Matt Christiansen Bible Study

Study session scripture: Romans 15:14-33I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written,“Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.Study session topics:The extension of God's righteousness through Paul's mission Paul's contentment with the Roman Church (vv. 14-15) Despite tensions between Jew and Gentile, Paul gives the church 3 compliments Paul's boldness in writing Paul's description of his mission (vv. 15-21) Paul's calling as Apostle to the Gentiles Paul's pride in his work The Gospel as Paul's singular focus The scope, nature, and power behind Paul's work Paul's future plans (vv. 22-32) Paul's desire to visit Rome, and from there to Spain Paul's immediate plans: returning to Jerusalem Paul asks for prayer as he completes his journey Paul's second benediction (v. 33) Peace is a great blessing for the ChristianStudy session audio: S4 E36: Romans 15:14-33 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 15:1-13We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.Study session topics:Call for mutual acceptance between strong and weak, part 3 Paul's summation to the strong (vv. 1-2) The strong have a responsibility to tolerate and support the weak Each believer should seek the good of his neighbor to build him up The example of Christ (vv. 3-12) The humility of Christ The timelessness of the scriptures Paul's prayer for his audience Paul's true point in putting forth the example of Christ Paul for the last time attacks the issue of division between Jew and Gentile Benediction (v. 13) The reason for a benediction here A comprehensive benediction about the Christian lifeStudy session audio: S4 E35: Romans 15:1-13 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 14:13-23Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.Study session topics:Call for m utual acceptance between strong and weak, part 2 The guiding principle of liberty: consideration of others (v. 13) Legalism vs. responsible consideration Paul's parenthetical: the strong are correct (v. 14) Nothing is unclean of itself For the one who believes something is unclean, it is unclean The strong's responsibility:Abstain for the sake of weaker brothers (vv. 15-16, 20-23) Three reasons why the strong should forgo privileges for the sake of the weak Two important caveats The ultimate reason for the strong to abstain: the Issue is not the issue (vv. 17-19)Study session audio: S4 E34: Romans 4:13-23 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 14:1-12As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.Study session topics:Mutual acceptance between strong and weak, part 1 A call for the “strong” in faith to accept those “weak” in faith (v. 1) Dietary differences (vv. 2-4) 4 principles to keep us from scorning fellow believers Other Christians answer to God God has accepted other Christians as they are Other Christians stand by the grace of God just as you do You too are accountable to God Differences in special days (vv. 5-6) 3 principles for how Christians should conduct themselves in disputable matters Be convinced in your own mind Serve the Lord Give thanks Further calls to unity (vv. 7-12) Paul's reason for speaking as he does: unity Modern-day disputable mattersStudy session audio: S4 E33: Romans 14:1-12 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 13Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.Study session topics:Marks of the Christian Community, Part 3 The Christian's relationship to the government (vv. 1-7) Governmental authority is from God The legitimate role of the government A positive reason to obey the law: conscience Scriptural limits on government power The Christian's relationship to all people (vv. 8-14) -“Owe no one anything”—The Christian's financial responsibility Love: the sole exception to not owe anything Paul's exhortation to live the Christian life now, and not put off serving God S4 E32: Romans 13 Download

In this two-week special study session during Justin's absence, Rev Rogers leads a two-part series: ‘Discussing the Diversity of ‘Church.'' This episode is part two, focusing on Ephesians.Study session audio: S4 E31: Discussing the Diversity of 'Church', Part 2 Download

In this two-week special study session during Justin's absence, Rev Rogers leads a two-part series: ‘Discussing the Diversity of ‘Church.'' This episode is part one.Study session audio: S4 E30: Discussing the Diversity of 'Church' Download

Study session scripture: Romans 12:9-21Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Study session topics:Marks of the Christian community, part 2 The Christian's relationship to other Christians (vv. 9-13) Love: genuine, discriminating, brotherly kindness, honoring others, zealous service, persistent hope, meeting one another's needs Commands given for Christian unity The Christian's relationship to the world (vv. 14-21) Response to persecutionResponse to unbelievers: empathy, amicability, humility, response to conflict, upright and ethical, peaceable, charitableStudy session audio: S4 E29: Romans 12:9-21 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 12:1-8I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.Study session topics:Marks of the Christian Community, Part 1 Living sacrifice Therefore-the biggest one yet The strangeness of the phrase “living sacrifice” How to offer ourselves as living sacrifices: Resist the pressures of the world around us Accept and cooperate with the sanctifying work of God Spiritual gifts Another warning against pride The Body of Christ—one of Paul's most famous illustrations The purpose and application of spiritual gifts Unity in Christ—Paul's underlying point Study session audio: S4 E28: Romans 12:1-8 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 11:11-26Rev. Rogers filled in for Justin this week. Please see the audio recording of this week's session below. S4 E27: Romans 11:11-36 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 10:14-11:10How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God's reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.”Study session topics:Israel's Rejection of God's Promises, Continued Israel's disobedience to the Gospel (10:14-21) The chain from sent to saved Israel's rejection of the message of salvation Israel's rejection foretold in the Old Testament The first excuse: Has Israel heard the Gospel? The second excuse: Did Israel understand the Gospel? The remnant of Israel (11:1-10) Has God abandoned His people? By no means! -God still reserves a remnant for Himself Israel's greater responsibility toward GodStudy session audio: S4 E26: Romans 10:14-11:10 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 9:30-10:13What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness[d] did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Brothers,my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?'” