1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2 In View of the Mercies of God 

vs. 1  Living Sacrifices

·         These two verses are very important!  For some in your group, they may be new and you should make sure to drive home the main points from these verses.  For others, these verses might be so familiar that it is easy to skim over them.  Make sure that they think about them with fresh eyes, thinking through the meaning and importance of each part of the verse. 

·         Therefore: Why is the word “therefore” important?  [No one ever uses the word “therefore” as the first thing they say.  The word “therefore” is used to show the implications of what has previously been said.  This should be obvious, but many times we read the Bible in verses or chapters isolated from the context.  Remember that everything that Paul says here is based on what he wrote before.  This is the implication of the gospel message that Paul has explained in detail for 11 chapters.  With verse 12:1, Paul switches from explanation to application, from doctrine to duty, from belief to behavior.  Remember, our actions should be based on our beliefs, and our beliefs need to result in changed actions.] 

·         I urge you: This isn’t just a suggestion. 

·         Brothers: Christians referred to each other as brothers.  Paul is writing this to believers.  It doesn’t apply to people who do not know the forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ.  Why wouldn’t it make sense for this to apply to nonbelievers? 

·         In view of the mercies of God:

o        What does this say about what our motivation should be for the Christian life?  [The free gift of God’s salvation through the cross of Christ is what motivates Christians to live changed lives.  Grace results in gratitude.] 

o        What are some of the other things that people sometimes use as motivation for godly living?  [Examples: trying to earn our salvation; fear of punishment; guilt; karma; wanting other church people to think well of you; thinking that you have to be good in order for God to love you; etc.] 

o        How would your relationship to God be different if any of these other things was your motivation? 

o        How does “the mercy of God” as a motivation glorify God?

o         If it is true that looking at God’s mercy should motivate us to live the Christian life, how can we do that better?  What does this say about our need to think about the depths of the gospel message every day? 

·         Offer/present: This is a verb, an action word.  This is something we need to do.   

·         Bodies: Influenced by Greek philosophy, many people in the ancient word (and many in today’s world) tend to view our spirits as what is important, and our bodies as unimportant.  However, the Bible views what we do with out bodies as important.  Yes, our outward behavior flows from the heart (Matthew 15:18-19) but it would be wrong to think that the outward behavior of our bodies do not matter to God.  (Remember Romans 6:19) 

·         Living sacrifice:  What does it mean that we should present our bodies as a sacrifice?  [In the ancient world, people were very familiar with sacrifices gives to God or the gods.  In the Old Testament, there were many animal sacrifices that were required.  These sacrifices foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ.  Now, Paul tells us that we should offer up ourselves as sacrifices to God.  When you offer yourself up, you give yourself up to God.  You realize that your life is no longer your own.]  What is the significance of this sacrifice being a living sacrifice?  [Sacrifices were usually killed.  But here we are told to be living sacrifices.  God wants us to live our lives for Him!  Live it out daily!] 

·         Spiritual act of worship: Does this verse say that we worship God by singing?  [No.  It is a mistake that people make today to equate singing with worship.  In this verse, Paul says that living our lives as a sacrifice to God—bring grateful for Christ’s mercy is what true worship is!  Remember that!  Singing can be worship, but real worship is living, not singing.]  The word “spiritual” (logiken) can also mean “reasonable” or “logical.” Paul might be saying that the only reasonable, logical response to God’s great salvation is to offer ourselves completely to God as living sacrifices! 

vs. 2  Transformed, not Conformed

·         Conform: What does it mean to “conform”?  [To conform is to be life a thermometer rather than a thermostat.  A thermostat changes the temperature of the room, but a thermometer changes itself to whatever the temperature of the room is.  What are some ways that people conform to fit the world?  (It is all too easy to do.)] 

·         Any longer: Paul isn’t saying, “Don’t start to conform to the pattern of this world” he says “no longer” conform.  It is tempting for individuals to think they are above being affected by the world’s influence.  Instead, we need to realize that we already have been influenced by the world and pushed its mold.  This means that we need to change.  This also means that we shouldn’t allow any more time to pass before we start transforming.  It is wrong to say, “Yes, I want to start living for Jesus.  I will start next month.”  Don’t conform any longer. 

·         Pattern: The world has a certain way that it wants us to think and act.  Like Jell-o in a mold, the world wants to make us into its image. 

·         This World: This is a reference to everything in the world that is influenced by Satan’s kingdom rather than God’s kingdom. 

·         Transformed: To transform is to change from one thing to another, like a caterpillar to a butterfly, or a yellow Camero to a fighting robot.  (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)  You don’t have to change for God to love you, but because God loves you He wants to change you.  He wants to transform you into something better—what He created you to be.  Notice, we are told to “be” transformed.  God is the one who transformed us.  What is it that He wants to transform us into?  [Hint: remember Romans 8:29.  God’s goal for you as a believer is to transform you to the image of His Son, Jesus.] 

·         By the renewing of your mind:  What does the word “by” mean?  [“By” shows the “means” by which we are transformed.  It shows how we are to be transformed.]  How are we to be transformed?  What is the process?  [By the renewing of our minds.  Our lives are transformed by our thinking.  Our behavior is transformed by our beliefs.]  It is not true that our beliefs don’t matter.  What we really believe—not just what we say we believe—determines how we live.  Can you give some examples?  (There are lots of options)  How would you explain what it means to have your thinking renewed?  [I sometimes explain it this way.  In a computer, one bad line of code can completely change the outcome of a program.  When we believe things that are unbiblical and untrue, those beliefs will play out in our lives.  We have many many bad lines of code!  We need to keep searching through our code, replacing the bad code with the good code from God’s truth—from His Word.  This is the process of spiritual growth that results in changed thinking and changed living.] 

·         God’s will:  Do you want to know what God’s will is?  According to this verse, how can you do that?  [God’s will is God’s desire for our lives.  Finding God’s will is not a matter of looking for signs or following some strange feeling in your stomach.  Finding God’s will is a matter of learning the Bible.  To learn God’s will, we need to absorb the truths that God reveals to us through His Word.  If we ignore the Word, we won’t know God’s will.  Also, in order to know God’s will, we can’t just add God’s truth to our own beliefs; we need to be willing to delete our previous beliefs when we find that they don’t match with God’s truth.  If you are unwilling to do that, you won’t experience the renewal of your mind that leads to worshiping God by living out His will!] 

·         Remember, belief needs to be connected to action.  You don’t apply these verses merely by thinking about them on Wednesday night.  You apply these verses by thinking about them and living them out Thursday, and every day.   

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:3-8 Humility and Service 

vs. 3  Humility

·         3: Our culture tells us that high self-esteem is the answer to most of life’s problems, especially for young people.  Would Paul agree with that?  Do you think there are dangers to our cultures emphasis on self-esteem?  [Romans 3:3 is telling us to have the proper view of ourselves.  We should not think lower or higher of ourselves than what fits reality.  We are made in the image of God and have derived self-worth and dignity because of that.  However Paul specifically focuses on thinking higher of ourselves than we ought.  I think it is safe to say that Paul viewed this as the more common and/or more dangerous problem.  We are all prone to think much more of ourselves than we should.  We need to remember that God is God, and we are not.  We need to remember that Jesus is Lord, and we are not.  We need to remember that we did not bring ourselves into existence and the world does not revolve around us.  We need to remember that we deserve hell because of our sins, not blessings.  Our lives and our salvation have been undeserved gifts given to us by God.  All of the truths that Paul has been teaching us in Romans will help us to have the correct view of ourselves from a Biblical worldview.]  Does God want us to have self-esteem or God-esteem?  What is the difference? 

