GOD’S PLAN FOR THE NATION OF ISRAEL, Part II:
PRESENTLY THE PROMISES CONTINUE THROUGH BELIEVING ISRAEL AND BELIEVING GENTILES
Romans 10:1-11:11
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Paul’s heart’s desire and prayer to God is for the salvation of his fellow Israelites (vs 1-4).
A. Salvation (sotarian) includes justification, sanctification, glorification, deliverance from God’s wrath, and deliverance from wrong thinking (Rom. 1:15-18).
B. Even though Paul understood God’s election and foreknowledge, it didn’t stop him from serving or praying (vs 1; Rom. 8:28-9:33).
C. Paul seemed to have a “both and” mentality rather than an “either or” mentality when it came to God’s sovereignty and human responsibility (vs 1; Rom 8:27; Acts 17:24-28).
D. Trying to achieve righteousness (a right standing with God) by works will accomplish self-righteousness. Believing in the work of Christ fulfills God’s righteousness (vs 2-4; Eph. 2:8,9).
Thought: How do you see God’s sovereignty and human responsibility working together?
II. Being declared righteous by God (justification) and living out your salvation (sanctification) happens by believing and declaring that Jesus is Lord (vs 5-15).
A. Trying to be righteous before God by the Law demands 100% accuracy (vs 5; Lev. 18:5; Gal. 3:12) which for us is impossible (Rom. 3:20).
B. Attaining your righteousness before God by faith is not only possible but it is there for the asking (vs 6-15).
1. Israel was supposed to understand the concept of justification by faith from the Old Testament and from Moses himself (vs 6-13).
a. Moses not only brought the Law, he also brought the concept of forgiveness, hope, and an inner life of faith (vs 6-8; Deut. 9:4; 30:6-20).
b. Paul’s message is similar to Moses’ except that now Jesus has come, fulfilled the Law and started the New Covenant (vs 9,10; Jer. 31:31-34; I Cor. 11:25).
1. The mouth and heart coincide with confess and believe and the order comes from Moses in Deut. 30:14.
2. Confess (homologeo) means to “say the same thing” in regards to the person and provider of our faith.
3. Believing in your heart that “Jesus is Lord” brings to an individual justification (being declared righteous). This was the earliest declaration of faith by the early church (Acts 2:36; I. Cor. 12:3; Phil 2:11).
4. Confessing with your mouth brings about more of the present and future aspects of salvation.
2. Paul lists two other Old Testament passages that confirm his understanding of belief and confession (vs 11-13; Is. 28:16; Joel 2:32).
3. The Gospel (good news) is to be brought to everyone by people who have also believed and have been sent (vs 14, 15; Is. 52:7; Rom. 1:5).
Thought: How does God send people to give out His good news?
III. Even though most of the Israelites are not believing the promised message, God’s plan is still right on track (Rom. 10:16- 11:11).
A. Israel has both heard and understood but have been disobedient to the message (Rom. 10:16-21; Ps. 19:4; Deut. 32:21; Is. 65:12).
B. God has not pushed away Israel but Israel has pushed away God for the most part. During the present church age, there will always be some Israelites who will believe that are both foreknown and chosen (elected) (Rom. 11:1-7).
C. From the time of Christ until Christ’s second coming, modern Israelites are callused (hardened like a thick layer over their hearts), blinded, and deafened by God giving them over to their disobedience (Rom. 11:8-10,25; Deut. 29:4; Is. 29:10; John 12:37-42).
D. God has both allowed this and planned this to bring in the full amount of believing Gentiles and to make Israel jealous (Rom. 11:11,25).
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Romans 9:1-33
GOD'S PLAN FOR THE NATION OF ISRAEL, PART I: THEY ARE THE CHOSEN NATION BUT HAVE STUMBLED!
Romans 9:1-33
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Paul confirms the nation of Israel’s special place in God’s purposes and grieves over it’s lack of response to Christ (vs 1-5).
A. Chapters 9 through 11 are written to explain to believers what has happened, what is happening and what will happen to Israel.
B. A logical question for a believer who has been assured of God’s reliability concerning his/her eternal security(Rom 8:28-39) is: What is going on with God’s chosen people Israel?
C. Paul’s continual sorrow and pain over the nation of Israel is so great that he would give up his own salvation for theirs (vs 1-3).
D. In the past, God’s plan through the nation of Israel has resulted in many blessings (vs 4,5) including: 1. The adoption (Jews being children of God, Deut. 14:1; Ex. 4:22) 2. The glory (the times when God revealed His presence, Ex. 24:17) 3. The covenants (i.e. the Abrahamic, Gen. 12, 15; the Davidic, 2 Sam. 7; the New, Jer. 31) 4. The receiving of the Law, Ex. 20; Deut. 5) 5. The temple worship (Exodus and Leviticus) 6. The promises (given in the covenants and other prophecies) 7. The patriarchs (i.e. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) 8. The human ancestry of Christ (Messiah, Matt. 1; Luke 3) 9. The spiritual ancestry of Christ is God and, therefore, Christ is God over all, blessed forever! (Col. 1:15-20, 2:9).
Thought: What is the difference between religion and relationship when it comes to God? Which have you had this week?
II. Even though many in the nation of Israel have rejected Christ, God’s word and purpose have not failed(vs 6-13).
A. Everybody born as national Israelites are not children of God (vs 6-9).
1. The promises of God were not given to all of Abraham’s seeds (descendents) but to one specific seed, Isaac, who was according to the promise (vs 6-9; Gen. 21:12).
2. Paul clearly states that the promised seed ultimately speaks of Christ(Gal. 3:16).
B. God’s purpose has stood and continues to stand because of his election (ekloga-selection, choice) (vs 10-13).
1. God’s election is not based on a person’s or nation’s moral goodness, works, or birth order. God’s choice happens way before these(vs 10-12; Eph. 1:4).
