THE GOOD NEWS IS NOT NEW NEWS!

Romans 4:1-25

The Good News is not New News! Paul declares in Romans 1:2 that the Good News he had been set apart to proclaim was actually not New News, but had its roots deep in the Old Testament. The gospel which Paul had been set apart to proclaim was the gospel “which He [God] promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures.” We see this illustrated in Luke 24:13-35. After His resurrection, Jesus encountered two men on the road to Emmaus. The men were sad because of the events that had just taken place in Jerusalem. Luke 24:27 records that “beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He [Jesus] explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” In Romans 3:21, Paul again declares that the Good News is not New News. Paul states that the Good News about how God puts men in right standing with Himself was “witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.” The entire Old Testament points to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Romans 4, Paul explains in greater detail the fact that the Good News about how man is put right with God is not at all New News but actually has its origin in the Old Testament. Using Abraham as an example, Paul illustrates the fact that the Good News is not New News! The Good News of justification by faith is God’s established way of dealing with man from the first. Paul shows that even Abraham, the great patriarch of the Jewish nation, the “friend of God” (Isaiah 41:8), was justified by faith.

Justification is Apart from Works: Romans 4:1-8

In Romans 3:21-31, Paul established the fact that men enter into a right standing with God through faith alone, apart from any works. Because of that, all boasting is eliminated (Romans 3:27). As Paul stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Perhaps anticipating objections from Jewish readers, Paul addressed the matter of how, when, and why Abraham was made righteous. Paul intended to show that God has not changed His way of putting men right with Himself. It has always been through faith alone.

In Romans 4:1-8, Paul shows that Abraham was not put in right standing with God because of his works, as the Jews believed, but because of his faith in God. Quoting Genesis 15:6, Paul appeals to the testimony of Scripture to establish the fact that “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). The Old Testament account of Abraham says absolutely nothing about Abraham earning or meriting or working his way into a right relationship with God. God made a promise to Abraham and “Abraham believed God and it [his faith] was reckoned [credited to his account] to him as righteousness.”

Justification is Apart from Religion: Romans 4:9-12

The Jews (like many people today) were leaning on two crutches for salvation: their own imagined goodness or righteousness and their religiousness and observance of rites. Having removed the first crutch by showing that salvation is apart from works, Paul proceeds to remove the second crutch by showing that salvation is apart from religion. Paul addresses this matter by appealing once again to Abraham and the most important religious rite of the Jew – circumcision. The Jews believed that salvation was impossible apart from the administration of this rite and insisted that all Gentile converts be circumcised. Paul however, shows that Abraham was put in right standing with God fourteen years before he was ever circumcised. The rite of circumcision had absolutely nothing to do with Abraham’s redemption. Circumcision was given as a “sign” and a “seal.” As a “sign” it was evidence that Abraham belonged to God and believed His promise. As a “seal” it was a reminder that the God who had given Abraham the promise would keep it. Thus Paul illustrates that God’s way of putting men right with Himself has always been apart from works and apart from religion and the observance of religious rites.

Justification is Apart from the Law: Romans 4:13-15

Having shown that neither works nor circumcision had anything to do with Abraham’s salvation, Paul proceeds to show that the Law had nothing to do with it either. The Jews believed that Abraham fulfilled the requirements of the Law and therefore was given the promise from God that he would be the father of many nations. Paul however, argues that Abraham was justified 400 years before the Law was given through Moses and was justified by faith alone.

Justification is Available to All Who Believe: Romans 4:16-25

Paul concludes Romans 4 by showing that justification is available to all who, like Abraham, believe. Paul writes in Romans 4:16-17a that God’s divine plan of salvation is based upon faith (on man’s part) and grace (on God’s part). Paul discusses the object of Abraham’s faith in Romans 4:17b. Abraham’s faith was fixed upon God who “gives life to the dead” and “calls into being that which does not exist.” In Romans 4:18-22, Paul discusses the obstacles to faith with which Abraham had to contend. Whenever we are called to exercise faith, we can be certain that there will be obstacles. God had made a promise to Abraham that seemed impossible to fulfill from a human standpoint (see Genesis 15). But Abraham chose to look beyond the actualities and believe that God was able to perform what He promised. “Therefore also [for this reason] it [faith] was reckoned to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:22). In Romans 4:23-25 Paul writes that the same kind of faith that put Abraham in right standing with God can put us in right standing with God if we “believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.” Thus Paul illustrates that the Good News is not really New News. The Old Testament agrees with the New Testament that salvation is by faith alone, apart from works, religion, or law.

Practical Considerations

Salvation is not a matter of trying but of trusting.
God has not made salvation a matter of trying. If God had made salvation a matter of trying, then it would not have been necessary for Christ to die on the cross. If God had made salvation a matter of trying, then men would enter eternity without the certainty that they had “tried” enough to “earn” eternal life. Instead, God has made salvation a matter of trusting. God has graciously made provision for us to enter into a right relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus Christ. He offers us the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Because salvation is a matter of trusting, we can enter into eternity with the certainty that we have eternal life if we have placed our faith in Christ alone for salvation.

Salvation is not found in religion but in a relationship.
Salvation cannot be found in religion or in the observance of the rites, rules, and rituals of religion. There is nothing in religion that can put a man in right standing before God. Proverbs 14:12 is a sound warning to any man who is looking for a right standing with God through religion: “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Men who look to religion as the means of attaining a right standing with God will be sorely disappointed; regardless of how sincerely they have observed the particular rites of their religion. Salvation can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”

God is a great God.
Abraham’s faith was fixed upon God. Abraham was able to believe the promise of God and face the future with confidence because he believed that nothing was impossible for God. He knew that God had the power to give life to the dead and call into being, that which does not exist. Abraham chose to believe even when faced with the actualities of his human condition and every human indication that God’s promise to him could not possibly be fulfilled. As a result he grew strong in faith and brought glory to God. Abraham exercised a faith that honored God and God honored the faith of Abraham.

SOME GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE GOOD NEWS!

Romans 5:1-11

Paul begins Romans 5 with the word “Therefore.” Someone has said that whenever you come across the word “Therefore” you need to know what it is there for! The word “Therefore” in Romans 5:1 links what Paul has just written with what he is about to write. It can be understood as meaning, “In light of what I have just written,” or “As a result of our justification.” Paul uses the word “Therefore” to introduce his discussion of some good news about the Good News. Romans 5:1-11 contains some very good news about the blessings or benefits that the man who has been put right with God enjoys. In Romans 5:1-2, Paul shares some good news about our position in Christ. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul shares some good news about our problems in life. In Romans 5:6-11, Paul shares some good news about the proof of God’s love.

Some Good News About Our Position in Christ: Romans 5:1-2

Paul begins his discussion by sharing some good news about our position in Christ. According to Romans 5:1-2, there are three benefits that accrue to the man who has been “justified by faith.” First, the man who has been justified by faith enjoys “peace with God.” Paul has already discussed the fact that before men are justified they are at enmity with God and under the wrath of God (see also Ephesians 2:1-3). The phrase “peace with God” speaks of the change in relationship that is enjoyed by the man who was under condemnation but now enjoys the forgiveness of God. It means to be in a right relationship with God. “Peace with God” takes care of the past. It assures us that God will no longer hold our sins against us. Second, the man who has been justified by faith enjoys access to God. Paul writes that through Christ “we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand [that is, the state of our acceptance with God].” The word “introduction” actually means “access”. Through Christ we have access to God. “Access to God” takes care of the present. It assures us that we can come to God at any time for the help we need. Third, the man who has been justified by faith enjoys the prospect of glory. The man who has been justified by faith has a future, something to look forward to. When life comes to an end that is not the end of the story. The believer confidently anticipates that something lies beyond. “Hope of the glory of God” takes care of the future. It assures us that one day we will share in His glory and spend eternity with Him.

Some Good News About Our Problems in Life: Romans 5:3-5

Paul shares some good news about our problems in life in Romans 5:3-5. Notice three things in these verses. First, the man who has been justified by faith is not exempt from problems. Some people live under the mistaken notion that once a person becomes a Christian he will experience fewer problems in life. That however, is not the case. Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation” (John 16:33). But for the man who has been justified by faith, problems and trials work for him and not against him. Second, the man who has been justified by faith can exult (rejoice) in problems, pressures, and trials. The whole idea of exulting in tribulation is contrary to human nature. But the person who has been justified by faith can rejoice in tribulation because he knows something. His rejoicing is based on the knowledge of something. Third, the man who has been justified by faith experiences personal growth because of problems. He can rejoice because he knows that God is able to use life’s problems and trials to mold him more into the image of Christ. He knows that “tribulation brings about perseverance.” The word “tribulation” means “intense pressure.” The word “perseverance” translates a Greek word meaning “staying under.” It denotes staying power. The man who has been justified by faith can rest in the assurance that “tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character.” The term “proven character” comes from a word that was used of the process of purifying metal by removing the impurities. God uses tribulation to prove and improve our character. And “proven character” produces “hope.” The man who enjoys “peace with God” faces the problems and trials of life differently than other men. He faces them with the confident assurance that they will work to strengthen his character and develop a steadiness in his life. Because the believer experiences the sustaining hand of God through life’s difficulties, his hope in God is never disappointed.

Some Good News About the Proof of God’s Love: Romans 5:6-11

Paul shares some good news about the proof of God’s love in Romans 5:6-11. Notice what Paul writes about the proof of God’s love. First, God’s love is undeserved. Paul writes, “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). Christ died for us while we were helpless, powerless, and without strength to do anything that pleased God. Christ died or us while we were ungodly, without anything in us that deserved God’s love. Second, God’s love is incomparable. “But God demonstrates [gives proof of] His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” We see the surpassing value of the love of God in that Christ died for those at enmity with God. Third, God’s love assures us of the security of our salvation. Paul argues from the greater to the lesser in Romans 5:9-11. In other words, since Christ died for us while we were yet sinners and at enmity with God, how much more will He save us from the future wrath of God. Someone has written, “If God has done so much for His enemies, what will He not do for His friends?” Thus, because God has reconciled us to Himself, we have reason to rejoice.

