ROMANS 16

 This is the final chapter of Romans, but not to be overlooked. 

Paul said that Phoebe delivered his letter to the Romans, and encouraged them to receive her "in a manner worthy of the saints..."

He sent greetings to numerous saints, men and women, Jew and Gentile, all workers in Christ, to lovingly greet one another with a holy kiss.

Now, Paul warned the Roman Christians not to keep company with those who caused division regarding serious doctrinal issues because those people do not serve Christ, but their own agendas. They use flattery to deceive the weak and simple minded. The Roman Christians were known for their obedience, but Paul just wanted them to be wise and mindful of what was good and what was evil.

The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. 

Then Paul shared a list of Christians with him who greeted the Christians at Rome, and ended with a beautiful blessing:

...to Him who is able to establish you according to the gospel...of Jesus Christ, ...to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began, but now made manifest...by the Scriptures made known to all nations, ...to the obedience to the faith -- to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.

COMMENTARY

The Roman church was founded by Paul, after sharing the gospel with several individuals who then went to Rome and formed the church there. In his letter to Rome, Paul was greeting those very saints. 

After warning them to stay away from those who sought division, he told them to "be sober and vigilant," because the God of peace would soon put down Satan.  

In his benediction, the mystery he talked about was what had not been revealed in the Old Testament, the Jews and Gentiles becoming one body in Christ. 

And finally, obedience is a fruit of faith. When you trust in Christ, you will obey Him. 

 

ROMANS 15

Paul encouraged the Roman Christians to bear with one another (strong with the weak), not to please themselves, but to "please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. As Scripture said...Jesus did not please Himself, and

...whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 

Paul prayed that God would grant them to be like-minded toward each other, that they may glorify God. 

Also, they were to receive one another, as Jesus received sinners into the family of God, including Gentiles, whom He showed mercy. 

There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope. 

May the God of hope fill you will joy and peace...that you may abound in hope by the Holy Spirit. 

Paul had confidence in the Roman Christians that they were full of goodness, knowledge, and able to reprove one another. Grace was given to Paul by God to be a minister of the Gentiles and to preach the gospel to them. He planned a visit to Rome but was hindered for awhile. Now he was headed to Jerusalem in hopes to reach more Jews, and thereafter, he planned to stop by Rome on his way to Spain. 

Then he asked that they pray that his work in Jerusalem be acceptable, and that he may come to then with joy by the will of God. 

COMMENTARY

Paul gave more instruction for Christian conduct. He encouraged Christians to "seek the interests of the other man." Edify one another. Also, Jews and Gentiles should be in one body glorifying God. Christians should glorify God in unity. 

Everything written in the Word of God is for our learning and patience, to give comfort and bring hope. 

God receives all men, strong and weak, high and low, Jew and Gentiles, and all should receive one another in fellowship because glorifying God is the main goal. 

God is the God of hope. He is the Rock of Ages, a Shelter in the time of storm. He should fill you with all joy and peace. 

Paul writing letters

 

ROMANS 14

Paul continued: accept those of the faith, including those considered weak, particularly believers clinging to their old religious habits. Disputes about what to eat and what not to eat are non-essential to relationships. Mature believers are strong in faith, and have no problem eating meat, even meat sold in pagan markets. Do not judge those who refuses to eat meat. Who are you to judge the Lord's servants? God will oversee the weaker man. 

This also pertains to those who are still observing certain days, like the Sabbath. Instead, "let each be fully convinced in his own mind." Whatever a believer does, let him do it unto the Lord. This is why Christ died, rose, and lived again. Do not show contempt for your brother because "we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. For it is written:

As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me and every tongue shall confess to God.

Therefore, do not judge one another in such matters, or cause a brother to stumble. Everyone shall give account of himself to God.

Paul was convinced, through divine revelation, that nothing common was unclean, but if someone considered it unclean, then to him it was. To be burdened by your brother's conviction regarding drinking, eating, or observances was not walking in love. The kingdom of God is not drinking and eating, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, pursue peace and edify one another. Do not violate your own conscience or condemn those who doubt, because "whatever is not from faith is sin."

COMMENTARY

According to McGee, Paul listed three principles of Christian conduct: conviction, conscience, and consideration. Christians should be convicted about what they do. Does he consider how his behavior will affect others? Was his behavior right or wrong? 

