Paul’s Letter To The Church In Rome

The Just Shall Live By Faith Rom 1:17 Paul’s Letter To The Church In Rome

Outline • Introduction 1:1-17 • Indictment of & remedy for sin 1:18 – 5:21 • Anticipated questions re: justification by grace through faith 6:1 – 11:36 Lesson 1 – General Introduction 4

Indictment #2 Ù Jews 2:1-29 • Jews discussed specifically vv. 17-29 • They saw themselves as “important” • Bear the name “Jew” v. 17 • Boast in God v. 17[compare to Gentile] • Rely on Law v. 17 • Knew His will v. 18 • Guide to the blind v. 18

Indictment #2 Ù Jews 2:1-29 • Jews discussed specifically vv. 17-29 • They saw themselves as “important” • A light to those in darkness v. 19 • Correct those who are foolish v. 20 • Teach those who are immature v. 20 • Not a commendation…Paul is exposing their hypocrisy

Indictment #2 Ù Jews 2:1-29 • Jews discussed specifically vv. 17-29 • Paul exposes Jewish hypocrisy vv. 21-23 • He lists specific commandments, asking if Jews had guilt re: identical behavior • Jewish hypocrisy was causing the Gentiles to blaspheme God v. 24 Isa 52:5

Indictment #2 Ù Jews 2:1-29 • Jews discussed specifically vv. 17-29 • The Jew needed to see his hypocrisy and guilt equal to the Gentile vv. 25-27 • Both guilty…both need Christ & the gospel • Eventually, the Jew will be judged by the Gentile who keeps the Law better than he does cp. v. 14

Indictment #2 Ù Jews 2:1-29 • Jews discussed specifically vv. 17-29 • The “true Jew” vv. 28-29 • Not the one who bore the physical (literal) outward sign of the covenant (circumcision) • The one who was changed inwardly…who had been circumcised of heart • Accomplished by the Spirit…not by letter

Indictment #2 Ù Jews 2:1-29 • Jews discussed specifically vv. 17-29 • The “true Jew” vv. 28-29 • Later, in 9:6-8, Paul again makes the point that being literal descendants of Abraham was not what God had in mind cp. Mt 3:9 • In Christ, circumcision avails nothing Gal 6:12-15

Applications From Rom 2:17-29 • Substituting “Christian” for “Jew” in vv. 17-24 reminds us of the importance of living in an appropriate way before unbelievers who have “good morals” • When N.T. Christians fail to live as they should, their hypocrisy can (and often does) cause unbelievers to speak against the Lord’s church Mt 5:13-16 1 Pet 2:11-12 • Jesus condemned “stumbling blocks” Mt 18:3-7

Applications From Rom 2:17-29 • Substituting “baptism” for “circumcision” in vv. 25-29 reminds us of the importance baptism plays after we arise from the watery grave • It’s supposed to be a “new life” 6:4 • When one was circumcised, he was expected to live in accordance with the covenant when he became accountable • Likewise, after one has been baptized, he is expected to live in accordance with the covenant

Applications From Rom 2:17-29 • Substituting “baptism” for “circumcision” in vv. 25-29 reminds us of the importance baptism plays after we arise from the watery grave • Just because one had been circumcised didn’t mean everything was okay • Just because one has been baptized doesn’t everything is okay • The inside was supposed to be changed toward following God more faithfully 1 Pet 3:21

Indictment #3 Ù Everyone 3:1-23 • Paul now combines Jew & Gentile together • All are guilty of sin • All are in need of the same “remedy” • Law is not the Jews’ answer…nor will it continue excluding Gentiles Eph 2:11-12 • Faith in Christ is available for ALL

Indictment #3 Ù Everyone 3:1-23 • Paul begins by dealing with an anticipated Jewish objection vv. 1-2 • Based on what he had just presented 2:1-29 • If the Jews were in the same position as the Gentiles, had God been unfair with them? • What about their “advantage?”

Indictment #3 Ù Everyone 3:1-23 • Paul begins by dealing with an anticipated Jewish objection vv. 1-2 • They had an “advantage”…they had been entrusted with the oracles of God • The 1st covenant should have prepared them for Christ Jn 5:39-47 Gal 3:19-25

Paul’s Letter To The Church In Rome