Practical Considerations

Christians have much about which to rejoice and give thanks.
The Christian has much about which he can rejoice. He can live with the assurance that God has dealt with his past, is available to help him in the present, and has a wonderful future for him in heaven. The Christian can face problems with the assurance that God will use them in the process of conforming him into the image of Christ. The Christian can live life with the assurance that God loves him, an assurance that he often takes for granted.

Charles Swindoll offers the following practical suggestions:

A. The secret of rejoicing is having the right focus.
God’s ultimate goal for us is that we be just like Christ. If we keep this in mind, then, regardless of our circumstances, we will be able to rejoice.

B. The willingness to focus involves having the right attitude.
We need to have a teachable, humble attitude that can express itself in thanksgiving, even during the worst of times. With this kind of unselfish outlook we can better focus on the goal of Christ-likeness.

C. The result of a right attitude is an unquestionable optimism.
Knowing that the events of our lives are designed to chisel away our imperfections and to renew us into Christ’s image should create in us a contagious, enduring joy.

God will perfect the good work He began in us.
Paul stated in Philippians 1:6, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” God began a good work in our lives on the day that we were justified by faith. We can be assured that He will see that work through to completion, even when we are in the midst of problems and tribulations. That is another reason we can rejoice in tribulations.

SOME GOOD NEWS ABOUT BEING IN CHRIST!

Romans 5:12-21

In Romans 5:12-21, Paul shares some good news about being in Christ. He does so by drawing certain comparisons and contrasts between Adam and Christ. Paul sees Adam and Christ as two representatives of mankind. Before men enter into a right relationship with Christ they are seen as being “in Adam.” As such, they are subject to sin, death, and condemnation. Once men place their faith in Christ however, they are seen as being “in Christ” and as such are the beneficiaries of God’s gift of eternal life. In our lesson today we will consider what men have “in Adam” and what they have “in Christ.”

Consequences: Romans 5:12-14

In Romans 5:12-14, Paul writes about what Adam introduced into the world. First, Adam introduced the presence of sin into the world. Paul writes in Romans 5:12, “through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world [had its beginnings in the human race].” This is a reference to the events of Genesis 1-3. The Bible puts the full blame for sin squarely on the shoulders of Adam. Second, sin introduced death into the world. The presence of sin was accompanied by the penalty of sin, death. Paul writes, “Through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned.” God told Adam, “But from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die (Genesis 2:17).” Rather than heeding the Word of God, Adam heeded the word of the serpent who said, “You surely shall not die (Genesis 3:4).” Adam was wrong, God was right, and death was introduced into the world. Third, sin’s entry into the world also introduced the power of sin. Paul writes of the power of sin in Romans 5:13-14 where he states that “death reigned.” Death reigned like a tyrannical ruler over mankind.

Contrasts: Romans 5:15-17

In Romans 5:15, Adam’s transgression is contrasted with Christ’s free gift. “But the free gift [of a status of righteousness before God] is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one [Adam] the many [all men] died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to many.” The sin of Adam introduced death to the human race but the gift of God introduced the way of salvation. Notice the reference to “much more” in verse 15. God always offers “much more.” He offers the “much more” of spiritual, abundant, and eternal life to those who will believe. Those who are “in Adam” have nothing to look forward to but death and eternal separation from God. Those who are “in Christ” can look forward to an abundant life that will culminate in eternal life.

In Romans 5:16, condemnation is contrasted with justification. According to this verse, “judgment resulting in condemnation” followed Adam’s transgression. In contrast, the free gift of God “arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.” Adam’s one transgression brought death to all who were in him. Christ’s died once and brought justification to all who are in Him. In Romans 5:17, the reign of death is contrasted with the reign of life. Adam’s transgression permitted death to reign over the whole human race. Those who are in Christ however, will “reign in life.” They no longer have to fear death and its awful consequences.

Comparisons: Romans 5:18-19

In Romans 5:18-19, Paul draws some comparisons between Adam and Christ. In Romans 5:18, Paul compares the result of Adam’s transgression with the result of Christ’s act of righteousness. The result of Adam’s disobedience was condemnation. Adam’s gift to mankind is sin, death, judgment, and condemnation. But the result of Christ’s act of obedience is justification to all who put their trust in Him. In Romans 5:19, Paul compares the result of Adam’s disobedience with the result of Christ’s obedience. Through Adam’s disobedience (the first act of sin which plunged humanity into sin) men were constituted sinners. Through Christ’s act of obedience however, a right standing with God is available to all who believe.

Conclusion: Romans 5:20-21

Paul concludes this section of Romans by writing of the triumph of grace over sin. Romans 5:20-21 supports the fact that the Law was not given to remedy the sin problem. The Law accentuates and aggravates the sin problem. Tell a child that he is forbidden from doing something and see what happens! The Law also accentuates man’s need for redemption. Paul writes that “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” God’s grace superabounds so that through faith men might be rescued from sin and death. And so, in Romans 5:12-21 we see Adam as the representative of ruined humanity and Christ as the representative of redeemed humanity. We see that in Adam all men are sinners but in Christ all men are saints. In Adam we find that death reigns but in Christ we find that deliverance reigns. In Adam the see offense but in Christ we see obedience. What a blessing indeed to be in Christ!

Practical Considerations

Adam: Representative of ruined humanity.
Christ: Representative of redeemed humanity.

Adam: Introduced presence, penalty, and power of sin to all mankind.
Christ: Provides deliverance from the penalty and power of sin and, one day, from the presence of sin.

Adam: Introduced death to the human race.
Christ: Introduced the way of salvation to mankind.

Adam: Those “in Adam” have only death and separation from God to look forward to.
Christ: Those “in Christ” have the “much more” of life to look forward to.

Adam: “Judgment resulting in condemnation” followed Adam’s transgressions.
Christ: Brought justification to all who are in Him.

Adam: Death reigns because of Adam’s sin.
Christ: Those who are “in Christ” shall “reign in life.”

Adam: Brought sin and misery through disobedience.
Christ: Brought right standing with God to all who believe.

Adam: All people are sinners.
Christ: All people are saints.

Adam: Death reigns.
Christ: Deliverance reigns.

PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN LIVING

Romans 6:1-23

Paul began his letter to the Romans by setting forth the theme of the letter: “the righteousness of God” (see Romans 1:1-17). Paul then wrote about man’s need of salvation by building a case against the heathen, the hypocrite, the Hebrew, and all humanity (see Romans 1:18-3:20). After establishing the fact that all men need the righteousness of God, Paul wrote about God’s provision for man’s justification (see Romans 3:21-5:21). Romans 1-5 deals with the matter of justification, that is, why and how a man can enter into a right relationship with God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Justification addresses the matter of our salvation from the penalty of sin. In chapters 6-8 of Romans, Paul deals with the matter of sanctification. Sanctification addresses the matter of our salvation from the power of sin. Sanctification concerns how God progressively conforms the believer more and more into the image of Christ. In Romans 6 Paul deals with the principles of Christian living and how we can live lives of victory. In Romans 7 he deals with the practice of Christian living and how we can live lives of liberty. In Romans 8 he deals with the matter of power for Christian living and how we can live lives of security. In our lesson today we will examine the principles of Christian living.

What Every Christian Should Know: Romans 6:1-10

Paul begins Romans 6 by asking two questions: “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase?” (Romans 6:1). The thought of this verse is captured in the following paraphrase: “Paul, do you mean to tell me that God is willing to forgive a person’s sins as often as he commits them? Well then, if that is the case, shall we Christians keep on habitually sinning in order that God may have an opportunity to forgive us and thus display His grace?” Paul answers the question with an emphatic “May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:2). When a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ, his relationship to sin is changed. He is no longer “dead in sin” but now “dead to sin.” The believer can no longer have the same cordial relationship he had with sin before his conversion. He is to be “dead to sin,” that is, as unresponsive to sin as a dead person.

According to Romans 6:3-4, believers’ baptism is a symbolic representation of the believer’s death to sin. It symbolizes the believer’s participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It beautifully illustrates the believer’s identification with Christ. The lowering into the water represents death and burial and the rising from the water represents resurrection to “walk in newness of life.” A believer cannot continue in sin because he has died to sin and that death is to be reflected in a new way of living. Paul expands on this thought in Romans 6:6-7 where he explains that the believer has been crucified with Christ (see also Galatians 2:20) and is under no obligation to present himself as a slave to sin.

What Every Christian Should Consider: Romans 6:11

In Romans 6:11 we come across the first exhortation in the book of Romans. Paul writes, “Even so [continually] consider yourselves to be dead to sin [as an enslaving power], but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Paul exhorts the believer to consider (to take into account, to count) himself to be dead to sin. When he is faced with temptation, he is to be as unresponsive to it as a dead person. But when God asks the believer to do something, he should consider himself as very much alive and responsive to God, giving absolute obedience to Him. Notice that God does not command the believer to be dead to sin. That is because the believer is already dead to sin. He must act upon that fact.

What Every Christian Should Present: Romans 6:12-23

In Romans 6:12-23, Paul writes that our conduct should reflect that we are what we consider ourselves to be, that is, dead to sin but alive to God. In Romans 6:12-13, Paul exhorts the believer to stop allowing the old sinful nature to reign as king in his mortal body and to stop presenting the members of his body as instruments of unrighteousness. The believer must not put the members of his body at the disposal of his sinful nature to be used as instruments or weapons of unrighteousness. The believer should place his entire being at God’s disposal. Chuck Swindoll paraphrases the thought of these verses, “Start living in a manner that manifests your right standing before God. Be Christlike in what you think, say, and do.”