·         In his small book The Dangerous Duty of Delight, John Piper makes some very wise comments about self-esteem: 

“Pride is the prime evil in the universe.  The Lord leaves no doubt about how He feels about it: ‘Pride and arrogance… I hate’ (proverbs 8:13).  Christian hedonism combats pride because it puts man in the category of an empty vessel beneath the fountain of God.  Philanthropists can boast.  Welfare recipients can’t.  The primary experience of the Christian Hedonist is one of helplessness and desperation and longing.  When a helpless child is being swept off his feet by the undercurrent on the beach and his father sweeps him up just in time, he does not boast; he hugs.” 

·         John Piper goes on to make some very wise comments that show how self-pity is really a symptom of pride. 

“The nature and depth of human pride are illuminated by comparing boasting to self-pity.  Both are manifestations of pride.  Boasting is the response of pride to success.  Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering.  Boasting says, ‘I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much.’  Self-pity says, ‘I deserve admiration because I have suffered so much.’  Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong.  Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak.  Boasting sounds self-sufficient.  Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing.  The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be so needy.  But the need arises from a wounded ego.  It doesn’t come form a sense of unworthiness.  It is the response of unapplauded pride.”

·         3: Commentators differ on what “the measure of faith” God has given us means.  Some think that God has given us each a different measurement of faith.  Others suggest that we are to measure ourselves by the faith God has given us.  But one thing is certain from this verse: this faith is given to us from God, not from ourselves.  If we realize that ultimately even our faith is a gift of God, this surely leads to more humility.  We can’t pat ourselves on the back because we had faith in God and others didn’t.  God gets the glory. 

vs. 4-8  Service

·         4-5: Notice the word “so” at the start of verse 5.  It connects verse 4 and 5.  Explain the flow of thought.  [Each of us has many body parts.  All of our body parts do different things, not the same things.  Still, all of our body parts contribute to the good of the whole body.  In the same way, the church is the body of Christ.  Each of us is like a part of the body.  We do different things, but we all work as a team to contribute to the best interests of the whole.] 

·         Spiritual gifts are discussed in Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4:10-11 and especially 1 Corinthians 12-14.  In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul goes into great detail about the concept of the body of Christ.  Spiritual gifts are special abilities given to Christians by God the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-8.)  These abilities are given “for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7).  The Holy Spirit is the One who determines what gifts we get (1 Cor. 12:11).  Since all genuine Christians have a spiritual gift, the Spirit must give them at the moment of salvation.  Some gifts were given as part of the “foundation” of the church (Eph. 2:20).  Some gifts were obviously supernatural (ex: miracles, prophecy), while others are God supernaturally working through us in ways that seem natural (ex: serving, teaching, encouraging, giving.)  For more about spiritual gifts I recommend the chapters in God in You by David Jeremiah (an easy read), and also Gifts of the Spirit by Richard Baxter (more in-depth.)  Be discerning when reading about spiritual gifts because there are many books on this subject that are based more on people’s interpretations of their experiences than careful interpretation of Scripture. 

·         6-8: There are many things that could be said about spiritual gifts, but what do you think is the one main pint that Paul is trying to make here?  [For Romans 12:6a the ESV reads, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace that is given to us; let us use them: if prophecy…”  (Emphasis added)  I think the main point that Paul is making is that we need to use the gifts God gave us!  God didn’t give us spiritual gifts to sit on; he gave them to us to use.  He gave them to us to serve the body of Christ.  Tools are for work.  Whatever God has given you… start using it!] 

·         6: (Leader: Remember, Paul’s main point is that we should use our gifts.  Don’t let questions about the continuation of certain gifts take too much time away from discussing the passage’s main point.)  There are four main views about the gift of prophecy today.  One view is that prophecy is receiving authoritative and inerrant messages from God, and that this still happens today.  Another view is that prophecy still happens today, but it is more of a “divine nudge” than an authoritative inerrant message.  In this view, prophecy can be wrong.  The third view is that prophecy is receiving authoritative and inerrant messages from God, but that this does not happen anymore today.  In this view, the gift of prophecy was needed during the “foundation” period of the New Testament church (Eph. 2:20) but now that the foundation is complete, this gift is no longer needed.  We rest on the revelation that has been given to us in the Bible, but now that the New Testament is complete, there is no longer a need for this gift.  A fourth view simply sees “prophecy” as preaching the Bible.  See my article “Are there still real prophets today”  for more details.  (My view is that prophecy was for the foundation of the church.) 

·         Notice that only one of the spiritual gifts listed here would be one that we would consider obviously supernatural (prophecy.)  The other gifts listed here (serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and showing mercy) are all gifts that may seem natural, but are really God working through us.  Describe what it would look like to see the rest of these spiritual gifts being used today?  Give several examples.  Why are each of these important for building up the body of Christ?

o        Serving

o        Teaching  (Note: This is communicating God’s truth, not teaching in general.  Teaching math is not a spiritual gift.)

o        Encouraging  (“Exhorting” in the ESV.  Don’t think of this as just self-esteem building.)

o        Giving/Contributing

o        Leading   (Ability to lead and an “official” leadership position are two different things)

o        Showing Mercy 

·         It is important to remember that spiritual gifts were given to us to serve others, not ourselves.  (1 Cor. 12;7; 1 Peter 4:10; Eph. 4:12) 

·         Do you think that you might have one of these gifts in particular?  How do Christians “find” their spiritual gift(s)?  [There are “gift tests” that you can take to try to find your spiritual gifts, but personally, I don’t put much confidence in these.  They are usually based just on what you think you are good at or what you want to do.  Also, if these tests really worked, they would always show non-Christians as has having zero spiritual gifts!   Personally, I think that the two best ways to figure out your spiritual gifts are (a) to have other Christians that know you well let you know what they think your spiritual gifts are.  Sometimes other people see us better than we see ourselves.  (b) Keep trying many different things and see which one you begin to develop a special aptitude for and which ones you find special fulfillment doing.  This is also important because God does not call us to only serve in the area of our giftedness.  Yes, it makes sense to spend a higher percentage of our energy ministering in that way, but there are other things we still need to do.  For example, should only the people with the gift of giving give?  Should only the people with the gift of serving serve?  Should only the parents with the gift of teaching teach their children?  Should only those with the gift of evangelism tell other people about Jesus?] 

·         Remember again, Paul’s main point wasn’t just to talk about spiritual gift, or to find your spiritual gift.  The main point is for you to go out there are use your spiritual gift!

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Romans 12:9-16 Christian Love

vs. 9-13  Love

·         There are many applications here.  But remember, it is one thing to talk about an application; it is another thing to actually do it!  Discuss each of the commands in these verses.  What do each of them mean?  What are ways to live each of these commands out?  (What makes these commands hard?  How can we grow to live these out better?  How is the gospel our basis for living out these commands?)

·         9: Love must be sincere.  (ESV: “Let love be genuine.”)  The word translated sincere literally means “without hypocrisy.”  In Greek, the word hypocrite literally meant “mask wearer.”  It was a reference to the Greek actors who wore masks when they performed.  When we care about other people it needs to be without hypocrisy, without wearing a mask, without false acting, without hidden selfish motives.  Our love should be genuine.