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?'” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”Study session topics:Israel's Rejection of God's Promises Israel's Unbelief (9:30-10:4) As with last time, we begin with "What shall we say then?" Points back to Paul's discussion of God's promises to Israel What follows is Paul's summation of what he laid out in Ch. 9 Paul lays out a grand irony between the Jews and Gentiles: Gentiles, on the whole, neither possessed nor pursued God's law, but they have been given an opportunity to receive God's righteousness by faith Jews, on the whole, possessed and pursued God's law for generations, yet that pursuit has not yielded the righteousness that leads to life Why did Israel fail to obtain righteousness through the law? They failed to use the law for its intended purpose: as a mirror to reveal their wickedness and point to a savior Instead, they attempted to use the law to increase their own righteousness As a result, they stumbled over the purpose of the Messiah and His teachings Paul diagnoses the issue of the Jews as being zealous for God, but being wrong about what God requires -If the Jews understood the law and its purpose rightly, they would look to Christ, "the end of the law for righteousness." What does "end" mean? Fulfillment -Culmination -TerminationGod's Message of Salvation to All (10:5-13) Paul again contrasts righteousness based on the law with righteousness based on faith He quotes Leviticus 18:5, a verse he also uses in a similar way in Galatians 3:10-14 The way of the law and the way of faith are mutually exclusive Using several Old Testament references, Paul lays out 3 different types of religion: The religion of the law (10:5) This is the religion of legalism, which Paul refuted in Ch. 7 No one can perfectly keep the law all their life The law was never meant to be a means of salvation The religion of signs (10:6-7) Here Paul references Deuteronomy 30:11-14 and recontextualizes it to refer to Christ's work, laying out several different meanings for Israel and Christians: Neither Israel nor Christians need any further word from God Neither Israel nor Christians need to do anything to bring the Messiah to them Neither Israel nor Christians should look for miracles The religion of faith (10:8-10) -This is a religion of belief and confession Belief: not mere intellectual assent, but trust, resting your hope for the future on Christ's work -Confession: several elements here "Jesus is Lord"--placing oneself under the kingship of Christ Confession with one's mouth is done before others--publicly identifying oneself with ChristConfession with one's mouth is how we share our faith with others Paul ties this passage back into his greater point on Israel's unbelief and rejection of God's promises "Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame" refers back to 9:38 where Paul assembles several quotes from Isaiah, all of which refer to the Messiah and come together to show both the promise of salvation and Israel's rejection of itPaul continues to hammer downs the walls between Jew and Gentile by restating what he said in 3:29-30 and universalizing Joel 2:32Study session audio: S4 E25: Romans 9:30-10:13 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 9:14-29What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? As indeed he says in Hosea,“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,' and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.'” “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,' there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.'”And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” And as Isaiah predicted,“If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.”Study session topics:God's Saving Promises to Israel, Continued Is God unjust? "What shall we say then?"--refers back to Paul's explanation of God's sovereign choice This is an objection we encounter to this day--"If God is all-powerful, then He is unjust." Paul shifts his answer from God's justice to God's mercy Under God's justice we are all deservedly condemned (3:10-12) God's mercy is the only way anyone is saved, and mercy is in a different category than justice -Paul again states that salvation is a work of God that doesn't depend on human exertion or will (8:30) The example of Pharaoh (Exodus 9:13-16) God is not responsible for man's sin God is free to save whom He wills and judge whom He willsIn both cases, His name is glorifiedWhy does He still find fault? This objection flows directly from Paul's answer to the first Critical problems with this question: It assumes God condemns certain people without reference to what they are or do as sinnersIt assumes God creates certain people only to damn them, and that they themselves are bystanders in all this The question itself is a rebellion against God's right to do with His creation as He will Paul's answer to the question begins with 3 comparisons to put the question in its proper context Man and God -Created and Creator Clay and Potter Paul connects the illustration of the potter with the conclusion of the previous objection, the idea of God's wrath (Ch. 1), and His forbearance (2:4) Paul ends his refutation with quotes from Hosea and Isaiah that show that God's new covenant of salvation was always His goal, even in the days of the old Israelite kingdom HoseaGod commanded Hosea to marry a woman who would be unfaithful to him and give his children strange and symbolic names Paul is emphasizing unity between Jews and Gentile believers Isaiah -"only the remnant will be saved"--Paul once again rejects physical lineage as the way to be included in God's covenant Apart from God's grace in saving a remnant, Israel would have been destroyed Taken together, these quotes emphasize a church blended together from Jews and Gentiles and God's faithfulness to His promises as they are rightly understoodStudy session audio: S4 E24: Romans 9:14-29 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 9:1-13I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”Study session topics:God's Saving Promises to Israel Paul's sorrow for the Jews Paul desires salvation for his people so greatly that he would be willing to not just lose his salvation, but become an enemy of God if it would save Israel Paul is speaking hypothetically here (I could wish) because he knows and has shown that only one person giving of themselves sacrificially could achieve salvation for others Earlier, at the start of Ch. 3, Paul stated that there is much benefit to being an ethnic Jew. Here, he lists those benefits: Adoption Glory Covenants The Law Worship Promises Patriarchs Human Ancestry of Christ Despite all of these advantages, a great many Jews remain unsaved (as it is today). Advantages do not save: Paul's explanation of how God has kept His promises -"[I]t is not as though the word of God has failed"--this is a theme for the next few chapters This passage echoes and expands on what Paul says in Ch. 2:28-29 Abraham as example again Paul further makes his point by pointing to Jacob and Esau This is another example of God's foreknowledge (choice) 2 big points to be made from these examples: God's choice is emphasized in both cases by choosing the second-born Given how wicked all mankind is, God's choice is the only way anyone will be saved Study session audio: S4 E23: Romans 9:1-13 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 8:26-39Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Study session topics:The Intercession of the Holy Spirit (vv. 26-27) This is an important topic because prayer itself is a confusing subject, as Paul himself concedes in v. 26 -"Likewise" or "In the same way"--connects the Holy Spirit's intercession to earlier context vv. 22-25: our hope in God's promises is strengthened by the Spirit's intercession on our behalfvv. 15-17: the Spirit's aid in prayer is further assurance that we are God's children The problem with prayer--our weakness The Holy Spirit assists us in our weakness in many ways, but here Paul is specifically talking about our ignorance The word "our" is important here--Paul is saying this is a problem for all Christians -"helps"--a hugely insufficient word Greek sunantilambanetai--someone coming alongside another to help bear a heavy burden -Paul transitions to his next and final point in this chapter by giving us both an assurance and an aspiration: the Spirit intercedes for Christians according to the will of God The Spirit translates our desires into requests that fit into the will of God The point of the Christian life is to be increasingly conformed to Christ, so we also should be increasingly petitioning God according to His willThe Practical Outworking of God's Character (vv. 28-39) v. 28 is one of the most well known--and misused--verses in the Bible It is not a platitude for things getting better, rather Paul immediately clarifies that he means all things work together to further sanctify us v. 28 is the thesis of the remainder of the chapter--we can rest assured in our salvation and know that we will be further sanctified due to the One our salvation rests on vv. 29-30 show the roadmap for God's process of saving and sanctifying His people -Foreknowledge -Predestination -Calling -Justification -Glorification In the last section of the chapter, Paul triumphantly, almost defiantly, challenges anyone to overthrow the work of God in salvation by posing 5 questions: Who can be against us? How will He not graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge? Who is to condemn? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Study session audio: S4 E22: Romans 8:26-39 Download

Study session scripture: Romans 8:15-25For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.Study session topics:Children of God (vv. 15-17) Here Paul fully lays out how profound our new standing with God is Paul briefly touched on it in 5:1-5 -Peace with God--we are no longer God's enemies This grace in which we stand--we have a new standing before God We are not merely slaves or servants of God (though we are those things as well) "Adoption"--this word choice is important Only Paul uses this word in the New Testament, and it doesn't appear in the Old Testament at all How close to God are we as sons? The Holy Spirit allows us to call Him "Abba! Father!"--the same term of address Christ used in Mark 14:36 -Paul says the Holy Spirit bears witness with us that we are children of God--how does the Spirit bear witness? Evidence of the Spirit's presence within us--the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) The Spirit produces in us a willingness to suffer for Christ Persecution--we will be mistreated by the world for our allegiance to God (Matthew 5:11-12, John 15:18-20) Purification--God will give us difficult circumstances to further sanctify us (Hebrews 12:7-11) As part of the full rights of sonship that adoption entails, Paul declares us to be heirs of God with Christ What does it mean to be an heir of God? Our final future state--glorified in heaven Our present circumstances--God lavishes His love and blessings on us In both cases, the true inheritance is God HimselfHope of future glory Paul transitions to this topic by declaring that our suffering in this life is insignificant compared to the indescribable glory we will one day experience -Paul restates this idea in II Corinthians 4:16-17 Paul is speaking from experience Paul broadens the principle of suffering giving way to glory and applies it to all of creation, specifically non-rational creation The picture Paul paints of the cosmos is distinct from the way an atheist would describe it--Paul talks about a universe that has a purpose, has lost that purpose, and looks forward to the restoration of that purpose The imagery and words Paul uses point to the fall in Genesis 3 and the frustration of the teacher in Ecclesiastes At the same time, creation desires to be set free of the fall and be made new, as God promised He would (Isaiah 11:6-9) At the end of the passage , Paul again narrows his focus to his audience to address the dissonance we feel and our hope for its resolution The "first fruits of the Spirit" does not refer to the fruit of the Spirit, but rather the first portion of the Christian's inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14) -Earlier Paul treats our adoption as something that has already occurred--here he speaks of it as something yet to happen We have become part of God's family, but we do not yet have full rights and inheritance because we are not yet who we ought to be Paul finishes this point by reminding us that these glorious things are still to come, and we anticipate them in hope that "does not put us to shame" (5:5) Study session audio: S4 E21: Romans 8:15-25

