Life Application Bible Studies Romans

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Contents

A Note to Readers...................................................................ixIntroduction to the New Living Translation..........................................xvWhy the Life Application Study Bible Is Unique......................................xviiWhat Is Application?................................................................xixFeatures of the Life Application Study Bible........................................2ROMANS from the Life Application Study Bible........................................39How to Use This Bible Study.........................................................41Lesson 1: The Gospel at the Crossroads Romans 1:1-17...............................45Lesson 2: Whatever Became of Sin? Romans 1:18-2:16.................................49Lesson 3: Not Guilty! Romans 2:17-3:31.............................................53Lesson 4: Abraham, a Model of Faith Romans 4:1-25..................................57Lesson 5: Finding Peace with God Romans 5:1-21.....................................61Lesson 6: Free to Choose Life Romans 6:1-23........................................65Lesson 7: Losing Sight of the Victory Romans 7:1-25................................69Lesson 8: The Key to Confident Living Romans 8:1-39................................73Lesson 9: Searching for God and Missing Jesus Romans 9:1-11:36.....................77Lesson 10: Becoming a Living Sacrifice Romans 12:1-21..............................81Lesson 11: Controlled by Love Romans 13:1-14.......................................85Lesson 12: Living for Each Other Romans 14:1-15:13.................................89Lesson 13: Partners in the Gospel Romans 15:14-16:27

Chapter One

VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To introduce Paul to the Romans and to give a sample of his message before he arrives in Rome

AUTHOR: Paul

ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: The Christians in Rome

DATE WRITTEN: About A.D. 57, from Corinth, as Paul was preparing for his visit to Jerusalem.

SETTING: Apparently Paul had finished his work in the east, and he planned to visit Rome on his way to Spain after first bringing a collection to Jerusalem for the poor Christians there (15:23-28). The Roman church was mostly Jewish but also contained a great number of Gentiles.

KEY VERSE: "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us" (5:1).

KEY PEOPLE: Paul, Phoebe

KEY PLACE: Rome

SPECIAL FEATURES: Paul wrote Romans as an organized and carefully presented statement of his faith-it does not have the form of a typical letter. He does, however, spend considerable time greeting people in Rome at the end of the letter.

KNOWLEDGEABLE and experienced, the district attorney makes his case. Calling key witnesses to the stand, he presents the evidence. After discrediting the testimonies of witnesses for the defense by skillfully cross-examining them, he concludes with an airtight summary and stirring challenge for the jury. The announced verdict is no surprise. "Guilty" states the foreman, and justice is served.

The apostle Paul was intelligent, articulate, and committed to his calling. Like a skilled lawyer, he presented the case for the gospel clearly and forthrightly in his letter to the believers in Rome.

Paul had heard of the church at Rome, but he had not yet been there, nor had any of the other apostles. Evidently the church had been started by Jews who had come to faith during Pentecost (Acts 2). They had spread the gospel on their return to Rome, and the church had grown.

Although many barriers separated them, Paul felt a bond with these believers in Rome. They were his brothers and sisters in Christ, and he longed to see them face to face. He had never met most of the believers there, yet he loved them. He sent this letter to introduce himself and to make a clear declaration of the faith.

After a brief introduction, Paul presents the facts of the gospel (1:3) and declares his allegiance to it (1:16, 17). He continues by building an airtight case for the lostness of humanity and the necessity for God's intervention (1:18-3:20).

Then Paul presents the Good News: Salvation is available to all, regardless of a person's identity, sin, or heritage. We are saved by grace (unearned, undeserved favor from God) through faith (complete trust) in Christ and his finished work. Through him we can stand before God justified, "not guilty" (3:21-5:21). With this foundation Paul moves directly into a discussion of the freedom that comes from being saved-freedom from the power of sin (6:1-23), freedom from the domination of the law (7:1-25), freedom to become like Christ and discover God's limitless love (8:1-39).

Speaking directly to his Jewish brothers and sisters, Paul shares his concern for them and explains how they fit into God's plan (9:1-11:12). God has made the way for Jews and Gentiles to be united in the body of Christ; both groups can praise God for his wisdom and love (11:13-36).

Paul explains what it means to live in complete submission to Christ: Use spiritual gifts to serve others (12:3-8), genuinely love others (12:9-21), and be good citizens (13:1-14). Freedom must be guided by love as we build each other up in the faith, being sensitive and helpful to those who are weak (14:1-15:4). Paul stresses unity, especially between Gentiles and Jews (15:5-13). He concludes by reviewing his reasons for writing, outlining his personal plans (15:22-33), greeting his friends, and giving a few final thoughts and greetings from his traveling companions (16:1-27).

As you read Romans, reexamine your commitment to Christ, and reconfirm your relationships with other believers in Christ's body.

A. WHAT TO BELIEVE (1:1-11:36)

Paul begins his message to the Romans by vividly portraying the sinfulness of all people, explaining how forgiveness is available through faith in Christ, and showing what believers experience in life through their new faith. In this section, we learn of the centrality of faith to becoming a Christian and to living the Christian life. Apart from faith, we have no hope in life.

1. Sinfulness of humanity

Greetings from Paul

1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David's family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege* and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

God's Good News

8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. 9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve...