Finding Peace with God

Romans

Bible Studies for Western Blacktown Presbyterian Church

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All Roads Lead to Rome... Funny, isn’t it – relics from the glory days of the Roman Empire still litter our language. These days, "All Roads lead to Rome" is just an expression, but when Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, it was a fact. Sure "Rome wasn't built in a day"; how could it be? It was a sprawling city, at the very centre of the world empire ruled by the Emperor Nero. Maybe "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" was more than just a polite suggestion! The Romans invented sealed roads, and a commercial and military transport system connected Rome with the rest of the empire; soldiers could be dispatched to trouble spots in record time. Rome’s power and prestige were incredible. And Emperor Nero placed himself right at the very centre of it all. Nero was satisfied with nothing less than worship from his loyal citizens, and called himself a “son of god.” With Christianity in its infancy, there was already a church established in Rome, most probably by Peter. Already, there’s been trouble – eight years or so before Paul writes, the Jews have been exiled from Rome for rioting; many Jewish Christians were thrown out with them. They’ve recently been allowed back to their homes – but tensions and suspicions remain… even among the Christians themselves. Awkwardly, too, the claims of King Jesus, the true resurrected Son of God are obviously at odds with the grand claims of Caesar. It’s a difficult time and place to be a Christian! It’s into this environment that Paul writes his famous letter. Some time soon, he’s planning a Roman Holiday… and he wants them to be ready for him. It’s a letter that sweeps wide across Christian doctrines – often complex, but always formative in the life of the church. Be warned – some of these studies are long. It’s a good discipline to prepare a little each day. And just a hint – make sure your group agrees on a finishing time for the studies, and do what you can in the agreed time. Romans may be tough work; but the rewards will be huge.

See Acts 21-28 for Paul’s journey to Rome

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Study 1: Not Ashamed of the Gospel Romans 1:1-17 In this first study on Paul's letter to the Romans, we're going to meet the writer, the readers, and the heart of the message. First, read through verses 1 to 17 carefully. Make a note of any words or terms you don't understand in the space below. Some of them may be dealt with later in the study. If they're not, make sure you take time at the end of this session to discuss them with the group. WORDS OR TERMS I DON'T UNDERSTAND YET.... Who is Paul? If you've read much of the New Testament, you've probably already met Paul. The Romans, however, had not. Originally a leading Jew, Paul actively persecuted the Christian Church until one day he was confronted by a blinding vision of the risen Jesus. From that day on, his life was radically changed. Though he was perhaps the leading church-planter of his time, he had never been to Rome. The church there had grown up independently, and Paul is now making contact with them. 1. Read through verses 1 to 7. List the things you learn about Paul - especially note the terms he

uses to describe himself. 2. Think about these descriptions. "Apostle" means "sent one" or "messenger" or "ambassador."

Just as the Australian Government sends it's "Ambassador" to a foreign government with a message, Paul is an Ambassador too. Who does he represent?

What is Paul's Message? Sometimes, Christian jargon is unavoidable. There are some terms in the bible we just have to grapple with and try to understand, even though they're not a common part of our everyday language. There's a term like that in this passage. It's the word ...GOSPEL

Gospel originally meant "good announcement" or "good news". It was often used of royal announcements, such as the proclamation of the reign of a new king. We call the first four books of the New Testament "the gospels", because they contain this "good news" about Jesus. But Paul uses the term in a slightly more technical way. His gospel is the very essence or heart of the message he preaches. 3. How many times does Paul use the term "gospel" in verses 1 to 17? 4. Make a brief note of everything Paul says about this gospel. 5. Now try to summarise these points in a simple statement of the gospel:-

THE GOOD NEWS IS ....

6. Some important points to note:- a. Paul's gospel isn't just something he made up! Who does it come from? (v1) b. Likewise, the gospel has a specific content and focus. Who is it about? (v3).

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7. In a misguided effort to be "relevant", many Christians - and whole churches – have completely lost touch with this gospel. Instead of the focus of their message being Jesus, they pursue all sorts of other things. Can you think of some examples?

a. Why is the gospel so important? (v16)

b. Why might we be tempted to "be ashamed of the gospel"?

i. Have you ever felt this way? What aspects of the gospel would have seemed most ridiculous to the ancient world? What about today?

ii. What aspects of this ambassador’s announcement would have been most “politically incorrect” in Rome?

8. How does our world today react to the proclamation of the “rule of King Jesus”? The Right Response To The Gospel Paul gives a number of hints in this passage as to the right response to the gospel. Read through the passage one last time, and take note of the way the Romans have responded, and what it is the gospel calls us to. Paul says his gospel calls people from everywhere - Jew and Gentile - to the "obedience that comes from faith." (v5) Notice that FAITH comes before our works - we are not saved by our good deeds, but that our good deeds, or obedience, follows along after our faith. 9. Read verse 17. The rest of the letter to the Romans expands on this verse. Where does our

"righteousness" comes from, and how do we become righteous? 10. The Romans have responded to the gospel in exactly the right way, and everyone's talking about

it - see verse 8. a. Can we expect to see the same response from people today? How, and why?

b. What stops us from calling people to the OBEDIENCE that comes from our faith? 11. Notice Paul's longing to visit the Roman Christians in verses 8 to 13. He wants to encourage them

in their faith, and be encouraged by them. Do you share this desire to encourage and be encouraged? How can we better do that for one another?

a. Notice too Paul's passion for the gospel. Read aloud the verses that show this most clearly. Do you have this same passion for the gospel? Why, or why not?

b. How can we maintain our passion for the gospel?

c. Can you give an example of obedience that comes from faith in your own life? Responding in Prayer