In this chapter, Paul wanted to make sure that those who were weak in faith were embraced into fellowship and not judged because of their convictions. Some matters are questionable and not forbidden in Scripture. 

One may be weak in non-essential matters, but not the gospel truth. One Christian may not agree with the other, but he is not to judge or argue about questionable matters. Whatever a Christian does, he should be fully convinced in his mind that it is right. All will stand before God to give an account of himself. 

Consider your conscience. Is it right for you to do it? Can you do it with joy? Christians should have a clean conscience when they examine their conduct. Any conduct concerning questionable matters that is not from faith is sin.

Paul Writing from Prison

 

ROMANS 13

Paul told his readers to subject themselves to the governing authorities because God appoints government officials. If one resisted the government, he resisted God and would be punished by those authorities. Governments were instituted for good, to restrain evil. If one obeyed the law, the government would reward him; but if evil, the government, God's minister, will execute judgment upon him. For conscience sake, obey. Also, pay your taxes, fear God, and honor the king. 

Owe no one anything but to love each other because love is the law. All of the commandments are covered under "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," because love does not harm anyone. 

Now wake up! Salvation is closer than before. Put off deeds of darkness and put on light. Walk rightly, not in drunkenness, lewdness, lust, strife, or envy. 

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

COMMENTARY 

Submit to government because they are ordained by God, and while many governments are made up of corrupt men, the Lord is still in control. God is not surprised by the corruption. Nonetheless, Christians are not to be in rebellion to government, although believers have opposed bad government on the theory that good government is the one ordained by God. The believer is for law and order and justice and honesty over lawlessness, injustice, and corruption (see the American Revolution). Nonetheless, it is difficult for Christians to subject themselves to corrupt governments. But they must obey the law, particularly for conscience sake.

Continuing the theme of Christian conduct, Paul commanded that Christians owe nothing to anyone but to love one another. Love is not words but action (or heart attitude) or not doing something to one's neighbor, like not coveting, not stealing, and not committing adultery. Love is the fruit of the Spirit.

And Paul also gave warning that the time is now to wake up and yield their lives to God. Looking to Christ's return should purify Christians in their heart and cause them to live for God now. 

Armor of Light (credit)

 

ROMANS 12

 Paul instructed Christians to

present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

He continued: 

not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Paul explained that each Christian is a member of a body of believers, and each Christian has different abilities and "gifts according to the grace that is given to us...[and they are to] use them." This includes speaking forth, ministering, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, and showing mercy.

CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR

Here are more instructions Paul gave regarding how Christians are to live publically:

• love without hypocrisy
• hate evil
• cling to what is good
• be kind and affectionate to each other (brotherly love)
• give preference to one another
• be diligent
• be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord
• rejoice in hope
• be patient in trials
• pray continuously 
• support and aid other Christians
• be hospitable
• bless those who persecute you
• rejoice with those who are rejoicing
• weep with those who are suffering
• be impartial towards each other
• avoid being pride-filled, but be with those who are humble
• avoid superious conceit toward other believers
• do not avenge yourselves
• respect what is good and right, especially around unbelievers
• live peaceably with all men, if possible
• again, do not avenge yourselves because vengeance belongs to the Lord. 
• lovingly help your enemies because in doing so "you will heap coals of fire on his head."

And finally

• do not be overwhelmed by evil, but overcome it with good.

COMMENTARY

This section is on Christian conduct or behavior. This refers to the outer man and the precepts of grace. "Enunciation of the way of life must be followed by evidences of life. Announcement of justification by faith must be augmented by activity of life." 

Paul told Christians to yield their bodies (personalities) as living sacrifices, set apart for and well-pleasing to God, which is a reasonable spiritual service. Yielding is the way Christians are consecrated. "The body is the instrument through which we express ourselves," and includes "the mind, affections, and will," which the Holy Spirit can affect. 

Basically, Paul told believers to be normal and natural, be genuine, to reflect outwardly the transformation of what the Holy Spirit is doing inwardly. Don't reflect the world. Reflect Christ. And be an authentic Christian. 

By permitting the Spirit of God to renew the mind, the believer will be able to test the will of God...By yielding, the will of God for the life of the believer becomes good and fits the believer's will exactly...that the believer's will and God's will are equal to each other...be natural and let the Spirit of God move and work through you.

