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THE BOOK OF ROMANS ... PAUL'S MASTERPIECE! ... SELECT PASSAGES, SHORT EXPOSITIONS. AT LEAST ONE FROM EACH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE, ALL SIXTEEN OF THEM!	A Preacher in his Study
INTRODUCTION: The Book of Romans will be our focus here on the Website for the month of September, Lord willing. A new lesson each morning, from a selected "text" in that great Book. Many believe that of all Paul's great writing, all 14 epistles, Romans is the masterpiece! Tomorrow morning we will notice some truths in Romans 1:3-4, long a favorite New Testament paragraph to this preacher. "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." There is at least parallelism here. And several words Paul does not normally use. And a touch of "inclusion" will be observed as well. Let me invite you to join us in our journey. By the way, the "key" verse in Romans is, no doubt: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16 Homework today, memorize this verse if you don't already have it by heart. It's powerful! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 1, ROMANS 1:3-4, AN INCLUSIO: Paul introduces the Book of Romans with an immediate reference to the Lord Jesus Christ! Word for word, the pertinent part of verse one: "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ ...." Right to the point, isn't it? Then the great Apostle further focuses on our Saviour, using a beautifully balanced set of facts. "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." Verses 3 and 4 now. Here is here a wealth of data. Two sets of information seem to be placed side-by-side. Jesus' humanity juxtaposed with His Deity! In reference to the earthly aspect: He was made the seed of David, using a Greek verb that means "coming into existence." He was born into the human family. "According" to the flesh, nonetheless! He had a real body, folks! God announced His Son's arrival, too, angelically! "The angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12 Then immediately in reference to the divine aspect: He has always been, eternally so, the "Son of God!" Additionally, "with power," in Greek "dunamis," dynamite! But not according to the flesh this time, according to the Holy Spirit, "the spirit of holiness!" And this half of our little equation does not center on the Virgin Birth, but on His literal, glorious Resurrection from the dead! He was announced as God the Son, too! Many times by God the Father or the Prophets or the Scriptures, but here especially by His coming forth from the grave! Wow! This could be preached! What a concise series of thoughts about our Lord Jesus, the perfect Redeemer, the only Real One! Once more, Romans is written: "... concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." Thank you, Lord, for such a beautifully written Scripture! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell Yes, in the Greek Text, the Textus Receptus which informs our King James Bible, the verses form a beautiful "inclusio!" First words ... "Peri tou Huiou." concerning His Son. Last words ... "Jesus Christou tou Kuriou hemon," Jesus Christ our Lord! LESSON 2, ROMANS 1:9-10, PAUL'S PREACHING STRATEGY: Paul's first visit to Rome is not early in his ministry! He's in fact been saved now for years, twenty-five or thirty some say. And he's not yet been to the "capital" city of the world? But by Romans 1:10 he's planning a definite trip there, to see the saved brothers and sisters in Rome. Here he's writing them, telling them of his plans: "For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers. Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you." Romans 1:9-10 What's Paul been doing all this time? Where has he been preaching? In areas east of Rome, that huge part of the empire! Places like Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Derbe, Lystra. These represent his first missionary journey. Then he preached, along with his team, at Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, the second preaching tour. Then to Ephesus! All again east of the city of Rome! Romans 1:15 now. "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." He's now headed west, to preach the Gospel, the Word! And preach in Rome he does! Wins souls to Jesus, too. Writes them, as we all know, as well. His "masterpiece," the Epistle to those very Romans we're now studying. But wait a second. Paul has higher goals yet, in proclaiming the Gospel! Where's he headed next? "Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey." Romans 15:24 Why to Spain? Why that far west? Or is there even an answer to that question? There's no record of a "Spanish" call to the Apostle, as there was a miraculous "invitation" to Macedonia, way back east. Remember, "Come over and help us!" Acts 16:3 Likely because Spain was considered the western frontier of the Romans Empire. That's as far as a person can go ... the very "uttermost" part of the world! If Paul could ever reach those cities, he would have truly lived his life goal. Preaching the Word of God everywhere! That was the passion of his heart anyway. In Romans 15:20, Paul says: "Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named." That would mean "Spain" too! What a world-wide vision! Luke picked up this heart-throb in Acts 1:8, getting it from Paul perhaps. Jesus' words just before our Lord ascended back to Heaven! "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Amen! Let's all seek to have a missionary heart, a desire to reach or help reach the entire globe for Jesus' sake. Paul did. --- Dr. Mike Bagwell Jesus again: "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15 From east to west, Paul's strategy in reaching the world! Reaching a world in which Rome is its very center! LESSON 3, ROMANS 2:1-5, STORING UP FUTURE WRATH: Paul makes an amazing statement in Romans 2:5. The great Apostle is there proving mankind guilty of sin. Everyone has fallen short of the Glory of God. Let's read. "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. Who will render to every man according to his deeds. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life. But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile. But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. For there is no respect of persons with God." Romans 2:5-11 in all. Even Jews are sinners? Yes! Right alongside the Gentiles! This is admittedly a strange paragraph, especially to be from Paul the Preacher of Grace. But today we excerpt a a clause from the first verse of the above printed pericope. "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God." Sinners, especially flagrantly rebellious ones, are "treasuring up" the fierce judgment of God against themselves. Inviting His wrath on themselves! By their ungodly deeds! The verb "treasurest up" is "thesaurizo" in Greek, our very word "thesaurus!" ... a "storehouse!" As a verb it means "to heap up" something! Go ahead! Ignore God. Lash out at Him. Curse and deny Him. He's keeping count, a record of such tyranny. And each day you live in sin ... you are "adding" to your future judgment and pain and suffering! So says Paul to the lost of his day ... and our day as well! Wow! And conversely, for those who have been saved by God's Grace, washed in the Blood of Jesus, daily living as directed by the Holy Spirit ... you will "treasure up" for yourselves eternal blessing and future rewards too! This is astounding! Sinner ... turn from your unbelief today. Clear that sin account and avoid the wrath of God! Jesus said it best in John 3:36. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Amen! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 4, ROMANS 2:4, THE GOODNESS OF GOD: Romans 2:4 asks a question. "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Look again! "Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." What a fact! Paul believes, having been so impressed by the Holy Spirit, that God's "goodness" could be a factor in leading men and women to Christ! The noun "goodness" here is "chrestos" in Greek, meaning "kindness, graciousness, mildness, pleasantness." It ultimately is derived from the word "cheir," meaning "hand," but in the sense of "helping" someone! God's concern, His supernatural care for us ... as a factor in our loving Him! In our coming to Him for salvation! The verb "leadeth" is "ago," suggesting "bringing, directing, guiding by accompanying" someone to a designated place. And where is that place, what is it? "Repentance," a word, "metanoia," that means "a change of mind." A change of heart! Then a subsequent change of behaviour! Wow! Has God been good to anyone reading here today? Then we certainly should be living for Him! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell I read yesterday about a man in Chicago who, having lived a wicked lifestyle for years, one day began (Holy Spirit induced I'm sure) pondering how good God had been to Him. A loving wife, good children, healthy too. A profitable job, lovely home, good transportation! The man was literally overwhelmed with God's mercy and grace! He fell to his knees and asked Jesus to save Him! What's this all about? "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" What a thought! America as a Nation had best reflect on this truth. So had most of the western world. Again I ask, "How about you?" LESSON 5, ROMANS 2:14-15, IN OUR HEARTS: Romans 2:14-15 says, in part: "For when the Gentiles ... shew 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." Notice especially the words "the law written in their hearts!" Paul is here saying, I think, that even though the Gentiles did not personally receive the law of God, that blessing being reserved for the Jews, God still "built" into our human hearts, at the very point of creation, a semblance of His Law anyway! God's Word, God's Will, some of God's Ways ... born right into the human being! Complements of the Creator! Years ago, in 1981, a man named Don Richardson wrote a book entitled "Eternity in their Hearts." The basic theme of this little volume is just what today's text insinuates. Every culture ever discovered and observed possesses, to some degree, an "idea" of God and His nature! Instinctively so, authored by the Lord Himself! Man, to some extent for sure, "knows" what is right and what is wrong, inherently, because humankind is made in God's very "image!" That's why Paul can also say in Romans 1:20 ... "For the invisible things of him (of God) from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they (men and women) are without excuse." Humanity has always known it's wrong to kill. To steal. To tell untruth. Also known is the fact that God is! That He exists, and made this planet on which we abide. Yes, His law "is written in our hearts." Still, it takes God's Word to further reveal and amplify and explain the law of God. Of course. But initially, God graciously placed within each of us a "witness" to His being! Thank You, Lord! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 6, ROMANS 3:23, TWO VERBS: Romans 3:23, one of the Book's shortest verses, is "long" with meaning. There Paul writes: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Every true Bible believer here says a heart-felt "Amen!" The point I'd like to make today is this. And I just saw this yesterday. The two verb tenses here are not identical, in our verse. "All have sinned," in Greek "hamartano," is poised in the "aorist" tense. While "come short" is in the "present" tense! How can this be? What does it mean? Likely Paul is saying that long ago mankind sinned. I think he has Adam in mind, he and Eve, in the Garden of Eden six thousand years ago. "Aorist" tense means the action being depicted, "have sinned," occurred in the past and is a finished deed! But how does that include us "all?" Because through Adam's sin ... iniquity fell on us, each of us! Here's Paul talking about this very fact in Romans 5:12. "By one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (in Adam)." Again, the one man is Adam. And we've, by nature, inherited Adam's guilt! That's why David in Psalm 51:5 could say, "I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." Wow! But back to Romans 3:23, the "have come short" part. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." This time our verb, "hustereo," is framed in the "present" tense, indicating this form of sinning, "coming behind or coming short" of God's standard for us ... is currently still happening in lives today! That's a hint at the constant wickedness in which society today participates. Including the ungodliness each of us Christians perpetrated while we were lost. Either way, past or present, all my sin is "gone!" Future too, for that matter! Gone because of the shed Blood of Jesus! The Jesus Whom I've trusted and accepted as my personal Saviour. Sin, so prevalent and dangerous ... exists as a thing of the past, of the present, and according to Scripture, a thing of the future in ever increasing intensity! Thank God for salvation! Romans 6:23 is coming, but I can't wait a week to use it! "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Amen! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 7, ROMANS 3:21, TWO WITNESSES: Romans 3:21-26 is one of the greatest paragraphs ever written, especially in reference to eternal salvation! That's because Jesus has come! The Cross, His Burial and literal Resurrection have occurred! Salvation is now available to all, fully and freely! Listen to Romans 3:21, for example. "Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets." In Greek "nuni," translated "now," means "at this very moment!" It's an extension of "nun," at this "present time!" Since Calvary and the Empty Tomb salvation, here called righteousness by Paul, is "manifested!" Is made bright, revealed, visible! And we have some "witnesses" to that fact as well. Two groups "testify" as to the validity of this now completed plan of salvation. The "law" and the "prophets." I am thinking of the Mount of Transfiguration now. Recorded in three Gospels, Matthew 17, Luke 9 and Mark 9 as well. There two men, long gone from earth, Moses and Elijah, appeared with Jesus, a glowing Jesus, radiant with coming kingdom splendor! And what did Moses (representing the law) and Elijah (representing the prophets) discuss? They talked about Jesus' coming "exodus," the very Greek word for Jesus' "decease" used in our King James Bible! Jesus' DEATH! And RESURRECTION! And ASCENSION! Yes, the Old Testament agrees! See Luke 9:31 for the "decease" quote. In fact, it's only through Jesus' Death on Calvary that anyone can be saved, past or present or future citizen of planet earth! "Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets." Wow! Righteousness available. Through Jesus' Death, Burial and Resurrection! Now Adam and Abraham and David, along with Paul and John and Thomas, along with you and me and anyone else who believes ... can be born again! Can enjoy eternal Life in Jesus Christ the Lord! Hallelujah! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 8, ROMANS 4:1-8, GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION: Romans 4:1-8 should end forever the old controversy about "works" versus "faith" in regard to our eternal salvation. "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Several things stand out here. The first is that any claim to salvation via works, by means of human effort, can lead to "bragging, boasting" on the part of the seeker. God receives no praise then! "If Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God." Paul reiterates this principle in Ephesians 2:8-9. "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." Next, Abraham, that very long ago, two millennia before Jesus was Virgin-Born, was saved by "faith." Here it is: "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Same way people are saved yet today, by grace through faith because of the Death, the shed Blood, of Jesus! The verb "was counted," in Greek "logizomai," means "to put that on the account of another, to reckon, to compute." I trusted Jesus and He "put to my favor" all His Righteousness! Then notice a Name, a Title, that's here given to our Saviour! "Him that justifieth the ungodly." Wow! He's the One Who saved me, what a Lord to love! "Justifieth" means "to make right, spotless," as pure as our dear Lord, in reality! Lastly today, notice the "state, status, precious level," on which the believing man or woman rests! "David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Clearly being quoted here is David's great Psalm 32:1-2. The word "blessed" is "makarios," same word as used in Jesus' beatitudes! It means "happy" in God's Eyes! Rejoicing in one's salvation in Christ! What a Book, Romans! Read some in one of its sixteen chapters today. There's no bad place to begin. --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 9, ROMANS 4:24-25, MIRACLES: Romans 4:24-25 is our Text today. "But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." The key word here is "if." Again, we can be saved, will be saved ... "IF we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." That's a miracle! A man, a Man, the God-Man, being dead three days and three nights ... then living again! The Greek verb "raised" is "egeiro," meaning "aroused, awakened, risen!" Of course the Bible is a Book of miracles! Because God is supernatural, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient! He is the God of the "impossible!" Here's the first miracle: Creation! God literally "spoke" the worlds into existence. Then: Procreation! God empowered Adam and Eve to bear children! Impossible apart from Divine planning! Next: Resurrection! Illustrated only a few times in the Bible, three times enacted by Jesus in His public Ministry. But truly performed on Him ... as God the Father brought His Son back from the dead! Finally: Justification! The result of believing in this vicarious now-alive-forevermore Saviour! That's why Paul could so truthfully write today's