The Joshua Mission Podcast
Epistle to the ROMANS
Paul's Exposition of the Gospel of Christ
Weekly, Tuesdays, 3 September to 12 November 2019, 10 sessions by Revd. Dr. Joshua YJ Su (Soh Guan Chin)
Session Lesson
- ch 1 – Introduction to Course & Book
- ch 2 & 3
- ch 4 & 5
- ch 6 & 7
- ch 7 & 8
- ch 8 & 9
- ch 10 & 11
- ch 12 & 13
- ch 13 & 14
- ch 15 & 16
Book Introduction
Authorship
Paul's authorship is stated in the first verse of the epistle.
No contradictory view has been raised from early times to today.
Canonicity
It is perhaps the most respected of the Pauline epistles and hence its being put first in the list. Its standing as work written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and as the writing of Paul has never been questioned by anyone in history or today.
Destination
It is clearly addressed to the church in Rome. It was likely to be a church that had both Jewish and Gentile Christians. Hence Paul explains in some depth the relationship between Jews and Gentiles with respect to the Gospel of Christ.
Date, Background, Place of Origin
Rom 15:25-27 notes that Paul had received the offerings of the churches in Macedonia & Acaia and was en route to Jerusalem to give these to them. This fits the circumstances at the beginning of his 3rd Missionary Journey as noted in Acts when he had come from that area and was going to Jerusalem.
This makes the likely place of writing to be either Corinth or Cenchrea (since Paul mentions Phoebe of Cenchrea in 16:1).
It would also date it at about AD 57.
Occasion
This epistle was written as an advance introduction of him and his teachings to the church in Rome that he was intending to visit soon when he goes to Spain. But as he on his way to Jerusalem to give to them the offerings from Macedonia and Acaia he could not go immediately.
Paul's desire and intention to visit Rome is noted in Rom 1:11-12; 15:23-24
Literary Form
Paul expresses himself in long sentences with many clauses. It shows the connectivity of his thoughts but may make following his point difficult. It is not a particularly elegant or high literary style but it conveys the substantial insights of Paul into the Law and the Gospel.
It is much more expository in presentation than his other epistles where he deals with many local issues. We have instead a theme that is systematically developed through reasoned arguments in interaction with related questions and issues.
Theological Theme & Value
The central thrust of the Epistle to the Romans is Paul's presentation of his understanding of the Gospel of Christ as the “power of God” for salvation for the Jews and the Greeks and all humankind. In so doing he deals with the basis of salvation that its by faith not by works, the awfulness of sin, the need for righteousness, the standing of Jews and Gentiles before God, the centrality of Jesus Christ, God's dealing with Israel as a nation, the place of the Law for the Faith, Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, the assurance of victory in Christ and how all these are to translate into a life of true worship of God. He quotes extensively from the OT and thereby showed the relationship between the OT covenant and the NT covenant.
It is thus an epistle of enormous value to understand the Gospel of Christ and the way to live our life in Christ. Historically, it was the epistle that led Martin Luther to preach that salvation is by faith alone, for which he has the agreement and support of the major reformers that led in the Reformation of the Church. Karl Barth's commentary on this epistle served as a motivation for his engagement in Christian theology against the liberal tradition. The epistle was seen as proclaiming the divine sovereignty over the sinfulness of humankind so that the biblical revelation cannot be understood on the basis of human religiosity.