2. The idea of hating and loving as used in verse 13 is not based on God’s temperament but is based on God’s election (choice).
a. This is a Hebrew idiom (figure of speech) where the opposite is used to express a lesser degree(Gen. 29:30; Luke 14:26).
b. God did provide for Esau(Gen. 27:29; chapter 36; Deut. 23:7) and blessed him and his family in certain ways(Gen. 33:4-17).
Thought: Why should it comfort and encourage believers to know that God’s word and purpose cannot fail?
III. God’s election is based on his freedom, His mercy, His purposes, our sinfulness, and the mystery of God (vs 14-18).
A. God is not unjust but he is mercifully accomplishing His purposes in and through the lives of sinful humanity (vs 14-18).
1. He chose to show mercy to Moses and Israel by revealing His glory, His law and Himself (vs 14, 15; Ex. 33:18-34:10). However, God holds Moses and Israel responsible and desires repentance for restored fellowship (Ex. 32:30-35).
2. He chose to harden the heart of Pharaoh in order to display His power and proclaim His name (vs 16-18). However, Pharaoh is held accountable for his actions and unbelief (Ex. 5:2) and rebellion and progressively hardens his own heart (Ex. 8:32) while God seems to give him over (like in Rom. 1:18-32) to his own sinful ways (Ex. 10:1).
B. Our creator has the right to plan and form His creation according to His choosing, like a potter and His clay (vs 19-29).
1. God creates Moses, Pharaoh, and every kind of life in between to display His power and glorify His name (vs 22-24).
a. The objects of his wrath seem to be those in Romans 1:18-32 who refuse to believe in God or His salvation. Therefore, God is patient with them desiring their repentance (vs 22; Rom. 2:3, 4; 2 Pet. 3:9). They have prepared themselves and continue preparing themselves (katartismena- perfect tense) for destruction.
b. The objects of his mercy have been prepared beforehand (proatoimasen- aorist tense) for glory (vs 23; Eph. 2:6-10).
2. Paul uses Old Testament scriptures to show that God’s plan showed a time where Gentile believers would increase and Jewish believers would decrease (vs 24-29; Ho. 2:23, 1:10; Isa. 10:22,23, 1:9).
3. Paul’s Israel and present day Israel have only a remnant of true children of God because they have stumbled. They are pursuing their righteousness by works rather than by faith in Jesus Christ (vs 30-33; Isa. 8:14, 28:16).
Romans 9:1-33
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Paul confirms the nation of Israel’s special place in God’s purposes and grieves over it’s lack of response to Christ (vs 1-5).
A. Chapters 9 through 11 are written to explain to believers what has happened, what is happening and what will happen to Israel.
B. A logical question for a believer who has been assured of God’s reliability concerning his/her eternal security(Rom 8:28-39) is: What is going on with God’s chosen people Israel?
C. Paul’s continual sorrow and pain over the nation of Israel is so great that he would give up his own salvation for theirs (vs 1-3).
D. In the past, God’s plan through the nation of Israel has resulted in many blessings (vs 4,5) including: 1. The adoption (Jews being children of God, Deut. 14:1; Ex. 4:22) 2. The glory (the times when God revealed His presence, Ex. 24:17) 3. The covenants (i.e. the Abrahamic, Gen. 12, 15; the Davidic, 2 Sam. 7; the New, Jer. 31) 4. The receiving of the Law, Ex. 20; Deut. 5) 5. The temple worship (Exodus and Leviticus) 6. The promises (given in the covenants and other prophecies) 7. The patriarchs (i.e. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) 8. The human ancestry of Christ (Messiah, Matt. 1; Luke 3) 9. The spiritual ancestry of Christ is God and, therefore, Christ is God over all, blessed forever! (Col. 1:15-20, 2:9).
Thought: What is the difference between religion and relationship when it comes to God? Which have you had this week?
II. Even though many in the nation of Israel have rejected Christ, God’s word and purpose have not failed(vs 6-13).
A. Everybody born as national Israelites are not children of God (vs 6-9).
1. The promises of God were not given to all of Abraham’s seeds (descendents) but to one specific seed, Isaac, who was according to the promise (vs 6-9; Gen. 21:12).
2. Paul clearly states that the promised seed ultimately speaks of Christ(Gal. 3:16).
B. God’s purpose has stood and continues to stand because of his election (ekloga-selection, choice) (vs 10-13).
1. God’s election is not based on a person’s or nation’s moral goodness, works, or birth order. God’s choice happens way before these(vs 10-12; Eph. 1:4).
2. The idea of hating and loving as used in verse 13 is not based on God’s temperament but is based on God’s election (choice).
a. This is a Hebrew idiom (figure of speech) where the opposite is used to express a lesser degree(Gen. 29:30; Luke 14:26).
b. God did provide for Esau(Gen. 27:29; chapter 36; Deut. 23:7) and blessed him and his family in certain ways(Gen. 33:4-17).
Thought: Why should it comfort and encourage believers to know that God’s word and purpose cannot fail?
III. God’s election is based on his freedom, His mercy, His purposes, our sinfulness, and the mystery of God (vs 14-18).
A. God is not unjust but he is mercifully accomplishing His purposes in and through the lives of sinful humanity (vs 14-18).
1. He chose to show mercy to Moses and Israel by revealing His glory, His law and Himself (vs 14, 15; Ex. 33:18-34:10). However, God holds Moses and Israel responsible and desires repentance for restored fellowship (Ex. 32:30-35).
