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[Discussion Questions] [Solid Ground-Home]
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Shifting GearsI’ve reconsidered the depth and rate at which we are moving through this great book. We will start covering approximately a full chapter each week. This way we will be able to maintain a continuity of thought and have time to complete the book in the Sunday School year. ESV Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I
may impart to you some spiritual gift to
strengthen you- 12 that is, that we
may be mutually encouraged by each other's
faith, both yours and mine. 13 I want
you to know, brothers, that I have often
intended to come to you (but thus far have been
prevented), in order that I may reap some
harvest among you as well as among the rest of
the Gentiles. 14 I am under
obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians,
both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the
gospel to you also who are in
Not ashamed of the gospel (follow the pronoun “it”). “It” is the gospel or good news. · is the power of God … for salvation · to everyone who believes – no class, national, ethnic distinctions anymore · in [the gospel], the righteousness of God is revealed o “righteousness of God” -- key concept in Romans as we study “justification” · from faith and for faith -- emphasizing the basis of faith rather than works ESV Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is
revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who by their
unrighteousness suppress the truth.
Wrath
of God is not only future but evident today
(verse 24). The miracle is God’s patience.
“men who suppress the truth” --For the rest of the chapter, follow the pronouns “them,” “they,” and
“their”
· “suppress
the truth” – passive
or active? truth
available?
· “by
their unrighteousness” – how they suppress
the truth (the means)
ESV Romans 1:19 For what can be known about
God is plain to them,
because God has shown it to them. 20 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. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him,
but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the
glory of the immortal God for images resembling
mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
general revelation – a theological term describing the way God has
revealed Himself to all men everywhere through
His creative work. We can learn a lot about God by studying
His amazing handiwork. God has revealed enough here to leave man
“without excuse”
special revelation – the theological term for God’s revealing of Himself
through His Word.
Notice the progression:
ESV Romans 1:24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and
worshiped and served the creature rather than
the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their
women exchanged natural relations for those
that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were
consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving
in themselves the due penalty for their error.
“Therefore” – when you
see one of these, always find out what it’s
“there for.” (the cause for what you are about to read
has already been mentioned). cause = suppression of the truth (restated in vs. 25)
The judgment (v 18) is
revealed in the removal of divine restraints
(sin & consequences). It is crucial that we remember that just
because this particular sin may not be a source
of temptation for us, we have no room for pride. We also have no cause to look at, or
treat homosexuals with less respect and dignity
than any other fallen human being.
· Some of
many clear condemnations of homosexuality (Lev.
18:22; 21:13). One of your discussion questions
is about this topic. Focus on what general revelation and
special revelation have to say on this topic.
ESV Romans 1:28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be
done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness,
evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit,
maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of
God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of
evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
Continues the previous thought
and describes the fruits of suppressors of
truth. There
is a stark contrast between these fruits and
those of the Spirit.
ESV Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things
there is no law.
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