Romans 13 - The Image of Christ In the Church (Part 2)

Here are my notes on Romans 13 from The Group Bible study at Harvest. I love teaching through the book of Romans. Enjoy!

Romans 13 - The Image of Christ In the Church (Part 2)
Jews viewed the Roman government differently than Christians. And Christians in general, viewed the oppressive governing authorities as immoral and unjust in many cases.

Many early believers were associated with zealots and rebels who would confront the Roman authorities. Thus, their "image" was of a rebellious one who did not submit to the authorities.

This created a cultural issue among different groups, which did not present Jews and Christians as good citizens in the ancient world (e.g. specifically under the rule of Caesar Nero and Domitian).

The Big Picture: Submission to God and his Word
Paul wanted to address the issue of their image when he wrote this chapter. He wanted his readers to know they were commanded by God to submit to the governing authorities because of two reasons:

1. First, it is biblical (Jeremiah 29:7, "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." ).

2. Secondly, it casts the right image of obedience to rulers and preserves life (cf. 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Titus 3:1; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14, since God instituted authority on earth to regulate justice, those who violate justice will face proper judgment).

The Big Principle: The One Another Principle

Also, he wanted to teach his readers this right image of obedience stems from loving your neighbor as yourself, known as the "one-another principle." Paul is echoing his Lord and Savior by quoting the second greatest commandment while connecting the principle to biblical citizenship.

Therefore, Romans 13 is not necessarily about who you should or should not obey, but rather a commandment to be obedient to all governing authorities regardless of their policies, because it casts the right image of obedience fulfilled in the one-another principle. Jesus displayed this attitude during his crucifixion.

Exegetical Context of Romans 13
In Rome, some obeyed out of fear, other rebelled, but the majority submitted to the authority. It was interesting to find out that there was three main perspectives on authority among Christians and non-Christians (i.e. the Roman government):

1. The pro-Roman State attitude was in favor of the authorities, where one was Roman, non-Christian Jewish, or Christian. These groups obeyed the laws and had no problem with the authorities ruling over them.

2. The anti-Roman State attitude was not in favor of the authorities among some non-Christian Jews, and Christians. These groups disobeyed the laws and rebelled frequently because they had religious and sociological problems with the authorities ruling over them. This existed because of historical prejudice.

3. The neutral-Roman State attitude was both positive and negative, where one was primarily Jewish or Gentile Christians. These groups obeyed the laws and had no problem with the authorities ruling over them even if the law caused them to lay down their life for their religion (i.e. would rather die for righteousness than live for unrighteousness. This is a major theme that is symbolic in the book of Revelation).

Systematic Perspective of Submission to Authority
Although Scripture presents a pro-Roman State attitude in many conditional instructions to the early church (i.e. obey rulers, pray for kings, submit to authorities, etc.), the overarching NT perspective is grounded in submission and non-retaliation of the neutral-Roman State attitude.

This attitude focuses on the glory of God in all things, whether good or bad.

In Luke & Acts, there is a positive and negative attitude of the governing authorities. In Luke 2:1-5, Jesus' parents obey the authorities by obeying the census. Luke 20:25 says, "He said to them, 'Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'" Jesus correctly responds to give to the government what is required, but more important give to God what is required.

Paul used his Roman citizenship to protect him on his missionary trips (Acts 16:37-39; 18:12-17; 22:24-29). However, the early church said it is more important to obey God, the ultimate authority in Acts 5:29, "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'" The balance presents the political realm as a legitimate worldview where one must pay taxes and acknowledge government rule; nevertheless, the priority of God is self evident and disarms all pretensions to divine rights of secular structures and authorities.

Mark 12:17 (same as Luke 20:25) was written to a Roman audience which provided a non-revolutionary or rebellious perspective towards authorities. This was the ideal option to obeying authority in the first century. Therefore, Paul suggests the main way we obey authority is by obeying God and giving our due diligence to the requirements of the law of the land. In this, we glorify God.

Yet at the same time, the way we should give our due diligence to pay taxes and revenue, and give respect and honor to whoever it is owed, is through the one-another principle because love does nothing wrong but rather fulfills the law of the Lord. For this reason, Paul wanted his followers not to just be mere obedient citizens, but to be obedient Christians who lived for the Lord and trusted in him for everything so they would cast the right image of obedience that was taught by Jesus Christ. Since everything is God's, by submitting to the authorities a believer is submitting to God because he has ordained all things. Therefore, our times call for the same type of obedience; conformity to the authorities' laws, but allegiance to God in all things.

The Promise-Plan of God in Romans as the underlying framework for Christian identity to be in Christ:

From the beginning of Romans, Paul began teaching his readers the promise-plan of God is based on OT truth, "Which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures" (Rom. 1:2), and seemingly ended his letter affirming that truth, "For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs" (Rom.15:8). Below is four ways the book of Romans reveals the promise-promise plan of God. 

