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STT: Romans

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Romans is one of the cornerstones of the New Testament. In it, Paul lays out the key doctrines of Christianity in a logical progression. It's hardly a dry dissertation, though. Martin Luther touched off the Protestant Reformation when he grasped what Paul had written. The truths even make Paul stop and praise God. (See 11:33-36)
 
So how should you study Romans?
 
Slowly. Intentionally. Reverently. Just like any other study, right?
 
The book is roughly divided into three sections- Why we need salvation, how it's accomplished and how we should live as a result. A quick overview should answer those questions.
 
To go deeper, Romans lends itself to key word studies. Try tracking these words and recording what you learn about each of them:
  • Sin
  • Righteousness
  • Faith/ Believe
  • Hope
  • Grace
 
Another approach is to watch for all that GOD does.
 
Paul uses transition words like therefore frequently. Sometimes it's helpful to watch for the cause and effect on either side of the "therefore".
 
Finally, if you like to memorize Scripture, Romans is full of great material.
 
 
What's your favorite verse or passage in Romans?
 
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Preparing for Bethel

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Last week, we looked at the steps Jacob took to help revive his faith and his relationship with God. Before leaving for Bethel, Jacob made some key preparations. In Genesis 35:2, he says, "Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments."
 
1. Put away the foreign gods. After chapter 34, Jacob had a number of foreign slaves to care for, and naturally they brought their gods and their religious practices with them. Jacob ordered an immediate end to that. In our day, we think it's foolish to worship little statues and we're far too sophisticated for that. But… we do have our attention drawn away from God. We do pour our energy into other pursuits. 
 
2. Purify yourselves. This is as simple as confessing sins so God can cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 
3. Change clothes. In the New Testament, Paul talks about exchanging our righteousness for the righteousness of Christ, depicting it like a change of clothes. Later, in Revelation, white garments represent the righteous acts. Changing clothes signifies changing our behavior. The confession in point 2 is meaningless if change doesn't happen. I tell my kids, "I'm sorry means you understand that what you did was wrong and you're ready to change."
 
How do you prepare to enter God's presence for worship and renewal?

 

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Q: Are You Looking for a Loophole?

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washing handsWhy do you ask Me [My doctrine]?  John 18:21

Annas was searching for evidence of a hidden agenda, a secret motive, hypocrisy that was ripe for exposure. Jesus had none of those things. He taught with complete integrity. His public and private discourses were the same. He neither pulled punches with the outcasts of society nor with the pious religious establishment. His message was consistent, confrontational and convicting. And He lived what He taught. Even when He was hungry, tired, stressed or alone.

Like Annas, we hate that.

Too good to be TRUE
We dig for weasel words that allow us to self-justify. We hope for skeletons that indulge our self-righteousness. We want inconsistency that lets us off the hook. We want to be as good as Jesus, without having to "be" as good as Jesus.

Too GOOD to be true 
Our righteousness, though, is nothing to brag about. Isaiah (64:6) says it's 'filthy rags'. That's Hebrew for used tampons. Paul (Phil. 3:8) calls all his achievements 'refuse'. That's Greek for manure (or worse). 

Too good BUT true too
Jesus offers a trade. His righteous for ours. But only if we see our righteousness the way He does. That was His doctrine. Stop trying to be good enough. You can't. Stop weaseling, indulging, justifying.

Jesus doctrine – It is GOOD and it is TRUE

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