Psalm 129:1-8 God's People Prevail
5 Let them be disappointed and turned backward, all those who hate Zion. 6 Let them be as the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up; 7 with which the reaper doesn’t fill his hand, nor he who binds sheaves, his bosom. 8 Neither do those who go by say, "The blessing of Yahweh be on you. We bless you in the name of Yahweh.""
Observations: (*See note on Psalm 120) 129:1-8 This starts a new “triad” with the focus on the problem: Israel has experienced much affliction, yet Yahweh has righteously delivered them from the wicked. The psalmist uses language from 2 Kings 19:25-26 (God striking Sennacherib in response to Hezekiah's prayer) to “curse” those who hate Zion, instead of blessing her.
Genesis 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. All of the families of the earth will be blessed in you."
Application: God blesses His people and destroys those who don't.
Prayer: God, You are righteous to fulfill Your promises to Israel and all who trust You; thanks that You are the God who blesses; may I see Your blessings in my life today. Thanks again. Amen.
Proverbs 31:16-22 Fit, Fashionable Businesswoman and Domestic Goddess
Observations: 31:16-22 The praiseworthy woman is a whirlwind of energy, businesswoman, domestic goddess, and fashion plate. She also invests in real estate and wine making, and is a sharp, profitable trader. She wisely considers a piece of land, buys it, and plants a vineyard on it (hard core gardening). She does her sit ups and push ups (31:17), and obviously gets enough cardio to have bushels of energy (no soap-operas and bon-bons for this beauty). But wait, there's more: by night she burns the midnight oil, spinning and weaving, making clothes and tapestries. She makes sure her household is warmly dressed in scarlet-tec polar fleece, and she herself is splendid in classic linen and purple. While tending to the needs of her happy husband and wonderful children (31:11,28) she manages to reach out to the poor and needy, taking people into her home and chairing a couple of charitable committees. She's obviously some sort of angelic being who doesn't need sleep, or has a small army for staff. So did God put this description into the Scriptures to discourage or inspire? There is a difference between relying on one's natural strength (which is always finite) and drawing on God's supernatural enablement/grace (which is always sufficient for doing His will). It's unlikely it's God's will for you to do all the above (without online shopping and modern appliances), but it is entirely possible to do His will. Two related problems arise: the first is seeking the wrong goals (to look good in the sight of others rather than God's sight 31:30), and squandering the time and energy God's allotted to us on our pleasure rather than God's.
Click the link for help on setting and achieving godly goals with a Holy Spirit power assist.
Some of my favorite verses on getting a power assist are:
Philippians 2:13 "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
Hebrews 13:21 "make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Application: If we focus our energies on God's priorities and will, He will give us all we need to do His will, and will meet our needs in the process.
Prayer: Lord, help me determine what You expect of me today, and remind me to draw on Your strength to do it, so I can say at the end of the day: Your will was done. Thanks. Amen.
Bill Blurb: If you've read Daily Truthbase from Genesis 1, congratulations! You're now in a position to understand Romans in its context.
If you've just arrived at this page because you want to study the Book of Romans, good luck understanding it as Paul intended. I'll try to guide you in doing so, but it won't be that easy without at least the background of the Gospels and Acts. Paul's audience had a context, which we need to enter into if we wish to understand the book like they did. So invest some time in reading at least the introduction to Matthew on DTB and you'll understand not just Romans, but the rest of the NT a whole lot better.
You also need to know how to study an epistle, which differs from the narrative literature you've been exposed to the past nine months.
If you haven't studied an epistle before, and traced the author's argument through it, I'd suggest you read “Introduction to the 7PASSAGES and “How to Study the Bible like Sherlock 'Olmes" first, and then practice with the 7PASSAGES. After that, tackle 1 Peter (for which I have some Youtubes up on 10minutebible.com , and warm up to Paul's style with the Book of Titus or Philippians, and then (finally) come back here (hopefully you'll also be following Daily Truthbase, at least from Matthew-Acts).
Since most readers will ignore the above advice and just plow in here, there are a few things you should know to make this a more pleasant and profitable experience for you. Instead of just the usual observation-application format, there is a “structural layout” of the text, with study guide questions (and an exegetical outline for each half chapter under Digging Deeper). These are notes I put together a while back to help folks study the book. If you learn how to read an exegetical outline, you'll get much more out of the text and my comments since the outline is designed to interpret the text. The format will change as we progress through the book, and hopefully you'll be able follow it. There is no other way to accurately interpret the Scriptures than learning how to trace an author's thought precisely. The framework of an exegetical outline forces the interpreter to deal with all the text, in context, and thus eliminates most bias.
Remember, truth is that which best explains ALL the facts.
BONUS: There is now a collaborative Sleuth-for-the-Truth Study Guide to Romans in the making which enables an online group to dig into the Scriptures like they've never done before. If you think you meet the pre-requisites (noted above), send us an email and we'll send you a link to the ongoing study.
The text (largely a modernized KJV-NKJV blend instead of the WEB) is broken out into the individual clauses and phrases (known as a structural layout or mechanical diagram; if you know how to diagram sentences, blessed are you).