—
The book of Romans reveals to us the gospel as the promise-plan of God in several ways:
—1. The gospel as the promised positional righteousness of God (Rom. 1-4)
—(This is a result of the covenant and faith of Abraham that is fulfilled in Christ)
—
—2. The gospel as the promised redemption/renewal of God (Rom. 5-8)
—(This is a result of the work of righteousness fulfilled in the new Adam)
—
—3. The gospel as the promised reconciliation of God (Rom. 9-11)
—(This is a result of the unifying faith of Jews and Gentiles in message from the beginning)
—
4. The gospel as the promised practical righteousness of God (Rom. 12-16)
—(This is the result of the transformed life by the power of the Holy Spirit)

The gospel is "the promise," and in no other book is "the promise" so magnificently outlined. Paul wanted the gospel to be understood correctly. He explains the gospel as the promised positional righteousness, redemption/renewal, reconciliation, an practical righteousness. The Roman believers did not seem to understand the implications of the gospel.

Paul dug down deep and taught these believers as if he was there in a Roman synagogue, and in doing so, he explained how "the promise" was fulfilled in Christ and has brought a new ethical, moral, theological, and practical lifestyle that must correspond to that message. Therefore, I think the "Promise-Plan of God in Romans" can be understood as an in depth scriptural analysis of "the promise" fulfilled through Jesus Christ with past-present-future effects. The heart of the promise is saving and changing societal lives for the glory of God.

Therefore, our text teaches Christians to operate with this promise-plan of God in mind. Paul wants Christians to live in such a way that their community is highly esteemed by the governing authorities because they obey the laws by paying their taxes and revenues, and respecting and honoring those who rule over them.

The word “submit” calls believers to recognize that they “stand under” government in the scheme that God has instituted for ruling the world (in that period of time).

[[Jesus vs. Pilate]]

The pattern of the Christ-event recalled in Paul’s words is the religious center of ethical practice.

I. [Obedience In the World – Sumbit to Authorities] - (Romans 13:1-7) 
—A. vv.1-2: Exhortation: be subject to governing authorities
—B. v. 3a: The role of rulers (judge wicked behavior)
—C. vv. 3b-4a: Appropriate behavior receives approval
—C. v. 4b: Inappropriate behavior receives the sword
—B. v. 4c: The role of rulers (execute wrath of evildoers)
—A. v. 5: Exhortation: be subject to governing authorities
—A. v. 6a: Pay taxes (direct taxes to the government)
—B. v. 6b: for rulers are servants of God
—A. v. 7: Give to all their due: direct taxes, indirect taxes, respect, honor

II. [Obedience In the Word – Submit to Scripture] - (Romans 13:8-10) 
—A. Negative injunctions vs. positive injunctions
—
III. [Obedience In the Will – Submit to Jesus Christ] - (Romans 13:11-14) 
—A. The basis vs. the summons

Application.
How do we obey the government as Christians in the 21st century?

Douglas Moo suggests:

“But perhaps our submission to government is compatible with disobedience to government in certain exceptional circumstances. For heading the hierarchy of relations in which Christians find themselves is God [alone]; and all other subordinate “submissions” must always be measured in relationship to our all-embracing submission to Him [Christ].”

1. We need to submit to Authority
a. Submit to federal authorities
b. Submit to local authorities
c. Submit to spiritual authorities
d. Submit to business authorities

2. We need to submit to Scripture 
a. Submit to the truth of God
b. Submit to the biblical worldview
c. Submit to the commandments

3. We need to submit to Christ
a. Submit your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
b. Submit your flesh, heart, and mind to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
c. Submit your will, wants, and desires to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Romans 12 - The Image of Christ In the Church (Part 1)

Here are my notes from my recent teaching in Romans 12:9-21 from The Group Bible study at Harvest.

Romans 12 – The Image of Christ In the Church
In Romans 12:1-21, Paul begins his last argument of his letter to establish the conduct of the believers in Rome. (Rom. 12, character; Rom. 13, citizenship; Rom. 14, congregation)

The battle of image and identity in Romans (Caesar vs. Christ):

                               vs.

The "good will of Romans" desires the believers in Rome to resemble Jesus in their character. The believers are encouraged to display the image of Christ.

The “gospel of Romans” is grounded in the satisfactory work of Jesus Christ, which enables people to renew their lives for God’s glory and their greatest good.

The “goal of Romans” is grounded in the supremacy of knowing this new life in Jesus Christ, and displaying the image of Christ in the church.