Paul asks another question in Romans 6:15, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?” The thought of this verse can be paraphrased: “Surely we may take a night off now and then and sin a little bit since we are under grace.” Paul answers this question in the same manner he answered the question of verse 1, “May it never be!” Paul stresses in verse 16 that when an individual presents himself to sin, he becomes sin’s slave (see also John 8:34). In Romans 6:17-20, Paul declares that the believer was once a slave and servant of sin, but since he has been set free by the Lord Jesus Christ, he is now to have a new loyalty. No longer is he to be loyal to his old master by presenting his members as slaves to sin. He is to be loyal to his new Master and present his members as instruments of righteousness. Paul concludes in Romans 6:21-23 by pointing out that service to sin and service to God each have their own reward. Service or obedience to sin is rewarded by shame and death. Service and obedience to God is rewarded by a life that is continually being conformed into the image of Christ and will one day culminate in eternal life.

Practical Considerations

The believer should have a new attitude toward sin.
According to Romans 6, the believer is to have a new attitude toward sin. He must not think that he can have the same cordial relationship with sin that he had in pre-conversion days. He must be as unresponsive as a dead man to sin.

The believer should have a new attitude toward God.
According to Romans 6, the believer is to have a new attitude toward God. He is to be alive to God. He is to live his life in loyal obedience to God. Because the believer has a new relationship with God, he is no longer “dead in sin” but rather “dead to sin” and alive to God.

The believer should commit his members to God.
The believer should be careful to commit his entire being to God. There is a children’s rhyme that cautions, “Be careful little hands what you do…Be careful little eyes what you see…Be careful little ears what you hear.” The believer has a responsibility to yield himself to God and God alone. His entire being should be reserved for God’s use. He should not allow any of his members to become instruments of unrighteousness that keep him from being a proper witness and living a holy life.

The believer should live in a godly manner.
The believer’s life should reflect his attitude toward sin and his relationship with God. The watching world will never be convinced of the difference that God is able to make in the life of a believer unless the believer’s life reflects the difference. The watching world will have little incentive to enter into a right relationship with God if there is not a significant line of demarcation between the life of the believer and the life that they are living.

THE STRUGGLING CHRISTIAN

Romans 7:1-25

Romans 7 is a chapter that can give hope to the believer who understands the truths of Romans 6 but still finds himself struggling daily with his old sin nature. While Romans 6 announces that the believer has died to sin and is to be alive to God, Romans 7 announces that the believer will still struggle to reckon himself dead (unresponsive) to sin and alive (responsive and obedient) to God. In Romans 7, the great Apostle Paul admitted that he also struggled with wrongdoing. Paul discusses the battle that every Christian fights to live life in a manner pleasing to God and prepares us for the announcement of the good news of Romans 8: God offers the believer power for living life in a manner pleasing to Him.

Delivered from the Law: Romans 7:1-6

In Romans 6:14-15, Paul wrote that the believer is no longer under law but under grace. Paul wanted for his readers to understand that the law is absolutely powerless when it comes to helping men live lives that are pleasing to God. But because a believer is under grace, he has available to him all of the resources necessary for living life in a manner that pleases God. In Romans 7, Paul expands on the thought of Romans 6:14-15 by declaring that the believer has been delivered from the law. Paul uses the illustration of a husband and wife in Romans 7:2-3 to make his point. Death dissolves a woman’s legal obligation to her husband and frees her to marry another. In like manner, the believer has been released from (the condemnation of) the law by virtue of his union with Christ. The believer is to “bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:4), that is, serve God. The believer has been released from the tyranny and condemnation of the law to serve God “in newness of the Spirit [that is, empowered by the Holy Spirit] and not in oldness of the letter” (Romans 7:6).

Doomed by the Law: Romans 7:7-13

Romans 7:7-13 is an autobiographical section. In this section Paul uses the past tense as he thinks back to his preconversion days. Paul reflects on the role the Law played in his life. Notice four things which the Law does. First, the Law reveals sin. Paul declares in Romans 7:7 that he “would not have come to know sin except through the Law.” The Law of God establishes what is right and wrong and exposes whatever falls short of it. Second, the Law arouses and awakens the impulse to sin. Paul states in Romans 7:8 that sin takes opportunity through the commandment. Sin uses the good commands of God as a base of operations to get men to sin. If God has said “Thou shalt not…” then sin awakens in men the desire to violate God’s prohibition. Paul writes that “apart from the Law sin is dead.” This means that sin was dormant and Paul was not fully aware of its terrible power. But when he heard and learned the Law, sin was roused to activity. John MacArthur comments, “If you emphatically tell a person not to do something, he is much more tempted to do it than if you had said nothing.”

Third, according to Romans 7:9-11, the Law devastates the sinner. Paul states in Romans 7:9 that there was a time in his life when he was not aware of his resistance to and alienation from God (“And I was once alive apart from the Law”). Paul thought he was doing just fine and was content with his self-righteous life. Then “the commandment came” and Paul’s false sense of security was shattered as he came to the realization of his utter sinfulness. The Law revealed to Paul his desperate condition and condemnation before God. Fourth, the Law shows the sinfulness of sin. According to Romans 7:12-13 “the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” There is nothing wrong with the Law. It does its job of revealing sin. If a man commits murder and is sentenced to death, you cannot blame the law for convicting him. The law has simply exposed the man’s crime. The Law is “holy” because it is the standard of a holy God. It is “righteous,” which means it is equitable and fair. It is also “good” because it reveals to sinners their need for a Savior. The real enemy, writes Paul, is sin. It is sin that uses God’s good laws to fulfill its own evil purposes.

Defeated by the Law: Romans 7:14-25

Romans 7:14-25 is another autobiographical section. Paul however, now uses the present tense instead of the past tense to describe his experience at the time he wrote his letter to the Romans. In this section, Paul describes something of the civil war that occurs within each Christian, a civil war between his old and new natures. Paul also wrote about this struggle in Galatians 5:17, “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Even though a believer becomes a new creature in Christ, the old sin nature will continue to strive for the believer’s attention and obedience. Paul concludes this section by crying out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). This cry comes from a man who is familiar with spiritual conflict and turmoil. It seems the closer an individual gets to God and the more he matures in the faith, the more aware he is of his sinfulness. Ray Stedman comments, “Blessed is the man who has arrived at spiritual bankruptcy, who cries, ‘What a wretched man I am!’ Why? Because this is the point – the only point – where God’s help is given.” Paul then answers the question of verse 24 in verse 25, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” The answer is found in Jesus Christ who alone can empower the believer to live life in a manner pleasing to God.

Practical Considerations

An overview of the role of the Law.
John MacArthur offers the following overview of the role of the Law in Romans. He writes:

Paul has been building up to an explanation of the law’s place since Chapter 3, when he first mentioned that the law couldn’t save us. Chapters 3-8 give us a comprehensive view of the law and its role. In this section we learn some important things about the law:

• It can’t save us   Romans 3-5
• It can’t make us holy   Romans 6
• It can’t condemn us if we’re in Christ   Romans 7:1-6
• It can convict us of sin   Romans 7:7-13
• It can’t deliver us from sin   Romans 7:14-25
• It can be fulfilled in the power of the indwelling Spirit   Romans 8:1-4

A realistic strategy for the civil war.
Charles Swindoll offers the following suggestions:

A. We should freely admit our own lack of understanding.
The Apostle Paul was able to say, “For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate” (v.15). He didn’t always know why he failed to consistently please God. And he did not try to give people the impression that he was without problems. We would do well to model this kind of honesty before one another. Then we will discover the support from each other we need to carry on the fight.

B. We should accept our own imperfections.
Paul knew that he was saved, but he also realized that he still sinned. This did not make him complacent in his struggle against sin, but it did breed a realistic approach to life that even brought contentment in the midst of extreme adversity (Phil. 4:11-13; cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-30). The same benefit can be ours if we will begin by acknowledging our own sinfulness and inadequacy.

C. We should leave room for failure.
It’s quite easy for us to handle personal victory, but defeat is a different matter. We don’t want to face it, much less talk about it. But if we fail to realize that defeats will come, we will place unrealistic expectations on ourselves that can only lead to frustration and pessimism. God does not hate failure. After all, He loved failures so much that He sent His only Son to die for them. The Lord simply asks that we learn from our mistakes and use them to move closer to Him.

We should admit our true feelings to God.
Paul was able to acknowledge his struggle with sin. Similar confessions can be found throughout Scripture, especially the Psalms (e.g., Pss. 32, 51). The Lord wants us to unload our true feelings on Him. When we do, we will find comfort and peace (cf. Matt. 11:28-29).

12:1 Therefore, I urge [to beg or beseech] you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer [give, yield, present, to put at one’s disposal] your bodies [represent the total person; cf. Rom. 6:13] as living sacrifices [requires that we lay aside our own desires, make ourselves totally available to Him, and trust Him to guide us], holy [that which is set apart for God] and pleasing [acceptable, approved, satisfactory] to God—this is your spiritual [reasonable] act of worship [Gr. “latreian” refers to any act done for God].

12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world [“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould…” (J.B. Phillips)], but be transformed by the renewing of your mind [our thoughts control our attitudes, actions, and feelings]. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly [inflated pride] than you ought [cf. Phil. 2:3-4], but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

12:4 Just as each of us has one body with many members [or parts], and these members [each part is important; all parts are interdependent] do not all have the same function,

12:5 so in Christ we who are many [there is diversity in the church] form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

12:6 We have different [suggests that no two persons will function exactly alike] gifts [Gr. “charisma”; spiritual gifts come from God and are a matter of grace (Gr. “charis”); cf. 1 Cor.12:4-10; 28-30; Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 4:10-11], according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift [Paul listed seven gifts] is [1] prophesying [one who speaks forth God’s Word in an understandable and clear way], let him use it in proportion to [“in accord with”] his faith.

