Christian Works & Words

Epistle to the Romans

Explain the three phrases with which Paul describes his vocation (v. 1)

A servant of Christ Jesus - This indicates that he is one who serves God. He is obedient to God’s word; he does what ever task God tells him to do.

Called to be an apostle – He is a missionary for Jesus Christ. In his case he establishes church’s any where that Christianity is not present.

Chosen to preach the Good News – He was call to tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all mankind so that they may know that there is salvation from sin and death.

Identify some OT passage that supports verse 2.

How is Jesus descended from David?

David was the father of Solomon, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rhobam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,
Joram the father of Azariah, Azariah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, Josiah the father of Jechoniah, Jechoniah the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, Joseph the husband of Mary; of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Is an “adoptionist Christology” presented by verse 4? Explain the term “designated” (RSV) or “appointed” (Barrett), horisthenos.

The adoptionist Christology is in Paul’s statement … it is about Jesus Christ our Lord who, in the order of the spirit, the spirit of holiness that was in him, was proclaimed Son of God in all his power through his resurrection from the dead J.B. Barrett explains that Paul saw Jesus as the Son of Man in that he was born of the linage of David. The second half of Paul’s statement explains that Jesus was proclaimed Son of God after the resurrection and the fulfillment of His role of Messiah. It was at this time that Jesus receives His full Godly powers and becomes totally divine. Barrett explains that this has an adoptionist tinge, but not technically so.

Why did Paul write this letter? What personal desires and intentions does he express?

In 1:8-15 Paul states that he wants to share the Good News with the educated Greeks in Rome just as he has with the barbarians elsewhere in the empire. He also states that he wishes to visit them and to work with them as he has in other churches. In 15:22-29 Paul states he has a mission to carry a gift to Jerusalem and then come to see them on his way to Spain after a brief rest in Rome. He also asked that they pray he escape the unbelievers in Judaea.

What obligation does Paul feel? Who else is so obligated?

He feels obligated to report to the Greeks, Barbarians, Jews and the people in Rome (1:15-16). Paul literally includes everyone, the uneducated as well as the educated. He makes reference to the people in the outskirts of the empire as well as the people in most modern educated cities. However, he does state that the Good News should be carried to the Jew first then to the Gentile. This is the protocol of God. Paul practiced this where ever he went.
Paul affirms the Great Commission in this statement. He goes on to say we all have an obligation to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Support the statement that 1:16-17 presents the theme of the Epistle by listing and considering several references to the following in chapters 1-4.

The righteousness of God. The act of God’s pardon of humanity although we are all guilty of failing to keep the law. (Ref: 1: 16-17, 3:21-26)

Faith. The act of man in response to Christ death believing that His act was sufficient to atone for our sin. (ref: 3:27-31, 4:1-8)

Upon whom does God’s wrath rest?

God’s wrath rest on the men who have hidden the truth through their own wickedness 1:18.

Why is the sinner with out excuse? What about the man or woman in places where the gospel has never been preached?

The sinner in this case is without excuse because they knew God and refused to honor Him or thank Him. It is plain that God is the creator and yet we traded Him for the things of creation such as other men, animals, and quadrupeds.

The men and women who have not herd the gospel are not lost if they had a heart for God even if they did not know His name. This is explained by Paul in Romans 2:12-24.

Why did God give them up?

God gave them up because they became stupid and dark minded. They called themselves philosophers and denied the truth for lies. Finally, they worshiped the creature and creation instead of the Creator.

How much did these people know about God?

In the end they knew nothing of God but they should have known Him intimately. Unfortunately, they refused to see it was natural to acknowledge God and abandon Him for irrational ideas and monstrous behavior.

How and to what extent does Paul’s description of society apply to our society today?

Paul’s description of humanity through out the ages was very similar to the Roman world’s behavior in the first century. Unfortunately, this is also a very accurate description of many segments of our world today. These things include homosexuality, myths i.e.: Scientology, philosophy and physiology that over explain the simple to make it complicated and ultimately the rejection of mans natural action to acknowledge and worship God.

To whom is chapter two addressed?

