven…” vs.18 -19

a. Paul launches into the need for the salvation of all people…

1) Because of universal sin God’s wrath is on all people!

(Rom.2:23)

a) The word wrath here is not just being upset… the word is very

intensive and strong meaning “rage, or very emotionally up set.

b) Everyone one alive in the world is in great eternal danger of

judgment.

2) “Revealed from heaven” (pres. pass. indic.)

a) God is continually speaking (through nature, the heavens, moral

conscience) to all peoples (Ps.19:1-2) showing them his displeasure

with their sins.

(1) Sins of godlessness (lack of reverence towards God)

(2) Sins of unrighteousness (doing what is wrong…unjust)

b) Holding or suppressing truth in unrighteousness (deliberately

doing what is known to be wrong)

b. God has continually provided a witness of his righteousness so

that there is no excuse for not knowing basic right and wrong.

Vs.19

1) The Scottish Theologian, William Barclay, tries to illustrate

this truth with a basic exercise in logical observations:

a) If you break the law of agriculture…you have a failed harvest

b) If you break the law of architecture…your building collapses

c) If you break the laws of health…you get sick

2) Paul boldly states that “what may be known about God is plain

(is being manifested) to them.

Deliberate Rejection

c. General revelation of God… vss. 20 -23 (also read Acts 17:23-31)

1) Natural and Spiritual Revelation agree

a) The invisible qualities of God… (vs.20)

(1) Eternal power …to create what we see (creation had to

begin outside of what is (i.e. Big Bang Theory)… God is not

pantheistic… dependent on nature.

(2) The divine is seen in nature …a predicable or orderly

universe, His goodness in providing for and sustaining all

creation (anthropic principle: has order and great

complexity that cannot be simply explained by random

chance)

b) These things can be clearly seen… no excuse to not know God

is there (behind it all)

2) Paul returns to the issue of deliberate suppression of the

Knowledge of God… vss.21 -23

a) They knew God was there (word knew is genosis which implies

not an experiential knowing but a clear perception of something) …

b) Their decisions…

(1) to not glorify (honor) God as God (creator) (2) nor did they give thanks (recognize him as the giver, provider)

c) This resulted in an increasing inability to see God or

understand God… vs. 21

(1) Their thinking became futile (empty, foolish) (2) Their hearts were darkened (blinded)

Note : what we see in operation today is the product of centuries of rejection, lies, and willful

blindness to God’s revelation that is still there in natural. It may be that truly enlightened

science may help bring some of this revelation back.

d) Claiming to be wise (skilled, learned)… they became foolish

(1) They exchanged the glory of the immortal God (incorruptible, non-decaying, eternal) - for

gods made to look like mortal man, birds, animals and reptiles. (They worshipped creation and not the

creator.)

(2) Even today we put such high value on what is going to pass away and put that above our

desire and time to be wi th God… showing what we truly value most.

How Divine Judgment Works

Rom 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.

Rom 1:25 For they changed the truth of God into a lie, and they worshiped and served the created thing more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Rom 1:26 For this cause, God gave them up to dishonorable affections. For even their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature. Rom 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another; males with males working out shamefulness, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was fitting for their error. Rom 1:28 And even as they did not think fit to have God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do the things not right, Rom 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; being full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, evil habits, becoming whisperers, Rom 1:30 backbiters, haters of God, insolent, proud, braggarts, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Rom 1:31 undiscerning, perfidious, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful.

Rom 1:32 who, knowing the righteous order of God, that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only do them, but have pleasure in those practicing them.

3) Consequences of our sins in life…vss.24 - 32

a) Paul uses the phase “gave them up or over . ..” three times

(vs.24,26)

(1) God simply lets us destroy ourselves…we lose the

freedom to “stop” - to control our life - coming more

and more under demonic control being driven by our

evil passions.

(2) Sex’s seems to be such a powerful force for good or bad.

b) Man embraced the deliberate lie and worshipped the created

instead of the creator. Vs.25

c) The course of sin is to pervert or distort the natural order of

things…to destroy what is healthy and good. In these two

verses Paul is essentially pointing to homosexuality (women

having unnatural sex with women and men with men). Dr.

Barclay states that when we banish God from our life, we not

only lose God but we lose ourselves (our manhood and

womanhood). We lose the ability to be who God meant us to

be. (pg.33) Vss.26-27

d) Their removing God from their thinking was deliberate…they

did not consider keeping God in their thinking of any value!