·         9: Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  [This is actually a command to hate!  Christians should hate what God hates.  But remember, God hates sin, but loves people!]

·         10: Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  (ESV: “Love one another with brotherly affection.”)

·         10: Honor one another above yourselves.  What are practical ways to do this?  …in youth group?  …in your family?

·         11: Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  What does it mean to be lacking in zeal?  How do we keep out spiritual fervor—our passion for God?  Also notice that Paul connects passion for God with serving God.  It isn’t right to have passion for God without serving God. 

·         12: Be joyful in hope.  What does the Bible mean by Christian hope?  [Certain expectation of something good.]  If you really believe the things that the Bible promises us for the future, it will give you a joy at the core of your being, even when you are sorrowful.  What is at least one certain-hope that helps you have joy at your core?

·         12: Be… patient in affliction.  Our certain-hope helps us endure hardships.

·         12: Be… faithful in prayer.  (ESV: “Be consistent in prayer.”)  Prayer keeps us dependent on God and connected to Him.  Being consistent in prayer, focusing on God’s promised certain-hope, is needed to get you through the hard times.

·         13: Share with God’s people who are in need.  This verse is specifically focusing on helping our brothers and sisters in Christ when they are in need.  Paul says something similar in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  We should help all people, but especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.

·         13: Practice hospitality.  What are examples of practicing hospitality?  What are examples of ways that you can/should practice hospitality?

vs. 14-16  Living in harmony

·         14: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  What does it mean to “bless” those who persecute you?  [Notice that Paul uses the word bless as the opposite of curse.  To curse someone is to wish bad upon them.  The opposite of this would be to wish good upon them.  We should pray for the good of our enemies, especially that they would come to salvation, forgiveness, and restoration in Jesus Christ.]

·         15: Rejoice with those who rejoice.  When a friend gets something good that you wanted, how do you react?  (Ex. A part in a play, a position in band, a good paying joy, etc.)  This can be a real test of our level of self-centeredness.  If we really love people, we will be happy when good things happen to them.  If you are jealous and mad when good things happen to a friend, you are acting out of self-love rather than Christ-like love. 

·         15: Mourn with those who mourn.  Notice that there is a place for rejoicing and a place for mourning.  This verse does not mean that we should commiserate with our friends if they are indulging in unhealthy self-pity.  (Joining with a friend in a “gripe session” may make them like you more, but it is often not a good thing for them in the long run.)  But this verse does mean that we should feel our friends’ pain with them when they are going through hard time.  In times of tragedy, true friends sit with their friends and hurt with them.  This is better than being glib and trying to cheer them up, or trying to cure their pain with the “right answers.”  Tragedy hurts, even with the right answers.  Mourn with them.

·         16: Live in harmony with one another.  Don’t live your life “clashing” with other people.  Don’t cause discord.

·         16: Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position.  (ESV: “Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.”)  Popular opinion says that your status is determined by whom you choose to hang out with.  Aren’t you glad that Jesus didn’t live that way?  What are some examples of the many ways we need to live out this command?

·         16: Do not be conceited.  Do not be self-focused.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Romans 12:17-21 & 13:1-7 God’s Vengeance & Human Government 

vs. 12:17-21  Vengeance is the Lord’s

·         17: Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  If we repay evil for evil, we double it. 

·         17: Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  (ESV: “Give thought to do what is honorable in sight of all.”)  Does this mean that we are supposed to become “people-pleasers?”  If not, what does it mean? 

·         18: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  God wants us to be peacemakers.  Paul recognizes that it is not always completely up to us to make peace.  But are we doing everything we can to live in peace with others?  What are practical ways to do that?  [listening, choosing to forgive, choosing to overlook some offenses, not overreacting, caring about others, putting their needs first…]  Recommended reading on this topic: Peacemaker by Ken Sandee. 

·         19: Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath.  Why does Paul say to leave room for God’s vengeance?  Who’s right is it to avenge?  How does remembering that God will avenge evil help you to refrain from taking revenge?  [God is not saying to simply let evil go unpunished.  He will make sure that proper vengeance is dealt again those who deserve it.  Hitler did not escape vengeance by committing suicide.  We have to trust God that He will deal with evildoers.  It will glorify God when you trust Him enough to leave these matters to His hands.] 

·         Also, as we will see in chapter 13, God has appointed the government to be one of His agents to punish evil.  It is important to remember that God gives certain responsibilities to the government that are different from the expectations He gives to individuals.  For example, it is one thing for the United States to wage war, it is another thing for a private individual to take matters into his own hands. 

·         20: What does the quote in verse 20 tell us to do?   

·         20: What does it mean that this will “heap burning coals on his head”?  [When I was in high school I remember a girl in my youth group explaining this verse as meaning that when people are mean to us, we can smile and be nice to them and this really makes them mad.  However, I have a hard time thinking that Paul meant that we are supposed to give people a sarcastic smile just to tick them off.  Some people suggest that this passage means that our kindness to our enemies will increase their suffering in the afterlife.  There might be some truth to this, but I still think there might be a better explanation.  Remember in Isaiah 6:6-7 when an angel symbolically touched a burning coal to Isaiah’s lips to cleanse him of sin.  Therefore, I think the most fitting explanation is that our acts of kindness to our enemies will help them come to repentance and forgiveness.] 

·         21: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

vs. 13:1-7  Submission to Government

·         1: Verse 1 is about submission in general.  We are called to submit to whatever authority God has placed over us.  This is also what Paul meant in Ephesians 5:21 when he said “submit to one another.”  Paul did not mean that everyone submits to everyone else in the same way.  For example, he did not mean that parents are supposed to submit to their children.  What Paul did mean is that we all have people we are supposed to submit to.  (Eph. 5:22-6:9 talks about submission between wives and their husbands, children and parents, and servants and masters.  Hebrews 13:17 mentions submission to church leaders.  Romans 13 discuses submission to governmental authorities.)  Our culture dislikes any idea of authority and submission, but God’s Word requires it.  Further, Romans 13:1 affirms that authority structures are not merely human inventions, but were established by God.   

·         3: Do people mind a police officer being around if they are not breaking any laws?  [No.  People only mind police officers if they are breaking a law.  When we are obeying the law, we are glad to have the police around to deal with the people who are breaking laws.]  Application: Obey the laws of the land! 

·         What if man’s law and God’s law contradict each other?  Read the account in Acts 4:1-22, especially verse 19.  How does this passage help answer this question?  [We need to obey man’s law unless it contradicts God’s law.  If you need to break man’s law in order to obey God, that is what you need to do, even if there are consequences.  However, make sure that civil disobedience is accompanied by Christ-like love.] 

·         4: Paul calls the government “God’s servant.”  The authorities are established by God to maintain order and provide for the safety of their citizens.   

·         4: What did Paul means when he wrote about the government bearing the ‘sword”?  [After mentioning “the sword” Paul went on to say that the government is “God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”  The government is authorized by God to punish criminals.  In fact, they are even authorized to use the death penalty when needed.  That is what the reference to “the sword” means.  Genesis 9:6 clearly states that anyone who murders a fellow man is subject to death because they have murdered someone created in the image of God.  Murder is the unauthorized taking of another human life.  State executions are not technically murder because God has given them this authority.  The death penalty is designed to show how much God values human life.  Nonetheless, God does not want innocent people accidentally executed and required two eyewitnesses before the verdict of execution could be carried out.  Also, this authority was given to the governing authorities, not to private citizens to take justice into their own hands. (Remember Romans: 12:19.)] 