Outline of Romans 12 regarding Christian image and identity:
Romans 12:1-2, the basis of Christian identity

Romans 12:3-8, the gifting in Christian identity 

Romans 12:9-21, the marks of Christian identity

I. The basis of Christian identity (vv.1-2):
-Present yourself as a living sacrifice
-Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

II. The gifting of Christian identity (vv.3-8):
-Grace has been given to believers to use gifts
-Grace is the source of gifts and should impart grace

III. The marks of Christian identity (vv.9-21):
-Love with authenticity
-Resist wickedness
-Chose good
-Brother love and honor
-Resist laziness
-Pursue service
-Rejoice in hope
-Patience
-Constant prayer
-Support and hospitality
-Bless enemies
-Celebrate and Comfort
-Resist Pride
-Resist evil works
-No retaliation
-Love, bless, and do good

Comparisons between Romans 1 and Romans 12 regarding the display of the image of God

Rom. 1:24, dishonored their bodies to God	Rom. 12:1, present honorable bodies to God
Rom. 1:25, service of idols	Rom. 12:1, service of God
Rom. 1:25, worships the creation  by being conformed to the world	Rom. 12:2, worships the Creator by being transformed in God
Rom. 1:28, did not approve God in their minds	Rom. 12:2, renewing the mind to approve God’s will in their minds
Rom. 1:29, filled with unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife.	Rom. 12:9-13, filled with love, goodness, honor, service, hope, patience, hospitality.
Rom. 1:30-32, displays gossip, slanderer, hatred, insolence, pride, boastful, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless, unrighteousness.	Rom. 12:14-21, displays blessing, rejoicing, unity, humility, peace, faith, righteousness.

May our image reflect the image of Christ in the church!

Run Hard For Christ - Philippians 3:12-14

After church yesterday, two specific things stood out to me in the sermon by Levi Lusko at Harvest (listen here). It is easy to talk about the "forgetting what's behind" and "straining for what's ahead" content of these verses because they are simple and straight forward. However, there were two things that were not straight forward, so I decided to dig deeper. The first thing was Paul's commitment to "press on" throughout his life to make every moment count for the gospel. The second thing was Paul's ambition "for the prize" that he would receive at the end of his life.

Philippians 3:12-14, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

"I Press On"
The Apostle Paul made it his goal to never stop broadcasting the gospel. His joyful letter to the Philippians was based on the fact the church was advancing and progressing the gospel in their city (Phil. 1:12, 25). Paul testified in his letter that he will always "press on" through whatever circumstances he faced as long at it resulted in the advancement of the gospel.

The Greek word for "press," dioko, is a verb with the dominant sense of persecution. However, it is translated "to press on," indicating Paul’s continuous and laborious determination to obtain eternal life regardless of his trials. The "press" language echoes the process of making wine in the NT. The grapes are pressed and crushed by foot, slab, or vat into a new wine. Paul saw his trials and decided to "press on" while he was getting pressed and crushed with persecution. It was a mentality of always getting back up after being struck down. As he was getting pressed and crushed, the advancement of the gospel was being poured out of his life as new wine.

Paul mentions dioko twice in these selected verses to assure two things with one common denominator. The first occurrence was to assure his audience that he has to still "press on" through sanctification in his Christian life ["make it my own"] because of his calling by Jesus Christ ["made me his own"]. The second occurrence was to demonstrate to his audience his heavenly motive ["towards the goal"] and objective ["for the prize of the upward call of God"] in gospel-centered ministry, knowing what awaited for him in glory. This is precisely why he mentioned knowing Christ and being promised eternal life is far better and of great gain throughout the letter (Phil. 1:27; 3:7, 8). Paul wanted to make sure the Philippians were going to "press on" through their persecution knowing what awaited them in eternity.

For the Prize
The Apostle Paul uses a metaphor describing an Olympian receiving a prize. The Greek word for "prize," brabeion, is found only twice in the NT. The first occurrence is in 1 Corinthians, referring to the literal prize given to an athlete who wins a competitive race (most likely referencing the ancient games that were held in Corinth). 1 Corinthians 9:24 says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it."  Paul later contrasts how the perishable prize given to the victorious athlete [runner] is unworthy compared to the imperishable prize given to the victorious Christian who runs hard for Christ. Thus, the prize does not provide victory over opponents as the perishable prize would of signified, but the imperishable prize provides victory over the enemies of sin, Satan, and death through the promise of eternal life. What a glorious brabeion!

The second occurrence appears in Philippians 3:14. This occurrence provides more theological depth and understanding. Paul uses the same term, brabeion, yet intentionally refers to the glorious prize of eternal life. He makes it very clear that this prize is given by the prepositional phrase, "for the prize." Logically speaking, this means the prize has already been disclosed to all who desire to obtain it. Also, all those who desire to obtain it must be "in Christ Jesus." Those in Christ Jesus press on in their faith knowing the brabeion awaits them in the future.