verses. "But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." "Raised again for our justification!" And justification means, simply stated, through the Blood of Jesus ... I stand absolutely sinless in the Eyes of Almighty God! Miracles all right! Have you believed? Are you saved? --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 10, ROMANS 5:5-8, THE TRINITY: Now today we've arrived at the great fifth chapter of Romans! Read here: "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." This Text is Romans 5:5-8. The obvious focus here in these four verses is the love of God. The noun "agape," Greek for "love," appears both in the first line ... and again in the last. This writing convention known as "inclusio" usually helps us spot the major emphasis in any given paragraph of literature. Today just enjoy with me the following fact. Look at the first clause: "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts." The "love" here mentioned is a possession, the proper noun God here being in the genitive case, a possession of God the Father. And He has given it to us! "Shed abroad" is a lavish term, "ekcheo" meaning "to pour out, to spill, to rush forth, to run copiously!" Lots of God's Love ... to mankind, every women and man and young person. Love ... God the Father. Next this divine Love is ministered to us via the Holy Spirit! Watch the text develop. "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost." The Holy Spirit is the Facilitator of the Love under discussion. Even of Him, the Spirit, "Which is given us." Wow, we serve a giving God, generous in every way! This is the Holy Spirit Whose Fruit in our lives, a nine-fold list, begins with ... of all things, Love! Love ... God the Holy Spirit. Then the Love of which Paul is speaking becomes a reality, a personal possession because of something Jesus did. "Christ died for the ungodly." Yes, the Cross of Calvary actualizes this great Love! It makes salvation possible! The last verse summarizes perfectly. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." The verb "commendeth" is "sunistao," meaning God "lined it up, arranged rows of love, tons of it," in a beautiful package called Redemption, Reconciliation, Propitiation, and the like. Again, through Jesus' substitutionary Death! Love ... Jesus Christ, God the Son. A Triune Love! Ours ... because of the amazing Grace of God! What a series of thoughts in such a short span of Scripture. Thank you, Paul! Thank you, Lord! "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Enjoy this today! Amen! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 11, ROMANS 5:12, SIN: Romans chapter five, one of my favorites! Years ago, when quite young, I heard our Pastor say that humans were sinners, and would have to pay for their sin in an eternal Hell! He further taught us that we are "sinners" simply by birth! A person living today could not go to Heaven ... even if he or she never sinned a single time! "Wow," I thought. "Why," I asked. Because, the Preacher believed, we inherited an old sin nature from our forefathers! From Dad and Grandpa and so forth ... all the way back to, of all people, Adam! I am "lost" because of Adam? "Yes," I was clearly told. What did he do? Sadly, Eve and Adam committed the first sin on record, the initial human disobeying of Almighty God. Six thousand years ago or so, in the Garden of Eden. When tempted by Satan. Proof, Bible evidence, of all this? Romans 5:12 is the place to start. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." That "one man" is Adam, as I just told you. Through his rebellion sin "entered" the world, "eiserchomai" in Greek, "came marching into" it. Along with sin's wages, "death." This is eternal death, folks. And that death and sin "passed" upon everyone! "Dierchomai" now, "came marching all the way through" humanity! Because (in Adam) now all have sinned. That's why David wrote that he was "shapen" in sin and "conceived" in iniquity! Psalm 51:5, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." Yes, we are all sinners. "All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God," Paul back in Romans 3:23. All ... doomed to Hell! But thank God there is an Answer! A Saviour! A Deliverer! And His Name is Jesus! More about Him next Lesson! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell Today pray for some lost person you know. They need to be forgiven of their sin! Jesus is willing to do so, eager even! LESSON 12, ROMANS 5:15-16 AND 19, JESUS BETTER THAN ADAM: Romans 5:12 reminded us that Adam's sin, he being the "head" of the race we call humanity, has plunged us all into a sea of iniquity. We are sinners, all us flesh and blood folks, because of what Adam and Eve did long ago! In other words, we are "lost" because of an old sin nature, a propensity to do wrong, that was literally "born" within us. It came from our heritage, our forefathers! Thus Paul can thunder, "There is none righteous, no not one." Romans 3:10 But today there's good news! And we have not left Romans chapter five, either! "For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification." Romans 5:15-16 Here are these powerful words again, with the pronouns being identified. "For if through the offence of one (Adam) many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned (Adam), so is the gift: for the judgment was by one (Adam) to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification." Adam made us sinners! Jesus Christ, God the Son, can make us saints! Through the power of His Death, our Lord's, on the Cross of Calvary! The idea is this. If one man (the first Adam) can taint the whole lot of mankind, so can one Man (the last Adam, Jesus) wash away that stain via His shed Blood! Perhaps verse 19 of our chapter explains this more succinctly. "For as by one man's disobedience (Adam's) many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one (Jesus) shall many be made righteous." Amen! Again, "By the obedience of One shall many be made righteous." Jesus' perfect obedience to His Father's Will, even unto Death, that we might be saved, here "be made righteous." Just as we grieve over the failure of Adam in the Garden six thousand years ago ... so may we even more rejoice over the Victory of Jesus outside the City of Jerusalem two thousand years ago! Trust Jesus. Be saved. Enjoy the Victory of soul salvation! And again I say, Amen. --- Dr. Mike Bagwell Adam's way leads to death, death and Hell forever. Jesus' Way leads to Life, eternal Life, Life more abundantly. In Heaven, in His Presence forever! Oh how we should thank God for that great slice of Scripture, Romans chapter five, all twenty-one verses. LESSON 13, ROMANS 6, JUSTIFICATION AND SANCTIFICATION: The New Testament Book of Romans, Paul's great masterpiece, opens by discussing the fact that we are sinners, all mankind. Then we are led to a body of literature which teaches us about God's great plan of Justification. How God saves sinners! Then Paul segues into the Topic of Sanctification for the newly born-again Believer. Two great words of the Christian faith! What's the difference between the two? In Justification, because of Jesus' vicarious death on the Cross, we are declared Righteous, when we trust and believe unto salvation! In Sanctification, however, we are made righteous practically, learning to live up to our new position in Christ! Justification occurs in an instant, the very second of belief! Sanctification is a life-long process, growing daily in the Grace of God! Justification is called by theologians imputed Righteousness! I am given a state of sinlessness in the Eyes of God. Sanctification is called imparted Righteousness! My walk, behaviour as a Christian is enabled by the Holy Spirit Who indwells me. Justification is an act that occurs in the indicative mood, a fact of history! Sanctification in the imperative mood, live for Jesus now! Justification is based on our "union" with Almighty God! Sanctification is based on our "communion" with Almight God! Wow! And thanks to a neat little commentary on Romans I bought for these thoughts! They are so very organized and presentable. But thanks to the Apostle Paul for the very ideas in Romans chapter six. More about that Scripture tomorrow, Lord willing. But for today the pertinent verse is Paul's summary statement in First Corinthians 6:11, talking to the Christians there in that Greek city. "But such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." Amen! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 14, ROMANS 6:3-6, "DEAD" THEN "ALIVE" IN JESUS: The old-timers used to call it "Identification with Christ." The doctrine I want to try to show you today here on the Website. How we Christians are "dead" in Christ our Lord. And how we subsequently "live" in Christ as well! Out Text is found in the sixth chapter of Romans. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:3-6, the Apostle Paul. The Greek verb "baptizo" simply means "to dip. submerge, immerse." The baptism in mind here is not, however, water baptism, the ordinance we followed when we joined the Church. It rather depicts the act of God the Holy Spirit when He "baptized" us into the Body of Christ. When we believed, when we were saved, God mystically placed us "into" Jesus Christ. We today live "in" Him! But how so? In what respect? Baptized "into His Death!" Picturing the glorious fact that ... "Our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." As Jesus died on that Cross ... so we are to die to the old life we've been living. That body of sin is "destroyed," not meaning "annihilated or eradicated," but "katargeo," made "inactive, unemployed, idle, inoperative," that kind of idea. Dead to sin! Not sinless, but in a battle with sin, one that we shall win! This is why Paul can write in Galatians 2:20 that he is "crucified with Christ." Or in Galatians 5:24 "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Or in Colossians 3:5 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry." Here "mortify" means "to put to death!" Dead to the old self by virtue of Jesus' Death for me on Calvary! But that's not the end of our Text. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Wow! Now we're alive again! Alive positionally in Jesus! Just as He did not stay dead ... neither do we. We are now "alive" in Him! Raised (that's also called being born-again) to walk in newness of life! Even that noun "newness" has significance. It is "kainotes," suggesting "freshness, the state of being unprecedented, unworn." Now what happened to us the second we believe on Jesus, trusting Him unto salvation, this Romans 6 action, is physically illustrated in our lives when we were actually baptized in water. We did that in obedience to Jesus, following His Example. But water baptism merely pictures the real Thing. No baptistry at any Church has ever saved anyone! And never will! And how does Bother Bagwell know that it's the Holy Spirit Who does this Romans 6 baptizing? Paul again, First Corinthians 12:13. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." No wonder they call followers of Jesus "Christians!" We typically live through His very Power today. And as we identify with His very Death ... He controls, empowers our very life! We indeed are "in" Him! So much so that Paul once beautifully worded it this way, our "life" in Christ: "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being." Acts 17:28 Dead with Christ, yet simultaneously alive in Him too! That's amazing! And real! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 15, ROMANS 6:14, GRACE: Romans 6:14 is a precious verse of Scripture. "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Paul is here not issuing a command, just stating a fact! For the Believer in Christ Jesus! Sin is not "to lord over" us, using the idea of the Greek verb "kurieuo." It implies the sense of something "being supreme" over you! Sin is no longer our Master! Jesus is, the Lord Jesus! The Greek preposition for "under" here is "hupo," meaning "below," or better "under the authority of" something else, of another. So what spiritual quality does rule over me, does have dominion? "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Not sin. Not the law which leads to sin, no one being able to obey it in all its vast depth and breadth. But under Grace! God's amazing Grace! Ruled by "charis," the very Goodness of God! Ruled by that which involves God's joy and delight and sweetness and loveliness! What a blessing! Romans 5:21 says, using the same word picture: "So might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." Let God's Grace reign in your life! Live under its domain! No wonder Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 these words: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." That's Grace talking! I am so glad I "came" to Him! He's now my Lord. --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 16, ROMANS 7:13-25, THE TWO NATURES: My Uncle, who was a preacher, called this doctrine, presented in Romans chapter seven, the "two natures" of the believer. A recent commentary on Romans termed it the "two ages" within the Christian. Many agree that the verses involved, maybe beginning as early as verse 13 and continuing through verse 25, focus on the "battle" that occurs within the true child of God, occurs time and time again. Every saint of God, everyone who has trusted Christ as Saviour and been truly redeemed, still possesses an "old sin nature," born into us, inherited from our parentage. Yet when we were saved, regenerated, we received a "new nature" too! Best named God the Holy Spirit, now living within each of us! So, logically and theologically and Biblically and experientially, a battle rages. Between the "flesh" and the "Spirit!" This is the realistic state Paul is depicting in this Romans seven paragraph. Verses like these stand our most conspicuously: "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I." Then, "Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not." There's even more: "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." Again, this is Paul the Apostle talking! His sobering conclusion: "O wretched man that I am!" Even with Paul having now been saved for years! Lastly he clearly summarizes: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." So, what's the solution? Maybe this best explains it. FEED the nature within you, "flesh" or "Spirit," that you DESIRE TO GROW! Nourish that part of you that needs to be dominant! Increase spiritually! Luke 2:52 says of Jesus, "He increased in wisdom (the dominant factor) and statue (now subordinate) and in favour with God and man." Holy Spirit control! God is most important, pleasing Him first! Christian friend, spend volumes of time in the Word of God! Commune much with the Spirit of God! Love the House of God and fellowship with the people of God, your brothers and sisters in Christ! No doubt the Holy Spirit is the answer! Lord willing, more tomorrow. Romans chapter eight is one the way! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 17, ROMANS 8:1-17, THE HOLY SPIRIT: Earlier today I saw this sequence of blessings, in the first half of Romans chapter eight. Oh what a thrill, what thrills, these verses should bring to our hearts! Now to be more specific, Romans 8:1-17, is our Text. Here are the six "blessings" conferred upon all Believers in Jesus through the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit being the grand Theme of this chapter. In Verse 1 we notice "justification!" The exact words: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Saved by Grace! Justified, no longer condemned, praise the Lord! The next "gift," called "obedience" or "victory" I think, is mentioned in Verse 13, among others. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." Power via the Spirit to overcome any wicked tendencies of the flesh! Thirdly, "indwelling," God the Holy Spirit actually inhabiting us! "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." Romans 8:9-10 Then "resurrection!" Both spiritually, when we were saved, and literally, when Jesus comes again, if we are dead by then! "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." Verse 11, an amazing promise! Number five, "adoption!" Being "placed" into the very family of God! With all the "rights" therein involved! "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Verses 14-16, absolutely astounding! Then comes one more, listed anyway, "inheritance!" Verse 17 says: "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." Written into the very Will of God, receiving His Gifts day by day! Even considering suffering a temporary thing, not worthy to be compared to the "glory" that awaits us when we see our dear Lord! Wow! This particular paragraph, Romans 8:1-17, may be a little long for a single sermon ... but it sure is worth trying! Blessings that are ours ... because of God's illimitable Grace, each being effectively ministered through the Holy Spirit! Enjoy! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 18, ROMANS 8:23-26, GROANING: The eighth chapter of Romans discusses our present state, as Believers in Christ, laboring under the weight of sin all around us. Yes, we are forgiven, justified, sinless in God's Eyes! But still the environment in which we live is cursed. We are not yet in Heaven, folks! Romans 8:23-26 says a lot in such a little span! "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Count with me the times things are said "to groan" here. Groaning with a hunger, a desire, one that certainly will only be fulfilled with the Lord Jesus comes again! First, from verse 23, we are told the all "creation" is groaning, existing under the weight of sin and degradation, right up to this very minute! The root verb here, as in all three of chapter eight's incidences, is the Greek "stenazo." It means "to sigh, to moan." It contains the idea of "pressure, ever tightening around one!" Second, we ourselves, verse 24, "groan!" Waiting, hungering, longing for something, for Someone really! That is, the day when our bodies (as well as our souls which were redeemed the very moment we were saved) will be transformed, changed into His Likeness, into the very Image of Jesus! Third, last, verse 26, the Holy Spirit "groans!" While He is praying for us, for our needs and burdens and pressures! With groaning that "cannot be uttered," in Greek "alaletos." Cannot be discussed, cannot be chatted over! We sure do live in a world "heavy" with the fruit, the deadly fruit, of Adam's transgression! But thanks be unto God, redemption day is coming. And when this happens, earth will be restored to her original pristine condition! Our bodies will be changed, formed like unto His glorious Resurrection Body! And the Holy Spirit will no longer need to pray for us, through us, our having arrived in the eternal state! What a day that will be! Praise the Lord. --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 19, ROMANS 8:35-39, LOVE: Romans chapter 8 ends with a peon of praise to God, because he has saved us by His ineffable Grace! All literature has seldom, if ever, matched these words. Their beauty and their profundity! "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39, read it again and thank the Lord! What is it, exactly, that has bestowed upon us, upon us who believe in Jesus as God's Son, as personal Saviour, this promise of victory? It's the LOVE of God! Notice that three times this great Love is mentioned in our five verses today. Let's study each of them, each occasion. First of all we can never "be separated" from the Love of Christ! The preposition "from" translates "apo" in Greek, meaning "moved away from." The verb is "chorizo," suggesting that absolutely no "space," no "room" at all, can be placed between us and the dear Lord! Wow! Then we are said to be "more than conquerors," but only "through" ("dia this time, "by means of") Him Who loved us! This is victory through God the Father. Based on John 3:16 now, "God so loved the world that ...." The Father is the Originator of the plan of salvation! He started it all! Thrilling! Lastly, the truths are blended! We are safe in "the Love of God, which is in Jesus Christ our Lord." See here? It's God's Love, the Father's, like we just learned. But it is "in" (another short Greek preposition "en," meaning location, "among, within, enclosed by") Christ Jesus! Gorgeous! A blended Love! Originating in the Father. Energized by the Son. Bestowed by the Holy Spirit. That's why Romans 8:35-39 works! Why it's the Truth! Why millions of millions have lived by it and died by it too! All because God first "loved" us! Praise His Name today. --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 20, ROMANS 9:1-5, LOVING ISRAEL: Romans chapters nine through eleven are interesting. They discuss the little Nation of Israel. God's plans for her, really past and present and future! In the opening verses of the ninth chapter Paul writes: "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen." The first three verses seem rather negative. Paul is willing to be "accursed" for the Jews, indicating that they have sinned and sinned as a people. That they are under the wrath of God! That they have violated God's Word, and are facing the consequences. The Apostle has dedicated a sizeable portion of the Book's opening, this Epistle of Romans, to prove Jews are sinners. He believes Gentiles are too. Then the last two verses of our Text today list a number of blessings that belong to the Jews, what a heritage! They are God's property, His Own Nation! "The Apple of His Eye," Deuteronomy 32:10. He has "adopted" them! They have experienced the very "Glory" of God too, many times, back with Moses on the Mount coming to mind. They have received promise after promise from the Lord, called "covenants" usually. The Adamic Covenant, the Noahic Covenant, the Abrahamic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, for examples. They were directly present when God gave the ascended Moses the Ten Commandments! They are the People who brought Jesus into the world, as far as the Virgin Mary being Jewish! What honors this amazing little Nation has enjoyed! And Paul, clearly seen in this paragraph loves Israel with deeply seated affection! He is willing to die and go to Hell ... if such a thing could spare her from the Judgment of God! Question this morning, Does anyone today still love that group of people? The Israelites, the Jews, the Israelis? Seems fewer people than used to be, who are really willing to defend and encourage them. Yet, obviously, they remain in the Heart of God! He's still talking about them! And, as we shall see in the days ahead, still has plans for them! We Gentiles had best learn what the Lord is about to reveal, Romans 9-11. There are facts here that will impact our lives as well. --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 21, ROMANS 9:6, THE WORD OF GOD: Romans 9:6 contains a little statement that weighs tons theologically, spiritually. "Not as though the Word of God hath taken none effect." That's exactly what our Bibles record! "Not as though the Word of God hath taken none effect." Now let me give you the verb employed here, the Greek action word, translated "hath taken none effect." It's "ekpipto," simply meaning "to fall!" More fully, "to fall down!" Or "to fall to the ground," one source says. Wow! The Bible, the very "logos" of God, will never fail! This is an "indicative" verb, suggesting that a fact is being stated! A declaration is being made! Truth is being told! It is a "perfect" (tense) verb as well. This means that the action God's Word started, "not ever failing" in the past ... has also continued "not failing" right up to this present moment! In other words, it has NEVER, not even ONCE, failed! And it never will! I read yesterday where Charles Darwin came to the place in his life that he no longer believed in a miraculous "revelation" from God! That the Scriptures were not God given! Paul's statement here, this glorious fact from the Holy Spirit, strongly disagrees! This verb is furthermore expressed in the "active" voice! The Word of God needs no help in never failing! It is inherently powerful! It is self-propelled! It is inhabited by the Holy Spirit Himself, its Author! Lastly, the verb "ekpipto" is a third person singular construction. That hints at the wonderful truth that Scripture, the Word of God, is ALONE infallible! The Pope is not. The Pastor is not. The Governor is not. No one else is, except the Godhead. Only the Book God has so mightily given us to study and obey! There's a lot in this little Bible line, isn't there? "Not as though the Word of God hath taken none effect." Let's spend some time in this perfect little Volume today! Amen! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 22, ROMANS 10:9-10, GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION: Romans chapter ten is another classic! The Lord placed me in a family with several preachers, two Uncles being evangelists. One of them used Romans 10:9-10 repeatedly in his ministry. It was one of his favorite passages in all the Bible! "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." There's enough "Gospel" there, many have correctly said, to save the whole world! The verb "believe" is crucial, "pisteuo" in Greek. It means "to trust to be true, to commit, to be persuaded." Here it's a subjunctive mood action word, showing us the best possible form of response to God and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. If anyone reads here today, for whatever reason, having never met this Saviour ... these words can be the means, via the shed Blood of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary, of your soul's salvation. Read this couplet again and again. Ask the Lord to help you trust Him. To apply His Righteousness to your account. To purge away your sins, to forgive you all your iniquity. He plainly says that if anyone does so, He will "save" that person! And Christian friend, if you will memorize these words, you will greatly enhance your ability to witness for Jesus. In fact you will be able to review again and again how God saved you! Romans chapter 10, set in the middle of the dispensational section of Paul's greatest Epistle, containing some of the greatest words ever penned! Thank You, dear Lord! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 23, ROMANS 11:1-5, THE REMNANT: Romans 11:5 uses the word "remnant" in reference to Israel. I will both underline and capitalize it for you in the following paragraph of Scripture: "I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? How he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." Romans 11:1-5 While the course of world history has been one of massive unbelief in God, in His Son Jesus Christ ... the Almighty always has possessed a "remnant" of believers who have trusted His Name! There was a remnant of eight, Noah and his family, when world-wide flood waters drowned the planet. God spared and preserved the faithful! When famine devoured the land in Joseph's day, God kept for Himself a remnant of Israelites, feeding them plentifully via His Mighty Hand. Paul above just illustrated with God's remnant of 7,000 uncompromising souls in the ministry of Elijah, that dark era of history. Plus, the Prophets constantly speak of this "remnant," Isaiah and Jeremiah do. As well as Ezekiel, Joel, Amos, Micah, Zephaniah, Haggai, and Zechariah. Even John in the Book of Revelation does! So may I say that today, during our time of vast apostasy, atheism and agnosticism ... God has done it again! He has reserved unto Himself a "remnant" of believers! Jesus, in Luke 18:8, asks a question. "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" At the end of the age it may be that faith will be hard to find, genuine faith! But it will still exist! In a handful, relatively speaking, of trusting souls who have not "sold out" to the devil. Are you saved? Are you among that Blood-washed minority? Are you part of the faithful few? As Paul just said in Romans 11, the "remnant" according to God's amazing Grace! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 24, ROMANS 12:1-2, LIVING FOR JESUS, A BALANCED LIFE: Romans 12:1-2 is a cornucopia of information, for the Believer in Jesus Christ anyway. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” While it is not a command per se, the verb “beseech” merely being in the indicative mood, it is nonetheless the best advice the Apostle Paul, through the Holy Spirit, knows to give each of us who is saved. Advice on living the Christian life. Here we have the reason for continuing faithful in the Faith, the very “mercies” of God! Then we have the extent of Christian dedication, not only involving our souls and spirits, of course, but our bodies as well! Next we see the means of this new way of life, the renewing of our minds! Through Bible study specifically, I think. Lastly, the result of such living, knowing and doing God’s Will, serving the Lord energetically! Now here is the Text again. If you have not already done so, memorize it! It’s vitally important. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Amen! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 25, ROMANS 13:1-7, CIVIL GOVERNMENT: In Romans chapter thirteen Paul speaks of government! The Christian and his or her response to civil authorities. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” Romans 13:1-7 Let’s survey this sage advice, inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. Of course all Scripture is that, God-breathed and inerrant, mistake free! We are to “be subject” to these men and women, elected officials. The verb “hupotasso” is used here, a military term. To get “in line” and stay there, every man in his place! Paul wants no Christian to be rebellious, troublemakers, for the Emperor! Then a bombshell thought! All governmental powers are in place … because God has allowed them to be so! In fact, God has “ordained” them to serve! Here it’s “tasso” alone, God has “put them in office,” really “has appointed” them! The Old Testament also is full of verses that remind us that God is the Real Ruler of the world, Proverbs 8:15-16 offers the best example, God speaking: “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.” Wow! Therefore “to resist” government, this time “antitasso,” meaning “to be against” the plans of God, to “not obey,” is a choice we make to our own peril! We might fact “damnation,” with “krima” simply meaning “judgment.” Break the Law, face the consequences! God uses those in authority to frighten evil workers! Paul says if we do right, do good, obey the law … we have nothing to fear! In Verse four Paul goes as far as calling governmental leaders “ministers of God” in maintaining order for civilization. They execute “revenge” upon evildoers, the disobedient. Verse six is amazing too. It virtually says, Pay your taxes as well!” The noun “tribute” here is a Greek word meaning “financial tolls levied on houses, lands and persons!” The Bible sure tells us how to live, in every situation! Then in the last verse we are told, even when questionable leadership was in office, to “honor” those in authority! The word “time,” pronounced tee-may’ in Greek, means “worth, value, price, precious,” respect that is genuine and ample! And as far as we can tell, the major Leader of Paul’s day, in office likely as these words were initially scribed, was wicked Nero himself! Yet Paul penned these thoughts, and lived them, because God commanded him to do so. Christians are to be good citizens too. Folks, no matter who is President at a given time, we are to respect that great Office and pray for the man or woman occupying it. After all, human leadership, politically speaking, is but a temporary phenomenon. Jesus is coming again, maybe soon, to rule and reign successfully. Eternal peace! No more confusion, crime, or even sin! King Jesus! Until then we shall obey these admonitions just as we have been taught from this thirteenth chapter of Romans. The Bible, what a Book. --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 26, ROMANS 14:1-12, JUDGE NOT: As usual, Paul becomes intensely practical in the closing chapters of another Epistle, this time Romans. The fourteenth chapter specifically this morning. If you will take the time to read its first twelve verses we can better discuss them. “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” This text, even being as long as it is, divides itself neatly. Let me show you, then suggest several key thoughts about this wonderful paragraph. Living together as Christians, in harmony! The first three verses are designed to exhort us to unity. “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.” The verb “is weak,” in Greek “astheneo,” means “without strength.” Not physically, I’m sure, but spiritually! The verb “receive” is “proslambano,” to “take unto oneself.” To gladly accept a person! Counting him as part of the group! The phrase “doubtful dispensations” carries the idea of lots of “fussing, dissension, a divisive atmosphere.” And the issue is? A matter of “separation” from sin. What can I do as a Christian? From what must I abstain? Specific to Rome, can I eat “meat” that has been previously sacrificed to idols? To “despise” means “to count as nothing!” And “judge” means “to determine right or wrong,” but here in the sense of “condemning” a person. Again I say, verses 1-3 are written to help us better accept and love one another, from the most mature believers to the most immature! Now let’s go to the last three verses, ten through twelve. More exhortation, additional encouragement! “But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” More exhortation, not to “set at nought” anyone who is also “in Christ.” Here again that “count as nobody” word is used! Why does Paul here want us to not judge one another? Because some day Jesus, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, will judge, will evaluate, every single child of God! Best to wait on that day, rather than wrangle over little differences every time we come together as church! Wait for the Lord to decide this “what can I eat” issue! After all, no one’s soul salvation is dependent on his or her supper table! This opening and closing form a literary device called “inclusio,” folks. First three verses … do right! Last three verses … do right! And neither group is expressed as an ugly command. Rather, as sweet nudging to do right! Then right in the “middle” of this Pauline paragraph of practicality comes some didactic material, some teaching. He here virtually says that we do not live exclusively for “each other,” but for the Lord! We are to train our eyes on the Saviour … seeking to please HIM in all we do! It’s true that later in the chapter, far beyond the scope of this discussion, Paul will ask us to limit our own liberties so as to not “hurt” a weaker brother or sister in the Lord. But for now he must lay the foundation of “not judging one another.” It looks to me like Paul is saying that some things exist in the Christian life which must be decided individually. “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Things incidental, things not fundamental! Bottom line, love one another! Next to bottom line, don’t argue over every minutely small issue! After all, Jesus is the final Arbiter, the Lord of our lives. --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 27, ROMANS 15:22-29, PAUL THE TRAVELER: I have been trying to complete these Lessons on Romans for several days now. It’s just that this closing material is too important to skip! These blocks of Scripture are amazing. And they certainly reveal Paul’s “heart,” maybe as never before! Today the Apostle pens a personal note to the Romans. Explaining his future plans basically. “For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you. Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:22-29 Notice with me today a few thoughts, principles, nuggets we might call them, each embedded in this unique text of Scripture. Paul is actually explaining to the Romans why he has not come to visit them already! He felt obligated to preach in the East first, the gentile regions far, far from Rome. He seems to have fulfilled his ministry there, after years of faithfulness, and soon will be heading to the capital city of the whole world! But Paul does not plan to stay in Rome long! He is on a greater mission! He will be “filled with the company” of the Christians in Rome, then leave to preach west of the city! His ultimate destination? Spain, to the ancient mind as far as one can travel westward! In the meantime Paul has been taking an offering, not for himself, but for the famine plagued Christians in Rome. He apparently plans to deliver those funds before traveling to Rome! Our author even here launches into a little thought about finances! We gentiles are indebted to the Jews, spiritually! They in reality, indirectly at least, gave us the Gospel! In fact our Saviour was a Jew, had a Jewish mother! Every Book of the Bible was written by a person with Jewish blood. Yet they had rejected the faith, disbelieved in Jesus! That’s how and why the great Message of Salvation came our way! Paul, the Jew, now is Apostle to the Gentiles! And the debt we owe Israel can be paid financially by helping Jewish believers who were then facing dire circumstances, many being hungry and near destitution! Here’s Paul the missionary fund raiser! Paul closes this note by trusting the Lord that, when he finally does arrive in Rome, great blessings will accompany his visit. He is sure of that fact, really. A Revival is one the way, in other words! Folks, this little paragraph is a glimpse of one of the greatest minds that ever thought. A brilliant genius, totally dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ! Strange as it may sound, I want to preach these verses in a Church Revival some day. Studying Paul has almost been a “hobby” of mine for some time now. And yet I’ve virtually missed these sentences time and time again. Thanks Paul, for sharing your heart. A great Man of God at work! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 28, ROMANS 15:30-33, PAUL PRAYING: In Romans 15:30-33 Paul issues what is one of the loveliest prayer lists ever uttered. Including a powerful little petition too! Let's study it a while this morning. "Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen." Whole Books have been written on the prayers of Paul, including his prayer requests! I can easily see why this is so. Even volumes on Paul's prison prayers, his communication with God while incarcerated for preaching the Gospel. The first part of our sentence here, "Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me," is clearly addressed to the Triune God, the "Godhead" elsewhere Paul terms Him. Look closely now, our prayers are "to" God, God the Father. The preposition is the Greek word "pros," something like "face-to-face" colloquially. Furthermore Paul here includes the "Lord Jesus Christ," in Whose Name we pray. And the "Holy Spirit," Who motivates and impels our prayers. Here we see that praying is really a trinitarian activity, ministry! Then come two or three specific needs Paul is facing. Real "burdens" on his heart! First, that he will be "protected," in our Bibles "delivered," using the Greek verb "rhoumai," meaning "rescued" from certain wicked men who want to harm him. Here it is again: "Pray ... that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea." Then for a kind "reception" of a love offering down in Jerusalem, money Paul has generously raised for the needy saints in Judea! Yes, Paul is a "bridge-builder," not a "schismatic," whenever possible anyway. And pray ... "that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints." How very personal! Then concerning his impending trip to Rome, after the Jerusalem excursion: "Pray also: "that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed." A sweet, delightful visit! And a time of "refreshing" for all involved! The word means "taking a time of rest together!" A time of revival maybe! Lastly comes the benediction itself. "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen." All you there in Rome. What sweet words! Yes, one chapter remains in Romans, the sixteenth. It contains name after name of folks Paul knows there, somehow. We shall notice it tomorrow, Lord willing, or at least part of it. Paul at his most personal level. "Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen." Thank God for Scripture! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 29, ROMANS 16:1-2, PHOEBE: In Romans chapter sixteen Paul mentions, using more personal names than anywhere else in his whole corpus, several groups of Roman Christians! It's amazing that he knows this many Believers in that distant city. But the chapter begins with a two verse introduction that needs our attention. "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also." Romans 16:1-2 Paul "commends" to the Romans a lady! The verb here is "sunistao," the common word for "recommending" a person to a group of people, nearly an official statement of commendation, a word of introduction! "Sunistao" means that Paul is willing "to stand beside" this woman believer, "approving" her life in Christ. The name "Phoebe" means "radiant!" It's derives from "phos," meaning "light!" In fact, "phoibos" in Greek means just that, "brightness." This girl is not Jewish, but Roman, a saved gentile. Phoebe has been a great help to Paul in his ministry, apparently in the area of Corinth. "Cenchrea" is the seaport area of Corinth, located a little east of the city itself. She is called, in our paragraph, a "servant" of the Church! The noun here is "diakonos," one who obeys the commands of another, a "willing worker." The word probably derives from "diako," simply suggesting the act of "running errands" for another. Phoebe is coming to Rome with a mission however, something to accomplish, no doubt for the cause of Christ. Many, most commentators, have taught that Phoebe is the deliverer of the letter of Romans to the saints in the capitol city. She physically carries this precious document to its destination! Now that's running an important errand! Paul's desire: "You Romans 'assist' her in this matter!" With "assist" being "paristemi," that is, "stand beside" her, support her! Let her read this Epistle in your Churches! Phoebe had cooperated with Paul and his co-laborers faithfully! She's been a "succourer." Greek again, "prostasis." Meaning "to stand before" someone. Almost having the idea of "protecting, guarding," and maybe even "financially proving" for a person or group! What a recommendation! I'm so thankful today that not only can men be great helpers in the cause of Christ. So can ladies! And Paul the Apostle was not the least bit reluctant to allow them to do so. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the family of God! All possible through the amazing Grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the One Who died to save us from our sins! Amen! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell For those of you who study a little Greek in your New Testament devotions, there are three uses of the root verb "histemi" in this short Text. Each of course with a different shade of meaning, a different emphasis, "sunistemi, paristemi," and "proistemi." Paul, what a vocabulary! The Bible, what an accurate document! LESSON 30, ROMANS 16:1-16, A LIST OF NAMES: As we near the end of our journey through the great Book of Romans, we need to stop for another lesson in chapter sixteen. Here Paul lists the highest number of personal names, over thirty by some counts, folks who have also named the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. My question has always been, "Since Paul has to this point in his life never visited Rome, how did he know that many people in the capital city?" The answer is, likely, that he has worked with many of these folks, serving the Lord alongside them, in times past. And that circumstances of some sort have led them to Rome already. And the others? Saints whom Paul has met via "good news" of their strong belief in Christ! He's "heard" of their faithfulness, in other words. Here are the names of these believers. A more detailed analysis of them can be found elsewhere on our Website here. Go to the "Site Map" and "click" on "Romans 16:3-16, Those Little House Churches." Again, their names: Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila, Epaenetus, Mary, Andronicus and Junia, Amplias, Urbane, Stachys, Apelles, them of Aristoblus' household, Herodion, the household of Narcissus, Tryphena and Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren with them, Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, Olympas and all the saints with them. Wow! Now here are three Lessons from this text, truths for today, things each of us can apply to our lives as well, personally so: Initially, Paul was no loner! He did not work much on a "solo" basis! He