Introduction

How do you usually do on POP QUIZS? Student-hated them, always felt unprepared as a Teacher-liked them, tell me really where the class was in learning the material. I have a pop quiz for you today, let’s see if done lesson, also like working as a team, you can take this quiz together. 2 questions. Pretend you are one of the brothers:

When confronted with the pain I have brought others, I:

a. Am embarrassed

b. Pretend it didn’t happen

c. Seek their forgiveness

d. Fear I will be punished

Now, pretend you are Joseph:

When I have the opportunity to forgive others, I:

a. Avoid the issue

b. Make sure they knew how badly I was hurt

c. Feel relieved to get it off my chest

d. Enjoy getting back together

Our lesson is about Testings and Changes. In a certain sense the story of Joseph shifts here to become largely the story of the 10 brothers as God works to awaken their nearly dead consciences and bring them to repentance and ultimately to family reconciliation. God uses Joseph to test them. Tests for guilty conscience; tests for jealousy; tests for family loyalty; tests for family love. 20 years have past. Are they the same men or are they different? We need to know. Thru these tests, we’re also going to learn about Joseph’s heart, how does he feel now about these brothers who sold him into slavery? To help us work through this story, point out seven ways God uses to touch their hearts, to bring them to repentance: Question is: Through these tests would they in any way demonstrate that they had changed?

Outline:

I. Joseph is reunited with Brothers - Genesis 42-45

A. Testing brings repentance - Genesis 42-44

B. Forgiveness brings reconciliation - Genesis 45

II. Jacob travels to Egypt - Genesis 46:1-47:12

A. Meeting God at Beersheba - Genesis 46:1-27

B. Meeting Joseph in Goshen - Genesis 46:28-30

C. Meeting Pharaoh - Genesis 46:31-47:12

I. Joseph is reunited

A. Testing

1. Need - Famine. READ Genesis 41:57. Jacob heard there was food in Egypt, boys you need to go down to Egypt, very strange sentence. READ Genesis 42:1 “keep staring”, we the reader, have an idea why. Read Genesis 42:2 “Egypt” – may have been a buzz word among them, they couldn’t have forgotten, last time they saw Joseph was on his way to Egypt, their family secret, kept quiet 20 yrs. But there was nowhere else to go, only food was is in Egypt, they had a great need for food. 10 brothers went, Benjamin stayed home. Arrived in Egypt presented before Joseph, bowed down before him (Genesis 42:6) - we see the beginning of the fulfillment of Joseph’s dreams.

2. Injustice - (Genesis 42:7-14) Joseph speaking harshly accuses them of being spies, words were used to shock the brothers, these were hard men, remember their history, they murdered innocent people at Shechem, Judah had an incestuous affair with Tamar, they had so much hatred, jealousy they sold their brother for money. When Joseph said “you are spies” perhaps that’s what they had said to Joseph, “You’re just a spy for dad, telling him bad reports about us” Words Joseph used were carefully calculated for them to feel what it’s like to suffer injustice, to be wrongly accused, to be punished when there was no wrong done.

3. Solitude READ Genesis 42:17 They were put in prison, loss of freedom, forced time to think, reflect back on their lives, gave them time for their consciences to be awaken. Then on 3rd day Joseph has them released and says he would let them go home, but one had to stay behind as a guarantee they would return w/their youngest brother who would verify their story. FIRST CHANGE: admission of personal guilt READ Genesis 42:21,22. Now they would talk about it, now they would admit what they had done, they are beginning to see what was happening to them was a consequence of their own sin. They remembered the pain, distress they had caused Joseph. When they said this, Joseph turned and wept. It would seem his tears were not for his own pain, but because the testing of his brothers was beginning to fulfill its purpose. Simeon is taken, rest prepare to depart.

4. Unexplained Circumstances Genesis 42:25-28

Left Joseph likely the capital was Memphis (10 miles south of Cairo)-250 miles to Hebron. 3 week journey. On way home, probably discussing what are we going to tell dad about Simeon? Come to the first resting stop, one opens his sack, heart dropped, there was all his money. How did it get there, they had paid for the grain? Response READ Genesis 42:28. “God is remembering our sin, God has seen it, God is doing something in our lives” Take notice, this is the first time the brothers mention God. Go home, we see the SECOND CHANGE: beginning honesty w/their father, tell him what happened in Egypt, omit the truth about selling Joseph, but they’re honest about their experience in Egypt. Jacob is overwhelmed when hears that Benjamin must return to release Simeon. READ Genesis 42:36. THIRD CHANGE: Heart attitude change in Reuben who somewhat foolishly offers his own sons if he goes to Egypt and doesn’t return with Simeon and Benjamin. This is the man who humiliated his father when he slept w/his concubine; he now puts himself and his own family on the line for the sake of Benjamin. Jacob refuses the offer, no way is Benjamin going, if he were to die it would kill me, stays.