·         Do you think these verses only apply to perfect governments?  Are we free to ignore these verses if we think that our government is imperfect?  (What was the government like when Paul wrote this?  Was it a good “Christian” government?  [No!  Paul wrote this while the Roman Empire was the authority.] 

·         It is important also to remember that God will hold the leaders accountable for their actions.  God is not giving leaders a blank check to govern as tyrants.  They will be held responsible by God.  In a democracy, we elect our leaders.  That means that in a real sense, the people are the head of the government.  This means that you will be held responsible for how you did your part!  Did you vote responsibly or not?   

·         I don’t think that people can use these verses to say that the decisions of human leaders are always God’s will.  There is a difference between God’s sovereign will and His moral will.  God’s sovereign will includes everything that happens, good or bad.  God’s moral will only includes the commands and principles that God wants us to obey.  For example, God’s sovereign will included the killing of Jesus, even thought that was sin for the people who did it (Acts. 2:23).  An example of God’s moral will would be 1 Thessalonians 4:3 or any of God’s commands.  Therefore, while it might be in God’s sovereign plan for someone in authority to be in power (at least for the moment) it does not mean that every decision they make pleases God.  It is never God’s will for leaders to break God’s will.

8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Romans 13:8-14 Living in Love and Light

vs. 13:8-10  The Debt to Love One Another

·         8: What does this verse have to say about financial debt?  Is it a good thing?  [No.  God wants people to be financially responsible.  How can you have resources to share if you get yourself in debt pleasing yourself?]  What is the one kind of debt that is God is commanding us to pay?  [Our debt to love each other.]

·         8: Why does Paul say that we have a “debt” to love one another?  In what was is it a debt?  (Who do we owe the debt to?)  [We owe the debt to God, but we pay it to other people.  Jesus paid the price that we could never pay, and our salvation is completely by His free gift of grace.  If we act like we’ve earned it, we mock God.  However, if we realize that we are sinners who have been saved and made new, not by our good works or effort, but by God’s grace and mercy, that truth will humble us.  As it has been said, evangelism is like one beggar telling another where to find food.  On the other hand, if we don’t live in love to others, we hold the belief that we are more important and better than other people, denying the implications of salvation by grace.]

·         8: Why does Paul say that it is a “continuing” debt?  [We never finish.]

·         8: Sometimes Christians will say, “God has been good to me and I want to do good things to pay Him back.”  Is that a good attitude to have?  Why or why not?  [Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you “pay God back” for His goodness to you.  That is not something that you can do!  Yes, we serve God as a grateful response for what He did for us, but not to pay Him back so that we are “even.”  God’s grace is a gift, not a loan.  Respond with a thankful and loving heart, but not to settle accounts.  Accept the fact that you will always be in debt to Him!”]

·         9-10: How does loving other people fulfill each of the Ten Commandments?  (Notice, the last commandments are more direct and obvious than the first few.  However, the first few are the root for all the others.  Feel free to discuss them in any order.)

1.       You shall have no other gods before Me.  [We will not truly love other people if we do not love God most of all.  We won’t lead people to the ultimate treasure if we don’t think that God is the ultimate treasure.]

2.       You shall not make for yourself an idol. 

3.       You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

4.       Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.

5.       Honor your mother and father.

6.       You shall not murder.

7.       You shall not commit adultery.

8.       You shall not steal.

9.       You shall not give false witness (lie).

10.   You shall not covet anything your neighbor has.

·         9-10: Note: There have been some people who have written ethics books teaching love is the only ethic, so if we do the loving thing for another person, it is always right.  If having sex with someone is showing them love, then it is okay.  If it is a loving thing for someone to have an abortion, then that is okay.  This is often called situational ethics because it is up to each person to determine the loving thing in each unique situation.  Is this right?  [We should always act in love, but the problem is that without God’s truth, we aren’t going to know what really is the truly loving thing for other people!   Otherwise, will end up doing something for people that they might like and appreciate, but isn’t really love.  It might make them feel better, but not in the long run, especially considering eternity.  It isn’t love for a parent to give their kid candy for every meal.  It isn’t love for a parent to never discipline their kids.  It isn’t love to sleep with your girlfriend before you are married.  It isn’t love to tell someone that their sin is okay in the eyes of God.  It isn’t love to let a friend go to hell rather than talk to them about Jesus.  You cannot truly love unless you know the Bible and agree with it!  Maybe here and there we might get it right, but without God’s direction, we will not do what is best for people in the long run.]

·         9-10: Note: When God’s Word says to love your neighbor as yourself, it is assuming that you love yourself.  And it is assuming correctly.  I need to point this out because I have heard people use this command as an excuse to tell people to work on loving themselves more.  This can lead to a lot of sin.  Let me suggest that we all love ourselves.  We may hate things about ourselves, but we love ourselves.  We may feel guilty and vile, but we want those feelings to go away because we love ourselves.  Even when someone commits suicide it is because they love themselves and would rather escape than deal with life.  Now, there are times when people need to grow in healthy self-confidence, and there are times when people need to accept certain things about themselves, but this is different from what people often mean when they talk about loving themselves.  It is much more important to focus on your God-esteem and your God-confidence. 

vs. 13:11-14  The Day is Almost Here

·         11: Remember, salvation has a past aspect, a present aspect, and a future aspect.  If you have put your full trust in the Lord Jesus for your eternal salvation, then you have been saved from the penalty of sin, you are being saved from the power of sin, and you will be saved from the presence of sin.  Our salvation has been initiated, but is not yet complete.  When will it be complete?  [When Jesus returns.  (Not just when we die.)]

·         11-12: We don’t know when Jesus will return (Mt. 24:42-44; 1 Thes. 5:2), but every day is one day closer!

·         12: Notice the word “so” in verse 12.  What is the purpose of that word?  [It is telling us that because our final day of salvation is drawing closer, there is a way we need to respond!  As it is said, Scripture is given for our transformation, not just our information.]  According to verse 12, what is the way we should respond to the knowledge that The Day is close at hand?  [Put aside—take off—deeds of darkness, and clothe yourself with the armor of light.  Paul is using a darkness/light metaphor as well as a clothing metaphor.  Take off the clothes of darkness and evil, but don’t be a spiritual nudist!  Put on the armor of light—a good heart and acts of love.]

·         13: What are the “deeds of darkness” that Paul mentions in this verse?  What are the things we are supposed to “take off”  i.e. stop doing?  What do each of these mean? 

o        Orgies

o        Drunkenness

o        Sexual immorality

o        Debauchery  (ESV: Sensuality) 

o        Dissention (ESV: Quarreling)

o        Jealousy

·         14: What does it mean to clothe your self with Jesus Christ?  [Paul is talking to people who have already believed (13:11), so I don’t think he is mainly talking about accepting credit for the righteousness of Christ for our salvation.  That is something they had already done.  I think Paul is talking about the process of becoming more Christ-like in every aspect of our life.]

