Romans - Final Exam Study Guide: Romans 12-16 (Jesse Robertson)

Romans Outline

1-4: Justification Through Faith

5-8: Christian Living

9-11: Israel's Place in Salvation History

12-16: Christian Relationships

"A Transformed Church" - Romans 12 Lesson Notes

"A Transformed Church" is described in which chapter of Romans?

Romans 12:1-21

The "Therefore" in Romans 12:1 means

"as a consequence of what was said previously."

Romans 12:2

What Verse From Romans is This?:

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

God has shown that Jewish and Gentile Christians alike...

They Both:

- Were Guilty of Sin

- Have been justified by Grace

- Are Helped by God's Spirit

- Have a Place in God's eternal plan

This knowledge (from Romans) can transform us to...

Knowledge From Romans:

- Be Confident

- Submit Our Bodies to His Holy Purposes

- Reject Conformity to the World

- Seek God's Perfect Will

It's not just pleasure driving us towards sin, it's also ____

Pain

If we come to understand God's love his redemption for us, that addresses our deepest form of ____, _____, and _____, even the fear of dying and facing a miserable judgement.

Hurt, guilt, and shame.

Romans 12:3

What Verse From Romans is This?:

3 "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."

Pride

Thinking of yourself more highly than you ought to think; worshiping yourself.

- The grandfather of all other sins since you have become your own God.

We must think of ourselves as...

"Created in the image of God."

Ways that God is countermanding Pride:

Countermands:

- God has placed us into one body, for his good purposes.

- Each part of the body has different functions.

Just like the Monk, Laurance, we must remember that we are...

In the Prescence of God.

Sober Judgement within Romans means...

How things really are.

Examples of Sober Judgement

Examples:

- Thinking with Faith:

(Trusting that God will handle the things they can't take care of).

- Puts Giftedness into Focus:

(Not being in competition with those who can do other things they can't do).

- Contentment:

(The sense that they are okay and not always longing for more).

- Joy

Ways that Paul is Trying to Unite the Church:

Jew and Gentile Equality:

- They are not alone in their sin.

- They are not only in being made right with God.

A Living Sacrifice - Romans 12 Lesson Notes

Presentation done by Classmate

What is Paul's Base Framework for A Christian Lifestyle?

Which Verse in Romans 12 does Paul Say We Need to Offer Ourselves as a "Living Sacrifice" to God?

Romans 12:1

1 "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

According to Paul, what is the most important thing we all need to do as Christians?

Offer yourself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.

Technically, what literary device is Paul using when he says the term "living sacrifice?"

An Oxymoron

- Sacrifices are NOT alive!

The term "present" has particular _______ implications, and would be just as relevant to _____ backgrounds.

- Levitical

- Pagan

Five Categories of Torah Offerings

Offerings:

1. Burnt Offerings for Atonement (Leviticus 1)

2. Grain, Drink Offerings for Thanksgiving (Numbers 15:4-5).

3. Peace Offering for Praise or Plea (Leviticus 7:11-21).

4. Sin Offerings for Intentional Sins (Leviticus 4).

5. Transgression Offerings for Unintentional Sins (Leviticus 5:14-19).

Do any of the Torah Offerings Sacrifices Meet Paul's Description of a "Living Sacrifice?"

No, none of these sacrifices are a "living sacrifice.

Torah Offerings in Relation to Christianity

Torah vs. Christianity:

1. Burnt Offerings for Atonement:

- Paid by Christ (Not Living).

2. Grain, Drink Offerings for Thanksgiving:

- The Lord's Supper (Not Living).

3. Peace Offering for Praise or Plea:

- Prayer, maybe (Not Living).

4. Sin Offerings for Intentional Sins:

- Paid by Christ (Not Living).

5. Transgression Offerings for Unintentional Sins:

- Paid by Christ (Not Living).

Paul could be referencing the term "living sacrifice" to what?

The Azael Goat in Leviticus 16.

Yom Kippur

Jewish Day of Atonement:

- Fasting and reflecting on one's sins.

- Celebrated in ancient times by choosing two goats.

- One Goat is ritually sacrifriced as a sin offering.

- The other goat has the sins of Israel confessed over it.

The Azael Goat

The goat that Israel confesses their sins over that is sent into the wilderness afterwards.

Outsider Expectation of Yom Kippur

The goat that was confessed over, the Azazel Goat, would then be slaughtered.

Insider Reality of Yom Kippur

The Azazel Goat is spared and sent out into the wilderness.

If Paul is talking about Azazel Goat when referencing the term "living sacrifice," then...

Azazel Goat as "Living Sacrifice":

1. Azazel Goat CANNOT be a demon.

- Christians ARE NOT sent off to a demon.

2. The Azazel Goat can't get thrown off a cliff.

- Christians ARE NOT ritually killed, but we do take up our Cross and follow Christ.

3. The Azazel Goat must live out the rest of its days in exile.

- Exactly how Christians are in the world, BUT NOT of the world.