Run Hard For Christ
In both occurrences, the athletic references hinge on the character of endurance. Runners have to train tenaciously. They have to constantly be progressing so they will finish the race. Running exerts a massive amount of energy and physicality. It is an exercise that demands sacrifice through endurance. When running a race, you have to "press on" and not give up. Paul maximizes this example in conjunction with will of God in the Christian life. Just as runners have to run hard with endurance in order to win, Christians need to run hard with endurance for Christ. To run hard means to sacrifice energy and physicality for the "upward call of God." Paul conveys a basic spiritual reality - one day we will be rewarded with "the prize"of eternal life. Thus, he was willing at all costs to "press on" to fulfill his gospel mandate while enduring through persecution, trials, and tribulations for the glory of God.

Here are a few notes of application that ministered to me as I reflected upon this text:
1. I need to have the advancement of the gospel at the epicenter of my life in order to press on through trials (as Paul did through his missionary trips). Focusing on the bigger pictures of the gospel will make my little pictures of trials seem insignificant.

2. I need to have a keen sense of my calling by the Lord Jesus Christ (as Paul did through his ministry). Reflecting on my regeneration with thanksgiving, and knowing my purpose in the kingdom will strengthen me to envision greater things I can do for Christ because of what he has done for me.

3. I need to have a heavenly perspective in order to fulfill the upward call of God (as Paul did through his life reflection). Knowing the prize of eternal life awaits for me one day will empower me to live for the glory of God in the present.

Romans 5 - Our Justification, Explained

My second time teaching at "The Group" was very fruitful. I got to teach on Romans 5, which is one of the greatest chapters in the entire Bible. I believe there is no greater exposition on the doctrine of justification than in Romans 5. Paul explains how the gospel justifies sinners from a personal and scriptural polemic. He defends his gospel by flowing over the application of his previous arguments from the OT examples of Abraham and David who believed in God by faith and were justified. Those who believe in Jesus Christ receive the same means of justification, but based on the work of Christ on the cross. Paul a how God personally assures us of our justification in 5:1-11, and then scripturally assures us of our justification in 5:12-21. Here are some of my notes from my sermon. May they encourage you as they encouraged me to marvel at the work of Jesus and share his message with others!

Introduction.
What is justification? Maybe you have heard these sayings to help make sense of the doctrine of justification:

1. “Just-as-if-you-have-never-sinned”

2. “Just-as-you-have-always-obeyed”

3. “Just-as-the-Father-sees-his-Son”

Moody Handbook of Theology defines justification:
“Justification comes from a Greek concept meaning ‘to declare righteous.” It is a legal act wherein God pronounces that the believing sinner has been credited with all the virtues of Jesus Christ. Whereas forgiveness is the negative aspect of salvation, meaning the subtraction of human sin, justification is the positive aspect, meaning the addition of divine righteousness [to their spiritual life] (p. 715).

In Romans 5:1-21, Paul explains how all Christians have a secure and final hope in the justification of God in Christ.

Considerate questions relatable to the context of chapter 5:
Have you ever experience a moment in your life where you had no assurance if something was legitimate? (business transaction; relationship status; promises)

Have you ever experienced a moment in your life where you had no confidence in someone?
(a co-worker; family member; neighbor) 

These two questions suggest the lack of security and finality with things and people in the world. It is true that hope in the world will never give us total assurance. We may not have total control over different circumstances in our lives, but we do know the one who is in control of our spiritual lives. Paul explains the security of our justification was established by the work on the cross, and the finality of our justification was solidified through the person of Jesus Christ.

“Perhaps no portion of Romans states more clearly the legal nature of our acceptance in Christ outside of chapter 5.”

Warren Wiersbe correctly explains Romans 5 describes the blessings of our justification (5:1-11) and the basis for our justification (Rom. 5:12-21). If there is no basis for our justification (Jesus), then there are surely no blessings (eternal life).

Theology in the text – Justification is a God-centered work (which is all for him, by him, and through him):
1. We were justified for his glory [“hope of the glory of God”] (5:2)

2. We were justified by his grace [“have the grace of God”] (5:15)

3. We were justified through his gospel [“leading to eternal life though Jesus Christ”] (5:21)

Theology in the text - Justification is a Trinitarian-centered work:
Rom. 5:1a - "We have peace with God [the Father]" because the Father sent his son.
Rom. 5:1b - "Through our Lord Jesus Christ [the Son]" because the Son died for us.
Rom. 5:5b - "Through the Holy Spirit [the Spirit]" because the Spirit seals our faith.

The Message.
The scope of our message will revolve around two main points:
I. The security of our justification in Christ (5:1-11)
II. The finality of our justification to Christ (5:12-21)

I. The security of our justification in Christ (5:1-11).
Chapter 5 begins a lengthy discourse on Christian hope that comes to a close at the end of Romans 8. Paul describes how in the mist of suffering, Christians have a “greater hope” because of what Christ did on the cross (5:21), and the fulfillment of God’s promises whereas saints will be glorified (8:30), and never be separated from God because of his everlasting love (8:39).