Warning: the outlines under Digging Deeper were a first rough draft (that I haven't looked at since the words spilled on the page), and need editing and smoothing. But since I do each post within a day, not much of that is going to happen this time through, but I will put cleaning it up on my list of things to do someday.
Final Warning: please put all your preconceptions and preaching that you've heard aside, and try to look at the book as if you've never seen it before (much like Paul's audience although most had been exposed to apostolic preaching). Don't gloss over anything that doesn't make sense, but note it and research it. Eventually you need to be able to explain all the facts, not just the ones that fit some theory. Then you will have arrived at truth you can live by, and pass on to others.
Romans 1-2 The Just Live By Faith
Paul writes to Roman believers, from Corinth (Romans 16:22-23), about three years before he actually visits them to fulfill the commission Jesus gave him, recorded in Acts:Acts 26:17 "Delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom now I send you, 18 to open their eyes, and to turn them A) from darkness to light, and B) from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive a') forgiveness of sins, and b') inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith towards (eis) Me." [See Acts 24:25 for the three things Paul spoke of as his life hung in the balance.]NB (note well and meditate on) the tasks given to Paul (these will be reflected in all his actions and writing as he obeys the commission given to him):
A) to turn people from darkness to light;
B) to turn people from the power of Satan to the power of (ellipsis) of God;
so that they may receive
a') forgiveness of sins; and
1') an inheritance (qualified by being sanctified-holy by faith toward Christ).
Note the parallel structure, how A) corresponds to a', referring to justification
and B) to b' referring to sanctification (inheritance is a reward (Colossians 3:24), just like Israel's inheritance in the promised land was a reward for faithful obedience differing from their deliverance/salvation from Egypt). If you miss this point, you will misinterpret the Scriptures and probably miss out on the gracious reward God has planned for you (1 Peter 1:4-5).
Acts 23:11 "But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."
The “bookends” of Romans are 1:5 and 16:25 “for obedience of faith.” “Of faith” is in the genitive case which has almost as many meanings as the English “of,” but which is the case of “source or possession” (hence genitive, as in generate). Since Paul's readers already had faith, it can't mean the “obedience which is faith.” For now, let's try something like the “obedience that is sourced in, or accompanies faith,” and see which meaning fits the information Paul writes, or if there is some better way to translate it.
Romans 1:5 "By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all nations, for His name. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 I purposed to come to you...that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles."
Romans 16:25 "Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for obedience of faith: 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."
The first five chapters of Romans are usually considered to be about justification by faith, followed by sanctification in 6-8, a discourse on whether or not Israel's disobedience invalidates God's promises in 9-11 (also the key chapters for understanding God's future program for Israel), and the “practical” stuff (as if victory over sin in 6-8 isn't practical) about how believers should interact with each other and the government in 12-16. That's not a bad overview, but the introductory chapters have much more in them that usually gets skipped. It's also worth noting that the initial chapters are combating the Jewish influence, who wanted to make Gentiles Jewish first, before they could receive God's promises. This is called “Judaizing” and was commonly combated by Paul in Acts, and in the epistles as well.
If you have trouble with the following format, just read the text online or in your Bible, then come back and note the questions in the Reading Guide (Observational Phase). Then see if you can find the answers on your own, or decipher them in the Outline (Interpretation Phase). If you're short on time (give up your TV viewing or) skim down to the Applications and Prayer.
Romans 1A Revelation of Righteousness and Wrath
Romans 1A Reading Guide with questions
1:1 Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
What do these verses teach us about the gospel?
What and how does the resurrection contribute to our understanding of Jesus?
Observe the "dual sonship". Why is that important to Paul's argument?
You'll need to check out the apostolic preaching in Acts 2, as well as the OT sources of in the Psalms to get this one.
Observe the "dual sonship". Why is that important to Paul's argument?
You'll need to check out the apostolic preaching in Acts 2, as well as the OT sources of in the Psalms to get this one.
5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience of faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
What does obedience of faith mean? What do grace and apostleship have to do with it?
7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Why did the translators insert the infinitive “to be”? How does the meaning change?
Who is the intended audience? Why does he mention grace and peace?
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.
What did Paul pray and why?
Why did Paul want to see the Romans?
What kind of faith did the audience have?
14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.
15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
To whom does Paul wish to preach the gospel and why? Aren't they already believers with the same faith that Paul has?
*16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
for it is the power of God to salvation
for everyone who believes,
for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
How is the gospel the power of God?
Believes what?
*17 For in/by it
the righteousness of God is revealed
from faith to faith;
as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
What righteous is Paul talking about?
What does faith to faith mean?
What does the OT quote mean in it’s original context? What does it mean here?
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold/suppress the truth in/by unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
What does “For” do structurally in Paul’s argument? (For what does it give a reason?)
Romans 1B Exchanging Truth for Lies
Romans 1B Reading Guide with questions
If you haven’t already done so, review the outline of 1:16-17 under Digging Deeper below. Remember that righteousness can refer to being justified or sanctified, the root meaning being rightly related to God. Verses 18-19 must give a reason for the emphasis of 16-17, that the already just will continue to live by faith in God’s revelation of Himself, His promises, and His requirements.
Also ask yourself which aspect of salvation (justification/sanctification/glorification) Paul means in each context.
1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,
who suppress the truth in/by unrighteousness,
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them,
for God has shown it to them.
Write down or underline everything about the people about which Paul is writing in these verses, and think through the implications regarding their spiritual state. For instance:
Wrath is revealed = currently seen (How?...stay tuned)
Who suppress = they must have it to actively suppress it by their unrighteousness, no dead corpses here.
What may be known of God is manifest in them (something is supposed to be obvious) =
God has shown it to them =
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead,
so that they are without excuse,
This verse gives a reason for why Paul says God will judge those who fail to live by faith
God’s invisible attributes (v 20) are clearly seen AND understood =
They are without excuse =
They knew God !!! (really or just about Him?)=
They failed to glorify or be thankful (for what?) =
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Became futile (as cognizant adults) =
Hearts were darkened (from a state of light, no shade of original depravity/sin here)=
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man – and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Profess to be wise (on what basis) became fools (why not sinners)=
Changed the glory (alchemy in reverse)=
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
Given up as a consequences of their adult actions = (how does this and the next verse square with your theology?)
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Exchanged the truth = had the truth and volitional power (free will) over what they did with the truth
Worshiped and served =
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
Is Paul talking about homosexuality?
If so, is he saying it’s a consequence?
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
Had God in their knowledge=
Given over (what does that say about the “before”)=
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
Make sure you know what each of these words looks like in real life. Then insert your definition in the blank below:
Say to yourself _______________ is a sign of an unfit mind, unbecoming for a believer in Christ, setting me up for judgment.
30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
They know the righteous judgment of God =
Note the motivation God intended to modify one’s behavior.
Is capital punishment a deterrent?
Read Romans 2:5-18 to better understand the term “judgment”. Like “salvation”, and “righteousness”, and “just”, don’t assume you know it.
Extra Milers Club: Identify how each of the Subordinating conjunctions that begin verses link with the preceding verse; ie, Mini Exegetical outline, eg, The Reason the (something in 17) is because (the idea for 18-19).
Observations: 1:1-13 There are more answers and observations in the outlines under Digging Deeper, as well as the justification for these comments. Paul writes to believers, who clearly have faith just like His, to bring about blessing and fruit in their lives by establishing them in the obedience that should be sourced in their faith. The spiritual gift or benefit is not a reference to the “gifts of the Spirit” since in chapter 12 we find out they already had them, but rather a bestowal of grace by imparting to them the revelation the Spirit had given Him for them. This is most probably the “mysteries” mentioned in the last verses of the book about the the Gentiles being partakers in the blessings of the Messiah's Kingdom (which is what He spent most of His time in Acts talking about.
1:14-18 Paul was indebted to them because he needed to discharge the commission Jesus had given him (see intro above). The gospel, or good news about the Kingdom (as it's been thus far in the Bible) is not a cause for shame, since it is God's power (bestowal of Holy Spirit, New Covenant, law on heart power from the risen Christ) for salvation (enabling forgiveness, sanctification, and glorification -see Matthew introduction) to everyone who believes, whether Jew (promised proirity) or Greek.
From the outline under Digging Deeper:
The Reason Paul can say the gospel saves all who exercise faith in its contents is because the OT indicates that righteousness is by faith.
The righteousness that God requires both of OT and NT saints starts with faith and is made manifest by continued faith (“from first to last” NIV). The Habakkuk quote deals more with continuing lifestyle belief in God’s revealed character and not with justification. See outline below. Note that the ones who live by faith are those who are already just.
1:18-32 Just like God revealed the righteousness He requires, He also has revealed the judgment or wrath that is coming (which Paul frequently mentioned in Acts), particularly against those who hold or suppress the truth by their unrighteous behavior. These are not some totally depraved pagans, but folks who clearly know and understand God, but failed to acknowledge Him as Lord. All people whom God created can understand that they are finite and that there is a power greater than themselves to whom they own allegiance. I teach a course on the origins of civilizations, and have yet to come across a pagan atheistic culture. (You have to be educated beyond your intelligence to have no invisible means of support.) Those who reject the light go deeper into the dark, to the point where they foolishly worship the creature rather than the Creator, and set themselves up for just recompense. They not only know what they do is wrong, but approve the evil that others do.
Application: In the midst of those who reject God and stumble about in the dark, the righteous person lives by faith in the light that God has revealed through the proclamation of Christ's past, present and future salvation.
Prayer: God, thanks for the Good News that belief in what You have revealed brings salvation and blessing, may I continue to live by faith in Your character and promises. Amen.
Romans 2A What Do You Seek?
Romans 2A Reading Guide with questions
2:1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
What’s the therefore there for?
2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
How does God judge?
3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
What judgment?
4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
How does it lead one to repentance? What is repentance?
5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds":
What day? See 1Pt 1 “revelation” 2Cor 5:9-10
7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;
How does Paul say one gets eternal life?
How do glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life differ from each other?
What’s the manner of doing good? What does the intentionality imply?
Eternal= “of the age” Life= dominion
8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;
How do the consequences differ?
When are they given/received?
10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
How do these items compare with those in v7?
Are these folks justified/forgiven/going to heaven?
How about those in v8?
