The Book of Romans

Romans was written from Corinth by the apostle Paul
around A.D. 56-58. The purpose of the book was to proclaim the glory
of the Lord Jesus Christ by teaching doctrine, and to edify and
encourage the believers who would receive his letter. Paul mainly
wrote this letter to those who were "loved by God and called to be
saints." (Romans 1:7). Because Paul was a Roman citizen, he has a
unique passion for those in the assembly of believers in Rome. Up to
this point he had not visited the church in Rome, so this letter
also served as his introduction to them. The book of Romans is
considered by many scholars to be the ABC's of the believers
education.
Romans 1
1 Paul, a
servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the
gospel of God. Written by Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ
sent out to preach His good news. "Paul, a destroyer of Christians,
was chosen by Christ when he was struck down on the road to
Damascus." (Acts 9:1-7).
2 Which he had
promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures.
God
promised this "Good News" long ago through His prophets in the Holy
Scriptures. (Luke 24:26-27, Acts 10:43, 26:6, Titus 1:2).
3 Concerning his
Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David
according to the flesh. Jesus born into King David's family
line. (Galatians 4:4). David's line, but ending specifically in
Mary, who was the "seed of David." Christ being "the seed
of David" through the virgin Marry. (Genesis 3:15, Isaiah
7:14, Matthew 1:23, 2 Timothy 2:8).
4 And declared to
be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness,
by the resurrection from the dead. The Son of God, being
raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:24).
God has raised Him up and brought Him back to life again
defeating death (which is the devil).
5 By whom we have
received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all
nations, for his name. Through Christ, God has given us the
privilege and authority as apostles (sent ones, or messengers), to
tell the nations (Gentiles, or foreign people), what God has done for
them so that they may become believers.
6 Among whom are
ye also the called of Jesus Christ. You are included among
those gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. (1
Corinthians 1:24).
7 To all that be
in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace
from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Writing to
all you in Rome who are loved by God and "called" to be His own holy
people. (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:15).
8 First, I thank
my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken
of throughout the whole world. Thanking God in "Jesus Name"
for all of you because of your faith in Him which is being talked
about all over the world.
9 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.
Paul always praying for the saints.
10 Making request,
if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by
the will of God to come unto you. Always praying for the
opportunity to come and see you.
11 For I long to
see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end
ye may be established. Paul always wanting to bring spiritual
gifts that will help them grow strong in the Lord. (Teachings in the
Word).
12 That is, that I
may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you
and me. Mutual encouragement in the faith.
13 Now I would not
have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto
you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you
also, even as among other Gentiles. Paul tried to visit them
many times but was prevented until now. Paul wanted to see the
spiritual fruit grow among the Romans, just as he had seen among
other Gentiles.
14 I am debtor
both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to
the unwise. Paul has a great sense of obligation to the
people in both the civilized world as well as the rest of the world,
to the educated and uneducated alike.
15 So, as much as
in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome
also. I am eager to come and teach the "Good News" to you in
Rome.
16 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. Paul was not ashamed of "The Good News" about
Christ, and he was not ashamed to teach it. It is the power of God at
work, saving everyone who believes, Jews and Gentiles alike. (Luke
9:26, 1 Peter 4:16). Never be ashamed of your belief in Jesus
Christ, or ashamed to teach the truth of His Word. "If you are
ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of you when He comes to His full
Glory."
17 For therein is
the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is
written, The just shall live by faith. Go makes us right in
His eyes from start to finish through faith. "It is through faith
that a righteous person has life." (Habakkuk 2:4, Galatians 3:11,
Hebrews 11:6-7).
18 For the wrath
of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.
However, God will show His anger from heaven against all
sinful wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. "Beware of false teachers in the end times." (1 Timothy 4:1-2).
19 Because that
which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed
it unto them. They know the truth about God because He made
it known to them.
20 For the
invisible things of him 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 are without excuse.
Since the
beginning of time people have seen everything God has made. They can
clearly see His invisible qualities, eternal power, and divine
nature. "They have no excuse for not knowing God." (Especially in
today's world with all it's technology, there is no excuse not to
know the Word of God).
21 Because that,
when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish
heart was darkened. They know God, but they don't worship,
believe in, or give thanks to Him. They think up foolish ideas of
what God is like, and their minds become dark and confused. (Matthew
15:19, Ephesians 4:17-18).
22 Professing
themselves to be wise, they became fools.
They claim to be
wise, but are just a bunch of fools.
23 And changed the
glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to
corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping
things. Instead of worshipping the "Living God" they worship
idols made to look like people and animals. (Revelation 9:20). "Ones
claiming to be servants of God."
24 Wherefore God
also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own
hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.
God
abandoned them as He will do today. Why? Because of the shameful
things their hearts desired. "They did vile and perverted things
with each others bodies." (Leviticus 18:22).
If you want to
be ignorant of God's Word and follow lies, deception, and traditions
of men; God will send you strong delusion to believe those lies. He
will close your eyes to the truth.
(2 Thessalonians
2:10-12, Isaiah 29:10). Look at how people are so comfortable
with their false teachings. "Comfortable with their spirit of slumber."
25 Who changed the
truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more
than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. They traded
truth about God for a lie. They worship the things God has created
instead of the Creator Himself. (1 John 2:15-16).
26 For this cause
God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did
change the natural use into that which is against nature. God
abandoned them because of their shameful desires. Even the women
turned from natural sex and indulged in sex with each other. The
perfect example is Sodom and Gomorrah. (Jude 1:7). This would never
go on today, would it?
27 And likewise
also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their
lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error
which was meet. The men instead of having normal sexual
relations with women, burned with lust for each other. This is so
common today, that we don't even think about it. (I'm sure this behavior would never go on in any religious
groups today). Hmmm.
28 And even as
they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them
over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not
convenient. They though it was foolish to acknowledge God, so
He abandoned them for their foolish thinking, just as He does today.
They say they know God, but their works deny Him. (Titus 1:16).
29 Being filled
with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity;
whisperers. Their lives became full of every kind of
wickedness. I don't think it can get much more wicked in this world
today. "It's a jungle out there."
30 Backbiters,
haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil
things, disobedient to parents. Backstabbers, haters of God,
proud and boastful. Always inventing new ways of sinning and disobey
their parents. Sound like anyone you know?
31 Without
understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful. They refuse to understand, break
their promises, and are heartless with no mercy. (2 Timothy 3:3).
32 Who knowing the
judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of
death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
These people know that because of the way they are. According to
God's justice, they deserve to die, but they do not care. Worse
yet, they encourage others to do the same thing. Do not be deceived and
fall into confusion like the majority of people. Try hard to keep
yourself from the sick desires of others; staying focused on
the truth of the Word. "You will never be free if you follow the
ways of the world."
Romans 2
1 Therefore
thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for
wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that
judgest doest the same things.
In other words, those
of you who think you are so holy condemn others, but you are just as
bad and have no excuse. When you say the wicked should be punished,
you are condemning yourself, because you who judge others do these
very same things. This brings to my attention (John 8:3-11), when
the Scribes and Pharisees brought to Christ a woman that they said
had committed adultery. They wanted to stone her to death for this
act according to the law of Moses. But, Jesus was writing in the
ground and said to them; "he that is without sin
among you, let him cast the first stone at her." (Then
Jesus continued
to write on the ground). What was Jesus writing? Well, I believe
that He was reading their thoughts and they were convicted by their
own conscience. Jesus was probably writing something like; "hey
john, remember when you were fooling around with that girl over
there the
other night." "What about you Matt, when you were under the oak tree
the other day with another mans wife." "Then there is you
Jimmy; you were seen in the back room with both Matt and John." Slowly one by one the woman's
accusers left until there was only Jesus and the woman left. Then
Jesus asked the woman where her accusers were now, and who was
condemning her. She answered, "no man Lord." Then Jesus said to her,
"neither do I condemn you: go and sin no more." (Lets leave judging
people to God; if you need to judge someone, judge yourself).
2 But
we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against
them which commit such things. God will
judge and punish those who sin in His own way.
3 And
thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things,
and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
When you judge others and do the same
things yourself, why do you think you can avoid God's judgment?
4 Or
despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance? Our Heavenly Father is
kind, tolerant, and long suffering (patient), with all His children
to turn from sin. (Psalms 86:15, Isaiah 30:18, John 4:2, 1 Timothy
1:16, 1 Peter 3:20).
5 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. In other words, when
you are stubborn and refuse to turn from sin, you are just hurting
yourself. "The day is coming when God's righteous judgment will be
revealed." (Ecclesiastes 12:14, 2 Peter 2:9, 3:7, 12:14, Revelation
6:17).
6 Who
will render to every man according to his deeds.
God will judge everyone according to what they have
done. (Galatians 6:7-8, Revelation 20:12, 22:12).
7 To
them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and
honour and immortality, eternal life.
God will give eternal life to those who keep doing good according to
the will of God. Those who seek after the glory and honor and
immortality that God offers. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Colossians
1:27, 1 Peter 1:7-8, 4:13:14).
8 But
unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath.
But, God will pour out His wrath on those who live for themselves
and refuse to obey the truth in the Word. Those who choose to live
lives of wickedness and follow evil ways of the world. (2
Thessalonians 2:10-12). If you want to
be ignorant of God's Word and follow lies, deception, and traditions
of men; God will send you strong delusion to believe those lies.
"He
will close your eyes to the truth." (Isaiah 29:10). Look at how people
are so comfortable with their teachings, even if they are not of
God.
9 Tribulation
and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew
first, and also of the Gentile. There will be trouble and
chaos for everyone who keeps doing evil, Jews and Gentiles alike. (1
Peter 4:7). Judgment is near, and it begins with God's house. In other words,
Judgment begins at the pulpit. "If you are a teacher of God's Word,
you better know what you are talking about and what you teach." You
are responsible for those who follow your teachings, so you better
get it right and not mislead anyone with false teachings and
traditions of men.
10 But
glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew
first, and also to the Gentile. There
will be honor and glory and peace from God to those who do good.
(Psalms 15:2, Proverbs 11:18).
11 For
there is no respect of persons with God.
God is totally fair and shows no favoritism towards any race or
person. (Galatians 2:6, 6:7-8, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, 1
Peter 1:17).
12 For
as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law:
and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law.
i.e., we will all be judged
by God fairly. Gentiles, even though they never had God's written
law, and the Jews who have the written law, will be judged by that
law when they fail to obey it.
13 For
not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the
law shall be justified. Just hearing
the law doesn't make us right with God, it is obeying the law that
makes us right in His sight. (Don't just hear the Word, do your best
to live the Word and you will please your Heavenly Father).
14 For
when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things
contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto
themselves. Even those who do not have
the written law, show that they know Gods law when they obey it,
even without having heard it.
15 Which
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. They show that God's law is
written in their hearts. Their own conscience
either accuses them, or tells them they are doing right. (Deep in your
heart you should know what is right and wrong). "Most people do." (1
John 3:19-21). If we share a truth, or
our faith with others, we will know by our actions that we are on
God's side and our consciences will be clear; even when we stand
before God. If we have a bad conscience and feel we have done wrong,
God will also know it because He knows everything we do. God is also
able to overcome any of our downfalls. If our consciences are clear,
we can come to the Lord with assurance and trust.
16 In
the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
according to my gospel. What day? The
Lords day; when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's
secret life. "You can't hide anything from God and we will all stand
before Him at judgment day." (Revelation 20:11-15).
17 Behold,
thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast
of God. Those who call themselves Jews
are relying on God's law, and they boast about their special
relationship with Him. "This should bring our attention to the Kenites (Revelation 2:9),
those who
claimed to be Jews and were not." (John 8:42-44). This should also
bring our attention to those who call themselves Christians, but
they only go through the motions of going to church; then follow
traditions of men and the ways of the world.
18 And
knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent,
being instructed out of the law. You
should know what is right and what God wants because you have been
taught His law.
19 And
art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of
them which are in darkness. You are
convinced that you are a light for people who are lost in darkness.
(John 9:41).
20 An
instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form
of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
You think that God's law gives you complete knowledge of truth, and
you can teach the ignorant, and children the ways of God. (2 Timothy
3:5, Titus 1:6). They
act holy, or claim to be teachers of God, but reject the power that
could make them Godly. Never teaching the truth of the Word, but
cling to old laws and traditions of men.
21 Thou
therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou
that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
Why don't you practice what you preach. You tell others
not to steal, but do you steal? (Luke 11:46, Matthew 23:14).
You experts in the religion
just crush people with your unbearable religious demands, and never
raise a finger to help them. "Bunch of phony hypocrites." (Matthew
23:2-4).
22 Thou
that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit
adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
You say it is wrong to commit adultery,
but yet you do it yourselves. You condemn idolatry, but you use
items stolen from pagan temples.
23 Thou
that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law
dishonourest thou God? Your so proud of
knowing the law, but yet you dishonor God by breaking it. (James
4:16-17).
24 For
the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it
is written. The scriptures say that the
Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you. Written in the
old testament. (Ezekiel 36:20-23).
25 For
circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be
a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
You go through the ceremony of
circumcision, but you do not obey God's law. Therefore it has no
value and you are no better off than the uncircumcised Gentile.
26 Therefore
if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not
his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
If the Gentiles obey God's law, won't God declare them to be His
people also? (Isaiah 56:6-7).
27 And
shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law,
judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the
law? The uncircumcised Gentiles who
keep God's law, will condemn you as Jews who are circumcised and
don't obey God's law.
28 For
he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that
circumcision, which is outward in the flesh.
You are not true Jews just because you were born of
Jewish parents, or because you have gone through the ceremony of
circumcision. (John 8:37-39).
29 But
he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the
heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of
men, but of God. A true Jew, or Christian is one whose heart
is right with God. True circumcision is not obeying the letter of
the law, but rather it is a change of heart produced by God's
Spirit. (Circumcision of the heart). A person with a changed heart
seeks praise from God, not from people. (Philippians 3:3).
It's the circumcision of the heart that is important. We rely on
what Christ Jesus has done for us through the crucifixion for our
salvation. Put no confidence in man to save you, they can't even
save themselves. "Christ does the saving."