Paul was saying that this is the way to be content and have joy and fullness in your life. He also encouraged believers to test the gifts God gave him or her. If it is not a blessing and you are not building up, maybe that is not your gift. 

Then Paul gave a long list of how Christians are to conduct themselves within the church with other believers and in the world around unbelievers. It's self-explanatory. 

ROMANS 11

Paul asked if God had disposed of Israel. No. Obviously he is an Israelite, seed of Abraham, tribe of Benjamin. 

God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. 

He reminded his audience that Elijah thought he was the only faithful one left of Israel, but God revealed to him that there was a large remnant of believers who had not worshiped Baal. Therefore, Paul assured them that presently there was a "remnant according to the election of grace" in Israel. The nation Israel had not received what it desired, but elect individuals have; the others were "blinded," as written:

God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.

But did this mean the end for Israel as a nation? No. However, hopefully some will be provoked to jealousy because salvation was now available to the Gentiles. Meanwhile, the Gentiles should not boast because they were/are grafted in, being supported by the root. The Jews, being the branches, were broken off because of their unbelief, which God could also do the same to those grafted in.

Therefore, God was severe with Israel and good toward Gentile believers, who were only wild branches; but if Israel, the natural branch, returns to the Lord, they will be grafted in again. 

Also, this blindness will be with Israel until the "fullness of the Gentiles has come in." Then Israel will be saved:

The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with Them, when I take away their sins. 

Because of Israel's disobedience, Gentiles may now experience God's mercy. He permitted Israel's disobedience that He may demonstrate His mercy to all. 

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? 

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. 

COMMENTARY 

Paul explained that the remnant of Israel were "according to the election of grace," which meant they are Jews who come to Christ, by grace -- not merit. And those who do not come to Christ, were or will be hardened; and people are hardened because they reject Christ. They are blinded because they will not accept the Light. 

Also, the blindness (hardening) of Israel will continue while the church is present, and it will continue until the fullness of the Gentiles and the Rapture of the church. All Israel will not be saved, but rather a remnant of Israelites out of the whole nation.

About verse 29: "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." The calling is the "effectual calling of God" and "without man's repentance or change of mind." 

It is your faith in Christ that saves you. Neither is your faith meritorious. It is Christ who is meritorious. Your faith enables you to lay hold of Him. 

One's salvation is by God's mercy. And God can show mercy on whom He wants to show mercy. If God wants to save a remnant of Israel, He will. No one knows the mind of God. No one can advise God. And to Him be the glory. 

ROMANS 10

 Paul said that his "heart's desire and prayer" was for Israel to be saved. They were conformed to the Law but they were "ignorant of God's righteousness." They had established "their own righteousness." But Christ was and is the goal of the Law, if they would just believe it.

Moses wrote about the Law, that it would be a burden to those who lived by it. Rather the "word of faith" is the way to God, which is salvation: "confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead..." This is for both Jew and Greek because God is the same God over all men who call on His name. 

But Israel has rejected the gospel. He, Paul, was sent by God to preach the gospel to them, but they had not obeyed. Isaiah said: "...who has believed our report?" 

...Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

And God said through Moses that He would "provoke [Israel] to jealousy by those who are not a nation..," meaning the Gentiles. 

In addition, Paul quoted Isaiah again, that God was found by the Gentiles when they were not even seeking Him. But to Israel, Isaiah said, God was stretching out His hands to a "disobedient and contrary people." 

COMMENTARY

The present state of Israel is that they are lost. It was so in Paul's day, too. This is why they are unable to have peace today. Even being established by God Himself, the most they had was religion, not His righteousness. But the Law was meant to point them to Christ, not to save men, but to show them that they needed saving. That is what Paul meant when he said that Christ is the end of the law. He was the goal. 

Man's righteousness will never measure up to God's righteousness. That was what the Jews of Paul's day were trying to do. That is what man, Jew and Gentile, does today. It will never save him. 

Paul explained that man must bring his heart (his being) and his mouth (confession) in alinement with each other. What you say with your mouth needs to be supported by your actions. When you confess Christ, it should be apparent by your heart attitude and the way you live your life. That was why James said: "...faith without works is dead (James 2:20)." 

