Bible!

When and where did Paul write the letter to the Romans?

During his third missionary journey, probably in Corinth.

How was the church in Rome probably started?

By Jews who returned to Rome after being saved in Jerusalem at the Feast of Pentecost.

How long had the church in Rome existed when Paul wrote his letter?

Twenty to twenty-five years.

What is the theme verse of Romans?

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." (1:16).

What was Paul's specific plans for the church at Rome?

To serve as an outreach base for his ministry to Spain and beyond.

Why would Paul point out that he is an apostle?

authority/credibility.

What does 'Gospel' mean?

Good news.

What do we need to keep in mind when thinking of God's anger (wrath)?

The gospel reveals God's righteousness; he is always just & right.

What does it mean to 'suppress the truth by their wickedness'?

Continuing in sin will cause us to no longer feel guilt as we 'suppress the truth'.

How has God revealed his power and divine nature?

general revelation - 'creation'.

What does Paul state as the 'root' sin that led to all humanity being trapped?

the failure to value God; lack of gratitude.

What does it mean when Paul says God 'abandoned' the nations?

Like God is saying: go ahead - suffer the consequences/complications sin causes.

How does Paul explain why the human heart and mind are broken? What was the result?

They traded the truth about God for a lie. Results in a distortion of one's humanity and leads to destructive behavior.

What is the conclusion as to the state of the nations at the end of Romans 1?

What is left is a humanity that stands guilty as charged before a just and righteous God.

Why does God condemn the Jews?

They judged the Gentiles wicked lifestyle. They practiced the same sins they condemned.

What does God's justice demand?

The punishment of the wicked.

What conclusion did the Jews come to due to God's blessings upon them?

Assumed they were 'right' with God.

What should have God's blessings led the Jews to?

repent of their sins.

What reasons has Paul given as to why all 'have no excuse for not knowing God.' (1:20)?

General revelation - Creation; God's law is written in their hearts - imagers of God.

What is the conclusion of Romans 2?

Israel is more guilty than the Gentiles because they have the Torah and should know better. Rescue from being trapped in sin won't happen by trying to obey the laws of the Torah as It's always been about faith.

What word is used in many translations of the Bible for being 'made right' with God which is found in the NLT?

Justified.

How do theologians define justified?

Declared righteous.

Verdict for all humanity according to Romans 3

everyone has sinned and falls short of God's standard.

God's standard that everyone falls short of

Righteousness

What God has provided instead of holding all humanity guilty

Jesus paid the penalty for sin on the cross.

Word used to describe being freed from the penalty of our sins

redemption (bought back)

Meaning of 'propitiation'

Jesus' sacrifice satisfied God's righteous anger (wrath)

What happens when one is made right with God according to Romans 5:1

we have peace with God

Meaning of 'shalom'

"complete" or "whole" and relates to peace as a state of completeness.

Condition when we were God's enemies

utterly helpless - there was nothing we could do to be right with God

Paul's emphasis about Adam

When Adam sinned, God thought of all who would descend from Adam as sinners.

Representation of humanity by Adam

All members of the human race were represented by Adam in the time of testing in the Garden of Eden.

Consequence of Adam's sin

Because of Adam's sin, all humanity is under condemnation and death.

Contrast between Jesus and Adam

Because of Christ's obedience (the Cross), many will be made righteous.

Only a sinless person can save us

Only a sinless person acting on our behalf can save us.

Grace's effect on those with faith in Jesus

Grace now rules over those who have faith in Jesus resulting in eternal life.

Jesus as our new representative

Jesus is our new "representative."

Three reasons Paul gives for not continuing to sin

we have been united with Christ, our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin

Two reasons to consider ourselves dead to sin

we can be sure that we will live with Jesus because he was raised from the dead, he died once to break the power of sin

What is true for those who belong to Jesus according to Romans 8:1

No condemnation, because Christ was condemned in our place.

Result of letting the Spirit control our mind

leads to life and peace

Meaning of offering our bodies to God as a living sacrifice

Devoting my abilities, time and resources to love/serve God and others in the place God has me.

Effect of copying the behavior and customs of this world

It distracts us from God's truth, weakens our faith, and makes it harder to hear His voice.

Importance of changing the way you think for transformation

Our thoughts shape our actions.

How transformation helps us discern God's will

Instead of making decisions based on personal desires or societal pressures, we learn to recognize what aligns with God's purpose for our lives.

Warning against thinking 'you are better than you really are'

Pride can lead to self-righteousness, arrogance, and division in the church.