2. He chose to harden the heart of Pharaoh in order to display His power and proclaim His name (vs 16-18). However, Pharaoh is held accountable for his actions and unbelief (Ex. 5:2) and rebellion and progressively hardens his own heart (Ex. 8:32) while God seems to give him over (like in Rom. 1:18-32) to his own sinful ways (Ex. 10:1).
B. Our creator has the right to plan and form His creation according to His choosing, like a potter and His clay (vs 19-29).
1. God creates Moses, Pharaoh, and every kind of life in between to display His power and glorify His name (vs 22-24).
a. The objects of his wrath seem to be those in Romans 1:18-32 who refuse to believe in God or His salvation. Therefore, God is patient with them desiring their repentance (vs 22; Rom. 2:3, 4; 2 Pet. 3:9). They have prepared themselves and continue preparing themselves (katartismena- perfect tense) for destruction.
b. The objects of his mercy have been prepared beforehand (proatoimasen- aorist tense) for glory (vs 23; Eph. 2:6-10).
2. Paul uses Old Testament scriptures to show that God’s plan showed a time where Gentile believers would increase and Jewish believers would decrease (vs 24-29; Ho. 2:23, 1:10; Isa. 10:22,23, 1:9).
3. Paul’s Israel and present day Israel have only a remnant of true children of God because they have stumbled. They are pursuing their righteousness by works rather than by faith in Jesus Christ (vs 30-33; Isa. 8:14, 28:16).
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Romans 8:28-39
FOREKNOWLEDGE, PREDESTINATION, AND THE ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER
Romans 8:28-39
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. A believer’s present life of sanctification (growing in holiness, being set apart to God) is a cooperative effort between our new nature and the Holy Spirit (vs 28).
A. We learned in verse 22 through 26 that we presently live in “weakness” because of the struggle with our remnant flesh and our physical limitations.
B. We learned in verse 27 that the Holy Spirit prays for us in precise, unspoken ways according to God’s will which strengthens us.
C. The “all things” are the sufferings of this present world which all believers now go through (vs 28; Rom. 8:17,18,23; 5:3-5).
D. The “ones loving”(agaposin- present, active, participle) God are obedient believers who are serving God in the Holy Spirit rather than following their flesh (vs 28; Rom. 6:6-13,16,17,20-23; 7:4-6,25; 8:1-5,13,14; John 15:8-17).
1. These “God-loving ones” have been called (invited) according to the purpose (plan, design, will) of God (vs 28; Rom. 1:6,7).
2. These “God-loving ones’” present weaknesses and sufferings work together under the Holy Spirit’s leading (Rom. 8:13,14) for good (something upright and intrinsically valuable such as fruit unto holiness and God (Rom. 6:22, 7:4; John 15:8; Eph. 2:10), and fulfilling God’s plan of conforming His created ones into Christ’s image)(vs 29; Eph. 4:23,24).
Thought: How have you seen the Holy Spirit weave your sufferings for good?
II. A believer’s present sanctification is being provided on a moment by moment basis by God, and a believer’s ultimate conformity with Christ (glorification) is eternally secure (vs 29-39).
A. In God’s plan and purpose, we have already been foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and glorified (vs 29,30).
1. Foreknow (proegno) simply means “to know beforehand” (vs 29; I Pet. 1:2).
2. Predestined (proorisen) means to mark out a boundary beforehand or to foreordain (vs 29,30) in this case to adoption and ultimate conformity to Christ(also Eph. 1:4,5).
3. Called (invited), justified (declared righteous, past-salvation) and glorified (future-salvation associated with our new bodies and ultimate conformity to Christ) add to the certainty of our salvation.
B. There are three main ways to try to make the Biblical doctrines of foreknowledge and predestination fit together with human responsibility and free will in regards to salvation.
1. Calvanism: God has a free will but humans do not. God’s foreknowledge and predestinations are based only on his unconditional choice which is governed by his attributes of love, mercy and goodness. (John 6:44; Eph. 1:4,5; I Pet. 1:2; Rom. 9:10-25 are support verses.)
2. Arminianism: God has a free will and humans have free enough wills. In this view, God knew in advance those that would eventually believe and then predestined and chose them for salvation. Therefore, God’s choice was conditionally based on the result of who would believe, (Rom. 10:13; I Tim. 2:3,4; 4:10; 2 Pet. 3:9; Eph. 1:4,5; I Pet. 1:2 are support verses.)
3. Some aspects of both views bound up in the mystery of God. (Deut. 29:29; Psalm 19; Acts 14:15-17; 17:26-28; Rom. 1:19,20 are support verses.)
C. A believer’s salvation is eternally secure. Nothing can separate a believer from the love of God (vs 31-39).
1. God has given us Christ and everything we will need for our continued growth in sanctification (vs 31,32).
2. God has set up the perimeters of our salvation, declared us righteous and through Christ’s Spirit cares for us (vs 33,34).
3. A believer can never be separated from the love of Christ or the love of God in Christ (vs 35-39).
a. Presently a believer has everything needed to conquer or win a most glorious victory in spite of the severe suffering in this world (vs 35-37).
b. Presently and in the future a believer cannot be separated by any unknown bodily existence or spiritual force (vs 38-39).
Thought: Do you have doubts of your salvation? Why?
Romans 8:28-39
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. A believer’s present life of sanctification (growing in holiness, being set apart to God) is a cooperative effort between our new nature and the Holy Spirit (vs 28).
A. We learned in verse 22 through 26 that we presently live in “weakness” because of the struggle with our remnant flesh and our physical limitations.
B. We learned in verse 27 that the Holy Spirit prays for us in precise, unspoken ways according to God’s will which strengthens us.
C. The “all things” are the sufferings of this present world which all believers now go through (vs 28; Rom. 8:17,18,23; 5:3-5).