Therefore, Paul beings chapter 5 with sequential "we" statements that reveal the benefits believers receive based on the justification of God in Christ.

Romans 5:1-11, notice the text and how Paul includes his audience:
"We have" been justified; "We were" sinners & enemies; "We shall be" delivered and saved. Yet, the basis is grounded ONLY by the righteous work of Jesus Christ.

Being justified means:
5:1a - We have peace from God in Christ
5:2a - We have access to God in Christ
5:3a - We have confidence and joy in God in Christ
5:3b - We have assurance of our salvation by knowing the love of God in Christ

Being justified implies:
5:6a - We were without [our own moral] strength to please God
5:6b - We were still sinners towards God
5:8b - We were enemies against God

Being justified declares:
5:9b - We shall be saved from wrath [judgment]
5:10b - We shall be saved by His life [redemption]
5:11b - We shall be reconciled to God forever [eternal life]

All of these verses indicate Christians have eternal security based on seven blessings of our justification that the righteousness of God provides through Jesus Christ!

Look at all the blessings we receive as unworthy sinners:
“We have peace with God; We have access to God; We have a glorious hope; We have perseverance; We have God’s love within us; We are saved from wrath; We are reconciled to God eternally.”

Because of these biblical realities, our lives should rejoice at all times for the incredible love God has shown to us through the work of Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Christ were “saved to live, now live to serve.”

Take away thoughts:
When facing uncertainty, rest in the work of Christ (which is certain!)
When facing trials, trust your faith in Christ (which will get you through trials!)
When facing insecurity, focus on your glorious hope in Christ (which is secure!)

II. The Finality of our Justification to Christ (5:12-21)
Chapter 5 ends with an analogy to show how much greater Jesus is than Adam. Paul uses OT typology to showcase a drastic theological contrast between the first man (Adam), and the second man (Jesus). His argument brings finality to our justification to Christ.

Romans 5:12-17 explain how all people are guilty of their sins because of the sin that was brought into the world through the transgression of Adam in the Garden of Eden (cf. Gen. 3:17-19). Everyone is guilty of sin before the law was given to Moses because sin was present at the beginning of redemptive history (i.e. Cain & Abel; Noah & the flood; Abraham & Lot; Joseph).

Therefore, as sin has abundantly spread to all men, the grace of God has more abundantly been shared to all men, specifically through Jesus Christ, who is the grace that has come into the world.

Jesus the “Free Gift” – The Righteousness of God (which conquers sin and leads to eternal life)

Romans 5:15, “But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.”	-The free gift has the opposite effects of the trespass Adam’s sin. -The free gift has more abundance than the trespass Adam’s sin.
Romans 5:16, “And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.”	-The free gift has the opposite results of Adam’s sin. -The free gift has brought justification, not condemnation.
Romans 5:17, “For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”	-The free gift of righteousness is the life of Jesus Christ. -The free gift leads to eternal life (cf. Rom. 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.)

Romans 5:18-21, Paul concludes his argument through a biblical contrast of the historical Adam and historical Jesus. His argument resides in the superiority of the work of Christ compared to Adam and his disobedience. 

Paul’s Old Adam vs. New Adam Typology (Adam vs. Christ)

Adam committed sin	Christ did not commit sin
Adam disobeyed God	Christ obeyed God [the Father]
Adam’s act led to condemnation	Christ’s act led to justification
Adam’s disobedience made men sinners	Christ’s obedience made men righteous

As the first Adam brought sin into the world which made men sinners, the second Adam brought righteousness into the world which made men righteous. Paul explains the reversal of the effects of Adam’s disobedience is far greater in Jesus Christ than all who are in Adam.

Throughout Romans 5, Paul establishes the security of our justification in Christ and concludes with the finality of our justification to Christ. He ends this chapter using military language of Christ ruling and reigning over sin and death (5:20). It is only through the redemptive work of Christ can you receive eternal life!

Romans 5:21 - Eternal Life In the NT

John is the most unique because eternal life is mentioned the most in his gospel (ESV 17 times). Matthew, Mark, Luke all mention the term in three ways: 1) It is asked by the rich young ruler, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Matt. 19:16 [first occurrence] ; Mark 10:17; Luke 10:25; 18:18). 2) It is given to those who make their faith in Jesus more superior than all other human relationships (Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:30). 3. It is mentioned as a destination place for righteous compared to the destination place of the unrighteous in eternal punishment (Matt. 25:46)

John 3:14-16, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:36, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 6:40, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:47, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.” John 17:3, “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

Romans Paul expresses the term in direct relationship to Christ and his righteousness four times. As the righteousness of God, Jesus provides eternal life as the free gift of grace to all men who believe in him and his work on the cross. Pauline Letters Paul expresses this term elsewhere in his writings, which are linked to faith, repentance, and obedience to the gospel (Gal. 6:8; 1 Tim. 1:16, 6:12; Titus 1:2, 3:7).