"λογικὴν λατρείαν" (logiken latreian) in Greek means...

Reasonable service and/or worship.

Being a "living sacrifice" is the natural and reasonable response when living...

"in the view of God's mercy."

The Stoic Epictetus (Secular Philosophy)

"If I were a nightingale, I would do what is proper to a nightingale; but I am a rational creature, so I must praise God."

Philo the Jew (Secular Philosophy)

"The soul ought to honor God not irrationally nor ignorantly, but with knowledge and reason."

As Christians, we ought to live a ___________ lifestyles.

Sacrificial Lifestyles

- We should live sacrificial for others and for God.

In which chapters of Romans is Paul introducing a section on Christian Lifestyle?

In Romans 12-16

What is Paul explaining that Christians should do in order to live a Christian Lifestyle?

Christian Lifestyle (Romans 12-16):

- Paul is laying the foundation for why and how we live Christian lives.

- Paul is introducing the idea of being a "living sacrifice" though it is unclear what he specifically means by this.

- Paul insists that we should ask God to help us become "living sacrifices" despite our lack of understanding.

"A Transformed Church" pt. 2 (Romans 12:1-21) - Lesson Notes

The same thing that unities the church in Romans, also _________ and ________ it.

Strengthens and comforts it.

Romans 8:31

What verse From Romans is This?:

31 "If God is for us, then who can be against us."

Thirteen Suggestions from Paul in Romans 12 on "How to Live a Sacrificial Life Dedicated to God":

Thirteen Suggestions From Paul:

1. "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good" (Rom. 12:9).

2. "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor" (Rom. 12:10).

3. "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord" (Rom. 12:11).

4. "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" (Rom. 12:12).

5. "Contribute to the needs if the saints and seek to show hospitality" (Rom. 12:13).

6. "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them" (Rom. 12:14).

7. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep" (Rom. 12:15).

8. "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight" (Rom. 12:16).

9. "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all" (Rom. 12:17).

10. "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Rom. 12:18).

11. "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" (Rom 12:19).

12. "To the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head'" (Rom. 12:20).

13. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21).

Paraenesis

Dense, rapid-fire, pity advice that exhorts others to a certain pattern of behavior which reflects the values of a community.

- Ex. Romans 12:9-21 (thirteen suggestions).

The Top Themes of Romans 12:9-21

Top Themes:

- Love

- Hospitality

- Faith

- Humility

- Patience

- Honor

What word is described as "diluted" within our society and is actually considered to be a "Godly" word?

Good

What chapter in Romans should we go to do some "self-inventory" evaluation?

Romans 12

The Standard Pattern in Paul's Letters and All of Scripture:

Pattern:

1. Tell What God Has Done

2. Tell us what WE should do.

"Submit to Governing Authorities" (Romans 13:1-7) - Lesson Notes

Jews were kicked out of Rome by the Edict of which Roman Emperor?

Emperor Claudius

Paul states that we should be subject to the governing authorities because...

Submit Because:

1. God Instituted them.

2. They have delegated authority from God.

3. To resist them is to resist what God has appointed.

4. By submission you can reduce fear and gain favor.

Paul urges Christians that, so long as obedience to the governing authority does not cause them to disobey God...

They should obey that governing authority.

- Even if they are idol worshipping Pagans, since having government is an institution of God.

1 Peter 2:13-17

What Book are These Verses From?:

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,

14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right,

15 For it is God’s will that by doing right you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

16 Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God.

17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Acts 5:29

What Book is This Verse From?:

29 "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"

In Romans 13, To "Owe" Someone Means...

"To be under obligation."

Payment of What is Owed in Romans 13:7 Includes:

Payment:

- Taxes and Revenue

- Respect and Honor

Fulfill your obligations, but ____ is an obligation we are ever fulfilling.

Love

____ fulfills the ___.

Love fulfills the law.

What does Paul quote in Romans 13:9?

Paul Quotes 4 of the 10 Commandments:

- "You Shall Not Commit Adultery."

- "You Shall Not Murder."

- "You Shall Not Steal."

- "You Shall Not Covet."

Leviticus 19:18

What Book is This Verse From?:

19 "You shall not take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord."

Jesus Taught us the True Fulfillment of the Principles of the Law:

Jesus Commands:

Matthew 5:17-48

1. Do Not Murder.

2. Do Not Be Angry With Your Neighbor.

3. Do Not Commit Adultery.

Mark 12:28-34 and Luke 10:25-37

4. Love God With All Your Heart, And Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.

John 13:34-35

5. Love One Another, As I Have Loved You.

What is the One Principle that Both Paul and Jesus Constantly Tell Us?

Whatever you do, do out of LOVE!

"Time to Wake Up!" (Romans 13:11-14) - Lesson Notes

Paul insists that the Christians of Rome need to hear...

Need to Hear:

- Wake from Sleep!

- Cast Off Works of Darkness! (sexual immorality)

- Walk Properly! (Leave no room for sin).