D. The “ones loving”(agaposin- present, active, participle) God are obedient believers who are serving God in the Holy Spirit rather than following their flesh (vs 28; Rom. 6:6-13,16,17,20-23; 7:4-6,25; 8:1-5,13,14; John 15:8-17).
1. These “God-loving ones” have been called (invited) according to the purpose (plan, design, will) of God (vs 28; Rom. 1:6,7).
2. These “God-loving ones’” present weaknesses and sufferings work together under the Holy Spirit’s leading (Rom. 8:13,14) for good (something upright and intrinsically valuable such as fruit unto holiness and God (Rom. 6:22, 7:4; John 15:8; Eph. 2:10), and fulfilling God’s plan of conforming His created ones into Christ’s image)(vs 29; Eph. 4:23,24).
Thought: How have you seen the Holy Spirit weave your sufferings for good?
II. A believer’s present sanctification is being provided on a moment by moment basis by God, and a believer’s ultimate conformity with Christ (glorification) is eternally secure (vs 29-39).
A. In God’s plan and purpose, we have already been foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and glorified (vs 29,30).
1. Foreknow (proegno) simply means “to know beforehand” (vs 29; I Pet. 1:2).
2. Predestined (proorisen) means to mark out a boundary beforehand or to foreordain (vs 29,30) in this case to adoption and ultimate conformity to Christ(also Eph. 1:4,5).
3. Called (invited), justified (declared righteous, past-salvation) and glorified (future-salvation associated with our new bodies and ultimate conformity to Christ) add to the certainty of our salvation.
B. There are three main ways to try to make the Biblical doctrines of foreknowledge and predestination fit together with human responsibility and free will in regards to salvation.
1. Calvanism: God has a free will but humans do not. God’s foreknowledge and predestinations are based only on his unconditional choice which is governed by his attributes of love, mercy and goodness. (John 6:44; Eph. 1:4,5; I Pet. 1:2; Rom. 9:10-25 are support verses.)
2. Arminianism: God has a free will and humans have free enough wills. In this view, God knew in advance those that would eventually believe and then predestined and chose them for salvation. Therefore, God’s choice was conditionally based on the result of who would believe, (Rom. 10:13; I Tim. 2:3,4; 4:10; 2 Pet. 3:9; Eph. 1:4,5; I Pet. 1:2 are support verses.)
3. Some aspects of both views bound up in the mystery of God. (Deut. 29:29; Psalm 19; Acts 14:15-17; 17:26-28; Rom. 1:19,20 are support verses.)
C. A believer’s salvation is eternally secure. Nothing can separate a believer from the love of God (vs 31-39).
1. God has given us Christ and everything we will need for our continued growth in sanctification (vs 31,32).
2. God has set up the perimeters of our salvation, declared us righteous and through Christ’s Spirit cares for us (vs 33,34).
3. A believer can never be separated from the love of Christ or the love of God in Christ (vs 35-39).
a. Presently a believer has everything needed to conquer or win a most glorious victory in spite of the severe suffering in this world (vs 35-37).
b. Presently and in the future a believer cannot be separated by any unknown bodily existence or spiritual force (vs 38-39).
Thought: Do you have doubts of your salvation? Why?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Romans 8:1-27
BELIEVERS NOW LIVE OUT THEIR LIFE UNDER A DIFFERENT LAW:
THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE
Romans 8:1-27
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Believers in Christ Jesus should now live out their life in a new way which is free from condemnation (vs 1-4).
A. The Mosaic Law bring condemnation (a judgment against someone) to the flesh. The flesh is the core nature of unbelievers and the “sinful tendency” remnant in believer’s lives. Remember Paul’s equation of flesh (sin) + Law + death which he formulated in chapters one through seven (vs 1).
1. Believers now have dies to sin (Rom. 6:2) and have died to the Mosaic Law (Rom. 7:4) through Christ (vs 2; Gal. 3:19, 23-25; Col. 2:13-23).
2. Believers now have the law of the Spirit of life. Therefore, Paul’s new formula is new nature + Spirit= life (vs 2; Rom. 6:22,23; 7:6).
B. God has fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law in us through our justification (past-tense salvation) in Christ (vs 3; Rom. 3:19; Matt. 5:17).
C. God desires for His believers to now learn to walk according to the Spirit so that we might fulfill His will (righteous requirement) for us (vs 4). In Paul’s mind, this would be present-tense salvation, sanctification, or walking in holiness (Rom. 6:19, 22; 7:22,25).
Thought: What are some way believers can slow down their sanctification.
II. Believers in Christ Jesus now have the choice of obeying the Holy Spirit or the flesh (vs 5-11).
A. The flesh will produce death (which for the believer is broken fellowship with God and fellow believers, loss of good fruit, and loss of reward and inheritance) and the Spirit will produce life and peace (vs 6; Rom. 6:21-23; 7:4-6; Gal. 5:16-26).
B. Living or walking in the Spirit pleases God now (vs 7,8; Gal. 3:20; Eph. 5:10).
C. All believers have the Holy Spirit living in them now (vs 9; I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13).
D. All believers continue to have dying physical bodies and yet the core of their being is alive through the new nature and the Holy Spirit (vs 10). Also, because of the Holy Spirits presence, we are assured of having a resurrected spiritual body in the future (vs 11, I Cor. 15:35-49; 2 Cor. 5:1-6; Eph. 1:13,14).
Thought: If all believers have the Holy Spirit, why do some believers still pray for the Holy Spirit?
III. What the Holy Spirit now does in a believer’s life (vs 12-27):
A. He helps us “put to death” our flesh (sinful tendencies) and therefore truly live (vs 12-17; Col. 3:5-9).
1. This is a process. As we are led by the Spirit of God, we are living out our children of God position (vs 14, I John 2:28-3:3).