Note: How to discover your spiritual gift or gifts:
• Bible study
• Prayer
• Experience
• The counsel of others

12:7 If it is [2] serving [refers to any act of genuine service; cf. Mk. 10:35-45], let him serve; if it is [3] teaching [the orderly presentation of truth (the Scriptures, doctrine, Christian living)], let him teach;

12:8 if it is [4] encouraging [doing whatever is necessary to help someone mature spiritually; exhorting others to faithfully do God’s will], let him encourage; if it is [5] contributing to the needs of others [purposeful giving; giving related to specific needs], let him give generously [without expecting anything in return]; if it is [6] leadership [from term meaning “stand in front”; administration], let him govern diligently; if it is [7] showing mercy [showing godly compassion to hurting people (those who have faltered or fallen) in a practical way], let him do it cheerfully.

12:9 Love [Gr. “agape” refers to God’s kind of love] must be sincere [without hypocrisy]. Hate [detest] what is evil [that which works against the will and purposes of God]; cling [be glued to] to what is good.

12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor [to give weight or consideration to] one another above yourselves [cf. Phil. 2:3-4].

12:11 Never be lacking in zeal [diligence; never quit; do not be lazy], but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

12:12 Be joyful in hope [confident trust in God and His faithfulness to keep His promises], patient [to be steadfast] in affliction [pressure from variety of sources (including political, social, religious)], faithful [persistent] in prayer.

12:13 Share [Gr. “koinoneo”] with God’s people who are in need. Practice [pursue; look for ways to do it] hospitality.

12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.

12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

12:19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

12:20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

16:1 I [Paul wrote Romans from Corinth at end of third missionary journey] commend to you our Phoebe [carried Paul’s letter to the saints at Rome], a [2] servant of the church in Cenchrea [the eastern port of Corinth (cf. Acts 18:18)].

16:2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been [3] a great help [may suggest Phoebe was a wealthy person] to many people, including me.

16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila [once again living in Rome], my fellow workers [Gr. sunergous a compound of sun (means “together” or “with”) and ergon (means “work”); Paul could not do all the work alone; Paul depended on others to help him establish and strengthen churches] in Christ Jesus.

Note: Priscilla and Aquila lived in…
• Rome Acts 18:2
• Corinth Acts 18:2
• Ephesus Acts 18:19
• Rome Romans 16:3

16:4 They risked their lives [they had made themselves vulnerable to death for Paul, perhaps during the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41)] for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

16:5 Greet also the church [word never refers to a building in NT but always to believers; there was more than one local church in Rome] that meets at their house [this couple used their home for ministry (Acts 18:3,26); an indication of their courage, their love for the lost, and their love for fellow believers]. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

Note: How can families today use their homes for the Lord? What are some benefits families could realize by opening their homes for Christian ministry?

16:6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

16:8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.

16:9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

16:10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

16:11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

16:12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

16:13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

16:14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.

16:15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.

16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.

16:17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

16:19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

16:20  The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

16:21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

16:22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

16:23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.

16:24 [Some manuscripts include here May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen]

16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past,

16:26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—

16:27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

10:1 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

10:2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.

10:3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

10:4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

10:5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”

10:6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down)

10:7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).

10:8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:

10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10:10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

10:11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,

10:13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

10:14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard [people cannot believe until they have heard the gospel; people must hear in a way that they understand the significance of the message and realize that a personal response is required]? And how can they hear without someone [a herald or one who brings a message; every believer is sent by the Lord (Jn. 20:21) to share the good news] preaching to them?

Note: Do you believe that Christ is the only hope for a lost world? How would you respond to those who accuse Christians of being intolerant toward those who believe there are other ways or paths to God?

10:15 And how can they preach [to announce or proclaim something] unless they [all believers must heed the divine call to evangelism] are sent? As it is written [cf. Isa. 52:7], “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Note: What trips you up and keeps you from taking the good news to others? What can you do to get your feet moving in the right direction?

10:16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”

10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

10:18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

10:21 But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

The word “therefore” should be understood in light of what Paul has written in Romans 6:1-7:25. It can be understood as meaning, “The conclusion of the matter is this.” Notice the believer’s victory over sin as stated in verse 1: “no condemnation.” “Condemnation” is the opposite of justification.

8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

The believer’s victory over sin is again stated in verse 2: “free from the law of sin and death.” Sin no longer has a claim on the believer. He is acquitted and no longer under condemnation. The “Spirit of life” is the Holy Spirit.

8:3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,

What is it that the law could not do? It could not condemn sin or break the power of sin. Why? Because it was weak through the flesh or because it had to depend upon sinful human nature to carry out its precepts. But God was able to break the power of sin and bring its authority to an end through His Son, that is through the death of Christ.

8:4 in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Sin was condemned to the end that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled, that is, that the righteous demands of the law might be carried out, in us. The latter part of the verse refers to an identifying characteristic of the true child of God: “who do not walk [order one’s behavior or conduct] according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

8:5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are of the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Our mind-set, or what our minds are set on, matters. What we set our minds on determines what we think about throughout the day, how we view life, what we value, what motivates us, and how we behave. We must understand that the battle for control of our lives takes place in our minds. Paul differentiated two distinct and opposing mind-sets in the world—the mind-set of the flesh and the mind-set of the Spirit. Those who habitually set their minds on the things of the flesh allow the direction of their lives to be determined by their sinful nature. Those whose minds are set on the Spirit see life from God’s viewpoint. Consequently they seek to live in a way that pleases God.

“Flesh” here denotes the sinful nature. The phrase “set their minds” refers to deliberately and habitually setting one’s mind upon a certain thing, in this case, the flesh. Cranfield comments that Paul’s meaning here is “that those who allow the direction of their lives to be determined by the flesh are actually taking the flesh’s side in the conflict between the Spirit of God and the flesh, while those who allow the Spirit to determine the direction of their lives are taking the Spirit’s side.”

8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

Notice that “death” is the fruit or direction toward which the fleshly mind moves. The fruit or inclination of “the mind on the Spirit” is toward “life and peace.”

Paul described the results we can expect from either of the two opposing mind-sets. Following the flesh is always a losing proposition. The flesh, or our sinful nature, is opposed to God and always leads to death, both spiritual and physical.

Following the Spirit leads to the full and abundant life on earth that Jesus promised (Jn. 10:10), to eternal life, and to peace with God.

Paul made it clear that there is no middle ground between walking in the Spirit and walking in the flesh. We must choose to live according to the Spirit, or we will be walking according to the flesh.

8:7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so;

The reason “the mind set on the flesh is death” is because it is “hostile toward God.” That is to say, it is at enmity against God. Swindoll comments, “Within their mind-set, non-Christians have clenched fists raised toward heaven in open defiance to the King. Those without Christ refuse to submit themselves to God’s standard of right and wrong. Instead, they go their own way…they do their own thing.”

Paul’s words echo what Jesus said — we cannot serve two masters (Matt. 6:24). Those who try to serve two masters end up loving one and hating the other. The principle is simple: the closer we draw toward one master the more we will despise the other. Those who daily set their minds on the Spirit lose interest in and despise the things of the flesh. And, those who set their minds on the flesh have no interest in the things of the Spirit—the things that please God. They are, in fact, hostile to or at enmity against God.

Hostility toward God is a key characteristic of a sinful mind-set. Sometimes this hostility is expressed in obvious hateful attitudes and irreverent rhetoric against God. These more public expressions of hostility can be seen and heard from comedy clubs to college classrooms. However, more often, hostility toward God is expressed through quiet everyday living that disregards God by going its own way and doing its own thing.

8:8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Cranfield comments, “Those who allow the direction of their lives to be determined by their fallen nature are, so long as they do so, unable to please God, because they are fundamentally hostile to Him and opposed to His will.”

Those whose lives are controlled by the flesh cannot please God because the flesh is devoted to its own self-gratification. And, like a hungry beast, the flesh constantly needs nourishment. That is why Paul cautioned us to clothe ourselves with Christ and not to feed or make provision for our flesh in regard to its lusts (Rom. 13:14).

We must daily and intentionally choose to set our minds on the Spirit and to place all of our desires and actions under His control. And, we must understand that the most spiritual thing that we do every day is to make choices. We must choose to be in the right mind!

8:9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

Paul here directly addresses the Roman Christians. They were not in the flesh (in the sense in which the term is used in verse 8) but rather “in the Spirit.” The direction of their lives was not determined by the flesh but by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Phillips notes, “This passage distinguishes between the saved and the unsaved, for the unsaved do not have the indwelling Holy Spirit.” The “if indeed” of verse 9a should be understood as meaning “inasmuch” or “since.” The word “dwell” comes from the Greek word for “home.” The Holy Spirit resides within every believer [that is, makes his home in] and desires to work in the life of every believer to help him overcome sin and produce His own fruit (see Galatians 5:22-23). This verse also points out the fact that the indwelling Holy Spirit is a distinguishing mark of every believer (see Romans 8:16).

8:10 And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

The word “body” in this verse refers to the believer’s human body. Swindoll comments, “When individuals become Christians, they die to sin and become spiritually alive forever. Their physical bodies, however, do not receive immortality right away. The bodies of believers remain subject to physical death, even though they will be resurrected and thereby become immortal (I Cor. 15:50-57).” The word “spirit” is a reference to the human spirit rather than to the Holy Spirit. Wuest defines it as “that part of man which gives him God-consciousness and enables him when that spirit is made alive by the Holy Spirit, to worship God.”

8:11 But 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 indwells you.

