The Riches of Romans

Study notes from the book of Romans by David Hayton

“Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the nations the unsearchable riches of Christ,” – Ephesians 3:8

Outline

  • Introduction [1:1-17]
  • Condemnation [1:18-3:20]
  • Justification (A): Summary [3:21-26]
  • Justification (B): Elaboration & O.T. Support [3:27-5:11]
  • Justification (C): Imputation [5:12-21]
  • Sanctification [6:1-8:39]
  • Orchestration [9:1-11:36]
  • Exhortation [12:1-16:27]

Introduction:

  • An “introduction” is like an “appetizer”.
  • You are holding in your hands the most important letter ever written in the history of mankind!
  • Romans is the most important part of the entire Bible!
  • The book of Romans is listed as the primary means of conversion in the lives of great men of God such as: Augustine, Luther, John & Charles Wesley, et. al.
  • Quotes:

“[Romans is] the principal and most excellent part of the New Testament…and also a light and a way in unto the whole Scriptures.” -William Tyndale

“This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul.” -Martin Luther

“…when any one gains a knowledge of this Epistle, he has an entrance opened to him to all the most hidden treasures of Scripture.” -John Calvin

“Paul’s letter to Rome is the high peak of Scripture, however you look at it. …All roads in the Bible lead to Romans, and all views afforded by the Bible are seen most clearly from Romans, and when the message of Romans gets into a man’s heart there is no telling what may happen. -John Chrysostom had it read aloud to him once a week; you and I could do a lot worse than that.” -J.I. Packer

Background Information:

Author = Paul

  • Educated Pharisee, avid persecutor of the Church
  • Conversion & Commission [see Acts 9]-25 years earlier
  • Apostle to the Gentiles [see Galatians 2:7]
  • Premier instructor, letter-writer [see 2 Peter 3:16-17]

Date = AD 55-58

Audience = The Christians in Rome

  • Rome was the metropolis of the world [e.g., NYC today]
  • Population = nearly four million
  • No/very little middle-class
  • Tensions riding high between Jews and Gentiles

Occasion =

  • Fifth of Paul’s letters [and his longest]
  • Written from Corinth [see Acts 20:1-2] at the end of 3rd trip
  • Paul had never been to Rome, but knew many there
  • Paul was at a transition point in his ministry [see ch. 15]
  • Paul was on his way to deliver an important offering to Jer.
  • Paul was ultimately hoping to get to Spain, for next mission
  • Therefore, Romans is a missionary document/doctrinal treatise

Theme = THE GOSPEL

  • Namely, salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone to the glory of God alone
  • “Theme” or thesis verses = 1:16-17

Basic Outline/Summary of 1:1-17:

Salutation: vv. 1-7

  • Paul introduces himself, establishes himself as an apostle called and commissioned of God, and identifies his ministry entirely with the Gospel. He then, briefly, locates the heart of the Gospel as the very Person of Jesus Christ — the eternal Son of God who took on flesh and became man, but who was raised from the dead by the power of the Spirit in conjunction with divine prophecy and thereby declared officially as the Messiah and Savior of the world. The good news of Christ and his work make up Paul’s labor of proclamation: he calls the Gentiles to “obey” the Gospel — to produce the obedience to God that comes from faith in His Son — “the obedience of the faith.” And this is all for the glory of God in Christ. After this brief explanation of mission, he goes on to include the Roman believers into the special call and love of God — and greets them with grace and peace from the Cross.

Thanksgiving: vv. 8-15

  • Now Paul tells them how he often thinks of them and prays for them, hoping by God’s will to be able to come to them for their mutual edification. He was, formerly, unable to come to Rome, but [upon the delivery of the offering], he now intends to come. He is the Apostle of the Gentiles, and therefore has all the need in the world to help the other Gentile churches [and further the mission westward]. He thinks of himself as under obligation to preach the Gospel — to all classes.

Theme: vv. 16-17

  • He can’t wait to get there to preach b/c he is under obligation, and furthermore he is not ashamed of the gospel — because it is God’s power of salvation to everyone who believes. He then further explains the beauty and meaning of the Gospel by declaring that in it God’s righteousness [that we so desperately need] is revealed or provided-by faith alone. These two verses form the springboard from which we “jump into” the meat of the letter!

Condemnation

Paul is on a mission. He has been commissioned by Christ to take the Good News to the Gentile [non-Jewish] peoples. He has finished God’s work for him in the eastern end of the Roman Empire [in which Syrian Antioch was his base of operations], and he has already set his sights upon the region of Spain — the western end of the Roman Empire — and hopes to come to Rome en route and perhaps employ the church there as his new headquarters. Therefore, this letter to the Romans seeks to establish clearly the nature of the Gospel that Paul has been commissioned to carry to the ends of the earth. In Romans, like no other portion of Scripture, we find the Gospel of Christ clearly and triumphantly explained. This is the message which the Roman believers [and we] will find life-changing, this is the message that the Roman believers [and we] must find unity in; this is the message which the Roman believers [and we] must rally behind and carry on to all peoples! Lord, help us to know this letter!

