We are starting the book of Romans at InRoads and we will be reviewing the Sunday messages at the following Bible study.
Introductory Questions
- Expectations/hopes for studying Romans: a better understanding.
- Fears/intimidation associated with studying Romans: lots of information to go into and very very deep. There are many intellectual and theological things that are addressed in the book, and it will be an academic exercise as well as a spiritual growth opportunity for everyone.
Paul's Background
Paul establishes his credentials of being an apostle, sent by God with authority to lead the church (he was not one of the original 12). He sends the letter to the Roman church to which he had not been to, yet. He intended to visit Rome on his way to Spain, and did not intend to stay there long-term. Jewish people who had gone to Jerusalem from Pentecost scattered and it is believed that they reached as far as Rome and Spain.
Paul used to be a killer of Christians (named Saul, was present at the stoning of Stephen) and spent 14 years in the dessert with Christ being set aside as an apostle. He was a Jew of Jews (trained under Gamaliel who was a renowned Pharisee/teacher), a Roman citizen, and a child of possibly wealthy parents. He was officially accepted by Paul and the other leaders in Jerusalem and accepted as an apostle.
Paul wrote Romans around 57 AD after Claudius had expelled the Jews from Rome, but by the time the letter was written, the Jews had returned to Rome. Nero ruled from 54 through 68 and was known for his harsh persecution of Christians.
Do you ever feel like you have to establish your credentials as a Christian?
For some it's easy for someone to know you're a Christian by just telling them you're one. It is sometimes perceived, however, by Christians and maybe some non-Christians when one who claims it, acts against Christian values. Do we create opportunities to show others that we are Christian as to not be mistaken for just a "good person?"
Verse 1: Paul considers himself a servant, or more accurately a "slave," for Christ. The original word means a willing slave who chooses to remain a servant even with the chance to be freed of the burden.
How would our actions/attitudes change if we took on the same attitude of Paul, being a slave for Christ?
Maybe our actions should be more amplified for Christ. How can we act in a way that benefits Christ more so that ourselves? Are we thinking of Christ's glory first, before our own pleasures, wants, needs, etc? When one claims to be a Christian, we are proclaiming that we are slaves of Christ. The change between being a slave to ourselves sometimes happens dramatically, but more often happens within a long journey with difficult growth and maturity throughout. Spectrum may begin with "I don't want to go to hell" and hopefully will evolve from a narcissistic approach to an attitude of gratitude of what Christ has done, and the actions that reflect that gratitude. Some outcomes will be spending more time with God and serving others.
Gospel (1 Cor 15:3-4)
Gospel means "good news (greek ev-engelian), which is that God loved us so much that he sacrificed his son, Jesus, to die for our sins, so that we can have fellowship with God and save us from our depravity.
Verse 2-4 The spirit and the flesh. What if there was a virgin birth without a resurrection? His death and resurrection proved that he had power over the punishment of sin, which is death. He would prove to be another "cultist" and would not be able to convince others of his Godhood. He validated the scriptures and also what he claimed of himself (that he would destroy the temple and build it up again in three days).
Verse 5-6 - The obedience of faith. What is obedience of faith? To act on our belief in the gospel, which is our hope. Obedience to being faithful, or obedience resulting from faith? We have faith by virtue of God's gift, and out of that faith comes obedience.
Verse 7-8 - Those called to be saints ("set apart"), their faith is proclaimed in all the world. Paul has heard about their faith throughout his 20 year journey, because it is so evident.
What would it take for InRoads for the same to be said about it?
There must be a significant amount of evidence (i.e. fruit) of that faith. If we were "fanatics" or "extremists," then the idea would go back to obedience to the faith.
What about persecution? Is that what helped the popularization of the Roman Christians' faith? Possibly... there may have been some debate as to the intended audience of the letter, as there were definite messages to the Jewish and non-Jewish Christians in Rome. It is more likely that it was written to the general church in Rome.
Verse 9-11 - The Church (the "ecclesia" or all individuals who follow Christ) should keep each other accountable and pray for one another.
Do you let the church know your needs so it can be effective in filling your needs?
Avenues of communication: small group of accountability, prayer chain through the church. Strong relationships and trust with each other help with accountability and supporting each other. Community is important for building each other up in support, encouragement, prayer, etc.
Verse 12-15 - Mutually encouraged by each other's faith. This is a microcosm about the church in Rome. The faith of the church is known throughout the world, and individually, we should be encouraged by each other's faith ("both yours and mine"). Sometimes tragedy and hardship sparks encouragement in others when we rely on God for strength, understanding, and sustainment.
Why do we try to do on our own what God has told us to do together?
Our culture, pride, don't want to rely on others, habit, fear of judgment/rejection, one may not want to be perceived as being lazy, weak relationships.
It's important to have specific areas where it would be safe for one to ask for help/guidance, where the other party could speak into the life and encourage growth of the one asking for help/guidance. We must invest in each others' lives to give us the right to speak into each others' lives.
Do you think you have a gift to offer the Church to build it up? If so, what could it be?
Serving no matter how "big" or "small" it may seem (e.g. dishwashing, cleaning tables).
Verses 16-17 - Review these verses often, we will often come back to these verses!
Fun: imitating Jeff...
- Well allllright
- Listen to me
- Love on each other
- It has to be organic
- Ok, here's the deal
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