As a direct result… God let this decision lead to its e vil

consequences… they developed a “depraved or reprobate”

mind (the inability to correctly judge things… unable to think

correctly). With no restrictions in their thinking… they begin

thinking and doing what they should not be doing before God.

Vs.28

e) Paul gives a short list of what characterizes such thinking

and action in vss.28-31 (reads like the morning newspaper)

f) Paul end’s this chapter by simply saying that those who do

such things…know in themselves that what they are doing is

wrong… (“righteous decrees” here are not the Mosaic laws but

the inner witness of the conscience) and will lead to their

death (separation from God). =But such people are too far

gone… they not only will not stop but they actually

“celebrate” those who practice such sins. Vs.32

Summary: Paul after his introduction launches his discourse on our justification by faith in Christ Jesus with the disturbing observation that all peoples now live under the wrath and coming judgment of God for their many sins. Mankind has distorted and suppressed the truth about God which can be clearly seen in creation.” Man’s rejection of God is not based on a lack of evidence of God’s existence but is a “heart rejection” of anything that stands in the way of self -desire (Ps.14:2-3). Paul has painted a very bleak and serious picture of the human race that stands under the wrath and judgments of God.

Chapter Two: The Religious Hypocrite

In this chapter, Paul pictures a Jew who agrees with the condemnation of the sinful practices of the Gentiles because this Jew knows the Laws of God forbidding such things listed in chapter one that the wicked do. And yet Paul turns his focus on the fact that the Jew does not really keep the law himself. Here Paul begins dealing with the sin of “ self-righteousness ” based merely on knowing the truth but not practicing the truth in daily living. Rom 2:1 Therefore you are without excuse, O man, everyone who judges; for in that in which you judge another, you condemn yourself, for you who judge do the same things. Rom 2:2 But know that the judgment of God is according to truth on those who practice such things. Rom 2:3 And, O man, the one judging those who do such things, and practice them, do you think this, that you shall escape the judgment of God? Rom 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, and the forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Rom 2:5 But according to your hardness and your impenitent heart, do you treasure up wrath for yourself in a day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, Rom 2:6 who will render to each according to his works. Rom 2:7 indeed to those who with patience in good work are seeking for glory, and honor, and incorruptibility, everlasting life. Rom 2:8 But to those who indeed disobeying the truth out of self-seeking, and obeying unrighteousness, will be anger and wrath, Rom 2:9 tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man who has worked out evil; of the Jew first, and also of the Greek. Rom 2:10 But He will give glory, honor and peace to every man who works good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of faces with God.

1. Five things about God’s Judgment:

a. Rom.2:2 God will judge according to truth: God will deal with

what we actually did.

b. Rom.2:3 God’s judgment is inescapable: Many think God will

forget or let it go or not be harsh.

c. Rom. 2:4- 5 God’s judgment is accumulative: Our accountability

is “accruing.” Some think because they are getting away with

things now that God is Ok with where they are at or is not

taking it seriously. God’s patience in dealing with us it trying to

bring us to repentance. We must not misunderstand his

goodness

d. Rom.2:6- 10, 16 God’s judgment is based on two things:

a. Our actions

b. Secrets of the heart

e. Rom.2:11- 15 God’s Judgment is fair: He judges those outside of

the law by natural revelation and those under the law by the law.

2. God’s history with Israel has been a loving effort to draw them to

repentance through his kind ness to them but this Jew (in Paul’s

mind) is missing what God is trying to do by assuming he was just

fine with God. By knowing God’s law and divine promises and the

tabernacle form of worship and covenant, this fictitious Jew sees

himself as Ok before God. Paul is trying to bring the Jews was to

see their need of grace (God’s unearned favor).

a. The Jews were blind to what God was trying to say to them.

The Jews had come to see that God had selected them whether

they did the law or not. It was their right to consider

themselves chosen and acceptable to God. (vs.4)

b. But Paul draws attention to the fact of the “riches” of God’s

patience in not executing judgment upon his rebellious and

stubborn people. God was using his “goodness and patience” to

try and lead his people to repentance at the coming of Jesus Christ

(Gal.3:24)

3. The same Judgment of the Gentiles is awaiting this hypothetical

Jew: (vs.5-6)

a. Paul uses the same word for God’s “Wrath” for the Jew as he used

in chapter one for the sinning Gentiles. This hypocritical Jew is

storing up (treasu ring up, collecting) God’s wrath for the

coming judgment of those who harden their hearts and refuse

to repent (change their mind) about their unrighteous condition.

b. God will judge us not on what we believe to be true but on what

we do each day…vs.6 ( this is a serious situation for many who

sit in churches across our country and believe they are secure

because of what they know but are not doing).

