ROMANS NOTES

 
 Romans 1:1-1:18 – introduction paul’s attitudes ■ Servant 1:1 = a slave, without rights. Always told what to do, how, etc. Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel The Master in that day had power of life and death over his property, the slave. – compete control Total dependency on the Master, surrender ■ I am a debtor Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. We owe the world what God has given to us. We’ve been forgiven a great debt we could not pay. We owe others for the offenses we perpetrated against them. We are free in Christ to freely give ourselves for the sake of others. Paul made himself nothing. He expected nothing of others, but gave out as a servant with humility, lowliness of mind. ■ Vs. 1 Called to be an Apostle = invited, appointed, Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 2Co 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. WE MUST KNOW OUR PLACE, CALLING and it may be revealed in our youth or early adulthood. ■ Separated unto the Gospel of God = limited, exclude, set off by boundary, form ideals, people, feelings. Whole hearted dedication He knew he was the property of Jesus Christ. Rom. 12:1, 2 Time. 2:24 Pharisees were so separated that they would not allow the skirt of the robes to even touch an ordinary person. They viewed Gentiles as “fuel for the fires of hell.” Paul’s mind was transformed from this religiousness, outward behavior, to spiritual reality. Psa 45:10 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; 11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. Abraham was called out of his father’s house, land, language, and customs. Jer. 7:22-23, 11:7 For I spake not unto your fathers nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices; But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice. Paul Act 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: David Ps. 40:6-7 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened. David knew the heart of God . He realized that God had no pleasure in the ritual of animal sacrifices, but in men with listening ears and responding hearts. King Saul never learned this. He was in the habit of partially obeying, then offering lavish sacrifices to compensate for his incomplete obedience. God would accept none of his substitutions. Instead, He admonished Saul, saying, “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Hehold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Sam. 15:22 ■ Thankfulness for the Roman faith. Rom. 1:8 ■ Longing to be spiritually prosperous Rom. 1:10-13 To impart spiritual gift To be comforted together Prayer for Rome w/o ceasing ■ I am ready Rom. 1:15 Key Verse word study Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, NOT ASHAMED ■ The just shall live by faith. Imprisoned at Philippi ■ Smuggled out of Berea ■ Laughed at in Athens ■ Thought foolish at Corinth, the Greeks ■ A stumbling block to the Jews ■ Rome was accustomed to philosophies and philosophers – this Jesus was a Jew ■ Romans had no particular favoritism toward Jews. From a small occupied country, a poor carpenter’s son ■ Paul was a little tentmaker with a story that could have sounded like a fable ■ Rome was the pits – “a filthy sewer into which the dregs of the empire flood.” ■ Pagan Romans had branded Christianity as atheism, cannibalism ■ Jews at Rome had branded it heresy, blasphemy, and lawlessness ■ The hero of Christianity, Jesus, was crucified = the lowest form of execution. ■ Paul was unashamed because he held to the full strength message. He did not water it down – all are sinners, etc. POWER OF GOD Rome boasted of its great world dominating power. Rome understood Power , authority (Centurion) divine energy from God. Power = force, divine miracle SALVATION The world was ready for the Gospel in the midst of so many other empty philosophies Epicurus said his won teaching was the medicine of salvation Epictetus said, men were seeking a peace, not of Caesar’s proclamation but of God’s.” He referred to his lecture room as a hospital for the sick soul Seneca, a contemporary of Paul said all men are looking for salvation and what we need is a hand let down to lift us up. Rome is a cesspool of filth. The fall – man cursed to die, really God’s mercy that he’d not have to live in fallen state for all eternity, but death became the means by which man would return to God’s original plan through Jesus and our personal experience of death to our old nature. FAITH Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Faith Is Believing and acting upon what God has said and is saying to you. pis'-tis From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. ■ Without faith it’s impossible to please God Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. ■ Faith comes by hearing God’s voice and understanding His words Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. The Holy Spirit Speaks to Us 1Jo 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Deu 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Faith is substance or assurance – as good as 3-D Heb.11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. NIV Heb.11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Substance – wishful thinking, our imaginations or hope, quoted words 2 kinds of unseen things ■ a) definable things which we can comprehend – things which we know God has promised ■ b) Indefinable things beyond the human realm Heb. 11:7 Noah warned of things not seen as yet Joh 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. Heb 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. ■ Faith is personal Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Prov. 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Mat 9:28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. 30 And their eyes were opened; …. So be it according to thy faith…” 2 Kin. 7:2 Elisha v.11 Aaron and Moses 2Chron. 24:2 And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord wall the days of Jehoiada the priest. Gal. 4:1-2, Jer. 17:5 Act 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: Act 19:12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Fathers eaten sour grapes and children’s teeth set on edge ■ Faith to faith = progressive, We enter into what God has by means of faith Syrophonician daughter healed of devil, Centurion servant healed, Rahab, Abraham Faith is Personal - Rom. 1:17, Hab 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. ■ Faith is a blueprint of things to come Faith is the seed and it’s germination power. Acorn – an oak tree. The plan of God is in us by virtue of His hand in the human design. He put himself into us like an artist puts himself into his work. Ecc. 3:11 He had set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the worked of that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Rom 10:6-8 Faith is nigh thee even in thy mouth Rom. 4:3 counted, reckoned, imputed, = computed out to maturity Vincent “when a man is reckoned right, by fait, it is not l ”legal fiction”… Faith is the germ of righteousness Heb. 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. Jn. 3:36 He that believeth on the Son Hath Everlasting Life, Our seed of Faith contains the entire genetic blue print of full maturity – just like children. What do we really believe – not theorize about? ■ Faith requires vision beyond the natural Good Ignorance- Abraham did not know where he was going Paul ignored opposition Peter walking on water Mat. 14:28 ■ Real faith produces fruit - actions Rom. 2:13 Not the hearers of the law are just, but the doers Philemon 6 Heb. 11:31 Rahab Jam. 2:25-26 Rahab just by works Mat. 16:27 we are rewarded by our works. ■ Faith works by love Gal. 5:6 Paul’s message: the gospel = to announce good news jesus Vs.2 Gospel promised 1-2 The theme of the Gospel Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Vs.3 Jesus – His son- came in the flesh- son of David, who had NT revelation List of shady character is Jesus’ genealogy Vs.4 With power, holiness= purity, consecrated by resurrection from the dead “The spirit of holiness” appears nowhere else in Scripture. Sadducees said there was no resurrection. 1Cor. 15:13-17 w/o the resurrection there is no salvation of this body. Resurrection sets Christianity apart from every other religion. No other religion can claim their leader was resurrected. Vs.5 “By whom we have received grace” – Power Eph. 4:7 but unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” According to our ministry gift there is divine enablement from God to preach to ALL NATIONS. One law, one God, one Kingdom of God. Differentiate between local customs and the Kingdom culture. Vs.7 We are called Saints = holy ones. Instantaneous at 2nd birth and progressive. We are holy because we belong to God. A parking lot full of new cars – BMWs – they are all the same color, they are all the same model, but one of those cars belongs to you. That car is special and set apart from all the others, because it’s yours. Lev. 27:28 Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the Lord of all that he hath, both of man and best, and of field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed; every devoted thing is most holy unto the Lord. ■ Romans sets forth our position in God regardless of our position on earth – sons whether infant or maturing, and the outworking of what we have by faith. A little child believes when he’s all grown up he’ll be able to do great things – even fly like spider man…etc. Vs.8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. God will align us with unusual people – some sorts we’ve never before encountered but He does it to work His love in our lives. We are like stones being polished in a tumbler. Pastors have no right to say who should be in their church. FAITH Vs.5 Obedience to faith Vs.8 Commending the faith of Romans Vs.12 Comfort by mutual faith We need each other. An ember will burn out if it is not close to other embers – Christians. A tree that stands alone can be more easily blown over. Vs.16 Power unto salvation to those who believe Righteousness Vs.17 The righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” “He that is just through faith will have life.” scholarly reference “It is he who is righteous by faith that will live.” F.F. Bruce, The Letters of Paul p.183 Justify = not to prove or make, but to reckon, treat, account one to be something. “God treats the sinner as if he had not been a sinner at all.” Vs.17 It is like the clashing cords at the beginning of a piano concert which announces the theme and is later developed throughout the piece. It is rebellion to disagree with the holy decree of the only all powerful, all creative God. He spoke all into existence and has spoken plainly, “You are decreed, reckoned, pronounced righteous and don’t disagree by knowledge.” If my conscience condemns me, God is greater than my conscience. fruit Vs.11 “spiritual gift, to the end you may be established.” Vs.13 “that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.” The branch that grows over the wall. All roads led to and from Rome so Paul needed to establish the Gospel at Rome – the center of the empire. Vs.17 “righteousness of God revealed….”  ROMANS 1:18 – 1:32 – ALL MEN KNOW IN THEIR HEARTS God exists Man creates in his image, My treasure box of his design Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. God’s law Ex. 12:49 Num. 5:16, 29 obedience to the inborn law of God Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 1Jo 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Job 38-41 Speaks of God in Nature 1 Kin.4:33 Solomon spoke of trees, beasts, and fowls disobedience 1:21 Dethroning of God and set up self HOLD/SUPPRESS THE TRUTH – SUPPRESS 1:18 Rom 1:21 Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened Sin of Omission—see T.C. reference 3358 Matt. 23:23 Ja. 4:17 Matt. 7:26, Lu.12:47 Ja.2:14 Num. 22:19-22 Balaam Num. 22:19-22 Balaam 2 King. 13:13-19 Why? Joash was caught up with Elisha’s illness ½ heartedness Elisha did not tell Joash to smite the ground 5-6 times. The directive was open ended – to respond to according to the issues of his heart Noah would have failed, suck if he failed to give 100%. 99% of ark could have been perfect but only 1% failure = a leaky boat. Manna for each day Every minute lack of response to God’s grace is currently bringing destruction to our lives, whether we know ti or not. Eph. 3:19 fullness of God Eph. 4:13 till we come to fullness of stature of Christ Jer. 48:10 Cursed be the man that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully Leave just one ingredient our of a cake recipe Substitutions Sin of omission is like spots Jude 11-12 Solutions to Sin of Omission 1. Commune with thy heart upon thy bed 2. Number your days, time = premium 3. Never let surface needs hinder long range goals; allow Godly priorities did not glorify him 1:21 Barreta – everywhere I looked that is all I saw = glorified the car Unthankful 1:21 First step to moving away from God. Complainers never make it Became fools Changed god’s glory 1:23, 1:25 Isa 44:14 He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. 15 Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto. 16 He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire: 17 And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god. 18 They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. sodomy vs. 26 Immorality is a curse to every people, culture, nation who does not respond to the portion of Light they’ve been given. Jud 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Didn’t retain god vs. 28 As we sin, we loose our ability to make sound judgments, discern, and ask questions like, “What’s wrong with …?” instead of “What’s right about ….?” god’s ways in judgment Rom. 1:18 Rev. 21: 6-7, Rev. 22: 12-13 WRATH Eze 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. At the day of the Lord. Rev. 20:11, 13, 2Thes.5:9 God hath not appointed to wrath but to obtain (acquisition, pay for) salvation OT prophets, every infraction of the law brought wrath Hold the truth = suppress the truth we have Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge God’s reasoning in judgments You are accountable for what you know because His power comes with the revelation of sin, His forgiveness, His power to live being controlled and highly motivated by your new love for Him. Luk 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. Jn.4:17 Knows to do good and does it not = sin Conscience & judgment (Tangent Study) Romans 2:1-16 Paul addresses the self-righteous mentality of God’s people Jews then and modern day Christians. Get the style of Paul’s writing here.. He writes in a personal way, like to one person – you. Rom. 2:17-20 Jews God’s representatives to all people = exclusive attitude – They Know The Law Of God Thought they were immune to the CONSEQUENCES of sin Knowledge of truth is not possession of a truth CONDEMNATION 2:12 Heathen, 2:17-19 Church, 2:27 Uncircumcision judges circumcision. Gentile judges the Jew. 3:9-19 Condemnation, condition of unsaved humanity 1Co 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; :28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. Conscience CONSCIENCE – see more thorough notes (11 pages) on Conscience Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Rom 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? Benefits: Power over temptations, bold witness, fellowship, prosperity, healthy, strong for battle 2Co 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. definition Gothard “…inner freedom of spirit toward God and others that comes by knowing that God’s holiness is not offended by one’s thought or actions, and that no one can point a finger at you and say, “You’ve offended me, and you’ve never asked for my forgiveness.” Strong’s 4893, 4894 Co-perception, to see completely, moral consciousness,  Personal functioning component of our spirit (as universally created by God) which indicates our compliance or offence to the innate law of God written in our hearts. An active part of our Spirit that lets u s know if we are flowing with what God has shown us or if we are violating what he has shown us. Cameras respond to light. Insufficient light and the camera will bleep ASA setting indicates the film sensitivity to light = various degrees of sensitivity to what God is saying, and how we react Flash – when we have not enough light (revelation) we need a new supply. function diagram of conscience gauge  ■ Lines on the road tell us what we can and cannot do, but it doesn’t’ force us to obey A strong Conscience always determine right from wrong Even in the Christian Crowd, to flow with or not to A strong conscience develops your personal uniqueness for the kingdom of God’s sake to determine good and evil Example John 8:9 w/0 sin cast the first stone “And they which heard it being convicted by their own conscience went out one by one..” Rom. 4:32, Rom. 2:5, 9, 12 Billy Graham said, “Conscience is our wisest counselor and teacher, our most faithful and most patient friend.  Like a triangle – when we are good it holds still but if we we’re bad it turns and wears the edges off the triangle till the edges wear off and it hurts no more. Various degrees of functioning At Judgment Day we get an A or an E, pass or fail When man says he has a clear conscience, he often has a bad memory. ■ SENSITIVE David: Ps. 38:1-4 Very sensitive 1 Sam. 24:4-5, 10 1Pet. 3:16 good conscience will shame evil accusers ■ EXERCISED Paul exercised his conscience Act. 