This verse refers to the promise of the believer’s future physical resurrection. Vaughan and Corley comment that this verse “brings out two additional thoughts: (1) that the resurrection of believers is dependent upon the resurrection of Christ and (2) that it is the Spirit who both raised Christ and will raise us.” The words “give life” means “to cause to live, make alive”

8:12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh —

The word “obligation” translates the Greek word for “debtor.” The believer is no longer under obligation to or bound by some duty to the flesh. Commentator David Brown paraphrases verse 12: “Emancipated from the tyrannous service of Sin into the service of Righteousness, we owe nothing to the flesh; we disown its claims, and are deaf to its imperious demands.” Cranfield comments that Paul probably intended to continue the thought by stating that we are rather under obligation to the Spirit to live according to the Spirit but broke off to insert the warning of verse 13a.

8:13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

The verb “die” in verse 13 refers to more than physical death, for even those who live according to the Spirit will die physically. Cranfield notes that it refers to the fact that those who live according to the flesh “will die without hope of life with God.” Note that it is only “by the Spirit” that one can put to death the deeds of the body or flesh. Vaughan and Corley comment that the phrase “putting to death” is an equivalent to “reckon…dead” (Romans 6:11). They add, “The statement of the verse suggests that either we kill sin or it will kill us.”

8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the Sons of God.

This verse explains verse 13b. The only way in which a believer can put to death the deeds of the body is by allowing himself to be led, directed, and controlled by the Holy Spirit (see also Galatians 5:16-18 and Ephesians 5:18). Swindoll comments that “the key to the Christian life is personal commitment to and cooperation with the Spirit’s work in our lives.”

8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”

The Holy Spirit, who resides within every believer, is not a “spirit of slavery” who keeps men enslaved to the anxious fears they knew before their conversion. The Holy Spirit is rather a “spirit of adoption” or the agent who brings about our adoption into the family of God by enabling us to believe in Him. Because the believer has been adopted into the family of God, he enjoys an intimacy with God that allows him to “cry” out to God. Cranfield notes that “cry” should be understood as denoting “an urgent and sincere prayer to God irrespective of whether it is loud or soft (or even unspoken), formal or informal, public or private.” The word “Abba” was a term used by Palestinian children (but not confined to their use alone) to refer to their fathers. It has variously been translated as meaning “Daddy,” “my Father,” or “dear Father.” It is a term that witnesses to the intimacy of a child’s relationship with his father.

8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Here we have yet another assurance that we belong to God. The Holy Spirit “reassures us and testifies with us that our salvation in Christ is secure” (Swindoll). Phillips comments, “The ‘witness of the Spirit’ in this connection is significant. This function of the Spirit of God is mentioned three times in the New Testament. He witnesses to us (Heb. 10:15), in us (I John 5:10), and with us (Romans 8:16).” Johnson comments, “This consciousness perhaps consists in the indefinable but real conviction through the promises of God that we now belong to God (I John 5:6, 9-12).”

8:17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.

The word “if” in verse 17a should be understood as meaning “inasmuch” or “since” (as in verse 9). Notice that we are both “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” Wuest notes that “Roman law made all children including adopted ones, equal inheritors.” Phillips points out, “The condition for enjoying the inheritance is suffering ‘with Christ,’ not mere suffering.” Erdman adds, “These sufferings are not merely the trials and distresses incident to all human life, but rather, the hardships and sacrifices and persecutions we suffer for the sake of Christ, and specifically in His service. Those who thus suffer, or who endure all distress patiently as His servants, will surely share his heavenly glory, a glory he had with the Father ‘before the world was.'” Vaughan and Corley comment that verse 17b introduces the next subsection (verses 17b-30) which Paul wrote to encourage the Roman Christians in the midst of their sufferings. E.H. Gifford entitles this section, “The sources of comfort under the necessity of suffering.”

8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Wuest comments that the word “consider” refers to “a process of reasoning which results in the arriving at a conclusion.” Based upon his understanding of the gospel, Paul was convinced that the sufferings of the Roman Christians (see verse 17b) were “not worthy (that is, weighing as much, of like value, worth as much) to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us.” Cranfield notes that “this present time” refers to “the period which began with the gospel events and will be ended by the Parousia [the second coming of Jesus].” Swindoll comments that “when we are ushered into Christ’s presence, we will bathe in the everlasting joy that far exceeds the temporary groans now threatening to drown us.”

8:19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.

Verses 19-22 reveal the fact that all creation has suffered because of man’s sin. Vaughan and Corley comment, “These verses express what has been called Paul’s ‘cosmic soteriology.'” The phrase “anxious longing” translates the Greek word apokaradokia, a conjunction of the words apo [away], kara [the head], dokein [to watch]. It means watching with the head outstretched. Swindoll writes that “creation’s groans will not last forever [but] will come to an end when believers inherit Christ, the radiant glory of God.”

8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope

When was the creation subjected to futility? When the ground was cursed after the fall (see Genesis 3:17-18). Swindoll notes that the subjection of creation to futility “was an act of God in response to man’s sin.” The first chapter of Genesis acknowledges that when God created the universe He declared it to be “very good.” But as a consequence of man’s sin, the earth itself became a victim of man’s disobedience.

8:21 that the creation itself will also be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Wuest comments that Paul “conceives of all creation as involved in the fortunes of humanity.” Vaughan and Corley write, “Creation, though subjected to the effects of man’s sin, will also partake of the benefits of man’s deliverance.” Swindoll notes, “The enslavement and corruption the world now experiences will end after Christians are glorified and non-Christians are judged.”

8:22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.

Vaughan and Corley write, “Even now creation is experiencing the birth pangs that will issue in a new day. The whole creation will eventually undergo a change corresponding to that which believers will experience.” See Revelation 21 which speaks of “a new heaven and a new earth.” Vaughan and Corley comment, “Implied in all of this is that if creation exhibits expectation concerning the future, believers should do no less.”

8:23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.

Not only is creation groaning, but believers as well. Wiersbe comments, “The reason we groan is because we have experienced ‘the first fruits of the Spirit,’ a foretaste of the glory to come…we Christians have tasted of the blessings of heaven through the ministry of the Spirit.” Swindoll comments, “Deep within us resides a taste of the wonderful inheritance that will one day be ours.” Johnson writes, “First fruits are the pledge or first installment of the whole harvest which is to come (Lev. 23:10; Rom. 11:16). The Spirit’s present work in us is the pledge of all that God has promised to do in the future for us.” Vaughan and Corley comment, “The meaning is that the Holy Spirit within us is the first fruits (the God-given guarantee and the foretaste) of our full inheritance (cf. Eph. 1:13, 14).” The reference to “our adoption” is to “that condition in which all the privileges and benefits of our status as sons of God will be realized” (Vaughan and Corley).

8:24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one hope for what he sees?

The believer was saved “in hope.” The believer’s salvation experience is characterized by hope. Vaughan and Corley comment, “This hope (expectation) which is an ingredient in our salvation implies that there is more of God’s bounty in store for us.”

8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Johnson comments, “Our present salvation includes the hope of the future resurrection of our bodies (Phil. 3:21), but inasmuch as it is not yet realized (“seen”) we must wait for it patiently (v. 25; 5:3-5).”

8:26 And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;

“And in the same way” that hope helps us during times of suffering and weakness, the Holy Spirit also helps us. The word “help” translates the Greek word sunantilambano, made up of sun [together with], anti [over against], and lambano [to take]. Robertson suggests the meaning of the word to be: “The Holy Spirit lays hold of our weaknesses along with (sun) us and carries His part of the burden facing us (anti) as if two men were carrying a log, one at each end.” Johnson points out, “The word is found elsewhere in the New Testament only in Martha’s plea to Jesus to tell Mary to get into the kitchen and help her (Luke 10:40).” Paul uses the example of prayer to show how the Holy Spirit helps us. When we are at a loss regarding what to pray for regarding a particular situation, the Holy Spirit lends a hand by interceding for us. Vaughan and Corley comment, “The idea is that in those times when our yearnings are too deep for words but can only groan under the sense of need, the Holy Spirit prompts, and is in, these sighs and groans.”

8:27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

The believer can pray with the assurance that God “who searches the hearts and knows what the mind [the meaning, the desire, the preferences] of the Spirit is” understands our groanings and sighs.

8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Swindoll comments, “The Greek term for know in this context refers to the possession of absolute, unshakable confidence.” This verse teaches that God causes (or uses) everything that enters the life of the believer to work for his best interest, to contribute to his welfare. He is truly the Potter and we are the clay.

Notice also that God causes “all” things to work together for good. Swindoll notes, “Many times we do not see, even in retrospect, how some events in our lives could possibly be for our good. But simply because we may be unable to figure out all the whys and the hows does not imply that God is without good reasons or that He has lost control.”

Recall that Paul stated in I Corinthians 13:12 that “for now we see in a mirror dimly” and “know in part.” But God knows what He is doing. He knows how to take the threads of life’s experiences and weave them into a beautiful pattern. There is no experience that can baffle God’s ability to do such a wonderful work. As Swindoll comments, “Every circumstance is for our ultimate good.”

Refer to the words of Joseph to his brothers in Genesis 50:20 – “And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Vaughan and Corley note, “Two expressions describe God’s people: They are those who love Him; they are those who are called according to His purpose. Only those who fit these two qualifications can legitimately claim the promise of Romans 8:28.”

8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren;

This verse defines the “purpose” (verse 28) of God and the “good” which is denoted in verse 28. It is the purpose of God to conform all believers “to the image of His Son.” Someone has defined “conformity” as an inner change with an outward expression. God uses the “all things” of verse 28 in the process of making the believer more like Christ. The word “foreknew” can be translated “set His heart on beforehand.” Swindoll comments, “Even before He created us, He was committed to this task; and He will not quit until He finishes it in every Christian.” Paul also wrote of this work of God in Philippians 1:6. Cranfield comments on the latter part of the verse, “It was in order that His only-begotten Son might not be alone in enjoying the privileges of sonship, but might be the head of a multitude of brothers, of the company of those who in, and through, Him have been made sons of God.”