Romans 3
1 What
advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of
circumcision?
Is there any advantage of being a Jew, or any value in the ceremony
of circumcision? (Romans 2:25-29).
2 Much
every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the
oracles of God. Yes, at the time... The Jews were entrusted
with the oracles of God. (Acts 7:38).
Moses was the mediator between the people of Israel and the
Angel of the Lord who gave them the law of God, "the living Word,"
on mount Sinai. (The Ten Commands written in stone by the finger of
God).
3 For
what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of
God without effect? Some of them were
unfaithful, so does that mean that God will be unfaithful?
4 God
forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is
written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and
mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Not at all... Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the
scriptures say: "You will be proved right in what you say, and you
will win your case in court." Where is this written?
(Psalm 51:4).
5 But
if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall
we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man).
You might say that our sinfulness
serves a good purpose, because it helps people see how righteous God
is. So, wouldn't it be unfair for Him to punish us? (This is a
mans point
of view).
6 God
forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
Not at all... "God is entirely fair and qualified to judge the world."
7 For
if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his
glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
Some may say, "how can God condemn me as a sinner if
my dishonesty highlights His truthfulness and brings Him more
glory?"
8 And
not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that
we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is
just. Some people even slander us by
claiming that we say, "the more we sin, the better it is."
Those who say such things deserve to be condemned. (Matthew 5:11, 1
Peter 3:16-17). Do this in a humble way and
when they may speak evil of you, they will feel ashamed when they
see the good life you live in Christ. It is better to suffer for
doing the will of God, than to suffer for doing wrong.
9 What
then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before
proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.
Should we conclude that Jews are better than others? Not at all... We
have shown that all people whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the
power of sin. (Romans 3:22, Galatians 3:10, 3:22). "Everyone sins
no matter who you are."
10 As
it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.
No one is truly righteous.
11 There
is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
No one is truly wise like our Heavenly
Father.
12 They
are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable;
there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
All have turned away; all have become useless. "Not a single one
does good." (Ecclesiastes 7:20, Isaiah 64:6).
13 Their
throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used
deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their
tongues are filled with lies. (James 3:5-8).
The tongue is a small thing, but it can do a lot of
damage. Building up ones self and taking all the credit. Judging
others, gossip, false teachings.
If you can't control your tongue, or teach the truth, keep
your mouth shut!
14 Whose
mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.
Swearing, cursing, bitterness and filth. (Psalm 10:7,
59:12, 109:17-18, James 3:10). Just listen to the mouths of the
younger generations today.
15 Their
feet are swift to shed blood. They rush to commit murder.
(They will kill you today for a few dollars, or to get a
fix).
16 Destruction
and misery are in their ways. Destruction and misery follows them in everything they do.
17 And
the way of peace have they not known. "They don't know where to find peace." (Isaiah 57:21, 59:8). You
will never have true peace of mind without Christ and the Holy
Spirit in your heart. (Matthew 7:14, Luke 1:79).
18 There
is no fear of God before their eyes. "No
fear of God at all." (Revelation 19:5). "Fear is revere."
We are to revere God, not some man with a title.
19 Now
we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who
are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the
world may become guilty before God. The
law is our schoolmaster and it shows us that the entire world is
guilty before God. "The ten commandments are a good example to show
us the difference between right and wrong."
20 Therefore
by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his
sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
No one can be made right with God by doing what the law commands.
"The law simply shows us how sinful we are."
21 But
now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets. But now, at present time, God shows us a way to be made right with
Him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in
the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. (Deuteronomy
18:15-19, Luke 24:44, John 1:45, Acts 26:22). "Now we have Jesus
Christ who came to fulfill the law." (John 3:14-15, 5:46-47, Hebrews
10:1-14).
22 Even
the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all
and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.
"For all who believe in Him." (Galatians 3:28).
"We are all Christians and now all one in Christ."
(Romans 10:12, John 10:16, 17:21).
23 For
all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
We are all sinners and fall short of God's standards. (1 John
1:8-10). If we say we will never sin,
we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. Many
believe that once you are saved you cannot sin. "Not so." We are all
sinners as long as we are in this flesh body.
If we confess our sins (to the heavenly father, not some
man), we can count on God to wash away all
our sins because Christ became that one time sacrifice for our sins.
Again, if we say we have not
sinned, we are lying to ourselves and we are calling God a liar,
because He said we have all sinned.
24 Being
justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus. Through Jesus Christ we
our free from the penalty for our sins, "if we repent."
(There is a
condition here). Christ died for the sins of the world (Matthew
20:28). As long as we are in these flesh bodies, we are all
going to fall short at times and sin. However, if we repent for our
sins from a sincere heart, we are forgiven.
25 Whom
God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood,
to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are
past, through the forbearance of God.
The Heavenly Father presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People
are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed His
life, shedding His blood for the sins of the world. "This sacrifice
shows that God was being fair when He held back, and did not punish
those who sinned in times past." (Revelation 13:8).
This goes as far back as the
foundation of the world in the first earth age when the overthrow of
Satan took place. If
you are not familiar with what happened in the "first earth age,"
read our study topic titled: "Three Earth Ages."
26 To
declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be
just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Looking ahead and including them in what He
would do in this present time. "God is always fair." He declares
sinners to be right in His sight when they believe in Jesus Christ.
(Galatians 3:8-14).
27 Where
is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by
the law of faith. Should we boast then? Not at all, because
our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. "It is based on
faith." (Galatians 2:16).
They knew as Jewish Christians that they could not
have salvation by obeying Jewish laws. They could only be right with
God by having faith in Jesus Christ. "They knew this, but they were
not practicing it." (Acts 13:38-39, Romans 1:17, Romans 8:3).
28 Therefore
we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of
the law. So, we are made right with God through faith and not
by obeying the law. (Galatians 3:8, 3:24).
The scriptures told us of the gentiles
in the future that would be saved through their faith. "I will bless
those in every nation who trust in me." (Genesis 12:1-3). The Jewish
laws were our teacher and guide until Christ came to give us right
standing with God through faith.
29 Is
he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of
the Gentiles also. He is the God of all people. Jews and
Gentiles alike. (Colossians 3:11).
This new life has nothing to do with nationality,
race, education, or social position. It is whether you have Christ
within you that counts. Believe in Him and you become a Christian.
"Christ is the only way to salvation."
30 Seeing
it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and
uncircumcision through faith. There is
only one God, and He makes people right with Him through faith,
whether Jew or Gentile.
31 Do
we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we
establish the law. Does this mean that
we forget about the law? "Of course not." In fact, only when we have
faith are we truly fulfilling the law. As Christ would say:
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am
not come to destroy, but to fulfill." (Matthew 5:17).
Christ fulfilled the law, but the laws of God still stand. You may
say what laws... "The Ten Commandments are a good start." Do
your best to obey God's laws and the civil laws of our country, and
you will do just fine.
Romans 4
1 What
shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the
flesh, hath found?
The Jews
claiming that Abraham was the Father of the Jewish nation. What did
he discover about being made right with God? (John 8:39, Acts 7:2).
2 For
if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but
not before God. In other words, if
Abrahams deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have
something to boast about. However, that was not God's way.
3 For
what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted
unto him for righteousness. The
scriptures tell us that "Abraham believed God, and God counted him
righteous because of his faith." (Genesis 15:6, James 2:23).
4 Now
to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of
debt. i.e., when you work for
a living, your wages are not a gift, but something you have earned.
5 But
to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the
ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
But, spiritually speaking, people are counted righteous not because
of their works, but because of their faith in God who forgives
sinners. (Philippians 3:9).
Not counting on righteousness through obeying the
law, but rather become righteous through faith in Christ. Much of
the law was nailed to the cross. (Colossians 2). This does not mean
that we should not obey the laws of God. The commandments still
apply to us all; yes we are all
sinners, but through Christ and repentance we all can have
salvation. "Paul would go on to say that becoming right with God
depends on faith."
6 Even
as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God
imputeth righteousness without works. David also spoke of
this when he describes the happiness of those who are declared
righteous without works. (Psalm 32:1-5).
Paul cites the Psalm of David where he says:
"blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is
covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is not guile." So David says: "I
acknowledged my sin unto thee, and my iniquity I have not hid. I
said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou
forgave the iniquity of my sin." (Psalm 32:5). This is the kind of
trust we must put in the Lord when we put our faith in the Blood of
Christ.
David was not trying to justify himself. David hid nothing from the
Lord. He acknowledged his sin, and making full confession, he cast
himself before the mercy of the Lord.
7 Saying,
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are
covered. Blessed are those whose sins
are forgiven. (Psalm 32:1-2).
8 Blessed
is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Blessed are those that the Lord has cleared their record of sin.
(When you repent of your sins, they are gone, and our Heavenly Father
does not want to hear of them any longer). "You have a clean
slate when it comes to sin."
9 Cometh
this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the
uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham
for righteousness. Is this blessing
only for the Jews, or for the Gentiles also? Abraham (the Father of
all nations), was counted as righteous by God because of his faith.
(Romans 4:3).
10 How
was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in
uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
In other words, was Abraham counted righteous by God before
his circumcision, or after his circumcision? God accepted him before
his circumcision. "Faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness,"
at least 14 years
before he was circumcised; the former having taken place sometime
before Ishmael's birth, at which time he was 86 years old, and the
other when Ishmael was 13 years of age, and Abraham was 99 years
old.
11 And
he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of
the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the
father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised;
that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.
Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God
had accepted him to be righteous before he was circumcised. (Kind of
like when we come to Christ because of faith and are baptized). "We
accepted Him and become circumcised in heart." (Deuteronomy 30:6,
Colossians 2:11-13, Philippians 3:9). So, Abraham is the spiritual
father of those who have faith, but have not been physically
circumcised. "They are counted righteous because of their faith."
(Galatians 3:29). If
we are of Christ, then we are true descendants of Abraham, and all
of the promises to him belong to us also. (Romans 8:17, 9:7, Hebrews
11:18).
12 And
the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision
only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father
Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who were circumcised,
but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he
was circumcised. (Proverbs 2:20, 1 Peter 2:21).
13 For
the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to
Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the
righteousness of faith. We receive the promise given to
Abraham not because of his obedience to God's law, but because of
the right relationship with God through faith. (Galatians 3:29). If we are of Christ,
then we are true descendants of Abraham, and all of the promises to
him belong to us also. (Romans 8:17, 9:7, Hebrews 11:18).
14 For
if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the
promise made of none effect. If God's promise is only for
those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise
is pointless. (Galatians 3:18-24, Philippians 3:9). Not counting on
righteousness through obeying the law, but rather become righteous
through faith in Christ. Much of the law was nailed to the cross.
(Colossians 2). Again, This does not mean that we should not obey the laws
of God. The ten commandments still stand. Paul would go on to say that
becoming right with God depends on faith.
15 Because
the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no
transgression. In other words, the law always brings
punishment if you try to obey it, and the only way to avoid breaking
the law is to have no law to break. (Galatians 3:10).
Those who still depend on the law to
save them are under God's curse, because the scriptures tell us very
clearly, "Cursed is everyone who at any time breaks a single one of
these laws." (Deuteronomy 27:26, Jeremiah 11:3).
16 Therefore
it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise
might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law,
but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father
of us all. The promise is received by
faith as a free gift, and we can all receive it if we have faith
like Abraham, who is the father of all who believe. (Galatians
3:7-12).
17 (As
it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before
him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth
those things which be not as though they were.
Abraham was made the father of many nations because
he believed in God. The God of the living who brings the dead back
to life and the creator of all things.
18 Who
against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of
many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed
be. Abraham kept hoping and believing
that he would become the father of many nations. God told how many descendants he would have. (Genesis 15:5-6).
19 And
being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead,
when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of
Sarah's womb. Abrahams faith did not
weaken when the Lord said that he and Sarah would have a child at
their old age. (Genesis 17:17, 18:11-14).
20 He
staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong
in faith, giving glory to God. Abraham
never wavered in believing God's promise, but rather his faith grew
stronger and he brought glory to God.
21 And
being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also
to perform. He knew that God was able
to deliver what ever He promised.
22 And
therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as
righteous.
23 Now
it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him.
When God counted Abraham as righteous, it was not just for his
benefit.
24 But
for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that
raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.
It was for our benefit also, assuring us that God will also count us
as righteous if we believe in Him, the one who raised Jesus from the
dead.
25 Who
was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our
justification. Jesus was handed over to die because of our
sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with God. (1 Peter
1:21). Through
Christ you have come to trust God, placing your faith and hope in
God because He raised Christ from the dead and gave Him great glory.
"Praise The Lord!"
Romans 5
1 Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ.
When we are right with
God because of our faith in Him; we will then have peace with God,
and peace of mind. This is because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has
done for us. (Hebrews 13:20).
It was God who
brought Jesus back from the dead, "the great Shepherd of the sheep,"
who shed His blood of the everlasting covenant. (Matthew 26:28).
2 By
whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,
and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into a privileged place
where we now stand, that we can joyfully and confidently look
forward to sharing God's glory. (Ephesians 2:18, 3:12). "Oneness in the spirit." We may
all come to God the Father with the Holy Spirits help.
i.e., Christ is that door that we must enter through.
(John 10:7, 10:9 14:16). "Christ is the only way to the Heavenly
Father."
3 And
not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that
tribulation worketh patience. In other
words, when we have problems and trials (which we will), we know
that it will make us stronger and will develop our endurance. (James
1:2-3). Again, If your life is full of
difficulties and temptations, be happy and don't worry. When times
are rough your patience has a chance to grow.
4 And
patience, experience; and experience, hope.
Endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens
our confidence of salvation.
5 And
hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in
our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
This hope we have will not lead to disappointment
because our Heavenly Father loves us dearly. He has given us the
"Holy Spirit" to fill our hearts with His love. (Ephesians 1:13).
Because of what Christ did, all those
who heard the Good News about how to be saved, and trusted Christ,
were marked as belonging to Christ by the Holy Spirit. "It is the
Holy Spirit that seals all those promises."
6 For
when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the
ungodly. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just
the right time and died for all us sinners. (Galatians 4:4, 1 Peter
1:20). God
chose Him as your ransom long before the world began, but has
revealed Him to you in the last days.