Summary of 1:18-3:20

In 1:18-3:20, Paul formally begins his explanation of the Gospel that was mentioned and praised in the opening verses [1:1-17]. Verses 16-17 formed the theme-text which acts like a “spring-board.” In vs. 17 we are told that in the Gospel a righteousness from God is provided — by faith alone. Now, from vs. 18 through to 3:20, Paul declares plainly that this righteousness from God really is something we need — we all desperately need! Why? Because we are sinners; we are unrighteous. We are sinners in that we have turned away from the glory of God and have given our worship to infinitely lesser things. Such rebellion meets with the just wrath of Almighty God, Who decides to “give us up” to our depraved minds and allows our sin to express itself in more and more evil ways. Despite His kindness and patience that leads to repentance — the world busies itself with sinning — storing up more and more punishment for the Day of Judgment. His anger is upon us because of our sin — and we are all sinners, Gentile and Jew alike, moralist and reprobate together. True children of Abraham are so by the circumcision of the heart, not the flesh — and therefore no one can lay claim to God’s favor because of ethnic or religious pedigree. He has consequently not gone back on any of his promises to Abraham and the children of Israel — and those who think so are sorely mistaken. God’s anger is not rash or unjustified. It is totally right and the only fitting response to our rebellion against Him and His glory. All have sinned — he says it over and over. The entire world is held guilty and accountable at the judgment throne of God. And no, trying to keep the law [whether the Law of Moses or the law of conscience] will not remove your guilt. Why? Because the law’s very function is to reveal your sin to you. It reveals and declares that we are undone and without hope…unless there is a righteousness that comes from God based wholly upon faith… .

Lay-out of 1:18-3:20

What Happened? — 1:18-25

Verse 18 is the theme verse for all 1:18-3:20. God’s anger is being revealed against the wickedness of man. Why? Because they suppress the truth — they have exchanged it and warped it. What is this truth? It is the person and glory and power of God. Fundamental to sin is the abhorrence and rejection of God. The fountain of all sin is idolatry: exchanging the true God for something and anything else. People are aware, inherently, of the existence and glory of God: He does not have to be “proven.” The problem is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of righteousness. The anger of God is manifested by his “giving us up” to our depravity… .

What It Looks Like — 1:26-32

Sexual sins [as all others] flow from idolatry — from the exchange of God. The Bible leaves no question as to the abominable nature of homosexuality. Neither though, does it give any brighter prospect on the sin of “gossip” and “disobedience to parents”… . Our world is a world of depravity because we have rejected and ignored and belittled and despised God. We have foolishly and horribly placed ourselves as our own authority… . God’s wrath is upon us — not only as a certain expectation of future judgment, but as a present down-ward spiral of sinful living ["ever inventing new ways of sinning"]… .

Yeah, You Too! — 2:1-16

What a powerful indictment, vv. 1:18-32 make! Paul here catches us in the act of hypocrisy. He understands our propensity to hear all this, sit back, and say “Those people are so bad…!” Here he hits us right in between the eyes! God will judge the secrets of men’s hearts!-vs. 16 All are sinners — and that all includes you! God’s anger is upon all sins — and that includes your own! You may not have any Biblical law to boast of, but still you at least have your own conscience. You will be judged one day based upon your works. You will be acquitted only if in doing good, you have persisted. Only if you have sought honor and glory and eternal life [and, as we will see later in the letter: such a "seeking" and "doing good" is only possible by the grace of God in the Gospel...when you are clothed with the deeds of Christ and have practical obedience in your life as the proof of such faith...]

Even The Jew! — 2:17-29

Again, the point is simple: just because you are a Jew physically does not mean that you are a true Jew — one who is circumcised inwardly by faith.

No, God Hasn’t Gone Back On Anything! — 3:1-8

There were a lot of Jews in Paul’s audience, and Jew/Gentile tension was a lot bigger of an issue then… . Therefore we understand why Paul is hitting this so much. God’s promises to the true Jews haven’t’ been annulled at all… . And to say that you will go on sinning because God’s glory and faithfulness remain — people who say this are surely condemned.

At The End Of The Day… — 3:9-20

At the end of the day: all have sinned, and all are sinners. There is no one righteous. No one is seriously, genuinely seeking after God [on his own]. This is a world of depravity that is held accountable to God. Every mouth is stopped. Even those who say they are keeping God’s law for salvation. Why? Because the law itself only reveals sin. It does not and cannot remove it — only judge and punish it. So, at the end of the day, the point is made crystal clear: the righteousness the Gospel provides is a righteousness that we desperately need!

Justification (A): Summary

In the introduction we saw how 1:17 acts like a springboard from which we dive into the meat of the letter. In that verse [1:17] we are told the Gospel is precious and powerful — because it reveals that the righteousness of God can be possessed only by faith, from start to finish. Then in 1:18-3:20, we move from the diving-board to the rushing water beneath. The keyword for those verses [1:18-3:20] = “condemnation.” In other words, Paul begins the letter by saying how great the Good News really is because it declares that God’s righteousness is made available to us through faith alone [1:17]. Then, he “backpedals” so-to-speak [1:18-3:20], in order to make very clear that this righteousness he’s talking about is something we each horribly lack & desperately need! So he introduces the Gospel [Introduction: 1:1-17], and he then powerfully demonstrates how badly we need it [Condemnation: 1:18-3:20]. So then, the scene is now set for our next section-3:21-26 [Justification (A): Summary].