11 For there is no partiality with God. Why is partiality an issue?
12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in/with the law will be judged by the law
What kind of perishing and judging does Paul have in mind?
13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
How can “doing the law” justify somebody?
Can one “do the law”?
14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
Is conscience an accurate guide according to Paul?
How are the Gentiles a “law to themselves”?
16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Exactly what was Paul’s gospel? (1Cor 15 note emphasis of that chapter)
What is it that will be judged?
What is it that will be judged?
Romans 2B Praise From God
Romans 2B Reading Guide with questions
[Make sure you understand Chapter 1 fairly well, especially audience and purpose in writing]
17 Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God,
Why is Paul writing this to the Jews?
How do they rest on the law?
How do they rest on the law?
What does it mean to make your boast in God?
18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,
What will of God is he speaking of?
How do they approve the things that are excellent? (btw, what are those things?)
What does being instructed out of the law have to do with the above (easy outline point)
19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law.
How can confidence be misleading? Is confidence ever appropriate?
21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?
You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?
22 You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?
24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.
Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22
Why these commands?
Were they robbing temples (plural)?
How is God dishonored?
What’s the OT setting/context/purpose of the quote?
How does the quote work out in NT life, and fit the argument?
25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law;
but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
How is circumcision profitable?
Was there the expectation that the law could and would be kept?
How is the circumcision undone?
26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?
What would it mean to be counted as circumcision?
27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law?
How does the Gentile judge the Jew?
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;
29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
Do these statements do away with circumcision?
What does the “praise” comment mean and how does it tie into the previous chapter?
Observations: 2:1-4 In His grace, God patiently gives goodness rather than cursing to lead people to repentance (change of mind from independent to dependent living), but people still choose to reject Him. (This is just how Israel acted in the OT.) But that rejection has consequences. (Just like in the OT.)
2:5-10 Those who harden their heart against the truth are treasuring up wrath that they will receive on the day of the Lord's revelation (see 1Pt 1 for the positive side of that day). God will render to each one according to their deeds (Pr 24:12). Here's how that judgment works out:
Those who patiently continue to do good as they seek for glory, honor, and immortality (glorified body??) will get eternal life, or dominion of the Messianic Age. This is clearly a “works based” salvation, the obedience that should flow out of justifying faith into glorifying faith.
Those who don't seek to do what's right in God's sight, but are self-seeking, living for the things of this life only (that's doing evil), will get wrath, tribulation and anguish. Jews first, then Gentiles. This is not the lake of fire, punishment of the unforgiven, but the Messianic Age punishment of the unfaithful.
Just in case you missed that point, Paul repeats that glory, honor, and the covenantal blessing of peace that he wished upon them at the start of the book, are the result of works, working what is good and right in His sight. Your theology has to incorporate these facts (which if you've been reading the Bible or DailyTruthbase, you've seen as the major emphasis), or it isn't true.
2:10-16 Paul segues into partiality to show the Jews that being a Jew doesn't exempt you from judgment or punishment if you haven't been obeying (NT believers please take note). The hearers aren't justified (declared righteous) but the doers of the law. Paul places the conscience in their hearts, as the “governor” between themselves and their thoughts. The law will judge the Jews and the law written on the heart/conscience of the Gentiles will judge them.
2:17-29 Paul focuses on the arrogance of the Jews who didn't keep God's law, saying that they have great insight because of the law and their teaching of it, but their breaking of the law undoes all that. The blessings that should be theirs as a child of Abraham (who was given the sign of circumcision) are undone by failing to be be a child of Moses and do what He said. See the comments on righteous OT saints in the opening chapters of Luke for a refutation of the lie that an OT believer was unrighteous. An uncircumcised Gentile who keeps the law (because he is sensitive toward God, probably having understood that eternal power and Godhead thing) will be considered circumcised, and an heir to the blessings. The “real” child of Abraham is the one who doesn't have an external “religion” but a relationship with God that is in the heart and spirit, who seeks praise from God, not men. This does not abolish the Jews as God's people, as the next chapter and Romans 9-11 show.
Application: What are you seeking? If you want glory, honor and immortality, the way to get that blessing from God is by doing what is right in His sight. No short-cuts.
Prayer: God, thanks that You offer Your eternal benefits and blessings to those who do what is right in Your sight; please help me do so, from the heart. Thanks. Amen.
Digging Deeper:
Romans 1A Outline and Observations
1:1 Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle,
separated to the gospel/good news of God,
2a which He promised
2b before
2c through His prophets
2d in holy Scriptures,
[View at least the Dick and Jane Story on YouTube to understand the outlining ideology/methodology.]
v 2 The Manner/Content of the gospel Paul preaches is that God promised it through the ministry of the OT prophets. (This line summarizes the points 2a-d).
2a God Promised = MVP (Major Verbal Proposition)
2b The Time When God promised is before Paul’s time
2c The Means by which God promised the gospel is through the ministry of the prophets
2d The Place where God promised is in the Holy Scriptures
NB The prophets wrote a whole lot more about the establishment of the promised Kingdom than the substitutionary atonement.
3a concerning His Son
3b who came of the seed of David
3c according to flesh,
v3 The Manner/Content of the Gospel promised by the OT prophets concerns God Son, heir of the David throne. (This line summarizes the points 3a-c).