5. Continuing Need READ Genesis 43:1 The food that had been brought up from Egypt ran out, Jacob ordered the brothers to go get more. Judah steps up “But dad we can’t go back w/o Benjamin, remember what we told you- he said, don’t come back w/o him” FOURTH CHANGE: Guarantee of Judah. Genesis 43:8-10. Similar to Reuben’s offer, Judah =carry the blame if anything happens, this too shows a change of heart in Judah who was basically saying- dad your happiness is more important than my own, I will be responsible, count on me dad. This change and continuing need cause the FIFTH CHANGE: change in Jacob’s attitude. READ Genesis 43:11-13. Maybe he’d been thinking, I’m old, if all the boys leave, something happens to them, I’ll be totally alone, how could I live without Benjamin, he’s all I have left. This Continuing need for food was also a test for him too- would he trust the God who had promised him the blessings of Abraham and Isaac? Would he trust God to give him descendants like the dust of the earth? What if all his descendants die? Would he trust God to take care of all of his sons? Would he trust God to keep His promises? Ends us saying “yes” “May El Shaddai” v14 grant you mercy, may my God take care of you, and whatever happens, happens. They pack up gifts, $ and all leave, including Benjamin., sometime later, they arrive in Egypt, and are presented to Joseph and we see God now works through the..

6. Power of true love- Genesis 43:16. Through an invitation to lunch that God shows amazing grace to these brothers. When they understand they’re invited to eat w/Joseph, they’re really afraid, go to the steward, tell him their story of finding the money, offer to pay it back, but he reassures them not to worry. READ Genesis 43:23. Simeon joins them, everything seems to be going nicely, water to wash their feet, food for animals, look in dining room, prepared meal for them, treated like friends, not spies. Genesis 43:26 Joseph comes in the room, touching moment when he sees his little brother Benjamin, son of his mother-breaks down, has to leave the room. Comes back and has another test for them: seated according birth order, Benjamin is given 5 times more of everything than the rest- 5 steaks, 5 baked potatoes, 5 pieces chocolate cake. SIXTH CHANGE: No resentment Joseph was testing them for jealousy, were they as envious of Benjamin as they had been of him, did they treat him harshly? Lunch proved No, they weren’t resentful, they just “feasted, shared, drank freely” (Genesis 43:34). There’s One more test, would they abandon the favored son?

Time to go home, they left Joseph in great spirits, probably congratulating themselves on how well they’d done, gotten a great meal, grain, all 11 were going home, when God suddenly struck like lightning and completely, literally turned the course of their lives, used a hidden cup in one of sacks to

7. Stripping their self-confidence READ Genesis 43:4,5

Even though they had lived with a lie for 20 years they told Joseph Genesis 42:11 “we are honest men” Here when the steward accused them of stealing Joseph’s cup, they say “no way, not us, we’d never do that, in fact if anyone here is found with it, let them die, we’ll all be your slaves” (Genesis 44:7-9) Then to everyone’s surprise they find the cup in Benjamin’s sack, return to Joseph, he asks what have you done? SEVENTH CHANGE: open admission of guilt/family loyalty. READ Genesis 44:16. These men are broken, ready to become slaves, one more test. READ Genesis 44:17 only Benjamin stays, rest of you go home, Judah steps up to the plate, hits grand slam of brotherly love

READ Genesis 44:18-30 Judah’s plea

B. Forgiveness brings reconciliation - Genesis 45

The room that had been so quiet you could hear a pin drop, now is filled with shouts “Out, out, everybody out” and crying, so loudly that you could hear it 2 blocks away. READ Genesis 45:3.

I am Joseph, brothers are speechless, terrified, they knew they had done a horrific wrong to one who now had absolute power. Where the average person would have done some kind of payback, tried to humiliate his brothers in some way, Joseph offered pardon, forgiveness and love because Joseph has a “God perspective on life”. READ Genesis 45:5-8

He understood that a Sovereign God saw the future, saw the needs of the world, chose him to help solve the famine problem. God had a great purpose for his life even though they had meant it for evil.