·         14: Paul also says to “do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”  The ESV translates it, “make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”  What do you think this command means?  Why is it important?  What are specific practical ways to obey this instruction from God?  [Not only do we sin a lot, we also spend a lot of time thinking about how to sin.  Let’s face it, we often plan to sin.  We prepare to sin.  Often, we at least leave the door open for sin so that we can go through it later.  We tell ourselves that we just accidentally fell into the sin, but in reality there was a part of us that was hoping it would happen.  You need to plan not to sin or you will sin.  Examples: People go to bad parties, and are surprised that they did bad things.  A guy doesn’t guard his entertainment choices and he is surprised when he views things he shouldn’t view.  A couple gets alone on a romantic date and are surprised when they go to far.  Sometimes we do these things because we are (sinfully) foolish.  And sometimes we do them because we are secretly planning on sinning.  Instead, don’t give sin an opportunity.]

5One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

9For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. 14As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Romans 14:1-23 Disputable Matters

vs. 1-12  Do not look down on your brother

·         Introduction: Paul has been discussing how to live out the Christian life as a response to the salvation that Christ has freely given us through His sacrifice on the cross.  One of the main ways that we live out the Christian life is by loving others.  We are in debt to God, but we continuously “pay it back” to other people.  (13:8)  But what happens when a Christian has a disagreement with another Christian about what actions are permitted?  That is what Paul is dealing with here.  Specifically, he mentions the issues of eating food which might have been sacrificed to an idol, and the keeping of sacred days.  Now, these might not be issues that you deal with very much, but there are very important principles here that will help us deal with other disputed matters in our world today, especially those that we would call “gray areas.”  Gray areas are questions that the Bible has not spoken clearly about.  God is a good communicator, so when he chooses to speak on an issue, He is able to make it very clear.  Not everything that people say is a gray area really is a gray area!  Too many people claim that certain things are gray areas that really are not gray areas.  They do this, not because the Bible is unclear, but because they don’t like what the Bible says about the issue.  Don’t fall into the common way of thinking that says that anything that is disputed is a legitimate gray area or unimportant.  If that were the case, then everything from the deity of Christ, to the truth of salvation would be considered a gray area!   It is helpful to notice the difference between Biblical absolutes, personal convictions, and preferences.

o        Biblical Absolutes: Standards for right and wrong that are specifically stated in Scripture. Specific portions of the Bible deal with these issues directly. They are always right or wrong for all people at all times in all situations and all cultures. These are black and white issues.  Examples: murder, adultery, stealing, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, getting drunk, etc. 

o        Personal Convictions: Personal standards that are based on Biblical truths, principles, and values. The Bible doesn’t specifically address these things, but we can apply principles from the Bible to them. They are based on one’s current understanding of God’s truth and may change over time, especially as one’s understanding of God’s Word changes. These are “gray areas.”  Examples: smoking, drinking, movies, dancing, some uses of money, secular music, etc. 

o        Preferences: These are a matter of personal taste and choice. They should be considered non-moral. They have no (legitimate) Scriptural basis and simply reflect the likes or dislikes of each person. (These are not black or white issues or gray areas.  Examples: style of music, favorite color, etc.

·         1: The main point here is accepting others whose faith is weak concerning gray areas.  As we go through this passage, look for reasons why we should accept them.

·         2-3: In gentile cities in the ancient world, much of the meat that people bought from the market had first been used as a sacrifice to the false gods in the temples.  Oftentimes, there was no way to know.  Therefore, many early Christians did not want to eat any meat because it reminded them of their old ways worshipping the pagan gods.  Christian that had been Jews would also have been easily offended by this too.

·         4: In verse 4, Paul gives the first reason why we should not look down on each other in matters such as this.  What is it?  [God is our master.  We will give an account to Him.  It doesn’t make sense to judge someone else’s servant.]

·         5-6: Another gray area in Paul’s day concerned which days to keep as holy.  Originally, the Jewish Sabbath was not Sunday, but Friday night at sundown through Saturday night at sundown.  However, the early Christians started to worship instead on Sunday because that is the day that the Lord rose from the dead.  (That is why it started to be called “the Lord’s day.”)  There is nowhere in the Bible that specifically says that worship is now changed to Sunday instead of Saturday.  In addition, the Apostles taught that (at least much of) the Law of Moses has fulfilled it’s purpose and was no longer binding on Christians.  (We can now eat ham, etc.)  So, there was debate about the day of worship.  As Paul says, one Christian might think that one day was more sacred than other, but another Christian might consider them all alike (hopefully, viewing them all as belonging to God.)  What was Paul’s instruction here concerning this issue?  [1. Make sure that you are fully convinced in your own mind.  Make your decision based on Biblical principles, not just what you want to be true, and not just what is easiest.  2. Your decision should be based on what you think will please the Lord the most.]

·         Note: I think that a good rule of thumb is that any of the Old Testament commands that are repeated in the New Testament, especially after the cross, are still binding on Christians today.  The commands that are not repeated may not be binding.  Note that all of the Ten Commandment, except the command about the Sabbath, are repeated.  Also, I think that the principle behind the Sabbath commandment still remains: that we need to make sure that we are taking adequate time to stop the other stuff we are doing and to focus on God. 

·         7-9: Our decisions on these matters should be made with a focus on God, not focusing on our own selfishness.  Our whole life, and afterlife, belong to Christ.

·         10-12: Paul gives another reason why we should no look down on other concerning these types of things.  What is that reason here?  [Each Christian will one day stand before God’s judgment seat.  We will all give an account of ourselves to God.  The reason that you don’t have to pass judgment on other Christians is that one day God will pass judgment on them.  We all need to think about this for ourselves as well.  It is a sobering thought to think that one day you will stand before God’s judgment seat.  Now, this is not the same judgment that unbelievers will face when they stand before the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15).  That judgment is for unbelievers to determine their fitting punishment in hell.  The Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:10-15; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Cor. 5:10) is a judgment for the rewarding of believers.  In the ancient world, the Bema (Judgment Seat) was where the officials of the Olympics sat to distribute wreath crowns to the victors of the games.]

vs. 13-23  Do what leads to peace and mutual edification

·         13-15:  Again Paul tells us to stop judging other Christians on these types of matters.  Instead, what principle does he tell us to follow?   What else should we take into account when we make our decisions in these types of matters?  [Even thought it might be personally okay for you to do a certain thing, if it is going to cause someone else to possibly fall into sin, then out of love you shouldn’t do it.]  What was the example that Paul gives in this passage?  [Paul is convinced that no food is unclean in itself.  Therefore, if Paul only cared about Paul, it wouldn’t concern him if the meat he bought may or may not have been sacrificed to an idol.  But, Paul cares more about other people than he cares about Paul, therefore he is willing to give up his liberty to eat meat if it will help someone else around him.]

·         13-15: If we are living in love for others, caring about others more than ourselves, then we will be willing to forfeit certain personal freedoms if that is what is best for other people.  What are some examples?   [Possible examples:  an adult of legal age drinking alcohol at all (not getting drunk, that is a Biblical absolute), certain movies, secular music, certain parties, etc.  Try to get the group to think of as many real examples as possible, and to think through all the issues.] 

·         15: Why does Paul point out that these are people for whom Christ died?  Why should that be a big deal?

·         16-18: Our personal rights in gray areas are not worth causing other Christians to sin.  Righteousness, peace and joy are more important than what we get to eat or drink.  Further, it pleases God when you care more about other people than your own freedoms.