4. Not the possessor of the Law but the doer of the Law is right in

God’s eye’s (vss.7 -26)

a. God looks at right doing not just right knowing !

1) Paul lays out a clear message… if you do good…God accepts

you but if you do bad…you come under judgment vss.8 -10

2) There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in this fact of

the law… either you do the law and are justified, or you don’t

do the law and are judged by it. Vs.11

Rom 2:12 For as many as sinned without Law will also perish without Law. And as many as have sinned within Law shall be judged through Law. Rom 2:13 For it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. Rom 2:14 For when the nations, who do not have the Law, do by nature the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law unto themselves. Rom 2:15 who show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and the thoughts between one another accusing or even excusing one another, Rom 2:16 in a day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

b. God will work with the understanding a person has in judgment:

(Those ignorant of the law and those who know it) vss.12-16

1) If one never knew the law then God will judge that person by

natural revelation and their conscience. There will be those

who have instinctively done the law and God will honor that.

Vss. 14-15

2) Those who have the law then will be judged by the law. It is

simple… those who do the law are righteous and those who

do not are unrighteous before God (Vs.13). (Read also

James 1:22)

Rom 2:17 Behold, you are called a Jew, and rest in the Law, and boast in God. Rom 2:18 and know His will and approve the things excelling, being instructed out of the Law. Rom 2:19 and persuading yourselves to be a guide of the blind, a light to those in darkness. Rom 2:20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, who have the form of knowledge and of the truth in the Law. Rom 2:21 Therefore the one teaching another, do you not teach yourself? The one preaching not to steal, do you steal? Rom 2:22 The one saying not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? The one detesting idols, do you rob temples? Rom 2:23 You who boast in Law, do you dishonor God through breaking the Law? Rom 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the nations because of you, as it is written. Rom 2:25 For circumcision truly profits if you keep the Law, but if you are a transgressor of the Law, circumcision becomes uncircumcision. Rom 2:26 If then the uncircumcision keeps the ordinances of the Law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? Rom 2:27 And the uncircumcision, which is by nature, if it fulfills the Law, shall it not judge you, who through letter and circumcision become transgressors of the Law? Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that outwardly in flesh. Rom 2:29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart; in spirit and not in letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

c. Paul zeros in on the Jewish hypocrite …vss.17 -29

1) Paul lays out a clear picture of a “confident” Jew who feels he

knows the law and can teach the spiritual babe all he or she

needs to know about the Mosaic Law. Vss.17-23

a) Paul is dealing with a very serious issue… those who believe

“ Knowing truth” is what saves us. This is also serious

concern in the church today…especially for those who have

grown up in the Church thinking information equals

salvation.

b) Here is a Jew who thinks he is an instructor in righteousness… a

guide to the unlearned in the law..but who is not keeping

the law himself. Vss.21-23

(1) This Jew had developed a rational or excuse for his violations of the law. (2) Here is a person who teaches one way and lives another

2) Paul points out how such a Jew “dishonors” God in front of

the Gentiles who see his hypocrisy in not keeping the law.

(vs.23)

a) The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of

the inconsistency they see in the life of this type of believer in

regards to what he or she teaches about God. Vs.24

b) We are unsure of the source of Paul’s quote in this verse but

there are quotes to be found in the Old Testament dealing

with this issue. (Isa.52:5; Ezk.36:22-23)