Paul is addressing the self righteous Jew and Gentile Philosophers in the Roman church that are condemning others specifically pagans who had failed to follow the faith. He was criticizing them because they were hypocrites they may not have been guilty of the sins others committed but they were equally guilty of sin. Probably more damning was that they failed to see the gift that God had given them through Jesus Christ and acted as if they were somehow superior to other men.

What is taught about judging? What did Jesus say about judging?

Judgment toward others only increases God’s anger against those who judge. Jesus said to judge not lest you be judged. This confirms Paul’s argument.

What is taught about God’s judgment?

On the day of judgment God will judge men according to their behavior. Those who practiced good behavior (love, patience, mercy) will receive eternal life. Those who practice bad behavior (rejection, judgment) will receive anger and fury, pain and suffering, Jews first but Gentiles also.

Restate the questions in verses 3 and 4 in your own words.

Do you believe that God will not condemn you when you behave exactly as those you condemn? And are you not misusing God’s goodness by failing to see that His goodness is offered to lead you to repentance?

What does Paul mean here by the goodness of God?

In this context the goodness of God refers to His characteristic of love that continually overlooks our sin to allow us His forgiveness. The Jew viewed it as a birthright the gentile a gift of salvation. God gives us this love so that we may repent and embrace his lifestyle. He does not give it as some sort of free pass into a blessed eternity.

What contrast to find in verses 7-10?

Renown, honor, and immortality by doing good vs. unsubmissive, refuse truth, took depravity

Eternal life vs. anger and fury

Pain and suffering vs. renown, honor and peace

What results from ignoring the goodness of God?

On what basis will God judge the man that has had no knowledge of the law?

If they are sinners they will perish the same. If they kept the law because of their conscience though they had no knowledge of the law they will be considered to be the law and will be saved.

On what basis will the Israelite of Biblical (pre-Christian) times be judged? The Jew of New Testament times? People today?

The Israelite will be judged according to the law. The Jew will be judged according to their response to Jesus Christ. People today will be judged according to their response to Jesus Christ.

How will the people who have never heard the Gospel be judged?

The same as if they have never heard the law (question eight). If they hold the goodness of Christ Jesus in their heart and live according to that they will know the salvation of Christ.

How are the law of Moses and the law of conscience related? Are they the same in essence?

They both define good and bad behavior, which is the difference between right and wrong. In this context they are essentially the same because they are use to rule humanities heart and the tool that that determines our faithfulness to God.

What does Paul say about the Jew? Restate the question in your own words.

Paul says that if the Jew really believes in salvation through the law then they should be the embodiment of the law. They should know it and practice it so well that they can and do lead others to salvation through the law. He goes on to say that they will not be hypocrites to the law; they will not be adulterers, thieves, or disrespect the temple.

Paul is criticizing the Jew for their poor witness for God. He says their inability to keep the faith causes the pagans to reject and even curse God. Their failure to be the beacon of faith that God chose them to be has cause the other peoples of the world to reject God.

What is the value of circumcision as Paul presents it here? What is the purpose of this ritual in the Hebrew Bible?

Circumcision value is that it is a sign that someone belongs to the people of God. However, if the person does not keep the faith of God the circumcision becomes a liability and is of no value. Paul says that if a man is truly a man of God his heart is circumcised. That is to say that his heart is for God. Paul says that this is the true circumcision that matters to God. This is the true Jew.

This ritual in the Hebrew Bible was first used by Abraham to show that he was a man of God and that he was connected to God through covenant for his lifetime and his descendents lifetimes. Circumcision is an outward and visible sign of a man’s commitment to God. This was extended through his male children by circumcising them at birth as an outward sign of a promise that the child would be raised as a man of God. This is still true for the Jew today.

Identify the OT passages which form the basis for verses 25-29. Is Paul an innovator in his interpretation of the OT here?

Genesis 17:9-14 establishes circumcision as the sign of those people who have a covenant with God. In Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Moses instructs the Hebrew people to circumcise their hearts. He means for them to keep the laws and covenants of Yahweh because God loves us and we should love him with all our heart and soul in return.

Paul is not an innovator of the OT in this passage. Moses introduces the idea of circumcision of the heart in Deuteronomy. Paul is simply reintroducing the idea to the Roman Jews and reminds them that to be a man of God it must be evident from their behavior not simply an appearance of the Jew.