·         19-21: Mutual edification = building one another up in Christ.  What are some things that God might possibly want you to consider changing in your life, at least at times, for the good of others?

·         22: Don’t advertise your freedoms in these areas because it might encourage someone else to do the same thing even though it might be a terrible idea for them.  It might not lead you into sin, but it might hurt someone else.

·         22: Don’t condemn yourself by what you approve.  This could mean two things.  I think both are true.  (1) Don’t approve of something as okay when it really is not okay.  An example of this would be pastors who teach that homosexual sex is okay.  They are condemning themselves because they are calling something “good” that God has called “bad.”  (2) Don’t advertise your approval of a gray area in such a way that it could lead newer or weaker Christians into sin.   

·         23: If there is something that actually isn’t a sin, but you think it is a sin and do it anyway, then it is a sin for you because you willingly choose to do something that you thought was sin.  For example, imagine that I tell Eric that he can’t have any cookies, because it is late, and then I tuck him in bed.  The next morning, I don’t care if he has a cookie now, but Eric still thinks that he can’t have a cookie.  In this situation, would it be sin for Eric to take a cookie?  [Yes, it would be sin because he is making a choice to disobey what he thinks his father’s will is.  His decision is flowing from a disobedient heart.  His decision is not flowing from a heart that trusts that I love him and know what is best for him.]

1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written:
   "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name." 10Again, it says,  "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." 11And again,   "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples." 12And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him."

13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:1-13 Self-Sacrifice, Acceptance, and the Glory of God

vs. 1-6  Accept One Another

·         Again, notice that the core of this is that God wants us to have a heart of love for other people.  This means caring about the good of other people more than we are about our own selfish desires.   

·         1: What does this verse mean?  You will need to remember the context from chapter 14 for this to make sense.  In this verse why does Paul list “pleasing ourselves” as the sinful alternative to bearing with the failings of the weak?  [Remember that in chapter 14 Paul had been talking about the fact that Christians sometimes need to surrender their own freedoms because they care about the spiritual health of other (weaker) Christians more than they care about their own pleasure.  For example, a Christian in Paul’s day might get (non-sinful) pleasure from eating meat, but he might need to give up that pleasure if it would harm another Christian in that culture who can’t eat meat with a clear conscience because the meat might have been sacrificed to an idol.  For us, an example might be avoiding a movie or a TV show that might not lead you into sin but might be a temptation for the Christian next to you.  Do you care more about the other person, or do you care more about your own pleasure?] 

·         2: Read Galatians 1:10 and 1 Thessalonians 2:4.  In those verses, it is sinful to live as a people-pleaser.  But in Romans 15:2, Paul tells us to live to please our neighbor.  Is this a contradiction or is there a difference in meaning?  [We need to ask ourselves honestly whose opinion we really care about.  Many people live to please other people so that other people will think more highly of them.  When people do that, they are sinning because they value man’s approval more than they value God and God’s approval.  However, if you treasure God above all, and are living for others in the sense that you care about them, and you want what is truly best for them, then this honors God.  One type of people-pleasing is selfish, and the other type is self-sacrificing.]  What would be examples of sinful, man-centered, people-pleasing?  What are examples of non-sinful, God-centered, living to please your neighbor for their good? 

·         3: Why is Christ a good example of someone who cared more about the good of other people than His own pleasure and comfort?  [Christ went to the cross to save us!]  

·         3: Note: Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus endured the cross “for the JOY set before Him.”  Jesus endured temporary pain in order to receive greater pleasure for Himself, and others, later.  In the same way, remember that your “sacrifices” for the good of others are only temporary.  In a sense, they are investments more than they are sacrifices. 

·         4: Paul had just quoted Psalm 69:9 from the Old Testament.  According to Romans 15:4, how much of the Old Testament was written to build up believers?  [“Everything!”]  According to verse 4, what purpose was everything in the Old Testament written for?  [To teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of Scripture we might have hope.]  Many Christians are embarrassed by much of the Bible.  For example, it is impossible to imagine many of today’s preachers teaching from a text like Nehemiah 13:25 where Nehemiah “beat some of the men” because they were marrying unbelievers, or a text like Numbers 25 in which Phinehas is praised by God for spearing two people to death.  Now, we must be very careful how we apply these texts, but you have to ask yourself, do you really believe Romans 15:4 or don’t you?  And if you believe Romans 15:4, then you must agree that EVERYTHING that was written in the Scriptures was written to help you in your spiritual life!  God did not waste ink.  Contrary to what liberal scholars say, everything in the Bible was put there by God and was put there for a purpose!   

·         4: When Paul talks about “everything written in the past” he is referring to the Old Testament.  Do you read and think about the Old Testament?  If you don’t, this verse says that you are missing one of the prime ways that God has appointed for you to be taught and encouraged to live the Christian life!  You need to take initiative to do this.  Yes, we might be able to cover a few Old Testament books while you are in high school going to Bible Study, but we can only scratch the surface.  If you are a Christian, you need to make it a goal to study the whole Bible.  I highly encourage you to make it a goal to read through the entire Bible before you graduate from high school.  

·         5-6: In addition to “endurance and encouragement” what does Paul pray that God would give the Romans believers?  [A spirit of unity as they follow Christ]  Why?  [So they can glorify God with one heart and mouth.]  I can’t help but think that since the “endurance and encouragement” come from God through the Scriptures, could it be that the Scriptures have something to do with our spirit of unity also?  (hmm?) 

vs. 7-13  As Christ Accepted You

·         7: What is Paul’s command here?  [To accept one another.]  Why should we accept one another?  [Christ accepted us.]  What does this result in?   [It brings praise to God.]  How does accepting one another bring praise to God?  [Paul will start to give us the reasons in verse 8.] 

·         Note: The type of “acceptance” in this passage is different from the type of acceptance that many people in the world today promote.  God’s type of acceptance does not call sin good.  Christ died for sin that believers could be accepted by God.  In the same way, God is not asking believers to say that sin is okay, but to love others despite their sin and failings.  We can do this because of what Christ did. 

·         8: Notice the word “for.”  It means that Paul is explaining what he wrote in verse 7.  God will receive praise because of what Christ did so that people can be accepted by God.  Christ did not avoid pain and discomfort.  Instead, he made Himself a servant and even died on the cross to fulfill the truth of the promise (covenant) that God made with the Jews in the Old Testament.   

·         9: Notice the words “so that.”  Words like “for” and “so that” connect the thoughts of one verse to the next, helping us follow Paul’s flow of thought.  By serving the Jews to fulfill the truth of God’s promise, Jesus also brought salvation to the Gentiles “so that” they too may glorify God for His mercy.   

·         Notice the themes that keep coming up in this passage: love and self-sacrifice rather than living to please only one’s self, people being accepted, God’s truth, the Old Testament, praising God and glorifying God.  Christ gave us this pattern to follow:  Self-sacrifice à other people being accepted à God’s praise and glory. 

·         9-12: These are Old Testament passages that predicted that the Gospel would come to the Gentiles.  Today, we take this for granted, but in Paul’s day it was important for him to show Scriptural support for this.  Otherwise, too many people would not have believed it.  Paul backed up his beliefs with Scripture.  Can you?  (It is funny that some more liberal Christians today think that it is a bad thing to give Scriptural support for one’s beliefs.  This sometimes gets slammed as “proof-texting.”  However, this is something that Paul did.  It is only a bad thing if you are taking passages out of context or making them say something they don’t really teach.) 

