the new self created in the likeness of God
"and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4.24 God hasn't called us to be a little better than we were or even a lot better than the world. He's called us to be like Him! And in Christ, He has recreated us in His image. It's... Continue Reading →
Man Cannot Be Justified By Works Of Law (Vss. 9-20) Let's begin by recalling what we've covered so far. Paul's aim was to proclaim the gospel. The basic elements of the gospel were laid out in Romans 1.1-7. The gospel is the message of Christ (a message revealed in the prophets) that should bring about... Continue Reading →
Misplaced boasting (2.17-24) The focus of Paul's words in vss. 1-16 were on the impartiality of God, that both God's blessings and wrath would come equally on Jew and Gentile based on their works, not their nationality. But what about Israel's status as God's special people (Exodus 19:4-6, etc.). Did that mean nothing? Paul addresses... Continue Reading →
“Yes, Paul says we are justified by faith and not works, but don’t forget that James says ‘faith without works is dead’.” Ever said something similar? If not, you probably will. How have believers in Christ come to such radically different viewpoints about the necessity of following God’s commands? Part of the reason may be that... Continue Reading →
But I'm not legalistic! Being charged with legalism can be very perplexing. After all, I don't think I can earn my salvation. I don't think that if I were baptized 100 times it would "earn" my entrance into heaven. Nor do I think that worshipping without instrumental music, fellowship halls and recreational facilities merits God's... Continue Reading →
God's righteousness & His wrath Our text begins with the word "for," which points us back to the point Paul just made. We see two parallel statements in vs. 17 and 18: "the righteousness of God is revealed," (vs. 17) "the wrath of God is revealed," (vs. 18) As we noted in our last lesson,... Continue Reading →
The Greeting (Vs. 1-7) Compare with other of Paul's greetings. Eph. 1:1-2; Phil. 1:1-2; Col. 1:1-2; 1Thess. 1:1. All of these greetings share a common structure: Paul introduces himself (and any associates) Paul states who he is addressing Paul greets them with grace and peace. These same elements are found in Romans, but there is... Continue Reading →
For centuries, Romans has meant much to a host of believers. For Augustine it was the knowledge that a new life was possible in Christ Jesus. For Luther it was the settling of his mind that “the righteousness of God” could save, rather than condemn, if one placed faith in Christ. For John Wesley it... Continue Reading →
At the close of chapter the 12 the author of Hebrews encouraged his readers that since they received “a kingdom which cannot be shaken” they should “show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (vs. 28). The word translated as “offer...service” in the NASB95 is translated as... Continue Reading →
The first part of chapter 12 was an exhortation to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (vs. 1) and listed two sources of motivation: 1) the great host of witnesses and 2) Christ’s example of endurance. But where does this race finish; what is the goal? That is the subject of... Continue Reading →
Earlier, the Hebrew author had told his audience that they “have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised” (Hebrews 10.36). The author then proceeded to give numerous examples in chapter 11 of men and women who through faith endured, even though they hadn’t... Continue Reading →
Built By Him 