Who is the real Jew?

The real Jew is the man who lives the law because of his love of God.

Compare the person to this chapter to the one in 1:18-32.

The person in 2:25-29 is the Jew (the man of God) who relies on his special relationship with God to spare his soul, simply because he is a Jew by birth and sign. He fails God because he does not have a personal relationship with God and does not honor him through love or commitment to God. Thus his heart is not circumcised. The person in chapter 1:18-32 does not know God at all, in this world a pagan or Greek. He has rejected God even though logic compels everyman to accept God. He has rejected what is natural for what is unnatural not only in his spirit life but his physical life. He has rejected any relationship to God.

Does the teaching of this chapter apply uniquely to the Jew, or may it be appropriately applied to the Christian? To religious humanity in general?

The teaching of this chapter applies to today’s Christian as much as it did first century Jews and Christians, if not more. The central thought is that we not rely on others, actions, or associations to have a relationship with God. A relationship with God is not something that happens by intellect, claim, or appearance. A relationship with God happens as a result of loving God and committing our lives to Him. It is a relationship of the heart. In general this is true of Muslims and Jews as well as Christians.

Compare Jewish circumcision and Christian baptism. Is what is taught about circumcision here transferable to baptism?

Yes, circumcision and baptism are both signs and promises to God to be His person. Therefore, it can be said that it is not enough to wear the sign and make the promise (in the case of infants have our parents make the sign for us) it is necessary to keep the faith in our heart and our actions. Today we might say to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

What is the answer to the question of verse 1?

Yes. Jews at that time had an advantage because they had background and they were given the job of revealing Gods message to the world. They had been the keepers of the faith. Therefore, since they were children old enough to understand they had been instructed in the faith. Jews did not have to learn the faith from the ground up. They were ready for the introduction of the Messiah.

What is taught about God and humanity in verses 2-4?

God will not reject humanity because of our infidelity. He may become angry which is reflected in His judgment, but He will not be unjust. God is not unjust and will not repay unjustness for unjustness.

Restate the questions of verse 5-8 in your own words. Whose attitude do they represent? What point is Paul making?

How can we say that God is unfair, just because He becomes angry with us for our own misdeeds?
They represent those who reject God with the accusation that God is an unjust God because He becomes angry with us and rebukes us for our sin.

Paul is making the point that God is always just. He does however, have the right to pass judgment on all mankind which will sometimes mean that evil people will be punished.

What is the answer to the question in verse 9? How is it distinct from the question in verse 1?

No one has an advantage over the other when it comes to the issue of sin. We are all failures when it comes to keeping the law. This is different from the question in verse 1 because it deals with a different issue. Verse 9 deals with the issue of sin. Verse 1 deal with the issue of revelation. The Jews were better off from the stand point of revelation because God had given them His message from the time of Abraham.

How is the catena (chain) of OT quotations related to Paul’s argument?

This chain of OT scriptures describes the sinful nature of humanity. Paul uses the authority of scripture to prove his argument that all of humanity is sinful and needs grace.

Explain the a fortiori argument used here.

In this case the fortiori is all of humankind. Paul is saying that all of mankind is guilty before God. This is because no one can totally keep the law. This is the same point that Jesus makes when He says who among you has not committed adultery in your heart or murder in your heart? None of us can respond favorably to this, therefore, none of us can judge another human.

Of what value is the law (vv. 19-20)? What two meanings of the term law are used here?

The laws value is do identify sin. It describes the boundaries that God has set for humankind. This is the broader term of the law as it applies to all of humankind. The narrow term of the law is righteousness. An individual becomes righteous by observing the law.

What does Paul say about the righteousness of God?

Paul is saying that God’s righteousness goes beyond to law to grace. God is perfect in His observance of the law, as is represented in Jesus Christ life on earth. Humankind on the other hand falls miserably short of the law. However, because God’s righteousness is so great He offers us salvation from our inability to keep the law. This is to say that God’s righteousness not only includes the dimension of the technical application of the law but the dimensions of grace and love which is our saving grace.

What is involved in the word believe?