·         12: Who was Jesse and what or who is the root of Jesse?  [Jesse was the father of King David.  King David was an ancestor of Jesus.  This Old Testament verse was a prophecy that the Messiah would be a descendent of Jesse.] 

·         13: This is the end of the main teaching portion of the book of Romans!  Paul concludes this section with a prayer for his readers.  (Wouldn’t this be a good thing to pray for God to give to others?  Learn to pray like Paul.)   

·         13: Pop quiz: What does “hope” mean in the Bible?  [It is our confident expectation of a something good that will come in the future.  It is a certain-hope, not a wishful hope.]  How does “hope” connect to joy and peace?  [If you have your confident expectation in God’s promise, it will give you joy and peace, even if things are bad in the present.]  When do we have the joy and peace that come from hope in God?  [As we trust in Him.  If you don’t believe God’s promises, or trust Him for those promises, you won’t have future hope, and you won’t have the joy and peace that come from it.]  Why does God want us to have all of this, according to this verse?  [So that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Trust in God and His Word so that your hope can spill over into the lives of other people, for the glory of God.]

17Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. 18I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. 21Rather, as it is written: "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will  understand." 22This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

23But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, 24I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. 26For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

30I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, 32so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. 33The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Romans 15:14-33 I Glorify Christ Jesus in My Service to God

vs. 14-22  To Preach the Gospel Where Christ Was Not Known

·         14: Paul compliments the Romans on their spiritual growth.  What are the things that he is glad to see in their lives?  [(1)Their goodness, (2) their knowledge of the things of God, and (3) their ability to communicate spiritual truths.]  How well are these attributes being developed in our group?  How well are they being developed in you? 

·         14: God doesn’t want us to merely know truth; He wants us to be able to help other people with the truth.  God may never call you to an official position as a teacher, but I am sure that He will want you to use your knowledge of the Word to help others.  Also notice that each of these three things (goodness, knowledge, and communication) all have a connection.  If you take away one, it hurts the other two.  Without goodness, you won’t have the integrity to communicate God’s Word in a way that will help people.  If you lack knowledge of God’s Word, you can’t use it to help other people, or to help yourself grow in goodness.  And if you don’t communicate what you know, you aren’t being good to other people, and you are betraying the very truth that you know.

·         15: Paul believes in the importance of reminding.  Why is it important to be reminded of important spiritual truths?  [Repetition is the key to learning!  Important truths need to be told over and over so that we do not forget.  We need to be called back to what we have already learned because we are prone to wander away from the truth!]  What spiritual truths are most important to be reminded of?  Why?  (What did Paul spend the most time writing about in this letter?)

·         16: Paul was specifically called to proclaim the gospel message to the Gentiles, to bring them to Christ.

·         17-19: What does Paul “glory” in here?  [He does not glory in himself.  He will only glory in Jesus.  If Paul glories in the good that he has done, he makes sure that his focus is on Jesus working through him.  God gets the glory.]  What do most people tend to glory in?  How do you know if you are glorying in yourself or in God?

·         20: Paul’s desire was to do frontier missions.  He wanted to take the message of salvation to people who have never heard it before.  A Desiring God email I received today talked about frontier missions.  In it, John Piper writes:

“Tell them the gospel. Show them love. Keep on trying to win them. That’s local evangelism. And all of us should be a part of it. But this is not what we mean by frontier missions. Frontier missions is what Paul did: “I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.” Frontier missions is crossing a culture to plant the church where the gospel has not already taken root. This is the mandate that is still valid for us today. The job is not done. And the word of our risen king Jesus is binding on us today as much as when he first gave it.   This is why we speak of unreached people groups. The most helpful website I know of for understanding and researching the unreached peoples of the world is the Joshua Project.  It lists a total of 15,965 people groups in the world. Of these, 6,434 are still unreached, defining unreached as a ‘people group among which there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group’—which means, in their definition, fewer than 2% evangelical Christian.”

·         20-22: What should be our attitude about frontier missions?  What are ways that you can support the work of frontier missions?  (Remember, what Paul wrote in Romans 10:13-15 about the various aspects of missions work.)  Some people help by going and others help by sending.  But we all should be involved!

vs. 23-33  I Hope to Visit You on My Way to Spain

·         23-26: At this point, Paul had never ministered in Rome.  However, he hoped to spend time with the Roman Christians on his way to do frontier missions in Spain, on the other far end of the Roman Empire.  But at this point in time, Paul was about to make the long journey to Jerusalem from Corinth Greece, where he is writing. 

·         26-27: Why was Paul traveling back to Jerusalem?  [Paul was traveling back to bring financial aid from the Christians in Greece to the Christians in Jerusalem.]  What were some of the reasons that motivated the Greek Christians to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem?  What lessons are there fore us here?

·         30-32: Notice that Paul was pleading for the prayer support of the Roman Christians.  Why is it so important to Paul for him to have the prayer support of the Roman Christians?  Do you think that prayer is important?  Do you pray for ministries?  (The church, the youth group ministries, missionaries, etc.?)  Do you pray for the ministry work that your friends are doing in the lives or their families and friends?  I am sure they would appreciate it!

1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. 3Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8Greet Ampliatus, whom I love in the Lord. 9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them. 15Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.

17I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.  The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

21Timothy, my fellow worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my relatives.

22I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.

25Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— 27to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Romans 16 Greetings and Conclusion

vs. 1-16  Personal Greetings

·         Much of this final section might seem like merely a list of names, but there are many things we can learn from it.  (1) Paul was not a Lone Ranger Christian.  He ministered in connection with many others who partnered with him in the Lord’s work.  Do you seek to work with others for God, or are you tempted to serve Christ as an island?  (2) We can see the diversity of the people who God used.  Notice that this list includes men and women (8 or 9 of the 26 were women), young and old, rich and poor, Hebrews and Gentiles.  Although we do not all serve God in the same way, God has called all Christians to be a part of the work of glorifying God by bringing people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and helping each other follow Him.   

·         Note: In your groups you do not need to go into all of the details for the people listed below.      

·         1-2: Paul gives his praise for a woman named Phoebe.  Paul asks the Romans to receiver her well, and this may be an indication that she was the one entrusted to carry the letter of Romans to the church at Rome.  (They didn’t have FedEx to do this.)  Paul says that Phoebe was a servant of the church in Cenchrea.  The greek word for “servant” is diakonon, which is also the word translated deacon.  Deacon means servant.  Because of this, egalitarians (those who believe there are no distinct roles for men or women in the church) point to Phoebe as an example of a woman deacon.  Complementarians (those who view men and woman as equal in dignity and worth, but as having distinct responsibilities) point out that since diakonon is the general word for servant, we don’t know if Paul was saying that Phoebe occupied the official position of deacon, or if she was an important servant of the church, but not an official deacon.  Everyone would admit that all official deacons should be servants, but not every Christian who is a servant is officially in the office of deacon.  Further, some complementarians allow for women deacons or deaconesses, but do so because this role is defined in their churches as one of pure service, not of authority like the office of elder, and therefore it does not violate 1 Timothy 2:12. 