Summary of 3:21-26

In 1:18-3:20, the sentence of divine judgment is laid against all of mankind. All are sinners; all have turned their backs on God and have belittled Him, ignored Him, exchanged Him, suppressed Him, etc. We have despised His glory and have sought satisfaction and fulfillment from anything and everything else. We are traitors against the All-Good, All-Powerful, and All-Holy God of the universe. Therefore, we are justly and irreversibly condemned! Oh, that we would feel the weight of our condemnation — the sheer terror of our appointment to stand before Him alone to give an account of our lives! Paul’s long and laborious account of our depravity and condemnation does serve a good purpose. We really need to grasp the enormity and absoluteness of God’s holiness and goodness and perfection and glory, as well as the extremity and vileness of our own sinfulness and helplessness and condemnation and culpability! We are undone; as the song says, “…a wretch like me.” These hurting, judging, condemning [and unmistakably true] words are meant to demonstrate the purity of God and the depravity of man. Furthermore, they intend to knock out any support from beneath our feet upon which we hope to “make it okay” with God — whether it be the crutch of personal worth, or good works, or religious pedigree, or ethnic superiority, etc. And thereby, we have constructed for us the dark canvas of sin upon which the bright brush of grace will appear all the more glorious. And here in 3:21-26 we see the “brush of grace” in all its splendor! Harkening back to 1:17, we are told [in 3:21] that a righteousness from God has been revealed apart from the Law — i.e., this righteousness that is revealed cannot be attained through the works of the O.T. Law. Yet, although it is revealed apart from the O.T. Law, it is nonetheless witnessed by it — i.e., the gospel is not based on our doing the works of the Law, rather the O.T. itself bears witness to the true nature of the Gospel [and we shall probe this thought later in 3:27-4:25]. The next verse [3:22] plainly says that this righteousness being spoken of is “the righteousness of God” that comes “through faith in Jesus Christ” and is reserved for “all those who believe.” Again this Gospel is for all — there is no distinction — because all have sinned [3:23]. In the same way, everyone has but one hope: this righteousness from God through faith in Jesus. This righteousness of God is provided in His official act of “justification” whereby He gives to us — as an entirely free gift — [and not because we deserve it at all, only due to His grace] a completely-right standing with Himself, because of what Jesus did on the Cross [3:24]. On the Cross, Jesus was presented as the atoning sacrifice or “propitiation” whereby God’s wrath against us was absorbed; this work of Jesus for us is applied to us by faith [3:25a]. We are then told that the ultimate purpose of the Cross was to demonstrate the glory of God’s justice [3:25b-26]: a) in executing His judgment against sin upon Jesus and b) thereby being “able” to credit our sins to Him and His obedience to us [justification]. After reading these verses [perhaps the most remarkable words of the entire Bible], all we can say and shout is: “Wow!” Oh, may the Spirit open our eyes to the truth and beauty of this justification that is graciously given to us by faith alone. And may we never “get over it”!

Definition of “Justification”:

“Justification is the fruit of the Cross, whereby God forgives our sins and credits to us the perfect obedience of Jesus — officially declaring us right in His sight — by faith alone.”

Justification is the central doctrine of “salvation.” The words are very much related. One could almost say, “Justification is the root, salvation is the fruit.” I.e., salvation [deliverance from the wrath of God on the Day of Judgment] is what you get because you have been justified by God through faith!

Justification — by faith alone — is still the fundamental dividing line among world religions today. It was the central issue of Paul’s day, it was the central issue of the Reformation of the 16th Century, and it remains the central issue even today. It is imperative that we get, hold onto, and treasure this truth with all our lives!

Lay-out of 3:21-26

VV. 21-23 — A Universal Gospel Unveiled, Yet Attested To By The Old Testament

We will get into the whole O.T. connection more later as we get into chapter four. The simple point: this wonderful news of a righteousness [that we need!] from God by faith in Jesus — while brought to the greatest light ever and just now in its first formal declaration to the nations, is something embedded and incubated in the Old Testament. Moreover the Gospel that is attested to by the O.T. is a Gospel that is intended for all who believe — Jews and the rest of the world! Why, because all have sinned, and are likewise guilty before God.

VV. 24-25a — The Explanation Of This Universal Gospel

Here are perhaps the two most blessed verses in all the Bible! Wow! Here the Gospel is detailed for us with clarity and power. In the Gospel there is a righteousness from God revealed [1:17] that we so desperately need and cannot earn on our own [1:18-3:20]. Rather this righteousness comes through faith alone in Jesus. What happens when we believe in Christ and His work alone for our hope and acceptance before God? We become “justified” by God as a gift of His grace. The Cross becomes the place where God’s anger against us was satisfied, and the place where our acceptance by God was purchased. Wow! Wow! Wow!

VV. 25b-26 — The Demonstration Of This Universal Gospel

This passage tells us one more thing: that the Gospel so gloriously described serves the function as the prime demonstrator of the justice of God: His justice to condemn and His justice to save. The Cross is absolutely everything! Cf. 1 Cor. 2:2!

Discussion/Clarifications:

  • Declaration vs. Transformation
  • Works as Fruit vs. Works as Root [Justification & Sanctification]
  • How does Paul apply justification to my/your home? [Eph. 4:32]

Justification (B): Elaboration & O.T. Support

Summary/Lay-out of 3:27-5:11

Last week, we saw the majestic “brush of grace” make its marvelous strokes upon the canvas of universal human depravity & condemnation. In 3:21-26 we have spelled out for us the summary of the doctrine of justification by faith alone. You and I can never be accepted by God on the basis of our works. Our only hope lies in Jesus Christ — His obedient life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection. We need His righteousness to clothe us. Therefore, the great news of the Gospel is that His righteousness is made available to us — by faith! We can’t work for it, earn it, buy it, or coerce it in any way — we can only receive it as God’s gift by faith.

This is a central truth of Christianity, the kernel doctrine of Evangelicalism. To the degree that we “fudge” on the teaching of justification by faith alone — we blaspheme Jesus Christ, defame His work upon the Cross, and really show ourselves to not be genuinely “Christian” at all — despite what we call ourselves. Even if an angel from heaven were to contradict this truth — the angel is to be accursed [Galatians 1:8-10]! Therefore it is imperative that we really “get” this teaching. And, to our encouragement, we do not have to be brilliant scholars or look hard and long to uncover and understand this great doctrine.