In this context the word believe is much deeper than the modern application of the word. In modern times we may say that we believe in thus and so. In the same way we may have an opinion about something that most likely will change or develop over time. In this context the word believe is two parts. On Gods part it is the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus. Our part it is the act of inwardly receiving the gift that He gives us and acknowledging the reality that we could not do it for ourselves. Then our belief goes further into faith which is to literally apply the actions of our lives to this faith. These actions supersede our feeling and our desires. It also includes the inner peace that comes through the knowledge that neither life, nor death, nor things seen or unseen … can separate the believer from the love (relationship of salvation) of God.

Why was it necessary for Jesus to shed his blood? Could God have saved humanity without this?

It was necessary for Jesus to shed his blood for the sins of people who lived prior to His coming that went to heaven unpunished. He also shed his blood for the people of our time. He did this to show that He is just and that His submission to crucifixion justifies those who believe. God can do anything He wants, including save humanity in any way that He whishes. However, mans relationship with God would not have meaning with out atonement for our sins.

What does verse 25 mean? Did God ignore the sin of pre-Christian people? Distinguish passing over (paresis) from remission (aphesis).

Verse 25 explains that God sacrificed Jesus for those who seek reconciliation to God by faith.
God did not ignore the sins of pre-Christian people. Jesus atoned for the sins of the faithful in all time. Their sins were passed over like their houses were passed over by the plague.

What should our attitude be toward the Law of the Hebrew Bible (i.e. the Old Testament)? Some will say that it does not apply to us because we live under grace and not law. How should you respond?

We should embrace the law of the Hebrew Bible. It is true that we go to God under grace jus as the pre-Christian people came to God by faith (Abraham) and were atoned by grace. We should not reject the Old Testament because it is part and parcel of the Christian faith. We can not understand the Christian experience with out it. It also establishes the guidelines that the Christian faith is based upon.

How is chapter 4 related to the argument of chapter 3?

Chapter 3 makes clear that the only way to receive salvation is through faith. Chapter four is about salvation by grace.

How is the question of verse 1 answered?

Abraham was counted as righteous because he had faith which reconciled him to God. Abraham had this faith while he was still Abram. This was before God made any promises to him.

What is the Old Testament background for verse 3?

Genesis 15:16 states that Abraham put his faith in God which made Abraham justified.

What is the meaning of righteousness (dikaiosyne)?

Righteousness is to make right or pure that which is un-pure. In the case of man God makes us righteous through Jesus despite the fact that we are unclean because of our sin.

What is taught about work and faith in verses 4 and 5?

If a man were to keep all the laws and present himself before God as pure then his work done for the kingdom of Heaven is paid wages because it is earned. However, if a man has not worked for the Kingdom of Heaven to perfection then his faith in Jesus Christ allows God’s acquittal of his sins and God considers the man to be righteous.

Why does Paul refer to David here?

Introduction of the idea that righteousness not works has always applied to God’s children. This is because men, like David, have never been able to claim work as a means to a relationship with God. Although, David’s works and faith exceeded that of most other men even he was not righteous before God because of his sins.

What is the significance of the questions in verses 9 and 10?

In the early Church Jewish Christians were concerned with keeping the Jewish law particularly circumcision. This was because the sign of the man of God was circumcision. Paul was definitely opposed to this. Here he makes the point that circumcision in Abraham’s case came after his faith made him righteous. Paul also uses Abraham experience to argue that righteousness is available to the circumcised as well as the uncircumcised.

Why did Abraham receive the sign of circumcision after faith was reckoned to him as righteousness?

Abraham received the sign of circumcision after he was made righteous. This was to bee seen only as a sign. Paul makes the argument that in a sense Abraham is the father of all believers circumcised and uncircumcised.

Why did the promise to Abraham take the form that it did? Through the righteousness of faith?

Abraham’s promise took the form that it did to open the doors of faith so that all men could choose salvation through faith. This means that faith is not limited to one race or people, which claim God through family descent. Another reason is that men are incapable of receiving justification by keeping the law.

Explain the logical connection made in verse 16.

