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

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 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

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 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

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 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 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 7:7-25

Introduction:

Paul talks about a real dichotomy in life from which we all suffer as Christians. We are tempted almost daily by things that we know are not right, but we don’t always make the right decisions. We know that we don’t need that extra piece of pie, but nevertheless, we may have it anyway. We may watch a movie that is overall very good but has parts in it that may be immoral, contain bad language or imply behavior that is totally inappropriate. We all know what is right from wrong but tend to see

Scripture Reading: Romans 6:15 – Romans 7:6

Introduction:

What does it mean to us to assume a new lifestyle? Do we change houses, our jobs, our friends, our clothes, our plans? Is it just a matter of how we act in Church one day out of the week, or does it affect us every day? For most Christians, the change that comes from baptism is minimal. They may have to act a little nicer to their Christian brethren to reflect their new life in Christ, but for the most part, everything remains the same. The new lifestyle spoken of