In 3:27-5:11 we see that justification by faith is no new thing. The message of the Old Testament is completely in line with what Paul is saying [3:31-4:25]. Abraham and David [and so many others that Paul doesn't have time to mention] declare with unmistakable clarity that their hope is Jesus Christ alone for salvation — they did not trust their own works or worthiness. In addition to showing that this message of salvation by faith alone is in concert with the Old Testament, Paul elaborates as to the tremendous impact of his teaching upon our lives: at one and the same time justification by faith alone marks the end & the beginning of a life of boasting [3:27-30 & 5:1-11]. Therefore, I have summarized this section, 3:27-5:11, as “Justification (B): Elaboration & O.T. Support.”

In the opening verses [3:27-30], he gives one fundamental principle of justification by faith: justification by faith marks the end of human boasting! He then applies this in two ways: A) We cannot boast in our ability and B) We cannot boast in our nationality. [Indeed, both statements -- like the rest of Romans -- are highly applicable for us today!]

Verse 31 acts somewhat like a transition. Paul will now be answering a very real objection for the Jews of his day, something like — “If this is true, Paul, how does this jive with the Old Testament…and the Law in particular? Doesn’t justification by faith obliterate the purpose of the Ten Commandments…?” Therefore, he will now give his full attention to briefly establishing the fact that the Old Testament agrees with him — and says the same thing! And the foundation is laid toward a proper understanding of the Law revealed to Moses in the Old Testament [which we look at more closely in 5:12-21].

In 4:1-8, Paul now establishes Principle A ["Justification by faith = we cannot boast in our ability"] by pointing to both the patriarch Abraham [quoting from Genesis 15:6] and King David [quoting from Psalm 32:1-2]. The O.T. saints of God did not earn their way to Him. Rather, they trusted Him, through Christ, to justify the ungodly — of whom they were. We cannot boast in our ability — our only hope is faith in Christ! [cf. Luke 24:25-27; 2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Peter 3:15-16]

Then, in 4:9-25, Paul establishes Principle B ["Justification by faith = we cannot boast in our nationality"] by pointing again to Abraham who himself is the father of the Jewish nation [quoting from Genesis 15 & 17]. He reminds his readers that Abraham was himself a “Gentile” — one who was uncircumcised — when God called him to Himself and gave to him the promise. And, then, Abraham’s getting circumcised earned him nothing — it was merely an act of obedience that proved he had already trusted Christ for righteousness [vs. 11a]. Moreover, the great gospel-promise made to Abraham [that through Christ he and his descendents -- by faith -- would be heirs of all things, cf. Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-6, 17:4-8; Galatians 3:6-29] was made hundreds of years before the official Law was even given. Therefore, in no way was God’s promise of salvation dependent upon it [the Law]. The Law’s function was not to remove sin but to reveal sin and to intensify the longing for Christ the Savior to come and fulfill it on our behalf — and pay the penalties of it which we so rightly deserve [more on this next week]. Paul goes on to explain that Abraham was ordained to be the father of many nations — not just Israel. And the way in which he was to be the “father” of those many nations: his faith in Christ, his being justified by faith alone [vv. 18, 23-25]. We cannot boast in our nationality — our one God has but one way for all peoples to be saved! [cf. Galatians 3-4; Ephesians 2; Acts 4:12; Revelation 5:9-14]

Finally, now, in 5:1-11, Paul picks up on the vast benefits of being justified by faith alone in Christ alone. He is writing with David’s flavor from Psalm 32: “the happiness” of the person who is justified by faith. This is such a sweet and life-transforming passage! We see here that Paul puts a twist on things. Back in 3:27-30 we were told that justification by faith means the end of human boasting. But now, in 5:1-11, he tells us the justified person is a person who boasts — he uses that same word [from 3:27] in a positive light three times in these eleven verses [vv. 2, 3, 11]. Wow! Paul implicitly affirms that human beings were created to boast. We were made to “go nuts” like we do at football games. We were wired to celebrate deeply, passionately, and joyfully. The problem is not the boasting itself — but the object of our boasting. In other words, while justification by faith marks the end of human boasting, it marks the beginning of God-ward boasting — the kind of pleasure we were made for! [cf. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3:1-3, 4:4]. This God-ward, eternal, radical, all-embracing, real joy was purchased for us on the Cross [John 15:11, 17:3, 24; 1 Peter 3:18]. It is a gift to us; it cannot be earned in any way by ourselves [cf. Ephesians 2:8-9]. We must be justified by faith alone. Therefore, Paul demonstrates that this amazing joy is not contingent upon human circumstances — i.e., health or wealth. This joy comes not from looking inward but outward & upward at Jesus Who alone is our Hope and Righteousness. Through Him we have uninterrupted access to the throne of God’s grace and mercy and help-in-time-of-need [cf. Hebrews 4:14-16]. Furthermore [vs. 2b], we have been given the future inheritance of sharing in the glory of God [cf. John 17:24]. So then, tribulations and trials are not ultimately our enemies but our friends. In fact, being justified by faith is such an intense thing that we can even “rejoice” or “boast” in tribulations — because we know [cf. Romans 8:28, ff.] that they will produce for us an even greater endurance and humility and hope and sense of the love of God [vv.3-5]. Truly, the greatest thing in the world — even/especially for believers — is the Cross…this matter of being justified by faith! Through faith in Jesus we have been “reconciled” [5:11] to God and that really is all that matters! [cf. 1 Corinthians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 5:20-21; Galatians 6:14; Philippians 1:21]

Definition of “Justification”:

“Justification is the fruit of the Cross, whereby God forgives our sins and credits to us the perfect obedience of Jesus — officially declaring us right in His sight — by faith alone.”

Further Discussion:

  • In what ways are we prone to ” boasting in our ability”?
  • In what ways are we prone to “boasting in our nationality”?
  • Why is it that so many “Christians” today constantly complain about trials?
  • What should it look like for us to live a life of “boasting in the Cross”?