The passage in verses 13-25 explain why God allows men to rely on faith not works. Verses 13-15 explain why men can not rely on works. Verse 16 explains that God’s plan was to rely on faith. Verses 17-25 explain why dependence on faith is necessary using Abraham’s example.

Why is Abraham mentioned again in verses 19-22?

God did what was biologically impossible for Abraham and Sarah in the conception of Isaac Abraham is used as an example to illustrate that a Christians faith should rely on God even when God is required to do what is impossible.

What principle is set forth in verses 23-25?

God will consider our faith in Jesus Christ’s resurrection when making the choice to acquit or convict. If we believe we will be acquitted.

How does this chapter teach that justification is for all persons?

Chapter 4 teaches justification by introducing the principal of circumcision as a sign of faith. Paul makes clear that faith is available to everyone Jew or Gentile because a Christian’s circumcision is of the heart.

What does this chapter say about the value of circumcision as a means of salvation? Is the same to be inferred with respect to water baptism?

Circumcision and baptism are both signs that the receiver is a man of God and that he has made the promise to have faith in God. In the case of infants it is a sign that the parents are persons of God and that they will raise their child in the ways of the Lord. This chapter makes it clear that this is only a sign and signs are not faith. Faith occurs in a mans heart. Therefore, the sign itself can not make a man justified.

What is the relationship of chapter 5 to the argument of chapters 3 and 4?

Paul again affirms the means by which man is saved, faith in Jesus, and his sacrifice on the Cross allows man to be righteous before God. This confirms what Paul has said in chapters 3 and 4 when he clarifies that man can not be saved by keeping the law, family relationship, or any other means.

Define “saving faith”. Is the definition in Hebrews 11:1 relevant here?

Hebrews is relevant because it describes the faith that we rely on in Christ Jesus which allows us salvation despite our inability to totally honor God.

Trace the progress of the believer in the first part of paragraph 1.

Man is judged righteous and at peace by faith in Jesus Christ

By faith man enter a state of grace

Man looks forward to Jesus’ glory

Patience brings perseverance

Perseverance brings hope

God’s love is poured into mans heart through the Holy Spirit

How can tribulation cause steadfastness? Hope?

Suffering/tribulation teaches patience because when someone is tried through suffering he is challenged to respond negatively but Christians should respond graciously. This tension teaches patience which ultimately develops the characteristic of steadfastness. The motivation for this perseverance is hope in salvation through Jesus Christ.

What reference is made to the trinity?

The Trinity is referred to as follows: acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ through faith, vs. 1, Gods glory vs. 3, and love of God is poured into their hearts through the out pouring of the Holy Spirit vs. 5.

What is the work of each person of the trinity?

God emits His Glory, and love.
Jesus offers His life by which we are judged righteousness
The Holy Spirit pours itself into our hearts so that we can respond in love and faith.

What is the proof of God’s love for us?

God sent His only begotten son Jesus to die for us when we were still sinners.

What is to be the Christian attitude toward the wrath of God?

He should count on being saved by the life of Jesus and be filled with joyful trust through His death and resurrection.

Summarize the basis for salvation as set forth in verses 1-11.

Through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ men are judged righteousness and at peace with God.

By faith and through Jesus man entered this state of grace, in which he can boast about God’s glory.

Man can also boast about his suffering which bring patience, which bring perseverance and perseverance brings hope.

The love of God is poured into mans heart through the Holy Spirit.

Gods love is evident because Christ died while men were still sinners.

Men are reconciled to God through the death of His Son and may count on being saved through the life of His Son.

Men are filled with joyful trust in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have already gained our reconciliation.

Summarize the basis for salvation as set forth in verses 1-11.

The basis for our salvation is the fact that God loved mankind so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die on a Roman Cross to sacrifice His perfect life as atonement for men’s sins, so that men may be reconciled to God. When men accept this through our faith, our hearts our filled with love and joyful trust in God.

How did sin enter the world? Define sin.

Sin entered the world through one man Adam. Sin is behaving out side of the boundaries established by God. This can happen literally when we break the laws established by God. It can also happen spiritually when we desire in our heart those things that are outside of the boundaries established by God.

Is man punished today because of Adam’s sin?

