Tag Archives: Romans

Romans – Know the Book

Know the Book, Romans,

Book of Romans; http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nero_pushkin.jpgRomans is the most profound book in the Bible. Written by Paul it plumbs the depths of theology and offers  magnificent pearls for every reader. It is a book that raises praises to the Almighty God and centers the readers thoughts upon Jesus his inestimable Son.

Tragically, many errant doctrines are taught based upon misunderstandings of this grand volume. Although it is rich in doctrine it must not be set above other inspired writings.  In 1522 Martin Luther did exactly that. He declared the Gospel of John and Paul’s writings to be more important to the Christian. In comparison to Paul’s writings Luther said of the Book of James it “is an epistle full of straw, because it contains nothing evangelical.” He could not reconcile James and Paul and on one occasion said “ I almost feel like throwing Jimmy [James] into the stove, as the priest in Kalenberg did.” While Romans is great it must not be made superior to other inspired books. It can, should and must be understood as part of the greater whole.

Luther was not the only one to sense the greatness of Romans. The letter is placed first among all other letters and immediately follows Acts as the sixth book of Scripture. Dating can confidently be placed within a span from about 57AD – 64 AD. Nero was the Emperor and Paul was probably writing from Greece.

Paul was writing to Christians in Rome that he had not met. The Spirit had not yet allowed Paul to travel to the west although it’s clear Paul desired to make such a journey. He would make the journey later but would do so in bonds (Acts 27:1 ff). It is probable, but not an absolute certainty, that Paul died in Rome at the hands of an executioner.

What can we say of the purpose of Romans? Given the weighty topics, one might say that Paul’s purpose was doctrinal or even theological. But that creates another question: Why write such a deep letter to people he did not know (Romans 1:10)? You might expect such a letter to the Corinthians or the Philippians but why the Romans? We can only speculate. It is unlikely that Rome had ever been visited by an apostle. That being the case Rome may have lacked the depth of the revelation given through miraculous gifts of the spirit. Paul’s letter was to provide the knowledge they needed until such time as an apostle could visit and give the power of the Holy Spirit to some in that great city. Again, this is only speculation. Some who received such a gift could have traveled to Rome. Indeed many there were known by Paul. But it is not unreasonable to suggest that Paul’s meaty letter was to supply what was lacking in his readers.

Romans meets an important need today. In a time when God’s direct revelation has ceased, Romans provides a rich supply of teaching on redemption, salvation, grace, mercy and the relationship of works and law to the present day. Romans met a need in the first century and certainly meets a need today.

It is important to remember that Christianity first arose from within Judaism (Acts 2:41, 47). The Jewish economy and the entire Levitical Priesthood served as the backdrop of this new faith. Nevertheless there were great differences. So while it is necessary to understand Judaism we must also understand how faith in Jesus now completes Judaism and stands alone as the only path unto the Father (John 4:6). Paul shows those differences and brings to the table the grand conclusion that God’s chosen people, the Jews, must find their salvation in the one they despised: Jesus Christ.

Romans is a marvelous book which must be studied for a lifetime. Every return to the tome brings deeper understandings. It must also be studied together in context of the entire Bible. Romans will not contradict any other teaching of God’s word. When studied together with those other books, the reader will grow greatly in the knowledge of his Lord.

 

Romans 6, Part Four (Romans 6:12-13)

Romans

The crucial challenge for Christians is to live righteously. As a chosen race and a holy nation( 1 Peter 2:9) we should live, act and think differently from the world. It is not always easy but it is possible. In Romans 6:12-13 we see the call to godly living.

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”

This thought is based upon the discussion that began back in Romans 5:20 and tries to answer an questioner who might think, in a convoluted way, that sin was good since it brought grace. The obvious answer was no, it does not, but Paul gives a full answer for anyone who thinks otherwise. Here is the conclusion: Do not sin!

Notice the word “reign.” This word has the idea of a king or sovereign being in full or absolute control. Paul does not want his readers to be under the control of sin.

No one wants to be controlled. We want to be our own person and in full control of our own destiny. But stop and think about a person controlled by sin. He may live in fear of being discovered. He may surrender his health, wealth and even his family for one more drink or one more hit of some drug. He may literally gamble his life away at casinos and gambling sites. He must carefully remember  his lies so that he won’t be caught and shown to be dishonest. The man or woman who cheats on their spouse knows the risk is high and the cost of discovery even greater yet they continue in sin and hope they are not caught.

Continue reading Romans 6, Part Four (Romans 6:12-13) →

Romans 6, Part 3 (Romans 6:1-11)

Baptism, Romans

This section of Romans 6 contains 3 very powerful analogies to help us understand our walk with Christ. Remember from chapter 5 that Paul is arguing that although grace exceeds sin (Romans 5:20) we must avoid sin if we intend to claim that we belong to Christ (Romans 6:1-2).

Now Paul offers three key comparisons to help us understand what he means. The Christian has become one with Christ or “united” with him. We will examine each of these comparisons and see just how important each on really is. Remember, Paul’s goal is to teach us about being with Christ and joining with him in death.

Here are the analogies:

Continue reading Romans 6, Part 3 (Romans 6:1-11) →

Romans 6, Part 2 (Romans 6:3)

Baptism, Bible General, Church, Doctrine, Romans, Salvation,

As we continue our look at this great chapter of the Bible we want to examine verse 3 in some detail.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3, ESV)

Paul is building on the thought begun in Romans 5 where he argues that grace “abounded” in the presence of sin which was made evident by the Law of Moses. He has answered the previous question from Romans 6:1 “shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” He has declared in Romans 6:2 that we do not continue in sin because we have died to sin. Now he reminds the readers of a step taken in connection with that death: their baptism.

As he did in verse 1 this is a rhetorical question, that is,  the answer is obvious. For Paul, there is no such thing as a non-baptized Christian. Those in Acts 2:41 who gladly received the word were baptized. Paul himself was baptized upon the direction of the Christ-sent Ananias (Acts 22:16). And here, it is as if Paul simply assumes that all his readers had been baptized. For him, baptism was just as much as part of his faith life as his belief. So no, baptism is not the main thrust of this passage because it is already a matter settled for Paul and the readers of this letter.

Paul’s main idea is to show the connection between baptism and death of Jesus. As Jesus was buried, so is the man who has died to sin and is buried, symbolically, in the waters of baptism. We’ll look closer at three key analogies in the next article.

Romans 6

Bible General, Doctrine, Romans, ,

For some reason I have been thinking about Romans 6 quite a bit lately. I did a lengthy discussion of it at the University in Lethem and then used it as the basis for a Bible Study class in Georgetown on Wednesday night. There is  a lot of meat on these verses! Romans is arguably the most complex of Paul’s writings and deals with some very deep issues like redemption, justification and righteousness. But these verses at the beginning of chapter 6 say so much. I think I will post a few articles on the different aspects of this chapter.

Sin & Grace from Romans 6:1

The thought with which Paul begins the chapter actually begins in chapter 5. ((Any time you see the word “wherefore” or “therefore” look back and find his thought. The reason for what he is now saying has already been stated.)) Romans 5:20 is the key, “Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” God never left man without hope. Grace was always present in some form. As we came to know sin through the Law of Moses, ample grace was available to serve God’s purpose of our salvation. Of course salvation never came through the Law alone. It took the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary to complete the redemptive process. But there was never more sin than grace!

But some imaginary reader might argue that since more sin brought more grace, and grace was a good thing, maybe we just need to keep sinning so grace will continue to multiply! It seems a foolish idea but evidently the Holy Spirit thought Paul should address it. His answer is a stunning “God forbid!” (KJV)

Death & Sin from Romans 6:2

Paul offers a powerful rebuke to those who want to claim Jesus as their Savior but continue to live worldly: “…How can we who died to sin still live in it? This is a rhetorical question. The answer is obvious – we cannot. But I am convinced that herein lies one of the greatest challenges the Christian faces.

Have you known someone who professes a faith in Christ yet lives like the world? There is no objective difference between them and the non-believer. How such a duel life possible? Well, of course, it is not possible. The child of God does sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:10) but he does not live in sin. His intent is to serve his Lord and his sin is almost incidental to his life ((Do not take this to mean that it is not important, it is, but it is not the primary goal or function of his life.)) and is not a major characteristic. He is “walking in the light” but still stumbles. His sins are forgiven (1 John 1:5-10).

In Matthew 8:22 Jesus told a man to “leave the dead to bury their own dead.” Of course, that cannot happen because a dead man does nothing. Likewise, the Christian who is dead to sin does not do it any longer. The ideal church is actually represented by a graveyard of dead sinners who now live unto Christ. Because I am dead to sin, its power over me is gone. What a great opening from Paul and he is just getting started!

Stay with us as we work through Romans 6. If you haven’t done so already, please subscribe through one of the options above. As always, I would love to hear your comments.