2. This process should not lead us back to the old ways of the Law but rather to a deeper understanding of being God’s adopted children (vs 15a; Gal. 4:6,7).
3. This process should deepen our relationship with God as our Abba (An Aramaic expression used in the family circle for father)(vs 15b, 16).
4. This process involves suffering with Christ but it will also produce future inheritance (vs 17; Matt. 19:28-30; 2 Tim 2:11-13; Rev. 20:4).
B. He will give to us our resurrected spiritual bodies as well as a restored and new heaven and earth (vs 18-23).
1. The creation was subject to frustration (“mataiotas”- vanity (Eccles. 1:1), aimlessness, inability to reach or obtain results) by God at the time of the fall (Gen. 3:14, 17-19). It is portrayed as looking forward to it’s restoration (vs 18-22; Isa. 60; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 21:1-22:6).
2. We also continue to groan because we still have our remnant flesh and physical body that are ill-adapted for eternal life (vs 23; John 14:1-4).
C. He helps us in our weakness by praying for us (vs 26, 27).
1. We pray in imprecise, spoken ways to Abba, Father (I John 5:14,15).
2. He prays in precise, unspoken ways according to God’s will (John 14:15-18).
THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE
Romans 8:1-27
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Believers in Christ Jesus should now live out their life in a new way which is free from condemnation (vs 1-4).
A. The Mosaic Law bring condemnation (a judgment against someone) to the flesh. The flesh is the core nature of unbelievers and the “sinful tendency” remnant in believer’s lives. Remember Paul’s equation of flesh (sin) + Law + death which he formulated in chapters one through seven (vs 1).
1. Believers now have dies to sin (Rom. 6:2) and have died to the Mosaic Law (Rom. 7:4) through Christ (vs 2; Gal. 3:19, 23-25; Col. 2:13-23).
2. Believers now have the law of the Spirit of life. Therefore, Paul’s new formula is new nature + Spirit= life (vs 2; Rom. 6:22,23; 7:6).
B. God has fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law in us through our justification (past-tense salvation) in Christ (vs 3; Rom. 3:19; Matt. 5:17).
C. God desires for His believers to now learn to walk according to the Spirit so that we might fulfill His will (righteous requirement) for us (vs 4). In Paul’s mind, this would be present-tense salvation, sanctification, or walking in holiness (Rom. 6:19, 22; 7:22,25).
Thought: What are some way believers can slow down their sanctification.
II. Believers in Christ Jesus now have the choice of obeying the Holy Spirit or the flesh (vs 5-11).
A. The flesh will produce death (which for the believer is broken fellowship with God and fellow believers, loss of good fruit, and loss of reward and inheritance) and the Spirit will produce life and peace (vs 6; Rom. 6:21-23; 7:4-6; Gal. 5:16-26).
B. Living or walking in the Spirit pleases God now (vs 7,8; Gal. 3:20; Eph. 5:10).
C. All believers have the Holy Spirit living in them now (vs 9; I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13).
D. All believers continue to have dying physical bodies and yet the core of their being is alive through the new nature and the Holy Spirit (vs 10). Also, because of the Holy Spirits presence, we are assured of having a resurrected spiritual body in the future (vs 11, I Cor. 15:35-49; 2 Cor. 5:1-6; Eph. 1:13,14).
Thought: If all believers have the Holy Spirit, why do some believers still pray for the Holy Spirit?
III. What the Holy Spirit now does in a believer’s life (vs 12-27):
A. He helps us “put to death” our flesh (sinful tendencies) and therefore truly live (vs 12-17; Col. 3:5-9).
1. This is a process. As we are led by the Spirit of God, we are living out our children of God position (vs 14, I John 2:28-3:3).
2. This process should not lead us back to the old ways of the Law but rather to a deeper understanding of being God’s adopted children (vs 15a; Gal. 4:6,7).
3. This process should deepen our relationship with God as our Abba (An Aramaic expression used in the family circle for father)(vs 15b, 16).
4. This process involves suffering with Christ but it will also produce future inheritance (vs 17; Matt. 19:28-30; 2 Tim 2:11-13; Rev. 20:4).
B. He will give to us our resurrected spiritual bodies as well as a restored and new heaven and earth (vs 18-23).
1. The creation was subject to frustration (“mataiotas”- vanity (Eccles. 1:1), aimlessness, inability to reach or obtain results) by God at the time of the fall (Gen. 3:14, 17-19). It is portrayed as looking forward to it’s restoration (vs 18-22; Isa. 60; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 21:1-22:6).
2. We also continue to groan because we still have our remnant flesh and physical body that are ill-adapted for eternal life (vs 23; John 14:1-4).
C. He helps us in our weakness by praying for us (vs 26, 27).
1. We pray in imprecise, spoken ways to Abba, Father (I John 5:14,15).
2. He prays in precise, unspoken ways according to God’s will (John 14:15-18).
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Romans 7:1-25
WHAT BELIEVERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LAW AND SIN
Romans 7:1-25
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Justified believers need to learn to serve God now in a new way rather than turning back to a previously tried old way (vs 1-6).
A. All believers have now died to the Law through the body of Christ (vs 1-4b).
1. Christ fulfilled the law by living a perfect life and submitting himself to a cruel death in his body (vs 4a; Matt. 5:17; I. Cor. 11:23-26).
2. We have died to the Law by uniting ourselves with Christ. We now have died with him, have fulfilled the Law in Him, and therefore the old Law should no longer have a binding or condemning force on our new lives (vs 1-3, 4b; Gal. 3:23, 24; Col. 3:1-4).