·         3-5: Paul greets Priscilla and Aquilla who worked with Paul and had risked their lives for him!  Priscilla and Aquila were Hebrew Christians who Paul met in Corinth.  (Aquila was a man and Priscilla was his wife.)  Acts 18:2 tells us that Aquila and Priscilla were from Rome but had left when the Emperor Claudius evicted the Jews from Rome.  They traveled with Paul for some time (Acts 18:18) and then stayed in Ephesus (Acts 18:19.)  Acts 18:24-26 tell us that Priscilla and Aquila invited Apollos into their home and discipled him.  Since explaining God’s truth in this setting along with her husband is not the same as the functioning as an elder, no one, egalitarian or complementarian, thinks this was improper for Priscilla.  Of the two, Priscilla is usually mentioned first, although Apollos is mentioned first in Acts 18:2 and 1 Cor. 16:9.  Some suggest this was because Priscilla was the leader, but others point out that there were many reasons why Paul might have mentioned Priscilla first sometimes and Aquila first the other times (familiarity, personality, possibly that she came to Christ first.)  And since Aquila is mentioned first sometimes, I don’t think it is a good idea to read too much into that.  However, whatever your view, it does show us a positive example of a woman who did not fade to the background but made a big impact for Christ.  As someone who enjoys the intelligent, capable ministry of my wife alongside me, I can testify of the joy of doing ministry in partnership with my spouse.   

·         5: Christians met in the house of Aquila and Priscilla.  This indicated that they were wealthy enough to have a larger home suitable for a relatively large number of people.  The early Christians did not have separate building to meet in, but met in homes.  The “church” is the people, and that is why Paul can say that the church met in their home.  We need to remember that the church “building” is not what is important.  (Note: It would be reading into the text to say that they “co-pastored” the church because it met in their home.  The text does not say that.) 

·         6: Paul commends Mary for her very hard work for the other Christians.  (There are many Marys mentioned in Scripture.  The Romans knew which one Paul was talking about.)  How hard are you working for God? 

·         7: Andronicus and Junias were two Christians who had spent time in prison with Paul.  They knew what it was like to suffer with him.  Paul also says that they were outstanding among the apostles (NIV).  There is a good chance that Junias (Junia) may have been a woman.  This person’s name could be translated either as the masculine Junias (NIV) or as the feminie Junia (ESV).  If this is the case, it seems likely that Andronicus and Junia were married.  “Outstanding among the apostles” might mean that they were both apostles, or that the apostles considered them outstanding.  (The ESV translates the phrase, “They are well known to the apostles.”)  To me, it seems more likely that they were considered outstanding by the apostles, since (1) it doesn’t make sense that they would be well known apostles if this is the only time in the Bible they are mentioned, and (2) based on recent computer assisted grammar studies, this meaning is well supported (Wayne Grudem, Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth, p. 224-225.)  Also, some commentators view all apostles as having apostolic authority like Peter and Paul (I agree with this view), but others think that many “apostles” were merely church-planters, without apostolic authority.  Thus, some see them as a church planting couple, but not as one’s with apostolic authority. 

·         10: All we know about Apelles was that he was “tested and approved in Christ.”  Even though it may not seem like much, I think I would be pretty happy if that is what the Bible said about me!   

·         13: The Gospel of Mark was written with Roman Christians in mind.  Mark is also the only Gospel that mentions that the names of the children of Simon of Cyrene, the man forced to carry the cross for Jesus, were Alexander and Rufus.  (Mark 15:21)  It is likely that the Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13 is the son of Simon the Cyrene.   

·         15: Remember, all genuine Christians are considered “saints.”  We are “holy ones” in the eyes of God because of Christ. 

·         16: When I was in high school, this was a verse I always tried to apply with pretty girls in youth group.  (Joke)  In Paul’s culture, this was a normal way of affectionately, but non-romantically, greeting someone.  The core application for us would be “greet other Christians with warm affection.”  This may take different forms, but remember to always keep it “holy” as it says! 

vs. 17-27  Conclusion

·         17: What types of people is Paul warning the Roman Christians to watch out for?  [(1) Those that cause divisions, and (2) those that create obstacles (things that cause people to stumble) contrary to the teachings of the Bible.]  Notice that the phrase “watch out” means that we have to keep our eyes open!  Paul is telling them to be alert, and not to stick their heads in the sand.  How does Paul say the Romans should respond to these types of people?  [Paul says that they should keep away from them.  Paul wants unity, but he doesn’t want unity with false teaching.] 

·         18: What does verse 18 additionally tell us about these people?  [(1) They really aren’t helping or serving the Lord. (2) They are ultimately serving their own desires.  (3) They use smooth talk, meaning that they have very good sounding arguments and presentations.  They are very slick.  (4) They use flattery.  People believe them because they make people feel good about themselves.] 

·         19: What is it about the Romans that everyone has heard about and Paul is full of joy about?  [Their obedience.]  Churches that obey God bring joy to other Christians.   

·         19: What does it mean to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil?  How can you be more wise about what is good?  How can you be more innocent about what is evil?   

·         20: Take hope in the certain knowledge that God will crush Satan! 

·         22: Although Paul was the human author of Romans, Tertius as the one who wrote the letter down as Paul dictated.   

·         23: Gaius was a common name and there may be several men with this name in the Bible.  (One was the recipient of 3 John.  Here Paul commends a man named Gaius for his hospitality.  True hospitality is an important Christian virtue, but today we have confused it with entertaining and impressing guests.  As Ginger Plowman writes in Heaven at Home, “One of the main differences between entertainment and hospitality is that entertainment focuses on things (condition of house, food, convenience, etc.), while hospitality focuses on people.” (p. 214)  True hospitality is not about impressing other people, but serving them and meeting their needs.  

·         25: God is “able” to establish us.  “Able” is from the same Greek word as “power” when Paul said at the start of Romans that he is “not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”  (Romans 1:16)  Coincidence?  I think not.  Paul is finishing this book the way He started, focusing on the power of God for salvation through the cross of Christ for all who will believe! 

·         25: The ESV translates “establish” as “strengthen.”  God strengthens us by the gospel message, the rich full message that Paul has been proclaiming throughout this letter, and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ.  If we want there to be strong Christians, we must make sure to continuously proclaim the true gospel and Jesus Christ!  The gospel is not only God’s power to save us (Romans 1:16); it is also God’s power to strengthen us!  (Romans 16:25) 

·         25-26: In the Bible, a “mystery” does not mean something mysterious.  In the Bible, a mystery is a formerly unrevealed truth.  Think about all that God has revealed to us now through Christ and the cross!  

·         26: An important detail: How is this mystery made known to us now?  [Through the “prophetic writings.”]  What do we usually call these prophetic writings?  [The Bible!]  If you want to be strengthened by God, keep looking at the “now revealed” truth of the gospel and Jesus Christ in the Scriptures!  It is absolutely essential.  Practical suggestion: Now that we have gone through Romans, go back and read through the entire letter again, beginning to end.  If you can, try to read it through all at once.  (You will be able to do this much more quickly now that you have studied it.)  I guarantee that you will see truths and connections that you did not see before!

·         26:  “So that”  What does verse 26 say is the purpose of this?  [So that all nations might believe and obey Him.]

·         27: May God, the only One who is truly wise, receive all the glory, forever, because of Christ!  The ultimate purpose of everything is that God might be glorified through the cross of Christ.  Glorify God because of what you have learned though this book.