Greetings and salutations. I found it much easier to compose this study by interjecting my thoughts in (parentheses) within the text of scripture itself, as though I am reading it aloud and commenting as I go along. Which coincidently is what I am doing, you simply get the conglomerate commentary of countless passes and intermittent focus studies. I am using the KJV in this series of posts due to copyright restrictions on other translations. I personally use the NKJV as my primary English translation; feel free to reference any word for word translation that will aid in your understanding.
Romans 2 1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. (I am reminded of David’s dealings with Nathan the prophet where he quite literally condemned himself.) 2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
(Paul is condemning hypocrisy, not right analysis of a brother’s character, convictions or lifestyle, which analysis as he makes clear is not according to our own evaluation and determination but according to the plain understanding of scripture. We are not fit to judge within ourselves. We are blind to our own hypocrisy. Man is as flawed as his fallen nature; being born human inhibits our ability to render sound judgments. We must depend on the given word of God to make the judgments; we simply point out what The Judge has already said. But remember the words of Christ, examine yourself first. Not as a constant rule before any situation but as a general principal become an expert at examining yourself according to scripture before you undertake the examination of others. In speaking of hypocrisy, is it not the common practice of man to judge according to our own understanding even the very word of God, deciding the relevancy of scripture passages to today, “This one is/ that one is not”? What judgment awaits those who regard themselves, whether knowingly or unknowingly, as the rule and establisher of truth “it is so because I said so”?... Idolatry of self!)
3And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
(We are all subject to the judgments of God regardless, but when we subject others to our personal judgments disallowing liberty within scriptural guidance and insisting on total conformity, we are then making ourselves out to be the judge and thus usurping the rightful position of God within our own minds. A gross form of idolatry.)
4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
(In judging, men usually move on to condemnation, ignoring three elements of God’s character on which we are totally dependant but are, sadly, reluctant to extend to others. Namely:
Forbearance- God is willing to cleanse our sin even while we ignorantly continue in it until He takes over with a total character reformation.
Longsuffering- He patiently waits through our blasphemous rebellion until the day He draws us to Him, or our iniquity is full, but then it’s too late.
His Goodness- as the only one good, He is the standard we think we are. Man was created in God’s image - perfect, awesome, and altogether glorious, clothed in the shining light of His glory. Seeing His perfection then should drive us to repentance. When we consider our lowly estate and compare it to God’s unfathomable glory, then realize that He had His awe inspiring image in mind when He created us, we should drop to our knees and limitedly cry out, “Oh, what a FOOL I have been, to mar God’s image in choosing to sin!”)
5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart (as the Pharaoh of Moses’ time) treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
(The self proclaimed judge heaps unto himself condemnation come judgment day.)
6Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
(To do well was the exact charge given to Cain before he killed his brother. To do well is to effectively execute the purpose for which you were created. As a lamp was created to light a room, so we are judged according to our created purpose, that purpose being to accurately reflect God, shining His light into a darkened world according to our particular calling. Being the represent image of God seems like a tall demand to most people, but be assured, its loftiness is only due to our depravity. This is what we were made for. A painted mirror can reflect just fine after a good cleaning.)
8But unto them that are contentious (Also translated self seeking), and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
(Whatsoever you obey you are slaves to the same and to bind yourself to that which is contrary to the character of God is to proudly condemn yourself. This tribulation and wrath is a reference to what we know as hell. In Hebrew it is only referenced figuratively as gehenna or the refuse dump, the foul cesspool of a city’s waste. We are given many descriptions and figures in scripture even by Jesus to describe this place. Basically, it is the other option for eternity. Some have discounted or even denied its existence somewhat based on the common usage of pictures, symbols, and figures to represent it, saying, “The Bible’s description is only symbolic and has no relevance to reality.” Upon encountering this ideology a wise author once wrote, “The thing you must realize about symbols is that they are but a vague remnant of the reality they represent.” If the Bible’s description of hell, namely unquenchable fire, undying thirst, the pungent stench of sulfur, complete isolation, incredible pain crying out from every sensory nerve in your body, worms, disease and parasites ravaging your flesh, there is never a reprieve, no rest will ever come, no relief, no night to sleep nor day to wake just everlasting darkness, death shall not come though you would long for it and try to cause it, death has already come and went and now you only have eternity to look forward to in utter despair and anguish reaping the fruit of the seeds of corruption that you had sown in the sin of your life on earth.… If all of this is merely a symbol of the indescribable reality of hell, what tortures in actuality await the damned soul? And what more motivation do you need to proclaim the power of the Gospel to deliver us from such an end?)
10But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11For there is no respect of persons with God. (All are measured by the same rule.) 12For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
(When we stand before the seat of judgment, God will not need to accuse us. His very presence will reveal our fault, whether we know His laws or not; like a father that can give that penetrating look that says, “You know what you did, you know what you deserve, and that’s exactly what I’m gonna give you.” Praise God if you had a father that taught you that your actions have consequences.)