7 For
scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a
good man some would even dare to die. In other words, most
people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though
someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good.
(John 15:13, 1 John 3:16).
So, do not be afraid
to go a little out of your way to help one who needs spiritual help.
Christ went out of His way for you.
8 But
God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us. God showed
His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were
still sinners. (What greater love is that). "This always brings me
to one of the most important verses in the bible."
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosover believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. (John 3:16). Learn it, know it, believe it. "If you
want to be a true Christian."
9 Much
more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through him. Since we have been
made right with God by the blood of Christ as believers, He will
certainly save us from the wrath of God to come in the end times. (1
Thessalonians 1:10).
10 For
if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of
his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Since our friendship with God was
restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies,
now we can rest assure that we will be saved through the life of His
Son. (John 6:40, 10:28-29, 11:25-26).
11 And
not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom we have now received the atonement.
Now we can rejoice in our awesome new relationship
with God because of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, "who has made
us friends with God."
12 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.
When Adam sinned, sin first entered the world. His
sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
(Genesis 2:17). God warned Adam what would happen if he did not
listen. (To this day we are warned what happens when we do not
listen to God, but of course man always wants to work it out his own
way).
13 For
until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when
there is no law. People sinned even
before the law was given, but it was not counted as sin because
there was not yet any law to break. (Genesis 4:7-11). Cain was the
first murderer when he killed Abel even though the sixth commandment
"thou shall not kill," was not in effect yet.
14 Nevertheless
death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned
after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of
him that was to come. Still everyone
died from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even those who did
not disobey any explicit commandment of God as Adam did. Adam being
a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. In what
way? Adam as the root of sin and death to all, and Christ being the
root of holiness and life to all. "i.e. Adam did one act that
affected us all, and Christ did one act that affected us all."
15 But
not as the offence, so also is the free gift. 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. Here is the difference between
Adam's sin and God's gracious gift. The sin of Adam brought death to
many, but God's wonderful grace and His gift of forgiveness was
brought forth to many through another Man, Jesus Christ. (John 3:16).
"Christ brings us life."
16 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. The result of God's
gracious gift is very different from the result of Adams sin. How?
Adams sin brought judgment and resulted in our condemnation. The
free gift of Jesus Christ came because of our many offenses. Jesus
had to die for us because we deserved death. Because of God's grace,
He didn't want us to pay for our sins. So, the free gift of Jesus
resulted in our justification, being declared righteous. (Acts
13:38-39).
17 For
if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which
receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall
reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. As
the sin of this one man Adam, caused death to rule over many.
Greater is God's wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for
all who will receive it will live and triumph over sin and death
through this one Man, Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).
18 Therefore
as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation;
even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men
unto justification of life. As Adams
one sin brings condemnation for everyone, Christ's one act of
righteousness brings a good relationship with God and "new life" to
everyone. This shows how Adam is a "type" of Christ.
"It was one act
of Adam that affected all of mankind, and one act of Christ that
affected all of mankind."
19 For
as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the
obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. However,
because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
"That person would be Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Christ knew no sin, but He was the offering for our
sins. "So that we could be made right with God through Christ."
20 Moreover
the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin
abounded, grace did much more abound. The law of God was given so that all people could see how sinful
they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace
became more abundant also.
21 That
as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through
righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
So, just as sin ruled over all people and brought them death,
God's wonderful grace now rules instead. This makes us right with
God and results in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord and
Savior. (1 John 5:11-13).
Through the Word of God, His record; God has given
us eternal life through Christ. "Your choice." Eternal life through
Christ, or death through Satan. Yes, the devil holds the power of
death! (Hebrews 2:14). But, Satan's power was broken by the
crucifixion of Jesus Christ. "Stay in Christ and you never need to
fear death."
Romans 6
1 What
shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
The question here is
that, should we keep on sinning so that God will show us more of His
grace and forgiveness? (1 Peter 2:16). You are a free servant
of God, but don't use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Don't be
a scammer, liar, and con artist, especially when doing God's work.
(If
you keep tempting God, He will stop you in your tracks and give you
correction).
2 God
forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
As Christians we have died to sin, so how can we continue to
live in it? We all fall short at times, and upon repentance we have
a clean slate again making us right with God. But, we should do our
best not to fall back into sinning. (1 Peter 1:14). Do not
slip back into the ways of the world and traditions of men. (Those
lusting after lies and religion). Christianity is "real life," not
religion.
3 Know
ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were
baptized into his death? When we were joined with Christ in
baptism, we joined Him in His death. (Galatians 2:20-21).
Paul was explaining that his old self was crucified with Christ; and
now Christ lives within him by accepting Christ and believing in
Him. (Romans 6:6, 2 Corinthians 5:15). This is what baptism is all
about. Symbolically being buried with Christ and resurrecting to a
new person with Christ living within you. Don't treat Christ's death
meaningless. If you could be saved by keeping the law, then there
was no need for Christ to die. (Hebrews 7:11). Christ paid an
awesome price with His life so that we can all have everlasting
life. (John 3:16).
4 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. When we are buried with
Christ by baptism we are raised to live new lives. Just as Christ
was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Heavenly
Father. (1 John 2:6). Anyone who says they are a Christian should try to live as Christ
did. "Christ walked it perfect but we cannot." We are always going to
mess up and sin at times and Christ knows it. He just wants us to
hang with Him as you would a good friend and He will set the
example. We just need to do our best to follow.
5 For
if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we
shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
We have been united with Christ in His death, so we
will also be raised to life as He was. (John 12:24). i.e.,
it is like when you plant a seed in the ground. The seed must first
die before it will bring forth new fruit.
6 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.
Our old sinful selves were crucified with
Christ so that sin might lose its power over us in our daily lives.
"There is no excuse." We are no longer slaves to sin or the devil.
(Galatians 5:24). Those who belong to
Christ have nailed their natural evil desires to the cross and
crucified them there. (Colossians 6:8-10).
7 For
he that is dead is freed from sin. When
we died with Christ we are set free from the power of sin. "We
are no
longer in bondage of sin, false teachings and traditions of men."
8 Now
if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with
him. Since we died with Christ and became a new person, we
can be sure that we will also live with Him. (Colossians 3:3-4). Your desires of
this world should be as a dead person. "Your real life is eternal
with God in heaven."
9 Knowing
that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no
more dominion over him. How can we be
sure of this? Because when Christ was raised from the dead, He
defeated death and the one who holds the power of death (that is the
devil); (Hebrews 2:14), and Christ will never die again. Death no
longer has any power over Him. "Christ holds the keys to hell and death."
(Revelation 1:18).
10 For
in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he
liveth unto God. Christ died once to
break the power of sin and the power of the devil. But now that He
lives, He lives for the glory of God the Father. He is not the God
of the dead, but the God of the living. (Luke 20:38).
11 Likewise
reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto
God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So
then, you should also consider ourselves to be dead to the power of
sin and alive to God through Jesus Christ. (John 20:31).
12 Let
not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it
in the lusts thereof. Always try your
best not to let sin control the way you live, and do not give into
sinful desires. Ask the Heavenly Father for help when you need it
and He will always show you a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13). God
will never let you be tempted with more that you can handle.
13 Neither
yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:
but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the
dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Try your best to never let any part of
your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead,
give yourselves completely to God. Remember that you were
spiritually dead, but
now you have new life through Jesus Christ. So do your best to use
your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory
of God. (1 Peter 4:2). With the help of the Holy Spirit within you,
it will
be easier to ward off worldly desires and do the will of God.
14 For sin shall not have
dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Sin should no longer be your master because you are no longer
under the requirements of the law. You are free from bondage and you
can live under the freedom of God's grace. (John 1:17).
15 What
then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under
grace? God forbid. Does this mean
because God's grace has set us free from the law that we can go on
sinning and ignore the law? "Not at all." "We are still under the law
of the Ten Commandments." Break one of these commandments and see
what it brings you. Lets take a couple of examples. If you steel
something from a store and get caught, you will be prosecuted.
Commit murder and chances are you will end up in jail for a long
time, or may receive the death penalty. You get the picture. "Christ
did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill the law." (Mathew
5:17).
16 Know
ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his
servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of
obedience unto righteousness? It is
your choice, either you can become a slave to sin which leads to
death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous
living.
17 But
God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed
from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Once you were slaves to sin, but now you have the teachings in the
Word of God to wholeheartedly obey. It is God's personal letter to
you, so read it, study it, and do your best to live it.
18 Being
then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Now that you are free from the slavery
to sin, you have become slaves to righteous living. "Again, it's your
choice."
19 I
speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your
flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness
and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members
servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Paul used this illustration of slavery to help us understand all
this. When you are slaves to impurity and lawlessness, it only leads
you deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to
righteous living so that you will become holy and right with God.
20 For
when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
When you are a slave to sin, you are
free from the obligation to do right. (John 8:34).
21 What
fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for
the end of those things is death. What is the result of being
a slave to sin? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do,
things that end in eternal doom. (James 1:15). Evil thoughts bring forth evil
actions and can lead to the death penalty from God.
22 But
now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have
your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
As a true Christian and a believer, you are
free from the power of sin and have become a slave to God. Now you
can do the things that lead to holiness and the result will be
eternal life.
23 For
the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Again,
it is your choice. The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of
God leads to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
(John 4:36).
Romans 7
1 Know
ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that
the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
Paul is especially speaking to them that know the law
and is going to give an explanation and example here that the law
only applies to a person while they are living.
2 For
the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband
so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from
the law of her husband. Here comes the
example. When a woman marries, the law binds her to the husband as
long as he is alive. But, if he dies, the laws of marriage no longer
apply to her. She is free to marry again. (This would also apply to
the man).
3 So
then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man,
she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she
is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be
married to another man. If the woman
were to marry another man while she was married, she would be
committing adultery. But if her husband dies, she is free from that
law and does not commit adultery if she were to remarry. (Again,
this applies to both man or woman). Never let any religious
organization or some man tell you that you cannot remarry again.
"They are lying to you."
4 Wherefore,
my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of
Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is
raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Now we come to the point that Paul is
trying to make. We die to the power of the law when we die with
Christ in baptism, or the circumcision of the heart. (When we accept
Christ and become believers). Now we become united with the One who
was raised from the dead. The results from this is that we can be
free from the law and produce a harvest of good deeds for God.
(Colossians 1:10).
5 For
when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the
law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
When we were controlled by our old nature, our sinful desires
worked within us. The law (Mosaic law), aroused these evil desires
that produced a harvest of sinful deeds that would result in death.
(Galatians 5:19-21, James 1:15).
When you follow your way of the flesh you produce
evil results. Impure thoughts and eagerness for lustful pleasures.
6 But
now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were
held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the
oldness of the letter. We have been released from the law,
for we died to it and are no longer captive to it's power. Now we
can serve the living God, not by obeying the letter of the law the
old way, but now by the new way of living in the Spirit. (Galatians
2:19-20). It is through the scriptures that we realize we
cannot find favor with God by keeping the law. Acceptance with God
comes by believing in Christ. (Romans 6:14, Hebrews 9:14). Paul
would explain that his old self was crucified with Christ; and now
Christ lives within him by accepting Christ and believing in Him.
(Romans 6:6, 2 Corinthians
5:15). This is what baptism is all about. Symbolically being buried
with Christ and resurrecting to a new person with Christ living
within you.
7 What
shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known
sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had
said, Thou shalt not covet. Are we
saying that the law of God is sinful? "No way." The law is the
schoolmaster that shows us our sin. We would never even know what
sin is if the law had not been given. For example, lets take the
tenth commandment. We would have never known that coveting is wrong
if the law had not said, "You must not covet." (Deuteronomy 5:21).
8 But
sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of
concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
Sin used this commandment not to covet, to arouse
these desires within us. If there were no law, sin would not have
that power. In other words, where there is no law, there is no
transgression; for sin is the transgression of the law. (Romans
4:15, 1 Corinthians 15:56).
The law is good and lets you know
when you are sinning so you can do something about it. (Most of the ordinances were done away with, but the law
will never change).
9 For
I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin
revived, and I died. Paul is telling us
that one time he lived without understanding the law. But when he
learned the commandment not to covet, for example, the power of sin
came to life.
10 And
the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto
death. Paul discover that the law's
commandments, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual
death instead.
11 For
sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew
me. Sin took advantage of those
commandments and deceived me, Paul was saying. He would go on to say
that "sin used the commandments to kill me."
12 Wherefore
the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
However, the law itself is holy, and it's commandments are
holy and right, and they are good. (1 Timothy 1:8). These laws are good when used as
God intended. "Know the law."
13 Was
then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin,
that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good;
that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
How is this possible? Does the law which is
good cause our death? "Not at all." Sin used what was good to bring
about our condemnation to death. It uses God's good commandments for
it's own evil purposes. (James 1:13-15).
14 For
we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
The trouble is not with the law, but rather
with man, who is a slave to sin. (2 Corinthians 3:3).
Your heart has the teachings of Christ within, and your works should
prove it.
15 For
that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but
what I hate, that do I. Paul always had a problem with this
as I believe many do today. We always want to do right, but many
times we do what we hate. (Ecclesiastes 7:20, 1 John 1:7-8). If we say we will never sin, we
are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. Many
believe that once you are saved you cannot sin. Not so... "We are all
sinners as long as we are in this flesh body."
16 If
then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is
good. If I know that what I am doing is
wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. (Psalms
119:127-128).
17 Now
then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
It is not necessarily us that does the wrong.
It is the sins within us that is doing wrong. We need to listen more
to our good spirit within (the Holy Spirit), and not the evil spirit
that entices the flesh man.
18 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. Nothing good lives within us concerning our
sinful nature. When we listen to our sinful nature within, we cannot
do what is right. (Galatians 5:17).
Our flesh always wants to do wrong and what is
the opposite, or against the Holy Spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit
wants to do what is right and what is the opposite or against the
flesh.
19 For
the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that
I do. Paul keeps emphasizing this; I
want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is
wrong, but I do it anyway. (Describing the average man).