Justification (C): Imputation

Context/Summary of 5:12-21

Let us remember that Romans is a missionary letter. It was written by a missionary to a missionary community with the intention that this Roman missionary community would assist Paul on the extension of his mission to Spain — the western stretches of the Empire. This mission was not of Paul’s own invention — it was a divine mission given to him by Christ immediately upon his conversion [cf. Acts 9:1-19; Romans 1:1-5]. Also, let us remember that we ourselves are included into the essence of Paul’s mission — cf. Matthew 28:18-20.

So then, at the heart of this missionary letter is the teaching of justification by faith alone. The proper understanding of justification is not only important for this mission — it is essential: it is what defines & makes up the mission itself. What is it that Paul is saying to the nations? What is the message for which he suffers so greatly in order to spread to the unreached peoples? It is the message that the great I AM — the great God of the universe has given justification to condemned sinners through the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ; and this gift of justification can only be received by faith [and, therefore, is available to all peoples]!

Last week we saw how this message of justification by faith, apart from any/all good works, is clearly founded upon the Old Testament Scriptures. What Paul is teaching is completely in line with what the prophets of old declared. Moreover, Paul explained to us the fundamental application of this teaching: no human boasting whatsoever! However, we saw in 5:1-11 that while human boasting is abolished, Godward boasting is established — and what we were made for!

Now, in 5:12-21, we see that central to the teaching of justification is this concept of imputation. The main point = what Christ has done for all who are in Him is far greater than what Adam did for all who were in him [cf. 1 Corinthians 15:22]. John Piper offers a helpful summary:

The obedience of Christ is parallel, but vastly superior, to the disobedience of Adam.

The righteousness imputed to those who are in Christ is parallel, but vastly superior, to the sin imputed to those who are in Adam because of his disobedience.

The life that comes to us who are in Christ through that righteousness is parallel, but vastly superior, to the death that comes to those who are in Adam through that imputed sin.

Lay-Out of 5:12-21

The Comparison: Christ is like Adam [vv.12-14; 18-19]

  1. Just as in Adam we all sinned and therefore received death and condemnation — so also in Christ we obeyed and therefore receive life and justification.

  2. The Comparison begins with verse 12, and gets “broken off” until all the way to vv. 18-19…

  3. The Interruption of vv. 13-17 is meant to clarify: vv. 13-14 clarify that we have all indeed sinned “in Adam,” while vv. 15-17 make up the contrast…

The Contrast: Christ is not like Adam [vv.15-17]

  1. God’s ultimate aim is to display the preeminence and glory of his grace over the judgment. [vs. 15 contrast]

  2. God’s grace triumphs not just over one transgression, but over many transgressions [vs. 16 contrast]

  3. The triumph of God’s grace will not simply give life in place of death, but will make us reign in life like kings in the presence of our Father forever and ever. [vs. 17 contrast]

The Purpose of the Law: Intensify the Gospel [vv.20-21]

  1. The Law came to “increase” the awareness and prevalence of Sin — so as thereby to even more greatly increase the awareness and greatness of Grace.

Definition of “Justification”:

“Justification is the fruit of the Cross, whereby God forgives our sins and credits to us the perfect obedience of Jesus — officially declaring us right in His sight — by faith alone.”

Sanctification

Definition of “Sanctification”

“Sanctification is the fruit of the Cross, whereby God imparts to us the purifying power of the Holy Spirit to work in us a progressive pursuit of holiness — by faith alone.”

Summary of 6:1-8:39

At the heart of this missionary letter is the teaching of justification by faith alone [3:21-5:21]. As we finish reading Paul’s statements regarding this truth, we are struck with a powerful objection — one that Paul foresees and answers. The Objection is stated twice, in 6:1 & 6:15; the gist = If this is true, Paul, if this whole salvation by faith alone thing is true…if it doesn’t depend upon our works whatsoever — then doesn’t that mean we can just live our lives the way we want to? Such a statement may bear human logic, but not God-logic. Paul answers this question in no uncertain terms: “absolutely not!” [literally, "may it never be!"]. Justification by faith alone does not hinder good works; it establishes and ensures good works [cf. Eph. 2:8-10]. In fact, without justification by faith alone there will be no truly good work that pleases God [cf. Romans 1:5, 4:20, 7:4, 8:4; Hebrews 11:6]! So then, this next section [chapters six through eight] deals with this matter of “sanctification” — practical holiness in the life of a believer. We will try to look briefly at these chapters, one at a time. Although there is a good bit of overlap, I think it would be helpful to summarize each chapter with one statement regarding sanctification: sanctification is necessary [chapter 6]; sanctification is possible [chapter 7]; sanctification is certain [chapter 8].

Sanctification is necessary. This seems to be the basic way in which Paul goes on to answer the objection in detail. Grace doesn’t mean opening the floodgates to wickedness; rather the opposite is true: grace means we have died to sin. If we are truly trusting Jesus for our righteousness — then we have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection [6:3-11]. We are new creations in Christ [cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17]. It is therefore unthinkable that a true Christian would live gleefully in the clutches of sin. More so, it is impossible. Though a true believer may relapse [= backslide] at times into serious sin, he will not continue therein — because he has a new master; he is a new creation; he has new desires and values; he has a new Power to enable and control him [cf. Romans 2:7; Galatians 5:21; Hebrews 3:14; 2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 2:3-6, 19, etc.] A genuine Christian, Paul reasons, will not fit the flavor of the objection. He cannot, because according to verse 14, he is no longer beneath the tyranny of sin and death and the external Law. He belongs to a new Master now; he is a slave to obedience [not disobedience]. We are commanded to present our lives as instruments for holiness because holiness is not optional for the believer [vs. 20, ff.]. If a person lives his life in disregard for the Lordship of Jesus Christ — that person is not a believer, pure and simple. There is such a thing as self-deception, and there are plenty of Scriptures to warn us about bearing genuine fruit [Matthew 7:21-23; John 15:2, 6; Hebrews 12:14; James 2:18-19; 2 Peter 1:10; Revelation 2:11]. Romans 6:22 teaches clearly that if there is no sanctification there will be no eternal life! According to Romans 6 [and the rest of Scripture], sanctification is absolutely necessary to be a Christian.