Offers them Complete forgiveness READ Genesis 45:14,15. Being reconciled with Joseph meant that the brothers could be fully reconciled with Jacob, the long family secret could be revealed and forgiven. Joseph says “Go get dad” Genesis 45:9 Pharaoh gives his help Genesis 45:16-20. They set off donkeys and with wagons full of food, clothes, money, this family will be reunited again.

Application: As you have worked through this lesson, listened to the story I wonder has God been speaking to you personally? Is there an old sin, perhaps it too is linked w/your family, parents, siblings, children, or not w/them but w/others; neighbors, past co-workers; maybe it’s a sin against God, pushed it as far away as you can, this week you’ve had a hard time not thinking about it. Has God given you a need, on-going need, a famine to bring you back into fellowship w/them and Him? Maybe you’ve recently experienced an injustice God is allowing you to experience what it’s like to be on the receiving end of suffering to see your own sin. Are you facing solitude prison of sorts, loneliness, illness, God wants you to grow closer to Him, escape the slavery to things, people, places, depend only on Him. Maybe you’ve gone through something recently that has really shaken you self-confidence, you feel weak, discouraged, God wants you in the depth of your being to find confidence in Him, His ways alone. Tough times are not always proof of past sin, wrong theology. But if tough times have come into your life, God has allowed it- He has a purpose. Maybe it’s to cause you to look back, examine your heart, is there some hidden sin you’re guilty of- maybe you have been like Judah, Reuben, brothers- God is awakening your conscience- Confess it, repent, don’t carry it any longer. Or Perhaps you’ve been wronged like Joseph, ask have you fully forgiven? Not enough to say “I forgive you” saw the 4 promises in your lesson: (list them). What acts of kindness have you shown to that person who wronged you?

God’s aim for our families, us is the same-reconciliation, restoration, devotion, love. Bible is realistic:

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

The brothers return home, tell Jacob about Joseph, he is convinced and packs up to go see his son, regardless of cost

II. Jacob travels to Egypt. Genesis 46:1-47:12

A. Meets with God Genesis 46:1-27

Jacob stops in Beersheba to worship God, this is as far south as you can go within the Promised Land, boundary line, also family history here, Abraham, Isaac lived here, worshiped here. In the night God comes to Jacob READ Genesis 46:3,4 For anyone on the verge of a major decision, it’s good to go to Beersheba, seek God’s will, His direction, remember God will be w/you not only in your Egypt but wherever He send

You don’t have to be afraid either, because

Truth: Security is not the absence of danger but it’s in the Will of God. John 11:9

B. Meets with Joseph. READ Genesis 46:28

I love airport meetings, I love to watch people reunite, embrace, weepy too, especially seeing our service men/women come home, this is the best airport meeting ever, Jacob and his son Joseph after 20 years READ Genesis 46:29,30. For Jacob this reunion was the impossible dream he had, the dream of seeing Joseph alive again. For Joseph this is was the one person who had always loved him unconditionally one person always count on. This was more than a family reunion, it was proof that God’s revealed plans and purposes would come true in the family of the covenant. This story reminds us of a family reunion awaiting us. We don’t know exactly when it will happen but Paul tells us there is coming a day when all believers who have ever lived throughout time will be reunited w/Christ when he comes for us. READ I Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Just as there is a list of 70 names of family members who are reunited in Egypt, there is a list of names of all God’s family who will be at the heavenly reunion, Book of Life = Rev 20:12-15. Are you sure your name is written on that list? If not, talk, call me, Peggy.

C. Meets with Pharaoh

Before they could get settled in Goshen, Joseph’s relatives had to be formally presented to Pharaoh. Picture the scene, relatively uncultured nomadic shepherds being introduced at the White House. Joseph prepares them the best he can, Pharaoh is so gracious to them receives Jacob’s blessing.

READ Genesis 47:11,12…just as God had planned…

Ending: Whether God gives you a little pop quiz or a long end of the year final exam I pray that you will trust His good plans for you, believe His love for you, allow Him to change your life too.

© The Biblical Studies Foundation (www.bible.org)              Winter 2001

Homework questions are available in the student study guide which may be downloaded from the "Related Media" box on the series home page: bible.org/series/patriarchs

Welcome to a study focused on the lives of the Patriarchs: Isaac, Jacob and Joseph who we call “Covenant Keepers.” The Patriarch Abraham’s life is covered in another study I have written.

 These Patriarchs of the nation Israel were descendants of Abraham, uniquely called by God to pass on the faith to the next generation of believers in the One True God. They remained faithful to the Covenant, overcoming obstacles and threats of assimilation and annihilation often waiting years for God to fulfill His Promises, in His timing, to them.

This study provides daily questions, audio and/or manuscript teaching, PowerPoint and handouts. It can be used for individual or group settings. A disclaimer: my manuscripts are not word perfect. Instead they are a model for you of what my notes look like when I’ve finished my study. I do not read them as I lecture but I create the manuscript so I can return to them at a later date. Use any and all parts of this material to study and/or teach to others.

My hope and prayer for you as you read and study is that you will see yourself as part of God's great narrative, His Story of Grace and Redemption. You will identify with the ups and downs of these ancient people of faith, learning to trust and believe in the One True God.

Blessings and love, Dianne

Note: The accompanying student study guide (with homework questions) for the entire series may be downloaded in the "Related Media" box to the right. The PowerPoint, Audio, and WordDocs may be downloaded on each page.

Did you have company over the summer? Summer is often when friends, family visit

Years ago when we first moved to Florida an hour from Disney and we had company all the time. Joke. Cartoon- woman on the phone, how nice you’d like to plan a visit come see us, but I’m so sorry, whenever you come, I know we’re going to be out of town. Company coming can stir up all kinds of feelings: depending on who is coming we can feel anything from dread to great excitement.

I wonder what the believers in Rome felt when they got a letter saying Paul was coming? How would you feel? We really don’t know, but we do know what the letter - that’s our study this fall.

OUTLINE:

I. Background of Romans

II. Book of Romans

A. Salutation Romans 1:1-17

B. Sin Romans 1:18-3:20

C. Salvation Romans 3:21-5:21

D. Sanctification Romans 6-8

E. Sovereignty Romans 9-11

F. Service Romans 12-16

III. Blessings of Romans

I. Background - Question Lady

A. WHO? (Romans 1:1) Paul was author. Dictated letter to his secretary, Tertius (TUR shihuhs) (Romans 16:22). Common to many of his letters. To WHOM (Romans 1:7) group of believers=those that love God called “saints” in Rome= church, made up of Jew and Gentiles. HOW did the church get started? If Paul had never traveled there, how? ONE tradition is that Peter founded it. Another possibility is that according to Acts 2:10 there were pilgrims from Rome present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, perhaps some of them were part of the 3000 that believed and when they returned to Rome they started gathering together. A third possibility is that they were Christians from other cities that had moved to Rome, perhaps even some of Paul’s converts from other churches.

Even though Paul has not yet traveled to Rome he knows a lot of believers in Rome, something we need to remember as we read this letter, personal letter in many aspects. Romans 16. (read names)

B. WHAT? “Masterpiece” Uniqueness is not for telling a different gospel or new teaching but for spelling out the ABCs of the faith is a clear, logical understandable manner.

C. WHEN? WHERE? Less easy to answer. Clues from Romans 16, Acts 18. Reasonably sure he wrote from city of Corinth during his 3 month stay on 3rd missionary journey (MAP). If that’s true it’s probably sometime between 55-58AD.

D. WHY? Many

1. Personal - eager to preach (Romans 13,15) longing for many years (Romans 15:23). Acts 19:21 “I must see Rome” but never been to Rome, this would introduce him to them.

2. Theological - Great desire to systematically explain the gospel of Jesus Christ. Growing opposition to Paul’s ministry. Holy Spirit had been warning him that in every city he would face prison and hardship (Acts 20:23). He must have seen danger in his future and perhaps wanted to compile this while he could. In Romans we see pieces of Galatians, parts of letters to the Corinthians, Thessalonians, in Romans all laid out in order. Paul’s life message, his doctoral thesis.

3. Financial - Paul’s vision for Christ was world-wide, challenged to bring the gospel to Spain (end of known world) Romans 15:24. Hoped to arouse an interest in supporting his next missionary trip.

4. Instructional - Paul doesn’t deal with local church problems like in other letters but he does include some very practical aspects of Christian living Romans 12-16.

Conclusion: we’ve answered some questions regarding the background of this book and you may be asking at this point..SO WHAT

Why should we bother with background stuff? Why important, let’s just get into the book. Wrestled with that question Two reasons:

Credibility – knowing that Paul is the author immediately gave this letter credibility with the early church and is the reason it was included in the canon

(Council of Carthage 397AD one test=authority of writer, apostle/have apostle backing)

Interpretation - background information is invaluable because of our hermeneutic = the method or way we interpret the meaning of Scripture. Our hermeneutic, our way = literal, grammatical, historical= what did this letter mean to the original audience, how would they have understood it? Knowing who, what, where, why all help us interpret and understand this letter. Seek to determine what was cultural for that time and what is timeless for all times, what does it mean to us today.