20 Now
if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that
dwelleth in me. So, if we do what we
don't want to do, we are not really the one doing wrong; it is the
sin living in us that does it. (Romans 7:17). "Satan always finds
a way to arouse the sinful self within us."
21 I
find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with
me. We see a law that
is good, but the evil nature that is present within us wants to
break that law. Example: Lets take the eighth commandment. "Thou shalt not steal." We were all probably taught this at an early age.
But, lets say we are at work in the office and we see this box of
pens laying around, and we say to ourselves, they won't miss one pen
and I could use one of these at home, so we take it. Now we know it
was wrong according to the law, but our sinful nature within says;
it's only a pen and no big deal, so go ahead and take it, they won't
mind. Now we could of asked for the pen, and they would probably
have given it to us, but instead we stole it and broke the law. So,
then we can see how the law worked on correcting us and taught us
what we did was wrong. (That is why we can say that the law is good
and our schoolmaster).
22 For
I delight in the law of God after the inward man.
So, we should love the law with all our heart.
23 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. I call it "the war within." (Galatians 5:17). Again, Our flesh
always wants to do wrong and what is the opposite, or against the
Holy Spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit wants to do what is right and
what is the opposite, or against the flesh. "For every negative there
is a positive." (There is an evil spirit that dwells within
us, as well as the Holy Spirit that dwells within us). As long as we are in
these flesh bodies, we are going to have this battle within.
24 O
wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this
death? Again, Paul always had a problem
with this, like many of us today. How miserable we can be in these
flesh bodies at times. Who will free us from this life that is
dominated by sin and death. "You should know who the only one is
that can free us from this dilemma."
25 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.
The answer is "Jesus Christ our Lord
and Savior." So, this is how it is: In our minds we really want to
obey God's law, but because of our sinful nature we are a slave to
sin. Thank God, through "Jesus Christ" we have a chance, and we will
get the victory. (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Romans 8
1 There
is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
No condemnation
for those who believe in Christ and walk after the spirit.
(Galatians 5:16, 5:25, Titus 2:11-14). However, there are
conditions here. First we must be believers in Christ, then we must
try our best to walk after the Spirit (the Holy Spirit), and not
after the flesh. We need to know Christ through His Word, and we
need to live in this world with common sense and wisdom. (You can't
just play church and expect to receive blessings from God).
2 For
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from
the law of sin and death. Because we believe in Christ and
walk after the Spirit, we belong to Christ. Because we belong to
Christ, the Spiritual law of life has freed us from the power of sin
that leads to death. (2 Corinthians 3:17, Galatians 5:1).
"Christ has made us
free." (John 8:32). Make sure you stay free and don't get all tied up
in the chains of slavery to the Jewish laws and ceremonies. (Acts
15:10). Don't get tied up under bondage to any religion,
organization, or traditions of men.
Think for yourself, Gods personal letter (the bible), was written
for you.
3 For
what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,
God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for
sin, condemned sin in the flesh. The law was unable to save
us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. God did what the
law could not do by sending His Son in a body like ours. Yes, a
flesh body just like we sinners have with all the temptations. "As
an example to us, Jesus walked in righteousness without sin." In
that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving His
only begotten Son as a sacrifice for all our sins. (2 Corinthians 5:21).
So, how can we walk in righteousness being led by the Spirit and
become better Christians in this world? (1 Peter 4:1-2). Arm
yourself with the gospel armor (the Word of God), for Christ is that
Word. This will make it easier to fight off temptation. When you
suffer for Christ, even when you sin at times, your sins are
forgiven upon repentance.
4 That
the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit. God did this so the requirement of the law would be fulfilled for
us, who once walked after the flesh, but now follows the Spirit.
Christ would say Himself:
Think not that I am come to destroy
the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
(Matthew 5:17).
5 For
they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but
they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature
do sinful things. Those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit do
good things that please the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25, Ephesians
5:9, Colossians 3:1-3).
6 For
to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life
and peace. If you let your sinful nature control your mind,
this will lead to death. If you let the Holy Spirit control your
mind it leads to eternal life in the next life, and peace of mind in
this world. (Galatians 6:8).
If you search out doctrine or material things
to please your flesh, you will reap a harvest of spiritual decay and
death. But, if you search and plant good sound doctrine and truth in
the Word (good things of the spirit), then you will reap the
everlasting life which the Holy Spirit offers.
7 Because
the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the
law of God, neither indeed can be. The
sinful nature is always against God. It never obeyed God's laws, and
it never will.
8 So
then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
If you let your flesh control you, you can never please God.
(Galatians 5:17). Our flesh
always wants to do wrong and what is the opposite, or against the
Holy Spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit wants to do what is right and
what is the opposite, or against the flesh. (Romans 7:15, 7:23).
9 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. Here is the
condition again. You are only controlled by the Spirit, if you have
the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit), living in you. And remember,
those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not
belong to Him at all. (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, 1 John
3:24).
10 And
if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit
is life because of righteousness. When this physical body
dies because of sin, the Holy Spirit gives you life, because you have
been made right with God as a believer. (Romans 5:21, Philippians
3:9). Not
counting on righteousness through obeying the law, but rather become
righteous through faith in Christ. Much of the law was nailed to the
cross. (Colossians 2). This does not mean that we should not obey
the laws of God. The commandments still apply to us all; yes we may
fall short at times and we are all sinners, but through Christ and
repentance we all can have salvation. Paul explains to us that
becoming right with God depends on faith.
11 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.
The same Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.
(If you are a believer), and just as God raised Christ from the
dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit.
(John 14:17). The world at large cannot receive Him, because they
are not looking for Him and do not recognize Him. "If you do not get
to know Christ through His Word, you will never know who He really
is." This may lead you to the antichrist at his
return in the near future. Remember that Satan comes first
pretending to be Christ and will deceive many because they do not
know Christ. Do not be deceived!
12 Therefore,
brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
In other words, you have no obligation
to follow your sinful nature as it urges you to sin. "Take control
of your mind through meditation in the Word."
13 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.
If you live as your flesh body dictates, you
will die. However, if you live through the power of the Holy Spirit,
you break that bondage of your sinful nature and you will live.
14 For
as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
If you are led by the Spirit, you are a
true child of God. (Galatians 3:26).
15 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.
When receiving the Holy Spirit, it is not a Spirit that makes you a
fearful slave. Instead, you have received God's Spirit that has
adopted you as His own child. "Now we can call Him our Spiritual
Father." (John 3:6, 20:17).
16 The
Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the
children of God. God's Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm
that we are His children. (1 John 4:13).
God gave us the gift of the "Holy
Spirit" to dwell in our hearts to show us that He will live in us,
and us in Him.
17 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. As God's children together with Christ we are heirs
of God's glory. However, if we share in the glory, we must also
share in the suffering. (Philippians 1:29, 2
Timothy 2:10-14).
18 For
I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to
be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
What little suffering we must endure now,
compares nothing to the glory He will reveal to us later.
19 For
the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the
manifestation of the sons of God. All
creation is waiting for that day when God will reveal who His
children really are.
20 For
the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by
reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope.
All creation was subject to God's curse, but with
hope.
21 Because
the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of
corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
The creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's
children in freedom from death. (2 Peter 3:13).
We look forward as well
as creation itself, to the new heaven and earth as He promised, with
a world filled with God's righteousness.
22 For
we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain
together until now. All creation has
been groaning together in pain up to the
present time.
23 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.
As believers we also long for our bodies to be released from sin and
suffering. Eagerly waiting with hope when God will give us our full
right as His adopted children. A new spiritual body with eternal
life that He has promised us. (Luke 20:36. Philippians 3:20-21). Our citizenship
is in heaven where the Lord is; we are waiting for Him to return
as our Savior. He will change our weak flesh bodies into glorious
spiritual bodies like His own. Using the same power with which He
will bring all things under His control.
24 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? We
are given this hope when we become believers. If we already have
something, we don't need to hope for it.
25 But
if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for
it. If we are looking forward to something we don't have, we
must be patient and confident that it will come. (James 1:3-4,
Revelation 14:12).
Those who are steadfast and keep the faith in the
true Christ.
26 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.
The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.
Sometimes we don't even know what God wants us to pray for, or what
we need. So, we let the Holy Spirit help us with "groanings"
Strong's Concordance G4726 "stenagmos" meaning
"a sigh" a deep
breath, which cannot be uttered. "Not a bunch of murmuring and
grumbling of words, or sounds that mean nothing." I know that this
may offend some churches that believe in speaking in tongues,
chanting, and repetitious groaning. "That just turns people off."
(Teach it as it is written in
God's Word, not traditions of men and silly rituals).
27 And
he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will
of God. Our Heavenly Father knows all hearts and knows what
the Spirit is saying. Our Spirit itself is in harmony with God's
will. (1 John 5:14-15).
We can be sure that God will listen to us whenever we
ask for anything in line with His will. (Ask for things of the
spirit, or wisdom, to help you in teaching His Word). "God loves that."
28 And
we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
God causes everything to work together for the
good of those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose.
"Notice it says, called according to His purpose." In other words,
if you ask God for something to further His ministry and purpose, He
will always grant it. He wants it to benefit the whole family of
God, not just you.
29 For
whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brethren. God knew you before you were
even born in the first earth age. You were chosen to become like His
Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and
sisters. If you do not understand about the first earth age, read
our newsletter study topic titled: "Three Earth Ages."
30 Moreover
whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called,
them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also
glorified. Again, chosen in the first
earth age, God called them to come to Him. He gave them right
standing with Him because they stood against Satan in the first
earth age. Those who He gave this good standing, He also gave them
His glory. "In the same way that many are justified even today as
believers in the name our Lord Jesus Christ."
31 What
shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be
against us? So then, What can we say
but, "If God is for us, who can be against us."
32 He
that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how
shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Since God gave His only begotten Son for us all; as
believers and His children, don't you think He will give us
everything else?
33 Who
shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that
justifieth. No one can charge one of
God's elect. He has given them right standing with Himself. (God's
love secures us from all that would accuse us).
34 Who
is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is
risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh
intercession for us. "No one can condemn
us." Christ died for us and was raised from the dead to new life for
us. He is sitting on the right hand of God in our favor. (Hebrews
9:24, 1 Peter 3:22).
35 Who
shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or
sword? Can anything separate us from Christ's love?
"Nothing should separate us"
36 As
it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are
accounted as sheep for the slaughter. The scriptures tell us that we will be like sheep in the slaughter.
Where is this written? (Psalm 44:22).
37 Nay,
in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that
loved us. Despite all these things, we
get the victory through Jesus Christ. So, don't worry. People of the
world may slam you down and make fun of you as a Christian. They
will say bad
things about you, or even try to hurt you. However, God will always see
you through it, and make you even stronger in your faith.
38 For
I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come.
In other words, if you are a true
Christian, nothing can separate you from your faith and the love of
God.
39 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.
I'll say it again; "Nothing can separate a
true child of God from His love that is revealed in Jesus Christ our
Lord and Savior."
Romans 9
1 I
say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me
witness in the Holy Ghost.
Paul is bearing witness
here that he is speaking the truth and that the Holy Spirit
confirms it. (2 Corinthians 11:31, Galatians 1:20, 1 Timothy 2:7).
Paul was chosen by God as God's minister (preacher) and missionary
(apostle or one sent forth), to teach the truth to the gentiles, and
to show them God's plan of salvation through faith. Only God can
send a true teacher of the Word. What is that teacher supposed to
do? "Teach the truth to the lost and unlearned."
2 That
I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
Paul's heart was filled with sorrow and grief.
3 For
I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren,
my kinsmen according to the flesh. Paul
is saying that he would be willing to be cursed and cut off from
Christ if that would save his people.
4 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. Paul was speaking
about the people of Israel, who were chosen to be God's adopted
children. God revealed His glory to them. He made covenants with
them and gave them the law. He gave them the privilege of
worshipping Him and receiving His wonderful promises. (Luke 1:69-75,
Acts 3:25-26, Hebrews 6:13-17). These are same promises given to us
all by God.
5 Whose
are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came,
who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors. Christ
Himself was an Israelite as far as His human nature was concerned.
Now He is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of
eternal praise. (John 17:2-3, 1 Corinthians 15:27-28, 1 Colossians
1:16-19, 2:9). The full Godhead rests
in Christ; that's why we pray in Christ's name.
6 Not
as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not
all Israel, which are of Israel. Paul
is asking here, "has God failed to fulfill His promise to Israel?
"Not at all." Not all who were born into the nation of Israel are
truly members of God's people. (Romans 4:12-16).
If we are of Christ, then we are true descendants of
Abraham, and all of the promises to him belong to us also. (Romans
8:17, 9:7, Hebrews 11:18).
7 Neither,
because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In
Isaac shall thy seed be called. Being
descendants of Abraham doesn't necessarily make them truly Abraham's
children. It would be Isaac, his son through whom Abraham's
descendants would be counted. (Genesis
17:19,
Hebrews 11:18). Remember that Abraham had other
children also.
8 That
is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the
children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the
seed. In other words, Abraham's physical descendants are not
necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise
through Isaac. (Galatians 4:28).
We are all part of God's children just as God
promised, just as Isaac was.
9 For
this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah
shall have a son. God promised Abraham
that Sarah would have a son. (Genesis 17:21, 18:10, 18:14, 21:2).
10 And
not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by
our father Isaac. Isaac would be our
ancestor, but when he married Rebekah, she gave birth to twins.
(Genesis 25:21-23). This message was given to Rebekah from the Lord
before the twins were born.
11 For
the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or
evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not
of works, but of him that calleth. This
message was given to Rebekah about the twins before they had
done anything good or bad. This shows that God chooses people
according to His own purpose. (Ephesians 1:4-5).
Chosen before this world age. Who were chosen? Those
who fought and stood against Satan in the first world age. "The
election" if you will. They were justified in the first
earth age, just as God chose Paul. (Romans 8:27-33, 2 Peter 3:15). If you did
not know that there was a earth age before this one, read our study
topic newsletter titled "Three Earth Ages," and appendix 146, The
foundation of the world, of the King James Companion Bible.
12 It
was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
That was God's message to Rebekah; "Your older son
will serve your younger son." (That should strengthen our faith on
how all things are possible with God). Why do I say that? Well, if
any of you have older brothers and sisters, you know how hard it is
to get them to listen to you about almost anything, let alone to
serve you as the younger sibling.