3) To this Jew his circumcision was the sign of one being in covenant

with God… it was the outward indication of being one of the people

of God. Vss. 25-29

a) Paul attacks this outward sign of circumcision as

meaningless if there is no true obedience to the

Mosaic Law. The only value of circumcision is if we

live out its true meaning. If we do not obey God’s

word then Paul bluntly says we are in fact

living as the uncircumcised. Vs.25

b) Paul suggests a shocking thing… if the Gentile does

the law from the leading of his heart consistently…

even though he is uncircumcised … his obedience is

making him circumcised before God. Vs.26

4) Paul ends this Chapter by simply pointing out that not all

natural Jews are true spiritual Jews and not all physical

circumcisions are heart circumcisions. It is a heart issue

that manifests itself in obeying God… the obedient Jew or non

Jew is acceptable to God. Vs.29

Conclusion: It is important here to recognize that Paul is not laying out how we are to seek justification through obedience to the Law. He is dealing with those who look to the Law as their means of justification. Paul is simply pointing out that those who look to the Law for salvation are in fact not keeping the law. The demand of the law is a simple one… it must “all” be obeyed for someone to be justified by it. Many Jews had come to accept that what they “knew” about the law was good enough for their salvation before God. Paul in answer to this assumption states “absolutely not!” Such thinking not only left them lost before God but also brought shame on the name of God. As Christians, we do not seek to be justified by the law but Jesus says if we love him we will seek to keep his commandments (Jn.14:15). We do not keep the law for salvation we keep it because of our salvation. The blood of Jesus keeps us forgiven even when we sin and break the law. But it is the grace flowing from the Holy Spirit in us that allows us to increasingly do the law out of love for God. But like the hypothetical Jew Paul speaks of how Christians can also be hypocrites before a watching world? To believe and teaching something that we are not living still brings shame on the name of Christ. (Matt.7:20)

Chapter Three

Justification (being made acceptable to God)

“If my belonging to God and my circumcision is of no profit to me… then what advantage is there in being a Jew?” This was an argument that Paul had to face in synagogue after synagogue that he preached in. The Jews accused Paul of presenting God as a “covenant breaking God” (God not keeping his promise to Abraham) in response to his saying that God had rejected the Jewish way of keeping the law to be righteous before God. If the gospel has discarded the law saying all you have to do is just believe in Jesus to be righteous before God, then God has broken covenant with his people. For the listening Jew Paul was simply discarding any value in being a Jew at all. Here in this Chapter Paul clarifies what being a Jew really means befor e God and what it is to be justified in God’s eyes and why Jesus is the end (fulfillment) of the law.” (Rom.10:4) Rom 3:1 Then what is the superiority of the Jew? Or what is the profit of circumcision? Rom 3:2 Much, by every way! Chiefly, indeed, because they were entrusted with the oracles of God. Rom 3:3 For what? If some did not believe, will not their unbelief nullify the faith of God? Rom 3:4 Let it not be! But let God be true, and every man a liar; as it is written, "That You might be justified in Your sayings, and will overcome when You are judged."

1. What benefit is there then of being a Jew? (vs.1-2)

a. Paul’s answer to the question of “what value was there in being a

Jew?” by saying th at the Jew had been chosen of all people to receive

the Law directly from God and to bring it to the world. (Exodus 20)

b. They had an amazing advantage over the Gentile…(their light

was so much greater in knowing God and his ways)

2. Let’s look closer at the two arguments Paul had to deal with in his

Witness to his own people.

Jewish Argument One (vss. 3-4)

Paul begins here dealing with two arguments from the Jewish perspective that he feels needs to be

dealt with:

a. If God has given the Jews a special relation to himself and then

God turns and judges some of the Jews like a Gentile (pagan)

then God is not being faithful in his promise to Abraham and the

patriarchs and their decedents.

1) It was evidently the belief of the Jews that God would keep

every Jew from judgment because of His covenant with Abraham.

2) If one Jew does not gain salvation…then the covenant all falls

apart in their thinking.

b. Paul answers the argument with the simple fact God can never

lie… man may lie but never God.

1) Above all Paul stress es that we must hold up God’s character

2) In vs.5… Paul speaks of our “unrighteousness” (in this

case the sin of these unbelieving Jews and their coming under

judgment) … is God then unrighteous for bringing such unbelievers

to judgment? Absolutely not is Paul’s reply. Has this caused

God to break covenant…no! God is always just and right in his

actions with us.

3) This is why John the Baptist dealt directly with this false

understanding when the says: “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not

to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these

stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” (Lk.3:8)

Rom 3:5 But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who lays on wrath? (I speak as a man.) Rom 3:6 Let it not be! For then how shall God judge the world? Rom 3:7 For if in my lie the truth has more abounded to His glory why am I still judged as a sinner? Rom 3:8 And not rather, (as we are wrongly accused, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do bad things that good may come? Their condemnation is just.