QUESTION I need to ask you, good question at the start of a new study.

What’s your opinion of this book? Do you think it’s true? All of it? Parts of it? Is it reliable? Can you trust it? Do you believe it?

No matter how you answered this question, listen, you are welcome here. You are welcome to study, ask questions, express doubts, confusion or frustration. Our hope is that everyone that is here will feel safe and welcome to express differences of opinion and belief. However I think it’s fair to tell you where I stand. I believe this bible is truth, its truths are to teach us how to live in right relationship with God. What do you believe?

II. Book

3 weeks ago Plane flying 30,000 ft, weeks ahead ground level walking thru verse by verse 16 chapters today brief overview…

JEWS AND GENTILES IN THE AUDIENCE….. (world divided in 2, either a Jew or a Gentile)

Paul having a conversation with himself: Game of Jeopardy: given the answer and you have to ask the question. Evident that Paul at times is answering questions that you his readers might have or ones that he has been asked before from other people.

A. Salutation (Prologue) - Romans 1:1-17

Greetings (Romans 1:1-7) verse one “gospel of God” God has good news. He promised in Old Testament send a Messiah, Redeemer for sins of mankind, promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ who came to earth as a

Jew, died, rose again, saves all who trust in Him. Romans 1:8-15 Thanksgiving for you and your faith, praying for you and want to come see you. I feel an obligation to come and preach in Rome (READ Romans 1:16,17) Paul was gripped by the gospel, whole life was committed to it. Has the gospel in gripped you? Do you ever feel ashamed to be known as a Christian? Paul’s single focus on the gospel is going to challenge all of us.

B. Sin - Romans 1:18-3:20

Gospel is “righteousness of God” but Paul shifts to the “unrighteousness of man” because until one knows that he/she is a sinner, she cannot appreciate her need of a Savior. The rest of this section makes 3 statements that together prove all people are sinners and need Jesus Christ.

Gentile World is Guilty (Romans 1:18-32) Wrath of God poured out. Why? Paul explains. Human history begins with mankind knowing God but then turning away from truth and rejecting God. Paul says “your problem is you’ve distorted things. What things? First you’ve distorted conscience (Romans 1:19). Second distorted creation (Romans 1:20). You began to worship the created things instead of the Creator – all around you is proof that a powerful being took nothing and made something where did this begin? Anthropology shows that people groups all over the world have worshiped created beings, sun, moon stars instead of the one true God. Consequence= third, distorted your own person, your own sexuality (Romans 1:24-28). Truth, often the greatest judgment God can inflict on us is to let us have our own way.

Jewish World is Guilty (Romans 2:1-3:8) Jews have been clapping. You’re not any better than they are. You’ve had the law but have you kept it? Judging others but what about your own life? You’ve been well instructed but trusting in rituals to save you instead of the promises of God.

Whole World is Guilty (Romans 3:9-20)

Paul takes an X ray of typical person, sin from head to feet. Sin with your throat, tongue, mouth, all the way to your feet that are swift to shed blood. Romans 3:23 ALL sinned come short of the glory of God. Everyone who has ever lived has sinned and needs Jesus.

Application: in our culture we don’t even like this word sin much less being told we are all sinners. I think it’s much more politically correct to say I’m a good person who occasionally makes mistakes. Paul says all have sinned=Have you ever confessed that you’re a sinner? bad news but he pushes on to tell us the good news: Romans 3:22

C. Salvation - Romans 3:21-5:21

Righteousness by faith? Not works, not the law, not rituals, in fact Paul says righteousness has always been by faith, gives perfect example = Abraham. Even the father of the Jews was declared righteous by his faith, before circumcision, before the law was given. Results: believers have priceless spiritual blessings: peace with God, access to Him, joy, hope love, His Spirit within us.

Some of you are sitting out there thinking:

If my sin has been taken care of by God’s grace, now it really doesn’t matter how I live, keep on sinning, grace can keep on covering it right?

D. Sanctification - Romans 6-8

Romans 6: NO WAY (Romans 6:2) If you think that way you haven’t understood your baptism or your conversion. Trusting Jesus means a whole new way of living. You’ve died to sin, we have a new allegiance, we can deliberately and consciously choose to free ourselves from sin, it is no longer our master, we have given ourselves to God, He is our new master. Dead to sin and alive to Christ (Romans 6:11).