Study session scripture: Romans 8:1-14There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.Study session topics:Assurance of Hope Freedom from condemnation by the law (vv. 1-4) v. 1: a thesis and a summary -"therefore"--the biggest one yet No condemnation Points back to the first few chapters, summed up in 3:9-11 -"in Christ Jesus" Points back to Paul's discussion of being united to Christ in Ch. 5, continued in v. 2 Here we see all 3 persons of the Trinity active in salvation God the Father: Sends His Son to Earth and condemns sin in the flesh through Christ's death, thus justifying the Christian God the Son: Becomes like us, dies as the perfect sacrifice, and breaks the power of sin through His death God the Holy Spirit: Joins us to Christ in His death and resurrection, and gives us power to live a holy life In this passage we begin to see how our freedom from condemnation leads to a holy life -Holiness is the goal of justification Holiness consists of fulfilling the law's just demands Holiness is the work of the Holy Spirit Holiness is mandatory We see Christ illustrate how freedom from condemnation works in John 8:1-11Deliverance from our sinful natures (vv. 5-14) In vv. 5-8 Paul contrasts the unsaved person and the Christian The unsaved person is characterized in 4 ways: His thinking: his mind is set on fleshly things His state: spiritually dead His religion: anti-God His present condition: unable to please God The Christian is characterized in 2 ways: His thinking: set on what the Spirit desires His state: spiritually alive and at peace In vv. 9-11 Paul encourages his audience to examine themselves to assure them that they are included in God's new covenant The Christian's past (v. 9) -The Christian's present (v. 10) The Christian's future (v.11) -vv. 12-14 describe the process of sanctification as a moral imperative If you live like a non-Christian, you will die like a non-Christian--because you are not a Christian -If you live like a Christian--as only a true Christian can--you will live forever Study session audio: S4 E20: Romans 8:1-14

Study session scripture: Romans 7:13-25Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.Study session topics:The Law and sin, continued v. 13 summarizes vv. 7-12 The law does not bring death The law reveals sin as sin Sin takes provocation from the law The law, operated on by sin, brings us to the end of ourselvesWhat is the state of the man in vv. 14-25? Paul as an unsaved man -Calls himself "sold under sin" Says "nothing good dwells in me" Wonders "who will deliver me from this body of death? Problems with this view: The way Paul describes himself here is different from how he describes his unsaved state elsewhere Paul expresses delight in God's law, which is absent in unbelievers Paul describes himself in the past tense in vv. 7-12, but here he describes himself in the present tense Paul as a "carnal Christian" The man in the passage speaks in despair, as if he has been defeated This view holds that the passage talks about a Christian who lives in sin, and Ch. 8 is about a life of victory Problems with this view: This view suggests that there are 2 stages of Christian experience, where a person first accepts Christ as Savior, then later accepts Him as Lord Paul does speak of his flesh, but there is a struggle that a so-called "carnal Christian" has given up on Paul as a man under conviction This view claims that Paul is speaking neither as a regenerate man nor an unregenerate man The strongest argument for this position is that Paul is speaking as a man who has come to the end of himself after being confronted by the lawProblems with this view: It still doesn't account for the change from past to present tense Paul knows who his redeemer isStudy session audio: S4 E19: Romans 7:13-25

Study session scripture: Romans 7:7-12What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.Study session topics:The Law and Sin The Legalist's Objections Objection 1: If the law can neither save nor sanctify, what is its value? Should it not be thrown out? Objection 2: If our sin is aroused by the law, isn't the law sinful since it leads to evil? Why these objections matter: Since the law came from God, who does not do or make anything evil Paul will show in this passage that the law is good and holy, and that it does accomplish good things The law reveals sin as sin No one naturally thinks of themselves as wicked, but God's law reveals that fact to us Genesis 6:5 -Romans 3:10-12 Even if we can see our wicked state with clear eyes, we cannot know what is "sin" without the law Paul touches on this earlier in 4:15 and 5:14 Paul relates this truth to himself Philippians 3:2-6 -- Paul once thought very highly of himself and needed the law to see himself as a sinnerThe law provokes sin This sounds counterintuitive, but it draws out the realization of how bad sin is Sin, through the knowledge of the commandment, creates a surge of rebellion in our hearts The law brings out sinful desires we never knew existed Our sinful nature reveals itself (and its power over us) by taking provocation from the law The Law Brings Us to the End of Ourselves v. 9 in context talks about Paul's obliviousness to his own wickedness, becoming aware of that wickedness due to the law, and feeling hopeless -- dying -- due to his realization that he cannot keep the law This hopelessness in oneself is a good thing because it drives us to see our need for a savior Jesus used the law this way when talking to the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) Paul summarizes this idea earlier in 3:19-20 Study session audio: S4 E18: Romans 7:7-12

Study session scripture: Romans 7:1-6Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.Study session topics:The triumph of grace over the power of the law Law is binding only until death Ancient Greek wording omits "the" in v. 1 Paul is talking about a broader concept of law than the Law of Moses Death ends all obligations and contracts Paul's illustration: marriage Paul ties the idea of marriage dissolving at death to the Christian's relationship to the dominion of the law vs. the dominion of Christ This illustration is not allegorical (i.e. the husband does not represent the law, or Adam, or our old nature) Though this is an imperfect illustration, it is useful for several reasons: A woman who is married to a man is under the authority of that man The subjection of a wife to a husband in marriage is for lifeIn spite of the permanence of this relationship and the authority it confers, there is still the possibility of entering into another relationship The object of marriage is to bear fruitFlesh vs. spirit The word "flesh" here has a deeper theological meaning that Paul often uses in his letters in contrast with "spirit" Flesh (sarx) can refer to a physical human body (Luke 24:39, Gal. 2:20), the whole of mankind (Isaiah 40:6), or our fallen, sinful nature v. 5 uses the latter meaning It can't be a physical body, since it speaks of flesh in the past tense It can't be all humanity, since it is contrasting flesh with the new life according to the SpiritInterpreting the use of the word "flesh" correctly is critical, because misuse of the term has given rise to the modern view of the "carnal Christian" Scripture does speak about and to immature Christians, but it does not support the idea of them being in a separate category of persons from "spiritual" Christians Scripture treats the process of sanctification for the Christian not as something that is optional, but as an inevitability (I Cor. 6:9-11, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 9:13-14) In Romans 7:6, Paul presents 2 categories: captivity to sin aroused by the law, and serving in the new way of the SpiritStudy session audio: S4 E17: Romans 7:1-6