13For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; 16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
(To obey the rules without knowing the rules is not altogether difficult when you think about it, especially given the fact that Christ lives in us and the Holy Spirit guides us. But in all of that I would like to pose a question: what is “the work of the law” that is shown upon the hearts of Gentile believers? Upon much meditation I suggest that the work of the law is the desired purpose to which the law was written; that end being the embodiment and pursuit of God’s character manifest in the believer.)
17Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
(Notice here that Paul in no way discounts or diminishes the value of studying, applying, and teaching the law of God. In fact, he builds it up as something extremely profitable to the new believer. Why? In knowing His given law we learn of His revealed will for the people that are to be called by His name; not in the letter but in the ultimate intention of the law, as discussed above. All of the law is good for instruction and reproof in all matters of righteousness at the time it was written and even to today. I may at a later time study through the law with these verses along with 2Tim.3:15 as the heading verses, but that will be then and I’ll spare you the examples that spring to mind.)
21Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? (Remember: even to look on a woman to lust for her is adultery.) thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? (Also translated “rob temples.”) 23Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
(Paul is encouraging self-examination. Are you a hypocrite? Do you practice what you preach in the fullness of its application? The nonbeliever can see right through your hypocrisy and it encourages them to blaspheme the God whose name you have defamed with your hypocrisy. Paul is not implying that we should keep silent in the face of the sin of others, but rather that we should be aware of our own sin as well as others and take a stand against all of it.)
25For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. (Reference James 2:10-“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Include context.) 26Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
(“Righteousness of the law.” The law itself is not righteous, but rather produces righteousness in its “fulfillment.” The law itself can become an idol and a stumbling block, as it was in Jesus day, when one takes it as a list of regulations and not written toward a divine purpose beyond them.)
28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
(This was not a new concept that Paul is introducing here, Jeremiah also spoke of the circumcision being of the heart. The circumcision of the flesh has always been a sign that you were in the lineage of God’s chosen people, but it will only be accounted to you for righteousness if you follow God, rather than that you are descended from someone who did. As John the Baptist said, “Do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’” implying “That will not save you.” The purpose of the law was to produce character, the character of God. When Paul says Jew here think “heir of the promise,” for, as Paul says elsewhere, Abraham’s promise was to his seed, singular, that being Christ and we, whether Jew or Gentile, must be adopted in Christ to be an heir of Abraham’s promise.)
I hope this inspires you to read the whole Bible as profitable in all matters of life, as it has me. Until next time, Husband signing off
Showing posts with label Bible Study Forum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible Study Forum. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Romans Study - Chapter One 3rd Installment
WOW!!! At this rate I’ll have written a complete commentary on Romans by the time my eldest daughter is of marriageable age! I don’t know when the following were studied by Wife and I, but I’m pretty sure it was in February of 2010 and I thought I posted all of Romans 1 in the first installment. Hopefully we will post one chapter per installment, with each installment closer together, from here on out. But first things first, to finish:
Romans 1:18 “for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven…” How? In raining fire and brimstone? At times God’s justice is administered in that way, but pay close attention to the wording here as we move forward. “against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” How is God’s complete judgment foretold from Heaven? May I suggest to you a record that predates the existence of every living creature, written in the very stars of the cosmos, known biblically as mazzaroth. For a more detailed study of mazzaroth I suggest “The Gospel in the Stars” by Joseph Seiss and “Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation” by Dennis R. Petersen, but for a brief glimpse, realizing that the entire study is far more intricate, here is an excerpt from my History curriculum concerning day four:
“In the darkness of the night of the fourth day, God, seeing the end of His creation as clearly as the beginning and knowing every decision man would make before man was even created, wrote His plan of redemption (the gospel itself) in the very stars of heaven. Through the corruptness of this world, this has degenerated into the zodiac, but the mazzaroth contains the original meaning.
Virgo – A deliverer supernaturally conceived of a virgin, born as a man, yet the Son of God. Libra – To balance the scales of divine justice, an adequate price must redeem man from his curse as a sinner.
Scorpio – Redemption’s price requires the death of the deliverer, who must also destroy the serpent-tempter.
Sagittarius – The two-natured deliverer conquers the dragon and receives praise.
Capricornus – The living fish results from the death of the atoning sacrificial goat, and resurrection life is shared with all true believers.
Aquarius – The Water of Life poured out on the redeemed who await the sure return of the redeemer.
Pisces – Delayed salvation sets free those in bondage who await their coming King.
Aries – The Lamb was slain to deliver the freed woman to marry her deliverer, overcoming the great dragon.
Taurus – The Judge comes to rule as Prince of Glory as fiery wrath pours out on His enemies and His people are protected in the day of wrath.
Gemini – The coming Prince of Glory crushes the enemy underfoot.
Cancer – The gathered flock is secure in the safe harbor and rest of their coming redeemer.
Leo – The triumphant redeemer destroys the serpent upon which the wrath of God is poured out and then is devoured by the raven.”