When a Person Becomes a Christian, Do All of There Bad Habits Go Away Immediately?

Absolutely Not!

"Conscience, Tradition, and Judgment" (Romans 14:1-23) - Lesson Notes

According to Judaism, what are religious categories?

"Clean" and "Unclean" foods and products.

Jewish Kosher Food Laws (Leviticus 11)

Food Laws:

- Clean 4-footed animals with cloven hooves and chews the cud.

- Clean seafood with fins and scales.

- Clean Birds (Unclean birds are eagles, vulture, ostrich, owl, bat, etc.)

- Clean Insects that have jointed legs and hop.

- All vegetables are clean! (Ex. Daniel 1:12).

Paul Defines "Strong" Christians as...

The "Strong":

- Well Informed and Mature

- Not bothered in their conscience by eating non-kosher foods.

Paul Defines "Weak" Christians as...

The "Weak":

- Novices and Less Mature

- Conscientiously feels bound to keep the ordinances of the Torah.

What is Paul most-likely referring to in Romans 14:6 when he states:

"The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord."

Paul is most-likely alluding to the Sabbath and Jewish Feast Days.

Colossians 2:16

What Book is This Verse From?:

16 "

What is Paul's conclusion about the issue between the "Strong" and "Weak" Christians?

Paul concludes that honoring God is the goal and that He can be honored by:

- Eat or not eating certain foods.

- Observing the Sabbath and other Jewish Feast Days or not.

How do we distinguish "opinion" from "essential truth?"

Some beliefs are essential to the gospel such as:

- Jesus is the Messiah (John 8:24)

-

Explain Wiefel's theory of the historical reasons for tensions between Jewish and Gentile Christian leaders in Rome at the time of Paul's letter.

Be sure to include what we know about Jew-Gentile tensions as the gospel spread in the book of Acts, and the impact of the edict of Claudius (and its expiration) on the leadership of Roman churches.

Wiefel's Theory:

1. Roman church began among Jews.

2. Proselyte and Gentiles converted.

3. Edict forces Jews to leave.

4. Claudius dies in 54 AD, Jews return to Rome.

5. Church is now controlled by Gentiles.

6. Jewish and Gentile leaders conflict.

What is the main thesis of Romans?

Romans 1:16-17

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Explain the significance of the words "righteousness" and "justify" in relation to Romans.

Righteousness (dikaiosune):

“the status of being righteous”

Justify (dikaio):

“declare as righteous”

God is righteous and grants the status of righteousness to believers.

What is the connection between Wisdom of Solomon 13-14 and Romans 1?

In Romans 1, Paul draws from Wisdom of Solomon 13-14 to reinforce the opposite rhetorical function.

- Over against Wisdom's pursuit to underline the distinction between Gentile and Jew, Paul uses the tradition "to establish the essential unity of humanity.

- Paul declares there is no distinction between Gentile and Jew, Wisdom considers the distinction clear: Jews worship God, and Gentiles worship idols.

What is the general revelation, and what does Paul say about it in Romans 1:18-20?

General Revelation refers to the truth that God has made himself known in the observable design and majesty of natural or physical creation.

- “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:18-20).

Why does Paul go into detail about the sins of the Gentiles, but then turn right around and show from numerous Old Testament scriptures that the Jews have a long record of sin?

Because the Jews are just as sinful as the Gentiles.

- "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)

What are the two main interpretive options for the Greek word phusis in Rom. 2:14?

By nature or by birth.

How does Paul understand the relationship between the commands of the law and the commands of the gospel? Are they the same? Different?

How do Paul and his opponents view the relationship between faith, obedience, law and justification?

Compare and contrast their views.

What are James Dunn's "Jewish Boundary Markers" and how do they relate to understanding the issues dividing Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome?

Jewish Boundary Markers:

1. Circumcision

2. Food Laws

3. Sabbath-Keeping

The Jews were commanded in the Torah to keep these commands, however, when Jesus was crucified, he died for Gentiles and Jews and rewrote law.

Why might Romans 3:23-24 be considered the theological heart of Romans?

The theological heart refers to Paul's message that it is nothing we do, but what God does to allow us to be saved.

- That it is not faith alone or works alone that will earn us salvation, especially when we were not deserving of salvation in the first place.

- Not a single person is holy or good alone, but all of us can be saved and protected under God's love.

- Upholding the law is important and having faith is important, but neither are as impactful as they are when practiced together.

- When you have both faith and obedience to the law, you can have a truly full relationship with God and work to learn about eternity with Him.

Why is Abraham the perfect example for Paul to use in Romans 4 in order to make his point about justification by faith rather than the torah?

Because Abraham believed and followed God, and his faith in God was strong and let that faith be in control of his actions, he went where God called him purely because of his faith.

- He was even circumcised which is incredibly painful.

In what sense is Abraham the father of many nations in Romans 4?

"The flesh"

- He's physically the father of many nations because he was the father of Isaac, who was the father of the 12 that became the 12 tribes or Israel.