13 As
it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Jacob (later named Israel), God loved; but Esau (who was also called
Edom), He rejected. Why? Because Esau despised his birthright and
sold it to Jacob for some bread and pottage of lentils. (Genesis
25:30-34).
14 What
shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Was God unfair? Not at all... God is
always fair. (Psalm 145:17, Revelation 16:7).
15 For
he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and
I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
God states that He will have mercy and
compassion on those who He chooses. Those who deserve it, or are
part of His plan. (Exodus 33:19).
16 So
then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of
God that sheweth mercy. It is God only
who decides to show mercy, "we have nothing to do with it."
17 For
the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I
raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name
might be declared throughout all the earth.
The scriptures tell us that God told Pharoah, "I have
appointed you for the very purpose of displaying My power in you and
to spread My fame throughout the earth." (Exodus 9:16). God chooses
whom ever He wills.
18 Therefore
hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he
hardeneth. God chooses to show mercy to
some, but He also chooses to harden the hearts of others so they
refuse to listen. "It is all part of His plan."
(Exodus 4:21, 7:13, Romans 11:7-8, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). Even today,
if you want to be
ignorant of God's Word and follow lies, deception, and traditions of
men; God will send you strong delusion to believe those lies. He
will close your eyes to the truth. (Isaiah 29:10).
19 Thou
wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath
resisted his will? Can we say: Why does
God blame people for not responding? Don't they do what He makes
them do?
20 Nay
but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing
formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Never say that about God, and never as a human
argue with God. i.e., never question God. He created you,
so never question the creator. "Be satisfied with who you are."
(Isaiah 45:9-10).
21 Hath
not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one
vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
When the potter makes jars out of clay, doesn't he
have the right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for
decoration and another to throw garbage into?
22 What
if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known,
endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to
destruction. In this same way, God
having the right to show His anger and power, is still patient with
those who are destined for destruction. "God is always fair." (John
17:12). Even the sinners still have a chance when Christ returns
during the millennium. The only one sentenced to death at this time
is the son of perdition, which is Satan, so that the scriptures can
be fulfilled.
23 And
that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of
mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.
He does this to make His riches and glory shine on those who He has
shown mercy. (Ephesians 2:10).
Those chosen before in
the first world age, and it is God Himself who has made us what we
are. He has given us new lives through Jesus Christ, that we should
spend these lives helping others. Our works do not save us, but it
is the only thing we can take with us when we die. (Revelation
14:13).
24 Even
us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the
Gentiles? Jews and Gentiles alike. "God
chooses whom ever He wills to serve Him and further His plan of
salvation."
25 As
he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my
people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
This word "Osee" is the prophecy of "Hosea."
Concerning the Gentiles, God would say: "Those who were not My
people, I will not call My people; I will love those whom I did
not love before." (Hosea 2:23, 1 Peter 2:10).
Those who know the truth and had His calling because
they love God.
26 And
it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto
them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children
of the living God. There is another
place in the scriptures where it says: You are not My people, but
there they will be called, "children of the living God." (Hosea
1:9-10).
27 Esaias
also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of
Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.
Concerning Israel, Isaiah the prophet spoke:
"Though the people of Israel are as numerous as the sands of the
sea, a remnant shall be saved." (Isaiah 10:20-22, 11:11). Not that
only the remnant will be saved, but rather return. Many will be
saved in the end times.
28 For
he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because
a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. i.e., judgment upon the earth in the end
time will be quick and final. (Matthew 24:21, Revelation 19:11).
The return of
Christ in the second advent. "He is the real thing, and Jesus
is the one who justly punishes and makes war."
29 And
as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a
seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
God spared that small remnant before,
and He will do it again. Spared from what? Do you remember what
happened at Sodom and Gomorrah? (Isaiah 1:9, Jude 1:7).
30 What
shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after
righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the
righteousness which is of faith. So,
what does this all mean? Even though the Gentiles did not follow
God's standards, they were still made right with God. How? "By faith."
They showed it in their hearts, just as we can do today. All God
wants is your love, and for you to put your faith in Him, not man.
(Galatians 5:5).
31 But
Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not
attained to the law of righteousness. The people of Israel tried so hard to get right with God by keeping
the law, but never succeeded. It still won't happen even today.
"All
the rituals and ordinances that religions try to keep today will get
them nowhere without faith." (Forget all the nonsense and
get down to reality of Gods Word).
32 Wherefore?
Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of
the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone.
Stumble at the stumbling stone...
Why? because they make these rituals and laws a stumbling block to
themselves, instead of trusting God. (1 Peter 2:8). When they
play church and follow
traditions of men they will not understand the truth of God's
Word. Christ can become a stumbling block to them. You may
say; how can Christ become a stumbling block? Remember that
the antichrist comes first and will
deceive many into believing he is the real Christ. He will be the
stumbling block to those who follow him. God will also let
you be deceived and believe a lie if you do not follow the truth of
the Word. (2 Thessalonians 2:5-11).
33 As
it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of
offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
God warned them before. "I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that
makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall." But, anyone who
trusts in Him will never be ashamed. (Isaiah 8:14-15, 28:16, Matthew
21:42). So, forget the stumbling stone and trust in "Our Rock" who is
"Jesus Christ," and you will never
be disgraced.
Romans 10
1 Brethren,
my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might
be saved. Paul's heart and prayer was
always towards the ministry and that all people that he came in
contact with would be saved. (1 Corinthians 9:20-22). That is what
Christianity is all about. Sharing the truth in the Word with all
people, so that they may achieve salvation.
2 For
I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according
to knowledge. Paul knew what zeal they
had towards God, but is was misdirected zeal, and he was about to
give them a wake up call.
3 For
they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves
unto the righteousness of God. Paul is
saying here that they do not understand God's way of making them
right with Himself. They keep refusing to accept God's way of doing
things, and keep following their own ways. Just as
many do today, following mans ways with their fancy rituals and
traditions. "But it looks so holy, it must make us right with God."
"Hypocrites playing church." God doesn't like it. Christ spoke of this in the
parable of the Pharisee and publican.
(Luke 18:9-14).
4 For
Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that
believeth. Christ came to fulfill the
law and has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was
given. "All who believe in Him are made right with God." However,
let me ask you this question? In order to believe in someone, don't
you need to get to know them first? "Of course you do." You need to
know the truth of God's Word before you can get to truly know Him.
5 For
Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man
which doeth those things shall live by them.
In other words, if you plan on being made right with
God by keeping the law, it requires that you are obedient to all
it's commands. "As long as you are in this flesh body, it won't
happen." No man, woman, or child can do it. If you think
you can, you are just fooling yourself. We all screw up at times, that is why
we have repentance. When you repent to the Heavenly Father and mean
it from the heart, you have a clean slate again. "That's why Christ
died for us all." So that we would have a chance at salvation through
believing in Him. Christ paid an awesome price for our sins.
(Hebrews 2:14-18).
6 But
the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not
in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? that is, to bring
Christ down from above. So, don't say
to yourself, "who will go up to heaven?" (To bring Christ down to
earth). (John 3:12-13). Only the Messiah, has come to earth and will
return to heaven again.
7 Or,
Who shall descend into the deep? that is, to bring up Christ again
from the dead. And don't say, "who will go down to the place
of the dead?" (To bring Christ back to life again). (Revelation
1:18).
Christ will give us the knowledge to
open the doors of truth, and the truth shall set you free. Only He
holds the key to Heaven and hell.
8 But
what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy
heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.
What Paul is saying here is that the message about faith that we
should be preaching is right in front of your face, and in your
heart. (1 Peter 1:25). The Word
of the Lord is eternal. And the Word is the Good News that was
preached to you.
9 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. Again, a condition
here. "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and
believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be
saved." (1 John 4:2, 4:15).
10 For
with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation. It
is believing in your heart that makes you right with God, and it is
confessing with your mouth that you are saved. (This is what baptism
is all about). You show and confess publicly that you believe in
Christ and that He was raised from the dead in the resurrection.
11 For
the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be
ashamed. Never be ashamed of Christ, or your faith. If you are
a true Christian and a believer, you will stand for Christ and your
faith till the end. (Matthew 24:13). "Those enduring to the end shall be saved." That means till the
return of Christ; at the second advent. Remember that antichrist comes first and will deceive
many pretending that he is Christ.
12 For
there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same
Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
God does not play favorites. He created all the races
and He loves them all. He gives generously to all who call upon His
name. (Acts 2:21). Gives what? He gives you salvation; that's
what we are talking about.
13 For
whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Call on the name of the Lord;
for "Christ does the saving." (Acts 2:38). The apostle Peter would
say; "each one of you must turn from sin," repent and be baptized in
the name of Jesus and you will receive the "Holy Spirit." This is a
promise from God to whom ever will. (Baptism is to believe in the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ).
14 How
then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall
they hear without a preacher? Paul is
saying, you can't call on the Lord unless you believe in Him. You
can't believe in Him unless you have heard about Him. And you can't
hear about Him unless someone tells you about Him. (That's the job
of a true preacher, or teacher of the Word). The conditions here are
very clear. As I have said many times before, you need to get to
know Christ before you can believe in Him. How? "Through His Word."
15 And
how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things! How
will anyone teach them without being sent? That's why the scriptures
say. "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring the Good
News." (Isaiah 52:7, Nahum 1:15).
16 But
they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who
hath believed our report? Not everyone
welcomes the Good News. Quoted by Isaiah the prophet. (Isaiah 53:1).
There are going to be times when you try to spread a seed of truth,
but they are not going to accept it. (Only
God can make the seed of truth grow, all you need to do is plant
it). If they don't accept it, or want to listen, just move on to the
next person.
17 So
then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Faith comes from hearing the Good News about
Christ. (Luke 11:28). Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and
keep it. That means meditate on it and remember what you have
learned. "Exercise the spirit."
18 But
I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all
the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Have the people actually heard the Good News? You can bet on
it... The message of Jesus Christ has gone throughout the world.
(Especially now in the end times with radio, television, cell phones
and computers). Take this ministry for example; with the help of the
Lord, we reach thousands of people each day in over 50 countries
around the world. We take no credit, it all goes to the Lord. "Praise God!"
19 But
I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to
jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will
anger you. Did the people of Israel
really understand? Of course they did; even in the time of Moses,
God said, "I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not
even a nation. And I will provoke your anger through the foolish
Gentiles." Paul is quoting here from (Deuteronomy 32:20-21). While
the people of Israel were wondering in the wilderness, they kept
backsliding and worshipping other gods. This made the living God
jealous. So in turn, God would make them jealous by reaching out to
other nations that would be considered foolish to the Jews. (People
of the Gentile nations).
20 But
Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me
not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
The prophet Isaiah spoke very boldly for God. He would say; "I was
found by people who were not looking for Me. I showed Myself to
those who were not asking for Me." (Isaiah 65:1).
21 But
to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands
unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
Paul was telling us that Isaiah would go on to say
regarding Israel; God says, "All day long I opened My arms to them,
but they were disobedient and rebellious." (Isaiah 65:2). Describing
people who never listen and are always arguing against you. Hard
headed people who will never listen to the truth. Hmmm, have you
ever met anyone like that?
Romans 11
1 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.
Paul is asking the question? Has God
rejected the nation of Israel? "Of course not." Paul is telling them
that he himself is an Israelite (a descendant of Abraham and member
of the tribe of Benjamin).
2 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. God has not rejected His
people whom He chose from the beginning. (Those whom overcame in the
first earth age). All part of God's election.
3 Lord,
they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I
am left alone, and they seek my life. This would be Elijah speaking in the old testament after his great
victory on Mount Carmel, as he stood against the prophets of Baal
and had called fire down from heaven. Then he ordered the prophets
of Baal to all be killed. (1 Kings 19:1-17). When Ahab told queen
Jezebel what Elijah had done, she sent a message to Elijah that she
was going to kill him by the next day. So Elijah fled for his life
and went to Beer-sheba, a city of Judah, leaving his servant there.
Then he went alone into the wilderness and prayed that he might die.
(Kind of a pity party about serving the Lord). This shows us that at
times it is going to get tough when serving the Lord, but rather
than feel sorry for ourselves, we need to push on and take control.
Trust in God and don't let your guard down. If you do,
this gives Satan a way in to give you trouble.
4 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. After Elijah thought all was lost
and finally got back on his feet, "God told him that He had 7,000
others who never bowed down to Baal." (1 Kings 19:18), those who
stood against the false one.
5 Even
so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to
the election of grace. The same goes
for today, there is a remnant (those who have remained faithful
because of God's grace), "His elect ones." Are you one of His elect?
Are
you remaining faithful to God's truth and not bowing to false teachings
and traditions of men?
6 And
if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more
grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise
work is no more work. Grace comes from God's kindness, not
from your works. (Ephesians 2:4-9, 2 Timothy 1:9). God calls not according to the
works of one, or because we deserve it; but because that was part of
His plan before the world began, to show us His grace through Jesus
Christ.
7 What
then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the
election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
In other words, most people have not found the favor of God that
they are looking for. A few of His chosen have, but the majority of
peoples hearts are hardened. (2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Thessalonians
2:9-12). We are speaking
of one of Satan's roles as antichrist. He will trick everyone with
strange demonstrations, great miracles, and lies, because he is the
father of lies. (John 8:44). He will completely fool those who
refused the truth of the Word that they might be saved. Those who
follow Satan will perish. Once saved always saved? "I don't think so."
Again,
If you want to be ignorant of God's Word and follow lies, deception,
and traditions of men; God will send you strong delusion to believe
those lies. He will close your eyes to the truth. (Isaiah 29:10).
So many have been blinded to the truth in today's world and they
don't even care.
8 (According
as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes
that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto
this day. Here it is, the spirit of
slumber written here and in the old testament. (Isaiah 29:10). "To
this day He has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their
ears so they do not hear."
9 And
David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a
stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them.
Spoken by David, "Let their bountiful table become a
snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessings
cause them to stumble, and get what they deserve." (Psalm 69:22-23).
In other words, your material and monetary possessions can become a
trap and make you think all is well. (People who cherish their
physical money over spiritual wealth). It's all about the money!