Jewish Argument Two (vss.5-8)

a. Paul sees his figurative Jew striking back with the argument

“… if the Jewish failure to believe provides a public “courtroom” for God to demonstrate his grace and mercy… then the sinning Jews are doing God a favor and in fact are helping to highlight God’s grace and mercy. If the more sinful I become demonstrates the greater grace of God…the n my unrighteousness glorifies God.

(1) Paul answers this argument with the understanding that if this were true then God could never judge any sin…because

the more one sins the more God’s grace is demonstrated and God is glorified (i.e. Rom.3:8). This seems to have been an ongoing accusation by the Jews towards Paul, that he was teaching lawlessness… “the more we sin the greater we demonstrate God’s gracious and forgiveness…so feel free to break the law and sin.” (Rom.6:1) Paul will deal with this argument more fully in chapter 6:2-4 but here Paul simply presents the accusation.

The Evidence of the Sin Nature of Man

Rom 3:9 What then? Do we excel? No, in no way; for we have before charged both Jews and Greeks all with being under sin, Rom 3:10 as it is written: "There is none righteous, no not one. Rom 3:11 there is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God." Rom 3:12 “ They are all gone out of the way, they have together become unprofitable, there is none that does good, no, not one." Rom 3:13 “ Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they have used deceit, the poison of asps is under their lips. Rom 3:14 whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness;" Rom 3:15 “ their feet are swift to shed blood. Rom 3:16 destruction and misery are in their way, Rom 3:17 and the way of peace they did not know." Rom 3:18 “ There is no fear of God before their eyes." Rom 3:19 But we know that whatever things the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law; so that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be under judgment before God, Rom 3:20 because by the works of the Law none of all flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law is the knowledge of sin.

a. Review of Man’s Sin Nature

Vs.10 “None righteous”: The standard of righteousness is God himself. Vs. 11a “None understands”: Our thought process is distorted by sin – we cannot fully know and understand God from reason alone. Vs. 11b “None that seeks after God”: Men search for God int ellectually

but not as a person to be known and pursued. Vs.12 a “They have gone out of the way”: Like a car out of alignment – cannot stay on the right path. Vs.12 b “All have become unprofitable”: the word means “useless” - Like a wineskin that is no longer able to hold wine. Humanity cannot hold righteousness or be profitable to God in it’s present condition. Vs.12 c “ There is no ne that does good”: None that “habitually or continually” does what is right or good both in action and thought. Vs.13a Their “throat is an open grave”: source of death and corruption (Prov.18:21: James 3:6-8) Vs. 13b “With their tongue they use deceit”: hiding true feeling with misleading words. Vs. 13c. “Poison is under their lips”: hidden intent to hurt or destroy Vs.14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness”: using words to bring calamity out of an evil heart. Vs.15- 16 “Feet swift to shed blood - in their way is destruction and misery”: a history of violence and destruction and misery. Vs. 17 “No peace is in their life”: endless conflict and restlessness Vs. 18 “No fear of God”: God is of no concern to them.

b. The purpose of the law is to expose our sin nature – to produce a

full knowledge of our sin. Vs.19-20)

Justification must be gained apart from the Law

Rom 3:21 But now a righteousness of God has been revealed apart from Law, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets . Rom 3:22 even the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ, toward all and upon all those who believe. For there is no difference, Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,

4. Even the law and the prophets testify to the need of justification by

faith in God’s grace. (Hab.2:4; Isa.49:23)

a. All have the need to be saved. All hearts are wicked and

deserving of divine judgment on the condition of their hearts.

(Ps.10:7; Ps.14:3; Ps.5:9; Ps.140:3; Isa.59:7 – insight

into the fallen condition of mankind)

b. All must be saved the same way – both Jew and Gentile!

Rom 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Rom 3:25 whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness through the passing by of the sins that had taken place before, in the forbearance of God; Rom 3:26 for the display of His righteousness at this time, for Him to be just and, forgiving the one being of the faith of Jesus.