3a The Gospel concerns God’s Son
3b The Manner/One who is God’s son is that he descended from David
3c The Manner in which God’s son was of the seed of David is according to the flesh.
NB The son of David was the one who had the right to rule the future kingdom per the Davidic covenant 1Sam 7, Ps 89.
4a who was marked out Son of God in/with/by power,
4b according to the Spirit of holiness,
4c by resurrection of the dead,
4d Jesus Christ our Lord;
4a Somebody was declared to be the Son of God with power/authority
4b The Manner in which he was declared was according to the Spirit of holiness
4c The Means by which he was declared was by the resurrection from the dead
4d The One who was declared to be the Son of God with authority was Jesus Christ, our Lord.
5a by whom we received grace and apostleship
5b for obedience of faith
5c among all the nations,
5d for His name’s sake,
v 5 The One from whom Paul received grace and apostleship is Jesus the promises Messiah and our Lord and Master
5a Paul received grace and apostleship = vp (verbal proposition)
5b The Purpose for which Paul received grace and apostleship was to produce obedience prompted by/sourced in/consisting of/which is/accompanying faith
5c The Place/Sphere/Ones among whom this obedience is to be produced is among all the nations.
5d The Purpose of faithful obedience is for God’s glory.
6a among whom are you also,
6b called-out ones of Jesus Christ;
6a The Ones who are among the nations are the Romans (as well as others)
6b The Manner of the Romans are that they are the select/elect/invited/special ones of Jesus the Messiah
7a to all those who are in Rome,
7b beloved of God, called-out saints,
7c Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
7a The Ones to whom Paul writes are those in Rome
7b The Manner of the Romans is that they are the beloved of God, select/elect saints/holy ones
7c The Content of Paul's wish/commendation for the Romans is a blessing of grace and peace from God.
NB “Grace and peace” are not just saying “How ya doing?” but express Paul's desire for his readers, that they would receive grace and peace from the Father, as blessings. There is grace that is unmerited (Rm 3), grace that empowers/enables (2Cor 12:9), and grace that is received as a reward (1Pt 1). See survey outline on Grace on Truthbase.net and references to “covenant of peace” as a Millennial blessing (parallel to that given to the Levites for their faithful service in Ex 32 and Phinehas in Numbers 25:12-13. Listen to Summary of Malachi sermon for elaboration. Here Paul is desiring that the Romans get blessed, and then is going to write the resto fo the book to tell them how to be blessed.
8a First, I thank my God
8b through Jesus Christ
8c for you all,
8d that your faith is spoken of in all the world.
8a Paul thanks God =vp (verbal propostion)
8b The means by which Paul thanks God is through the mediation of Christ
8c The Ones for whom Paul thanks God is all the Romans
8d The Reason Paul thanks God for the Romans is that their faith is spoken of in all the world.
9a For God is my witness,
9b whom I serve in my spirit
9c in the gospel of His Son,
9d how without ceasing I make mention of you
9a The Reason Paul can say he thanks God for the Roman’s faith (verse 8) is because God is his witness
9b The One who witnesses his prayers in the God whom he serves
9c The manner/means in which Paul serves God is in his spirit
9d The sphere in which Paul serves is in the sharing of the gospel of His Son
9e The Content of which God is his witness that Paul constantly mentions the Romans
10a always at my prayers,
10b beseeching if by any means now at length I shall be blessed by the will of God
10c to come to you.
10a The time when Paul mentions the Romans is at prayer
10b The content of Paul’s prayer is that he should somehow be blessed by the will of God
10c The Purpose /Result of being blessed is that Paul will visit the Romans
11a For I long to see you,
11b that I may impart some spiritual gift to you,
11c for the establishing of you;
11a The Reason why Paul want to visit is so that hc can see them
11b The Purpose in seeing them is to impart some spiritual gift/grace to the Romans
11c The Purpose of imparting spiritual gift is to establish them (in the faith?)
12 and this is to be comforted together among you, through the faith in one another, both yours and mine.
12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
v12 The Result of establishing the Romans in the faith is that they will be mutually edified by each other’s faith
12a Paul wishes to be mutually edified
12b The ones with whom he wishes to be edified are the Romans
12c The means by which they will be edified is by their mutual faith
13a But I do not wish you to be ignorant, brothers,
13b that often I purposed to come to you, and was kept back until the present,
13c that I might have some fruit among you also,
13d even as among the other nations.
13a Paul doesn’t want his Roman brothers to be ignorant
13b-d The Content about which he doesn’t want them ignorant is that he often wanted to have a fruitful ministry among them but was prevented (This line summarizes the points 3b-d).
13b Paul often wanted to visit the Romans but was prevented until the present
13d The Purpose for which Paul wanted to visit was to have fruitful ministry among them
13d The Manner in which Paul wanted fruit was as he had among the other nations
14a I am a debtor
14b both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to wise, and to foolish,
v14a-b The Reason Paul wanted to have a ministry among the Romans is because he was (commissioned by Christ to minister to them and thus) obligated. (This line not only summarizes 14a-b but also modifies its subject 13b-d, serving as a complement giving the reason. If you understand this, you read the Introduction to the 7PASSAGES.)