And to continue with vs 18- “who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” Who is the who? Ungodly and unrighteous men. In what way do they suppress the truth in unrighteousness? By exchanging the truth of God (as revealed in mazzaroth) for the lie (as revealed in the zodiac) - reference verse 25. Have you ever wondered why all the ancient star gazing groups on different continents use the same star configurations? Maybe they have a common root in corrupted truth.
This conclusion came about in studying the verses in their context and it all ties together so beautifully it seemed best to present the scripture (with my thoughts in parentheses). So keeping the above in mind…
Rom 1:19 “19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.” (Who is them? I believe these are two different thems; the first being the mazzaroth signs, and the second being the same unrighteous men that choose to exchange God’s truth for their lie. This lie began before the division at Babel and was perpetuated throughout their generations to follow. In introducing their corruption, they knew exactly what they were doing and did it on purpose.)
Rom 1:20 “20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen (stars are quite evident to all let alone the rest of creation), being understood by (or through) the things that are made (again stars would be one of those many things that proclaim God’s Glory), even his eternal power and Godhead (see mazzaroth intro above); so that they (these unrighteous men) are without excuse:”
Romans 1:21 21Because that, when they knew God, they (these unrighteous inventers of idolatry)glorified him not as God, neither were thankful (While the lack of esteem toward God is expected to precede an idolatrous ideology, I find it interesting that thankfulness is also mentioned as a driving factor in the origin of man’s postdiluvian apostasy.); but became vain (self-centered) in their imaginations (as though they provided their own of life’s necessities and luxuries), and their foolish heart was darkened. (Their heart being foolish already in thinking highly of itself and little of God became all the more darkened as their thinking was manifest in their action. Foolishness begets foolishness until utter depravity fails to describe man’s lowly estate as we gleefully wallow in our own filth like a swine in the mire.)
Rom 1:22 22Professing themselves to be wise (The all sufficient source of supernatural knowledge as the inventor and priest on high of the god of their own imagination made after their own corrupt image), they became fools, (how foolish it is to bow before a log that you yourself carved and, as Isaiah said, use the rest of the log to burn a sacrifice to it.)
Rom 1:23 23And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man (Have you ever noticed throughout man’s history how man naturally assumes a caliber a step or two below the deity they claim to serve? But when the deity is made after the corrupted mind of a wayward man the deity is made at least one step below him, allowing him then to assume the position three steps below where he was. Inevitably then man and the master of the “god” he “serves” will then ascribe any action, attitude or outright atrocity he desires to pursue to the deity of his invention, thereby excusing all manor of wickedness by calling it a divine attribute worthy of pursuit and altogether admirable. From here on out man is in an almost uncontrollable downward spiral engaging in these unseemly actions mentioned by Paul here to follow, and many more besides), and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. (Man’s imagination is somewhat pathetic, we have no ability to conceive of something that beforehand did not exist, the height of our creativity is to scramble and rearrange that which God has created.)
Rom 1:24 24Wherefore (Given the downward spiral of idolatry as described above) God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts (again see note on vs 23), to dishonor their own bodies between themselves (This is the natural course of idolatry.)
Rom 1:25 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie (mazzaroth into zodiac), and worshipped and served the creature (sometimes fashioning an image sometimes not, either way idolatry) rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Rom 1:26 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections (Again the downward spiral as mentioned above): for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature (Homosexuality and beastiality are a direct result of idolatry):
Rom 1:27 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly (self explanatory), and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. (The sexually immoral lifestyle leads to all manner of S.T.D.’s and physical ailments, beyond the spiritual degradation.)
(At this point, I should explain that holding anyone, anything, any idea or ideal as supreme, disregarding God as creator and Lord supreme constitutes idolatry. In other words whatever is at the center of your life is your god! And if that is anything but the Lord God as revealed to us in the biblical text, sent to us in the form of man to pay our penalty upon the cross and redeem us to himself, it is idolatry somewhere along the downward spiral of total depravity. I should also explain that a sexually immoral lifestyle involves any sexual activity outside of a committed, life long, covenant marriage; to include emotional attachments and visual stimuli. Further, in a covenant marriage vows are taken separately because they are not contingent on each others fulfillment.)
Rom 1:28-31 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge (Not that God and His word were unreasonable, flawed or untrustworthy, they just found it inconvenient to their desired lifestyle.), God gave them over to a reprobate mind (Woe to those that are so far gone that God gives up on them.), to do those things which are not convenient; (encompassing that which is mentioned above and much more) (The list that follows entails those things that are common in an idolatrous mind, our faith and principals by which we live are inevitably expressed in our actions.) 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity (The list thus far are attitudes that lead to the following actions.); whisperers (gossip), 30Backbiters (Exalting ones self often involves tearing others down.), haters of God (Disregarding biblical council and rebuke), despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents (Interesting mention here, but this is indeed the first sign of the self centeredness of the carnal man.), 31Without understanding (and refusing to gain any), covenant breakers (Self is the first rule, agreements are binding until inconvenient, but, none other is afforded such a luxury.), without natural affection (all others may die so long as I’m happy syndrome), implacable (hard hearted), unmerciful:
Rom 1:32 32Who knowing the judgment of God (as detailed in mazzaroth and in the scriptures from Genesis to Malachi), that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same (scripture regarded as irrelevant in the name of Christian liberty often excusing their actions with the culture shift argument, disregarding the consistent theme of God setting apart a people from “culture” and to Himself), but have pleasure in them that do them. (Did you catch that? Whether you are a sexually immoral person, or if you approve of ones lifestyle with so much as a “to each his own attitude” you are just as guilty yourself. The same goes for the rest of the items in the list, to listen to gossip without rebuke is to be guilty of it yourself, you have no parents to disobey but you encourage young people to do so, establishing ones justification in covenant breaking by “taking their side,” being a “yes man” to those who promote themselves by displacing others. I could go on detailing each, but it is summarized nicely as Paul moves into chapter 2.)
Well that’s chapter one. Chapter two is under way and has me in constant examination of my own hypocrisy; and deep contemplation of the role of the mosaic law today.
Until next time, Husband speaking
Romans 1:18 “for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven…” How? In raining fire and brimstone? At times God’s justice is administered in that way, but pay close attention to the wording here as we move forward. “against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” How is God’s complete judgment foretold from Heaven? May I suggest to you a record that predates the existence of every living creature, written in the very stars of the cosmos, known biblically as mazzaroth. For a more detailed study of mazzaroth I suggest “The Gospel in the Stars” by Joseph Seiss and “Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation” by Dennis R. Petersen, but for a brief glimpse, realizing that the entire study is far more intricate, here is an excerpt from my History curriculum concerning day four:
“In the darkness of the night of the fourth day, God, seeing the end of His creation as clearly as the beginning and knowing every decision man would make before man was even created, wrote His plan of redemption (the gospel itself) in the very stars of heaven. Through the corruptness of this world, this has degenerated into the zodiac, but the mazzaroth contains the original meaning. Virgo – A deliverer supernaturally conceived of a virgin, born as a man, yet the Son of God. Libra – To balance the scales of divine justice, an adequate price must redeem man from his curse as a sinner.
Scorpio – Redemption’s price requires the death of the deliverer, who must also destroy the serpent-tempter.
Sagittarius – The two-natured deliverer conquers the dragon and receives praise.
Capricornus – The living fish results from the death of the atoning sacrificial goat, and resurrection life is shared with all true believers.
Aquarius – The Water of Life poured out on the redeemed who await the sure return of the redeemer.
Pisces – Delayed salvation sets free those in bondage who await their coming King.
Aries – The Lamb was slain to deliver the freed woman to marry her deliverer, overcoming the great dragon.
Taurus – The Judge comes to rule as Prince of Glory as fiery wrath pours out on His enemies and His people are protected in the day of wrath.
Gemini – The coming Prince of Glory crushes the enemy underfoot.
Cancer – The gathered flock is secure in the safe harbor and rest of their coming redeemer.
Leo – The triumphant redeemer destroys the serpent upon which the wrath of God is poured out and then is devoured by the raven.”
And to continue with vs 18- “who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” Who is the who? Ungodly and unrighteous men. In what way do they suppress the truth in unrighteousness? By exchanging the truth of God (as revealed in mazzaroth) for the lie (as revealed in the zodiac) - reference verse 25. Have you ever wondered why all the ancient star gazing groups on different continents use the same star configurations? Maybe they have a common root in corrupted truth.
This conclusion came about in studying the verses in their context and it all ties together so beautifully it seemed best to present the scripture (with my thoughts in parentheses). So keeping the above in mind…
Rom 1:19 “19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.” (Who is them? I believe these are two different thems; the first being the mazzaroth signs, and the second being the same unrighteous men that choose to exchange God’s truth for their lie. This lie began before the division at Babel and was perpetuated throughout their generations to follow. In introducing their corruption, they knew exactly what they were doing and did it on purpose.)
Rom 1:20 “20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen (stars are quite evident to all let alone the rest of creation), being understood by (or through) the things that are made (again stars would be one of those many things that proclaim God’s Glory), even his eternal power and Godhead (see mazzaroth intro above); so that they (these unrighteous men) are without excuse:”
Romans 1:21 21Because that, when they knew God, they (these unrighteous inventers of idolatry)glorified him not as God, neither were thankful (While the lack of esteem toward God is expected to precede an idolatrous ideology, I find it interesting that thankfulness is also mentioned as a driving factor in the origin of man’s postdiluvian apostasy.); but became vain (self-centered) in their imaginations (as though they provided their own of life’s necessities and luxuries), and their foolish heart was darkened. (Their heart being foolish already in thinking highly of itself and little of God became all the more darkened as their thinking was manifest in their action. Foolishness begets foolishness until utter depravity fails to describe man’s lowly estate as we gleefully wallow in our own filth like a swine in the mire.)