- Introductions – 1:1-17
Epistles to the Romans
Outline
- Paul introduces himself and Christ the Lord – 1:1-6
- Greetings to the Romans – 1:7
- Paul's Longing to meet the Roman church – 1:8-13
- Paul's Call to Preach the Gospel – 1:14-15
- Paul's Introduction of the Gospel of Christ – 1:16-17
- The Wrath of God against Sin – 1:18-32
- God's Righteously Judges Fallen Humankind – 2:1-16
- How Jews stand before the Law – 2:17 – 3:8
- True Circumcision – 2:17-29
- Advantage of having the Law – 3:1-8
- All Humanity stand Guilty before God – 3:9-19
- Righteousness comes by Faith – 3:20 – 4:25
- Righteousness comes by Faith in Jesus Christ – 3:20-31
- Abraham – the Father of the Faith – 4:1-25
- Justification brings Peace with God – 5:1-11
- Adam & Christ – Death & Life – 5:12-21
- The Meaning of Christian Baptism – 6:1-14
- Living in Grace – 6:15 – 7:6
- Commitment to Righteous Living – 6:15-23
- Marriage as an Illustration of Freedom in Christ – 7:1-6
- The Fight against our Own Sinfulness – 7:7-25
- Life in the Law of the Holy Spirit – 8:1-39
- Live by the Spirit – 8:1-17
- Our Glorious Future – 8:18-21
- Our Current Challenge – 8:22-27
- Our Struggle – 8:22-25
- The Enabling of the Spirit – 8:26-27
- God's Enabling – 8:28-39
- All things works for good for those who love Him – 8:28-30
- Our Victory in the Triune God –
we are More Than Conquerors – 8:31-39
- God is Sovereign to Save and to Judge – 9:1-29
- Israel under God's Sovereignty – 9:30 – 11:36
- Israel cannot be saved by the Law – 9:30-33
- Salvation comes by Faith in Christ – 10:1-21
- God will save a Remnant of the Faithful – 11:1-6
- Faithless Israel will be judged – 11:7-10
- God used Israel failure to save the Gentiles – 11:11-24
- God will save Israel in His Time & Way – 11:25-32
- Praise to God for His profound wisdom – 11:33-36
- Call to A Life of True Worship – 12:1 – 15:16
- Be a Living Sacrifice – 12:1-2
- Serve with Sober Self-Assessment – 12:3-8
- Love Sincerely – 12:9-21
- Submit to Proper Authorities – 13:1-7
- Live Righteously in the Light – 13:8-14
- Strengthen one another – 14:1-4
- Discern between Essentials & Incidentals – 14:5-12
- Do Not be Judgemental – 14:13-18
- Mutually Edify one another – 14:19-23
- Let the Strong help the Weak – 15:1-6
- Accept one another in Christ – 15:7-13
- Paul's Exhortation to be Good in Christ – 15:1-16
- Paul's Ministry Plans – 15:17-33
- Proclaiming the Gospel with Signs & Wonders – 15:17-19
- Proclaiming the Gospel where it is not known – 15:20-22
- Opportunity to visit Rome – 15:23-29
- Urge for Prayer for himself – 15:30-33
- Closing Greetings – 16:1-27
- Commends Phoebe to the Romans – 16:1-2
- Greetings to those in Rome – 16:3-16
- Overcome those who sow discord – 16:17-20
- Greetings from those with Paul – 16:21-24
- Affirmation of Victory in Christ – 16:25-27
Romans 1
Outline
- Introductions – 1:1-17
Epistle to the Romans
Chapter Guide
- Paul introduces himself and Christ the Lord – 1:1-6
- Greetings to the Romans – 1:7
- Paul's Longing to meet the Roman church – 1:8-13
- Paul's Call to Preach the Gospel – 1:14-15
- Paul's Introduction of the Gospel of Christ – 1:16-17
- The Wrath of God against Sin – 1:18-32
Highlights
Paul's sense of his own calling His self-introduction
His desire to visit the Roman church
The Gospel - “the power of God for salvation” Power to save
Not only message
The wrath of God against sin
The revelation of God in creation (nature)
The corruption of human perception of the divine The corrupting nature of sin
Idolatry, Lust & Homosexuality noted as sins
God “gave them over” - to allow humanity to suffer the consequences of sin
Romans 2
Outline
- God's Righteously Judges Fallen Humankind – 2:1-16
- How Jews stand before the Law – 2:17 – 3:8
- True Circumcision – 2:17-29
Highlights
The folly of judging others
We are unable to uphold God's standard ourselves
God seeks & blesses a righteous way of life and judges the rebellious God judges each one according his or her own deed