B. All believers now belong to Christ and our purpose now is to bear fruit unto God (vs 4c-6; John 15:5, 8, 15, 16; Phil. 1:21,22).
1. Living life “in the flesh”, whether as an unbeliever or a believer, produces a mixture of sin aroused by the Law. This combination produces fruit unto death (lacking God’s fellowship, will, purpose, or blessing)(vs 5; Rom. 6:19-23, 7:14-20, 8:12-14).
2. Believers have now been released from (katargeo- to make unemployed, redundant) the Law but we need to learn how to serve God now in the new way of the Spirit (vs 6; Rom. 8:2; Gal. 3:23-25; Col. 2:16-23).
Thought: What choices do we make on a moment by moment basis that determines whether we as believers produce fruit unto God or fruit unto death?
II. Justified believers have died to sin(Rom. 6:2) and have died to the Law(Rom. 7:4) and yet they still struggle with sin and the Law (vs 7-25).
A. The Law of God is holy, righteous and good (vs 7-13).
1. It reveals what sin is (vs 7-13).
2. It increases sin’s desire to sin more (like a catalyst)(vs 8-12; Rom. 5:20).
3. Paul’s spiritual formulation would be sin + Law = death(a negative spiritual reaction that is supposed to lead someone to cry out to God for mercy and belief)(vs 13; Gal. 3:23-25).
B. The Law of God is spiritual (pneumatikos) but Paul and all believers are fleshly(sarknos) when we offer ourselves to sin rather than to God (vs 14-25; Rom. 6:15-18).
1. A believer now has a new nature (2 Cor. 5:17) which desires the things of God(Eph. 4:23, 24; 5:8-10) as well as a remnant of the old self called the flesh(vs 18; Rom 8:1,4; Gal. 5:16-18).
2. The flesh is our leftover sinful tendencies and is sometimes called ethical flesh(better named unethical) by theologians. It is different from our physical or mortal bodies (Rom. 16:12, 13; 18:11).
3. The flesh seeks to reign (vs 15-20), practice evil (vs 19,21) and wage war against the new nature in order to take it captive (vs 23).
4. In Paul’s theology, a believer’s new nature desires to do what is good(vs 15, 18, 21), delights in God’s Law (vs 22) and operates to its full extent in a Spirit controlled mind (vs 23,25).
Thought: Flesh(sin) + Law = death; New nature + Spirit = life; the choice is yours. Is the thing which concerns you most leading you toward death or life?
Romans 7:1-25
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Justified believers need to learn to serve God now in a new way rather than turning back to a previously tried old way (vs 1-6).
A. All believers have now died to the Law through the body of Christ (vs 1-4b).
1. Christ fulfilled the law by living a perfect life and submitting himself to a cruel death in his body (vs 4a; Matt. 5:17; I. Cor. 11:23-26).
2. We have died to the Law by uniting ourselves with Christ. We now have died with him, have fulfilled the Law in Him, and therefore the old Law should no longer have a binding or condemning force on our new lives (vs 1-3, 4b; Gal. 3:23, 24; Col. 3:1-4).
B. All believers now belong to Christ and our purpose now is to bear fruit unto God (vs 4c-6; John 15:5, 8, 15, 16; Phil. 1:21,22).
1. Living life “in the flesh”, whether as an unbeliever or a believer, produces a mixture of sin aroused by the Law. This combination produces fruit unto death (lacking God’s fellowship, will, purpose, or blessing)(vs 5; Rom. 6:19-23, 7:14-20, 8:12-14).
2. Believers have now been released from (katargeo- to make unemployed, redundant) the Law but we need to learn how to serve God now in the new way of the Spirit (vs 6; Rom. 8:2; Gal. 3:23-25; Col. 2:16-23).
Thought: What choices do we make on a moment by moment basis that determines whether we as believers produce fruit unto God or fruit unto death?
II. Justified believers have died to sin(Rom. 6:2) and have died to the Law(Rom. 7:4) and yet they still struggle with sin and the Law (vs 7-25).
A. The Law of God is holy, righteous and good (vs 7-13).
1. It reveals what sin is (vs 7-13).
2. It increases sin’s desire to sin more (like a catalyst)(vs 8-12; Rom. 5:20).
3. Paul’s spiritual formulation would be sin + Law = death(a negative spiritual reaction that is supposed to lead someone to cry out to God for mercy and belief)(vs 13; Gal. 3:23-25).
B. The Law of God is spiritual (pneumatikos) but Paul and all believers are fleshly(sarknos) when we offer ourselves to sin rather than to God (vs 14-25; Rom. 6:15-18).
1. A believer now has a new nature (2 Cor. 5:17) which desires the things of God(Eph. 4:23, 24; 5:8-10) as well as a remnant of the old self called the flesh(vs 18; Rom 8:1,4; Gal. 5:16-18).
2. The flesh is our leftover sinful tendencies and is sometimes called ethical flesh(better named unethical) by theologians. It is different from our physical or mortal bodies (Rom. 16:12, 13; 18:11).
3. The flesh seeks to reign (vs 15-20), practice evil (vs 19,21) and wage war against the new nature in order to take it captive (vs 23).
4. In Paul’s theology, a believer’s new nature desires to do what is good(vs 15, 18, 21), delights in God’s Law (vs 22) and operates to its full extent in a Spirit controlled mind (vs 23,25).
Thought: Flesh(sin) + Law = death; New nature + Spirit = life; the choice is yours. Is the thing which concerns you most leading you toward death or life?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Romans 6:1-23
WHAT BELIEVERS ENTER INTO BECAUSE OF UNION WITH CHRIST
Romans 6:1-23
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. As justified believers, we are now united with Christ in his death(vs 1-7). As such we should:
A. realize tat we have dies with Christ and therefore are free to not live in sin(vs 1-5; Col. 3:3,4).
1. We now have the ability to sin less often. The outward act of water baptism is a symbol of the inward reality (vs 1-3; Col. 2:20).