Your spiritual blessings can also cause you to stumble, thinking you
are on the right track when your not. This is what happened to
Israel: their spiritual blessings should have led them to Christ,
but became a snare to them and kept them from Christ. Why? Their
religious practices became substitutes for the real experience of
salvation. This goes on today when people depend on certain churches
religious rituals, and practices instead of trusting in Christ,
without all the fluff. "Playing church." It looks so holy, but it is
far from the truth.
10 Let
their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their
back alway. Let their eyes be blind to
the truth so they cannot see and let their backs be bent forever.
(Psalm 69:23).
11 I
say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but
rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for
to provoke them to jealousy. Did the
people of Israel stumble and fall beyond recovery? "Not at all." By
them being disobedient towards God, He made salvation available to
the Gentiles. He wanted His people to become jealous so that they
may claim it for themselves. (God kind of wanted them to compete
against the Gentiles for salvation). "You can see this competing
going on in many churches today."
12 Now
if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing
of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
If the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel rejected
God's offer of salvation; just think how much greater the blessing
to the world will be when the people of Israel finally accept God's
salvation.
13 For
I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the
Gentiles, I magnify mine office. Paul was a sent one to the
Gentiles, and he wanted to stress that point towards them.
(Ephesians 3:8, 2 Timothy 1:11).
Paul's calling to a three fold ministry. To preach to
the Kings & Queens, to Israel, and to the Gentiles. (Acts 9:15-16).
14 If
by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and
might save some of them. Paul wanted to
make some of the people of Israel jealous of what the Gentiles now
have, so that he might save some of them also.
15 For
if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what
shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
Since Israel's rejection towards God
brought salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be
even greater. "It will bring life to those who were spiritual dead."
Speaking of the end times when the Jews come back to Christ. They
will be like a nation returning from the dead, and will usher in the
Millennium, when Christ will reign on earth. (Zechariah 12:10).
16 For
if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be
holy, so are the branches. What Paul is
saying here is that if Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy,
their descendants will also be holy. In other words, the people of
Israel are not saved because they are descendants of Abraham, but
rather there is a special relationship they have with God because of
Abraham.
17 And
if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive
tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the
root and fatness of the olive tree. The
branches here represent Abraham's tree, and some of the people of
Israel (as the branches), have been broken off. The Gentiles who
were of the wild olive tree, were grafted in. So, the Gentiles also
receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children.
Together they will share in the richness of God's special olive
tree.
18 Boast
not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the
root, but the root thee. In other
words, don't boast about being grafted into the branches that
were broken off. You are just a branch and not the root.
Remember the branches that were there first before you were grafted
in. We are all part of the family of God as long as we are believers,
and no one has all the answers yet. (Well, some preachers think they
do). At Christ's return, the record
will be set straight.
19 Thou
wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted
in. Those branches were broken off to
make room for you. If they were not broken off, you may have not
have been grafted in.
20 Well;
because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by
faith. Be not highminded, but fear. The
branches that were broken off, was because of their unbelief in
Christ. You are their in place of them, because you believe
in Christ. So, don't be so high mighty and arrogant, but rather
fear what could happen if you were not a believer, or if you fall
from God's grace. (Proverbs 28:14, 1 Timothy 6:17).
21 For
if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare
not thee. If you get to high minded, or
act holier than thou, remember that God did not spare the original
branches, and He might not spare you either.
22 Behold
therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell,
severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his
goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
God can be kind and He can be severe. He is severe to
those who disobey Him, and kind to those who obey and trust in Him.
If you stop trusting in Him and follow the ways of the world, you
will also be cut off.
23 And
they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in:
for God is able to graft them in again.
Our Heavenly Father is always fair. If those who were
grafted out turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again.
24 For
if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and
wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much
more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into
their own olive tree? The Gentiles were
grafted in from the branches of the wild olive tree. God was willing
to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into His good
olive tree. So then, He will be far more eager to graft the original
branches back into the tree where they belong. The bottom line here
is: For us as Christians, Christ is the true vine and we are the
branches. We are to abide in Him and He will abide in us so that we
can bear good fruit, which is the truth is the Word. If we do not
abide in Him, we are cast out as a branch and will wither and be
burned. (John 15:4-6).
25 For
I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part
is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Paul is explaining here that they (the Gentiles), should not feel to
proud about themselves because Israel has hardened their hearts
towards God, because this will only last until the full number of
Gentiles comes to Christ. When will this happen? In the end times.
(Luke 21:24, Isaiah 59:20, Revelation 7:9). Now lets turn to the
book of Acts to reveal the mystery that Paul was talking about.
After this I will
return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is
fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will
set it up. (Acts 15:16). I will renew the broken contract
with David. (Amos 9:11). That the residue of men
might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name
is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. (Acts 15:17).
So that the gentiles (whom so-ever will), also find the Lord.
Known unto God are all his works from the
beginning of the world. (Acts 15:18). The Lord revealing His
plan right from the beginning. So, what does all this mean?
Basically, God has a number of Gentiles in mind who will saved.
When that number is reached, God will once again turn His attention
to the nation of Israel and remove the blinders from their eyes.
26 And
so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out
of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.
Paul is quoting from (Isaiah 59:20).
Christ will come as a redeemer to those in Zion who have turned away
from sin. "He does the same thing for us all who believe in Him."
(Titus 2:14). He died for us and our sins, so that He could rescue
us from constant falling into sin and calls us His very own. People
with enthusiasm for doing good works. What are these good works?
Everyone has different good works they can do. It could be to study
His Word and share it with others if you are a teacher of the Word.
It can be just doing kind things to others. Even a smile towards
others can go a long way with making someone's day. Don't be
a dead head and trouble maker; be a light to the world.
27 For
this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
This is the covenant with them who return to Him, that He will take
away their sins. The promise of the "new covenant." (Jeremiah
31:31-34). A future prophecy when Israel is to be restored.
28 As
concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as
touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.
What Paul is saying here is that at the time there are many people
of Israel who are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits
the Gentiles. Yet they are still His people that He loves, because
He chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
29 For
the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
God always keeps His promise.
30 For
as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained
mercy through their unbelief. Paul
is saying that you Gentiles were once rebels against God,
but when the people of Israel rebelled against Him, God was merciful
to you instead.
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this
world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit
that now worketh in the children of disobedience. (Ephesians 2:2).
Following the crowds and were just like all the others, full
of sin and obeying Satan, the prince of the power of the air. He is
at work right now in the hearts of those who are against the Lord.
Children here is translated the sons of Satan, the Kenites, or sons
of Cain. (Cain being the son of Satan and the first murderer). This
word "course" in the Greek Strong's G165 is "Aion" a time period, or
since the world began. We also have the children of disobedience in
the "first earth age," the one third who followed Satan. We also have
the children of disobedience with "the fallen angels." (Genesis
6:1-2). Read our study topics "Three earth ages" and
"The fallen
angels" for a better understanding. Let
no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things
cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
(Ephesians 5:6).
Vain here means empty words. Don't be fooled by those who try
to excuse these sins, because a terrible wrath of God is upon those
who do them. We covered the children of disobedience above in (Ephesians
2:2).
31 Even
so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they
also may obtain mercy. In other words,
now the people of Israel have become the rebels, and God's mercy has
come to the Gentiles, so that the people of Israel would become
jealous and want to receive God's mercy as well. God wants us as
Christians (who received His mercy), to show mercy to the unbeliever
so that they may turn to God.
32 For
God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy
upon all. Again, God is always fair. He has imprisoned
everyone in disobedience so He could have mercy on us all. "This
goes back to trying to keep the law." (Galatians 3:22-23). If we could have been saved
by the law, God would not have given us another way out through
faith in Jesus Christ. Before Christ came, we were prisoners to the
law. "Until we could believe in the coming of the Savior."
33 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!
God's riches, wisdom and knowledge are "awesome." It is just
impossible for us at this time to understand all His ways.
34 For
who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
No one can know the lord's thoughts, and there is no one who could give Him any sound advice.
35 Or
who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him
again? God does not owe us anything. It
is only by His grace that we exist and have a chance of salvation.
36 For
of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be
glory for ever. Amen. Everything comes
form God through His power and is intended for His glory. "All the
Glory goes to God forever." Amen. (Revelation 19:1).
Shouting "Praise Ye The Lord," salvation is from our
God. Honor and authority belongs to Him. We can also claim these
powers He has given us, if you believe and are in a good walk with
our Heavenly Father.
Romans 12
1 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. Paul
is telling us as Christians, to fully give ourselves to God, because
of all He has done for us. This word "acceptable" Strong's G2101 is
"euarestos" in the Greek, meaning fully agreeable and well
pleasing. Agreeable in the written Word, and proving what is
acceptable unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:10). Learn what
pleases the Lord. It is written in His letter to you. Follow the
Word.
"This is truly the way to worship Him."
2 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. Don't follow the behavior and customs of this world, but rather let
God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think
about things. Then you will learn what is pleasing to God and His
will for you. (1 Peter 4:2, 2 Peter 1:4, 1 John 2:15-17).
3 For
I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among
you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but
to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the
measure of faith. In other words, don't think you are better
than you really are. Take a good look at yourself, and measure
yourself by the faith God has given you. (Ephesians 4:7). Christ has given each
of us special abilities, whatever special gift He gives us to
further His cause.
4 For
as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the
same office. We are all members of the
same body of Christ, and each of us has a special function. (1
Corinthians 12:4).
Got gives
us all special spiritual gifts, but they all come from the Holy
Spirit.
5 So
we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of
another. Through Christ's body we are
many parts of one body, and we belong to each other. (1 Corinthians
12:12-14). "Learn to get along with fellow Christians."
6 Having
then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of
faith. We are all given different gifts according to God's
grace. So, if God has given you the gift to teach, do it with faith
and to the best of your ability. (Ephesians 4:11). The sent forth ones, some are
teachers, some are seed planters, some for winning people to Christ,
and some for caring for God's people. Whatever your calling
is, use it to benefit the many member body of Christ.
7 Or
ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on
teaching. If God gives you the gift of serving others, serve
them to the best of your ability. If He gives you the gift of
teaching, be a good and truthful teacher. Don't teach a bunch of
trash and traditions of men. (1 Timothy 2:7).
Paul was chosen by God as God's minister
(preacher), and missionary (apostle or one sent forth), to teach the
truth to the gentiles, and to show them God's plan of salvation
through faith. Only God can send a true teacher of the Word. What is
that teacher supposed to do? "Teach the truth to the lost and
unlearned."
8 Or
he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it
with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth
mercy, with cheerfulness. Again, what
ever your gift of God is, do it willingly and to the best of your
ability. "Do it with a cheerful heart."
9 Let
love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good. Don't be a phony
and pretend to love others. Really love them if you say you do. Hate
what is wrong, and hold tightly to what is good.
10 Be
kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another. Love the brethren and honor each
other. Basically we are talking about your fellow Christians here.
There are times in this world and in this flesh body that you are
not going to care so much for certain people. (1 Peter 1:22). "Forget about
the flesh." You are cleansed from sin and purify the soul when you
obey the truth. Care about those who are misled and try to show them
the truth. If they do not want to listen, don't hate them, just let
it go.
11 Not
slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
Never be lazy in serving the Lord, and serve Him enthusiastically.
Work hard at anything you do and it will pay off in the end.
12 Rejoicing
in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
Rejoice in the hope we have and be patient in trouble times.
Keep praying and talking to the Heavenly Father. (1 John 5:14). We can be sure
that God will listen to us whenever we ask for anything in line with
His will. (Ask for things of the spirit, or wisdom to help you in
teaching His Word). "God loves that."
13 Distributing
to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
When fellow Christians need help, always be ready to help them. (1
Peter 4:9). Make someone
feel welcome in your home and be kind to others.
14 Bless
them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
I know this is hard at times, but bless them who give you trouble.
Pray that God will bless them. You never know, they just might come
around to the truth if it be God's will. (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
Do not pay back
evil for evil, but rather try to do good towards each other.
15 Rejoice
with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
When someone is happy about something, rejoice
with them. Don't be jealous of them. And when someone is sad about
something, feel for them as if it was yourself going through a bad
time. Have a little compassion for others. "Again, God loves that."
16 Be
of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Live in harmony with others when
possible. Don't be to proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.
Some of the nicest people I have ever met, were just plain old
common people like myself. And most important, don't be a know it all.
We can
all learn something from others.
17 Recompense
to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all
men. Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things that way
God would want you to, so that everyone can see you are honorable.
(Proverbs 3:4, 2 Corinthians 8:21). Paul was
always honest and his word was good. If you give someone your word,
keep it. If you are honest with people, at times they may not like
it, but they will respect you for telling it like it is.
18 If
it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all
men. "If it be possible," try your best to live in peace with
everyone. (2 Corinthians 13:11). Again, try
to live in harmony and peace with others, and the God of love and
peace will be with you.
19 Dearly
beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath:
for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Never take revenge on others, especially if you are a true
Christian. Leave the revenge to God. If someone messes with one of
God's children, He will take care of them. (Hebrews 10:30).
Vengeance belongs to the Lord and He will judge His people.
(Deuteronomy 32:35-36).
20 Therefore
if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for
in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
When your enemies are hungry, feed them. When
thirsty, give them something to drink. Christ set the example: (John
13:26-27). When Judas betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver, He
knew it was God's will that it be done, and honored him at the table
of the last supper. "You can bet that there were burning coals of
shame on the head of Judas."
21 Be
not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Never let evil conquer you. That is what Satan wants, then he has
you. Always conquer evil by doing good. How do we prevent this?
(Through the Word). Put on the full Gospel Armor so that you can stand
against Satan. (Ephesians 6:11). Put on all God's armor to stand against all strategies and tricks of
Satan. Remember it says to "stand against Satan." (Don't
try to escape with promises of false doctrine like the rapture).
Romans 13
1 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.
Submit to government
authorities, because
all authority comes
from God, and those
in position of
authority have been
placed there by God.
(Titus 3:1, 1 Peter
2:13-17).
Obey the law of our
governments and you
will have freedom of
religion.