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself to have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward man 1 Tim 1:5 End of commandment = good conscience ■ MATURE CONSCIENCE Mark of Maturity Heb. 5:13-14 A clear conscience keeps us from enjoying sin ■ WEAK “their conscience being weak is defiled 1Cor. 8:7-13 The company we keep will build or destroy our God given potential of our conscience ■ GUILT - Mal functioning conscience produces Guilt that cannot be forgotten unless you have brain damage. God lets us remember the sin, the pain we cause others so that we will not walk in that path again. Physical habits, mental habits, spiritual habits Gen.42:21 And they said one to another, we are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul when he besought us and we would not hear, therefore is this distress come upon us. Time will not heal guilt Where are the Samaritans? In New Your City a mailman, shot by a sniper, is ordered from the building lobby because he is dripping blood. In Dayton, Ohio, a dozen people see a woman drive her car into the Miami River. They watch indifferently as the woman climbs on the car’s roof and screams that she can’t swim. The woman drowns. ■ SIGNS OF GUILT ■ Irritable – touchy ■ Withdrawn – Adam and Eve hid form God’s presence among the trees Gen.3:7-8 Jacob’s sons tried to forget, bury their sin toward their brother Adam and Eve hid Jonah traveled to get away from God but God was with him in his conscience – no escaping God ■ Pride keeps us from admitting we are wrong. Pride is an obstacle ■ Intellect & reasoning will devise ways to postpone and evade personal responsibility ■ EXCUSES It happened a long time ago It’s too late now, nobody will ever know It’ was such a small thing I’m getting better al the time I’m just being too sensitive No one’s perfect Financially I can’t afford it I’ll do better next time Why repent, I’ll only do it again It’s not my fault ■ SEARED CONSCIENCE 1 Tim.4:2 “speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” Seared = insensitive. Dr. Dobson fish story begins with thoughts, words, actions, habits, destiny A sick seared conscience call the curse of God a blessing Barren womb, public education, social welfare, women in leadership, riches The benefits of a clear conscience Power to overcome temptation Satan uses a defiled conscience to defeat Christians in even greater temptations guilt is blackmail to go deeper Note: Secrets of a swindler Pg 12 of Conscience “Only normal in business, Everyone else does it” Indians would heat a knife red hot and put it on the tongue of the suspects. Guilt would cause the dry tongue – to burn the tongue A clear conscience would have a moist tongue, that would quench the hot knife A clear Conscience will quench the firry darts of the enemy 2Cor. 10:6 2Co 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Boldness to witness 1 Pet. 3:15-16 Maintain the Lord’s reputation Witness without hypocrisy Act. 24:16 Paul exercises self to have a conscience void of offense Alertness to make wise decisions We only have to consider God’s way not be double minded and consider our own way or the world’s way Joseph was alert to Potiphers wife – he fled to maintain Fellowship with God and HIs saints Mat. 5:23-24 1John 1:6-9 S.S 4:7 Thou art fair, my love; there is no spit in thee, come with me from Lebanon my spouse Prosperity Pro. 28:13 Stolen goods returned Store Keeper gave a repentant thief a job- courage and honesty is what he was looking for in an employee To do warfare 1 Tim. 1:18-19 Faith and good conscience 2Cor. 10:6 Neg. example: Josh 7:11-13, 25, 26 – stoned burned Healthy spirit soul & body Psa 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. 3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. 5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Psa 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Vs. 8 Make to hear joy and gladness Vs. 11 Cast me not away form thy presents Vs. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation Confidence in God 1Jo 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. rejoicing 2Co 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, 2Co 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. how to reclaim a clear conscience - repentance Get into God’s presence We have a choice in God’s presence 1) accept what His judgment or 2) reject it. Lam 3:39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? ■ The 2 thieves on the cross – One complained and the other acknowledged 2Ch 15:1 And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: 2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. 2Ch 15:4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. Isa 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. 6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: 7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. 9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Admit the sin Lev 26:40 If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; 41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: 42 Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. 1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us 1Jo 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Take action List offenses in order of importance Ask for forgiveness of the Lord and others Choose the word carefully Prod son Luk. 15:17-19,21 “I was wrong but so were you, sorry … it wasn’t my fault If I’ve been wrong, please forgive me Timing and method ASA 2Ch 15:16 And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron. 17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days. 18 And he brought into the house of God the things that his father had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels. Psa 45:10 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; 11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. How can I Maintain a pure conscience every day? Search your heart before the Lord. Ask Him to search and try your ways. Be sure you are always doing what is most important to the Lord as a daily habit.  Romans 2:1-4 JUDGMENT definition of judgment Strong’s 2919 to try, condemn, punish, decree, sentence, call in question, a guilty conscience is often fuel for a critical spirit.. Examples of God’s judgment: Lady on mission board in Africa – dropped dead because she opposed the work of God Ananias and Saphira Bro. Norcross’ church – ceiling fell on a man that was opposing him. Difference between judgment and discernment: student Leah said she could not get up in the morning. Discernment tells me that anyone can hang one leg out of bed and then the other and “get up.” I told her I had the perfect fool-proof solution. She said, “What?” I told her to have her mom help her. How? Have her dump a bucked of cold …or…hot water on her. improper judgment Rom 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Those who are guilty are extremely critical and judgmental of the righteous. FACT of existence Destroys your brother and self because we are in agreement with the accuser of the brethren. Jam 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? Usurps authority over your brother Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. Co 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 1Co 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. exposes our own faults Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Rom. 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Those who have a habit of sinning think that just because God has not stuck them dead for it, that they are in a special category, and that God is overlooking their sin. Good question! Did you ever think that you would get away with a sin? Of course. We often think that God loves us so much, after all, He made us this way and we are just acting according to what we are by His design. How could God expect anything else from us. I’m sorry but I know I’ll do it again. Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Joseph’s brothers knew in their hearts. Grandma abortion and then cancer- knew. ■ 2 Double Decker bus drivers caught in traffic: One blew his horn and yelled, and the other accepted the congested traffic. Neither of them changed the situation at all, but one had peace. Proper Judgment of God What is God’s heart in judgment? LOVE MOTIVE - 1Jo 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. VICTORY - Mat 12:19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. MERCY – David hoped in God’s mercy even when God told him that the baby with Bethsheba would die. Psa 101:1 <A Psalm of David.> I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. Psa 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. 13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. Sow & Reap – good & Bad Rom. 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deed 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2Co 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.. Rev. 22:12 Judged by every word! Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. God’s judgments are perfect – makes sense Jam 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Luk 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.  Romans 2:17-3:8 - Religious spirit condemned Rom. 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. Jewish/Christian Privileges 2:17-24 Rom 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. Birth nor Position saves us. Being a Christian doesn’t save us to the fullest extent only continuing with the Lord will save us to the uttermost. Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Rom. 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. God’s eyes see right through us. MRI, CAT scan Rom. 2:17-20 Paul addresses the church people who know what is right and still do wrong things while teaching others what is right. Rom. 2:21-23 We must first have the truth worked in our lives so that we can impart it. We are what we are at home. Those who are closest to us really know us. You are what you live. What you believe or even say may be RIGHT THEORY but not reality. William Carey, F.B. Meyers, and John Westly’s wife were brutes. Rom. 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. It’s better to say nothing about being a Christian than to tell others and then live like the devil or your old nature. Rom. 2:25-29 Circumcision = Life by the outward law. Rom 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. :26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? Hypocrisy 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: :29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. ■ Good behavior with a wrong heart = wrong 2Ch 25:1 Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart. Mat 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. There is really only one kind of circumcision that matters – of the heart!. This is a life long process that deals with our born nature. ■ Wood is a type of humanity in the Bible. Ark of Noah covered in pitch. Ark of covenant covered in God. Walls of the tabernacle of God were carved – cutting away to create beauty, and then covered with Gold-leaf. God is doing a work in our lives to cut away the excesses of our inner man, Lusts Covetous, Money, Perversion Motives Self-centeredness, Recognition, Position, To be loved by people, Approval Attitudes Hate, Resentment, Hurts, Inferiority, Superiority, Hurtfulness, Grudge, Overly Silliness, Seriousness, Critical, Judgmental, Garden: There are patches of wild grasses, and indigenous tress that will take over. There is the new planning of God in our hearts. Don & Rose Marie dig up their lawn and replace it every so many years because of the wild grasses that infiltrate. Start over. Rock Gardens need constant weeding – cracks and crevasses Highway: our lives are to be roads for others to walk upon in the direction of Godliness. Giant earth movers are needed clear the way – everything must go. What about your life? What does God want to cut away from your heart? Girlfriend Habits of substances Corrupt mind, imaginations Attitudes The AWKWARD position of Jews because of God’s call & their failure Rom 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 2 Kin. 7:17-20 One of the kings lords did nto believe God’s message about the coming deliverance from famine. ■ God can use any people, any person, any animal Jews – they are called to be an example and they are – good and bad Samson, David, Solomon, Sons of Thunder Fish of Jonah, Serpent in the Garden, Balaam’s donkey, Ravens to feed the prophet Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? :8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. God’s nature is to pour out a super abundance of GRACE anywhere there is sin, to the end that we might be saved and show forth an excellent example of His character and power. God will not reward man for his unrighteousness, even though the righteousness of God is more evident, by contrast, because God forgives and remakes the unrighteous man into a man of righteousness. Results of sin Dishonor God Vs. 23 2 Cor. 3:2 We are epistles read of all men His name is blasphemed vs. 24 Among the Gentiles who said that God was not able to keep his own people form sin, which were supposed to be the custodians of His law and Kings and Priests to all nations Misery in this life  Romans 3:9-3:20 All are condemned summary—The verdict of man kind Everybody is convicted of sin Rom 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Psa 14:1 <A Psalm of David.> The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Sin with our mouths – good or bad breath Rom 3:13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Psa 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah. Ecc 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. Psa 5:9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. Sin with our bodies Rom 3:15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Psa 36:1 < A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD.> The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. 3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. 4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. Ps. 10:7 Their feet are swigt to shed book, Is. 59:7-8 Destruction and misedry are in their way. Is. 59:8 And the way of peace have they not known FEET Isa 59:7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. 8 The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. HANDS Psa 24:3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.  Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Sins our hearts – even doing Right = sin if heart is not right Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. man’s Dark side – His hidden character – his odor - fragrance I’m a great sinner but Jesus is a great Savior. Is anyone too bad to be saved to the uttermost? Our greatest enemy is not the Devil – it’s our sinful nature Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. 11 As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. The good innate side to human nature: Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Redemption - justification Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: HOPE: Form Parade Magazine comes the story of a self-made millionaire, Eugene Lang, who greatly changed the lives of a sixth-grade class in East Harlem. Mr. Lang had been asked to speak to a class of 59 sixth-graders. What could he say to inspire these students, most of whom would drop out of s school? He wondered how he could get these predominantly black and Puerto Rican children even to look at him. Scrapping his notes, he decided to speak to them from his heart. “Stay in school, “ he admonished, “and I’ll help pay the college tuition for every one of you.” At that moment the lives of these students changed. For the first time they had hope. Said one student, “I had something to look forward to, something waiting for me. I was a golden feeling.” Nearly 90 percent of that class went on to graduate form high school ■ People without hope are people without a future. But when hope is restored, life is restored. Nowhere is this more true than with those who come to know the person and riches of Jesus Christ. He gives a sure basis for hope. He has promised to return to earth to receive us. (1Thes. 1:10) Till then, there is help through the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Thes.1:5) . The believer anticipates a new kind of life that begins now with the constant help of the Holy Spirit. Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  Romans 3:21-3:31 - the way of salvation is made definitions Isa 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Coming short of the glory of God Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ■ Fail to render to God the glory due His name in every circumstance Luk. 17:15 one leper returned to give God glory Acts 12:23 Rom. 4:20, 11, Rom. 11:13 Rom. 14:7 Rom. 16:9 ■ Fail to receive the glory, honor approbation which God bestows Jn. 5:4 5:44, 8:50 12:43 Rom. 2:7, 2:10 Heb. 3:3 1Pet. 1:7 2 Pet. 1:17 ■ Come short of reflecting God’s glory when we fail 1 Cor. 11;7 2 Cor. 3:18, 8:23 ■ Fail to partake of the consummated Glory that will be dispensed to the saints at Christ’s coming Rom. 5:2, 8:18, 8:21 1Cor. 2:7, 15:43, 2Cor. 3:18, 4:17 2 Thes 1:10 2 Tim. 2:10 Heb. 2:10, 1 Pet 5:1, 5:4 justification by Faith ■ Vs. 24 Acquitted, pronounced righteous ■ Justification is an act of God. He puts Jesus on record as having committed your sin. The ink on those pages will have disappeared and stamped in bloody red, it reads, “PAID IN FULL.” ■ When you get to heaven, go the police headquarters and find your file. Open it. What will you find on your record? It’ll be empty …. Except for a one little sticky note. Oh, lets read it. It says, “for more details about this person’s criminal record please refer to file entitled, Jesus Son of God.” Let’s take a look at that file. Oh my, see how large His file it. Okey, here we are, I see your name… stamped inside the folder are the words, REDEEMED, ALL SINS REMITTED, JESUS IS HIS PROPITIATION, RIGHTEOUS, JUSTIFIED, PAID IN FULL BY JESUS CHRIST THE SAVIOR.” What color are these words stamp with? BLOOD RED Act 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Greek word Diakioun = not to make someone something but to treat, reckon, account him as something. No man certainly can deny that this word properly means the redemption of a captive, (whether he may have been taken in war or in any other way), which is procured by the payment of a price. Regard as innocent. Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Tit 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Hab 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Gen. 15:6 Act 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Mat. 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. God’s Method of Justification ■ Without the Law Rom. 3:21a ■ through Faith in Jesus 3:22 ■ is Free 4:24 ■ Price – Death of Son of God ■ because of God’s love and kindness 3:25 ■ needed by Jews and Greeks 3:28-30 justification by works Jam 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ■ Faith and Works is like two oars of a boat. Use just one and you’ll go in circles. To not perform the works of faith is to draw back: Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. righteousness That which is upright in our hearts, our words, and our actions Imputed versus Work in us and through us Rom 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Rev 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. redemption Christ’s life a ransom for ours. Satan held us captive by God’s rules. Redemption is a money exchange for your release from being kidnapped by the Devil. There is no release w/o paying the ransom price, which is death – your death or Jesus’. Bought from the world Bought into a new relationship with Father God – adoption fee Continuing purchase agreement – redemption of our bodies. Rom. 8:23 Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Redeemed from the penalty of sin Redeemed from the power of the sin and bondage of Satan Redeemed into a new relationship with God #629 riddance, ransom in full, deliverance Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption629 that is in Christ Jesus Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption629 through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: ■ By faith, our sins are no longer ours, but His and in exchange His righteousness is ours. Law Nailed To The Cross LAW - We could not keep it And the Devil used it against us to keep us in bondage and send us to Hell. HELL Christ fulfilled the requirement of the law for all sinners, therefore the requirements of the law are met in Christ. Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Joh 11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Rom 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. 1Ti 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 1Pe 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. ■ Charles Finney a young lawyer in N.Y. was sitting in the scribes office very early, alone and God spoke to him, “Finney, what are you going to do when you finish your course?” “put out a shingle and practice law.” “Then what?” “Get rich.” “Then what?” “Retire.” “Then ■ What?” “The judgment.” Finney went into the woods to meet with God. propitiation Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; God’s provision of mercy to forgive us of our sin. They mercy seat Propitiation = God’s provision of mercy to forgive us. an expiatory (place or thing), that is, (concretely) an atoning victim, or (specifically) the lid of the Ark (in the Temple): - mercy-seat, propitiation. Appease God of His anger. God is offended by our sin and there must a legal reason for a just God to be able to acquit us, the criminals, to ascribe guiltlessness to us. Jesus is that sacrifice, provision. He paid the price to free us for eternity, however, we still have to suffer the consequences of our actions on earth. Consequences are God’s merciful reminders. Heb. 9:5 and Rom. 3:25 are the same word #2435 Sacrifice of Blood Joe 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. remission To cancel, pardon, Heb 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. ■ I cast the stone into the Caribbean Sea Grace God’s divine influence upon our hearts that empowers us to do His will with cheerfulness and gratitude. Divine enabling, He is our enabler – just like there are women or men who enable a drug problem or drinking problem. Jesus moves upon our hearts and fills us with new zeal, and desire to get charged up for to DO His work everyday. The message Righteousness is the goal (inward and outward) Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; ■ Being deemed righteous is God’s prerogative – He is God and can call us whatever He wants to. ■ It’s a matter of ownership as well. A rare antique in an attic that is being cleaned out may be junk on the side of the road (That may other’s opinions of us in our sin) But God drives by on garbage day and picks us out of the garbage and refinishes us. Do redo an antique chair properly, it must be taken all apart, re-glued and reassembles again. ■ God deals with us like we deal with our 16 year old trying to learn how to drive a car. It’s all about focus—when we focus on the long hall, down the road, we stay straight. When we focus on the side of the road. We go toward whatever we are looking at. Eye Gate importance. When we focus on Jesus, He is perfect and righteous, w/o sin having lived in this flesh, we will move toward Him, magnify Him and become like Him. Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: ■ Antique Chair – bought back, made justified – just as if we had never sinned because we’ve been bought from the devil’s junkyard to be placed in the King’s house. Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Rom. 3:25-26 Modern Language Version. God shows forth His righteousness in providing all the requirements of the law for the remission of sin. The righteous sacrifice of Christ buys our reigteousness if we respond with believeing with faith of which comes from above. 2 Cor. 5:21 Fro he made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. ■ God can call us justified because He has faith, He believes in what His finished product will be. An experienced refinisher can look at a what other call garbage and see it as a beautiful finished product. Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. The Laws of God Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. The OT law of moses 1) Civil law 2) Moral law 3) Health law 4) Ceremonial law The OT law and the NT law of conscience (Jew and Gentile) is the standard by which man can be measured. Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Motives, desire, drive for approval, acceptance, self vindication, superiority 3rd Century Rabbi Sinclair noted Moses gave 356 prohibitions Ps. 15 David in gave 11 commands Is. 33:14-15 binds all into only 3 laws Hab. 2:4 Just shall live by his faith Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. OT law of God – Ex. 20 This is what the outward appearances of God’s law should look line in our lives Shalt not have other gods Shalt not make no graven image Shalt not take the name of the lord thy god in vein Remember the Sabbath Honor thy father and mother Shalt not kill Mat. 5:21-22 Shalt not commit adultery Mat. 5:27-28 Shalt not steal Shalt not bear false witness Mat. 5:33 Shalt not covet they neighbors stuff Mat. 6:21 Though shalt do all of the above, by faith out of a love motive with joy in your heart with no ulterior motive. NT law of God This is the what the inward man should BE like in our lives Mat. 5-7 Jesus is the bread that comes down form heaven to feed us on the INSIDE Jesus speaks of the INSIDE of a person not the outside. He’s not moved by the outside of people, how they dress, etc. He actually warned the disciples to look out for people who overdressed, men in long flowing robes. INSIDE FLAVOR Mat. 5 = meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, poor in spirit, merciful etc. Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Ps. 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Jesus’ comments on the OT LAW OF GOD Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven OT and NT compared OT Written on stone NT Written on our hearts 2Co 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 2Co 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. OT Many laws to govern relationships NT One solution to all personal relationship problems: Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Mat 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. OT Bread in wilderness from heaven NT Living Bread AND WINE = joy OT Outward Obedience NT Inward Obedience – Rom. 3:31 We establish the law inwardly, which is manifested in our outward behavior. OT No one could measure up – keep the law NT The Power of the Holy Spirit is given to empower with GRACE OT Dead sacrifices NT Jesus is the living sacrifice – the only living human hero who died and was resurrected OT Veil of separation NT Veil rent OT Levi priesthood NT Melchesedek everlasting priesthood of Jesus OT Tabernacle of Moses, Solomon’s temple, Rebuilt Temple, Herod’s Temple NT Tabernacle made without hands I don’t want to get a message for others, I want to be His message. ESTablish God’s law in us, and through us=manifest the law Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. not by good works Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. When does a law become life? Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. Law of love John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that y are my disciples, If ye have love one to another. 1John 2: 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 2 John 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. James 2:8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: See each other as Jesus sees. ■ Beauty and the Beast: “There’s something there I hadn’t seen before!” There something sweet and almost kind, for he was mean and coarse and unrefined but now he’s dear and so unsure, I wonder why I didn’t see it there before. True he’s no prince charming, but there there’s something in him I simply didn’t see. She glanced this way I thought I saw and when touched she didn’t shutter at my paw. Though we can’t be, I just ignore, but then she’s never looked at me that way before.” Law of Liberty James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. law of the Spirit of life Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. law of faith Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace  Romans 4 - Abraham’s example Overview sequence from Chapter 3 to 4 Paul defined justification in Chapter 4 and Chapter 4 is an illustration of Justification. Justification by faith seemed like heresy to the Jews – They believed in visible good deeds. Abraham is the subject because: OT character because God has always justified men who believe – faith Abraham was the “Father of many Nations” fulfilled. Paul chose a familiar and foundational figure Abraham was uncircumcised when he believed and was counted righteous by faith Abraham was uncircumcised when he believed Begin with excess of humanity in our flesh and heart Beginnings are important – we must be counted Justified & Righteous to enter kingdom Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed. ■ We cannot count on obedience to get into heaven or have more of Christ formed in us – it must be in what God has done, is doing and will do for us. justified without the works of the law 1Ki 15:14 But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days. 1Sa 3:12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. Rom 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Believing God = Faith = a seed, encoded entire message=germination of righteousness. Mat. 13 the Word is the seed Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Not a mere legal declaration but a possessing of life – with all it takes to grow ■ Compulsion of love not coercion of servitude Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned3049 of grace, but of debt. ■ Reckon 3049 = Take an inventory, estimate and conclude= God looks in our hearts to see if we have the seed. You have the seed and you are in. Like a bank that looks at a farmer, his field and seed storage- If the bank sees the seed, they’ll invest in you knowing that the end is a 30, 60 or 100 fold increase. ■ Imputed Righteousness #3049 Not to make someone something but to treat, reckon, account someone to be something. Vs. 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 22, 23, 24, ■ Object lesson: God sees right through our sin. Role a piece of paper and look through it with one eye while both eyes are open. Hold other hand next to the rolled paper and you will be able to see right through your hand. This is how God sees through or past our sin to behold us as a beautiful complete, finished work. If we earn heaven by our good deeds we have something to boast of – earned wages Rom 4:5-8 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute 3049 sin. READ Ps. 32:1-11 Perfect example of the proper attitude and approach to God as a sinner seeking forgiveness and righteousness as God covers us and proclaims us righteous by what He’s done for us. Ps. 130:3 If thou Lord shouldest mark iniquity, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee that thou mayest be feared. Rom 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. ■ Circumcision = a sign or symbol of the righteousness of God that is coming. Cutting away of the foreskin symbolized the cutting away of the excess of the things we are born with. God was saying I call you righteous because you believe me, even though you are not completely righteous in every way. So I will lave you with this reminder in your body – the excess of what you are is cut away from your flesh, and will be cut away from your spiritual self. The Jews made it a RITE, which made them feel superior. ■ Abraham first believed God, secondly he was circumcised. Believing God should lead us to having a circumcised heart. Gen 17:10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. 11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. Abraham liar about the identity of his wife Gen. 12:10-13 Abraham moved in the flesh – Ishmael. He submitted to his wife and the custom of the day for seriate motherhood. Ishmael became the Arab nations. Abraham laughed at the promise of God weak in Faith to become the father of faith. Abraham offered Isaac by faith – a word that made no sense Gen 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. 7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. Gen 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. 2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? :3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. 4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Gen 16 Abraham tried to fulfill God’s plan in his way. Abraham produced Ishmael and was justified before God at the time of this behavior. Gen 17:17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? Gen 17:18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! God renewed the promise, Changed his name, and gave circumcision as sign Gen 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? 13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? 14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. 15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. Rom 4:13 For the promise, (epaggelia) that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. Promise = 2 Greek words. 1) you do … and I will do… Hyposhesis 2) Unconditional – out o floe Epaggelia Rom 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Rom 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, The was written 430 years after Abraham. See Gal. 3:17 FAITH –what we are counts LAW – what we do counts Inward Outward Bestowed reward Earned reward Freedom to do right Condemnation Touches God’s heart to bestow upon us Can never earn promises = glory to man Righteousness Unrighteousness revealed Grace Strength of human will What God has done What man can do for himself Power in believing brings grace Powerless “no smoking” signs w/o power ■ EXAMPLE OF the Law and Faith at work. I turned right and wasn’t sure if there was sign saying “No Turn on Red.” There wasn’t a sign, but I was not sure if there was or not. Did I break the law. No, I did not break the law of the land, but I did break the law of conscience because I was not sure. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Rom. 14:23. Rom 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Read Gen. 17:1-5, 15-22 Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Luke 17:5-10 God beyond the duty of a servant and faith will increase. Faith is the seed of the word that germinates in the right soil. God will provide light and water. Rom 4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. Hope = el-pece' anticipate, usually with pleasure) expectation, confidence: - faith, hope. Abraham’s faith was based on his personal relationship with the FATHER. His focus was on the Father and that is how he became a father …of many nations. Abraham’s hope was in the nature of God Rom 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: Rom 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; Rom 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform it. Faith requires ignoring the facts when God speaks. Don’t look at circumstances = Peter walked on water until he looked down. David was not thwarted by Goliath’s size. Faith is progressive Rom. 1:17 “form faith to faith” Abraham had to trust God with Sacrifice of Isaac… Isa 24:10 The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in. 11 There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone. 12 In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction. 13 When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done. 14 They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea. 15 Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea. ■ Living below what God has promised, and being content brings glory to Him. All of this happened in history before the law of Moses was written. Abraham was functioning under a higher law of the Spirit in his relationship with God He did not and could not obey the law because its impossible. Just like us – we can be good because we are not good. Cannot be something we are not until we are. David was not a priest and yet he functioned as one. Other’s tried, King XXX tried to do the priest’s job and was judged by God. ■ Abraham, Job, Paul, David were men who lived in one time period but saw another and functioned accordingly. Rom 4:22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Rom 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; Rom 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Rom 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. justified by works done through faith and His grace Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.  Romans 5 - fruits of justification results of justification 1-11 Instantaneous and progressive aspects of justification, faith, grace, love etc. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your father which is n heaven is perfect. BE ye holy, even as I am holy. Process Teleios = perfect in Greek means to be mature and entirely fit for the task Justified right and left as a page of print. God chooses which lines to justify and when. His order not ours and He knows why. Legal, instantaneous justification clears the way for the following things so we can BE truly right inside and out, but His decree and His working in our lives. Peace with God Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Peace = prosperity, rest, quietness – The greatest issue of life is settled. access to God Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Access = admission by the divine influence upon our hearts and reflected in life Stand = abide, covenant, (stand in trials, valleys, and success, mountain tops. Stand in trials of faith. Don’t make major decisions in dark times. Hope = anticipate with pleasure, faith Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, (Jesus suffered because of sin) that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Phi 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Rejoicing in the hope Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. understanding and grace to boast in times of pressure Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory (vaunt, boast) in tribulations (pressure) also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience (cheerful or hopeful endurance) Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you Hab 3:17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. Jam 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Rom 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience (tested, proof), hope: Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. These first 5 verses of Rom. 5 are all about becoming just in reality not only by faith. It’s a process and the end of that process is love perfected in us and through us. Acts 5:14, 16:23, 25 TCR 1934 ■ HOPE by Martin Luther: "Here it appears either Paul or Barnabas went too far. It must have been a violent disagreement to separate two associates who were so closely united. Indeed, the text indicates as much. Such examples are written for our consolation: for it is a great comfort to us to hear that great saints, who have the Spirit of God, also struggle. Those who say that saints do not sin would deprive us of this comfort. Samson, David, and many other celebrated men full of the Holy Spirit fell into grievous sins. Job and Jeremiah cursed the day of their birth; Elijah and Jonah were weary of life and desired death. No one has ever fallen so grievously that he may not rise again. Conversely, no one stands so firmly that he may not fall. If Peter (and Paul and Barnabas) fell, I too may fall. If they rose again, I too may rise again."  reminded that we are w/o strength to justify self – Jesus did it! Rom 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. We are still sinners even if we don’t know it – and Christ’s death has paid for our current sin nature. We must now reign over our old nature = Rom 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.. Mic. 7:19 sea of forgetfulness Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. God’s love toward us Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. saved from coming wrath Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Flowing in us and through us … love of God shed abroad. Rom. 5:21 Grace reigns unto eternal life Present and future salvation because of His love received atonement Rom 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Atonement = satisfied the debt, covered it. first and last adams 1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. adam – racial, cultural, global solidarity The father of the human race. Genetically all people were contained in Adam. Thus his nature is passed on. Heb 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. ■ Rahab’s blessing to family and Achan’s curse to family Jos 6:17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. 18 And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who (Jesus) is the figure of him that was to come. 1 sinned - all become sinners & 1 w/o sin all can be w/o sin Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Rom 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. ■ The Australian Aboriginal men always give their tribal or clan name first ■ Jos 7:24-26 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. 26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day. Achan sinned but the entire nation was punished. He was not an individual but a part of the whole nation. All of Achan’s family was executed. ■ Levi paid tithes to Mechisedec Heb 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. ■ Positive example of Rahab Jos 6:16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city. 17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. death reigned – Life reigns Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Vs. 14, 17a Disobedience & death – obedience and life Vs. 18a, 19z Rom 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Reigning: Two aspects – in this life’s situations every day and in the future kingdom of God Rev. 20:6 the resurrection 1 Cor. 15:57 2 Cor. 2:14 Both extend to all mankind Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Sin abounds – much more grace The purpose of the Law 1) a pattern of perfection 2) reveals sin in us We often do not know our hearts until we are in very difficult situations and then our Adamic nature raises it’s ugly head. Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. CHrist – The Head of the new creation Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. 2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Summary of Contrasts ADAM CHRIST One transgression One sacrifice at a time- life habit Condemnation Justification Sin w/o Sin – Righteousness Death Life Death’s reign Life’s reign Many penalties, reapings Acquittal, justified Disobedient Obedient Born with this nature Born again if we accept the free gift vs. 18b came upon all Summary of similarities One man’s actions affected generations Both a following  Romans 6 Dead to sin & alive unto God INtroductory concepts Eden’s perfection versus today Life expectancy Canopy versus rain Music Nature Earth as a breathing organism Evil to destroy and God to restore Romans 6 is the process of restoration. We must embrace death to see life. Death is God’s mercy. Adam sinned and we all suffer the consequences. Vision 1Co 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. What is your role in the Global Victory of Jesus A life of holiness is governed by three words 1) Knowing Rom. 6:6 that our old man was crucified with Christ, leading to a declaration of Gal. 2:20 I’m am crucified with Christ. 2) Reckoning Rom. 6:11 To tak a stand on the fact of this experience of knowing 3) Yielding Rom. 6:13-19 our member to righteousness, not to sin – achieved by mortifying the deeds of the body Col.3:5 Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? baptism - The way of victory is identification with the victor Everyone seeks to identify with some on e, some team, some Teen Idol… etc. Mariners, Muskrats, Identification with Christ 1Co 6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. Baptism does not wash away our sins, Christ did that. Baptism is a demonstration that we are walking away from Egypt – old life – dead to it by burial in waters of Baptism = Red Sea experience. The children left Egypt but not in their hearts. We live by a standard of identification and aspiration: Rock stars, Little Lord Fontleroy went from the street smart wisdom and ideologies of New York in the early 1900’s to high society Lordship in England. Death of CHrist = the death of self Attributes of Death = separation, inactivity, leave all thigns behind, mourner friends of the old life, happens once, all legal agreements, debts, promises, opportunities are ended. Process = Jesus gave His life, He was not killed. Baptism Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ■ You are dead, Christ rose from the dead, You rose form the dead works ■ God gave us baptism because it’s a type. We need to go through the motions of death and resurrection Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is (WAS in the original Greek) crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Knowing = know by experience, not academic, but a thorough knowledge form involvement Smoking is dead in me. Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. Rom 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Rom 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. Rom 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Reckon is like writing a check –it’s worth noting unless there is money in the bank. Your reckoning is worthless unless you know by experience that the reckoning power is available. ■ Before the Reckoning can happen we must have the Knowing by experience that we can be dead in Christ. ■ Getting dressed up…. feeling Reckon righteous – reckon self dead, knowing this Vs. 6, 11 - THINKING ■ Visualize yourself in a coffin, buried. People bury you on a dull, damp day. The rain is a light but a constant drizzle. Everyone walks away and they begin to feel the earth tremble beneath their feet. They look back at your grave with fresh earth over your body and ground begins to open up and the cold darkness rejects your dead body. The rain stops, and the clouds open and light from heaven shines up through the grave as the coffin is spewed out . God thunders His commanding voice and the forces of darkness release you from the eternal grip and permanence of death. Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. The devil is a copy cat – Because you are not full of death but have Christ’s life in you… HE will spew you out of his filthy grave of corruption. dying to live Ps. 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints Joh 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. Is. 53:12… He hath poured out his soul unto death… Phil. 3:10 That I may know him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death RSV continuous dying Daily circumstances 1 Cor. 15:31 I die daily Psa 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. 22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Quoted in Rom. 8:36 2Co 4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2Co 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (Stop trying to be right be cutting this thing and that thing out of your life—just DIE – become a whole new person. PROGRESSIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT OUR SIN Lord save me from my sin, but not just yet Lord save me from my sin, except this one sin Lord save me from all of my sin and save me now! If we fail to embrace death daily… Death will be appointed to embrace us. Sin: Man calls it luxury – God calls it leprosy Man calls it weakness – God calls it willfulness SEEDS DIE TO BRING LIFE Jealousy and hatred Love and driendship Wicked thoughts Clean pure thoughts Disonesty Integrity Profanity C lean speech Cruelty Kindness Greed and envy Generosity Human efforts Divine graces Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: Sanctification Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Rom 6:13 Neither yield ye your members (limb, part of your body) as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Instruments = an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially offensive for war): - armour, instrument, weapon. 1) Know by experience 2) Reckon Yield = After crossing Jordan they cam to Gilgal – place of circumcision. Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Dead people are not under any laws. We are dead in Christ and therefore free from the laws. We are alive unto God and therefore recipients of Abundant Grace. Rom 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Psa 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. If we continue to sin God will allow an offense to arise and we will leave the house of God. Eze 3:20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Joh. 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth hall make you free. Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Joh 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. ■ SERVANTS: do what they are told = property=slaves of God. LIMITATIONS: like all of creation – birds fly, fish swim, carnivorous, herbivores, Insect world, etc Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Rom 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. Rom 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. Rom 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Free means totally free from the bondage of sin. Lot was righteous but not holy. He disagreed with the sin of Sodom but he chose to associate with it and live with it. A truly delivered smoker hates smoking and has a vengeance to see other free as well. Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Separation from the world Joseph son of Jacob, Mary mother of Jesus, John the Baptist, Paul, Jesus 1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Lev 20:26 And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. Joh 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, Separation unto God is a choice The Bible does not promise a life w/o temptation in the body, soul or spirit – The Bible promises victory as we yield to Him. Rom. 6:14 Sin shall not have dominion over you! All life is subject to the environmental conditions ( Get out of the rain if you don’t want to get wet-Get out of the way of sin if you don’t want to get dirty. Moving Car and puddle on side of road – Get out of the way. Animals, plants and people subject to wind, temp. moisture – Same is trut in spritiual forces. Josh. 3:5 …Joshua said…Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. Lev 26:12 And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. ■ Separate from the world in our hearts and in our behavior. If you wash your car it will clean. If someone better than you washes your car… it will be clean. The results are the same. Note: Christ died for you Purge yourself 2Ti 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Our God of peace sanctifies wholly 1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. The law of sin versus the law of the spirit of God law of gravity Law of flight Heb 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Eagle Flight = two principles at work gravity and flight Put Your Wings Out Scriptural Examples Rom. 12:21 Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world Is. 