8:30 and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Vaughan and Corley comment, “It has often been remarked that verses 29 and 30 contain an unbroken chain reaching from eternity to eternity. All those foreknown of God are, without exception, eventually glorified.” MacGorman writes, “In verse 30 Paul bridged eternity past and future with his summation of God’s redemptive purpose.” MacGorman points out the four mighty spans in this bridge.

“Predestined…called…justified…glorified.” Notice also that Paul speaks of glorification (a future event) in past tense terms. Erdman comments, “That past tense, ‘glorified,’ in reference to an experience which at least in its fullness is still future, has been termed ‘amazing,’ ‘the most daring anticipation of faith that even the New Testament contains’; but the future glory of believers is a present reality in the mind and purpose of God.” Jensen adds, “God sees us not only as we are, but as we shall be; with Him it is done; with us, experimentally, it is yet to be.”

8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Wiersbe writes, “The emphasis in this final section is on the security of the believer. We do not need to fear the past, present, or future because we are secure in the love of Christ.” Phillips comments, “The closing verses of this magnificent chapter explore all possible avenues of departure from the salvation which is in Christ Jesus only to find every one blocked and guarded by the grace of God.” Vaughan and Corley point out that in verses 31-35 Paul raises five unanswerable questions, which “are all designed to give to believers a deep sense of spiritual security.” The word “if” in verse 31 should be understood as “since.” Wuest paraphrases the verse, “In view of the fact that God is for us, who is or could be against us, so as to do us harm? That is, since God is for the saints, on their side, who can harm them?” Cranfield comments, “The statement ‘God is for us’ is a concise summary of the gospel.”

8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

Wiersbe comments, “The argument here is from the lesser to the greater. If when we were sinners, God gave us His best, will He not give us all that we need?” Cranfield notes that “by ‘all things’ is probably meant the fulness of salvation (compare 5:10) or else ‘all that is necessary for our salvation.'” Swindoll writes, “The Lord will see us through to our glorification. No one will be able to thwart the achievement of His goal in our lives.”

8:33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;

Indeed who can bring a charge against God’s elect, those who have been declared righteous in Christ. Wiersbe comments, “We may accuse ourselves, and men may accuse us; but God will never take us to court and accuse us. Jesus has already paid the penalty and we are secure in Him.” Swindoll writes that “no one will ever be able to make a case against a believer that will put his or her salvation in jeopardy. How do we know this is true? Because it is based on the fact that ‘God is the one who justifies.'”

8:34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

Swindoll comments, “In this passage we learn that not only is the eternal Judge of all on our side, but so is the eternal Attorney of all believers.” So, “who is the one who condemns?” It is certainly not Christ Jesus, answers Paul. As MacGorman notes, “The only one who could condemn us is actually pleading our case at the right hand of God.”

8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

If no person can accuse us, then who or what can separate us from the love of Christ? Paul pulls out all the stops to illustrate his point that there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ? Notice the items listed in verse 35. Paul had experienced all but the last (“sword”) of these. Refer to Paul’s personal testimony about these things in II Corinthians 11:23-33. Remember too, that the things listed in verse 35 are a part of the “all things” of verse 28.

8:36 Just as it is written, “For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

This is a quote of Psalm 44:22. Cranfield comments, “The main effect of the quotation of Psalm 44:22 is to show that the tribulations which face Christians are nothing new or unexpected, but have all along been characteristic of the life of God’s people.” Erdman writes, “Surely, for Paul and his friends in Rome, these were no empty words. They knew so well, and were yet to know, what it means to suffer for the sake of their Lord.”

8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

“But” is a little conjunction sounding a triumphant note in verse 37. “In all these things,” writes Cranfield, “probably means ‘in the experiencing of all these things’, not evading them or being spared them, but meeting them steadfastly.” Cranfield adds that “we overwhelmingly conquer” “not through any courage, endurance or determination of our own, but through Christ, and not even by our hold on Him but by His hold on us, that we are victorious.”

8:38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Wuest comments that “For I am persuaded” should be understood as meaning, “I have come through a process of persuasion to a settled conviction.” Paul was persuaded that neither “death, nor life” shall be able to separate the believer from the love of God. “Death” is not a menace to the believer (see Philippians 1:21-23). Neither is “life” with all of its trials and distresses, afflictions and inflictions. Neither is there any unseen spiritual power (“angels…principalities…powers”), whether good or bad, which can separate us from the love of God. Neither will any “things [in the] present” or any “things to come” be able to separate us from the love of God.

8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Erdman comments that “height…depth” means that “nothing in the illimitable spaces above or beneath” shall be able to separate us from the love of God. Neither can “any other created thing,” a phrase which makes Paul’s list comprehensive, separate us from the love of God. There is absolutely nothing that “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Thus the great eighth chapter of Romans begins with “no condemnation” and ends with “no separation.”

THE CONDEMNED CRITIC

Romans 2:1-16

A story is told about a fountain pen salesman who spent an hour with a prosperous merchant commending the use of fountain pens. The salesman was so persuasive that the merchant ordered 500 pens for sale in his stores. As the salesman was writing out the order, the merchant exclaimed, “Hold on, sir! I cancel the order!” With that, the merchant turned to wait on a customer. The salesman left in disgust and confusion. Later, the merchant’s book-keeper asked, “Why did you cancel that fountain pen order?” “Why?” asked the merchant, “Because he talked about fountain pens for an hour, using a number of forcible arguments, and the booked my order with a lead pencil. He did not practice his profession.” And so we have the hypocrite who preaches fountain pens but uses pencils!

“Hypocrite!” Even the sound of the word is unnerving. Nobody likes to be called a hypocrite. Webster tells us that a “hypocrite” is a person who pretends to be what he is not or pretends to be better (more pious and virtuous) than he really is without really being so. A hypocrite is a person who has a problem with his heart and with his hands. A hypocrite has a problem with his heart in that he lives a lie. He is like an actor on a stage assuming another identity. He is not genuine. A hypocrite has a problem with his hands in that he is always accusingly pointing his finger at others. The hypocrite never stops to think that every time he points a finger at others, the other three fingers are pointing back at him.

In Romans 1:18-32, Paul built a case against the heathen by showing that they are in desperate need of the righteousness of God. In Romans 2:1-16, Paul continued to build his case against humanity in an effort to show why all men need to embrace the truth of the gospel. Paul’s case in Romans 2:1-16 is against the hypocrite, especially the proud Jew and cultured Gentile who felt they were not as bad as the people Paul had described in Romans 1:18-32. Paul’s intent in these verses was to show that the self-righteous hypocrite needed the righteousness of God just as much as the most depraved and wicked heathen.

What the Hypocrite Feels: Romans 2:1

According to Romans 2:1, the hypocrite feels that other men’s sins are worse than his own. Paul painted a vivid picture of the descent and depravity of man in Romans 1:18-32. There were many in Paul’s day, as in our own, who read Paul’s letter and said to themselves, “That certainly doesn’t describe me. I am not like that, but I know many people who are!” That is what the hypocrite feels. “They are wicked, but I am not.” The hypocrite has a tendency to compare himself with adulterers, drunkards, homosexuals, prostitutes, and rapists, and then pride himself on his morality, church membership, and respectability. He flatters himself with his own comparisons, never realizing that he is measuring himself against the wrong standard. Like the Pharisee who stood praying in the Temple (see Luke 18:9-14), the hypocrite prays, “God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people; swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.”

We noted earlier that the hypocrite has a problem with his heart and his hands. We should add that the hypocrite also has a problem with his head. The hypocrite has a problem with his head because he is blind to his own faults. We have a tendency to see the faults of others much more clearly than our own. The hypocrite has a problem with his head because he forgets his own wrongs and weaknesses. The hypocrite has a problem with his head because he cleverly renames his own wrongs. Other people lie but we merely stretch the truth. Other people steal but we borrow. Other people are prejudiced but we have convictions. Other people are stubborn but we stand on our principles. It is interesting that men have a tendency to observe in others the faults that exist in themselves. The hypocrite is quick to say, “People like that ought to be stoned.” Fortunately Jesus is quick to respond, “He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone” (see John 8:1-11).

What the Hypocrite Finds: Romans 2:2-3

According to Romans 2:2-3, the hypocrite finds that he too is guilty and faces the judgment of God. The hypocrite has a tendency to think that God will judge others but not him. He has deluded himself into thinking that somehow God will judge him according to a different standard. The hypocrite is quick to wish that others experience the sad consequences of their sin or receive due punishment for their sin, but often fails to realize that he too will be held accountable for his own sin. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:25, “For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.”

What the Hypocrite Forgets: Romans 2:4

According to Romans 2:4, the hypocrite is one who forgets the purpose of God’s goodness. “The riches of [God’s] kindness and forbearance and patience” are designed to lead men to repentance. God’s goodness and patience should not be misinterpreted as license to do wrong but rather as an opportunity to do right and to get right with God. God’s patience should have caused the hypocrite to repent, but instead, the hypocrite responded in stubbornness and an unrepentant heart. The hypocrite disregarded the kind patience of God and continued to point an accusing finger at others while practicing the same things. This did not go unnoticed by God.