Be a good citizen and bring forth God's
Word. The lawmakers
are here to protect those who are doing good and can protect you to
further God's Word.
2 Whosoever
therefore resisteth
the power, resisteth
the ordinance of
God: and they that
resist shall receive
to themselves
damnation.
If
you rebel against
authority you are
rebelling against
what God has
instituted and will
be punished.
3 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.
The authorities are
not there to bring
fear to the people
who are doing right,
but rather to those
who are doing wrong.
Do what is right and
the authorities will
honor you. (Proverbs
14:35, 1 Peter
3:13-14).
No one will want to harm
you if you do good.
4 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.
The
authorities are
God's servants for
your good. If you
are doing wrong,
they have the power
to punish you. (That
is part of their
job). Now I know many
will say that many
of the authorities
are corrupt. Some
may be, but the
majority of them are
good people who want
to do good for our
country. You are
always going to have
some corruption in
the government, in
the courts, the
military, and
police departments.
"Those who
are corrupt will get
theirs sooner or
later."
5 Wherefore ye
must needs be
subject, not only
for wrath, but also
for conscience sake.
Do good and submit
to the good
authorities and you
will avoid
punishment and keep
a clear conscience.
(Acts 24:16).
6 For for this
cause pay ye tribute
also: for they are
God's ministers,
attending
continually upon
this very thing.
Work hard and pay
your taxes for the
same reason. The
government workers
need to be paid for
their services. Some
of them may be a
little overpaid at
times, but that's
the way it is.
Christ was
approached with this
same question about
taxation. (Matthew
22:17-21, Mark
12:14:17, Luke
20:21-26).
"Render to God what
is God's, render to
the government what
is the governments."
7 Render
therefore to all
their dues: tribute
to whom tribute is
due; custom to whom
custom; fear to whom
fear; honour to whom
honour.
Again, pay what you
owe to others, and
pay your taxes and
government fees to
those who collect
them. By doing so,
you will be giving
honor to those who
are in authority.
8 Owe no man
any thing, but to
love one another:
for he that loveth
another hath
fulfilled the law.
As a good citizen
and Christian, you
owe nothing to
anyone, except for
your obligation to
love one another. If
you love your
neighbor as
yourself, you will
be fulfilling the
requirements of
God's law.
(Galatians 5:14,
James 2:8).
9 For this,
Thou shalt not
commit adultery,
Thou shalt not kill,
Thou shalt not
steal, Thou shalt
not bear false
witness, Thou shalt
not covet; and if
there be any other
commandment, it is
briefly comprehended
in this saying,
namely, Thou shalt
love thy neighbour
as thyself.
In other words, the
last five of the ten
commandments are all
summed up in this
one commandment:
"Love your neighbor
as yourself."
(Matthew 22:39, Mark
12:31). Christ told
us about the two
greatest
commandments; "Love
the Lord with all
your heart," and
"Love your neighbor
as yourself."
10 Love
worketh no ill to
his neighbour:
therefore love is
the fulfilling of
the law.
True
love never does
wrong to others, so
love fulfills the
requirements of
God's law. Now there
is times when you
may need to use
tough love against a
child, or a fellow
brother for
correction. If you
truly love your
child, or a loved
one, you will
correct them when
necessary. "Spare
the rod and spoil
the child."
(Proverbs 13:24).
11 And that,
knowing the time,
that now it is high
time to awake out of
sleep: for now is
our salvation nearer
than when we
believed.
What Paul is saying
here is, "wake up"
and get your act
together. Time is
running out and we
are close to the
end. The return of
Christ is just
around the corner.
(Revelation 22:12,
22:20). The seventh
trump is near and
Christ
is returning soon to reward everyone according to the deeds he
has done. DO YOU HAVE A REWARD COMING?
12 The night
is far spent, the
day is at hand: let
us therefore cast
off the works of
darkness, and let us
put on the armour of
light.
The
night is almost
gone, and the day of
salvation will soon
be here. So, we are
to shed our works of
darkness and put on
the armor of light.
Now there is a lot
said in this
particular verse.
First off, as
Christians we are
children of the
light. Satan is a
child of the dark.
So, we are to shed
the dark deeds of
Satan and put on the
armor of light. Who
is the light? Christ
is that light we
should be walking
in. (1 John1:5-7).
What is the armor we
should put on? This
is the "whole Gospel
armor of God," that
we need to fight the dark ways of
Satan. (Ephesians
6:11-18).
13 Let us walk
honestly, as in the
day; not in rioting
and drunkenness, not
in chambering and
wantonness, not in
strife and envying.
Because we are
children of the
light, we need to
live decent lives
for all to see.
Don't live in the
darkness of wild
parties,
drunkenness, sexual
promiscuity, immoral
living, or in
quarreling and
jealously. "These
are all thing of the
dark side, and of Satan."
14 But put ye
on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and make not
provision for the
flesh, to fulfil the
lusts thereof.
Keep your mind on
our Lord Jesus
Christ. Know Him and
feel His presence.
Don't let your flesh
take over an indulge
in your evil
desires. How can we
do this? Stay in the
Word so that you can
grow strong. (1
Peter 2:1-2).
Crave the spiritual milk
so you can grow into the meat of the Word and obtain a full
experience of salvation.
"The meat of the Word is where you will find true power and
wisdom."
Romans 14
1 Him that is
weak in the faith
receive ye, but not
to doubtful
disputations.
Accept others
believers who are
weak in faith, but
don't argue with
them about what they
may think is right
or wrong. This word
"receive" used here
is "proslambano" in
the Greek, Strong's
G4355, meaning "lead
aside, or to
friendship with."
(Become a fellow
friend to them and
set the example of a
mature Christian).
The word
"disputations"
Strong's G1253 is "diakrisis"
meaning "estimation
or to discern." (You
do have the right to
discern or recognize
the difference). However,
don't try to
straighten out
everyone you meet.
The "Holy Spirit" is
quite capable of
doing that to every
individual.
2 For one
believeth that he
may eat all things:
another, who is
weak, eateth herbs.
One may believe it
is alright to eat
anything, but
another may believe
that they should
only eat vegetables.
In reality, what you
eat has nothing to
do with your
relationship with
God. Christ would
say Himself that it
is not what goes
into a man that
defiles him, but
rather what come out
of him that defiles
him. (Mark 7:15-23).
This also refers to
(Leviticus 11),
concerning the
foods that we should
eat and not eat.
3 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.
Do not to
judge anyone on what
they eat or drink.
God has accepted
them according to
His will and
purpose. Lets take
this a step further.
I hate cigarette
smoking because I am
allergic to the
second hand smoke. I
know it is a bad
habit and it will
eventually make you
sick and possibly
give you cancer.
However, I don't
hate cigarette
smokers. If I did, I
would be hating
members of my own
family which I love
dearly. I have enough of my own
faults that they may
not like, but they
still love me dearly
also. My point
being, lets not
judge, or despise
others for their
faults, but rather
accept them for who
they are. "Let God
do the judging and changing."
4 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. Don't
think that you are
better that anyone
else and try to
judge others just
because you think
that your holier
than thou. "Again,
let God
be the judge." (1
Corinthians 4:4-5).
We know nothing by
ourselves.
God can do the
judging, because God
is always fair. (You
get what you got
coming to you).
5 One man
esteemeth one day
above another:
another esteemeth
every day alike. Let
every man be fully
persuaded in his own
mind.
In
other words, lets
not make a religion
out of a special day
of worship. God will
accept any day you
worship. He loves
any day that you get
into His Word.
6 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.
Those
who worship on a
certain day do it to
honor Him, so again,
don't make a
religion out of a
certain day. Those
who eat certain
foods and give
thanks to the
Heavenly Father for
that food, is just
fine to Him. Those
who do not eat
certain foods and
want to please the
Lord giving thanks
to Him, He also
accepts.
7 For none of
us liveth to
himself, and no man
dieth to himself.
Paul is saying here
that we do not live,
or die for
ourselves.
8 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.
If we live and die
to honor the Lord,
then we belong to
the Lord. "Remember,
all souls
belong to God."
(Ezekiel 18:4).
9 For to this
end Christ both
died, and rose, and
revived, that he
might be Lord both
of the dead and
living.
Christ died and
resurrected for this
purpose. "He is Lord
of the living and
the dead."
10 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.
Paul is asking us;
Why then do we
always try to judge
other believers? We
are all going to
stand before God and
be judged, so lets
leave the judging to
Him.
11 For it is
written, As I live,
saith the Lord,
every knee shall bow
to me, and every
tongue shall confess
to God.
It is
written that "every
knee will bow to
Christ and every
tongue will
confess." Where is
it written? (Isaiah
45:23).
12 So then
every one of us
shall give account
of himself to God.
Every one of us will
be accountable to
God. (Matthew 12:36,
Galatians 6:5).
13 Let us not
therefore judge one
another any more:
but judge this
rather, that no man
put a stumblingblock
or an occasion to
fall in his
brother's way.
Let's not judge one
another, but rather
live in a way that
you will not cause
another brother to
fall. Try not to
confuse another
brother with false
doctrines and
traditions of men.
14 I know, and
am persuaded by the
Lord Jesus, that
there is nothing
unclean of itself:
but to him that
esteemeth any thing
to be unclean, to
him it is unclean.
As mature Christians
we should know that
there is no food
that is spiritually
wrong to eat. But,
if someone believes
it is wrong, then
for that person it
is wrong to them and
we should respect
that. (1 Timothy
4:4). "Everything God made is good for
it's purpose."
15 But if thy
brother be grieved
with thy meat, now
walkest thou not
charitably. Destroy
not him with thy
meat, for whom
Christ died.
If another believer
is distressed by
what you eat, try
not to eat it around
them. Don't let your
eating ruin
someone's beliefs
for whom Christ
died.
16 Let not
then your good be
evil spoken of.
Then people won't
criticize you for
something you
believe in.
17 For the
kingdom of God is
not meat and drink;
but righteousness,
and peace, and joy
in the Holy Ghost.
The Kingdom of God
is not a matter of
what we eat or
drink, but rather
living a life of
goodness, peace, and
joy in the Holy
Spirit. (Galatians
5:22).
18 For he that
in these things
serveth Christ is
acceptable to God,
and approved of men.
Enjoy and keep a
good attitude when
serving God and you
will please Him.
(Then others will
approve of you also).
19 Let us
therefore follow
after the things
which make for
peace, and things
wherewith one may
edify another.
Lets try to bring
harmony to the
church. Always try
your best to build
others up. God loves
that, and people like
it also.
20 For meat
destroy not the work
of God. All things
indeed are pure; but
it is evil for that
man who eateth with
offence.
Don't make a
religion over what
you eat. This tears
apart the work of
God. Remember, all
food is acceptable,
but it is wrong to
eat something
(around that
person), if it
offends another
brother.
21 It is good
neither to eat
flesh, nor to drink
wine, nor any thing
whereby thy brother
stumbleth, or is
offended, or is made
weak.
It is
better not eat meat
or drink wine etc.,
if it might offend
another believer and
cause him to
stumble. (1
Corinthians 8:13).
"Don't do this in
front of weak
person." (This
would be like having
a drink around one
who was an
alcoholic, but now
has quit). You
don't want them to
start drinking again
because of you.
22 Hast thou
faith? have it to
thyself before God.
Happy is he that
condemneth not
himself in that
thing which he
alloweth. You
may believe that
what you are doing
is alright with God,
but keep it between
yourself and God.
Blessed are they who
don't feel guilty
for something they
believe in.
23 And he that
doubteth is damned
if he eat, because
he eateth not of
faith: for
whatsoever is not of
faith is sin.
However, if you do
something that you
believe is not
right, you are not
following your
convictions, and you
are sinning.
Romans 15
1 We then
that are strong
ought to bear the
infirmities of the
weak, and not to
please ourselves.
Don't always try to
please yourself.
Be a little more
considerate to those
who are sensitive
about certain things.
2 Let every
one of us please his
neighbour for his
good to edification.
Help others when you
can and build them
up in the Lord. This
pleases our Heavenly
Father. (Philippians
2:4-5).
Don't only think of things that interest you, but
take an interest in others also. (Be a good listener).
3 For even
Christ pleased not
himself; but, as it
is written, The
reproaches of them
that reproached thee
fell on me.
Christ didn't live
to please Himself,
He came as a servant
towards others. They
criticized Christ
and they will do the
same to you. (Psalm
69:9, 1 Timothy 3:7,
Matthew 5:11).
When you teach the
truth of God's Word, you will be talked about and falsely accused. People
will look for every fault they can against you.
4 For
whatsoever things
were written
aforetime were
written for our
learning, that we
through patience and
comfort of the
scriptures might
have hope.
Everything written
in the scriptures
long ago were
written to teach us
and give us hope and
encouragement. We
need to wait
patiently for the
promises of God to
be fulfilled.
(Hebrews 10:35-36, 1
Peter 1:13).
5 Now the God
of patience and
consolation grant
you to be likeminded
one toward another
according to Christ
Jesus.
God will give you
the patience and
encouragement
through the Holy
Spirit to live in
harmony with each
other. This is how
Christ lived and He
wants us to live the
same way.
(Philippians 2:4-5).
Have the
same attitude that Christ had. (It would be a wonderful world if we
could all have the mind of Christ).
6 That ye may
with one mind and
one mouth glorify
God, even the Father
of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
Joining together,
giving praise and
glory to the Heavenly
Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ. There
is no better time
than now, that this
country should turn
back to God and
start giving praise
where it is due.
(God is not to happy
with this country
right now). Just
look around and you
will see that the
wrath of God has
begun and will
continue, "till we
get our act
together."
7 Wherefore
receive ye one
another, as Christ
also received us to
the glory of God.
Learn to accept each
other just as Christ
has accepted you, so
God will get the
glory. (2
Thessalonians
1:10-12).
Speaking of the
coming of Christ
that is just around
the corner.
He is coming
to receive His praise for all He has done for us. We will be among
those praising Him because of what we have believed. Do you have the Faith to be
worthy of His calling? Enough faith to keep you focused on the Word
of God and not false teachings? Enough faith to keep you from
falling into a world controlled by Satan? If so, He will reward
your faith with His power.