Romans 2:6-8, “He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” Romans 5:21, “so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:22-23, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Conclusion: 
Paul taught us our salvation is secure and final. There is no other work that could bring eternal security outside of what Jesus did on the cross. Also, there is no other person who could live perfectly to bring finality to the reign of sin in the world outside of Jesus.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the work of Christ will forgive the unrighteous because the person of Christ was righteous.

Wrapping Up.
1. We are justified
We are justified because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

2. We are loved
We are loved because of what Jesus demonstrated for us by going to the cross.

3. We are saved
We are saved because of what Jesus defeated for us through the cross.

Romans 2 - Religion Doesn't Save

My first opportunity to teach through the book of Romans happened last Thursday night as I taught through the entire second chapter. It was a challenge to condense things so I could make it through the entire text with the allotted time that I was given. I was able to manage it. After the message was done, many of the guys encouraged and thanked me for teaching because it revealed to them it is "not how much I do, but it is how much I give" to Christ. Indeed, in my own life I must avoid trying to live off my own righteousness [i.e. my "doing"] and focus on giving everything over to the Lord and relying on his righteousness. It was very inspiring and a great takeaway truth from the lesson for me. Here are some notes from my message. Enjoy!

Religion Doesn’t Save: Paul’s Condemnation of the Religious World

There is not a more dangerous place to be in your life than to think you are religious enough to be saved.

“I believe that human morality, rather than flagrant sin, is the greatest obstacle to the gospel today. If you ask the average law-abiding person why he expects to go to heaven, the answer will be some form of “because I’ve been good.” [Parables such as] the rich young ruler (see Matthew 19:16-20), the prodigal son’s older brother (see Luke 15:28-30), and the Pharisee praying in the temple (see Luke 18:9-12) all had this in common: They were confident of their own goodness [religion]. Their attitude is replicated throughout our society. And the more religious a person is, the more difficult it is for that person to realize his or her need for the righteousness of Jesus Christ.” (Jerry Bridges, The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges, 2002, p. 121.)

“A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.” (Martin Luther)

“You can have tons of religion without an ounce of salvation.” (unknown)

Outside of Romans 2, Paul affirms religion doesn’t save in Colossians 2:6-23:

“[6] Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, [7] rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. [8] See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. [9] For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, [10] and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. [11] In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, [12] having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. [13] And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, [14] by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. [15] He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. [17] These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. [18] Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, [19] and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—[21] “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” [22] (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? [23] These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

Paul says no philosophy, no tradition, no knowledge, no mysticism, no circumcision, no laws, no rituals, no works; no religion can save you from your sins except the sin-forgiving, life-resurrecting, death-triumphing substitutionary death of Jesus Christ!

Introduction to Romans:

When we read the book of Romans, we need to understand the context in which it was written. What is the essential context of the book of Romans? It is Paul’s Gospel, undiminished.

The book of Romans is Paul’s most comprehensive and exhaustive writing among his thirteen letters, which contains 7,114 words, all emphasizing biblical nature of Gospel.

The genre of the book is letter, so it is written “to address specific situations in the Christian communities that it is received. The Writers were most concerned with applying theology in practical ways to real-life situations.” The book of Romans is a unique letter that was carefully written and delivered with precise details to showcase the biblical Gospel because it was not being taught or understood correctly. Thus, when reading Romans, we must recapture the NT context of the letter genre to educate and correct us in biblical truth. Doing this makes us see the book of Romans as it was intended: an authoritative substitute for Paul’s personal presence in Rome, carefully written and delivered to address the Christian communities about “the righteousness that comes from God, the glorious truth that God justifies the guilty by grace alone through faith in Christ alone.”

Therefore, his condemnation of the religious world (the Jews) is much more serious because they believed contrary to the Gospel. The believed their religion saved, but Romans 2:1-29, 3:1-8 indicate they are far from being religiously good.

Romans 2:1-29 - The Big Picture

The book of Romans begins with the first three chapters revealing how we desperately need the righteousness of God in Christ because of depravity.

The thesis of the book of Romans is Romans 1:16-17, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Notice how Paul does not say “the righteousness of religion” or the “righteous shall live by religion.”

Paul made sure that the explicit gospel was emphasized from the beginning of his letter to make sure his audience would understand the seriousness of their depravity and need for saving grace through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anthropology & Harmatology – The Doctrine of Man and Sin

Romans 1:18-32	Paul explains the Gentile world (secular) is guilty of all unrighteousness.
Romans 2:1-29, 3:1-8	Paul explains the Jewish world (religious) is guilty of the same unrighteousness.
Romans 3:9-31	Paul further explains how all of mankind is therefore guilty of all unrighteousness and need the justification of God’s righteousness through his Son, Jesus Christ.