Romans 7: OK Paul that raises some questions about the law. Are you for it or against it? Paul says “yes and no” If you think it’s a legal system of good works to gain acceptance by God like the Galatian church= NO. But if you understand its purpose was to reveal sin (Romans 7:7), lead us to a savior, show us God’s holiness, give us a moral standard of living=YES. To tell you the truth, this new allegiance to God through Jesus has created quite a struggle in my own life (Romans 7:15-20 READ) can anyone here relate to this? Truthful reality so glad Paul shared. I’m a Christian, but I’m still in this human body living in a fallen world, I struggle to do right. When I choose to live for myself (walking in the flesh) I do want I don’t want to do. I don’t really like that part - I want a perfectly sinless life - not going to happen here on planet earth. God has promised us grace not perfection. Here we are going to struggle to live this new life but there is more good news

Romans 8: It is possible to live a righteous, godly life by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-5). In Christ, we have help in our struggles, in surrendering our self-centeredness. The rest of the chapter Paul tells us there isn’t anything that God has made that in the last day will fail to fulfill its intended purpose except those rebellious to His call. God loves his world - not just people - all of creation, all creation is waiting for Christ’s return = Cosmic redemption (Romans 8:21). Paul encourages us, says there is purpose for everything that happens in our lives. God is working everything for good, for those that love him, called to his purposes. Nothing absolutely nothing can ever separate us from His love.

Application: Probably several here that are feeling like life is just too much, a struggle to keep going. Trying to do the right thing and the opposite is happening. Paul would say, don’t give up, consider giving in. Lay everything down, let Holy Spirit take control and pray “Lord I give up trying to work this out, I’m tired of failure after failure, teach me how to be controlled by the Spirit and not myself and Lord, do whatever you want with this situation. We acknowledge we have this help when we sing “The same power that conquered the grave, lives in me” Do you believe that? Would you trust God to help?

E. Sovereignty - Romans 9-11

Believers are secure with God, what about the Jewish nation, the people of God, all the promises God made to them? As a whole, the nation has not accepted Jesus as Messiah, so what happens to them? How does the God’s acceptance of Gentile believers fit into God’s plan?

OK I’ll tell you. Romans 9 - God is not obligated to anyone, but He sovereignly chose Israel because of His grace and love (Deut 7:6-8). Chosen for a purpose=reveal God to a pagan world. Why did they reject Christ? Romans 10:2 my brothers, the Jews, have a zeal for God, but they stumbled over Messiah (Romans 9:33) Why? Interested in keeping the Law, good works blind to see God’s goodness in Christ, did not hear, did not seek. What about the future? Romans 11 - Gentiles, be assured that there’s always been a remnant that has truly loved God, even though the nation has rejected Messiah this rejection is temporary (READ Romans 11:25-26) What all Israel will be saved. YES WHEN? Silence, doesn’t tell us.

APPLICATION: something here we need to remember amidst the Tension in Middle east, probably will be until Messiah come back, not making a political statement, but a theological one= Romans teaches that GOD has not forgotten Israel, one day, all Israel will be saved.

F. Service (Practical) - Romans 12-16

Therefore (transition) in light of all the doctrinal truths, all that we believe, now how to we live it out? What does the righteousness of God look like on a daily basis? How am I to be different from the world I live in? Paul answers by looking at our relationships: ourself; others; in the church; enemies; government; those who disagree with us. Wraps it up the guiding principle: Live as Jesus, imitate Him, look like Him, love like Him, be Christ to others.

III. Blessing Of Romans

What kind of blessing are we talking about? Next 9 wks.

Historical letter=Romans 1st century, some that provide academic interest

Doctrinal letter- masterpiece, tool to understand the Christian faith

Personal letter=to you and me expounding truths, giving abundant application transforming us I believe that’s how God planned it to be. PRAY Romans 16:25-27.