2. We now have the ability to please God and live righteously (Eph. 5:8-10). Paul calls this walking in newness of life (vs. 4,5). The theological term for this is sanctification (set apart to holiness and used in vs 19,22).
B. realize that our old self (before justification) was crucified so that the body of sin (our sinful tendencies, not our physical body, Rom. 7; Gal. 5:17, Col. 2:11) might be destroyed (vs 6, 7; Eph. 4:22; 25-31; Col. 3:5-9).
Thought: How does dying with Christ free you from sinning?
II. As justified believers, we are now united with Christ in his resurrected life (vs 8-14). As such we should:
A. realize we have been raised with Christ and therefore live with him now and in the future (vs 8, Col. 3:1,2).
B. Realize that Christ (as our redeemer and example) died to sin once, now lives to please God and at the core of our being this is also true with us (vs 9-11; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; I Peter 3:18).
C. Not let sin reign (basilueto- “to be king”, a present, imperative) in our mortal (thnatos- “subject to death”) bodies (vs 12).
D. Not offer (“place at ones disposal”, a present, imperative) the parts of our bodies as tools or weapons (hopla) of unrighteousness for the purpose of sinning. Rather we are to realize we have already offered (aorist, imperative) our body parts to God as tools or weapons of righteousness (vs 13.14).
Thought: Which body part do you need to place at God’s disposal today?
III. As justified believers who are united with Christ, you have a moment by moment choice of whether to serve sin or righteousness (vs 15-23; Gal. 5:13-26).
A. The principle is this: we become servants to whatever we choose to obey (vs 15,16). Obedience to sin takes us away from God’s desired pathway for us (encompassed in the word death)(vs 16; 1 Cor. 11:27-32) and obedience to God moves us closer into His fellowship and righteousness (vs 16; I John 1:3-7).
B. By being heart-obedient to this form of teaching which has been handed over to us (“paradidomai”- as to a new slave master), we can make true progress in righteousness (vs 17, 18).
C. Like we used to offer our bodies for impurity (immoral sexual activity) and wickedness (lawlessness), we now are to offer our body parts to righteousness and sanctification (vs 19, 20; Eph. 4:23, 24; Col. 3:10-17).
D. The wages for choosing to be a servant of sin is shame and death (separated fellowship, discipline, etc.). Choosing to live as a servant of righteousness brings the gift of God’s full salvation (fellowship, blessing, reward, etc.) and eventually fullness of true life forever (including a new glorified body) (vs 21-23; Matt 19:29; I Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10).
Romans 6:1-23
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. As justified believers, we are now united with Christ in his death(vs 1-7). As such we should:
A. realize tat we have dies with Christ and therefore are free to not live in sin(vs 1-5; Col. 3:3,4).
1. We now have the ability to sin less often. The outward act of water baptism is a symbol of the inward reality (vs 1-3; Col. 2:20).
2. We now have the ability to please God and live righteously (Eph. 5:8-10). Paul calls this walking in newness of life (vs. 4,5). The theological term for this is sanctification (set apart to holiness and used in vs 19,22).
B. realize that our old self (before justification) was crucified so that the body of sin (our sinful tendencies, not our physical body, Rom. 7; Gal. 5:17, Col. 2:11) might be destroyed (vs 6, 7; Eph. 4:22; 25-31; Col. 3:5-9).
Thought: How does dying with Christ free you from sinning?
II. As justified believers, we are now united with Christ in his resurrected life (vs 8-14). As such we should:
A. realize we have been raised with Christ and therefore live with him now and in the future (vs 8, Col. 3:1,2).
B. Realize that Christ (as our redeemer and example) died to sin once, now lives to please God and at the core of our being this is also true with us (vs 9-11; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; I Peter 3:18).
C. Not let sin reign (basilueto- “to be king”, a present, imperative) in our mortal (thnatos- “subject to death”) bodies (vs 12).
D. Not offer (“place at ones disposal”, a present, imperative) the parts of our bodies as tools or weapons (hopla) of unrighteousness for the purpose of sinning. Rather we are to realize we have already offered (aorist, imperative) our body parts to God as tools or weapons of righteousness (vs 13.14).
Thought: Which body part do you need to place at God’s disposal today?
III. As justified believers who are united with Christ, you have a moment by moment choice of whether to serve sin or righteousness (vs 15-23; Gal. 5:13-26).
A. The principle is this: we become servants to whatever we choose to obey (vs 15,16). Obedience to sin takes us away from God’s desired pathway for us (encompassed in the word death)(vs 16; 1 Cor. 11:27-32) and obedience to God moves us closer into His fellowship and righteousness (vs 16; I John 1:3-7).
B. By being heart-obedient to this form of teaching which has been handed over to us (“paradidomai”- as to a new slave master), we can make true progress in righteousness (vs 17, 18).
C. Like we used to offer our bodies for impurity (immoral sexual activity) and wickedness (lawlessness), we now are to offer our body parts to righteousness and sanctification (vs 19, 20; Eph. 4:23, 24; Col. 3:10-17).
D. The wages for choosing to be a servant of sin is shame and death (separated fellowship, discipline, etc.). Choosing to live as a servant of righteousness brings the gift of God’s full salvation (fellowship, blessing, reward, etc.) and eventually fullness of true life forever (including a new glorified body) (vs 21-23; Matt 19:29; I Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10).