Study session scripture: Romans 6:15-23What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Study session topics:The Triumph of Grace over the Power of Sin, Continued "What then?" Paul anticipates a further objection based on a misunderstanding of his last statement in 6:14 The antinomian again asserts that sin does not matter because "we are no longer under law but under grace" Paul's emphasis is that "sin will have no dominion over [us]," that freedom from the power of sin enables us to fight against sin in our livesPaul's new illustration: Slavery Echoes Christ's words in John 8:31-36 Slave--doulos -Same word Paul used as the first descriptor of himself in Romans 1:1 Not describing chattel slavery, but voluntary slavery Importantly, Paul only describes 2 options: slavery to sin, or slavery to God Paul acknowledges in v. 19 that this is an imperfect illustration, but it is helpful to illustrate 2 truths: God does not look upon us as profitable commodities that He needs, but as weak, frail, destitute beggars whom He graciously welcomes into His house We cannot entrust ourselves to be cared for by God and think that we will somehow rule the roost3 Important Contrasts between Slavery to Sin and Slavery to God Increasing corruption vs. increasing righteousness (v. 19) Romans 1:18-32: Choosing sin over God leads to being given over to a worsening state before God Increasing sanctification comes as a necessary consequence of saying "no" to sin and saying "yes" to God more and moreShame vs. joy (v. 20-21) From a Godly perspective--which we share as slaves to God--all sin is shameful The world gets this backwards and will often try to shame us for obeying God There is great joy in living with a clean conscience Death vs. eternal life (v. 23) We all, consciously or not, seek eternal life (Ecclesiastes 3:11) As God is the source and sustainer of all life, separation from Him means death, but being joined to Him inevitably leads to eternal lifeStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 6:1-14What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.Study session topics:The triumph of grace over the power of sin “What shall we say, then?" -Paul is rhetorically asking what the logical conclusion of God's triumphant grace is (5:20-21) Antinomian objection: if sin is overtaken by grace, then sin doesn't matter, so sin away Paul's position: God's grace transforms the Christian into a person who actively fights against sin in their lifePaul's case against antinomianism The Christian has died to sin--What does this mean? The Christian is no longer responsive to sin This is mistaken both because Christians do still sin and because it ignores Paul's exhortation (6:12-13) The Christian should die to sin This does take Paul's exhortation into account, but it ignores the verb tense of died-this refers to something that has already happened The Christian has died to sin's guilt While this is accurate, it doesn't answer why we can no longer live in sin The Christian has been freed from the dominion of sin over their life This view makes sense of Paul's exhortation while answering why we do not continue in sin -Paul bolsters his argument against antinomianism by returning to his discussion of unity with Christ from Chapter 5 The vine and the branches -branches of a grape vine will bear grapes (Luke 6:43-44) -we who are nourished and strengthened by Christ's power will bear fruit in keeping with repentanceThe foundation and the house -building our house on the rock is contingent on hearing Christ's words and doing them (Matthew 7:24) The head and the body -a body whose limbs rebel against the brain's control is in poor healthMarriage -habitually and willfully doing things to which your spouse is fundamentally opposed will harm your marriage Paul adds a new image of unity with Christ--baptism -immersion in water unites us with Christ's death -coming up from the water unites us with Christ's resurrection Paul goes as far as to say that our old self was crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)Paul now answers a critical question: if we are not to continue in sin, how can we triumph over it? By knowing what God has done for us when he joined us to Christ The word know is used multiple times in this passage, and each know is followed by implications for those who have been united to Christ v. 3: we are buried with Christ by baptism so that we can participate in His resurrection and new life v. 6: our old self dying with Christ frees us from enslavement to sin v. 9: as Christ has died, and now lives a new life to God, so we should consider ourselves dead to the power of sinStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 5:12-21Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Study session topics:Hope in Christ's triumph over Adam's sin Paul now seeks to encourage his audience in assurance of their salvation by contrasting the two most important events in history Brief recap of last week--We can be assured of our salvation because: God has made peace with us through Christ's atoning work Through that same work, we now stand in a new relationship with God We have a sure and certain hope that we will see God Our salvation enables us to endure suffering in this life without despair Christ came to die for us when we were His enemies If God has justified us, He will surely glorify usPaul now explains that, even beyond justification, salvation unites us to Jesus Christ as our covenantal head "Therefore" -Paul's main idea here is that we can remain under Adam as our covenant head, or we can take Christ as our new covenant head -"death spread to all men because all sinned"--What does this mean? Pelagian view: Each person sins of themselves, apart from connection to Adam, and their death is a consequence of their individual sins Cavin's view: "all sinned" means all were corrupted by Adam's sin Augustine's view: All generations were in Adam, so when he sinned, we all sinned Federalist view: Adam stood as representative of all humanity, so because Adam, our representative, sinned, we are judged as also having sinned Three great contrasts between Adam and Jesus Natural vs. Supernatural -One sin vs. Many sins Death vs. The reign of life In v. 18, Paul finishes the thought he started in v. 12 and brings in the concept of union to Christ as opposed to union to Adam Two slippery passages "the many" has a different meaning in relation to Adam than in relation to Christ, and should not be read as endorsing universalism "the law came in to increase the trespass" does not mean God desired for there to be more sin, but that the law brings out the nature and magnitude of sin What is union with Christ? Four scriptural analogies: The vine and the branches (John 15:1-5) The foundation and the house built upon it (Matthew 7:24-25) The head and the members of the body (Ephesians 4:11-16) -Marriage (Ephesians 5:28-32)Study session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 5:1-11Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.Study session topics:Assurance of hope The completeness of salvation Therefore" - there's that word again Paul just described the faith of Abraham, how it was counted as righteousness, and how the same will be true of those who share his faith Romans 5:1 is entirely past tense, it is already a done deal We have been justified by faith We have peace with God Our salvation doesn't mean we can have peace with God, or even that we will eventually obtain peace with God--it means we already have peace with God We stand in grace and look forward to the glory of God The grace in which we stand refers to the secure position we have before God, grounded in His unmerited, undeserved favor Rejoicing in hope of the glory of God refers to what will happen at the end of God's plan of salvation We rejoice no only in our eventual end, but also in our present circumstances Suffering -> endurance -> character -> hope that will be vindicated 4 types of suffering with Godly purpose Corrective suffering -Suffering for the glory of God Suffering as part of cosmic warfare Constructive suffering Why will our hope be vindicated? Because the Holy Spirit pours God's love into our hearts The saving power of God's supreme love Paul grounds the subjective experience of the love of God in the objective expression of divine love Christ exhibited in His death Paul contrasts God's love with man's love using the ultimate expression of love--willingness to die Since that expression of God's love justifies us in the present time, it will also save us from God's wrath on judgment day; and since it has turned us from enemies of God to reconciled children, His resurrection will save us at the last day The Christian indeed goes beyond simply avoiding wrath and actually rejoices in the God who would, apart from the work of Christ, be our enemy Study session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 4:13-25For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.Study session topics:The results of depending on following the law Faith is null The promise is void The law brings wrath The results of depending on faith The promise rests on grace The promise is guaranteed The promise is available to all What is the faith of Abraham? Paul describes what it looks like Centered on God as its object Thrives in broken circumstances Constantly grows stronger How do we grow our faith? Gives glory to god Paul ends this section by refocusing on the benefits of the Gospel of faith for his audience--as Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness, so will it be for the Christian who trusts in God as Abraham didStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 4:1-12What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.Study session topics:Abraham as Father of Jews and Gentiles Paul bolsters his presentation of the Gospel message by arguing that this was always God's plan of salvation, going all the way back to Abraham Abraham is a perfect example to use Father of the Jewish people, first to be chosen by God Lived before the Law was given Paul argues that Abraham gained righteousness from God by faith as the Christian does (Gen. 15:6) Misconceptions about Abraham's justification God justified Abraham due to his own goodness and piety God counted Abraham as righteous due to his faith as a substitute for his works Paul also briefly brings in the example of David Direct ancestor of Jesus King whose throne was promised forever by God Man after God's own heart Paul argues that Psalm 32:1-2 is David professing salvation by faith Scripture here and in Gen. 15:6 uses bookkeeping terminology to describe the process of justification Paul folds his Gentile audience back in by universalizing the promise of justification by faithThis promise is not bound to circumcision because it predates circumcision Circumcision as a sign and seal of righteousness by faith, not by the law Points back to Romans 2:28-29, circumcision is a matter of the heart How were the Old Testament saints saved before the life and death of Jesus? They believed the Gospel--they looked forward to it while we look back at it (Gal. 3:7-9, John 8:56) Abraham and the other OT saints anticipated a future savior who would rescue them from their sinsStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 3:27-31Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.Study session topics:Righteousness by faith for Jews and gentiles The salvation offered by God leaves no room for human pride Salvation, from beginning to end, is apart from worksWe cannot claim any credit for any part of our salvationBoasting is the most easily identifiable outworking of pride, the first and greatest of all sinsSatan's pride led him to rebel against God (Isaiah 14:12-15) Eve's pride in desiring to be like God, knowing good and evil, led her to take the fruit of the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:1-7) Pride is the greatest of all sins because it attempts to place us on the throne that belongs to God--It moves us away from worship of God and toward worship of self Pride lies at the root of all sins--We think we know better than God, and therefore our sinful way is better than God's righteous way Pride affects us all to one degree or another - western culture, particularly American culture, is very susceptible to pride. God, in His wisdom, made a path to salvation that excludes our pride by taking all the work and effort (and thus, all the credit and all the glory) upon HimselfJustification before God comes by faith, not by our own efforts Salvation is a free gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) (Romans 11:6) What is faith? What does faith look like? 3 elements of faith: knowledge, belief, and commitment (Romans 10:13-14) Knowledge--One must know the truth about God and ourselves to have effective faith Belief--Being moved in the heart, accepting the truth as the truth Commitment: putting one's complete trust in the object of one's faith Since God is God of all, both Jew and Gentile, there is only one way to gain salvation--by faith Paul affirms the Shema (Hebrew for "hear") (Deuteronomy 6:4)--"Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one," rebuking Gentile polytheism while also chiding the Jewish sense of superiority over being God's chosen people -Paul once again drives home to both audiences that it is not rote ritualistic obedience that saves, but faith Paul concludes this section by affirming that even though obedience to the Law cannot save, this does not mean we throw the Law away Faith does not mean we can