Homework questions are available in the student study guide which may be downloaded from the "Related Media" box on the series home page: bible.org/series/romans-embracing-and-living-out-gospel-grace

Do you ever get tired of repetition? Same thing over and over? Certainly when you go to the gym do all your reps again and again, think about making dinner - how many times can we have spaghetti?, alarm goes off say another day- dressed and go to work. That’s the nature of repetition. I have to admit to you, reading Paul in Romans at times seems to me a little repetitious, sometimes I say, I’ve already read that. Why? So yesterday when I picked up this months’ Christianity Today I was captured by this article that answered my question. Article is with classical scholar and professor, Sarah Ruden written a new book titled Paul Among the People: The apostle reinterpreted and reimagined in his own time...read article

Outline:

I. Doctrine of Justification Romans 3:21-31

A. Apart from Law

B. Available to All

C. Apart from Achievements

II. Illustration of Justification Romans 4:1-25

A. Abraham

B. David

C. Us

III. Benefits of Justification Romans 5:1-21

A. New Relationship with God

B. New Understanding of Suffering

C. New Position in Christ

I. Doctrine Of Justification - Romans 3:21-31

A. Apart from the Law (Romans 3:21) “but now”=contrast word, “now”=time since Christ has come. “Righteousness of God” right standing with God has been manifested (Romans 3:22) thru faith in Jesus Christ, separate from law. Paul had been devout Pharisee, raised believing he was righteous thru keeping law. Zealous, committed to traditions of the fathers, Damascus Road - met Jesus Christ radically changed him. He saw that when Jesus Christ confronts us with good news of salvation, he does not hand us another list for us to keep, another set of rules, offers us a new relationship apart from the law.

B. Available to all who believe (Romans 3:22-26) “no distinction” last week “all have sinned” Jews, Gentiles, all guilty before Holy God. We all fall short of His perfection. God Himself has taken the initiative=offers acceptance to anyone and everyone as a gift, totally undeserved, but totally available to all who trust in Jesus Christ. Way he has done this is thru Christ’s death on the cross. 3 Key Words crucial to understanding

1. Justification (diakioum) Romans 3:24. Declared righteous, to treat, to reckon, to count as righteous, legal term “to acquit” Picture a courtroom, you are the guilty person, committed all kinds of crimes, standing before the judge, deserve dreadful sentence. Because of what Christ has accomplished on the cross - because you believe what Jesus has said about God, you are acquitted, not guilty. “Just-as-if-you-had not sinned”. Justification is God’s righteousness imputed to our account.

2. Redemption (apolutrosis) Romans 3:24 - ransom, redeem, liberate, buy back. Ancient times slave market. Born slaves, prisoners of war. Payment, sum of money buy freedom for slaves. Redeemed from bondage. Illustration here=you were separated from God, bound, enslaved to sin, now bought back. How? Payment=Blood of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9 - “eternal redemption”.

3. Propitiation (hilasterion) NIV=sacrifice of atonement (Romans 3:25) “to appease” OT when you broke law, you brought God a sacrifice –your aim was that the sacrifice would be a substitute, it would turn aside the punishment you deserved, the sacrifice would restore the relationship between you and God. Looking back, we see that animal sacrifices were foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice by Jesus Christ on cross – His sacrifice that atones for sin, forever.

C. Apart from Achievements (Romans 3:27-31) Romans 3:27, 28 LB Then what can we boast about doing, to earn our salvation? Nothing at all. Why? Because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds; it is based on what Christ has done and our faith in him. So it is that we are saved by faith in Christ and not by the good things we do. You can’t keep a profit/loss accounting system with God. You can’t earn your salvation, you can’t brag about how good you are. We shift our focus from what we do to what Christ has done and our trust in Him.

Romans 3:29-31 God is Lord of all, Jews and Gentiles, He accepts anyone who comes to Him by faith.

Truth: Faith in Jesus Christ alone is the way to become justified: to be right with God. It’s a free gift, we don’t earn it, we don’t deserve it, we are asked to receive it by faith.

Application: sounds so simple doesn’t it? You may ask: if this justification is available to everyone as a free gift, don’t have to pay for it, why don’t more people accept it?

1. “Do it my way” world. Don’t like to feel dependent on anyone else, don’t want anyone, even God, telling me how to live my life. I want to choose my own course.

2. “You deserve a break today” world. Main goal= self- satisfaction. Possessions, pleasure, toys, because “you deserve it” selling out to God may mean giving up too much, I don’t want to change my lifestyle.

3. “I can do this myself” world. I believe in God, Jesus Christ, but this grace thing can’t be all there is, I know there must be something more, something I need to do to really merit salvation, surely I’ve got to be a nice person and do good deeds as well as believe in Jesus.

Do any of these categories fit you? Are you trying to find God’s acceptance?

Paul would say: there’s only one way –thru FAITH in Jesus Christ alone.