What the Hypocrite Faces: Romans 2:5-16

According to Romans 2:5-16, the hypocrite faces the judgment of God, even as the heathen. Paul wrote of the breadth and basis of God’s judgment in Romans 2:6-10. Regarding the breadth of God’s judgment, it is universal. God will render to “every man” according to his deeds. Regarding the basis of God’s judgment, God will render to every man “according to his deeds.” Judgment in the Bible is according to works and salvation is by faith. God will judge each man according to his works and recompense him accordingly (see Romans 2:7-10) and without partiality (see Romans 2:11). Paul concluded this section by indicating that men will be judged according to the truth (see Romans 2:2), according to their deeds (see Romans 2:5-11), and according to the light they have received (see Romans 2:12-16). One day the hypocrite will be exposed for what he really is. Thus Paul once again demonstrated that men desperately need to hear and embrace the truth of the gospel. The depraved heathen and the smug hypocrite alike are in need of the righteousness of God.

Practical Considerations

Men should measure themselves against the right standard.
One of the hypocrite’s greatest problems is that he measures himself against the wrong standard. The hypocrite measures himself against other people and mistakenly flatters himself by thinking that he is better or more righteous or more moral. Phillips comments, “If people are going to measure themselves by somebody else, then they must measure themselves alongside of Christ; and when they do that, all grounds for hypocrisy and smugness will be swept away.”

Men may fool others, but they cannot fool God.
A hypocrite is a person who is not genuine. A hypocrite lives a lie. He is like an actor on a stage assuming a role. A hypocrite may fool others with his pious and moral exterior, but God looks at the heart of a man to determine what is really there

Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:27-28).

Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” The answer is found in Jeremiah 17:10, “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.”

All men face the judgment of God.
The hypocrite mistakenly thinks that he is better than others and will somehow be judged according to a different standard. The hypocrite however, faces the judgment of God even as all men. The hypocrite needs to get his own house in order rather than spending his time condemning and pointing out the condition of other men’s houses.

All men need a friend who will be honest with them about them.
One of the hypocrite’s problems is that he is blind to his own faults. He has a tendency to forget his own wrongs and shortcomings and to cleverly rename his own wrongs. The hypocrite needs a friend who can honestly and lovingly point out his faults. Proverbs 27:6 states, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”

All men need the righteousness of God.
Paul built a case against the hypocrite to make him aware of a greater need, namely his need for the righteousness of God. All men, regardless of who they are, have sinned against God and need the forgiveness that God offers through the Lord Jesus Christ. This includes heathen and hypocrite alike.

THE GOOD NEWS IS NOT JUST FOR BAD GUYS!

Romans 2:17-29

Someone has rightly stated, “Being born in a Christian home does not make you a Christian any more than being born in the back seat of a car makes you a spare tire!” Humorous, but true. Unfortunately, there are many people who think that they are in right standing with God by virtue of being born in a Christian home or because they are a member of a church. The fact of the matter is a person does not enter into a right relationship with God by virtue of rank, race, riches, or religion, but rather through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

One evangelist observed that it is harder to reach “religious” people for Christ than it is to reach “irreligious” people. Religious people are often harder to reach for Christ because they have a tendency to think that the Good News is for bad guys. They tend to see the Good News of the Gospel as addressed to the person who is “down and out” rather than to the person who is “up and out.”

The religious person needs to realize that there is no salvation in church membership, activities, and ordinances. The religious person needs to come to the realization that he is dead in his trespasses and sins and desperately needs new life in Jesus Christ. The religious person needs to understand that the Good News is not just for bad guys. The Good News is for all men, regardless of how good they think they might be.

We noted in a previous lesson that Romans 1:18-3:20 contains the courtroom transcript of God’s case against mankind. Paul, serving as the prosecuting attorney, has built a dramatic and damning case against the heathen (Romans 1:18-32) and the hypocrite (Romans 2:1-16). Paul continues to build his case against mankind, in an effort to show why all men need to embrace the gospel of Christ, by indicting the religious man (in this case, the Jew). We could very easily substitute the title “church member” in place of Jew in these verses and thus apply the message to ourselves. Romans 2:17-3:8 record God’s indictment against all sinners who count on religion to put them in right standing with God.

The Advantages of Being a Jew: Romans 2:17-18

Paul began his case against the religious man by addressing the most religious people of his day, the Jews. He began by citing the advantages that the Jews enjoyed. First, the Jews had the advantage of a Hebrew birth. In a day when men were groping in darkness and worshiping idols made with human hands, the Jew had the benefit of being raised in a home that exposed him to the synagogue and taught him the importance of the Sabbath and of sacrifices. Second, the Jew had the advantage of a Hebrew Bible. One of the greatest advantages of the Jew over the heathen was his possession of the Law (Torah). This helped him to understand the will of God and to develop a keen sense of moral discernment.

The Attitude of the Jew: Romans 2:19-20

Romans 2:19-20 reveals the attitude of the Jew toward others. Because the Jew had been instructed in the Word of God, he saw himself as a guide to the spiritually and morally blind, a light to those in darkness, a corrector of the foolish (stupid or unlearned), and a teacher of babes. In many cases the Jew set himself up as a teacher of others and acted with contemptuous pride and with deep scorn for those less fortunate than himself. On the outside, the Jew acted intellectually and religiously right, but he had some problems on the inside.

The Accountability of the Jew: Romans 2:21-24

Paul charged the Jews with ethical and moral failure in Romans 2:21-24 by using a series of rhetorical questions. Each question draws attention to the shameful inconsistencies in the lives of these religious people. First, Paul charged the Jews with spiritual insincerity. They took great pride in teaching others but did not bother to practice what they taught. Second, Paul charged the Jews with spiritual insensitivity. They preached against stealing, adultery, and idolatry, and yet violated their own teaching at each point. Finally, Paul charged the Jews with spiritual insolvency. Because they boasted in the law and violated that same law, they turned people away from God. The watching world no longer believed their message. They ruined their witness.

The Actions of the Jew: Romans 2:25-29

Having addressed the matter of Jewish pride in the Law, Paul further addressed Jewish pride in the rite of circumcision. Like religious people everywhere, the Jews took pride in observing the ordinances, rites, and rituals of religion, thinking that by so doing they would find favor with God. Paul informed the Jews that observing the rite of circumcision would not put them in a right relationship with God. He told them that a true Jew was one whose heart had been circumcised. Externals do not make one a child of God. A person can be baptized, galvanized, Sanforized, pasteurized, and circumcised, but unless he has placed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, he is not in right standing with God.

Practical Considerations

Being a “Baptist” is not enough!
Even as the Jew took pride in being a Jew, many people today take pride in being a Baptist, or Presbyterian, or Methodist. Many feel they have an inside track with God because they are a Brand X, Y, or Z. We must realize however, that apart from Christ we are hopelessly lost. Someone has said, “If you die and go to heaven your tag will fall off, and if you die and go to hell your tag will burn off!” The important thing is to personally know the Lord Jesus Christ.

Owning a Bible is not enough!
Like the Jew, many today take great pride in the fact that they possess the Word of God. Some even take great pride in the particular translation they possess and look down upon those who use any other translation. Still others take pride in the fact that they have a large family Bible prominently displayed on a coffee table. But owning a Bible is not enough. We must spend time in the pages of the Bible and follow-up by practicing what we read.

Looking good is not enough!
The Jew, which Paul indicted, had a bright and polished exterior. He put on a good show. He could teach others all about the Law and tell them how they should live their lives. He was an intellectual and religious success in every way.

But while the religious Jew looked good on the outside, he was rotten on the inside. He was an ethical and moral failure. He taught other people lessons that he himself did not practice and thus contributed to turning them away from God.

Erdman comments, “So today reproach is often brought upon the name of Christ by the inconsistencies of Christians.” Looking good is not enough. We must be certain that our profession and practice match. We must be genuine and real on the inside.

6:1 Children [indicates that children must have been present in the congregation when this letter was read; Gr. “tekna” refers to young children living at home], obey [listen attentively and respond positively; this command assumes the instruction of parents is in keeping with God’s Word] your parents in the Lord [or as a Christian should], for this is right [because it is in line with God’s will; cf. Col. 3:20].

6:2 [the fifth commandment (Ex. 20:12)] “Honor [to give weight or consideration to; to count as valuable; children must honor parents for life] your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—

Note: Is it possible to obey parents without honoring them?

6:3 [note two benefits of honoring parents] “[the first benefit relates to quality of life] that it may go well with you and [the second benefit relates to quantity of life] that you may enjoy long life on the earth [the general principle is that children who listen to their parents can avoid the sins and dangers that can easily shorten their lives].”

6:4 [a prohibition (cf. Col. 3:21)] Fathers, do not exasperate [to provoke or irritate to the point of anger] your children; instead, [a command] bring them up [to nourish or feed] in the training [discipline; includes punishment for wrongdoing] and instruction [educate rather than exasperate] of the Lord [reminder to parents to offer training and instruction that is in keeping with God’s Word].

Note: Some parents exasperate their children by always saying one thing and doing another. Inconsistent and unfair discipline can also exasperate children. Showing favoritism is another common way of provoking children to anger. Humiliation, cruelty, and verbal and physical abuse can exasperate children and cause them to lose heart (see Col. 3:21).

Note: Martin Luther wisely wrote: “Spare the rod and spoil the child—that is true. But beside the rod keep an apple to give him when he has done well.” Parents must try to encourage and praise and not just scold or correct.

6:5 Slaves [there were several million slaves in the Roman empire in Paul’s day], obey [listen attentively and respond positively] your earthly [distinguished slave owners from God, our ultimate Master] masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity [uprightness; without pretense or evil motivation] of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

6:6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you [eyeservice: refers to working only when master is watching; cf. Col. 3:22], but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart [in such a manner as to pass God’s inspection].

Note: How should you as a Christian employee or employer seek to demonstrate your relationship to Christ?