5. Three key Words: Description of our salvation

a. Redemption : To buy back or restore

b. Jesus has become our propitiation (one who has appeased or

placated) God’s wrath through faith in the offering of Jesus’

blood to justify us before God. (Heb.2:17)

c. The price of our redemption is Jesus’ Blood

It is important here to realize that the Blood is not for us… the

blood is for God. The blood satisfies his justice and allows God

to remain just in the face of the wickedness of mankind. The

price for our sins have been paid in full. We are now made

acceptable to God...restored to a right relationship with Him

through Jesus Christ. God remains just (there was payment for

sins) by allowing a perfect man to bear our sins - taking our

judgment.

Rom 3:27 Then where is the boasting? It is excluded. Through what law? Of works? No, but through the law of faith.

Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the works of the Law. Rom 3:29 Or is He the God of the Jews only, and not also of the nations? Yes, of the nations also, Rom 3:30 since it is one God who will justify circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

6. There can be no BOASTING… we could do nothing to merit

God’s forgiveness … it is all by the LAW OF FAITH (we can

consistently depend on Christ to justify (and sanctify)

us before God (never by our keeping the law of Moses). This is

true for both Jew and Gentile. (vss.26-28).

Rom 3:31 Do we then make the Law void through faith? Let it not be! But we establish the Law.

Here is a concern that is even used today against salvation by faith alone. Does faith alone do away

with the Law? Can we now ignore it? No, his shed blood confirms (establishes) the Law, that it’s

violation must end in the punishment of the sinner (law breaker) which was accomplished in Jesus

Christ. (vs.31)

Here is the clear concept of Substitution : Jesus assumes our

place before God as the law-breaker (sinner) and we assume

his place of having lived totally righteous under the Law

(sinless) making us acceptable to God.

Conclusion: Finally, the point is clear… the law reveals that the Jew is as much a law breaker as the Gentile. The only real difference between the Jew and the Gentile is that the Jews had the advantage and also the greater responsibility to recognize much sooner their need o f God’s salvation by grace (Gal.3:24). Justification before God comes by faith and faith alone in what God did for us in Jesus Christ.

Chapter Four

How the Father of Judaism was justified by faith

Paul now goes to the heart of the matter in this section… how was the father of Judaism justified in his walk with God? Paul never does away with the specialness of the Jewish people (the unique promises and standing they had from God) but he clearly points out that their right relationship with God is gained the same way the gentiles gain such a righteous relationship… by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Rom 4:1 What then shall we say that our father Abraham has found, according to flesh? Rom 4:2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a boast; but not before God. Rom 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." Rom 4:4 But to him working, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt. Rom 4:5 But to him not working, but believing on Him justifying the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

1. Abraham was justified by Faith before circumcision was instituted

as the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant between him and all his

descendants (vss.1-5)

a. If you earn something…you can boast (You gain the honor of

having done the work)

b. But if it is faith alone then it is a gift… you did nothing that you

can boast about… it was all God’s work.

UNDERSTANDING FAITH RIGHTEOUSNESS

2. Paul takes time here to be very clear on how “saving and

sanctifying faith” works. We need to take some time to unpack

this…

a. If you seek to earn God’s favor by your efforts, your

understanding of salvation is by works righteousness. Vs.4

b. But if you do anything in relationship to God by only faith in his

grace (supernatural strength, understanding, ability, wisdom,

healing, and salvation) … this is acceptable to God and not self-works.

1) Using Abrahams two sons (Isaac and Ishmael) Gal.4:21-23

a) One came the “natural way”… by the ability and will of man

b) One came the “spiritual way”… faith (trusting) in the promise of

God.

Rom 4:6 Even as David also says of the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness without works, Rom 4:7 saying, "Blessed are those whose lawlessnesses are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Rom 4:8 blessed is the man to whom the Lord will in no way impute sin."

2) Paul quotes Israel’s great King David (who was messianic

figure to the Jewish people) who wrote how blessed it is when

God mercifully and graciously removes our sins and declares us

guiltless. (Ps.32:1-11) (vss.6-8)

3) The book of James states that works (things I do in obedience to

God’s word) are necessary to evidence my faith. (James 2:18) But

there is a real difference between serving God to be justified before

God and serving God out of an obedient and grateful heart because I

am justified. It all goes to my motive for serving and working for

God.

c. Paul is making a clear point that a walk with God is one of faith

in which we do not trust in our self- efforts but in God’s mercy

and grace working in and through us. We do not save ourselves

and we serve God trusting His strength and grace to be working in us

making us able to do all he asks of us. (Read John 5:19,30) In this

way we can do miracles and accomplish what is impossible.