Sanctification is possible. There is considerable debate and confusion regarding how to interpret the end of chapter 7 [vv. 14-25] — is Paul talking about himself before conversion or after conversion? I am inclined to think that he is referring to himself before his conversion, while he was still beneath the tyranny of sin [vs. 23] — which all believers are set free from in Christ [8:2]. Godly and reliable Bible scholars have taken both sides of this debate, and while it is worthwhile to study these verses and labor to discern what Paul is saying there, we should take care to not “miss the forest for the tree.” However one interprets the end of chapter seven, the beginning of the chapter [along with the very beginning of chapter 8] makes Paul’s main point crystal clear, namely, because of our freedom from “the law of sin and death” [which came about via our union with Christ], we are now able to bear fruit to God…to please Him. Under sin, even though we have the very Law of God spelled out for us, we are unable to please God. Why? Because we are sinful; we have a mind of “flesh.” And this mind is hostile toward God — so that despite having the knowledge of his law and the innate awareness that it is good [cf. 7:22?], we have no power to obey it — we are slaves of another [cf. 7:5; 8:7-8]. Paul opens up chapter seven [7:1-3] by harkening back to the union with Christ theme from 6:1-11. Here he uses the analogy of marriage: upon your spouse’s death, you are no longer bound to your spouse; likewise, since we have-in Christ-died to the Law & sin, we are no longer bound to their tyranny. And since we have thus died to the Law & sin through Christ, we are now alive in Him and are able by His power to bear the fruit of sanctification [7:4-5]. Now, this leaves us with a further pressing question — because we are freed from the Law, does this mean that Law is evil and sinful? Again, Paul gives sharp disapproval to this idea [7:7]. It is not the external Law of God that was faulty — it was we who were sinful, who were sold into the slavery of wickedness. The Law is perfect and holy; the problem is that we’re not able to keep it [7:7-12, 14-24]. Therefore, to sinful people, the only thing the external Law can do is heap up guilt and condemnation and death. Sin is the problem — the awful problem that the very giving of the external Law was designed to make unmistakably and powerfully clear [7:7, 13]. Therefore, Paul’s main point in these verses is to drive home the truth that because of Christ, sanctification is now possible!

Sanctification is certain. J. I. Packer calls Romans chapter 8 “The Great Eight.” And rightly so! What an amazing joy to be reminded that sanctification is not only necessary and possible — but it is certain! What a hope we have! Chapter eight opens with another categorical statement of assurance to those who are really in Christ Jesus [compare w/ 5:1]. Being in Christ, being justified by His grace, is the answer [cf. 7:24-25] for our helpless condition as enslaved sinners. But we see in 8:2-14, the grace that justifies us also frees us in reality from the power and presence of sin. This is a certain thing. Yes, chapters six and seven both make this same point [cf. 6:22 & 7:4], but it is chapter eight that really drives home forcefully this certainty of our sanctification. In Christ, we are no longer beneath the external law, but rather we have become a habitation of the internal law of Christ [the Spirit vs. the letter -- 7:6], 8:4. If the Holy Spirit really does dwell within us, then we will live a new life [8:11-14]. Why? Because we are no longer slaves to sin and death; we are now adopted into the very family of God Himself! And therefore His Spirit, His “DNA” is within us so that we yearn for Him and follow Him and know ourselves [by His inner revelation] to be His very dear children [8:15-16]. Which is an incredible thing — because if we’re His children, that means we’re His heirs…heirs of the new heavens and new earth, co-heirs with Christ Himself [8:17]. And yet, this sanctification of ours that is certain in Christ will not be completed in this life [8:24; Philippians 3:12-14]. There will be great progress and perseverance [8:25; Hebrews 12:14], but there will not be perfection. And therefore, just as Jesus Who though He knew no sin “learned obedience through the things that He suffered” [Hebrews 5:8] — we also are guaranteed a pathway of suffering and buffeting and discipline whereby we are weaned off of this world of sin more and more and have our hope fueled for the glory of Christ above [8:17-23; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Timothy 3:12, etc.]. But is this a sad thing — that we are destined for a lot of trials and suffering [also cf. 1 Peter 2:21, 4:12-19]? No, it is not! Because we know that all things are working together for our good [8:28]! Yes, we will groan and long for our ultimate redemption and deliverance and sanctification. But this groaning is not bitter…it is hopeful [8:23-25]. Moreover the Holy Spirit is our divine Comforter Who helps us in our many weaknesses and intercedes for us when we don’t even know how we should pray [8:26-27]. God’s purpose will stand! We will be sanctified because our entire salvation [from predestination to glorification] is a done deal as far as God is concerned [8:29-30]! That is to say, it is certain. A short way to wrap all this up = “God is for us” [8:31]. Wow! If that is the case — nothing can ultimately be our enemy! All things are working on our side! Nothing will separate us from God or interrupt His love to us — because our entire salvation [including our sanctification] is certain [8:31-39] — even if we die a horrible death! Amen & Amen. So, we see that sanctification is very certain!

The Relationship between Justification & Sanctification

Justification = God Imputing; Sanctification = God Imparting

Justification & Sanctification are Inseparable

  • Romans 6: 2, 15; James 2:14, ff.; Ephesians 2:8-10, etc.
  • John Calvin: “Salvation is by faith alone; but not by a faith that is alone.”
  • John Murray: “There must be a constant and increasing appreciation that though sin still remains it does not have the mastery. There is a total difference between surviving sin and reigning sin, the regenerate in conflict with sin and the unregenerate complacent to sin. It is one thing for sin to live in us: it is another for us to live in sin.”