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me saith the Lord. 1 Sam. 17:45-47 David and Goliath John 16:23 Ps. 44:5 Through thee we will push down our enemies Ps. 18:37-40 I have pursued my enemies Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Ps. 48:4 For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death. Take little steps toward God and He’ll take huge steps toward you! If we expect God to move on our behalf – We must move toward Him. Never minimize the littlest obedience. It’s all about the small obedience that add up and establish a pattern or way of living.  Romans 7 The war within – law versus law The law ends at death The law rules over a man, therefore; man is underneath the law. Law’s regime Rom 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? All the laws of the land are to be obeyed as long as we live. When we are dead the law ceases to have any power over us. Rom 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Marriage is the example: The wife must obey her husband’s law of clothing, where to live etc. Death dissolves the marriage covenant.. A wife belongs to her husband, and the husband is commanded to love his wife as long as they both shall live. Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. A woman cannot be married to two people at once. Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. We were in a sense married to sin – we walked together as one. Now that our old nature is dead through our identification with Christ’s death, we are free to be married to Jesus and bring forth His fruit of righteousness not unrighteousness, life not death, good works not evil works. Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. The purpose of the law is to reveal sin. Without the law there is no revealing sin. The law was powerless to remove sinful passions from our hearts. The law serves to remind us of God’s standards and requirements. Rom 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Serve = a continued concept of Rom. 6:16-19. “In newness of spirit” = from inward awakenings and quickening of the indwelling Spirit, not in the oldness of outward constraints. The conflict of the laws Read verses 7-25 first, then dissect Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Paul had a problem with covetousness but didn’t know it until the law told him “Thou shalt not covet. Rom 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. (longing for the forbidden) For without the law sin was dead. Adam and Eve would have committed no sin if God hadn’t told them not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil. No law = no sin. The more rules a church has the the greater the potential for the people to be sinning. Marriage – before marriage the wife does not have to submit to the man. After marriage there are many more rules simply to make the household function. Rom 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. Rom 7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. Rom 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. The law, the commandment Definition The law is filled with the divine nature of God Rom 7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual the results of the law Rom. 7:7I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Rom 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. = longing for that which is forbidden. Rom 7:9 …when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. Sin is a fork in the road that veers off course, a wrong direction. Billboards, allurements, curiosities Sin DECEIVES Fall man is so deceived by sin that we are unable to identify sin in ourselves. The commandment or law is an instrument which shouts the glaring contrast of man’s nature against the standard of God’s law. The law is like the contrast adjustment on a TV; It heightens the contrast so that black and white are strongly contrasted and everything is easy to identify. Man deceives himself. The law is a carpenter’s level; It shows exactly how out of level a board is. The law is a plumbline that reveals every tilting behavior and attitude.  Dogs that think they are people. We can easily think we are something we are not. We think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. Contrast this to the Syrophenician woman’s self image Mar 7:25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs (puppy). 28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs (puppy) under the table eat of the children's crumbs. 29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. We must have the searching, all seeing eye of the Holy Spirit to see ourselves honestly and know our motives, desires, backslidings, evil ambitions, corrupt leanings. God seeks to change our loves in life, and turn our entire love toward Him. Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. 11 As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. Psa 36:2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. 3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. 4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. Isa 44:14 He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. 15 Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto. 16 He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire: 17 And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god. 18 They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. 19 And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? 20 He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand? Gal 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, Lam 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. 41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. 42 We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned. 43 Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied. 44 Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through. 45 Thou hast made us as the offscouring and refuse in the midst of the people. 46 All our enemies have opened their mouths against us. Sin’s deception: Satisfaction – man thinks sin will make him happy and it never does The Good excuse for sin is futile before God Escaping the consequences of sin is an impassibility Paul’s view of the law The law is filled with the divine nature of God As man used the law it became legalism = man using the word of God as a binding contract with God as if God owes man something for obeying the statues of the law. The Jews in Christ’s day were not right in their hearts and therefore found loopholes in the Spirit of the law to convince themselves they were alright if they obeyed the outwardness of the law. God’s intent is to pierce our hearts to the core with the Law of the Spirit = a living relationship with HIM. Mat. 19:19-23 A young man kep the law of Moses and he knew something was missing in his life. Yet had the desire for the best natural and spiritual possessions and investments. Yet when it came time to the decision was tough. He had 2 laws warring in him. The conflict of the two natures vs. 14-25 Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Sin is so powerful that we commit it even when we know it is wrong and deadly! We can be controlled by the will of someone else. Deliverance is needed. Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Phi 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Phm 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. This is where knowing, reckoning, and yielding come into play. Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. explanation: Man’s new nature is progressively replacing his old nature Mans’ former nature manifested his corrupt heart Man’s born-again nature entitles him to become the son of God not of John Doe Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. :4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Gal. 3:26 For ye are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus 1 Cor. 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Sprirt of God dwelleth in you 1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. The born-again person has the conflict of dual character The regenerate person begins to hate the things he formerly loved (TV, booze, bad language, etc.) and begins to love tings he formerly hated (church, his wife, reading the Bible, talking about God and end times, etc) The battle of Paul’s two natures Old Adam versus the Lasts Adam in combat within Paul under sin: Vs. 17 sin dwelleth in me Vs. 20 Sin dwelleth in me Vs. 21 Evil is present with me Vs. 23 The law of sin which is in my member Vs.24 The body of death Vs. 18 in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing Paul under God Vs. 17 no more I that do it Vs. 20 no more I that do it Vs. 22 after the inward man Vs. 23 The law of my mind Vs. 25 with the mind I myself serve the law of God The battle = the law of sin versus the law of the spirit Law of sin in us versus the law of God’s living spirit, His character in us as we respond to Him One third evil angels versus Two-third good angels DECISIONS DECISIONS DECISIONS ■ God decided to: God has chosen to show mercy God has chosen to offer salvation God has chosen to send Jesus in the flesh for our sin God has chosen to invite u to the wedding feast God has chosen to send the Holy Spirit to empower, encourage ■ All we have to do is decide if we want sin or obediences, life or death, heaven or hell the final battles – sure victory assured to us Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Isa 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. 2Co 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. How to fight the fight – general battle strategies mortify Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (lust), evil concupiscence (longing for what is forbidden), and covetousness, which is idolatry: Col 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: Mortify means to put to death the deed of our body, Mortify means to deprive, deprivation, don’t feed Col 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. Close the 5 gates: look, listen, smell, touch, taste The more we exercise the body in the natural the stronger the member become. The less we exercise, the weaker the members become - We become what we let in. Example: We become like the people we look at, especially those who’ve offended us – a parent, boss, etc. Put off Col 3:8 But now ye also put off (cast away, lay aside, put away) all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Col 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  ROMANS 8 Victory through the spirit Overview Mans self = Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Man and God = Rom. 8:37-39 No condemnation, no separation from God Vs. 1, 33-39 Holy Spirit in us brings victory over the old sin nature The Ultimate In Christianity: Heirs, sons of God 16, 17Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. SEQUENTIAL Topics of Rom. 8 Liberty Free from the law of sin and death Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 1. "Free from the law of sin and death" which in times past held us bound eternally Vs. 21" creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God." RSV Jn. 8:32 "An ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free 2Cor. 8:9 ".. Where the spirit of the Lodr is, there is liberty." P.T's interpretation "Where the Spirit is Lord there is liberty." Ro. 8:3 God condemned sin = God sentenced, judged sin, God put sin to death - the end of its power to influence and to kill. Jesus became flesh in everyway and "Condemned sin in His flesh." Vs. 32 Delivered up his own son for us Vs. 4 "...that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us.." Man's RESPONSIBILITY to maintain His Freedoms Gal. 5:1 "Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free adn be not entangled again with the YOKE of bondage." Yoke = something a beast of burden wears Mat. 11:29 Take my Yoke, Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart adn ye shall find rest for your soul, for my Yoke is easy and my burden is light we are servants to bondage or freedom to sin or righteousness to Satan or God Jer. 2:20 For of old time I have broken thy Yoke and burst thy bands, and thou saidest I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest playing the harlot. The Carnal mind versus the Spiritual mind Man's Responsibilities - RESPONSES to God Walk = to be occupied with Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Mindedness = our spiriutal programing and agenda from the core of what we are. Gols, desired involvments - longings of heart Mind = #5426 to exercise the mind, entertain to have a sentiment or opinion. to interest ones self, inclination, purpose, translated Savour "After the Spirit" Rom. 5:2, Rom. 6:4, 7:6, 8:1, 2cor. 5:7 by Faith, Gal. 5:16-18, TCR # 3763p.151 MAN'S Goals VERSUS GOD'S GOALS Both seek complete satisfaction, but the flesh is deceived by sensations, temporal values, immediate gratification. FLESH SPIRIT Pleasures Suffer to gain true pleasure Personal Ambition God's Ambitions, goals, agenda To be like others To be unique - yet like Jesus Glory in Fleshliness Glory - awake in His likeness Gain in this life Sell out for the pearl of great price The Quickening of the Spirit Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. ■ Satan Controls and the Holy Sprit leads gently Ps. 23 The Lord is my Shepherd Isa 63:12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? 13 That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. The cross weakens the flesh The flesh is always present and ready to express itself. The flesh is not done away with it’s rendered inactive. ■ Mortify the flesh Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; Quickened to walk by His Spirit Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. TCR #1602 p. 60 Eze 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1Jo 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Jn 6:63 The spirit quickeneth, flesh profited nothing by His mercy, by His quickening we cry out Ps. 80:18"..Quicken us and we will call upon thy name." Ps.119:25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust (human substance==vanity); Quicken thou me according to thy wor.' V50 "..This is my comfort in my affliction; for thy world hth quickened me. Jn5:21".. the son quickeneth whom He will." Quickened to be a son of God Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Or - As many as allow themselves to be lead...) The word sons carries the idea of being mature sons. Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 1) Adoption was practiced by the very rich. The householder or master often needed more sons to hand the hand his large estate. Perhaps he had only one son and needed more. He’s send servants through the outlying villages to select young boys who had abilities to govern. The servants would return and tell the householder of certain boys. The master would go to see them for himself, and if the boys was suitable he would make a contract with the father. The master would say to the father, “I can offer your son a better life than you ever could. Are you willing to sell him to me, so that he ceases to be your son and becomes my son?” The father considered the offer and its merit for his son. They’d make the deal and seal the agreement with the customary seven witnesses. The money was paide in gold and the boy became the adopted son of the rich man. 2) The boy had to in essence die to his ould household and became alive in his new household. He called the master Father. He underwent extensive training for the new post of becoming a joint-heir with the first son. If the boy qualified he’d come equal to other sons in the inheritance, and a great celebration was held for him “coming of age” – at whatever age he was ready to assume his new status. There are qualifications for this “mature son” position – verse 17…If we suffer with Him. Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. The greater the suffering the greater the glory. Potter – the higher the fire temp the stronger the pot. 1Co 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Dan 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Dan 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Rev 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Rom. 8:19 Suffering ins the way Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Birds sing in a minor key like Israel’s music, minor key. When Adam fell, the whole of Creation was then subjected to the fall and to bondage, especially after the flood. The creation we know will e changed at the millennium. Rom 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. All we have is the firstfruits of God’s Spirit – there is a large harvest yet to come. Our natural bodies are aging but some how, in our minds we think we are just as young or at least capable of performing the same physical feats of our youth. suffering ordained for Christ Luke 24:25-26 O fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken; Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" Heb. 2:9-10 ".. suffering of death, crowned with glory...perfect through sufferings" Suffer as Christians Mat. 10:38-39 take cross and find life loose it Mat. 16:24 If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. 