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Study 2: The Problem with the World is... Romans 1:18-3:20 During the week, try to take notice of the news headlines. Usually, there's plenty more bad news than good news - make a note of some of the bad news that catches your attention... Are there examples of violence, corruption, greed, perversion and dishonesty? If so, it's a pretty normal week. So what exactly is wrong with the world? Different people will give different answers. Perhaps we need to be more environmentally sensitive, or more economically responsible. Maybe we need to increase the Family Income Supplement, maybe we need to get rid of it? Maybe we just need more freedom to do what we like? Everyone is trying to make the world a better place, but no-one seems to address the core issues. In this section of Romans, Paul systematically works through the main categories of humanity and points out what the problem is. Ultimately, everyone needs a change of heart. Background Briefing:- Jews and Gentiles These days we may tend to divide our own society into "the haves" and "the havenots", or perhaps white collar and blue collar workers, or New South Welshmen and Queenslanders. Generally, we’re pretty easy going about it. But our own social distinctions and barriers are just a pale shadow of the huge wall dividing first century Jews and Gentiles. The Jews saw themselves as "God's chosen people" - and indeed they were. Through the ages, God had worked among the Israelites (Jews) in a special way. In the words of the Old Testament, he had singled them out to be "a light to the gentiles." Mind you, it was meant to be the sort of light that attracted people in - the Jews, though, were more interested in keeping people out. They had become proud and arrogant; they constructed elaborate rules and rituals to make sure they weren't "defiled" by the "Gentiles." In fact, the word GENTILE simply meant "the nations", or "the ethnics." It was a blanket term that referred to everyone who was non-Jewish. And that's exactly the way the Jews saw the world - "us", and "everyone else" – and even though they were a small minority group in the city of Rome, they were careful to maintain their strict policies of separatism. This attitude even carried over into the first century church - Christian Jews were slow to realise the implications of the gospel! They were strict, and keen to keep the Old Testament Law; whereas Gentile Christians (probably the majority) looked at them as “has beens” and were arrogant about their freedom to ignore Jewish laws.

The Gentiles’ Heart Problem In making his point, Paul starts out with the gentiles. (The Jewish Christians in the Roman Church probably enjoyed this bit!) Read through Romans 1:18-32. 1. Even though the Gentiles didn't have the Scriptures to guide them, what did they

KNOW about God? (1:19, 32) 2. What have they done with their knowledge of God? 3. What has God done with them? 4. What part have their “hearts” play in all of this? (Note the verses that mention “the

heart”.)

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5. In what ways does this passage remind you of Australia today? Sidelight… What radical point does this passage make about people who say "I don't believe in God"? How does this help us approach people like that with the gospel? Notice, Paul doesn’t go back to the Jewish Old Testament Law to make his point here. He goes right back to the start – creation itself. Deep down, everyone in the world is aware of the creator God, but because of the desires of the hearts, they suppress that knowledge. It’s a HEART PROBLEM. People wilfully ignore God so as not to inconvenience their chosen lifestyle. So, God gives them over to their own desires - and things are in a mess! So Pat Yourself on the Back if You’re Jewish? Jewish readers would readily agree. That’s what they’ve been saying all along. God’s creation has been perverted all around them. People have failed to recognize their creator, and have failed to live in the created man-woman order. And that’s just one of the symptoms – there’s lying, cheating, and even … disobedience to parents! That’s the kind of world we live in. So does that mean the Jews can pat themselves on the back? After all – they’re the ones who have got God’s law. They know right from wrong perfectly well. Take a look at what Paul says at the start of chapter 2. Read 2:1-5. Note first of all that these words are addressed to Jews who have the law. 6. Describe their behaviour according to verse 1. What would you call someone like this? 7. According to verse 2 to 5 (above), what will their fate be, and why? What is the source of

their problem (2:5)? Keep reading in your Bible from Romans 2:6-16. In essence, it’s about the difference between KNOWING RIGHT and DOING RIGHT. In verses 6 to 11, the arrogant Jew thinks “knowing the law” is what gets you right with God, and that the Gentiles who don’t have the law are a lost cause. Ultimately, says Paul, God’s not impressed with what you know about the Jewish law… or by your self-righteous judgemental attitude… he’s interested in what you actually do! You’ll need to be a truly righteous person to escape his judgement. You’ll need to be a person who has patiently kept doing right, rather than a self seeking person who has not obeyed the truth. And surprisingly, the Gentiles are eligible! 8. What is the point being made by verses 9 to 11? 9. What mistake have the Jews made according to verse 13?

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Getting Personal It seems that Paul isn’t just talking in the abstract here. He’s addressing very real issues in the Roman church. Jewish Christians are criticising Gentile Christians, and saying they can’t possibly be counted as righteous because they don’t observe the requirements of the law. Paul is saying to the Jewish Christians, watch it – sometimes you don’t either. More than that, even without the law, Gentile Christians are now starting to act like the law is written in their hearts. How about that! (See Ezekiel 36 and Jeremiah 31 for God’s promise of the Spirit) That’s exactly what you’d expect to happen if the Spirit is at work!) Read 2:17-29. 10. What have the Jews done? 11. Who is the true Jew? The Problem with Everyone Paul is working towards the conclusion of this section. Sure, he says, there are some advantages in being Jewish - after all, it was the Jews who were entrusted with the Scriptures, the very words of God. (Read 3:1-8.) The problem isn't so much with God's promises - it's with the unfaithfulness of the Jewish people. People may come up with all sorts of excuses, or reasons why it's unfair of God to blame us for our sin (35-7), but the fact is, our hearts lead us in exactly the direction we want to go. Jew and Gentile alike, we're sinful - and we deserve God's judgement. And yet as we’re going to see, God treats us far better than we deserve. 12. Read Paul's summary in chapter 3 verses 9 to 20. What is his conclusion about sin? 13. What is his conclusion about the LAW? (ie the Old Testament scriptures?) What should

the law do for the people of Israel? What is the problem with the world? WE ARE! We're sinful. Doesn't matter whether you're a Jew, or whether you're in prison for a crime or whether you've never even had a parking ticket – our hearts lead us away from God our Creator. The fact is, every man, woman and child needs to hear the gospel that Paul introduced back in chapter 1. We all need to hear about Jesus, and accept the forgiveness he offers. Paul will speak more about this in the next section. 14. Is there any room in our Christian fellowship for smugness, or feelings of superiority?

Why? 15. Do you agree with Paul's assessment of human nature? What can we do about it? Responding in Prayer

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Study 3: A Piggyback from God Romans 3:21-31 Boy! What a headache! If you've just read through the passage we're looking at in this study, you'll be dazed by the piles of difficult words. Here's a selection:-

• Righteousness • Justified • Redemption • Sacrifice of Atonement • Forbearance

And the words are just a start. The really hard bit is figuring out what it means when you string them all together! Revision... The Bad News Read back through 3:9-20. What conclusion has Paul come to about human beings? Write out the words of verse 20. Then write out its meaning in your own words. Now For The Good News... 1. In among all the "big words" of verse 21 to 31, perhaps the most important word is one

we all understand. It's the first word of verse 21, and it's worth writing down in big letters...