(Not apart from Salvation in Christ)
Jews & Gentiles are judged – under the law & apart from the law respectively Law & Conscience are bases of judgement
Jews under the Law
Having the law not a basis for boasting for they are unable to fulfil the law True circumcision is of the heart not of the flesh
Romans 3
Outline
- How Jews stand before the Law – 2:17 – 3:8
- Advantage of having the Law – 3:1-8
- All Humanity stand Guilty before God – 3:9-19
- Righteousness comes by Faith – 3:20 – 4:25
- Righteousness comes by Faith in Jesus Christ – 3:20-31
Highlights
Jews under the Law
Great advantage to receive God's word in the Law
Lack of faith does not annul the Law of God's faithfulness Ludicrous to claim that by sinning we show God's glory The Law does not make one righteous
The Law condemns our sinfulness Righteousness comes now by Faith in Jesus Christ
Justification is by grace offered in Christ
He is God's sacrifice for our sins
God's righteousness is revealed by Christ's sacrifice Human boasting is excluded
Jews & Gentiles are saved by Faith in Christ
Romans 4
Outline
- Righteousness comes by Faith – 3:20 – 4:25
- Abraham – the Father of the Faith – 4:1-25
Highlights
The faith of Abraham the basis of his salvation Abraham was not justified by his works
He was justified by his belief in God – his faith God credited righteousness to him by his faith Payment for work is not a gift but an obligation Righteousness is credited by faith not by work
David in his psalm shared this insight
Our sins are forgiven and taken to account by forgiveness (Not paid by our works)
Righteousness is not based on circumcision but by faith Abraham was forgiven BEFORE he was given circumcision
Circumcision is a sign of faith – NOT the basis of righteousness
Abraham's faith was expressed in his hope that God will give him a son even beyond human age limit
Thus it is by our faith in Christ that righteousness is credited to us – not by works
Romans 5
Outline
- Justification brings Peace with God – 5:1-11
- Adam & Christ – Death & Life – 5:12-21
Highlights
We have peace with God through Christ We are justified by faith Justification brings peace with God
Christ has given us access to God's grace
We rejoice in the hope of the glory that God gives
We rejoice in our suffering that brings us to hope in God Suffering brings perseverance
Perseverance brings character Character brings Hope
Hope is anchored in the Holy Spirit who brings God's love At the right time God sent Christ to died for us
This demonstrates the Love of God for us
Christ died for us in our sinfulness to pay for our sins We are justified by His blood
We are thus saved from God's wrath We are thus reconciled with God We are saved through His life
Through Adam came sin and death to all humanity Sin was in the world before the Law
But sin was not accounted for until the Law came – no specific identification & tabulation Death reigned through sin
Sin brought death through one man
God's gift came after many sins to bring justification
The greatness of God's grace in Christ exceeds the penalty on all sinful humankind The Law increased trespasses – the awareness & accounting of it
It makes manifest the greatness of God's grace in saving us through Christ
Romans 6
Outline
- The Meaning of Christian Baptism – 6:1-14
- Living in Grace – 6:15 – 7:6
- Commitment to Righteous Living – 6:15-23
Highlights
Should we sin more to make clearer God's grace? NO! We have died to sin.
Christian Baptism – in being baptised in Christ we are we are baptised into His death
so that we may share His resurrected life
we are united with Him in His Death and Resurrection we have crucified the flesh and died to it
we are to live with Christ in righteousness before God we are to hereafter to put to death sin in us
we are to hereafter live in His righteousness towards God Are we to sin since we are not under law but under grace?
