In the first three chapters of his letter Paul drives home the point that we are all sinners. He highlights the sinfulness of Gentiles who do not have God’s law (1:18-32), the sinfulness of Jews who do have God’s law (2:1-3:7), and the sinfulness of all humanity (3:8-20). What in these passages or in your life is most effectively a reminder to you of your sinfulness?
Martin Luther says that we are all saints (“holy ones”) and sinners. What does it mean to you to be holy? Look this word up in a dictionary or theological dictionary. How does your definition compare? Do you want to be holy? Why or why not?
What does justification mean to you? Put this into your own words and try to express it to a family member, friend, or colleague. In what was is it God’s free gift? How (if at all) do good works fit in? If you can, cite Paul to support your position.
Read again Romans 3:21-31. This is a very dense paragraph, but speaks profoundly to Paul’s faith in the saving act of Christ. Read this paragraph in several different English translations. Ponder each phrase. Does anything stick out to you? Which phrase gives you the most comfort? Which phrase is the most difficult for you to hear? Which is the most confusing?
Read / skim again the stories of Abraham (Genesis 12-23) and David (1 & 2 Samuel). David is believed to be the author of Psalm 32:1-2, which Paul is quoting here. What is the significance of these two models cited as examples? Who else might we add as examples of those God has justified that would have meaning for us today?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Happy New Year!
Welcome back to Bible Study in 2010! Is reading the Bible among your New Years resolutions? Join us this Thursday (January 7) at 7:00PM in the church rotunda. We are beginning our study of Paul's letter to the Romans.
What is different about this introduction compared to others that we’ve studied? What is different about Paul’s relationship with the church at Rome? How might these be connected?
The word gospel means “good news.” Read Proverbs 15:30 and Isaiah 40:9-11; 52:7; 61:1-3. What do these Old Testament passages reveal about the meaning of the term “good news”?
What is the “gospel” according to Paul? How does Paul describe God’s faithfulness?
Why do you suppose Paul felt it necessary to state that he’s not “ashamed” of the gospel (1:16)?
Have you ever been ashamed of the gospel? If so, describe the experience – how did you respond? If not, can you imagine a time when you might need to assert, like Paul, that you are not ashamed? Why might this be necessary at times today?
In v. 12 Paul desires “mutual encouragement.” What does this mean? How might this be lived out in our lives? In our churches?
If the faith of the church in Rome is already renowned, why does Paul still eagerly desire to “proclaim the gospel” to them? Do we still need to hear the gospel after we have come to faith? Why or why not?
What is different about this introduction compared to others that we’ve studied? What is different about Paul’s relationship with the church at Rome? How might these be connected?
The word gospel means “good news.” Read Proverbs 15:30 and Isaiah 40:9-11; 52:7; 61:1-3. What do these Old Testament passages reveal about the meaning of the term “good news”?
What is the “gospel” according to Paul? How does Paul describe God’s faithfulness?
Why do you suppose Paul felt it necessary to state that he’s not “ashamed” of the gospel (1:16)?
Have you ever been ashamed of the gospel? If so, describe the experience – how did you respond? If not, can you imagine a time when you might need to assert, like Paul, that you are not ashamed? Why might this be necessary at times today?
In v. 12 Paul desires “mutual encouragement.” What does this mean? How might this be lived out in our lives? In our churches?
If the faith of the church in Rome is already renowned, why does Paul still eagerly desire to “proclaim the gospel” to them? Do we still need to hear the gospel after we have come to faith? Why or why not?
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