__ __ __ It's an important word, because it's a word that can change the whole direction of a conversation. It's an important word, because it marks a total turnaround from the worst of bad news to the best of good news. Mankind has rebelled against God, everyone is sinful, BUT... God has done something about it! 2. What has finally been made known? (v21) Where in Romans have you already come

across this phrase? Notice how Paul has built up to this point. Righteous means "in right standing with a Holy God." People are by nature unrighteous, and unable to be righteous. The only way for us to become righteous is for God to provide this righteousness for us. 3. Read Psalm 32:1 and 2, and Habakkuk 2:4. How do these Old Testament scriptures

testify to the gospel in advance?

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4. Here are some definitions:- • Justified means "declared righteous", or made "right with God." In fact, in the

original Greek, ‘justified’ and ‘righteous’ share the same root word. Justified would be better translated as “righteousnessified” – if there was any such word.

• Grace means "generousity" or “undeserved favour” • Redemption means "buying back", as in redeeming something from a pawnbroker • Atonement means putting right or paying the price for a wrong. • Forebearance simply means patience.

Read through verses 22 to 26, replacing these words with their definitions:-

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are _________________________ freely by his ___________________ through the __________________________ that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a _________________________________ through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his ______________________ he left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just, and the one who ________________________ those who have faith in Christ Jesus. 5. Can you explain in your own words what Paul is saying here? Which parts of the section

above do you find hardest to understand? 6. What do you think Paul means when he says "All have sinned and fall short of the glory

of God?" Do you see evidence of this in everyday life? 7. Did God forgive people who sinned in Old Testament times? On what conditions? Was

this JUST? (Is it fair to simply turn a blind eye to sin?) 8. How does the death of Jesus demonstrate God's JUSTICE? (See v25,26) 9. Reading between the lines a little, what attitudes seem to be dividing the Jews and

Gentiles in the church in Rome? Try to imagine the situation that causes Paul to write as he does in verses 27 to 30. Are we faced with similar situations? If so, what is Paul's message for us?

Responding in Prayer

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Study 4: Father Abraham: Romans 4 Review Paul has just made the incredible claim that Jews and Gentiles alike are put right with God in exactly the same way! "Is God the God of the Jews only?" asks Paul. "Is he not the God of the Gentiles too? Yes, of the Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through that same faith." (3:27-29) In other words, doesn't matter if you're a blue blooded Jew - the Gentile up the road stands before God on exactly the same footing as you do! For the Jews, this is a staggering thought, and one they can't easily swallow. In chapter 4, Paul takes them back to square one - back to Abraham, the great forefather of the people of Israel. Paul's reasoning in the chapter may seem complicated, but in the end it's not - he makes the simple point over and over again that Abraham wasn't put right with God by any of the things the Jews consider important. Rather, he was justified by faith, just as we are. First things first... Let's take a quick look at what the Old Testament says about Abraham before we get started. • First, read through Genesis 12:1-3 to review God's great promises to Abraham. Abraham was

singled out to become the forefather of a great nation, through which God would one day pour out his blessing on all the world.

• Abraham has a dramatic encounter with God in Genesis 15:1-6. Read it - notice especially verse 6, which is one of the KEY VERSES in the bible. Write it out here...

• How was Abraham counted as right with God? • Look over to Genesis 17. What happens here? Does anything that happens in this chapter make

Abraham any more or less right with God than he was? • Turn over to Exodus 20. These events are happening many years after the time of Abraham.

What is God doing in this chapter? • Notice verse 2. What has God done for the people of Israel BEFORE he gives them these

commands? • Where does Abraham fit in with all this? Was he right with God anyway? Now Read Romans 4 Righteousness is... a) A Gift, not a WAGE! (v4-9) 1. What's the big difference between a gift and a wage? 2. Did Abraham WORK for his righteousness? 3. What does it mean that "God justifies the wicked"? (v5) How do you feel about this?

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b) Not by Circumcision! (v9-12) 4. Now for the crunch. The Jews are put off by the fact that the "uncircumcised" can be justified like

this. But what does the example of Abraham tell them? (Look back to the first part of the study if you're not sure!)

5. What is the MOST important thing about Abraham's example? In other words, what should we be

imitating about him? 6. Can any religious ritual (like circumcision, baptism, the Lord's Supper etc) make any difference to

our standing with God? c) Not by Law! (v13-16) 7. If the Jews thought you get right with God by keeping the law, they've got it wrong! How does

Abraham prove this point? 8. What did Abraham rely on rather than the law? (Think back to Genesis 12:1-3) d) But BY FAITH (v16-22) 9. Faith is the only right response to a promise from God. Think about it. If someone makes you a

promise, what are the two ways you can respond? 10. Although the Jews claimed Abraham as "their father", how does Paul draw the Jews and Gentiles

together at this point? Who are the true "children of Abraham?" 11. Read through verses 17 to 21. List things you think are significant about Abraham's FAITH. (ie,

who was it in? What did he believe?) 12. Abraham believed that God could "give life from the dead." How was this fact relevant to his

experience? How is this fact relevant in OUR EXPERIENCE?

Compare this with verse 24 and 25. 13. "Faith is not simply a blind belief - it's a clear trust in the promises of God, an unshakeable

conviction that God will stand by his word." Do you agree? Which verses back up this statement? e) What about YOU? 14. Abraham is not just an "academic case study" with no relevance to the real world. Read verses 23

to 25. What must WE do if we want to be "credited with righteousness"?

Responding in Prayer

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Study 5: A God You Can Rely On: Romans 5: Review So far, we've been in an imaginary court room. Paul has laid a charge against all mankind – the self Righteous Jews are just as guilty of turning away from God as we gentiles are! The good news, though, is that Jews and Gentiles who put their faith in Jesus are both equally right in God’s eyes because Jesus has taken the penalty for sin on himself. And amazingly, in bringing this about, God has still kept his ancient promises to Abraham. Even though the Israelites had lost sight of the fact, God’s promise had always been to make Abraham the father of MANY nations… a multinational family of faith, in right standing with God. Now that it’s all been fulfilled in Christ, there’s a whole new life to be lived! Past, Present, And Future 1. Explore verses 1 to 11, looking for Paul's perspectives on...

THE PAST - What has happened?