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Romans 5:1-21
WHAT BELIEVERS ENTER INTO BECAUSE OF JUSTIFICATION
Romans 5:1-21
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Those who have been justified (declared righteous) by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ now have these amazing benefits (vs 1-5):
A. Present and lasting peace with God. Peace is the Greek word "eirena" and comes from the Hebrew word "shalom" which means to be complete, sound, safe, free from fault, healthy and prosperous (vs 1; Col. 1:20; Eph. 2:14).
B. Access into the grace (unmerited favor) of God. The Greek word for access is the word for introducing someone into the presence of a ruler (vs 2; Eph. 1:3; Heb. 4:16; 2 Peter 1:3).
C. The ability to rejoice (boast in God; Gal. 6:14) in afflictions, tribulations or sufferings. The justified believer's peace is with God but not necessarily the things or people in this world (James 1:2-5).
1. Sufferings produce steadfast endurance (hupomonan-remain under) to bear up under the pressure of the difficulty (vs 3; 1 Cor. 10:13).
2. Steadfast endurance produces proof of approved character like gold from the furnace which has been purified and tested (vs 4; Job 23:10).
3. Approved character produces hopeful expectation in God and His promises (vs 4; 1 Tim. 3:13; James 1:4).
4. Hopeful expectation produces confidence before God (instead of shame) and a deep understanding that his Holy Spirit lives in us, helping and loving us (vs 5).
Thought: What benefit of being justified has meant the most to you this week?
II. Justified believers should be amazed at the full extent of God's love (vs 6-11).
A. Christ died for the powerless (inability because of sickness and weakness), the ungodly, sinners and enemies (vs 6, 8, 10). In other words, all of us.
B. Rarely will a person die for a righteous person (one who upholds right) although for a good person (someone who does good to others), a person might die. However, God's amazing love is shown in Christ's death for sinners (vs 7,8).
C. We have been justified (declared righteous, past tense salvation) through Christ's death. We are being and will be sanctified (made holy, present tense salvation) and glorified (future) through his life (vs 9-11).
III. Paul answers a few questions on sin and the Law (vs 12-21).
A. Sin and death came into all of the human race through the breaking of God's verbal command to Adam (v 12; Gen 3:1-19).
B. The giving of the Law by Moses was not the start of sin and death because physical death and sin was already present (vs 13,14).
C. Jesus' gift is not like Adam's trespass because Adam's trespass brought death but Jesus' gift brings life (vs 15,16).
D. Jesus' gift is like Adam's trespass in that it was by one man doing one act bringing one certain result (vs 17-19).
E. The purpose of the Law in justification was to show people that they were not able to live up to it. Therefore it was meant to lead sinners to God's grace and mercy (vs 20,21; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 13:24).
Thought: Romans 5:12-21 is a key text in the study of the Biblical concepts of original and inherited sin. For deeper and further study, I recommend "Christian Theology" by Millard J. Erickson, "Basic Theology" by Charles C. Ryrie, or Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem.
Romans 5:1-21
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Those who have been justified (declared righteous) by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ now have these amazing benefits (vs 1-5):
A. Present and lasting peace with God. Peace is the Greek word "eirena" and comes from the Hebrew word "shalom" which means to be complete, sound, safe, free from fault, healthy and prosperous (vs 1; Col. 1:20; Eph. 2:14).
B. Access into the grace (unmerited favor) of God. The Greek word for access is the word for introducing someone into the presence of a ruler (vs 2; Eph. 1:3; Heb. 4:16; 2 Peter 1:3).
C. The ability to rejoice (boast in God; Gal. 6:14) in afflictions, tribulations or sufferings. The justified believer's peace is with God but not necessarily the things or people in this world (James 1:2-5).
1. Sufferings produce steadfast endurance (hupomonan-remain under) to bear up under the pressure of the difficulty (vs 3; 1 Cor. 10:13).
2. Steadfast endurance produces proof of approved character like gold from the furnace which has been purified and tested (vs 4; Job 23:10).
3. Approved character produces hopeful expectation in God and His promises (vs 4; 1 Tim. 3:13; James 1:4).
4. Hopeful expectation produces confidence before God (instead of shame) and a deep understanding that his Holy Spirit lives in us, helping and loving us (vs 5).
Thought: What benefit of being justified has meant the most to you this week?
II. Justified believers should be amazed at the full extent of God's love (vs 6-11).
A. Christ died for the powerless (inability because of sickness and weakness), the ungodly, sinners and enemies (vs 6, 8, 10). In other words, all of us.
B. Rarely will a person die for a righteous person (one who upholds right) although for a good person (someone who does good to others), a person might die. However, God's amazing love is shown in Christ's death for sinners (vs 7,8).
C. We have been justified (declared righteous, past tense salvation) through Christ's death. We are being and will be sanctified (made holy, present tense salvation) and glorified (future) through his life (vs 9-11).
III. Paul answers a few questions on sin and the Law (vs 12-21).
A. Sin and death came into all of the human race through the breaking of God's verbal command to Adam (v 12; Gen 3:1-19).
B. The giving of the Law by Moses was not the start of sin and death because physical death and sin was already present (vs 13,14).
C. Jesus' gift is not like Adam's trespass because Adam's trespass brought death but Jesus' gift brings life (vs 15,16).
D. Jesus' gift is like Adam's trespass in that it was by one man doing one act bringing one certain result (vs 17-19).
E. The purpose of the Law in justification was to show people that they were not able to live up to it. Therefore it was meant to lead sinners to God's grace and mercy (vs 20,21; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 13:24).
Thought: Romans 5:12-21 is a key text in the study of the Biblical concepts of original and inherited sin. For deeper and further study, I recommend "Christian Theology" by Millard J. Erickson, "Basic Theology" by Charles C. Ryrie, or Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem.
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