Furthermore, Paul argued that salvation is of faith. But the Law had become a religion in itself: Pharisaism, of which he knew all about. Paul explained that God called out men, like himself, to be messengers of the gospel. Preachers were sent out by God that people may hear the truth and believe. In order for people to know that they must call on the name of God, they must first hear the word. 

Finally, Paul explained that the gospel would be preached to all. Even Isaiah predicted Gentile conversions. And God has been so patient with Israel, "...holding out [His] hands to a disobedient people."

Even still, God has been patient with the whole world, waiting for them to call on His name and believe His righteousness offered through Christ. We cannot earn our way to heaven. We would have to be perfect, but no one is good. Jesus went in our place to pay for our sins, and He was raised for our justification. He is our righteousness. 

Is Jesus your Savior? Do not die without Him. 

St Paul the Apostle Writing his Epistles

 

ROMANS 9

Paul said he would exchange his own life for that of his brethren (Israel) if it meant that they would believe; after all, the entire nation was chosen to receive God's calling, the glory of God's presence, the covenants, the Law, the temple service, the promised Messiah, through the Fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Nonetheless, not all of the descendants of Abraham are heirs of the promise, but only those who were called through Isaac. 

In Isaac your seed shall be called.

Even before the twins, Esau and Jacob, were born of Rebecca (and Isaac), having done neither good or evil, God's purpose was to call Jacob, not of works, but according to election.

The older shall serve the younger.

And it was written:

Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.

Does this mean God is unjust? No. 

God told Moses that He will have mercy and compassion on whomever He will have mercy and compassion. Therefore, it is not of human will or choice or by man's works or merit, but of God's mercy.

Then Paul threw in more supporting evidence regarding Pharoah, that God raised him up to demonstrate His power in him because God shows mercy or hardens whom He will.

But then why should any man be faulted for his sin or unbelief? If your question is genuine, that is one thing; but do not use it as an excuse for your own sin and unbelief. Does the pot ask the potter why he made him for a particular purpose?

God can use His creation to demonstrate His wrath, power, and glorious mercy. In fact, God could destroy all sinners instantly, but has chosen to be patient and show mercy instead. Furthermore, God does not cause people to be sinful, but rather He leaves them to their own devices because that is what they themselves have chosen. Meanwhile, He grants those sinners whom He has chosen for salvation, "which He prepared beforehand," grace, compassion, and forgiveness through Christ.

Paul then used scripture from Hosea and Isaiah to argue that Israel was called out by God and that He will also save a remnant from them in the end.

I will call them My people, who were not My people...

The remnant will be saved. For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness... 

Unless the Lord...had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom,...and...made like Gomorrah.

Although God chooses some for mercy, those who reject the gospel will receive His judgment. The Gentiles received His righteousness through their faith, while Israel was rejected because they rather earn it through the Law.  

COMMENTARY

According to McGee, Romans chapters 1-8 is doctrinal, emphasizing faith and salvation; chapters 9-11 is dispensational, emphasizing hope and segregation; and chapters 12-16 is duty, emphasizing love and service. 

Paul "has concluded the first eight chapters...put[ting] salvation on a broad basis because the entire human race is lost...Salvation [is] available to everyone on one basis alone -- faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

In this section, Paul explains who Israel is, that God is not done with Israel, and that God's remnant is always spiritual. 

This is such a deep chapter, and I do not have the time to go through McGee's commentary and pull out everything I want to share. I will conclude with my final notes:

If you want to be saved, you are the elect. If you don't, you aren't. 

Also, the humble man will come in simple faith. The natural man will try to produce salvation by natural processes or to reconcile the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man, as if the puny mind of man is capable. 

credit: Free Bible Lessons on Romans 9

 

ROMANS 8

 Believers who are in Christ Jesus will not be condemned of their past, present, or future sins because the Spirit of Christ has made them free from the law of sin and death! The Law could not do this, but God did it through His Son Jesus Christ. 

Those who live according to the flesh, are only thinking about the flesh, which is to be carnally-minded; but those who live according to the Spirit, are in the Spirit, which is life and peace. Carnally-minded men cannot please God.

The carnal mind is enmity against God...

If you have the Spirit, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is alive because of the righteousness of Christ. If you do not have the Spirit, you will die; but if you are led by the Spirit, you will live.  Also, the Spirit confirms that we are children of God, " --and if children, then heirs-- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."