THE PRESENT - What's happening now?

THE FUTURE - What will happen?

2. In the light of what Jesus has done for us, what attitude should we have to the future judgment?

Do you have this attitude? Why can we be confident about our verdict on that day? 3. In the light of what Jesus has done for us, what attitude should we have to hard times in the

present?

Do you have this attitude? What makes it hard to take v3 to heart?

4. Trace out the chain of Paul's logic in verse 3 to 5...

SUFFERING → ___________ → ____________ → ___________ 5. What evidence does Paul give in verse 5 that our hope is well founded? 6. Many people still seem to think that you have to “earn your way” into the Kingdom of God. But

according to vv6-8, who did Christ die for? 7. It’s not just the death of Jesus that makes a difference! But what on earth is verse 10 talking

about?

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NOW READ VERSES 12 to 21. 8. What has SIN produced in the world? 9. Trace out the logic of what Paul says in verse 15 and 16...

ADAM → TRESPASS → DEATH

JESUS → ________ → ______

10. Paul says death took hold and "reigned" through Adam (v17). What is God's solution for this? 11. Now trace out the logic of what Paul says in verse 19...

DISOBEDIENCE → ONE MAN (ADAM) → MANY MADE SINNERS

______________ → ONE MAN ( ) → _____________________ 12. Trace the theme of “death and life” through these verses. If “sin” and “death” are partners,

what’s their opposite pair? 13. What is the pathway to righteousness and life, and how do you get on it? 14. From verses 13 and 20, what part does the Jewish law play in all this? 15. Does Paul's perspective on the past, present and future help make sense of your life and hopes?

If so, how? Apparently, the obedience of one man – Jesus Christ – is going to lead to righteousness and life for all kinds of people, both Jews and Gentiles. In fact, his life – his resurrection – is the guarantee that God is the God of new beginnings, and of true life. All the more reason to start now – and give up on the lifestyle of sin and death that was typical of how things were before. We’ll see more of that next time. Think it over… Are there any “sin and death” issues still in your lifestyle that shouldn’t be there? Think about areas you still need to work on with the help of God’s Spirit. Would now be a good time to share them with your group and ask for help? Responding in Prayer

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Study 6: Dead Man Walking: Romans 6: Review So far, Paul has been making the incredible claim that our salvation really is "something for nothing." The very thing that religious Jews have worked so hard to attain, says Paul, is actually a free gift - the Jewish Law has done nothing to make them right with God. In fact, all the law did was highlight more and more sin, which shows more and more how generous God's free gift really is. The law works with sin to produce death. But as we saw last time, the death of Jesus brings forgiveness, and his resurrection brings the promise of new life and new righteousness. So does that mean SIN DOESN'T MATTER? If the LAW doesn’t help, and God’s forgiveness is free, can we just do what we like? That’s the questions Paul addresses in Romans 6. READ THROUGH Romans 6. Make a note below of the two key objections or questions Paul is answering here. (You can almost imagine he's answering hecklers in the audience...) OBJECTION 1 (v1): OBJECTION 2 (v15): Response 1 (V2-14) 1. Paul's response to the first objection is to compare our lives with the death and resurrection of

Jesus. First, notice in very simple terms his answer to the question "shall we go on sinning?" How does he put his reply in v2?

Dying The Death He Died 2. What do you think Paul means when he says "we died to sin? 3. Turn back to the words of Jesus in Mark 10:38. What is Jesus talking about when he talks about

"being baptised with the baptism he is baptised with"? 4. What does it mean to be baptised into ‘his death?’ 5. How seriously did Jesus take the problem of sin? What was HE prepared to do about it? (v6) 6. In what way is our "old self" crucified with Jesus? (v6) What are the results of this in verse 7? 7. How does this mean we should treat the sinful desires of "the flesh" (ie the part of us that wants

to run things our own way, without God)? 8. How (in real-life terms) can we put the advice of verses 11 to 14 into practice?

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Living The Life He Lives Putting aside, or dying to sin, is one part of the comparison Paul makes between us and Jesus. There's also the positive side, expressed in verse 5. 9. In what way does Paul say we can already be united with Jesus in his resurrection? 10. What do you think it means to "live to God"? (v10,11) 11. How should we view ourselves, according to verse 11? Response 2 (V15-23) Remind yourself of the objection Paul is answering in verse 15. The questions are similar, but with a slightly different focus. This question raises the thought question that if we're not living under LAW, then it doesn't matter if we sin. But perhaps there are other reasons not to sin than the fact that there's a law against it! THINK ABOUT IT... • In your own experience as a Christian, have you been more or less likely to sin than you were beforehand. Why? • What part has LAW had in your decisions to sin or otherwise? 12. Paul says that as Christians, we're set free from an old master to follow a new one. Who is our

new master? (v18, v22) 13. What was the old master? What were the results of serving him? 14. What are the benefits of serving our new master? Think it over Sin DOES MATTER. As it always was, it's the road to death. Jesus has turned us around and set us on the road to life - so why go back? Just because our salvation comes FREE, doesn't mean that it came CHEAP! Jesus thought sin was so important that he paid the ultimate sacrifice for it. Can a genuine Christian be easy-going about sin? In the light of this study, what's your attitude to sin? Responding in Prayer

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Study 7: How to Be a Better Person: Romans 7:1-8:17 Introduction It seems like everyone wants to get on the "self improvement" bandwagon. Bookstores are full of titles on how to improve yourself, whether it's by dressing better, eating better, bringing up your kids better, selling better, communicating better - you name it, there's a book designed to make you do it better. Ancient Israel had exactly such a book. It was called “The Torah”, or “Law.” There was a rule for everything. And as we’ve seen in the earlier chapters of Romans, the Jews thought it made them experts on everything. “You are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth,” says Paul. But there’s a problem! “You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself?” (2:19-21) They’ve got the law. But they can’t (or don’t, or won’t) live it out. Here in Romans 7 and 8, Paul puts himself in the place of a Jew caught in exactly that struggle. He says, there’s a way of self improvement that doesn't work, and a way that does. In 7:6, there's a summary of what Paul's saying... "But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." Read through Romans 7:1-25 The Way Of The Law If you're trying to improve yourself by what Paul calls "observing the law", you're doomed for frustration. It's a frustration that Paul draws out at length through ch 7. On our way through Romans, we've brushed past many references to the Old Testament law, and it's effects. It's time we looked more closely at what Paul's saying about the law. 1. Track down these references, and make a note of what they say about “US JEWS” and the LAW.