do as we please regardless of the morality of our actions--indeed, true faith inspires us to uphold God's morality Study session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 3:21-26But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.Study session topics: The saving righteousness of God "But now," a huge turning point in Paul's presentation of the Gospel message Paul has exhaustively argued since stating his thesis for the letter that sin is a pernicious, persistent, and pressing problem that affects everyone without exception No one is righteous, Jew or Gentile The unrighteous will suffer wrath and fury when they are inevitably judged by God Now Paul begins to discuss the ultimate solution to sin Paul describes a new covenant that God has recently established through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ Apart from the Law -Without distinction between Jew and Gentile Received by faith as a gift, rather than by human efforts at obedience Upholds God's justice and wrath against sin (orge) while allowing Him to justify, or declare righteous, the one who trusts in Jesus Jesus as propitiation Propitiation: to appease or turn aside wrath, an atoning sacrifice to a deityMany people are uncomfortable with the idea of God's wrath needing to be satisfied God's wrath is not a fit of pique, but principled opposition to something that goes against His very nature God's wrath is well established in the Scriptures Paul uses severe terms to describe the unrighteousness of all men, and the Scriptures he references include wrathful responses to man's wickednessPropitiation in the Christian sense is distinct from other religions in that it is not man who appeases God, but God appeases Himself by providing sacrifices for sins Propitiation and reconciliation are two sides of the same coin God's provision of Christ's sacrifice shows His righteousness and justice, so that no one can accuse Him of being unjust in His forbearance toward sinStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 3:9-20What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.Study session topics:The unrighteousness of all peoplePaul just said the Jews have much benefit in every way, and now he says they are ultimately no better off than the gentiles The benefits Paul previously described are things that help one see more clearly their need for salvation, but they themselves cannot save The law Circumcision Paul now pulls together a bunch of scripture passages to show that God's consistent message, both to His people and ultimately to the whole world, is that all are under sin Sinful condition (v. 10-12) Sinful speech (v. 13-14) Sinful action (v. 15-17) Summary statement: no fear of God (v. 18) The Law itself cannot save us, rather it shows us how wicked we areStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 3:1-8Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.Study session topics:The Unrighteousness of the Jews, concluded Paul now responds to some anticipated objections to the arguments he has been making regarding the unrighteousness of the Jews If the Jews are condemned by their sins just as the Gentiles are, and true Jews are Jews inwardly, what is the benefit of being an ethnic Jew? Paul immediately responds that there is much benefit to being an ethnic Jew, because they were given the very words of God The modern equivalent would be growing up in a Christian home and expecting to go to heaven on the basis of one's upbringing Simple possession of God's Word and external connection to a favored nation is not sufficient to save one's soul If God's covenant with Israel is unconditional, and many Jews live unfaithful lives and thus will not be saved, does this nullify God's promise to save Israel? Paul immediately rejects this question and states emphatically that God's faithfulness is inviolable even though man is unfaithful God's covenant with Abraham (Gen. 15:7-21) This question takes the promises God made to Israel as a nation and erroneously attempts to apply them to individuals who have not laid hold of God's promises through salvation in Christ The modern equivalent would be expecting to be saved on the basis of regular church attendance and belonging to a congregation because God promised to save His church If our sins and faithlessness serve to emphasize God's righteousness and faithfulness, how can God judge us for making Him look good? If this objection had any merit, God could not judge the world. Paul completely rejects the premise of the question because God will judge the world, so this accusation can be dispensed withPaul's accusers charge him with teaching "cheap grace," i.e. if God's glory is further emphasized by my sin, and His mercy is further emphasized when He forgives me, then I should sin freely that God's grace may abound all the more The Gospel does not promise forgiveness for premeditated sin. if we do not repent of our sin, but rather act as though God is forced to forgive us when we ask and thus we have God in a corner and can live as we please, we mock God and trivialize His holiness by overemphasizing His mercy, and we will meet a rude awakening at our judgmentStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 2:12-29For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law.For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.Study session topics:The unrighteousness of the Jews, continued God will judge all according to the standard they possessed Gentiles by what can be perceived about God in nature Jews by the law God gave them The Jews throughout history failed to be a holy people A warning against externalism Emphasis on outward religious practices, rituals, and appearances at the expense of true inward faithStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 2:1-11Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality.Study session topics:The unrighteousness of the JewsNone of us has room to judge the unrighteousness of anotherThis does not mean we must be silent in the face of sin, but that we must point to God's judgment rather than our ownWe will all stand before God as righteous judgeGod's current leniency is not an excuse to keep living as you do, but an opportunity to heed His call to repentance God will judge us all according to our worksStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 1:18-32For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.Study session topics:God's wrath against sinners: the unrighteousness of the gentilesWhat does the wrath of God look like? Thumos versus orgeGo'd wrath against unrighteousness is revealed in the downward trajectory of an ungodly worldRefusal to honor GodTurning to worship idolsSexual sinFurther depravityStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 1:8-17First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”Study