Paul breaks down chapter two by giving us five biblical definitions of several terms to prove religion doesn’t save, but the entire religious world is guilty of the same unrighteousness the secular world practices.

Romans 2:1-5	Definition of God’s Judgment
Romans 2:6-11	Definition of Practices
Romans 2:12-16	Definition of Law Breaking
Romans 2:17-24	Definition of Hypocrisy
Romans 2:25-29	Definition of Circumcision

God’s word teaches us several theological principles in Romans 2:1-29:

1. God is the great judge (v.2)

2. God shows no partiality (v.11)

3. God will judge all things, including the secrets of men (v.16)

4. God shall not be dishonored or blasphemed (v.23-24)

5. God wants our praises (v.29)

Applying the theological principles:

1. We should not judge others because we actually condemn ourselves who are guilty.

2. We should not show partiality because God does not show partiality to others.

3. We should not commit sin in secret because God knows all things and will reveal it.

4. We should not dishonor or blaspheme God because it displays hypocrisy.

5. We should not seek the praises of men but the praises of God for all things.

Renewal of Vows Wedding Ceremony - Ephesians 5:31-32

One of the most beautiful events in life are weddings. There is something special when two people uphold the biblical covenant of marriage at weddings. I have been a best man several times, apart of many groups of groomsmen, and attended numerous weddings over the last seven years including my own brother's wedding. All of my friends are in their twenties, so it is statistically and sociologically the appropriate time when adults get married. Therefore, I think it is perfectly fine to state the past seven years have been a giant wedding marathon!

Every wedding I have been to has helped me see the theological unity that is displayed through the mystery of Christ and the church, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church" (Eph. 5:31-32). The more I have focused on this biblical parallel, noting that Christian marriage should reflect and imitate, has increased a marital joy and theological awareness in my own marriage. I can rightly understand my role and relationship as a husband, and the same can be said about my awesome wife, when we both reflect and imitate this parallel. Since we try our best to always stay centered on this concept in our marriage, we have effectively been able to counsel couples how to have a better marriage by reflecting and imitating the relationship between Christ and the church in their roles and relationships as husband and wife.

This week in Las Vegas, NV, my wife and I got to be apart of something very special. It was a renewal of vows wedding ceremony for a couple we counseled at Harvest. My wife and I counseled this couple for almost half of a year. Over four months of biblical counseling as a couple (counseling began with them separated as individuals), the couple that was on the brink of separation renewed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and reconciled their marriage. One year later, they invited me to do a renewal of vows wedding ceremony for them due to the fact we were there for them and helped restore their marriage. This was such a glorious honor!

I was excited to do their ceremony for them. After it was over, it was evident the entire ceremony glorified God. They had personal vows which reflected the biblical covenant of marriage they desire to have in Christ. In the audience, there was many tears of joy to see this couple renew their vows. Below are their vows they renewed:

____________________

Do you promise to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, comfort, honor, and support each other in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other relationships to remain loyal only to one another as long as you both shall live?

We Do.

Do you promise to renew the vows which you made when you were first united in marriage?

We Do.

Do you promise to keep the vows and covenant which you made at your wedding?

We Do.

Do you promise to cultivate your love for each other by discipline, understanding, trust, compassion, thoughtfulness, and patience with mutual consideration?

We Do.

Do you promise to endeavor to create a Christian environment in your home and help each other to live Godly lives in Christian service?

We Do.

And will everyone present today promise to keep Jarin and Veronica accountable to these promises they are pleading to one another, ensuring the renewal of their marriage covenant to remain Christ-centered, faithful, and filled with love and joy, until death along shall part them.

Answer “WE WILL.”

Husband:
"I, JARIN, take you, VERONICA, to be my wedded wife in Christ. With deepest joy I renew my marriage covenant to you in Christ. As is Christ to the church, so I will be to you a loving and faithful husband. I promise to demonstrate my headship over you even as Christ does over me, knowing that His Lordship is one of the holiest desires for my life. I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion, and my kindest care. I promise I will live first unto God, and then unto you. I promise that I will lead our marriage and family into a life of faith and hope grounded in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. With faithful obedience to the authority of the Word of God, and my unceasing desire to be with you forever as my best friend, I pledge to you my life as a loving and faithful husband in Christ."

Wife:
"I, VERONICA, take you, JARIN, to be my wedded husband in Christ. With deepest joy I renew my marriage covenant to you in Christ. As you have pledged to me your life and love, so I too happily give you my life, and in confidence submit myself to your headship as to the Lord. As is the church in her relationship to Christ, so I will be to you. I promise I will live first unto God, and then unto you. I promise to love you, obey you, respect you, honor you, care for you, and ever seeking to please you while raising our family in the ways of the Lord. I understand God has prepared me as your lifelong companion to strengthen, help, comfort, and encourage you. With faithful obedience to the authority of the Word of God, and my unceasing desire to be with you forever as my best friend, I pledge to you my life as an obedient and faithful wife in Christ."