Seems that he knows that you Jews are still wrestling with this “grace, faith alone” vs. keeping the law, Paul says this is nothing new: looks at roots of our Jewish faith, the life of Abraham/David

II. Illustration Of Justification – Romans 4 Abraham

A. Founder of Hebrew nation “Father of the faith” how was he justified?

1. Justified by faith not good works (Romans 4:1-5) We all know the story of Abraham, called by God to leave home in Ur go to Canaan, God promised 1. nation 2. Land of Israel 3. blessing all nations thru you, big promises, settled at Hebron, troubled, no son, no heir for the promises, feared his servant would be the heir, God said, “no, the promises will come through you, your own child” Genesis 15:6 He believed the Lord and he credited it to him as righteousness.

2. Justified by faith not religious rituals (Romans 4:9-12) circumcision. Paul says let’s take a look at timeline of Abraham’s faith. When (Romans 4:10) did God declare him righteous, before or after circumcision? Genesis 15 = righteous, that is 14 years before Genesis 17. God instituted the rite of circumcision. Already saved why did need to be circumcised? Answer = Romans 4:11. Circumcision was a sign of faith not the source of his faith. This truth takes larger significance; it makes Abraham the spiritual father of all who have faith in God’s word, not just the circumcised Jew. Helps us to shift the emphasis from outward symbols and ceremonies to inward faith and trust. Do you realize there is not any religious ritual, not anything we do or is done to us that makes us righteous in God’s sight, we are justified by our faith alone, just like

3. Justified by faith apart from the law (Romans 4:13-15) contrasts law and grace, key word=Promise. God’s promise to Abraham he would be “heir of the world” (Romans 4:13) that included the promise of Messiah, not given in connection with law or circumcision but by God’s grace alone. Law would be given through Moses 400 years later.

4. Justified by faith despite his circumstances (Romans 4:17-22) this promise that A believed seemed impossible, how could they have a son at their age? A knew God, attributes, his character, his power, God could do anything he wanted to, trustworthy, didn’t matter that he was almost 100yrs, Sarah -90, he believed God could do a miracle (Romans 4:18-21) because God said he would hope against hope he trust.

Application = In your walk of faith, how much of your life is a reaction to your circumstances vs what God has said in His word? Do you look at your life and say this is hopeless, never going to happen, it won’t change, I’m not even going to pray about it. Relationships, finances, career? Abraham believed in a big God who could do great things, keep his promises = counted as righteous.

David justified (Romans 4:5-8) Though viewed from a different perspective, this same truth can be applied to life of King David who when he repented of his sins of adultery and murder, believed that God forgave him. He didn’t have to do penance or any good work to be forgiven, he confessed his sins, trusted God to forgive.

Truth: we are justified, declared forgiven of our sins, righteous by faith, not any good work, religious ritual, family heritage, no it’s faith in Christ alone.

Application: Honestly, what have you been depending on to get to heaven? Faith in Christ, plus baptism, confirmation, communion, church attendance, keeping 10 commandments, golden rule? = all good things, According to Bible, simply faith. John 6:28, 29.

III. Benefits Of Justification - Romans 5

A. New relationship with God (Romans 5:1-2) gifts. a. Peace with God=isn’t that something we all are desiring; b. Access – available to you; c. Rejoicing in hope looking forward to actually becoming all that God has planned for us to be.

B. New understanding of our Suffering (Romans 5:3-5) Don’t let anyone fool you into believing that once you’re a Christian you’re immune from suffering, disaster, tragedies. Paul is clear about that here. Live in a fallen world, no one can be part of this world w/out experiencing tough times. BUT for the Christian we can have a different attitude = we can choose to view our tough times through the lens of faith, we can believe that God is working out all things, for ultimate good, believe that tough times can produce character traits we would never know apart from learning to trust through our tears. This suffering, tough times, can produce perseverance, endurance, hope = assurance that our lives count, assurance against loneliness, assurance that God will never leave us alone, He loves us.

C. New position in Christ (Romans 5:6-21).

While we were still sinner, Christ died for us (Romans 5:9-11) justified by his blood, saved from God’s wrath, reconciled to him when we stop trying to be good enough for God, and simply trust the finished work of Christ.

Paul goes on the compare Adam, the first man with Christ. Great comparison chart on the resources page on website. The Message Romans 5:18ff Here it is in a nutshell, just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life. DO YOU HAVE THAT LIFE? ETERNAL LIFE?

Prayer: I Thessalonians 5:23-28.

Homework questions are available in the student study guide which may be downloaded from the "Related Media" box on the series home page: bible.org/series/romans-embracing-and-living-out-gospel-grace