Rom 1:22 22Professing themselves to be wise (The all sufficient source of supernatural knowledge as the inventor and priest on high of the god of their own imagination made after their own corrupt image), they became fools, (how foolish it is to bow before a log that you yourself carved and, as Isaiah said, use the rest of the log to burn a sacrifice to it.)
Rom 1:23 23And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man (Have you ever noticed throughout man’s history how man naturally assumes a caliber a step or two below the deity they claim to serve? But when the deity is made after the corrupted mind of a wayward man the deity is made at least one step below him, allowing him then to assume the position three steps below where he was. Inevitably then man and the master of the “god” he “serves” will then ascribe any action, attitude or outright atrocity he desires to pursue to the deity of his invention, thereby excusing all manor of wickedness by calling it a divine attribute worthy of pursuit and altogether admirable. From here on out man is in an almost uncontrollable downward spiral engaging in these unseemly actions mentioned by Paul here to follow, and many more besides), and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. (Man’s imagination is somewhat pathetic, we have no ability to conceive of something that beforehand did not exist, the height of our creativity is to scramble and rearrange that which God has created.)
Rom 1:24 24Wherefore (Given the downward spiral of idolatry as described above) God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts (again see note on vs 23), to dishonor their own bodies between themselves (This is the natural course of idolatry.)
Rom 1:25 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie (mazzaroth into zodiac), and worshipped and served the creature (sometimes fashioning an image sometimes not, either way idolatry) rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Rom 1:26 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections (Again the downward spiral as mentioned above): for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature (Homosexuality and beastiality are a direct result of idolatry):
Rom 1:27 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly (self explanatory), and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. (The sexually immoral lifestyle leads to all manner of S.T.D.’s and physical ailments, beyond the spiritual degradation.)
(At this point, I should explain that holding anyone, anything, any idea or ideal as supreme, disregarding God as creator and Lord supreme constitutes idolatry. In other words whatever is at the center of your life is your god! And if that is anything but the Lord God as revealed to us in the biblical text, sent to us in the form of man to pay our penalty upon the cross and redeem us to himself, it is idolatry somewhere along the downward spiral of total depravity. I should also explain that a sexually immoral lifestyle involves any sexual activity outside of a committed, life long, covenant marriage; to include emotional attachments and visual stimuli. Further, in a covenant marriage vows are taken separately because they are not contingent on each others fulfillment.)
Rom 1:28-31 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge (Not that God and His word were unreasonable, flawed or untrustworthy, they just found it inconvenient to their desired lifestyle.), God gave them over to a reprobate mind (Woe to those that are so far gone that God gives up on them.), to do those things which are not convenient; (encompassing that which is mentioned above and much more) (The list that follows entails those things that are common in an idolatrous mind, our faith and principals by which we live are inevitably expressed in our actions.) 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity (The list thus far are attitudes that lead to the following actions.); whisperers (gossip), 30Backbiters (Exalting ones self often involves tearing others down.), haters of God (Disregarding biblical council and rebuke), despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents (Interesting mention here, but this is indeed the first sign of the self centeredness of the carnal man.), 31Without understanding (and refusing to gain any), covenant breakers (Self is the first rule, agreements are binding until inconvenient, but, none other is afforded such a luxury.), without natural affection (all others may die so long as I’m happy syndrome), implacable (hard hearted), unmerciful:
Rom 1:32 32Who knowing the judgment of God (as detailed in mazzaroth and in the scriptures from Genesis to Malachi), that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same (scripture regarded as irrelevant in the name of Christian liberty often excusing their actions with the culture shift argument, disregarding the consistent theme of God setting apart a people from “culture” and to Himself), but have pleasure in them that do them. (Did you catch that? Whether you are a sexually immoral person, or if you approve of ones lifestyle with so much as a “to each his own attitude” you are just as guilty yourself. The same goes for the rest of the items in the list, to listen to gossip without rebuke is to be guilty of it yourself, you have no parents to disobey but you encourage young people to do so, establishing ones justification in covenant breaking by “taking their side,” being a “yes man” to those who promote themselves by displacing others. I could go on detailing each, but it is summarized nicely as Paul moves into chapter 2.)
Well that’s chapter one. Chapter two is under way and has me in constant examination of my own hypocrisy; and deep contemplation of the role of the mosaic law today.
Until next time, Husband speaking
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Romans Chapter One Part Two
It has been some time since my last installment of this study through Romans. With so few comments, I figured that no one was interested. Wife and I continued to study through the scripture at three chapters a day, taking a test at the completion of every book to assist in our retention. We had found a Bible trivia book with the questions divided by the books of the Bible. After testing and reading the answers, we would go over the questions and references together. This proved valuable not only for our edification but also because we found many incorrect answers in the answer key and some incorrect questions. Between this and other studies, the publishing of my notes seemed less than profitable. But recently as we drew our through the Bible study to a close, I discovered how to check page view statistics as opposed to relying on notes and it turns out that the Romans post was the number one viewed post even after it had fallen from the front page. So as a test of whether it was just a fluke here are the rest of my notes from Romans chapter 1. Whether they will be followed by Romans chapter 2 will depend on the response.