3:20 3:28 3:31 4:14-15 5:13 5:20

6:14 7:1

7:5

7:7

7:8

2. Is the law BAD or GOOD?

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3. Is human nature BAD or GOOD? 4. What happens when you feed GOOD COMMANDS into a BAD NATURE? Notice, the whole of chapter 7 is addressed to those who Paul calls “brothers… who know the law” (7:1). He’s talking to his fellow Jews. 5. According to verses 1 to 4, what status do these “brothers” now have in relation to the law? 6. Previously, what did the law do to them? 7. What new situation do they “serve under” now?

Think back to Deuteronomy 30:1-6. What promise did God make long ago? Where are they on God’s time line now? (Compare with Rom 2:29)

Romans 7:5-6 summarise the two ways of being a better person.

• Verse 5 shows the way of the law, and Paul expands on it in 7:7-25, putting himself in the place of a Jew.

• Verse 6 shows the way of the Spirit, and Paul expands on it in 8:1-17. 8. Trace through the rest of chapter 7 (v7-25), keeping in mind that Paul is speaking of himself as a

“typical Israelite.” Look at the effects the law had on Israel. How could you best summarise the situation?

9. What is the only way out? (v25)

Note on Romans 7:7-25: Many commentators see these verses as describing the experience of a Christian struggling with sin. And Christians certainly DO struggle with sin. However, it is not between our (unregenerate) mind and our flesh, as described in 7:14-24. It is a struggle between our old nature and our new spiritual nature, the flesh and the Spirit (see Romans 6; 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 2:22-24) A number of arguments for this way of understanding these verses are: • Romans 7:5 looks back to a pre-Christian experience – “For when…”.- which 7:7-25 expands on.

Romans 7:6 describes the Christian’s present experience ‘ “But now…” – which 8:1-17 expands on.

• Romans 6:17 says the Christian is not a slave to sin, but the person described in 7:14 and 7:25 is a slave to sin.

• The person in 7:19 cannot carry out what is good, however the Christian in 6:22 has been set free from sin, and reaps the benefits of holiness.

• The person described in 7:24 is wretched, dead, needing rescue from Jesus. • The contrast between 7:7-25 and 8:1-2 (describing the Christian) is marked. • There is no mention of the Holy Spirit in 7:7-25, however in 8:1-17, it is the Spirit who is the key

to the Christian living in obedience.

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The Way Of The Spirit Now read chapter 8:1-17. The focus switches from “Israel” to “those who are in Christ Jesus.” The fact that their ‘sinful nature’ has been put to death in Christ is not the end of the story! 10. How many times is “The Spirit” mentioned in verses 1 to 17? 11. What do you think it means that “the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us?

How does this happen?

12. Paul tells us that our minds and lives can be controlled by the Spirit of God. How is this described in verse 12?

13. Look back to 4:25 (a difficult verse at the time!) Does 8:12 help understand what it means that

Jesus was ‘raised for our justification/ righteousness’? 14. To Paul, this great truth about what God has done in us through Christ by the Spirit leaves us with

an important obligation. What is it, and what will it involve? (Start looking for ideas in verse 12!) 15. Summarise what things will be necessary for us to live better lives.

What is God's part, and what is our part?

Think it through What would you say from this passage to people who think they can be right with God by “keeping the ten commandments”?

Responding in Prayer

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Study 8: Triumphant Living – in a Groaning World: Romans 8:17-39: Introduction Paul has just made the incredible claim that we have received God's Spirit, making us God's children (8:15-16). Because of that, he says, we're heirs, living with an incredible hope of a great inheritance. But that doesn't mean life NOW will be a bed of roses. The fact is, life in this world is full of suffering and hardship - although it's a suffering and a hardship with purpose, and with hope. After all - that's how it was for Jesus... why should it be any different for us? Think About It Some Christians claim that becoming a Christian solves all our problems of health, wealth and hardship. Perhaps we all tend to have this hope or expectation? Think about your own expectations of life, and God's care for you. What would you say to someone who says, "If you're walking in God's will you'll prosper financially." READ Romans 8:17-39... 1. What does verse 17 tell us about suffering and glory? 2. What sort of words would YOU choose to describe the state of the world? 3. What do we learn about the present state of the world from the Paul's description in verse 19 to

23? List some of the words Paul uses to describe the way things are. Do we stand

a) apart from this b) protected from this c) in the middle of this

When did this happen to the world?

4. Suffering, eager longing, futility, bondage to decay, groaning, pains of childbirth, groaning inwardly, waiting eagerly, patience, weakness… those are Paul’s words to describe this present life. But what makes life bearable for Paul (v18-19)? What is God's solution to the problem? What do you think Paul means by "our adoption" and "the redemption of our bodies"? (v23) What is the practical day-to-day value of the hope Paul speaks of?

5. What encouragement to your prayer life is there in verse 26 and 27?

(How does Paul describe us in the start of verse 26? How does this fit in with your expectation of the Christian life?)

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6. Romans 8:28 is a "classic verse", memorised by countless generations of Christians. If you don't know it off by heart already, write it out in the space below and try to memorise it:- What do you think the verse means? (Particularly, what does "called according to his purpose" mean?)

7. Fill in the gaps in the chain produced by combining verse 29 and 30...

Foreknew → P __________ → _________ →__________ → ________ What point is this chain making? Chew on this… Christians often struggle with the idea of God's "predestination." The word simply means that God has decided the destination before the journey begins. Note that often when Paul talks about “God’s elect” (as in verse 33), he’s talking about the people of Israel. They were God’s chosen ones from the very beginning. The fact that God has not abandoned the Jews has been a major theme in Paul’s thinking through Romans… and it may be in his mind here as well. 8. According to verse 31 to 35, what is the “cash value” of God’s predestination or election? 9. The big question the idea of "predestination" raises is this - "Did I become a Christian by MY

CHOICE... or by GOD'S CHOICE?" Think back on your own experience. What's your answer? Go back to verse 24. What do the words "WE WERE SAVED" hint at? Look at verse 28. Who is doing the calling, and whose idea is it?