wanted and needed co-laborers! Christianity is not a human "hero" movement! We are all part of the Body of Christ. Teamwork, folks! Next, Paul here just mentioned a large number of women, as well as men, who had helped him in his ministry through the years! Paul was an "equal opportunity" visionary! He felt God could use both sexes in His Kingdom. In fact, when the Apostle mentions the husband-wife team of Aquila and Priscilla ... he most often lists her first! A fact that usually shows her to be the "key" member of the team! She must have been a brilliant, outstanding lady. Then thirdly, Paul always honored and edified his helpers! They never were ignored! He is, by example, teaching us to do the same thing. "Edify one another," he wrote in First Thessalonians 5:11, King James Version. By the way, evidence strongly indicates that the large number of Christians mentioned here did not worship in the same location, in the same house Church! Rome was, after all, a huge city, by those ancient standards anyway. At least five different assemblies are highlighted, it appears. Some are more wealthy, others poorer. Some are free, others slaves. Some live on the "right side of the tracks," others not so at all! Varied backgrounds, same Lord! What lessons, what nuggets, what thoughts! From a chapter that merely, on the surface, lists names, dozens of them. Wow! The New Testament, what a Book! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 31, ROMANS 16:17-20, WORDS OF WARNING AND EXHORTATION: Romans 16:17-20 says: "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." Words of warning in the first half of this little text, words of encouragement in the last half! Curses on the false teachers, blessings on the obedient followers of the Lord Jesus Christ! Most of the words, the vocabulary, is self-evident here. Paul the Apostle, near the end of several of his Epistles, does this. Adds a paragraph of admonition and exhortation. For example, First Corinthians 16:22. "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha." The noun "anathema," a Greek transliteration into English, means "cursed" of God! "Maranatha" is an Arabic word, "the Lord cometh!" And Galatians 6:12-17. "As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Caution again expressed! Philippians, Paul's "sweetest" Book, even has such a pattern! Now let's notice at least one word in the text this morning, one that's most graphic I think. "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." What an edifying thought! The God of "Peace" at war against Satan! And our Lord is victorious, no surprise there! But this does not say that Satan will be bruised under God's Feet! God will crush him all right, but under "your feet!" Under the feet of those early Christians! Victory through our Heavenly Father, His Power and Grace and Mercy! The verb "bruise" translates "suntribo," a blended word. "Tribo," the root here, means "to rub away!" Almost "to erase!" To wear out, to eradicate! The prefix "sun," a Greek preposition, just means "along with, in union with," that kind of idea. "With" the saints, in other words! The devil loses! And we, through Christ our Lord, conquer! This is a good way to close a Book of Scripture! Oh, how these words need to be preached to today's congregations of believers. In fact, I'd like to do so soon! Thanks for reading here today. We sure have a great Book to study! Don't you agree? The Psalmist loved the Bible too! "My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes." Psalm 119:48, may his tribe increase! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 32, ROMANS 16:21-24, PAUL'S CO-LABORERS: Romans, Paul's most discussed Epistle, closes with a sweet little paragraph of names. Not the dozens of folks we discussed two days ago, either! These are people who are by Paul's side as he completed the Book! Loyal co-laborers they all are. We think Paul wrote Romans from Corinth, by the way. "Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Romans 16:21-24 "Timothy" is a young man, half Jew and half Greek according to Luke in Acts 16:1. He was saved under Paul's ministry, a fact based on the vocabulary of the Apostle himself, time and time again calling Timothy his very "son" in the faith. Sometimes his "beloved" son! "Lucius, Jason and Sosispater" are all Jewish names. Meaning "light, one who heals, and saviour of one's father," respectively. Oh, the name Timothy means "one who honors God." We further know their Jewish heritage because Paul here calls them his "kinsmen," literally men "born alongside" Paul, racially related. Then a man named "Tertius," mentioned only here in all Scripture! He "wrote" this Epistle? Yes, but merely as a "secretary," an "amanuensis." Probably too expensive an employee for Paul to afford by himself, his services being provided by some wealthy benefactor. Some think maybe even Phebe, whom we met earlier this week, back in the opening verses of this last chapter of Romans. Tertius was a Christian, however, sending his greetings to the Romans just like the others! He salutes them "in the Lord!" He may not have been saved when he met Paul, but it wasn't long ...! Tertius also is a gentile, full-blooded no doubt. Then "Gaius" is mentioned, another Latin name. It means "lord." He has traveled with Paul a good bit now, based on Acts 19:29 and 20:4. Plus First Corinthians 1:14. The noun "host" is "xenos," a lover and provider for "strangers," travelers for the name of Christ! Some believe that Gaius allowed the early Church in Corinth to meet in his home, suggesting that he was rather well-to-do, owning a place large enough to accommodate fifty to sixty saints in a conclave, an assembly. Then "Erastus" who is an "oikonomos" of the city, a politician, a benefactor. He may be the same man mentioned in Acts 19:22 and Second Timothy 4:20 as well. If so, he is loyal to Paul indeed. Here's a person rather well situated socially and maybe even financially. Lastly, "Quartus," a name meaning "fourth." This is a Roman, again. All we know of him is that he loved the Lord! He is a "brother" in Christ. Some have thought he is also a brother to Erastus, the way the sentence is worded. Often in the New Testament teams of brothers, literally, physically, serve the cause of Jesus. Now note three principles. Paul loved people! He nearly always had a network of folks around him. He was not a solo Christian! Paul was the currently involved in taking a love offering from several of the gentile Churches, transporting the cash down to Jerusalem to help with some very needy believers there. It's likely some of these men are to assist in that glorious endeavor. Paul seems to have never handled money alone. Wise indeed! Then look at the variety of helpers here. Some Jews, some Gentiles, some neither, of mixed blood! But all saved! Thank God for these closing verses of Romans. From them one can nearly build a series of thought on Paul's leadership techniques. What a Book is the Bible, how filled with the ways of God! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell LESSON 33, ROMANS 16:25-27, CONCLUSION: The Book of Romans closes with a benediction. "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen." Romans 16:25-27 This ending paragraph is lovely. Actually it forms an "inclusio" with the Book's opening paragraph, with Romans 1:1-7. Both sections mention the Gospel, by definition if not by name, by description certainly. Both sections speak of the Old Testament prophets who foretold this great Gospel! And both units reveal the marvelous truth that not only Jews will be saved, but the gentiles also, "all nations" in fact. In Paul's day the "gospel" was a word often reserved for the use of the government! The fact that the ruling Roman emperor was a "god" and that the "good news" of his life was to be proclaimed everywhere! Paul transfers several of these terms and speaks of a Real Saviour, a True Gospel, and a better way of life! Better than any Roman citizenship is a place in Heaven, a mansion according to Jesus, dwelling with the Lord God Almighty for all eternity! Notice too that the Book of Romans is punctuated with great outbursts of praise, as here. Seems like every time the Apostle finishes a major block of teaching he does this, pauses and worships! His doctrinal section, Romans 1-8, ends this way: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 His dispensation section, Romans 9-11, ends this way: "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." Romans 11:33-36 And now, as we have seen today, his practical section, ends this way, the whole Book: "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen." Romans 16:25-27 Wow! What order! What honor and glory directed to our Lord! What a great heart, Paul's! --- Dr. Mike Bagwell I truly thank God for this sixteen chapter Epistle, Paul's writing to the churches at Rome. It just may be the greatest document ever penned. And beyond doubt, it's life-changing!
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