Scripture Reading: Romans 8:1-17

Introduction:

In chapter 7 of Romans, Paul told us that we have an internal struggle with sin, even after we have been freed from the law. We, on our own, will continually struggle against our own flesh to win these battles on a daily basis. Romans chapter 8 begins with a new hope for us in waging this battle. We can only win this battle with the help of the Holy Spirit, which will provide the strength and answers that we need. Paul talks about the life-giving effects of the Spirit. The battle changes from our

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:18-39

Introduction:

Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of a triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeters, musicians and strange animals from the captured territories, together with the spoils of war that consisted of both people and material. In Romans chapter 8 Paul describes Christians as glorious conquerors, who by God’s grace overcome all forces arrayed against us. The glory we receive is not in parades or spoils, but in eternal life.

Lesson Questions:

1. Why is it so often difficult for us as Christians to feel like a glorious conqueror? What event

Scripture Reading: Romans 1-8

Introduction:

Reviews are something with which we should be very familiar, having suffered through many during our school days, at our workplace and even at Church on occasion. Now that we have gone through the first eight chapters of Romans, it is good to recall what we have discussed and see how it applies to our everyday lives. Paul has taken us from being condemned and worthy of God’s wrath, the gift of grace, the hope of faith, the frustration of having to deal with our carnal natures, and finally the hope that we have for

Scripture Reading: Romans 9:1-29

Introduction:

Paul uses strong dialogue in talking to the Jews about their unbelief in following after Jesus. The Jews seemed to feel that they were already saved due to their birthright (of the lineage of Abraham). He tells them that the children of God are those who follow after Jesus and His teachings. Paul also emphasizes that you cannot attain this relationship through baptism, church membership, confirmation or any other works. We are saved by grace, not by birth or works. We are still to do the works, but not so we can earn

Introduction:

For 15 centuries the Jews had followed the Mosaic Law, the Levitical priesthood, and all the practices associated with them. Now, Jesus has come to change all these things and institute new practices centered around Him. All these old things are no longer necessary, and the center of their faith should no longer be with old practices, but instead, be concentrated on the words of Jesus and His ministry. Giving up these long-established traditions is hard.

Paul is telling them that a new revolution has taken place and that an entirely new manner of life has been set

Scripture Reading: Romans 11:1-14

Introduction:

For centuries the people of Israel awaited their Messiah. But when He came, very few believed in Him. This situation has persisted to the point where Christianity is now considered a gentile religion. What happened to God’s promises and plans for Israel? Has God rejected His people?

In this chapter we get further insight about the rejection of Christ by Israel and the consequences. Only a remnant it appears would remain, being replaced by the Gentiles who accepted Jesus and followed His teachings. Paul preaches the riches of Christ to the Gentiles so

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-17

Introduction:

Paul’s introduction to this gospel begins with all the good news he wants to impute to the Romans. The good news about Jesus Christ, the promise, the provision, the purpose, and the privileges associated with the good news. How do we react to good news? Don’t we want to shout it to our friends, our loved ones, even to the world? It is just too hard to keep it to ourselves.

What motivates Paul to write this gospel? It is not only the good news that he has, but also the motivation that comes from

Scripture Reading: Romans 11:15-36

Introduction:

Paul’s final summation is that both Jews and Gentiles have to be objects of God’s mercy and love. All have sinned and are unworthy of His love and mercy. By rights, we should be objects of His wrath and abandonment. No matter what we do, we fall short. Our works are necessary, but they by themselves will never save us.

It is only through His grace and love that we can be a part of His soon coming kingdom. Most of Israel rejected Christ because He just wasn’t the leader that they were expecting. But

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:18-32

Introduction:

Man was created with a conscience that provides the ability to distinguish what is right and what is wrong according to the word of God. But man attempts to pervert God’s ways through many devices, such as the suppression of truth and the perversion of that same truth. God is patient to His people and waits for them to return to Him, but once God is totally rejected the wrath of God is revealed in these scriptures. Paul lists a number of the sins that are examples of what these rebellious people commit. This text

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1-8

Introduction:

Having told us in the previous chapters what God will provide to us because of His mercy, love, and grace, what should be our proper response? We are all sinners, not having the right because of all our faults to be a part of His kingdom. It is a gift, not a reward for our position, status, works, membership, baptism, etc.

What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? Does that mean that we have to give up everything we have, everything we need, everything we hope for, to serve Him? We are