(06/03/10) Rom. 1:11-12
It speaks here of imparting a spiritual gift. Perhaps he is speaking of confirming that which seems to be present in them on an individual basis, but as we see with Timothy, gifts of the spirit may be given with the anointing and laying on of hands of the eldership. Either way, I find the purpose of spiritual gifts of more interest than the way in which they were obtained or imparted. At the end of verse 11, Paul says, “so that you may be established.” While at times it has been overemphasized, the importance of knowing your place in the body of Christ cannot be denied. We feel useless and without purpose, wondering what it is God desires of us- missionary, preacher, funding and support? One thing I knew long ago is that God desires more from each one of us than to faithfully sit down on Sunday morning. As James says, our faith is an active faith; without action our faith is dead. But, how shall we act? Shall we try our hand in every avenue until we find out which one we’re best suited for? Shall we grow stale and stagnant waiting for our opportunity to present itself? In any case, every stone must be laid on the sure foundation. Until your foundation is sure in the doctrine of Christ, you will not be suitable to be placed. Many of us may feel like the bricks are piled in the temple awaiting placement. If that is so, perhaps the only thing to do is to ask the master builder about the place He has set for us. Not yet established, I find the waiting difficult. Paul also addresses the benefit of knowing ones place. It is for mutual encouragement and edification. Sadly, many times today, we have the desire to be greatly esteemed rather than the desire to do God’s will. But which is more essential to a battle, the general that divides the forces, or the blacksmith that sharpens the swords? The one is of greater esteem. Unless both commit themselves to the perfection of their craft, the battle is lost. Prominence does not equal importance. Just as a painter with great hand eye coordination would accomplish little without a properly functioning stomach, even so the body of Christ is crippled when members fail to fill their roles. But when we work together, with an understanding to fill our role to the best of our ability, regardless of position, there is great reward.
Rom. 1:13
Paul assures them that he has cared for them from their inception; however, for a yet undisclosed reason he was hindered but is now on his way. What a joy to finally be on the way that God has long ago set you! Some missionaries are told years in advance that they are going somewhere. Many brothers express their doubt if your departure is not immediate. It is important that we that are sent do not allow ourselves to be discouraged. If God has told us where we are going, we need to take the time He has given us to prepare.
Rom. 1:14-15
As he says here, Paul in his ministry thus far has set the example to cross every cultural and physical barrier. There is no partiality with God for where you grew up or how rich or educated you were. The only thing that matters on judgment day is “are your sins cleansed by the blood of Christ?” Now I have heard it said that when Paul is speaking of being a debtor here, he is speaking of “paying forward” (as opposed to “paying back”) his eternal debt to Christ. But my initial understanding was from purely the physical aspect in that Paul also took his sustenance from those he taught and in that way he was in their debt. But, as Christ said the worker is worthy. His hosts may even have been so hospitable as to send him on his way with provision. It is a sad truth that many, if not most, unbelievers are more hospitable than the pillars of the faith today. Hospitality is not paying for someone’s hotel or giving them money; it is taking them into your home and sharing life with them. If you are too private to be hospitable, maybe you’re hiding something you ought to be expelling.
Rom. 1:16-17
Verse 16 is pretty self-explanatory, but to build on it, verse 17 goes on to say, “For in the gospel of Christ the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. As it is written, the just shall live by faith.” One must have faith to understand justice. It is unreasonable to our human minds that justice can be served if the offender is not the one to pay the debt. Therefore, without faith on both parties, the gospel cannot be effectively communicated. The words of the faithful may only begin to stir the mind of those who reject until enough faith has grown that the words may be established. It is then that the gospel can be communicated from the faith of the believer to the faith of the seeker. Thus, from faith to faith.
Again feel free to leave a comment, on or off topic, and if you would like me to continue to publish my notes, leave a note to that effect in the comment box or simply make your opinion known on the Romans study pole, but remember no vote is a “no” vote.
(06/03/10) Rom. 1:11-12
It speaks here of imparting a spiritual gift. Perhaps he is speaking of confirming that which seems to be present in them on an individual basis, but as we see with Timothy, gifts of the spirit may be given with the anointing and laying on of hands of the eldership. Either way, I find the purpose of spiritual gifts of more interest than the way in which they were obtained or imparted. At the end of verse 11, Paul says, “so that you may be established.” While at times it has been overemphasized, the importance of knowing your place in the body of Christ cannot be denied. We feel useless and without purpose, wondering what it is God desires of us- missionary, preacher, funding and support? One thing I knew long ago is that God desires more from each one of us than to faithfully sit down on Sunday morning. As James says, our faith is an active faith; without action our faith is dead. But, how shall we act? Shall we try our hand in every avenue until we find out which one we’re best suited for? Shall we grow stale and stagnant waiting for our opportunity to present itself? In any case, every stone must be laid on the sure foundation. Until your foundation is sure in the doctrine of Christ, you will not be suitable to be placed. Many of us may feel like the bricks are piled in the temple awaiting placement. If that is so, perhaps the only thing to do is to ask the master builder about the place He has set for us. Not yet established, I find the waiting difficult. Paul also addresses the benefit of knowing ones place. It is for mutual encouragement and edification. Sadly, many times today, we have the desire to be greatly esteemed rather than the desire to do God’s will. But which is more essential to a battle, the general that divides the forces, or the blacksmith that sharpens the swords? The one is of greater esteem. Unless both commit themselves to the perfection of their craft, the battle is lost. Prominence does not equal importance. Just as a painter with great hand eye coordination would accomplish little without a properly functioning stomach, even so the body of Christ is crippled when members fail to fill their roles. But when we work together, with an understanding to fill our role to the best of our ability, regardless of position, there is great reward.