Sin spread throughout the entire world because Adam lowered the bar, so to speak. His disobedience lowered the standard of humankind. We now live below the standard set by God in Eden. That is we all live in disobedience to God, thus we are all sinners.

What is the relationship between law and sin?

Sin is acting outside of the relationship of love between man and God. People that lived before Moses knew the difference between right and wrong, through conscience. The law was handed down to Moses. It defined the boundaries of what people already knew in their heart. Chapter five states that men could not be judged as being out side of the law prior to Moses: however, they were still considered to be guilty of sin because the acted outside of a right relationship with God. Verse 20 states “When the law came, it was to multiply the opportunities of falling”

Why humanity was considered sinful before the law was given?

Prior to the law humanity was often engaged in behavior that was sinful. Their conscience directed and they knew inherently not to behave sinfully. Long life was associated with righteous living; however, death prevailed over all. According to Paul, death prevailed because of their sinful behavior. This was not considered a violation of Gods law because the law had not been formally defined to them but it was considered sinful because it was against the law of good conscience.

List the contrast presented in verses 12-17.

Circumcised – Uncircumcised

Righteousness by law – Righteousness by faith

Descendents by law – Descendents by faith

Death – Life

List the contrast presented in verses 18-21.

Hope – Common Sense

Fertility – Infertility

Childless – Father of many nations

Descendents – Stars

Faith, hope, glorify God, power (Abraham) – Disbelief, hopeless, deny God, helpless (Sarah)

Evaluate the following statements:

I am not responsible for the carnal nature being present:

This is true and false. The basic statement is true as humans we have a carnal nature that is part and parcel of our creation. Our carnal nature is part of our survival skills which assist us to survive the harshness of nature. It is false because it implies that we do not have the free will to choose our behavior. Since we have the ability to choose we are responsible for all of our actions.

Therefore, I am not responsible for the results which come from it –my sins.

This statement is false. When we use our carnal nature for selfish purposes (sin) we are responsible for the results. Throughout scripture we are reminded that we are responsible for our sin. God created us in his image this means that we are spiritual creatures. God also created us with the ability to choose wisely and be obedient. These gifts should be used to control our carnal nature appropriately.

What is the answer to the question in verse 1?

The answer to the question “Does it follow that we should remain in sin so as to let grace have greater scope?” is of course not. Paul further explains that in baptism we should have renounced sin and therefore, be dead to sin. Ideally, sin really is not a choice to one who has accepted Christ in baptism because to sin is to live in death (our former lives) rather than our new life in Jesus Christ.

Explain the phrase “died to sin”. How can we be “united with him in a death like his”?

Perhaps the best way I can explain this phrase is to use an analogy. A certain man had a relationship that ended on bad terms. When the relationship was over the man said “this person is dead to me” even though the person was not physically dead. It is the same with sin when we accept Christ through baptism. Sin is still present in the world but not in the life of a Christian when he accepts Jesus’ atonement for our sin.
We are united in death with Christ when we commit to our faith, in that our former selves die. We no longer live for our selves we began living for God. In verse 5 Paul says “we imitate Christ’s death”. Therefore, even though there is not a physical death there is a spiritual death to our former lives.

What is the baptism mentioned in verse 3? Explain “buried…with him by baptism into death”. Do these verses refer to water baptism? Why? Or why not?

The baptism mentioned in verse 3 is a water baptism. Christians use the term … “we recognize one baptism for the remission of sins”. Paul considered baptism the process by which we die and our buried to our old selves and at the same time are resurrected with Christ Jesus. Ideally this should happen at the instant of the ritual of baptism. However, with most Christians it is a much longer growth process. This is largely because we are either too young at baptism or because we are not spiritually mature enough to go through the instant change of death to our old selves at the point of baptism.

What is the basis for the newness of life?

Resurrection is the basis for new life. Paul says in verse 5 that we imitate him in death so shall we imitate Him in resurrection. In this new life we will no longer serve sin but rather holiness. Once a man dies he has no place for sin in his life.

Define “old self” define “crucify” as used in verse 6.