Paul said we cannot compare the suffering of the present with the glory revealed in us later. Creation eagerly awaits for the revelation of God's children and the end to its own "bondage of corruption." Even the bodies of believers await the redemption of their bodies.

The Holy Spirit also helps us in our weakness, including intercessions and what to pray for.

...He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Since God is for us, there is no one bigger than Him who can be against us. God spared His own Son for us, and Jesus makes intercession for us. Therefore, nothing shall separate us from the love of God. Not tribulation or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword.  

COMMENTARY

The themes of Romans chapter 8 are sanctification, security, and no separation from God. Every believer is going to experience joy and peace in his life as he lives for God. But how, when he is still in sin?

Through the work of the Holy Spirit who is in each believer! This is the work of sanctification. 

The believer now shares his life with Christ. While believers still experience sin (since it has not been removed), he will not be condemned. But the Holy Spirit will be his guide and helper by giving him power to live obediently to God. The Spirit will fight the flesh. So turn the battle over to Him. 

The natural man is full of adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, etc., as these are the works of the flesh. These are the things the carnally-minded man practices, and he is separated from God. When a believer sins (because he is still in the flesh), his conscience should inform him and he should hate his sin and go directly to God and confess. 

If you have unconfessed sin, don't want to go to church, don't care to read the Bible, or pray, you are separated from God. But believers are led by the Spirit because they "hear His voice and He knows them and they follow Him."  

Everything works together for good, to those who love God, the "called-ones," according to His purpose. 

ELECTION

According to McGee: God's part was the saving and [McGee's] part was the sinning. "I done run from Him as fast as my sinful heart and rebellious legs could take me. He done took out after me until He run me down." 

According to Henry Ward Beecher: The elect are the whosoever wills and the non-elect are the whosoever wont's. 

And it is all according to His purpose. Whatever God does is right and good and just. He can save whomever He chooses. 

A theologian named Simeon said of Romans 8: There were three reasons why he preached on election: It laid the axe at the root of pride, presumption, and despair. There is no pride in the doctrine of election. it is God's work, His wisdom, and His purpose that is being carried out. The will of God comes down out of eternity past like a great steamroller. 

PREDESTINATION

The elected are not lost; they are the called, the predestined ones. Predestination means once God saves you, He will see it through, He will sanctify you. Sanctification is the work God does in the heart and life of each believer. "God's elect are justified sinners."

credit: Art of Hope

 

ROMANS 7

 In this chapter, Paul explained how the Law was related to faith in Christ, especially for Jewish believers, and he used marriage as an example. A woman was bound to her husband so long as he was alive, but when he died, she was no longer bound to him and could remarry. Likewise, believers in Christ are dead to the Law and are bound to Christ. In the flesh, the Law "aroused" sin "to bear fruit to death." However, now believers died to the Law and "should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter."

Then Paul showed evidence that the Law was still good and holy and just because it was through the Law that one could see his own sin. Under the Law, one desires to do good, but cannot. As Paul said:

For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice, but what I hate, that I do...For I know that in me nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do: but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

The law of Paul's flesh and the law of his mind were in constant battle. His mind wanted to serve God, but his flesh wanted to serve the law of sin. And he said:

O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord!

COMMENTARY

This chapter is about "the shackles of a saved soul" and "the struggle of a saved soul." The Law cannot save or sanctify a believer, but it "shackles" one to sin. Even desiring a new life won't help. One must present himself to Christ, recognizing he must be joined to Him. We cannot walk the Christian life on our own. Christians must yield their lives to Christ.

Christians are delivered from the Law because no one can follow the Law. But there is nothing wrong with the Law. It reveals excessive sinfulness. It is a mirror or a way to measure yourself against God's goodness and holiness. The Law is not the problem; man is. 

Paul explained how he still (as a believer) had the old self in him (in his flesh) that wanted to sin, and that was at war with his new nature (the one that loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him). The new nature won't sin, but when a Christian sins, it is his old nature acting out. And then the new nature works like the conscience condemning the believer of his sin. 

When a man gets saved, he does not rid himself entirely of his old sin nature. It is still there. He received a new nature - true - but he struggles against his old nature. However, God will give him the strength and ability to overcome, if he yields to Him, because he cannot do it alone. 

credit: The Jesus Fellowship Centre via Facebook