Rom 14:1-4 Recall that Paul had recently written to the Corinthians on a similar subject (1 Cor 8-10). Who were the “strong” and “weak” in Corinth? Who are the “strong” and “weak” in Rome to whom Paul refers in these verses? What is Paul’s command to each in regard to the other? Of what great Christian…
Rom 13:1-2 Note: while “governing” authorities refers primarily to the civil authorities in the context of Rom 13:3-7, the word means more broadly “higher” authorities so that these verses have application to authority in general. What do these verses teach us about the importance God places upon submission to authority for those who would obey…
Rom 12:1-2 Note: “spiritual” in Rom 12:1 is from the Greek word logiko,j from which we get our English word “logical”; the KJV translates it as “reasonable” and the NASB text note offers “rational”. In light of God’s marvelous plan of redemption that offers deliverance from sin and death to all men and which Paul…
Rom 11:1-5 Recall the argument being made against the gospel by those Jews who had rejected it: it can’t be true as that would mean God’s promises to Israel had failed and He had rejected His people, contrary to the clear promises of Scripture. In chapter 9 Paul began answering this charge, emphasizing that it…
Rom 10:1-4 Is it enough for a person to just be zealous for God in order to find salvation? I.e., many believe that so long as people are sincere in what they believe, God will accept them; how does the example of the Jews refute this notion? What is necessary? See Rom 10:2, 1 Tim 2:4,…
Recall from our introduction that Paul has been articulating for the Romans a systematic understanding of the great truths of the gospel he had acquired over the course of his ministry in the eastern part of the Roman empire. As the result of the continual opposition to the gospel by both Jews and Judaizers who…
In the previous chapters Paul has been setting forth a systematic presentation of the gospel in which the righteousness of God has been revealed “from faith to faith” (Rom 1:18). In particular he has shown the superiority of the gospel to the Law in its ability to effect our salvation. In these verses he now…
Rom 8:1-4 In Rom 8:1 Paul concludes from his entire argument up to this point that there is now not any condemnation whatsoever (the Greek construction emphasizes none at all) for those who are in Christ Jesus; how does that contrast with man’s state under the law? Why is there now no condemnation for those…
Rom 7:1-6 In Rom 6:14-15 Paul stated that as Christians sin no longer has power to lord over us because we are no longer under law but under grace; why are we no longer under law? See Rom 7:1,4. What illustration does Paul give to illustrate his point? See Rom 7:2-3. What does his illustration…
Rom 6:1-2 In the previous verses Paul argued that the purpose of the law was so that transgression might increase and sin be shown for what it really is. However, as awful as the power of sin is, God’s grace is even greater to overcome it. Hence man’s inability to keep the law actually magnifies…