Rom. 1:13
Paul assures them that he has cared for them from their inception; however, for a yet undisclosed reason he was hindered but is now on his way. What a joy to finally be on the way that God has long ago set you! Some missionaries are told years in advance that they are going somewhere. Many brothers express their doubt if your departure is not immediate. It is important that we that are sent do not allow ourselves to be discouraged. If God has told us where we are going, we need to take the time He has given us to prepare.
Rom. 1:14-15
As he says here, Paul in his ministry thus far has set the example to cross every cultural and physical barrier. There is no partiality with God for where you grew up or how rich or educated you were. The only thing that matters on judgment day is “are your sins cleansed by the blood of Christ?” Now I have heard it said that when Paul is speaking of being a debtor here, he is speaking of “paying forward” (as opposed to “paying back”) his eternal debt to Christ. But my initial understanding was from purely the physical aspect in that Paul also took his sustenance from those he taught and in that way he was in their debt. But, as Christ said the worker is worthy. His hosts may even have been so hospitable as to send him on his way with provision. It is a sad truth that many, if not most, unbelievers are more hospitable than the pillars of the faith today. Hospitality is not paying for someone’s hotel or giving them money; it is taking them into your home and sharing life with them. If you are too private to be hospitable, maybe you’re hiding something you ought to be expelling.
Rom. 1:16-17
Verse 16 is pretty self-explanatory, but to build on it, verse 17 goes on to say, “For in the gospel of Christ the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. As it is written, the just shall live by faith.” One must have faith to understand justice. It is unreasonable to our human minds that justice can be served if the offender is not the one to pay the debt. Therefore, without faith on both parties, the gospel cannot be effectively communicated. The words of the faithful may only begin to stir the mind of those who reject until enough faith has grown that the words may be established. It is then that the gospel can be communicated from the faith of the believer to the faith of the seeker. Thus, from faith to faith.
Again feel free to leave a comment, on or off topic, and if you would like me to continue to publish my notes, leave a note to that effect in the comment box or simply make your opinion known on the Romans study pole, but remember no vote is a “no” vote.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Bible Study Forum - Romans 1 and Intro
Just prior to leaving Arizona the wife and I decided we needed to study together more. We chose a section of scripture we are both shamefully poor on, the epistles. And what better place to start than with the first one? We immediately started in on Romans 1 about a month after deciding to do so, since then we have been consistent in studying together one day in a month’s time. We wanted to study daily together but it seems that with children and other responsibilities our energy was quite spent and the day drew to a close before affording us the opportunity. The few days we have studied was due to the inability of one of us to wait for the other and usually me keeping wife awake with a rambling exposition of the next verse. Knowing this study time to be of the utmost importance I will endeavor to streamline our activities and place this in a priority position. After all as the priest of the home my wife and children are my first priority in discipleship among other areas. We decided early on to take notes through our study and the wife has recently encouraged me to publish them so that others may be encouraged and edified as we have been. To all who care to read this, feel free to leave notes and pull in scriptures on or off subject. Many of you likely will have already known what we find and see this as elementary explorations, our intent is that this can be yet another venue for iron to sharpen iron. So pardon the informality from here on out these type of posts will mostly consist of our personal notes.
3-14-10
Romans 1:1 We see Paul introduced as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. A bondservant is not his own man. He was bought at a price and his will has no bearing on his course of action. Rather his actions are determined by the will of his master. Paul was specifically chosen, while yet a sinner, to be Christ’s apostle to the gentiles. “Separated to the gospel of God,” not “for” as though the gospel had a benefit in Paul’s service, but “to,” as in Paul was to be cultivated in close contact with the gospel that he may become the express image and embodiment of that which it sets forth.
Romans 1:2 Reveals that the entire redemption plan was thought out and foretold by the prophets to whom God revealed it, which we have preserved for us in the Old Testament Scriptures.
Romans 1:3 The central focalpoint of the foretold redemption plan was the messiah, Jesus Christ, our Lord. (As Paul is primarily concerned with the will of his master, so ought we to be, as our Master and position under Him are the same as Paul’s, though our chosen purpose may be different.) And, as foretold, Jesus was born in the lineage of David, according to the flesh, establishing His right to the throne of Israel.
Romans 1:4 And declared beyond contestation to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead by the power of the Spirit of holiness.