Conclusion The fact is, God's choice of us and his provision of Jesus for our salvation is the guarantee of the security of our future glory. In the light of what God has done for us already, he's not going to let go of us now! Close by reading verses 35 to 39. Will anything separate you from the love of God? What help can you find in this passage for a Christian going through hard times? Responding in Prayer

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Study 9: What On Earth is God Doing?: Romans 9-10 Last study we learned about God’s great faithfulness. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. But was Romans 8 just a lot of hype? Why is Israel now separated from His love despite similar such promises in the Old Testament? Paul answers a number of questions his readers might be asking (see v6, 14, 19). Read Romans 9:1-29 1. Why does Paul have great sorrow for the people of Israel? 2. What privileges did they have? How should these have drawn them to Christ? 3. Why might someone suggest that God’s word had failed? 4. How do verses 6-13 demonstrate that God has not failed in his promises and purposes for Israel?

How might the link with Abraham help resolve conflict between Jews and Gentiles (see 4:11-12)? 5. Many people feel it is unjust for God to choose some and not others (v. 14). In reply why does

Paul speak of God's mercy rather than his justice or injustice (vv. 15-18)? 6. How does the illustration of the potter and his clay help us gain a proper perspective (vv. 20-23)? 7. How is God's mercy and justice revealed in his treatment of the Gentiles and Jews (vv. 24-29)? 8. What is God’s overriding purpose in choosing some and not others (17, 23)? Read Romans 9:30-10:21 Paul now does a very interesting thing. Having virtually said “Like it or lump it, God’s sovereign and elects people!” he now goes to great lengths to explain that it’s national Israel’s own fault they were rejected by God. They rejected Jesus. 9. In what characteristic way did Jews seek to be right with God (9:30-33)? What was the basic

problem with this approach (see 3:20; 7:7-11)? How do you see people taking this same path today?

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10. Many people believe religious zeal and sincerity are all a person needs to be saved. How would Paul respond to this belief (10:1-4)?

11. How do verses 6-8 stress the simplicity of righteousness by faith? It may help to check out the

context of the Old Testament quotation from Deut 30:12-13. 12. First-century Christians publicly confessed that "Jesus is Lord" at their baptism. Why is public

confession important in addition to the belief in one's heart (vv. 9-13)? 13. Look at Rom 3:22-23. In that context, how does the phrase “there is no difference” compare with

its use here in 10:12? 14. William Carey, the father of modern missions, once proposed to a group of ministers that they

discuss the implications of the Great Commission. Dr. John C. Ryland retorted: "Young man, sit down. When God pleases to convert the heathen, he will do it without your aid or mine!" How does Dr. Ryland's understanding of God's sovereignty mesh with verses 14-15? Realizing the implications of verses such as Romans 10:14-15, William Carey responded to God's call and went to India. Where do you feel called to go with the gospel?

Side by side in the Bible: Gods sovereign election and human responsibility. The Bible consistently teaches that man is a responsible moral agent with a free will but he’s also divinely controlled. They seem contradictory but they are kept together and each has its own comfort. God has chosen you and your salvation is secure. But you’re also a real person. Your decisions matter. We may never understand the mystery of how election and free will complement each other but we can understand the key lesson of these chapters. God is not fickle! He is faithful and consistent which is great because it gives us a firm foundation on which to build our life. Responding in Prayer Israel's unbelief did not stop Paul from praying for them (10:1). Spend time praying for those with whom you have the opportunity of sharing the gospel.

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Study 10: So You Think You’re Pretty Good?: Romans 11: For centuries the people of Israel awaited their Messiah. But when he came, very few believed in him. This situation has persisted to the point where Christianity is now considered a Gentile religion. What happened to God's promises and plans for Israel? Has God rejected his people? Can he be trusted after all? In this chapter Paul answers these questions. Read Romans 11: 1. How might Paul’s comments in 9:25 and 10:21 lead someone to ask the question in 11:1?

How do the examples given answer that concern? How do Paul’s answers illustrate 9:6-7?

2. What were the spiritual consequences for those Israelites who rejected Jesus Christ (vv. 7-10)?

Why are these consequences inevitable for anyone who persistently rejects the gospel?

3. How is Paul’s question in v11 relate to his question in v1? 4. Why is Paul convinced that even greater blessings will come from Israel's acceptance of Christ

(vv. 11-16)? 5. Up until now, Paul has been dealing with Jewish believers’ feelings of superiority over Gentiles

(see 2:17-29; 3:27-4:3). Why should Paul's illustration of the olive tree prevent Gentiles from feeling superior to unbelieving Israelites (vv. 17-24)?

6. Why does Paul want his Gentile readers to be aware of God’s plan (25)?

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7. What is God’s ultimate purpose in Israel’s hardening while the Gentiles believe (11:25-32)?

How would this diffuse tensions between the two groups? How does this tie in with Paul’s teaching in 3:21-24?

8. In this chapter Paul has argued that Israel's unbelief is partial (vv. 1-10), purposeful (vv. 11-16) and temporary (vv. 25-32). How does this make him feel about God (vv. 33-36)?

9. How can Paul's description of God in verses 33-36 also encourage us to trust and praise him? This is a difficult chapter to understand in detail but the big idea is clear. We are to humbly know our place. Things work to God’s plans and we shouldn’t ever become superior and self righteous. Don’t look down on those God has used. Maybe it’s a good lesson to remember in the traditional versus contemporary tensions which seem to besiege most churches at some time. Don’t despise our traditionalist brothers & sisters. God has used them to build up His Kingdom. Likewise don’t despise those who wish for more contemporary expressions of faith. God is using them, and will use them too. Responding in Prayer Thank God that his plans are greater than anything we can conceive.

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Study 11: Who Do You Think You Are?: Romans 12 Introduction These days, Christians are fascinated by the subject of "Worship". But what is worship anyway? And where and when are we meant to be doing it? As Paul turns the corner in his letter and starts getting practical, the life of worship is his first concern! Think About It Tick three items on the following list that YOU think are the essential ingredients of worshipping God...

1 worshipping God...