Justification is the Root; Sanctification is the Fruit

Justification & Sanctification are both applied by Faith Alone

  • Romans 6:8,11; Galatians 3:1-5; Philippians 2:12-13, etc.
  • The Faith that justifies is also the Faith that sanctifies
  • John Piper: “God’s work in us does not eliminate our work; it enables it. We work because he is the one at work in us. Therefore, the fight for joy [= the Christian life] is possible because God is fighting for us and through us. All our efforts are owing to his deeper work in and through our willing and working.”
  • Jonathan Edwards: “[In sanctification] we are not merely passive. Nor yet does God do some, and we do the rest. But God does all, and we do all. God produces all, and we act all. For that is what he produces — our own acts. God is the only proper author and fountain. We are the only proper actors. We are, in different respects, wholly passive and wholly active.”
  • This Faith = preferring of the riches of Christ — Hebrews 11: 26

Justification & Sanctification both come from the Cross

For Further Discussion:

  • Do you think the statement “Once saved, always saved” is helpful or harmful? Why?
  • In what ways must we be cautious about helping others with the “assurance” of their salvation?
  • What are some common ways that we slip into a “works-mindset” when it comes to our sanctification?
  • What are some practical steps we can take to help us live “Cross-centered” lives?

Orchestration

Summary/Outline of 9:1-11:36

The most important missionary letter of all time tells the world of its universal condemnation because of sin. God is holy and will not tolerate sin. Therefore the entire world is beneath the present and Eventual wrath of God. This message of sin, guilt, and divine punishment is the bad news that forms the backdrop to the canvas of grace — so powerfully and gloriously displayed for us from 3:21 all the way to end of chapter eight. Because of Jesus, because of the Cross, a way of escape, a way of salvation and restoration has been provided! We looked closely at the nature of this gift from God — we call it “justification.” Moreover, we saw that genuine justification will bring with it a corresponding “sanctification.” Remember Calvin’s quip: “We are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone.” True faith will bear the fruit of Spirit-energized obedience. And as chapters 6-8 explained, this fruit of sanctification is a) necessary, b) possible, and c) certain.

Now as we open up to the next part of this letter [chapters 9-11], we meet an objection that was first alluded to back in 3:1-8 [esp. vs. 3]. We have just wrapped up [in the end of chapter 8] reading of these incredible promises of the certainty of our sanctification and the unending, unconquerable love of God for us. But the question arises: “Is God’s Word reliable?” You and I probably don’t see the immediate reason for that question, but think about it through the original readers’ minds. Most of them were Gentiles, and most of them were aware that Jews, by & large, were rejecting this message of salvation by faith [there was probably only a minority of believing Jews in the church at Rome]. But the promise of salvation & deliverance was made to Jews from the very beginning [they assumed] — so things didn’t “add up.” How come the Jews are missing out on the blessings of salvation when these very blessings were promised to them? Thus at the end of giving such amazing promises in chapter eight, the readers would very well be asking: “Are God’s promises trustworthy — look at the Jews…what happened?!” The main point, then, of chapters 9-11, is to answer this question.

God’s word has not failed! Paul proceeds to answer by way of vindication. He establishes the unflinching faithfulness of God to His covenant-promises by pointing to God’s sovereignty in election and His purposes for world-wide mission. Therefore, we call this section “orchestration,” because in proceeding to defend the faithfulness of God to His Word, Paul establishes as his main argument the absolute sovereignty of God in human affairs.

God’s Word has not failed: Elect Israel is the Focus, not Ethnic Israel [9:1-29]

  • The Irony & Power of Christ’s Love [9:1-3]
  • The Privilege of the Ethnic Jewish Nation [9:4-5]
  • Answer given to the underlying question [9:6a]
  • Answer clarified in terms of “promise” vs. “flesh” [9:6b-9]
  • Answer explained through the doctrine of election [9:10-13]
  • Justice? Objection #1 raised & defeated [9:14-18]
  • Accountability? Objection #2 raised & defeated [9:19-23]
  • Answer expanded: Elect Israel includes Gentiles! [9:24-26]
  • This comprehensive answer is not a surprise [9:27-29]

The Evidence of Election is receiving God’s Righteousness by Faith vs. trying to establish your own by the Law: Such evidence is blatantly absent from Ethnic Israel [9:30-10:21]

  • Many Gentiles are believing; Most Jews are not [9:30-31]
  • Why? Jews are fixated with self-righteousness [9:32-33]
  • Paul laments them in this condition & prays [10:1-3]
  • The Goal of the Law: Christ-for-righteousness by faith! [10:4]
  • Clear O.T. Support for salvation by faith [10:5-13]
  • Rabbit Trail [?]:Motivation for help to Spain [10:14-15]
  • Ethnic Israel indeed has heard, but won’t believe [10:16-21]

However, Elect Israel does include Ethnic Israel, although they are in the minority at present [11:1-24]

  • There is a remnant, bigger than you may think [11:1-10]
  • Israel’s present rejection is not the final word [11:11-16]
  • Gentiles should be humble & hopeful re: Israel [11:17-24]

Summary: God’s Word has not failed: All (Elect) Israel will be saved & God’s purposes for brining salvation to All the ends of the earth will come to pass! [11:25-32]

Conclusion: Worship! [11:33-36]

Toward a Better Appreciation for the Sovereignty of God

Twelve Truths from our Text:

  1. God’s Sovereignty is for missions & evangelism, not against it. 9:1-3, 10:1, 11:32; Acts 18:9-10, 13:48
  2. God’s Sovereignty is fair, not unfair. 9:14-18; Psalm 135:6; Ephesians 2:1-3
  3. God’s Sovereignty upholds accountability; it does not deny it. 9:19-21; Deuteronomy 6:5; Romans 1:18
  4. God’s Sovereignty elevates God, and lowers man. 9:20; Isaiah 2:10-11, 22
  5. God’s Sovereignty gives purpose & glory to history, not chaos. 9:22-24, 11:26, 32; Isaiah 46:9-10
  6. God’s Sovereignty establishes means; it does not curtail them. 9:32, 10:4, 5-17; Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 16:14
  7. God’s Sovereignty makes His promises actual, not potential. 11:26, 29; Matthew 24:14; Revelation 5:9
  8. God’s Sovereignty highlights His grace, not His anger.
    9:23, 11:11-12; Ephesians 1:3-6
  9. God’s Sovereignty injects humility, not pride. 11:17-22; Philippians 2:12-13
  10. God’s Sovereignty provides comfort & assurance, not doubt. 8:28, 9:6a; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
  11. God’s Sovereignty doesn’t remove the mystery, but focuses it. 11:25; John 17:1-3; 2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 3:19; Colossians 1:10b
  12. God’s Sovereignty can’t just be analyzed, it must be adored.
    11:33-36; Acts 4:24-30; Revelation 15:3-4; Revelation 19:6

For Further Discussion/Reflection:

Exhortation

Summary/Outline of 12:1-16:27

Paul closes his letter by moving from the “indicative” to the “imperative.” He has been carefully teaching the nature of the Gospel for eleven chapters. And while he has included application throughout, chapter 12, ff. really make up the thrust of Paul’s exhortation to the church in Rome.

Here Paul applies the Gospel. The Gospel calls for a transformed lifestyle, a lifestyle of unceasing worship to the Lord. The Gospel affects all of life. It is life-changing, life-altering…absolutely radical.

The basic gist of the verses has to do with Jewish and Gentile believers living in fervent love and harmony with one another by sharing a common bond in the Cross and a common thirst for the glory of God. The reasons for tension and bitterness and prejudice soared in their day. And therefore, what was applied to their context of unimaginable strife and contrary odds, can easily and confidently be applied to ours.

We will go through the text in brief outline form. Though there is some overlap, the outline should be helpful in organizing and understanding what Paul is saying.

The Gospel as a Call to Life-Transformation [12:1-2]

  • Because of the Gospel: Live all of life as worship! [12:1]
  • Which Means: Do not be shaped by the world’s mindset, but let God-ward thought patterns transform your entire life. [12:2a]
  • The Result: You will know the pleasure of pleasing God [12:2b]

Gospel-Transformation: General Exhortations [12:3-13:14]

  • A call to humility & unity in the Body of Christ [12:3-8]
  • A call to earnest, enduring love in the Body of Christ [12:9-13]
  • A call to radical love for those who oppress you [12:14-21]
  • A call to submit to governmental authorities [13:1-7]
  • A call to regard love as the essence of God’s laws [13:8-10]
  • The End is near: so respond to these calls urgently! [13:11-14]

Gospel-Transformation: Specific Application [14:1-15:13]

  • Don’t judge each other over non-essential matters! [14:1-12]
  • Never cause a brother or sister to stumble! [14:13-23]
  • Patiently help the weak — for the glory of God! [15:1-6]
  • Each must accept the other — to the glory of God, because Christ accepted you both — to the glory of God! [15:7-13]

The Nature of Paul’s Mission & Intentions [15:14-15:33]

  • Paul writes to them by way of a clear reminder [15:14-15]
  • He does this since he is an apostle to the Gentiles [15:16-19]
  • Moreover, he prioritizes the unreached peoples of the Gentiles; and therefore, he has delayed in coming to them [15:20-22]
  • However, on his way now to Spain, he aims to visit Rome and be further equipped in his new direction of ministry [15:23-29]
  • Paul requests prayer for mission — success & journey mercies, by the will of God [15:30-33]

Closing Affirmations & Admonitions [16:1-24]

  • Personal Greetings & Affirmations [16:1-16]
  • Warning to watch out for heretics & trouble-makers [16:17-20]
  • Final Greetings from Paul & company [16:21-24]

Closing Doxology that Summarizes the Letter [16:25-27]

  • Paul prays that God will receive the glory for the gospel that has now been revealed [and clearly explained in this letter].
  • This gospel, while clearly prophesied in the OT, remained clouded with a great deal of mystery…especially in terms of how the Gentiles related to this whole thing [cf. Ephesians 3:6]; therefore, what was true but somewhat obscure before [concerning the relation between the Gentiles and the Gospel-promise] is now made abundantly clear through those very same Old Testament Scriptures. It is not that the Scriptures are now saying something different than before. No. Rather, now that the fulfillment to the prophecies has come, God has ordained the teaching of Jesus & the apostles to accompany the enlightening power of the Holy Spirit so that our minds would be opened to the Scriptures [cf. Luke 24:45] and that what was always there would become unmistakably clear.
  • The Gospel is centered on Jesus the Messiah [= "Christ"] because he fulfills the gospel-promise of the OT. Through Him, the people of God are delivered — a people made up of all nations [the true "Israel"].
  • As the Gentiles exercise the obedience that comes from faith, they show that they are part of the true children of Abraham.
  • God’s marvelous saving plan [which includes Jews and all the Gentile peoples] accomplished through Jesus is divinely designed so that he gets the glory and we get the joy — forever!

In Conclusion:

  • Understand the Gospel!
  • Live in light of the Gospel!

  • Spread the Gospel, especially to the unreached nations!

    = “CELEBRATE THE GOSPEL!!!”

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