Old self is the man who prior to committing to Christ served sin. Crucify is the killing of sin, the death of the sinful man prior to resurrection of the new self in Christ. The evangelist Bill Bright explained it in a very meaningful way to me. He said “there was a day when I died and what I wanted no longer mattered. On that day I began to serve God and not myself.

What is to happen to the “body of sin” or “sinful body” Is it to be suppressed?

It should be turned over to God to be used for his purpose. We should consider ourselves dead men brought back to life. The body goes through a spiritual reconstruction into a temple for the Holy Spirit.

To what death do verses 7-10 refer? What is the individual’s relation to sin here? to Christ?

This is the death of sin. Sin in this context is who we served. We were the servant of sin. Our relation to Christ in the new life is who we now serve. We become the servant of Christ.

What positive instruction is given in verses 12-14? If one has died to sin (vv. 2, 10), then why is the exhortation given, “Let not sin therefore reign …”(v.12)?

“You should make every part of your body a weapon fighting for God” (v. 13 New Jerusalem).
Paul is referring to the idea that we no longer serve sin or wish to serve sin instead we wish to serve Christ. However, sin is still present in the world in which we live and just as Satan tempted Christ, he also tempts us though we are in Christ.

Explain the comparisons made here between kinds of slavery and their consequences.

The comparison is between slavery to sin and slavery to righteousness. Slavery to sin leads to immoral use of our bodies and spiritual death. Slavery to righteousness leads to obedient use of our bodies and spiritual life.

Evaluate the following inferences which have been based upon this chapter:

How long is a woman bound to her husband? Why does Paul bring this matter up?

A spouse is bound to their spouse until they are separated by death. Paul is not trying to explain the commitment of a man and woman to each other. He is instead making an illustration that like a husband and wife in marriage people of faith were bound to the law until they were separated by death. This illustration is consistent with chapter six. Christians die to the ways of sin when they accept Jesus as their savior. At this time they become bound by faith to Jesus, in the same way that a woman is free to marry again after the death of her first husband.

About whom is Paul speaking when he refers to the man bound to the law?

The Jewish Christians in Rome, who were struggling with the issues of faith verses law.

For what purpose is man released from the law?

When the law dies in a mans life, he is free to serve in the new spiritual life in Jesus Christ.

Why is the question asked in verse 7? What is the function of the law?

Paul is making the point that the law identifies what behavior is sinful. Its function is to clarify what behavior or cultivated thoughts and beliefs are sinful such as jealousy.

What experience is described in verses 9-11?

This is the human experience when we are first born we are innocent children and we are free from sin because we do not know what sin is. Then comes the time when we understand the difference between right and wrong, we understand the law. At this time we also began to struggle with sin. Since sin is death men eventually die to sin because of mans tendency toward repeated failure and ultimate sin.

How is the law described in verses 12-14?

The law is sacred and what it commands is sacred. However, sin uses the law to kill mans sprit. The law is the boundary between sin and relationship with God. Sin tries to cultivate a relationship with man by tempting him to cross that boundary.

Describe the battle of verses 15-19. What is the spiritual standing of this man? Is he saved? Is he sanctified?

The battle is a description of a man’s struggle between good and evil. It is difficult to know the spiritual standing of this man. It is possible he is the man who is angry with himself because he is less than perfect. He feels angry with himself because he misspoke and possibly hurt someone’s feelings or he had a brief angry or lustful thought. Otherwise he keeps the law, loves his neighbor and is totally committed to the Lord. On the other hand, if he is referring to callus and selfish sin which he later regrets but has no intention of repenting then his spiritual standing is not good. It is impossible to know if he is saved within this context because we do not know his relationship to the Lord. He is not sanctified because he is definitely struggling with repeated sin.

Is Paul talking about himself or someone else? How do you account for this conduct?

Paul is talking about himself. He has just revealed the reality of all men that no matter how righteous we would like to be or our own merit we fail to honor God all the time and ultimately we are lost with out the salvation of Jesus Christ. This conduct is simply called human nature. The same human nature that relies on the Grace of God, through Jesus Christ.

What causes the delight and also the warring in verses 22 and 23?

Love for the law causes the delight. The warring is caused by our inability to totally keep the law that we love.

What desire is expressed in verse 24? What is the answer to the problem here? Explain the metaphor.