1 a sense of awe

1 dignified music

1 reflective music

1 modern music

1 an old church building

1 a starry night

1 a kitchen sink

1 time to think

1 other people

1 no other people

1 helping someone

1 encouraging another Christian

1 meditating

1 a Sunday

1 any day I feel like it

1 every day whether I feel like it or not What's YOUR definition of worshipping God? Bible Focus Turn to Romans 12 and read verses 1-12. This is an important turning point in Paul's letter to the Romans. In chapters 1 to 11, he's dealt with the theory - how we get right with God through the sacrifice of Jesus, and the fact that all of us are sinners who rely on God's mercy and not our own merit - now he deals with the practical issues of how we live our lives in response. 1. What is Paul's definition of worship from verse 1? 2. What do you think it means to be a "living sacrifice"? 3. What reason does Paul give for doing this? 4. How much time and energy do you think this form of worship involves? 5. To live in a way that's HOLY AND PLEASING TO GOD (v1), we need to look carefully at Paul's

advice in the next few verses - because he tells us HOW. What's the first step he gives us in verse 2?

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What does this mean in practice? How can we start "thinking Christianly"?

6. Perhaps BEING A LIVING SACRIFICE means giving up your own claims on your life. According to verses 3 to 7, what should we be doing with our time and talents? (Verse 3 gives a hint of what we usually do instead!)

7. According to Paul, "we who are many form one body." Make a list of the parts and functions he

mentions here. Gift List

Who benefits from the use of these gifts?

8. Do you think YOU have any of these gifts? List the ones you think you may have, or the ones

you'd most like to have. 9. Do you think any of the items in the list are more important or have more status than any others?

Why or why not? 10. If you don't feel you have any of the gifts in the list, don't despair. There are others listed in 1

Corinthians 12 - but even then, it's just a small selection. Rather than worrying too much about the gifts we might or might not have, what should our attitude be?

Read verses 9-21. Living life as a walking, talking sacrifice means living a life of LOVE. As you think through the many definitions of love in these verses, can you identify the areas in which you most often fail? What can you do about it? 11. How can we become a more loving church? Which of the areas Paul mentions do we need to

work on most?

If we can get this right… we’re worshipping right! Responding in Prayer

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Study 12: Politics and Religion: Romans 13 In this chapter, Paul continues with his explanation of the consequences of the gospel. Christians are to live the way they do "because of God's mercy" (Romans 12:1) - the way we treat one another, the way we treat unbelievers, even the way we respect those who govern us, is a constant display to the world of the way God has treated us. Read 13:1-7 Background Briefing As Paul explains the attitude we should have to those who rule over us in the world, remember that he lived in far more difficult and hostile circumstances than we do! Paul was talking to first century Christians who were politically powerless in the face of Roman imperial rule. For Christians of Jewish background, submission to Roman rule would have been a constant point of tension. Other Jewish movements of the day (like "the Zealots") were advocating a violent uprising. In fact, within ten years of Paul writing Romans, the Zealots plunged the nation of Israel into a disastrous revolt against Rome. It wasn't just the Zealots who were cranky. Other Jewish groups were refusing to pay taxes, and rioting in the cities of Ephesus and Alexandria. Where did Christians stand on these matters? Was the Christian church another splinter political group determined to de-stabilise Roman rule? Paul makes very clear the fact that followers of Jesus have a far different attitude! Guidelines for Government, Guidelines for Us 1. From verses 1 to 7, what guidelines can you see for those who rule or govern? 2. Does the fact that some - or many - people in political leadership reject God's claim on their lives

change this reality? 3. What benefits does government bring to a society? 4. Why do you feel so rotten when you see the flashing blue lights in your rear-view mirror? (Does

verse 3 still apply equally today?) 5. Should we consider ourselves somehow "above the law"? What does the passage say about this? 6. What excuses do people use for "rorting the system"? How should Christians view these

opportunities? 7. What two reasons does Paul give for obeying the directions of the authorities that rule us?

Who are we really cheating if we cheat the taxman?

Read 13:8-14 8. As we’ve worked our way through Romans we’ve seen that pursuing righteousness by law-

keeping only leads to a dead end. Our sinful human natures are too strong for the Old Testament law (7:1-12). But for those that have faith in Christ, the Spirit of God is at work to change hearts

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from the inside (2:29, 6:17). With this heart transformation, one way of living sums up all those laws. What is it?

9. Write this law in the space below. Hang the Old Testament laws from it that Paul mentions. Add

any others you can think of. How would you explain Paul's summary? 10. Can you think of reasons why this ‘love’ approach to living is so much better than trying to keep

lots and lots of specific laws. 11. Since the Christian life is all about love, it’s worth reflecting on the section of last week’s study

we’re you looked at particular ways of expressing love. Were there things last week you decided you wanted to do. How have you gone? What can you still do?

12. Apparently Roman Christians were getting slack at some of the points Paul is talking about. They

are behaving in some very unloving ways. In verses 11 to 14, he tells them it's time to wake up to themselves! List the things Paul says they need to wake up from doing... Are any of these relevant in your case? Perhaps there are other things? What would Paul be saying to YOU?

13. How does Paul say we Christians should live? How will the state-of-mind described in verse 14

help us do this? Responding in Prayer

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Study 13: When “Could” Doesn’t Mean “Should”: Romans 14:1-15:13 Introduction By now, we're getting familiar with the fact that Paul's writing to a church with real unity problems. On the one hand, there are the Jewish Christians, who are being forced to re-learn a lifetime of habits. There were the food laws - like not eating pork - the rules about who you could mix with, the life-long laws that were drilled into them as kids. And on the other hand, there were the easy-going gentiles; bacon and eggs for breakfast, no hang-ups with rules and regulations, and they didn't even wash their hands when they got back from the markets. From our perspective, it might seem like a bit of a joke, but the fact is, the church was in danger of falling apart over issues like what you could eat and drink, and what you could do on a Sunday. Everyone had their own very strong ideas on the matter, and everyone was determined to have their way. Thankfully, we live in more enlightened times... or do we? You might find Paul's advice to the Romans is just as applicable today! Think About It… These days, there are still Christians who set themselves rules about what they eat or drink. Often, their standards seem impressive. How would you describe the faith of someone who - because of their beliefs - doesn't eat meat?

WEAK/ STRONG What reaction would you have to a person who, because of their beliefs, didn't drink alcohol? WHAT A WOWSER THAT'S A BIT STRICT RESPECT THEIR OPINION IMPRESSED FEEL A BIT GUILTY THAT I'M NOT AS STRONG From the Bible… Read Romans 14:1-15:13, then think through these questions… 1. Verse 1 gives us two important instructions that we must keep in mind as we read and apply the

rest of the chapter. What are they?