NO! We are slaves of righteousness
We have died to sin
We are committed to a life of righteousness In the old life we lived in subjection to sin So now we live in subjection to righteousness The wages of sin is death
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord
Romans 7
Outline
- Living in Grace – 6:15 – 7:6
- Marriage as an Illustration of Freedom in Christ – 7:1-6
- The Fight against our Own Sinfulness – 7:7-25
Highlights
Marriage as an analogy of Grace
In marriage one cannot marry another but is bound to one's wife But if the spouse dies one is freed to marry another Figuratively, in sin we are bound to death as our spouse
But by dying to sin in Christ we are freed of this bond We are united with Christ instead of with death
This is the New Way of the Spirit Our Struggle against Sin
The Law is NOT sin but it made us aware of sin
The sin in us stirs our flesh to evil in the light of the law Apart from the law, sin does not stir up in oneself
With the law, sin is stirred to action to put one to death The Law is holy, righteous and good
But sin acts by the law against me The Law is spiritual but we are Not!
What one wants to do one does not do What one hates one does
In this struggle one agrees that the Law is good What I do is thus not what I want
But it is what Sin does in me
I agree with God's law but sin in me traps me in evil
Who will rescue us from this entrapment? Thanks be to God, Jesus Christ has!
In my mind I am committed to God's law In my sinful nature I am enslaved by sin
Romans 8
Outline
- Life in the Law of the Holy Spirit – 8:1-39
- Live by the Spirit – 8:1-17
- Our Glorious Future – 8:18-21
- Our Current Challenge – 8:22-27
- Our Struggle – 8:22-25
- The Enabling of the Spirit – 8:26-27
- God's Enabling – 8:28-39
- All things works for good for those who love Him – 8:28-30
- Our Victory in the Triune God –
we are More Than Conquerors – 8:31-39
Highlights
By the Holy Spirit Christ gives we live freed of our sinful nature Our condemnation in sin is lifted by Christ Jesus
The Holy Spirit does what the Law cannot do; He enables us to live by God's Law
The requirement of the Law against sin is met by Christ for us
Those who live by the sinful nature are set on that nature's desires
Those who live by the Spirit have their mind set on what the Spirit desires Such a mind lives in the Spirit's life and peace
The sinful minded cannot please God The Spirit-minded are pleasing to God
We are to be Spirit-minded
This is so if the Spirit lives in us
The one who does not have the Spirit does not belong to Christ The Spirit who resurrected Jesus gives life to our mortal bodies
We are obligated to righteousness as children of God
If we live by the sinful nature we face condemnation If we live by Spirit-mindedness we God's children The Spirit enables us to call Him, “Abba, Father”
We have a Glorious Future as His children
Present suffering cannot compare with Future Glory
God subjected creation to bondage to liberate it in due time to the glorious freedom of the children of God
In the Current Time
We are to wait in Patience for what is to come All creation groan for redemption
The Spirit in us leads us likewise The Spirit enables us now
He helps us in our weakness
He prays for what we do not know to pray for
He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit For the Spirit intercedes for the saints according God's will
God works all things for our good This is for those who love Him
He foreknew these who are predestined to be like His Son Those so predestined He call, He justified, and He glorified
God is for us so none can stand against us!
He gave Christ, His Son, for us
He answered all charges against us by Christ
He cancels all condemnation against us by Christ Nothing can separate us from His Love
We are thus more than conquerors
No power whatsoever can defeat us
Romans 9
Outline
- God is Sovereign to Save and to Judge – 9:1-29
- Israel under God's Sovereignty – 9:30 – 11:36
- Israel cannot be saved by the Law – 9:30-33
Highlights
Paul seeks Israel's salvation
Paul griefs for Israel and wish that he could sacrifice himself for them
To Israel belonged adoption as sons, the patriarchs and the human ancestry of Christ (Yet they have not believed as a nation)
Israel's hardness of heart is not the failure of God's Word Not all biological descendants of Abraham are saved God chose only those who are from Isaac's descent
It is by the Promise of God NOT by genealogy par se Isaac was born by God's promise
Similarly God chose Jacob rather than Esau from among Isaac's' two sons God is sovereign in who are how He wants to save
It is not injustice by divine choice
God chose Pharaoh as one through whom He shows His wrath
We are not in a position to question how or through whom God wants to work What if He bears with great patience those who are due for destruction? What if He did this to show His great grace for those He would save?