14a Paul is a debtor/has an obligation
14b The ones to whom Paul is a debtor are Greeks, foreigners, wise and foolish.
15 so as far as in me lies, I am eager to preach the gospel to you in Rome also.
v15 The Result of Paul being obligated is that he is passionate to preach the gospel (good angel) to the Roman Christians (This modifies 14a-b).
16a For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
16b for it is the power of God
16c to salvation
16d to everyone believing,
16e both to Jew first, and to Greek;
16a The Reason Paul is passionate about preaching is because he is not ashamed of the good news regarding Christ.
v16b-e The Reason Paul is not ashamed of the gospel is because it is the power of God to save all who exercise faith
16b The gospel is power from God
16c The Purpose of the gospel being power is for salvation
16c The Ones for whom the gospel is power for salvation are everyone believing
16d The Ones who are believing are first the Jews and then the Greeks
17a for in/by it
17b the righteousness of God is revealed
17c from faith to faith;
17d even as it has been written, "But the just shall live by" "faith." Hab. 2:4
v17a-d The Reason Paul can say the gospel saves all who exercise faith in its contents is because the OT indicates that righteousness is by faith.
17a The Means/Place where/Sphere in which God’s righteousness is displayed is in/by the Gospel
17b The Righteousness of (=sourced in/required by/produced/owned by) God is revealed/uncovered/manifested/displayed =vp (verbal proposition).
17c The Manner in which God’s righteousness is displayed is ek out of/from faith eis to faith
(OR The Ones to Whom God’s righteousness is displayed are those exercising faith, Jewish faith to Gentile faith)
(OR The Manner in which God’s righteousness is displayed starts with faith and ends with faith.) Best option.
17d The Reason Paul can say the God’s righteousness is ek/eis faith is because the OT indicates that the righteous must live by faith.
NB One must decide if “in it” or “by it” is meant. The former views the gospel as a message to be read aloud. The latter views the gospel as a dynamic to be applied (belief system to be embraced). Revealed goes with the former; Displayed in life with the latter.
Passing along the message, “from one faith to another” goes with the former; Rooted in faith, finishing in faith (cf NIV first to last) with the latter. The OT quote deals more with continuing lifestyle belief in God’s revealed character and not with justification.
Note that the ones who live by faith are those whol are already just.
18a For God’s wrath is revealed from Heaven
18b on all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,
18c who hold/suppress the truth
18d in/by unrighteousness,
v18a-d The Reason the righteousness required by God is manifested by ongoing faith is because God will judge all those who fail to live out that righteousness (by suppressing the truth).
18a God’s wrath is revealed from heaven =vp
18b The Ones on whom God’s wrath is revealed is on ungodly and unrighteous men
18c The Manner of the men is that they hold/suppress the truth
18d The Means by which they suppress the truth is by unrighteousness.
Romans 1B
Romans 1B Outline
Bill Blurb: This outline introduces a numbers system that I uses which is really helpful in teaching and in group Bible study, because each line is referenced (with a Letter or Letter and Number). It's worth learning, because it helps you summarize (all the A1+A2+A3 summarize into “A”)
{Skip these next lines if you don't understand them.} Then “B” modifies “A” and “B” is usually modified by “C”; or “C” can also modify “A”; you can tell what modifies what if you look for the subject-complement statements: The Reason for A is B. The Manner of B is C or The Purpose of A is C).
Outlining Tip: One of the laws of outline that God gave Moses on Mt Sinai, is that if you have an “A1” you must also have at least an “A2” because “A” summarizes the point under it. If you just have one point, it's already summarized. If you have an “orphan point” consider how to refine it (like make “A” into “A1,” your original “A1” into “A2,” and then combine them into “A.”) or merges it (like eliminate “A1” by combining it into “A”), or make it a separate point (promote “A1” to “B.”) Believe it or not, your understanding of the passage will become clearer if you do this.
If you studied How to Study the Bible like Sherlock 'Olmes, this should make sense to you. This outline picks up the last point of the previous section (Romans 1A) to give the context for verse 19.
1:18 For God's wrath is revealed from Heaven on all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, holding the truth in unrighteousness,
A. v18a-d The Ones against on whom God’s heavenly wrath is revealed are those who hold the truth without obeying it.
A1. 18a God’s wrath is revealed/disclosed = VP
A2. 18b The Place from which God’s wrath is revealed is from heaven
A3. 18c The Thing/Ones on which it is revealed is on all the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men (metonymy of effect for cause)
A4. 18d The Manner of the men is that they hold the truth in unrighteousness
19 because the thing known of God is clearly known within them, for God revealed it to them.
B. v19a-b The Reason God’s wrath is revealed is because those who don’t obey know better (God revealed it to them).
B1. 19a The Reason God’s wrath is revealed OR they hold the truth in unrighteousness is because they clearly know God’s revelation and ignore it.
B2. 19b The Reason they know the revelation is because God revealed it to them.
20 For the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, both His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse.
C. v20a-f The Reason Paul can say God revealed it to them is because creation clearly portrays the Creator and His claim on His creatures, thus they are without excuse. (This modifies the last half of B.)