6:7 [cf. Col. 3:23] Serve wholeheartedly [with enthusiasm], as if you were serving the Lord [work should be an expression of commitment to the Lord], not men,

6:8 [cf. Col. 3:24] because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

6:9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way [that is, out of concern for God’s will and the well-being of their slaves]. Do not threaten them, since [reason for not threatening them] you know that he who is both their Master and yours [earthly masters will one day have to answer to their heavenly Master] is in heaven, and there is no favoritism [no one is more important than anyone else] with him.

6:10 Finally [signals Paul’s concluding remarks], be strong in the Lord [we must derive our strength from God] and in his [not our] mighty power.

Becoming a Christian is no guarantee that life will be easier or trouble-free. In fact, becoming a Christian often invites trouble from Satan and his evil forces. Jesus said that Satan’s agenda is “to steal and to kill and to destroy” (John 10:10). Peter said that Satan is like a lion looking for anyone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

I heard a preacher remark that for Jesus, the battle came after His baptism, the Devil came after the dove, and the roar from hell came after the voice from heaven. Christians are indeed engaged in a spiritual battle.

Although the death and resurrection of Jesus have assured the victory, we must still battle daily against the forces of evil. The best way to do poorly in this battle is to try to fight alone and in our own strength. We need and must depend upon the vast divine strength that the Lord can provide and is so willing to give.

6:11 Put on [this is a command to dress and prepare for battle; it is the responsibility of the Christian to take the armor God provides and put it on] the full [complete] armor [cf. Isa. 59:17; Rom. 12:13] of God so that you can take your stand [cf. Ps. 18:30-39] against [“stand against” means to resist the enemy; no surrender] the devil’s schemes [a reminder that the devil does not fight fair; cf. 2 Cor. 2:11].

In addition to providing strength for the battle, God also provides believers with armor. He does not want for His people to engage in spiritual warfare unprotected or unarmed. However, it is the responsibility of every believer to put on the full or complete armor of God. Failure to do so will compromise a believer’s ability to stand against the tactics of the Devil, our primary enemy.

Stand against is a military term that refers to holding one’s position and not surrendering to the enemy. The word tactics, or schemes, reminds us that the Devil does not fight fair. He is cunning and deceitful and looks for every opportunity to destroy believers, both individually and corporately. He looks for areas in which we are weak and vulnerable, surveys our landscape for signs of eroding convictions, and calculates how much it will take to get us to make compromises. We must be armored and armed if we are to withstand his attacks.

Note: Satan’s schemes and methods of operation include the following:
• slander Gen. 3:4-5
• sowing tares Matt. 13:38-39
• lies John 8:44
• temptation Acts 5:3
• trickery 2 Cor. 2:11
• blinding minds 2 Cor. 4:4
• masquerading 2 Cor. 11:14-15
• Inciting persecution Rev. 2:10
• accusation Rev. 12:10
• deception Rev. 20:3

6:12 For our struggle [indicates hand-to-hand combat] is not against flesh and blood, but against [note descriptive terms for demons that illustrate the extent of Satan’s warfare…] the rulers [cf. Eph. 1:21], against the authorities [cf. Eph. 1:21], against the powers of this dark world [powers who aspire to control the world] and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms [the dwelling place of demons].

The reason we need divine strength is because of the nature of spiritual warfare. The battle in which we are engaged is not against human enemies made of flesh and blood. Instead, we are engaged in a hand-to-hand struggle against demonic forces controlled by Satan. Paul used four terms to describe Satan’s powerful army.

The goal of this army of evil is to destroy believers and defeat the church. Satan’s tactics include using human instruments, like the secular media or world systems, to gain battlefield advantage. However, he is the real enemy. We should never underestimate his cunning or his determination to carry out his destructive agenda.

6:13 Therefore [in response to the reality of “our struggle”] put on [believers must put on the armor that God has made available them] the full [in order to leave no area vulnerable to attack] armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand [cannot stand against the great opposition of Satan without God’s armor; cf. Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9] your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Because of the nature of the enemy and the reality of the battle in which we are engaged, we must take up the full armor of God. God’s armor is available, but each believer is personally responsible for preparing for battle. We must put on the full armor in order to leave no area vulnerable to attack. We have all experienced the evil day — those days when we go through trials and temptations and attacks launched against us by the enemy. We must arm ourselves and be prepared to take our stand and yield nothing to the enemy when we are engaged in these daily battles.

6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth [the truth of God’s Word, the gospel, personal character of believer; enables us to stand against Satan’s lies (Jn. 8:44) and false doctrine; important to know the truth, speak the truth, and insist on the truth; cf. Jn. 17:17] buckled around your waist [belt or girdle made of leather, about six inches wide, held other pieces of armor in place (breastplate, sheath for sword)], with the breastplate [protected body from neck to thighs; protected vital organs; protects the heart (seat of emotions, self-worth, and trust); often had a back piece to protect from blows from behind] of righteousness [evidence that we have been made right with God; Satan will attack and seek to frustrate all committed to righteous living] in place,

Paul was chained to a Roman soldier when he wrote to the Ephesians. Perhaps prompted by the living object lesson assigned to restrict his movement, Paul helped his readers understand how to prepare for battle.

Like a Roman soldier, believers must fasten the belt of God’s truth around their waist. A fastened belt signified that a soldier was on duty and ready to fight. Truth refers to the character of the believer. We must live lives that are unquestionably consistent with the truth of God’s Word and that tell a skeptical world that we are convinced Jesus is “the truth” (John 14:6). We must know the truth, intelligently articulate the truth, insist on the truth, and always live the truth.

Additionally, we must put on the breastplate of righteousness, an essential piece of armor designed to protect vital organs. Our lives and daily choices must reflect the fact that we have been made righteous through the blood of Christ. We must live in a way that pleases the One who gave His life to make us right with God. Doing so is not an easy task because Satan continually tries to penetrate the believer’s breastplate to damage the heart and thwart righteous living.

6:15 and with your feet [Roman soldiers wore shoes with studded soles (cleats) to help them hold their ground in hand-to-hand combat; Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15] fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Romans soldiers wore thick military sandals studded with cleats to help give them stability and traction in combat. Our feet should be sandaled with readiness to share the gospel of peace.

While visiting a remote mountain village in India, I saw a woman who had no feet sitting by the side of the road. She lived in a place with little access to the gospel. I immediately looked at my own feet as the Lord reminded me of my responsibility to take the gospel to those who have little or no access to its life-saving message.

Isaiah described the feet of those who bring good news as beautiful feet (Isa. 52:7) because of their willingness to be sent. We must make our feet available to march into the entire world with the gospel of peace.

6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield [Roman shield approximately four feet high by two feet wide] of faith [complete reliance on God and willingness to do His will; cf. 1 Jn. 5:4], with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

6:17 Take the helmet [protects head; cf. 1 Thess. 5:8] of salvation [helmet protects our minds from doubting our salvation] and the sword [the only offensive weapon mentioned] of the Spirit, which is the word of God [cf. Isa. 11:4-5; 2 Thess. 2:8; Heb. 4:12].

A blow to the head can easily disorient, disable, or destroy any opponent. The enemy is always aiming for the head, seeking to strike a deadly blow with the battle-axe of doubt, confusion, and false doctrine. That is why we must put on the helmet of salvation (see 1 Thess. 5:8). We must protect and keep our minds focused on the fact that God has saved us from the penalty of sin, daily helps us to be victorious over the power of sin, and one day will rescue us from the presence of sin.

The only offensive weapon mentioned is the sword of the Spirit. Roman soldiers were proficient in the use of short double-edged swords that could be used in close combat. The sword of the Spirit is God’s Word. God’s Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12). Just as Jesus used God’s Word when Satan tempted him in the wilderness, we must use God’s Word to send Satan away. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will help us to effectively wield the sword of the Spirit (see John 14:26).

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Note: The battle for the mind is real. The consequences of losing ground to the enemy are serious for yourself and others. Our victories and failures will be felt beyond our own generation. Too much is at stake to stay home from the fight. Make it your aim to drag into heaven with a dirty uniform. Here are a few of the rules of engagement.

D = Devil | Know the enemy. Do not be “ignorant of his intentions” (2 Cor. 2: 11) or his “tactics” (Eph. 6:11).

E = Equipment | Know how to use your weapons and always wear your armor.

F = Fight | Don’t just passively wait for the enemy to attack. Take the initiative to engage on strategic fronts.

E = Enlist | Do not go into battle alone. The “one another” passages in the New Testament remind us that we need one another. Remember that Satan is a pirate looking for a vessel without a fleet.

N = Neutrality | The failure to choose sides is unacceptable. The stakes are too high to remain unaligned, uninvolved, and uncommitted.

S = Stand | Hold your ground. Do not be intimidated. Do not walk away.

E = Endure | In the words of Winston Churchill: “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

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6:18 And pray [a sign of our need for and dependence on God] in the Spirit [Spirit helps us when we pray (Rom. 8:26)] on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert [pray with your eyes open; cf. 1 Pet. 5:8] and always [don’t stop] keep on praying for all [no believer is exempt from Satan’s attacks] the saints.

6:19 Pray also for me, that [note that Paul did not ask for prayers for his release from prison] whenever I open my mouth, words may be given [Paul depended on the Spirit for inspiration and wisdom to speak] me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery [God’s plan to make Jews and Gentiles into a new people in Christ] of the gospel,

6:20 for which I am an ambassador [a government’s legal representative, in this case, of God’s kingdom] in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

6:21 Tychicus [carried Paul’s letters to Ephesians, Colossians (and probably to Philemon); also mentioned in Acts 20:4; Col. 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12], the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything [news about Paul and his welfare], so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.

6:22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage [perhaps Ephesians were discouraged by Paul’s imprisonment; Paul and the Ephesian believers were very close because Paul had lived in Ephesus for three years (Acts 20:17-38)] you.

6:23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from [point to source of peace, love, faith] God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

6:24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.