In Hosea, He declared that He extends His salvation to those who are not His people In Isaiah, He declared that only a remnant of Israel will be saved
Israel failed the Law
Gentiles have received salvation by Faith
Israel pursued righteousness by the Law and failed
This is because they did so by works and not by Faith
Romans 10
Outline
- Israel under God's Sovereignty – 9:30 – 11:36
- Salvation comes by Faith in Christ – 10:1-21
Highlights
Salvation comes by Faith in Christ, not by fulfilling the Law Jews have a zeal for God but not by sound understanding
They seek to establish their own righteousness But salvation comes by faith (by believing)
Moses has explained that righteousness by the Law comes by full compliance But righteousness that comes by Faith is based on believing in Christ
It is not a matter of ascending to heaven – which why Christ came down
It is not a matter of descending to the deep – which is why Christ rose from the dead
It is based on believing from the heart and confessing by the mouth who Jesus is and what He has done for us
By faith in Christ one is not put to shame This is true for Jews and Gentiles alike
This message has to be proclaimed
Faith comes by response to hearing the Word Hearing comes from listening to those who are sent Sending is by God that the good news be preached
Both Moses and Isaiah have prophesied that God will send His salvation to the world and to Gentiles while Israel remains in stubbornness
Romans 11
Outline
- Israel under God's Sovereignty – 9:30 – 11:36
- God will save a Remnant of the Faithful – 11:1-6
- Faithless Israel will be judged – 11:7-10
- God used Israel failure to save the Gentiles – 11:11-24
- God will save Israel in His Time & Way – 11:25-32
- Praise to God for His profound wisdom – 11:33-36
Highlights
God will ensure that a Remnant of Israel will be saved God has not rejected Israel
Paul notes that he is himself a saved Israelite
Elijah's ministry showed the God will keep for himself those who believe Even now a Remnant is chosen by Grace and not by works
What Israel by its own zeal sought to obtain it did not It is the elect (by grace) who have received
A hardness of heart has darkened Israel from ancient time – as described in OT (Deut 29:4; Isa 29:10) and by David (Ps 69:22, 23)
Israel's failure occasioned salvation to the Gentiles
Israel's hardness has led to proclamation to the Gentiles Israel's obedience would mean even greater blessings
Israel is like an olive plant with its branches broken off because of sin Gentiles are like branches of a wild olive that is grafted into it Gentiles are indeed recipient of God's favour
But Gentiles must not boast because God may likewise cut them off for unbelief Israelites who believe are easily grafted back to its own plant
God will save Israel in His Time & Way
Israel is hardened until all Gentiles come to faith God will then bring Israel to faith
Israel is currently an enemy to the Gospel
But Gentiles were enemies that were brought to salvation So in due time God will bring unbelieving Israel to salvation
Great and Glorious is God and His Way!