____________________

Over the past several weeks of my blogging absence, I have been working on their ceremony transcript and planning a ministry vacation to Las Vegas (which I will blog about later). It was well worth it! The ceremony went well, and the couple experience the redeeming power of the gospel that brought many blessings. They demonstrated how all of the things that were broken in their marriage have been put together through a biblical rendition of Ephesians 5:31-32, establishing their roles and relationships in the marriage as with Christ and his church. I am so proud of them!

"And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
(Colossians 3:10)

The Four Statuses for Identity Formation

I have be reading plenty on "image" and "identity" recently because I am teaching on the topic at my friends church this weekend in Lancaster, CA. It is interesting to note there are four statuses in identity formation. I found myself in "Identity Achievement" because I have placed my identity not only in Christ, but in the goals I have accomplished (and still will continue to have bigger goals) as a teacher for the glory of God. Baker Academic's own Evangelical Dictionary of Christian Education explains the four identity formations that take place in individuals which lead to their identity status (pp. 353-354).

1. Identity Achievement
The identity achievement individual is one who has experience an exploration (crisis) period and is committed to self chosen ideological and occupational goals. This individual has seriously considered various occupational alternatives and he has his own decision, even though it may be influenced by parents. He or she has evaluated past beliefs and resolved issues so as to act responsibly and would be capable of handling unexpected responsibilities or a sudden change in environment. This is the desired status of the four degrees of identity formation.

2. Identity Diffusion.
The identity diffusion individual has no set occupational or ideological direction, even though he may have explored alternatives extensively. The individual lacks commitment in both areas and is not very concerned about it. He or she may indicate an occupational leaning, but would easily switch to something else more appealing if there were an opportunity. He or she is either uninterested in ideological issues or takes a "smorgasbord" approach where every position and cause is of equal value.

3. Identity Foreclosure.
The identity foreclosure individual is committed to occupational and ideological positions, but has not experienced any crisis or exploration of alternatives. This person's choices have been made by parents or other influential persons. he or she is becoming what others have intended for him or her to be. The individual's personality is characterized by rigidity. If a situation is encountered where parental values are challenged or are not adequate, the individual feels severely threatened. Identity formation should move from moratorium to achievement as youth mature through late adolescence (18-21 years old).

4. Identity Moratorium.
The identity moratorium individual is currently struggling with occupational and ideological issues. He is in an "identity crisis." he is actively involved in the struggle to make commitments in both areas. Adolescent issues preoccupy him as he attempts to compromise between his parents' wishes, his own capabilities, and society's expectations. He is vitally concerned and often consumed with what seems to him to be unresolvable questions. This is the most common status of adolescents.

The Identity Status
Everyone needs to find there identity. "Identity" is an internal, self-constructed, dynamic organization of drives, abilities, beliefs, and individual history. The major task for adolescents is to form a coherent, integrated, and workable identity that will guide them into young adult life, adult responsibility, and successful task completion in later stages. But the most important question to answer is "Who am I?" Identity does not originate in adolescence. Form birth onward the child learns what is important and valued in his culture as he and the community respond to one another's behavior.

Question: Do You Have Goals for the Glory of God?
After reading this, what group do you find yourself in? Do you have any goals in life? Do you follow any principles in life to make you successful? Remember, these statuses reveal different stages in the lives of people and what they discover who they "want to be" one day. The goals and principles do not have to be just occupational as in "I want to be a doctor" or "I want to work for Apple," or ideological as in "I want to help society" or "I want serve my country." Rather, ask yourself if you have discovered who you are in Christ, and what does the Lord want you to do for him. Has God called you to do something? Then do it well for his glory! Has God called you to go somewhere? Then go in his name! There are too many people who wait for the perfect situation to arise and then they will aim for excellence. I was convicted of this recently and have been relentlessly pursuing what the next goals are for my family and I the next few years.

Everything boils down to this: Christians must place their identity in Christ and aim high for excellence for the glory of God. If you do not have any goals, then it is time to invest in some. They can be practical, spiritual, or vocational. It can begin with practical as in "I want to be a good employee to represent my faith" or spiritual "I want to be holy and avoid the lust of the flesh," or vocational "I want to be a teacher." Biblical dentity formation resides in the pursuit of accomplishing great things for the Lord. As John Piper said wisely, "God is most glorified when you are most satisfied in him." When you find your identity in Christ and pursue what he is calling you to do or where to go, you will indeed find everlasting satisfaction for the rest of your life.


"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
(Galatians 2:20 ESV)