C1. 20a The Place where/Source/Means by which God’s character is seen is in/by creation
C2. 20b The unseen things of God Him are clearly seen = VP
C3. 20c The Result/Manner of God’s character being clearly seen is that God is understood
C4. 20d The Ones by whom /Means by which God is understood is by the things made
C5. 20e The Things about God which are clearly seen are both His eternal power and Godhead
C6. 20f The Result of God’s power and claim being understood (and ignored) by his creatures is that they are without excuse.
21 Because knowing God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful. But they became vain in their reasonings, and their undiscerning heart was darkened.
D. v21-22 The Reason unrighteous men are without excuse for their behavior is because they failed to respond correctly to the light and went deeper into the dark in idolatry (This modifies the last half of C.)
D1. 21a-d The Result of man not glorifying the Creator God but instead being foolish in their thinking is that their heart was darkened. (This starts a new point that will be combined with D2 into the complement of D, and then D will modify C.)
D1a. 21a The time when men did not glorify of thank God is after/while knowing Him (from creation)
D1b. 21b The created man did not glorify/honor their creator as the God to be worship nor express thankful dependence on Him =VP#1
D1c. 21c Man became vain in their reasonings =VP#2
D1d. 21d The Result of man not glorifying the Creator God but instead being foolish in their thinking is that their heart was darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became foolish 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into a likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
D2. 22a-c The Manner of their dark foolishness is that they changed the glory of the incorruptible Creator God into corruptible (created) idols (This modifies the last half of D1. )
D2a. 22a The Time when they became foolish is while professing wisdom
D2b. 22b The Manner/Result of a darkened heart is that they became foolish
D2c. 22c The result of their foolishness is that they changed the glory of the incorruptible Creator God into corruptible (created) idols
24 Because of this, God gave them up to impurity in the lusts of their hearts, their bodies to be dishonored among themselves, 25 who changed the truth of God into the lie, and worshiped and served the created thing more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen
E. vv24-25 The Result of their foolish idolatry is that God gave them up/handed them over to dishonorable impurity/uncleanness (This modifies the last half of D.)
E1. 24a God gave them up/handed them over to impurity/uncleanness = VP
E2. 24b The Means/Sphere by which God gave the to uncleanness is by the lusts/desires of their darkened hearts
E3. 24c The Purpose for which God gave them over to lust-driven uncleanness is for their created bodies to be dishonored.
E4. 24d The ones among whom they would be dishonored are those who changed the truth of God into the lie, and as a result worshiped and served the created thing more than the Creator who they should have honored.
26 Because of this, God gave them up to dishonorable passions, for even their females changed the natural use to that contrary to nature.27 And likewise, the males also forsaking the natural use of the female burned in their lust toward one another, males with males working out shamefulness, and receiving back within themselves the reward which was fitting for their error.
F. vv 26-27 The First Result of the creature rejecting the Creator is that God gave them over to dishonorable passions/lusts resulting in just judgment.
F1. 26a God gave them over to dishonorable passions/lusts =vp
F2. 26b The Manner (epexegetical gar) of the passions is…OR The Reason (explanatory gar) Paul can say the passions are dishonorable is…
F2a. 26c…women exchanged (1:25) the natural for unnatural (childbearing for promiscuity??)
F2b. 27a…and men forsook heterosexual sex to burn out in their lust for one another
F3. 27b The Manner/Result of hetero for homo exchange is men doing what is shameful and receiving the just reward of their error
28 And even as they did not think fit to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a unfit/reprobate mind, to do the things not right
29 having been filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, iniquity, covetousness, malice, being full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, evil habits, becoming whisperers, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, proud, braggarts, devisers of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without discernment, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful
G. vv28-32 The Second Result of the creature rejecting the Creator is that God let them be dominated by unrighteousness (This modifies the last half of E along with F, since F and G are joined by a kai/and -coordinating conjunction.)
G1. vv28-29 The Result of being doing the things that are not right is that they have been filled/controlled by all self-centered unrighteousness
G1a. 28a. The Reason God gave them up is that they did not deem it appropriate to retain God in their knowledge
G1b. 28b God gave them up/over to an unfit mind = VP
G1c. 28c The Purpose/Result of being given over to an unfit mind is that they do unrighteous things
G1f. 29 The Result of doing unrighteousness is that they have been filled/controlled by all self-centered unrighteousness
32 who knowing the righteous order of God, that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only do them, but also approve those practicing them.
G2 The Result of being filled with all unrighteousness is that loses sense of God’s righteousness and justice.
G2a. 32a The Ones who do and approve unrighteousness are those who know the righteous order of God and the death penalty for its violation.
G2b. 32bThey do and approve of unrighteousness. = VP
Romans 2A
Romans 2A Outline
[This doesn't have the outline numbering completed so you get a peak at a work in progress]
1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
v1 In light of the present manifestations of God’s judgment those who hypocritically judge are self-condemned without excuse.
1a Somebody’s inexcusable = vp
1b The One who’s without excuse is the one who judges
1c The Reason the one who judges is without excuse is because they are self condemned
1d The reason they’re self condemned is because they do the things they condemn in others
2 Now we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
v2 The Result of being self condemned and without excuse is that God's judgment is true and just.