_ _ _ _ _ _

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2. Who is it that we're told to accept? 3. Place a tick beside the person who Paul says is spiritually weaker...

q THE PERSON WHO EATS EVERYTHING

q THE PERSON WHO EATS ONLY VEGETABLES

4. What is the temptation of the man who eats everything? (v3) What is the temptation of the one who does not? (v3) Why are both of them wrong?

Applying It Do you find it hard to get the right balance here? How do these issues affect your own Christian life? How will they affect our church activities?

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5. "One man considers one day more sacred than another, another man considers every day alike." (v5) According to the principles Paul has already set out, which is the WEAKER in faith?

6. How does this apply to people who say "You shouldn't play tennis on a Sunday", or, like the

Seventh Day Adventists, "The Sabbath MUST be observed on a Saturday."? How do we usually respond to people like this? From verses 6 and 7, how should we respond to people who hold these views?

7. What point is Paul making in verses 8 to 12? How will this fact be demonstrated in the way we handle the sort of issues Paul is describing here?

8. Write out verse 13 in your own words to reinforce it in your mind. It's a key verse! 9. Rather than judging one another, what must our attitude be?

10. Is any food or drink "spiritually unclean"?

Can any food or drink cause "spiritual harm"? How?

11. Read verses 14 to 23 again. What directions does Paul give for what we eat and drink? What compromises does he call us to make, and why? What GOALS are we working towards? (Look especially at v 18 and 19)

12. What should YOUR eating and drinking habits be? Whose needs do you consider in making such

a decision? 13. Can you reduce the things Paul has been saying to a general principle? 14. Can you think of any other areas of life where this principle will apply? Responding in Prayer

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Study 14: Tag-Team Christianity: Romans 15:14-16:27 Introduction As Paul draws near the end of his letter to the Romans, he re-states his goals and ambitions - he's keen to remind them what he's been on about, and to re-focus their thinking along the same lines. Perhaps Paul's ambitions are rather different to our own! Paul - Man With A Mission 1. What are YOUR big ambitions in life? Be honest!

Have you achieved them? Do you expect to achieve them? How do you think they match up with the ambitions God wants you to have?

Read Romans 15:14-22. 2. What is Paul's big ambition? (v20) 3. Who does Paul especially want to reach? 4. Are there still places where the gospel of Christ is "not known" (v20)? What can we do about it? 5. Paul has preached the gospel "by the power of signs and miracles." Do we know what these

signs and miracles were? See Acts 2:42-43 Should we expect to be doing the same today? Look at 2 Corinthians 12:12. Who were the signs and miracles meant to mark out?

Background briefing... The APOSTLES were special! They were the ones commissioned by Jesus himself to establish the church with his authority. They demonstrated this by doing some of the same wonders Jesus did, and speaking with his same authority. Paul was abnormal among the apostles, because Jesus commissioned him later, on the road to Damascus. Paul considered it important that HIS APOSTOLIC MINISTRY was confirmed by the same sort of signs and wonders as that of the other apostles, like Peter and John. Church leaders today DO NOT have the same authority as the apostles! Read 15:23-33. 6. What is Paul doing in verses 25 to 28, and why?

What do you think lies behind Paul's "collection"? What effect will it have on the relations between Jews and Gentiles?

7. Why does Paul ask the Romans to support him in prayer in verses 30 to 33? * Who can YOU be praying for in this way if you want to join in the struggle?

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8. We're not apostles like Paul, but because of his great work in spreading the gospel, we've been included in God's family! That means we should share Paul's GOSPEL AMBITIONS. Do you need to re-focus your own ambitions to do this? In what ways can we - as individuals, and as a church - be more effective in reaching those where "Christ is not known"?

“THE TEAM” Real Christianity is a team sport. "Each of us should please his neighbour for his good, to build him up," says Paul (15:2). And more than that, we all have a part to play in God's work, the work of the gospel. Paul is in the front lines, but there's plenty of support – a whole bunch of different people, men, women, young people, old people, who are galvanized together for a common task. Read Romans 16. 9. How many people does Paul mention by name in this chapter? 10. Do a little detective work. What can you work out about the TYPES of people they are? (As a first

step, look carefully at their names. Can you pick males from females, Jews from Greeks etc?) It's encouraging to think that there are so many people from all different backgrounds and social classes who have been brought together in the task of telling people about Jesus! Are any of them just like YOU?

11. We saw an important aspect of teamwork at the end of chapter 15. What was it?

Can you see some other examples of teamwork scattered through chapter 16? Write down how the following people helped out...

q Priscilla and Aquilla (v3-5)

q Mary (v6)

q Andronicus and Junias (v7)

q Urbanus (v9)

q Tryphena and Tryphosa, and Persis (v12)

q Rufus's Mum (v13)

q Timothy (v21)

q Tertius (v22)

q Gaius (v23)

12. Are there ways YOU can be more involved in the team-work within our church? What are the

areas of need? Think and pray about the possibilities!

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“THE OPPOSITION” Paul has often spoken about the need for unity in the team - especially in chapters 14 and 15. His concern for unity has raised some important questions; for example, WHO are we actually meant to be united with? Does Paul mean we simply turn a blind eye to different ideas and teachings? Is the Jehovah's Witness at the door simply a Christian brother or sister with a few wrong ideas? Paul has some strong words to say in verses 17 to 19 about the need to be aware of our opposition. Read 16:17-19 again. 13. Who should we watch out for?

How will we recognise these people? What do you think are the ESSENTIALS of "the teaching we have learned"? Who are these people, and how do they operate? Are they still around? What two things are necessary to stand against these people? (v19) Is it "judgemental" or "divisive" to watch out for people like these?

14. Read Paul's final words in verses 25 to 27. The "mystery" hidden for so long is the fact that by the gospel, Jews and Gentiles alike would be brought into the family of God through Christ. Who is the gospel intended for? What response does Paul look for to the gospel? (end of v26)

15. Look back to what Paul says about the gospel back in chapter 1 verses16-17. Think about these

questions...

q In what ways has studying Romans deepened or clarified your understanding of this "gospel"?

q Have any of your attitudes been challenged, changed or shaped by what we have learned?

q How committed are you to the things that Paul considered MOST IMPORTANT?

q How can we make sure our CHURCH LIFE reflects the sort of GOSPEL TEAMWORK Paul is talking about?

Responding in Prayer