8 Now I say
that Jesus Christ
was a minister of
the circumcision for
the truth of God, to
confirm the promises
made unto the
fathers.
Remember that Christ
came as a servant to
the Jews to show
that God is true to
the promises He made
with their
ancestors.
9 And that the
Gentiles might
glorify God for his
mercy; as it is
written, For this
cause I will confess
to thee among the
Gentiles, and sing
unto thy name.
Christ also came to
the Gentiles so that
they might give God
the glory for His
mercy towards them.
Where is it written?
(Psalm 18:49).
10 And again
he saith, Rejoice,
ye Gentiles, with
his people.
Written in other
places also.
(Deuteronomy 32:43,
Psalm 68:32, 97:1,
98:3-4).
11 And again,
Praise the Lord, all
ye Gentiles; and
laud him, all ye
people.
Written again,
praise the Lord, all
you Gentiles. (Psalm
117:1).
12 And again,
Esaias saith, There
shall be a root of
Jesse, and he that
shall rise to reign
over the Gentiles;
in him shall the
Gentiles trust.
The heir to David's
throne will come,
and He will rule
over the Gentiles.
Written in the book
of Isaiah. (Isaiah
11:1, 11:10). "Christ
is the root and the
offspring of David."
(Revelation 22:16).
13 Now the God
of hope fill you
with all joy and
peace in believing,
that ye may abound
in hope, through the
power of the Holy
Ghost.
Paul always prayed
for the brethren so
that they would come
to the truth and
hope, being
completely filled
with joy and peace,
because they trusted
in Christ. As
Paul explains, when
you trust in Christ
you will overflow
with confident hope
through the power of
the Holy Spirit.
14 And I
myself also am
persuaded of you, my
brethren, that ye
also are full of
goodness, filled
with all knowledge,
able also to
admonish one
another.
Paul was convinced
that the fellow
brethren were full
of goodness and were
capable of teaching
each other what he
had taught them.
Those who were
worthy of the
calling. (2
Thessalonians 1:11,
Acts 20:31). Paul
warned them to
watch out for the troublemakers, like
he watched out for
them.
15 Nevertheless,
brethren, I have
written the more
boldly unto you in
some sort, as
putting you in mind,
because of the grace
that is given to me
of God.
Paul was always a
bold teacher getting
right to the point
of the matter.
(Ephesians 3:7-8).
Paul was given the wonderful privilege of telling everyone about
God's plan, and God
gave him the power and special ability to do it
well. Paul admits that he did not deserve it and was the most useless
Christian, but was chosen for this special joy of telling the gentiles
about the Good News.
16 That I
should be the
minister of Jesus
Christ to the
Gentiles,
ministering the
gospel of God, that
the offering up of
the Gentiles might
be acceptable, being
sanctified by the
Holy Ghost.
Paul was that
special messenger to
the Gentiles. Paul's
goal was to make
them an acceptable
offering to God,
through the Holy
Spirit. (Ephesians
2:22).
Joined together by the Spirit as the
many member body that makes up the dwelling place of God.
17 I have
therefore whereof I
may glory through
Jesus Christ in
those things which
pertain to God.
Paul had good reason
to be so
enthusiastic about
all Jesus Christ has
done through him in
his service to God.
18 For I will
not dare to speak of
any of those things
which Christ hath
not wrought by me,
to make the Gentiles
obedient, by word
and deed.
Paul would never
boast about anything
except what Christ
has done through
him, bringing the
Gentiles to God
through his message
and by the way he
worked among them.
19 Through
mighty signs and
wonders, by the
power of the Spirit
of God; so that from
Jerusalem, and round
about unto
Illyricum, I have
fully preached the
gospel of Christ.
The Gentiles were
convinced by the
power and miraculous
signs of the Holy
Spirit. Paul fully
presented the "Good
News" of Christ from
Jerusalem to
Illyricum. (Acts
20:24, 20:1-2,
20:6).
Illyricum, or
Illyria, was a
country of Europe,
lying (N and NW) of
Macedonia, on the
eastern coast of the
Adriatic gulf,
opposite Italy.
20 Yea, so
have I strived to
preach the gospel,
not where Christ was
named, lest I should
build upon another
man's foundation.
Paul always taught
where the name of
Christ has never
been heard. He
preached mostly to
the lost, rather
than where a church
has already been
started.
21 But as it
is written, To whom
he was not spoken
of, they shall see:
and they that have
not heard shall
understand.
He followed the plan
written in the
scriptures. "Those
who have never been
told about Him will
see, and those who
have never heard of
Him will
understand." Where
is it written?
(Isaiah 52:15, 65:1).
22 For which
cause also I have
been much hindered
from coming to you.
Paul's visit to Rome
was delayed because
he has been
preaching in these
places.
23 But now
having no more place
in these parts, and
having a great
desire these many
years to come unto
you. Paul's
work was finished in
these regions and he
was eager to visit
the Romans.
24 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.
Paul planed to go to
Spain with the Word
and when he did, he
said that he would
stop in Rome for
fellowship.
25 But now I
go unto Jerusalem to
minister unto the
saints. He
was going to stop
off at Jerusalem
first to minister to
the believers there.
26 For it hath
pleased them of
Macedonia and Achaia
to make a certain
contribution for the
poor saints which
are at Jerusalem.
The believers in
Macedonia and Achaia
have taken up
offerings for the
poor among the
believers in
Jerusalem.
27 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. The
Gentiles felt that
they owed a real
debt to the
believers in
Jerusalem, because
they received the
spiritual blessings
of the "Good News"
form the believers
there. (They wanted
to help them out
financially).
28 When
therefore I have
performed this, and
have sealed to them
this fruit, I will
come by you into
Spain. After
Paul delivered their
donations to the
people in Jerusalem,
he was going to stop
by Rome on his way
to Spain.
29 And I am
sure that, when I
come unto you, I
shall come in the
fulness of the
blessing of the
gospel of Christ.
Paul was sure that
Christ would bless
their time together.
(Ephesians 3:19).
"Come to know the true
love of Christ, and pass His knowledge to others." One will never
forget a seed you planted when they come to Christ.
30 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. Paul
was asking them to
remember him in
their prayers
because of their
love for him through
the Holy Spirit. (2
Thessalonians 3:1).
Pray that
the Lord's message will spread rapidly and triumph wherever it goes,
winning converts everywhere as it did with you.
31 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.
Paul
was asking for their
prayers that he
would be safe from
the un-believers in
Judea and that the
believers would
accept the donation
he was taking them.
32 That I may
come unto you with
joy by the will of
God, and may with
you be refreshed.
Then by God's will,
I will be able to
come to you with a
joyful heart, and
will be an
encouragement to
each other.
(Proverbs 25:13).
33 Now the God
of peace be with you
all. Amen.
The
God who gives us
peace, may He be
with us all. (1
Corinthians 14:33).
Not a God of
confusion, but of
peace in all
churches of the
saints.
Romans 16
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is
a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea. Phoebe was a
"deaconess," or "servant" of the church of Cenchreae. Some scholars believe
she was responsible for delivering Paul's message to the Roman Christian church.
2 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.
Paul wanted them to welcome her as one who is worthy of honor among God's
people. She was an assistant to Paul and has been helpful to many.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila
my helpers in Christ Jesus. Priscilla and Aquila were Paul's co-workers
in the ministry. Priscilla was a Jewish woman and one of the earliest known
Christian converts who lived in Rome. (Prisca was her formal name).
Aquila was the husband of Priscilla and a Jewish Christian like her. Paul made
Aquila a bishop in Asia Minor. Priscilla and Aquila were both tent makers just
as Paul was. Priscilla and Aquila were among the earliest known teachers of
Christian theology.
4 Who have for my life laid
down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the
churches of the Gentiles. Paul was very thankful for the both of them
because they even risked their lives for Paul at one time.
5 Likewise greet the church
that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits
of Achaia unto Christ. Give my greetings to the church that meets in
their home. (1 Corinthians 16:19). Also, greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was
the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ.
6 Greet Mary, who bestowed
much labour on us. Greetings to Mary (Mariam), who has worked so
hard for your benefit. (Mary was the most prominent member of
the church of Rome known to Paul).
7 Salute Andronicus and Junia,
my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who
also were in Christ before me. Andronicus and Junia (were Benjamites),
and while being in prison with Paul, were highly respected among the apostles.
They were followers of Christ even before Paul was.
8 Greet Amplias my beloved in
the Lord. Ampliatus was a Roman Christian. (Sacred tradition makes him
the first Bishop of Varna, in Bulgaria).
9 Salute Urbane, our helper in
Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Urbanus and Stachys were other Christian
disciples and co-workers of Paul and the brethren.
10 Salute Apelles approved in
Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. Apelles was a
renowned painter of ancient Greece. Aristobulus, the brother of Saint Barnabas,
was ordained to be a bishop in Britain by the apostle Paul.
11 Salute Herodion my kinsman.
Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
Herodion was a relative of Paul, and Narcissus was a hunter from the territory
of Thespiae in Boeotia who was renowned for his beauty.
12 Salute Tryphena and
Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much
in the Lord. Tryphena (meaning luxurious), and Tryphosa
(meaning luxuriating), were probably sisters. Persis (means a Persian
woman), was a Christian in Rome. They all labored for the Lord.
13 Salute Rufus chosen in the
Lord, and his mother and mine. Rufus was the son of Simon the Cyrenian.
(Mark 15:21).
14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon,
Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
Asyncritus was a bishop Hyrcania in Asia. Phlegon was a Christian bishop of
Marathon. Hermas was a Christian resident of Rome. Patrobas was another
Christian of Rome. Hermes was the bishop of Dalmatia. Paul greeted them all
along with their brothers and sisters that were with them.
15 Salute Philologus, and
Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with
them. Philologus and his wife Julia were both Christians in Rome. Nereus
and his sister were Cristians at Rome, and Nereus was beheaded at Terracina,
probably during the reign of Nerva. Olympas was another Christian at Rome.
16 Salute one another with an
holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Greet each other with a
holy kiss. (1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26). In
the east, the kiss was and still is a sign of respect and affection.
17 Now I beseech you,
brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine
which ye have learned; and avoid them. Now Paul gives us an important
warning about those who cause division in the church by teaching things contrary
to the truth in the Word. Stay away from them! (2 Thessalonians 3:6,
3:14, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 2 Timothy 3:5, 2 John 1:10-11). If anyone comes to
teach anything other than what Christ taught, don't even invite them into your
home. Don't encourage them in any way.
If you encourage or support them in any way, you become a partaker in
their evil deeds and wickedness. When you tithe or donate to a church that is
not teaching truth of the Word, you become a partaker.
"Do not be deceived by false doctrine and traditions of men!"
18 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. These type of people are not
serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By their
smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. A bunch of con men
and women always trying to scam someone to get ahead. Do you know anyone like
that? (1 Corinthians 3:18-19). you are better off being a fool then to think
that you are above average according to this worlds standards. "The wisdom of
this world is foolish to God." God uses man's own brilliance to trap him; he
stumbles over his own wisdom and falls. Paul also warns us about the future when
the antichrist returns before the real Christ to deceive many. (2 Thessalonians
2:3-4). "Do not be deceived." Christ will not return until
the "Great Apostasy." (Rebellion against God, fallen away of the church, or
one who gives up their professed beliefs). Then the son of perdition (one of
Satan's names), will be revealed. "The false messiah." (Revelation 17:8).
He will defy God and will try to take the place of God, sitting in the
temple of God in Mount Zion. (Isaiah 14:12-16).
19 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. Paul tells
us how important it is to be obedient to the Lord. He wants us to be wise in
doing right and to stay away from doing wrong. (Matthew 10:16, Philippians
2:15). Live clean and sincere lives so that no one can criticize you.
Live as Children of God, shinning as bright lights to a world of crooked and
perverse nations.
20 And the God of peace shall
bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you. Amen. Our God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet.
(Malachi 4:3, Luke 10:19).
21 Timotheus my workfellow,
and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. This would
be Timothy of the new testament who came from a mixed marriage. His fathers name
was unknown and was a Greek Gentile. He either died, or disappeared during his
son's infancy. Timothy was raised by his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois.
Lucius was a kinsmen or fellow tribesman of Paul. He was ordained a bishop of
the church of Cenchreae. Jason was called the Thessalonian, entertained Paul and
Silas, and was in consequence attacked by the Jewish mob. Sosipater was also a
kinsmen or fellow tribesman of St. Paul.
22 I Tertius, who wrote this
epistle, salute you in the Lord. Tertius (a Roman), the one who
wrote the letter for Paul, also sends his greetings to the brethren.
23 Gaius mine host, and of the
whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you,
and Quartus a brother. Gaius was a Macedonian who accompanied Paul in his
travels, and who's life was in danger from the mob at Ephesus. Erastus (the
city treasurer), was one of the attendants to Paul at Ephesus. He was sent
forward with Timothy to Macedonia. (Acts 19:22). Quartus was a Christian of
Corinth and became a bishop of Berytus.
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with you all. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with
them all was the blessing.
25 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. It is the glory of God that makes us strong, as the "Good
News" says. The message of Jesus Christ has revealed His plan to the
Gentiles. (Acts 15:12). A plan that has been kept secret from the beginning of
time. What is this mystery? (Matthew 13:35). Jesus would open
secrets in parables that were kept secret since the beginning of time, the
foundation of the world. Foundation here is "Themelios" in the Greek; at
a time of the "Katabole," or overthrow of Satan in the first earth age.
(Ephesians 3:3-5). Not only that the gentiles are included in His plan of
salvation, but the mystery of the first earth age. You can read of this mystery
in our study topic "The three earth ages," and appendix 146 of the
King James Companion Bible.
Not all were meant to understand, but now He gives us understanding
through the Holy Spirit.
26 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.
Through the prophets it was made known as God has commanded this message to be
revealed to Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey Him.
(Acts 13:47). This is as the Lord commanded. I have made you a light to
the gentiles, to lead them from the farthest corners of the earth to my
salvation. Paul quoting from the old testament. (Isaiah 49:6).
27 To God only wise, be glory
through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. All the glory goes to the Heavenly
Father, through Jesus Christ forever. "And that's the way it is." Always
give all the glory to the Heavenly Father in anything you do, and He will bless
you.
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