2a We know =vp
2b The Content of what we know is that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
2c The Manner of God’s judgment is that it’s according to truth and against hypocritical sinners
3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
3 The One who will not escape the judgment of God is the hypocritical judger
4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
4a One despises the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering
4b The Reason one despises the patient forbearance of God because the do not know that the goodness of God should lead sinners to repent
5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds":
5a The Manner/Reason believers are storing up wrath is in accordance with OR because of their hard and impenitent hearts
5b Believers are treasuring up for themselves wrath = vp
5c The time for when believers are storing up wrath is the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God
6 The Manner in which God will compensate believers is in accordance with their deeds
6a God will payback/compensate = vp
6b The Ones to whom God will payback are each believer
6c The Manner in which God will payback is according to one’s deeds
7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;
7a The Ones whom God compensates with eternal life are those who seek for glory, honor and immortality.
7b The Manner/Means in/by which they seek for glory etc is by patiently and constantly doing good.
8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;
8-9a The Ones whom God compensates with indignation, wrath, tribulation and anguish are those who are self seeking and do not obey the truth.
8-9b The Manner in which they are self-seeking and disobedient is by doing evils
8-9c The Manner in which God pays back is irrespective of whether one is a Jew or Greek OR first the Jew and then the Greek.
10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
10 The Manner in which God compensates those doing good with glory honor and peace is first to the Jew and also to the Greek
11 For there is no partiality with God.
11 The Reason God pays back both Jew and Greek is because He is impartial.
NB The reason partiality is an issue is because the Jews considered themselves better thean the Gentiles.
12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law
12 The Reason Paul can say God is impartial is because people are fairly judged according to the revelation they have.
12a The Manner in which those who have sinned with out the law will perish is apart from the law
12b The Manner in which those who have sinned with the law will be judged is by the law
13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
13 The Reason those with the law will be judged is because just knowing/hearing the law doesn’t make one righteous.
13a The hearers of the law are not just in the sight of God
13b The doers of the law will be justified/declared righteous
14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
14-15 The Reason Paul can say God’s impartial (11) or that sinners are fairly judged (12 best) that only the doers are declared righteous (13) is because even those without the law recognize their responsibility to live morally.
16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Romans 2b
Romans 2b Outline
[Make sure you understand Chapter 1 fairly well, especially audience and purpose in writing]
A. 17-18 The Manner of the Jews is that they rest, boast, know and approve because they’ve been instructed out of the law
A1. 17-18b The Ones who rest on the law, boast in God, know His will, and approve the things that are excellent are called Jews
A2. 18c The Reason they manifest the things that are excellent is because they are being instructed out of the law
B. 19-20 The Manner of the Jews is that they are overconfident teachers of others because the have the law.
B1. 19-20a The Jews are confident that they are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, and a teacher of babes.
B2. 20b The Reason they are confident etc is because they have the form of knowledge and truth
B3. 20c The Place where they have the form of knowledge and truth is in the law.
C. 21-24 The Result of the Jews hypocritical behavior is that God’s name is distained among the Gentiles.
C1. 21a The ones who teach another do not teach themselves
C2. 22b The ones who preach that a man should not steal do steal
C3. 22c The ones who say, "Do not commit adultery," do commit adultery
C4. 22d The ones who abhor idols, rob temples.
C5. 23 The ones who make their boast in the law, dishonor God by means of breaking the law
C6. 24 The Reason Paul can say they dishonor God is because Isaiah indicates "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of them , Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22
D. 25-27 The Result of Jewish hypocrisy is that they are negatively judged when compared to moral Gentiles
D1. 25a The Result of keeping the law is that circumcision is profitable
D2. 25b The Result of breaking the law is that circumcision has become uncircumcision
D3. 26 The Result of an uncircumcised man keeping the righteous requirements of the law, is that his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision
D4. 27a The Result of a physically uncircumcised man fulfilling the law is that he judges the Jew
D5. 27b The One who is a judged Jew is the one who even with written code and circumcision is a transgressor of the law
E. 28-29 The Reason Paul can say the uncircumcised lawkeeper judges the disobedient Jew is because God will bless the inwardly obedient.
E1. 28b The One who is not a Jew is one who is one outwardly
E2. 28c The One who (Manner of circumcision) is not circumcised is one who is only circumcised outwardly in the flesh
E3. 29a The One who is a Jew is one who is one inwardly
E4. 29b The One who (Manner of circumcision) is circumcised is that of the heart
E5. 29c The Manner of true circumcision is that done in the spirit (inward or of the law), not in the letter of the law
E6. 29d The One who (Manner/Result) is party to the covenant blessing is one who’s praise is not from men but from God.
God in a nutshell: God is the Creator, who has a will He wants us to do, and will judge and reward or punish based upon our works.
Build-a-Jesus: Jesus offers salvation (in all its aspects: justification, sanctification, and glorification) to those who have faith in Him, from start to finish.
Us in a nutshell: We can choose to believe God, do what He says, and get blessed, or reject His goodness and suffer for it. Only a fool would choose the latter.
Where to Go for More:
Truthbase.net
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