4-12-10
Romans 1:5 Are grace and apostleship given because of one’s obedience to the faith or to promote obedience to the faith? Either way, the characteristics of a fully discipled individual include obedience and being non-discriminatory in regards to nationality.
Romans 1:6 Paul here touches on the purpose of apostleship as reproduction. As he addresses that they are among the “all” other nations and they, just as he, are the called of Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:7 Verse seven finally gets to whom we are talking about, the Roman Christians, called to be saints (set apart). The saved of Rome were called to live visibly and in all other ways separate from mainstream Roman society, and yet among them in that society, so that their difference might be seen. Paul greets them with a blessing, though a stern rebuke immediately follows.
5-30-10
Romans 1:8 Paul recognizes and exemplifies the order in which we have access to God. Jesus Christ is our mediator. No one comes to the Father for any reason except through Him. Paul thanks God for the reputation of these Roman Christians. Though they tolerated filthy behavior that we will see as the book continues, they had a reputable faith throughout the entire Roman empire. Many churches today are tolerant of that which they ought not be, but whether tolerating or expelling of unrighteousness, the faith of the body of Christ in general is less reputable than that of these early Christians who do not even yet know their place in the body, as we shall see in verse 11. Living in a society destitute of the truth of God, their faith in the true God provokes them to actions which set them apart from the society in which they live, which society could clearly see and identify the difference between the average Roman and the sanctified of Christ.
Romans 1:9 Basically, Paul is saying, “If you don’t believe what I’m about to say, ask God; He’ll back me up on it.” Then he specifies the God of whom he speaks by relating back to his bondservanthood to the gospel of His Son. Moving into verse 10, Paul prays incessantly to visit the Roman Christians and with a longing, as that of a grandparent who longs to see a new grandchild, Paul longs to see these fledgling Christians whom he has never met. This should serve as an example for us. The body of Christ ought to love each other enough to long to meet each other, even over long distances, for fellowship and mutual edification.
3-14-10
Romans 1:1 We see Paul introduced as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. A bondservant is not his own man. He was bought at a price and his will has no bearing on his course of action. Rather his actions are determined by the will of his master. Paul was specifically chosen, while yet a sinner, to be Christ’s apostle to the gentiles. “Separated to the gospel of God,” not “for” as though the gospel had a benefit in Paul’s service, but “to,” as in Paul was to be cultivated in close contact with the gospel that he may become the express image and embodiment of that which it sets forth.
Romans 1:2 Reveals that the entire redemption plan was thought out and foretold by the prophets to whom God revealed it, which we have preserved for us in the Old Testament Scriptures.
Romans 1:3 The central focalpoint of the foretold redemption plan was the messiah, Jesus Christ, our Lord. (As Paul is primarily concerned with the will of his master, so ought we to be, as our Master and position under Him are the same as Paul’s, though our chosen purpose may be different.) And, as foretold, Jesus was born in the lineage of David, according to the flesh, establishing His right to the throne of Israel.
Romans 1:4 And declared beyond contestation to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead by the power of the Spirit of holiness.
4-12-10
Romans 1:5 Are grace and apostleship given because of one’s obedience to the faith or to promote obedience to the faith? Either way, the characteristics of a fully discipled individual include obedience and being non-discriminatory in regards to nationality.
Romans 1:6 Paul here touches on the purpose of apostleship as reproduction. As he addresses that they are among the “all” other nations and they, just as he, are the called of Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:7 Verse seven finally gets to whom we are talking about, the Roman Christians, called to be saints (set apart). The saved of Rome were called to live visibly and in all other ways separate from mainstream Roman society, and yet among them in that society, so that their difference might be seen. Paul greets them with a blessing, though a stern rebuke immediately follows.
5-30-10
Romans 1:8 Paul recognizes and exemplifies the order in which we have access to God. Jesus Christ is our mediator. No one comes to the Father for any reason except through Him. Paul thanks God for the reputation of these Roman Christians. Though they tolerated filthy behavior that we will see as the book continues, they had a reputable faith throughout the entire Roman empire. Many churches today are tolerant of that which they ought not be, but whether tolerating or expelling of unrighteousness, the faith of the body of Christ in general is less reputable than that of these early Christians who do not even yet know their place in the body, as we shall see in verse 11. Living in a society destitute of the truth of God, their faith in the true God provokes them to actions which set them apart from the society in which they live, which society could clearly see and identify the difference between the average Roman and the sanctified of Christ.
Romans 1:9 Basically, Paul is saying, “If you don’t believe what I’m about to say, ask God; He’ll back me up on it.” Then he specifies the God of whom he speaks by relating back to his bondservanthood to the gospel of His Son. Moving into verse 10, Paul prays incessantly to visit the Roman Christians and with a longing, as that of a grandparent who longs to see a new grandchild, Paul longs to see these fledgling Christians whom he has never met. This should serve as an example for us. The body of Christ ought to love each other enough to long to meet each other, even over long distances, for fellowship and mutual edification.
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