session topics:Thanksgiving and themePaul thanks God for all the members of the Roman churchHe again emphasizes unity between Jews and GentilesPaul expresses his desire to visit the Roman churchHe wants both to encourage and strengthen the church and to gain encouragement and strength from themWe know that Paul eventually succeeded in coming to RomeThe Gospel and the righteousness of GodPaul is not ashamed of the GospelThe Gospel reveals the righteousness of GodThe righteous shall live by faithStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Romans 1:1-71 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Study session topics:Paul is a servant to Christ JesusPaul is an apostlePaul has been set apart for the Gospel, the good news of salvation from sins, and the fulfillment of God's plan throughout historyPaul (and the other apostles) received their office from Christ to bring all nations to the obedience to God that comes from saving faith for the sake of HIs nameThose in the Roman church (Jews and gentiles) are loved by God and called to be saintsPaul wishes the Roman church grace and peace from the Father and the SonStudy session audio:

Intro to RomansStudy session topics:The Gospel as the revelation of God's righteousness God's righteousness in His wrath against sinners The saving righteousness of God Hope as a result of righteousness by faith God's righteousness to Israel and to the gentiles God's righteousness in everyday life The extension of God's righteousness through Paul's mission Final summaryStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 6:18-24Study session topics:Slideshow of the site of EphesusPrayer for fellow believersPrayer for Paul in his circumstancesPrayer for Paul's opportunities to speakMinistry of Tychicus on behalf of PaulPeace, love, and faith in believersChristian grace and uncorrupted loveDiscussionStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17Study session topics:Strong in the LordPrepared for the real struggleSpiritual forces of conflictThe full amor of GodAreas of protectionThe spirit's active toolOld Testament backgroundDiscussionStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 5:18, 22, 6:9Study session topics:Filled and fullness: support for trinitarian understandingBeing subject to one anotherWives subject husbands as to the LordHusbands loving wivesMarriage as picture of Christ and the churchSummary of Christian marriageChildren and parents in the Christian householdThe larger household of mindsetsDiscussionStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 5:6-22Study session topics:The importance of knowing truth and avoiding deceptionLeaving the former darkness for the lightThe light of what happened in baptismLiving in the opportune timeUnderstanding the Lord's willFormatting Bible passagesThe dynamics of being filled by the Holy SpiritStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 4:28-5:6Study session topics:The character of a believer in actions and speech 4:28-29Grieving the Holy Spirit 4:30Attitudes and demeanor 4:31-32Imitating God, loving in a sphere of loving 5:1-2What destroys life and truth 5:3-5The dangers of deceptions 5:6Discussion: character and parentingStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 4:8-27Study session topics:Christ as victor providing supply to the churchchurch ministers equipping the church for ministryCall to no longer live as the past personRenewing the mind as a new personSpeaking truthLiving with anger and restraining itStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 4:1-8Study session topics:Ephesians 3:8-10 The purpose of the churchMaking God's wisdom known to rulers in the heavensEphesians 4:1-2Living with integrity of the faith in daily lifeEphesians 4:4-6A unified confession of commitment to the SpiritOne hope in the calling to the LordOne common faith for allOne common unifying identifying ritual: baptism to the God and Father all believers present to all believersEphesians 4:7 Empowering grace to all believersEphesians 4:8 Old Testament prophetic reference to victory over pagans: Psalm 68Old Testament prophetic reference to Christ's victory over enemies: Psalm 68:18Study session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 3:1-4:6Study session topics:Paul as messenger of gentile inclusionThe message announcing unity to heavenly powersThe message announcing access to GodPaul's imprisonment in God's purposePaul's prayer for Christ to dwellChrist dwelling in believersPaul's doxologyWalking worthilyA ‘creed' reciting unity?Study session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 2:14-3:7 Study session topics:chart on the two agesJesus' reconceptualization: Christ is the ‘peace' for divisions and enmitythe Jewish particular ordinancesthe reconciliation of the Cross Proclamation (evangelization) of peace for divisions through ChristUse of Isaiah 57:17-21From stranger/alien to part of the dwelling of God (holy temple)Paul as messenger of the mystery of gentile inclusionStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 2:1-16Study session topics: ‘Dead' in our actions of wrongdoingBut God in mercy and loveMade us spiritually alive in ChristRaised us to spiritual life in ChristSeated us in power spiritually in ChristSaved by grace through faithReconciliation of ethnic divisions and identities in ChristStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23Study session topics: Praying for fellow believersPraying for wisdom and revelation to know ChristPraying to know hopePraying to know the wealth of relationship with GodPraying to know the anointed king's power over death and other spiritual powersKnowing that Christ has ultimate powerThis powerful one is the head of the assembly of disciples who are filled with Christ as a bodyStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 1:3 - 14 (focus on 1:11-14)Study session topics: Understanding God's work according to the counsel of His willPurposed to be to the praise of God's glorySealed by the spiritReflecting on and understanding hopeStudy session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 1:3 - 14Study session topics: One sentence, by grammatical structureAn expanded hymn/doctrinal chant/creed?A resource for doctrine: the ‘Trinity'Four sentences (punctuated in Novum Testamentum Graece Nestle-Aland 28th)Eph. 1:3-6 God the Father acts in blessingEph. 1:7-10 Christ redeems and reveals

Study session scripture: Ephesians 1:1 - 14Study session topics: ‘Apostolos' Verses 3-14 as one sentenceVerses 3-14 segmented into sections

Ephesians intro - this study session's topics include: Introduction to Reverend David Rogers - background and teaching philosophyIntroduction to the Letter to the EphesiansGeography of the region and the cityThe City of EphesusInstitutions, buildings, and cultural elementsCharacteristics of the city