Romans 12
Outline
- Call to A Life of True Worship – 12:1 – 15:16
- Be a Living Sacrifice – 12:1-2
- Serve with Sober Self-Assessment – 12:3-8
- Love Sincerely – 12:9-21
Highlights
Here Begins the Applicational Section of Romans
We are to be Living Sacrifices to God Respond to God's mercy
Offer our bodies as living sacrifices Holy & Pleasing
This is our Worship
Do not conform to this world
Be transformed by the renewal of our mind
We are to test and approve that God's will is good, pleasing & perfect We are to make sober assessment of our own walk and ministry
Know your gift and ministry
Be faithful to fulfil it
We are to live the way of Love Love must be sincere
Hate evil & cling to good
Be devoted to one another with brotherly love Honour one another above oneself
Never lack zeal but keep our fervour in serving the Lord Be joyful in hope
Patient in affliction Faithful in prayer
Share with fellow believers in need Practice hospitality
Bless those who persecute us – do not curse them
Rejoice with those who rejoice – mourn with those who mourn Live in harmony with one another
Do not be proud or conceited but associate with those of low position Do not repay evil for evil
Do what is right before others
Do our best to live in peace with everyone Do take revenge but leave God to judge
Do good to your enemies
Do not overcome evil by evil but with good
Romans 13
Outline
- Call to A Life of True Worship – 12:1 – 15:16
- Submit to Proper Authorities – 13:1-7
- Live Righteously in the Light – 13:8-14
Highlights
Submit to governing authorities
All authorities come by God's sovereign establishment Rebellion against authority is rebellion against God Rulers are meant to be upholders of justice under God Those who do right need not fear them
Those who do wrong will be punished by them
Payment of taxes is right for the role that governments are meant to play We are to uphold all honour and dues
Tax for tax, revenue for revenue Respect for respect, honour for honour
Live righteously in love Pay all debt
But always love for love fulfils the law
Do not commit adultery, do not murder; do not steal; do not covet Love your neighbour as yourself
Wake up from slumbering
Our Salvation is ever nearer – the night is ever passing Put aside the deed of darkness
Put on the armour of light
Let us live like in the day Live Decently
Not in orgies, not in drunkenness, not in sexual immorality, debauchery, dissension or jealousy
Clothe ourselves in Christ and reject the desires of the flesh
Romans 14
Outline
- Call to A Life of True Worship – 12:1 – 15:16
- Strengthen one another – 14:1-4
- Discern between Essentials & Incidentals – 14:5-12
- Do Not be Judgemental – 14:13-18
- Mutually Edify one another – 14:19-23
Highlights
Strengthen those who are weak without judging or disputing
Each one's faith allows different ways and range of expression We are not condemn the other
We cannot condemn those God has accepted We all live and eat to the Lord and not to ourselves
We regard different days or different eating practices differently
We do not do this in isolation but as a community of believers (Discern between essentials and incidentals)
Let everything be done to honour the Lord
Do not be judgemental but remove obstacles from one another
No food is unclean in itself but different persons may regard it differently Do not let the customs of eating and drinking become divisive
Focus on righteousness, peace and joy, which are of the Kingdom and the way to server Christ
Make every effort to uplift one another Do not cause your brother to fall
Keep sound faith in your own walk with God
Do not act in doubt and be self-condemned – failure to act in faith is sin
Romans 15
Outline
- Call to A Life of True Worship – 12:1 – 15:16
- Let the Strong help the Weak – 15:1-6
- Accept one another in Christ – 15:7-13
- Paul's Exhortation to be Good in Christ – 15:14-16
- Paul's Ministry Plans – 15:17-33
- Proclaiming the Gospel with Signs & Wonders – 15:17-19
- Proclaiming the Gospel where it is not known – 15:20-22
- Opportunity to visit Rome – 15:23-29
- Urge for Prayer for himself – 15:30-33
Highlights
Let the strong help the weak
Let us do what is helpful to the other We are to live in a spirit of unity
Our hearts and mouth are to glorify the Father and the Son Accept one another in Christ
Christ has come to serve to bring salvation to Jews and Gentiles
We are thus to uphold one another in Him to glorify the Father We are to praise and glorify Him and bring Him the glory
May the Holy Spirit so enable us Paul's Ministry Plans
He preaches the Gospel with Signs & Wonders everywhere
He emphasises in preaching where the Gospel has not been preached
Romans 16
Outline
- Closing Greetings – 16:1-27
- Commends Phoebe to the Romans – 16:1-2
- Greetings to those in Rome – 16:3-16
- Overcome those who sow discord – 16:17-20
- Greetings from those with Paul – 16:21-24
- Affirmation of Victory in Christ – 16:25-27
This section laid out Paul's missionary plans at that time. It is instructive in giving us a picture of how ministry was done in that period of church history and mission.