1 Thes. 3:3 Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ 2 Thes. 1:4-5 2 Cor. 1:5 2 Tim. 3:12 Ye, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 1 Pet. 4:12-13 Partakers of Christ's suffering Partakers of Christ suffering - Christ mortified sin. He became sin and put it to death. We don't need to become sin, we have it now, We must put it to death Suffering unconsciously in travail with nature for the perfection God has intended SAved by Hope in the nature and character of God Hope is built upon knowing a person's heart. Rom 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Act 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. Rom 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. God's provision for victory A. Intercession of the Holy Spirit Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Assurance of Victory God is providing, participating in every detail of our daily lives and eternal destiny. 2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 2 Cor 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ■ ALL THINGS = every ingredient of a cake recipe. One ingredient by itself tastes terrible but when mixed together and baked = cake. Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Predestination is rooted in God’s foreknowledge. Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Isa 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Rom 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? Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Psa 84:6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ■ These sins will separate us from the presence of God and His Kingdom. Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. :19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Life in the spirit is like being moved by the wind Life in the Spirit if like being a buoyant buoy in the storm  Romans 9 Paul’s concern for his countrymen – Jews Paul’s attitude Rom 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, Rom 9:2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. Rom 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: “I could widh myself would be under a curse (and thus separated from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my fellow countrymen with respect to earthly descent.” = Wycliff Rom 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the 1) adoption, and the 2) glory, and the 3) covenants, and the giving of the 4) law, and the 5) service of God, and the 6) promises; Rom 9:5 Whose are the 7) fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Seven Privileges Given To Israel ■ Adoption – a period of instruction, discipline, and adversity to see if we qualify to be joint-heirs with Christ. ■ Glory – the literal presence of God Abiding as in the tab of Moses and in the life of Moses so much so tha the children of Israel could not look upon his face. 2 Cor. 3:7-8. Is. 60:1-2 As darkness increases in the world the glory will be visible. Is. 4:5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory shall be a defense. We are like stars that appear in the darkness of night. ■ Covenants – Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and David. God bound himself by covenants, promises. New Covenant is the law written on our hearts. ■ Giving of the law – Deut. 4:6 - written on our hearts Dan 11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Isa. 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. ■ The Service of God Exo 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Rev. 5:10 Thou hast made us unto our God kings and priests Rev. 1:6, Rev. 20 :6 ■ The Promises Deut. 20:1-14…”If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God….. Good… ■ The Fathers It is Israel’s privilege that they had Fathers like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and inherited their promises. Dr. Bailey- “A Father should adopt the attitude that children are going to make mistakes and that he has to live with those mistakes. A father has to remedy the mistakes of his children and also forget them and the idiosyncrasies, the failures. Remember Joseph’s forgetfulness.” Gen. 41:51 God is looked upon as a loving father, a merciful father, and a forgetful father Micah 7:19b “Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Gen. 22:17 Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. Exo 32:31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Paul and Moses knew God’s heart for His people and prayed accordingly. Moses, David, Paul and Jesus laid their lives down for the people. Jn. 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends. Terms Adoption = Vs. 4 the placing as a son, that is, adoption, God chose the Gentiles to be His own children. From a word that means to produce seed. Deut 14:2 Chosen Glory = dignity, honor, praise worship Covenants = decrees, assurances of God’s love, purpose, promises God provided everything to Israel and they rejected God, His Word, His messengers God’s sovereignty Sovereignty = Supreme Authority (Think of the word author in relationship to authority = all powerful originator) ■ Example of camping next to the rail road tracks – The train was sovereign – way too big for us to excape. Eph. 1:11 “…who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” Isa 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; 25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; 26 That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: 27 That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers: 28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. Ps. 115:3 But out God is in the heavens; He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased Dan. 4:35 … He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth… Pr. 21:1 The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water; He turneth it withersoever He will. Ex 15:18 The Lord shall reign for ever and ever Rev. 19:6 For the Lord God the omnipotent reigneth. God’s election, selecting people to be saved is according to His foreknowledge of how that person would respond to His invitation. Rom 9:6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Rom 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. Gen. 21:12 In Isaac shall thy seed be called Rom 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Rom 9:9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. Abraham had many children, the exact number we cannot know. 6 sons by Keturah Isaac was a miraculous birth = our born again experience – It required and requires faith. Rom 9:10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; Rom 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) Rom 9:12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. Gen. 25:22-23 – Rebecca had 2 children warring Rom 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. God foreknew the heart and decisions that Esau would make ESAU: He cast off all pity Amos 1:11 His anger burned continually against his brother He was a fornicator Heb. 12:16 He was a profane person for one morsel of food he sold his birthright. He despised the promises of God Because of unforgiveness toward Jacob, he could find no place of repentance Mat. 18:35 JACOB: I will not let thee go except thou bless me Gen. 32:26 He became Israel, “a prince with God” At death he became Jeshurun or “straightened on” Deut. 33:5, 26, Isa. 44:2 Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Ex. 9:16. People like Pharaoh, Pilate, or Judas made choices and God confirmed them in their choices Pharaoh He and his father committed genocide. Obstinate against God and Moses – Wicked and would not let God’s people go, and therefore Pharaoh is the one who is actually responsible for the plagues on Egypt and his people Pontius Pilate Was very cruel and unjust in his judgments. He mingled the blood of the Galileans with the sacrifices Luk. 13:1 PJdas Ps. 109:6-15. He had the privilege of walking with Jesus, hearing the teaching, seeing the glory and miracles, and performing the miracles, but he did not appreciate the blessing of Jesus. If Capernaum, If Sodom and Gomorrah has seen the miracles which you have seen, thy would have repented… not Judas. Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Ps. 18:25-26 God deals with us according to the leanings or disposition of our hearts. Esau was a fornicator, despised the things of God and God said therefore, “I hated him.” Although Jacob was a deceiver, deep within his heart he respected the things of God. God loved him. God chastens those He loves, passed him through trials and tribulations and sent him to Uncle Laban’s house to be ”straightened. “ Ezek. 36:27 As we put our feet in a the pathway of righteousness, God wll cause us to walk in His ways. If we walk with deceitful men then we will be confirmed with them in wickedness. Our past does not matter if we are determine to be different and cry out to God “Lord change me from who I am. We may have life full of tribulations and trials, but the end of the matter will be good. Rom 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? God is sovereign to punish and reward SOVEREIGNTY to punish Job.12:19 He leadeth princes away spoiled and over throweth the mighty Isa 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; 25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; 26 That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: 27 That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers: 28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. Sovereign universal plan of salvation Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Wrath or mercy Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Mercy to become true israel This theme builds throughout the Book of Romans Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Rom 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Rom. 9:6-18 Rom. 9:24-26 1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; STRIVING with God Rom 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Job. 9:1-4 How should a man be just with God? If he will contend with him he cannot answer him one of a thousand. Job. 33:13 Why dost thou strive against Him? For He giveth not account of any of His matters. Job 40:1-5 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, 2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. 3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. 5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. Is. 45:9-14 Isa 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? 10 Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: The vessels of wrath are used to perfect the vessels of mercy. No one “falls” into sin. God puts up roadblock after roadblock. I f we willfully push through these checks in our spirit, God will let us go so that our own backsliding will rebuke us. Num 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Every vessel of mercy has his own vessel of wrath to help perfect him. Jacob had Esau and Laban. David had Saul, Ahithophel and Absalom. Hannah had Peninnah and Sarah had Hagar to work deep in their spirit. Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Prophesied in Hosea 1:10 A former archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Anglican church made this statement in his enthronement speech. “ I had a dream and in this dream I saw a maze. I saw people in this maze trying to find their way to the center. They were looking this way and that way, but they could not get to the center. The, suddenly I saw some on the outside rushing in and they went straight to the center” The archbishop did not give the interpretation, but the interpretation is very clear. Many in the church cannot find the way because their hearts are not right, but when revival comes those on the outside go straight to the center. This is exactly what happened in the first century. Israel was fumbling around in the maze and tey were unable to recognize Christ, but when the gospel was offered to the Gentiles, they went straight to Christ. Israel rejected Him, but the Gentiles accepted Him. Rom 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. Rom 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Rom 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: Rom 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. John 4:34 My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work. John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. Rom 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. Hos 11:7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him. 8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? (two little cities at the time of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. It seems that these cities were destroyed with S and G, perhaps buried in the dead sea Gen. 10:19) mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. 9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: (Lord, why don’t You destroy Isarel after all their sins? All God can say is…) for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. Justice demands thy punishment; Mercy pleads for thy life. As thou changest, Justice resolves to destroy, or Mercy to save.  Romans 10 Man’s response to God’s provision Gentile and jewish responses Rom 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; Israel did not accept God’s rules, terms, methods. They had their terms and God did not accept it. Deut. 32:21 God forewarned they’d be cut off for disobedience. God allows stumbling blocks to turn people back to him. Is. 8:14, Ezek. 3:20 Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. comparisons Gentile respond with faith Jews not of faith but of works of law Rom. 10:2-3 1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Inward submission WE can hav ea zeal to do thing for God but if it is not done according to His rules and will it is null and void. Israel had zeal for the law but not according to God’s righteousness. WE should let God choose the ministry Hos. 4:6 Israel was destroyed fro lack of knowledge the conditions – Requirements for salvation – man’s response faith Righteousness of God by Faith versus the righteousness of man’s works by law Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 1 Cor. 1:29 Man believes his way is better than God’s. God dismissed Satan from his position for pride. In the last days God will give Satan an opportunity to run the world for 3 and a half years. The Father’s reasoning is this ; “My Son submitted to Me and by My Spirit He fulfilled My will for three and a half years. Satan you are going to have equal opportunity to come in the form of a man for three and a half years, and We will see what you do” No person or angle can run God’s kingdom by their won wisdom or effort. Holiness comes as we are submitted to God’s way none other. The surrendered One destroyed the Self-willed One. Jesus, the Lamb submitted Himself to the Father’s leading – the cross. Rom 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. Deut. 30:12-14 Rom 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Rom 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. Deu 30:11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. 15 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; Where is faith? Built in you, from the beginning. In Your heart – In your mouth. Vs. 17 from hearing, not an external audible voice, but one that is internal, built in sound system of God . Ro. 2:14-15 Listen to your heart in the good sense Mar 4:23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. Luk 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. Believing from the heart not the head only In the resurrection power of Christ Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; confess A true expression of what is inside Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 2Co 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. Phm 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Secret believer Nicodemus Jn. 3:2, 12:42, 19:39 REsponding to God’s voice and call ■ Beethoven’s Four Beats: One of Beethoven’s most famous concertos was suggested to him as he heard repeated knocks in the stillness of the night at a neighbor’s door. The concerto begins with four soft taps of the drum, raised in this work to the rare dignity of a solo instrument. Again and again the four beats are heard throughout the music, making a wonderful effect. God’s call comes in irresistible and repeated knockings on the heart. ■ When robber Moffet, Schottish missionary to S. Africa, cam back to recruit helpers in his homeland, he was greeted by the fury of a cold British winter. Arriving at the church where he was to speak he noted that only a small group had braved the elements to hear his appeal. What disturbed him even more was that there were only ladies in attendance that night. For he had chosen as his text Prov. 8:4 “Unto you, O men , I call.” In his consternation he almost failed to notice one small boy in the loft who had come to work the bellows of the organ. Dr. Moffat felt hopeless as he gave the message, realizing that few women could be expected to undergo the rigorous experiences they would face in the undeveloped jungles of Africa. But God works in mysterious ways. Although no one volunteered, the young fellow assisting the organist was thrilled by the challenge. Deciding that he would follow in the footsteps of this pioneer missionary, he went on to school, obtained a degree in medicine, and then spent the rest of his life ministering to the un-reached tribes of Africa. His name – David Livingstone. ■ When searching for David Lingstone, Henry M. Sstanley had a most unusual reception from King Mutesa in Uganda. The queen had a strange dream about the white man’s God and His Son Jesus Christ shortly before Stanley’s arrival. She related her dream after the arrival of Stanley at the royal house. The king and queen pleaded with Stanley to send a letter to England and ask for a missionary teacher to be sent to them. He wrote the letter and sent it out by a young Frenchman. The bearer of the letter was murdered. Several months later his body was found by some British soldiers. Searching through his clothing , they found Stanley’s letter in one of boots. They sent it to England, where it was featured in the Daily Telegraph. Great interest was aroused. When the Church Missionary Society appealed for missionary volunteers to go to King Mutesa’s land, several young men responded. Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Joel 2:28-32 I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh… sons and daughters shall prophesy, old men dream dreams, young men see visions… pour out my spirit. Dr. Bailey’s friend, South African, senior civil servant in government, chairman of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship, had a farm and huge barn and had meetings every Thursday. This man had a son that did not follow God. The father travailed and pleaded with God. The son went through a terrible divorce, contracted cancer and was confined to a hospital bed. The visited and said, “Son, won’t you turn back to the Lord?” The young man had known the Lord when he was younger. With all his Father’s pleading and prayer he did turn back on his death bed. The son then told the father, “Father the Lord has shown me I shall go to heaven, but there is nothing waiting for me there. You are going to have a wonderful inheritance in heaven because you have lived for God. “ Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Paul Woe ito me if I preach not ht gospel Is. 6:8 Whom shall we send, and who will go for us?... Isaiah said, “Heream I, send me.” Eph. 6:15 How beautiful art h feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good thing.” Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. 1 King. 4:32-33, Ps. 19:1, Deut. 32:21 We, the Gentiles are the nation that provoked Israel to jealousy 1 Pet. 2:9 Rom 10:19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. Rom 10:20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. Is. 65:1-2 Rom 10:21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. God Voice Refused TCR 1792 Ps. 81:11 Israel would none of me Is. 65:12 Jer. 7:13 Hos. 9;17 Mat. 22:3 the UNIVERSAL call TCR 1791  Romans 11 grafting gentiles & restoration of Israel Sovereignty of God Studied in Chapter 9 Rom 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Foreknowledge precedes doctrine. Eternal judgment is based on God’s foreknowledge of what we would have done with greater light. So in all senses, judgment whether it is upon this earth or whether it is eternal is perfect. Sodom and Gomorrah rejected the light of righteous Lot. S and G were sent to hell, but Capernaum is in a worst state because they had more light and rejected Jesus the Light of the world. God is mercy; and therefore He will not give greater light to some knowing they will reject it and His judgment would have to be greater upon them. For some it would be better not to ever know the way. God in his mercy will veil truth from people. Jesus spoke in parables for this reason. To those who have …. More.. etc. 2Pe 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. Rom 11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 1 Kin. 19:10, 14, 18 7,000 had not bowed. 7,000 is the number of years from Adam to the end of the millennium = # of years of man upon the earth. Rom 11:3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. Rom 11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Rom 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Rom 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. BLINDED = Medical term = callus, results form a work of the flesh and forms a build-up of insensitivity on born or other areas of the body Loss of feeling. God always has good reason why he gives grace and why doesn’t. Rom 11:8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. Is. 6:10 Rom 11:9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: Rom 11:10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. David knew God heart – Ps. 40:6 sacrifice and offering you did not desire. Everyone was doing it and God even ordained it but David saw the heart of God in the practice… “Mine years hast thou opened. Lord open my ears, open my heart that I might truly hear and know what you are desiring. Those who’ve not walked uprightly or COMPROMISED are the ones who resist the new move of God the most. Saul versus David, Pharisees versus Disciples Parable of the olive tree types found in the olive tree ■ Root = Abraham faith the past ■ Branches = where the fruit is, god’s people Jews and Gentiles Present ■ Olive Tree = precious fruit, type of anointing to be carried forth. Seasons of fruitfulness an seasons of pruning dead wood ■ Wild Olive = Gentiles ■ Grafted in = spiritual adoption , Eph. 2:12 Grandpa’s trees ■ Broken off = unbelief, rightwousness by works not faith Attitude of the graftees wrong attitude – boasting – pride So pleased with new birth and new levels of salvation(again and again as God brings us to new levels in Him) that pride and conceit creep in. Rom 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Rom 11:12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? Rom 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: Rom 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. Jealousy is an evil attitude of spirit that God uses to move us toward Him. Rom 11:15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? Rom 11:16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. Rom 11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Arrogance 1 Sam. 2:1-4 Hannah rejoices over true salvation Pro. 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil Pr. 26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him. Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 1 Cor. 8;2 And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. rIght attitudes Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Gal. 6:16 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Humility Rom 11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Rom 11:19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. The NT was written chiefly by Jews Matthew was a Jew Mark was a Jew John was a Jew Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin James and Jude were brothers of Jesus Peter never ate anything common or unclean Luke is the only on ewe are absolutely sure about The Bible is written by Jews. Therefore, we thank God for Israel Rom 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: Rom 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. John 15:1-2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away. We are grafted in for oone sole purpose and that is to bring forth fruit or we will be cut off. Once saved always saved people have not read the whole of the WORD. Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. ■ God did not have to bring us into the cultured Olive Tree Is. 57:15 God dwells with those of a contrite and humble heart to revive the heart and Spirit Mat. 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven 2Sam. 7:18 David said, “Who am I and what is my house that thouhast brought me hitherto? Mat. 15:27 Yet the gods eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ tables. Godly Fear Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Attitude of Witnessing Rom. 11:14 and vs. 31 Rom 11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. Rom 11:24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? restoration of the jews Gen 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? God’s word is always sure even if it takes thousands of years to come to past The question is: Hath God cast away His people?” They have a history of disobedience They were taken into captivity They served other gods They sacrificed children to other gods They ate their own children God dispersed them into Syria and Babylon and NT Rejected Jesus In 1948 They didn’t return and the Holocaust Deut 14:1 You are the sons of the ord your God Dut. 32:6 Is not he your Father, who created you? Ex. 4:22 Israel is my first born Hos. 11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. (God uses people “in ministry” to govern and judge His people! Cyrus, Ahazurerus, Nebuchadnezar, Germany The Answer is “God Forbid “ Vs. 1, 29 God always has individuals (7,000 Vs. 2, 6) Is. 1:9 Daniel, Shad, Mesh, Abed Ezra, Nehemiah John the Baptist, Simeon, Anna Jews of Church age WHy? Jews put aside that Gentiles would come in Explained Rom 11:8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. Act 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: Isa 25:9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Psa 14:7 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. Isa 45:25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. Isa 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. 21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD Zec 13:6 And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. Zec 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zec 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. Zec 3:9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. Zec 13:1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Rom 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Rom 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. Rom 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. There is only one door Jn. 10:9 Because His chosen people, called to be His messengers to the world, rejected Him, He still used them to fulfill their call. However, they would fulfill the call in a negative sense instead of a positive sense. Instead of … Everybody on earth look at the Jews and see how wonderfully they behave and are blessed… we see them as an example of what not to do. Make me want to be thankful and not resist God at all God’s character is to restore Jesus suffered for the purpose of bringing in the Gentiles Jesus suffered for all mankind Our sufferings is for the benefit of others Rom 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Gifts and callings w/o repentance Rom. 11:29 Ps. 102:27 But thou art the same, and thy years have no end Mal. 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not, therefore e sons of Jacob are not consumed Ps. 33:11 The counsel of the Lord standeth forever , the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Isa 55:5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Rom 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Rom 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? Isa 40:13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? 14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.  Chapter 12 the christian servant Chapters 1-1 are Doctrinal Chapters 12-16 are Practical Paul bases all behavior upon belief. We manifest our hearts Doctrine determines daily activity Mar 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as 1)hear the word, and 2)receive it, and 3)bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. OVERVIEW OF ROMANS BASES ON THE WORD “THEREFORE” IN 12:1 All that preceded… and now DO this, beseech you means to urge, call for help. All of Paul’s co-workers had left him but 1 or 2 Sacrifice – Abraham and Isaac but not to die and get away from the problem bu to live through it Sanctified 1) Positional holiness, heavenly place in Christ must be balance with 2) Practical applications 3) Progressive 2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. ■ Service = mans worship. 1)Coming humbly, 2)Listening, 3) Being Obedient Christian Service 1-8 presenting a living sacrifice Compare to a lamb giving yup it’s life = Jesuys (everyday living = worship with the mind, spriit and body Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service .Service = worship, Voluntary dedication, to work for hire or pay, dedicated life to) Beseech = (is a word of desperation used of a slave being beaten to death, a pleading with his master for mercy to spare his life.) 1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. The reality of honest Spirit and Truth worship will be manifested in what we do with our bodies. Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Prove -= test the good acceptable, perfeict will of God Good = good Acceptable = well pleasing Perfect = complete mental and moral growth, compelte in labor, perfect matureity at each level Conformed = schema = outward form that changes from time to time Transformed = morph 1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Phi 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Meditation Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Servant attitude Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Self Image of a servant not a king, leader, Lord, master, boss – Jesus was all these in His calling but His self image was that of a lowly servant. See Barclay pg. 159 last paragraph. Think soberly Rom. 11:25, 12:16 Humility is the key Piano keys – Each key gives off a note, but the keys remain dormant and do noting until the pianist plays – humility to sit until… God plays us. CHurch Body Not an organization but an organism whose life is Christ Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. See 1 Cor. 12:14-31 Oranges nad potatoes have little in common God makes variety – the problem is self-acceptance. People want to be like some one else. Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Progressive searching. 1 Cor. 2;10 For the Spirit searcheth all things, ye, the deep things of God Psa 36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. Deu 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Psa 131:1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Two people can study music and invest the same number of hours. One person if gifted will perform with grace and skill that other will not. The human will can not produce what the Spirit of God can. 1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. Christian duties BE - inside – attitudes Rom 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Love = No self benefiting, ulterior self-centered motive. Love mens nto abhor evil- hate evil and love good. “No Virtue is save that is not passionate.” Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Kind = family affection and love prefer others benefiting Church or School should have an atmosphere of love. Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Rejoicing = Christians always know the best is yet to come, there is no hopeless situation WE must always have a rejoicing spirit, looking back at what God has done, is doing and has promised to do. Rejoicing is an attitude of sacrifice and prayer. Right attitudes in the midst of trials will produce a rejoicing spirit. Charles Spurgeon said “I don’t pray any longer than ten minutes, but ten minutes doesn’t pass until I am praying again.” Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 1Pe 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Mat. 5:10-12 Triumph over enemies by blessing them. Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 2Co 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Practice – manifest - do Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Pro 24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Heb. 12:14 Eph. 4:2-3 Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 13 Christian obligations to govern. & Neighbors The kingdom of God keep under authority Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Paul wrote this epistle to the church at Rome where only one of the first 11 emperors was not a homosexual. Dan 4:30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? Dan 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. Dan 4:25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. Dan 4:32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. Dan 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. People get the rulers they deserve. Rulers have the power to release the Spirit of God for good or spirit of Satan for evil. There is no power but of God Psa 47:8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. Luk 4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. 8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Rom 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Daniel – when the law of man transgresses the law of God we are to obey The higher law. Darius signed a declaration gorbidding … prayer to any god. Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Rom 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 1Pe 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 1Pe 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Rom 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Mat 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. Rom 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 1Ti 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Dan 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. Ezr 7:26 And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. Mat 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. Mat 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 1Pe 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. Exo 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. Ecc 10:20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. Jud 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. Pro 11:11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. King’s Favor Pro 25:5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. Pro 16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. Pro 19:12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. Pro 29:26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD. attitude of love Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. ■ Love covers – 1 Cor. 13 ■ Love is a debt we owe ■ Love fulfills the law Mat 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Luk 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 2 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Luk 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 1Jo 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 1Jo 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. 1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. The armor of light Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Awake 1Co 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 1Co 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Salvation past Luk 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. Eph 2:5 (even when we were dead in sins) has made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved), Eph 2:8 for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ASV 2Ti 1:8 Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God; 9 who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, ASV Salvation Present 1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those being lost, but to us being saved, it is the power of God. MKJV 2Co 2:15 For we are to God a sweet savor of Christ, in those being saved, and in those being lost; Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace. Phi 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, cultivate your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Gal 2:19 For through the Law I died to the law, that I might live to God. Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I live; yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me. And that life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith toward the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself on my behalf. 2Co 3:18 But we all, with our face having been unveiled, having beheld the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord Spirit. 2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Salvation future — Press on to perfection Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; Rom 13:11 This also, knowing the time, that it is already time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. Heb 10:36 For you have need of patience, so that after you have done the will of God you might receive the promise. Heb 10:37 For "yet a little while, and He who shall come will come and will not delay." 38 Now, "the Just shall live by faith. But if he draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him." 39 But we are not of those withdrawing to destruction, but of those who believe to the preserving of the soul. 1Pe 1:5 by the power of God, having been kept through faith to a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time; 1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He shall be revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Trains go over 150 miles per hour Airliners – 600 miles per hour End times last days Daniel says that peole will “run to and fro” If rapidness ofmovement in the natural is a hallmark of the last days, then Spritiually the church needs to start moving. Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Rom 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. St. Augustine said, “Abstinence is easier than temperance.” The key is not to touch it…. Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. King Solomon made a lot of provision for his fleshly appetites. Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress has become the second best selling book in the world next to the Bible. The young man in the iron cage replied: Once I was a n ardent witness for Jesus Christ and I believed that my eternity was going to be filled with rich rewards. Others around me commended me and also felt that I would have great rewards in heaven for my life and my witnessing. But , I became slack. I did not pay attention. I allowed little things, little sins to get a hold of me. I indulged in little things and eventually they became big things and they overcame me. I became a sinner and I did not get back to the Lord before I died.” ■ Never tempt the devil. I few don’t separate ourselves from evildoers, they will bring us down, and we will lose that great reward that God has for us.  Romans 14 – relating to our christian brothers Issues of Food and customs, beliefs, convictions, and motives questionable areas of christian practice Christians should respect the allowed liberty of other Chrisitans concerning practices not expressly forbidden in Scripture. Movies, Wine, TV, Dietary law Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 1 Cor. 8:1-13 is this same subject Rom 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 1Co 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: Rom 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. “When every on occupies himself with Do’s and Do-not’s on non-essentials instead of the real doctrines of Chris, it produces criticism, judging, despising, and spiritual pride” conscience before God Vs. 1, 2, 5, 12, 22, judging Vs. 4, 10-13 Luk 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Joh 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also. love for your brother = self sacrifice Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. Sunday is observed by most because it was the morning of the Savior’s resurrection. It’s a matter of personal conscience. Act 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Rom 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. Rom 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. Rom 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 1Co 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1Co 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? ■ Dr. Bailey in some countries if he put his pen in an outside pocket he would offend people. They feel it is not holy. Putting the pen in an outside pocked does not change his relationship with God at all. He feels no difference, but for the sake of others his pen is concealed in an inside pocket. ■ In some countries you can not wear your shoes in church or preach with shoes on. Rom 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Rom 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. ■ Chapter 14 is only speaking of issues that pertain to eating and observances of days and customs of people groups. It is not speaking about God’s moral laws. There is no compromise when it comes to moral law at all.  Romans 15 Christ our example Rom 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. This is our moral responsibility Rom 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. Mat 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. We should have the Father’s heart in our Family of God. Psa 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. The New Testament books were not gathered together and canonized until A.D. 400 – What Paul is saying includes all Scripture. Rom 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Consolation Prize – ladies parties (door prized, and consolation prized for everyone) God is always positive toward people in His motives and desire. Consolation carries the idea of a reward – like a father gives a son or daughter for hard study. God rewards us for going through trials with grace. Psa 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. Titles of God give us a window into His character. 2Co 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; ■ PATIENCE Patience is “endurance with joy” ■ GOD IS PATIENT WITH US Mat 18:26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. Luk 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls. 20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. ■ HOW TO BECOME PATIENT so that we will have what we need in end times: Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Rom 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Psa 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. Rom 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. The ability to accept people is one of the highest marks of spirituality. Rom 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: Israel could not enter Canaan without being circumcised Josh. 5:2-7. The believer cannot enter into the promises of God or into his inheritance without allowing God to circumcise him in heart and in spirit Jos 5:2 At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. 3 And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. 4 And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. 5 Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised. 6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey. 7 And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way. Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Rom 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. Quoate form Ps. 18:49. Jesus and us are called to be His light to others. Is. 49:6, 42:6 Rom 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. Deut. 32:43 Rom 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. Psa 117:1 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. Rom 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Is. 11:1 Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Hope is based on the character or nature of God’s heart. ■ Although God’s nature is beyond our comprehension our quest is to know Him better, and He does reveal Himself to us. Luk 10:22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. Psa 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; Rom 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Joh. 8:32 You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Rom 15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, Rom 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Rom 15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. Rom 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Paul ill not taking credit for what others have done. He is honest. Rom 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Rom 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: Psa 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 2Co 10:16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 1Co 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Rom 15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. Rom 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. Rom 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Rom 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. Many leaders, great teachers, philosophers of the Roman Empire were Spanish at that time, like Seneca. Paul did not realize at the time of writing this that he would be brought to Rome as a prisoner. Rom 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. Rom 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. Rom 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. Rom 15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. “Paul was warned by the prophet Agabus, and by the Spirit everywhere , not to go to Jerusalem, but he persisted in going anyway.” Acts. 21:10-13. “He should have sent someone else to Jerusalem and should not have gone intot he dity, for when he entered the city, he was imprisoned. … Paul was a little hardheaded at times, …” Dr. Bailey. Rom 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Rom 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; Zec 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. Rom 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; Rom 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Rom 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. The word’s concept of peace is that everything is organized and at rest, but the concept of God’s peace is very different. God’s peace is that beautiful tranquility and calmness of spirit which is not affected by trouble and turmoil all around. It is inward serenity.  Romans 16 greetings to fellow christians Rom 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: Cenchrea was one of the ports of Corinth. Early Church women were extensively used in ministry, especially as deaconesses. Phebe was entrusted with this very important job of delivering this Epistle of Romans to the churches at Rom. Rom 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Letters of commendation were common in those days for people going to strange towns. Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Priscilla and Aquila were a husband and wife team of teachers who were dear to Paul. Since the wife’s name is mentioned first, it is suggested that Priscilla had the dominant ministry. Act 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Paul worte 1 Cor. From the home of Aquila and Priscilla Rom 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. It’s believed that A and P’s main residence was in Rome. They had been expelled from Rome in the days of Claudius Caesar with other Jews. Therefore, they met Paul in other places. Acts. 18:1-2 Rom 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Rom 16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. The Roman church was mad of many congregations that met in homes. At times, all congregations would meet together. Joh 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Rom 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. NT Apostles were more than just the original 12, and Paul, Silas and Apollos. Rom 16:8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Rom 16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Rom 16:10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. Another home church Rom 16:11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Rom 16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Rom 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Although Paul had never been to Rome, he knew an amazing number of people there. It’s because in the NT times, travel was very safe compared to earlier times. Rome governed the known world. No custom barriers,., good roads, commerce. Rom 16:14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Rom 16:15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. It’s estimated that 60,000 people came the Lord through Paul’s ministry while he was at Corinth. Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. The last enemy to be overcome in Israel was the Jebusites. They are a type of sowers of discord and division among the brethren. Pro 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Those who cause division have a great capacity to speak well. They are concerned with themselves and the quest for power. Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. Rome instilled obedience to authority, and the Roman Christians were known for obedience. They were known throughout the Empire – See chapter 1. Rome was the glory of the empire and the sewer as well. Rome lusted for blood. Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Satan has no rest. Job. 1:7, the Lord asked Satan, “Where have you come from?” He answered, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. “ He is restless in nature. Peace enables on to triumph over him. Mar 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. Writers employed secretaries to record their spoken words. The Spirit of God flows better this way. 1 Pet. 5:12 Jer. 36:4, 32 “Prophetic unction and revelation flowed forth from the Apostle Paul. No one could have written like this. The sentences in Greek New Testament and in the Hebrew OT have mathematical formations that man could never construct. No one could write like that; it had to be through the divine utterance of the Spirit. The anointing came upon the writers and as they spoke prophetically, their secretaries inscribed every word.” Dr. Bailey Rom 16:22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Rom 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. Rom 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, Paul was the supreme interpreter of the New Covenant. Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: - verse 10 1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Luk 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. Rom 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: Rom 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. <Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.