Leaders of nations and communities that oppress Christians don’t realize that they are harassing some of their most loyal citizens. A Christian value is to be obedient citizens? We obey civil laws because God wants us to.
Every person should place themselves under the authority of the government. There isn’t any authority unless it comes from God, and the authorities that are there have been put in place by God. (Romans 13:1 CEB)
May Christians become rebels against civil government?
People who oppose the authorities are opposing what God has done, and they will be punished. (Romans 13:2 CEV)
The rare exception would be if governments demand that we disobey God. Generally though, do governments want citizens of good conduct?
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:3-4 ESV)
Do Christians submit to human governments?
Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. (Romans 13:5 HCSB)
Do Christians pay taxes honestly?
For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. (Romans 13:6 NASB)
Do Christians honor national leaders?
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (Romans 13:7 KJV)
Do Christians make national debt better or worse?
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8 NIV)
Are Christians good neighbors and loyal to their spouses, obeying laws against murder, theft and false advertising?
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:9-10 NKJV)
Do Christians believe in right living?
This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. (Romans 13:11-12 NLT)
Do Christians avoid strife and antisocial behavior?
Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. (Romans 13:13 WEB)
Why do Christians have good conduct?
Instead, dress yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t plan to indulge your selfish desires. (Romans 13:14 CEB)
Christians who obey their faith are decent and loyal citizens who contribute greatly to any society. If you oppress them, they will still obey Christ and you will be hurting your own country by harassing your best citizens. Protect Christians and your land is blessed. Persecute them and you hurt your own country. What will you do? You decide!
Living Sacrifices (Romans 12)
How do we apply the spirit of the sacrificial laws to Christian worship?
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Romans 12:1 NASB)
Have worldly values crept into the church?
Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him. (Romans 12:2 CEV)
Are we Christians tempted to think of ourselves too highly? Should we value each other's roles as important parts of the whole?
Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you. 4 We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. (Romans 12:3-4 CEB)
Are we woven together as part of each other?
That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another. (Romans 12:5 CEV)
Should we appreciate one another’s God-given strengths?
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8 ESV)
Dishonest pretentiousness is considered to be good manners in some cultures. Others are honest but blunt and tactless. How should our love for one another be?
Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9 HCSB)
Should we show affection and honor?
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:10 NLT)
How else does this Christian love apply in other areas of life?
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (Romans 12:11-13 KJV)
How should Christians treat their enemies?
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14 NASB)
How should we treat those not our enemies?
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15 NIV)
Should we be know-it-alls and hobnob with the rich and powerful or be humble and mix with unpretentious people?
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. (Romans 12:16 NKJV)
Should Christians be engaged in revenge and disrespect?
Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19 WEB)
Instead of revenge, what should we do?
Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21 NKJV)
The sacrificial system points to Jesus, who set us the supreme example of self-sacrifice. We don’t just worship God in song, but by presenting our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, in service to each other and even to our enemies. What will you do? You decide!
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Romans 12:1 NASB)
Have worldly values crept into the church?
Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him. (Romans 12:2 CEV)
Are we Christians tempted to think of ourselves too highly? Should we value each other's roles as important parts of the whole?
Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you. 4 We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. (Romans 12:3-4 CEB)
Are we woven together as part of each other?
That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another. (Romans 12:5 CEV)
Should we appreciate one another’s God-given strengths?
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8 ESV)
Dishonest pretentiousness is considered to be good manners in some cultures. Others are honest but blunt and tactless. How should our love for one another be?
Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9 HCSB)
Should we show affection and honor?
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:10 NLT)
How else does this Christian love apply in other areas of life?
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (Romans 12:11-13 KJV)
How should Christians treat their enemies?
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14 NASB)
How should we treat those not our enemies?
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15 NIV)
Should we be know-it-alls and hobnob with the rich and powerful or be humble and mix with unpretentious people?
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. (Romans 12:16 NKJV)
Should Christians be engaged in revenge and disrespect?
Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19 WEB)
Instead of revenge, what should we do?
Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21 NKJV)
The sacrificial system points to Jesus, who set us the supreme example of self-sacrifice. We don’t just worship God in song, but by presenting our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, in service to each other and even to our enemies. What will you do? You decide!
Has God Rejected Israel? (Romans 11)
Paul answers an important question.
So I ask you, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! I’m an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. (Romans 11:1 CEB)
Were some in Israel faithful?
God did not turn his back on his chosen people. Don't you remember reading in the Scriptures how Elijah complained to God about the people of Israel? 3 He said, “Lord, they killed your prophets and destroyed your altars. I am the only one left, and now they want to kill me.” 4 But the Lord told Elijah, “I still have 7,000 followers who have not worshiped Baal.” (Romans 11:2-4 CEV)
Is there still a remnant? Are they chosen by works of the law or by grace?
So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (Romans 11:5-6 ESV)
What happened to those who chose not to obey?
What then? Israel did not find what it was looking for, but the elect did find it. The rest were hardened, 8 as it is written: God gave them a spirit of insensitivity, eyes that cannot see and ears that cannot hear, to this day. (Romans 11:7-8 HCSB)
What did David say? Can even blessings like the feasts be misused in a stupor of self-satisfaction, whereby they ignore God?
Likewise, David said, “Let their bountiful table become a snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessings cause them to stumble, and let them get what they deserve. 10 Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and let their backs be bent forever.” (Romans 11:9-10 NLT)
Why did God allow Israel to stumble? Would God even use human jealousy for good?
I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. (Romans 11:11 WEB)
Will Israel’s failures bless the nations?
But if their failure brings riches to the world, and their defeat brings riches to the Gentiles, how much more will come from the completion of their number! (Romans 11:12 CEB)
What is God’s hope in Israel’s jealousy?
I am now speaking to you Gentiles, and as long as I am an apostle to you, I will take pride in my work. 14 I hope in this way to make some of my own people jealous enough to be saved. 15 When Israel rejected God, the rest of the people in the world were able to turn to him. So when God makes friends with Israel, it will be like bringing the dead back to life. (Romans 11:13-15 CEV)
Is Israel descended from faithful firstfruits, a root that is holy?
If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. (Romans 11:16 ESV)
Should Gentiles brag?
Now if some of the branches were broken off, and you, though a wild olive branch, were grafted in among them and have come to share in the rich root of the cultivated olive tree, 18 do not brag that you are better than those branches. But if you do brag—you do not sustain the root, but the root sustains you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 True enough; they were broken off by unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either. (Romans 11:17-21 HCSB)
What should our attitude be?
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. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. (Romans 11:22-23 KJV)
How long must Israel wait for salvation?
For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; (Romans 11:25 NASB)
Does this mean Israel’s salvation?
and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27 And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27 NIV)
While they were once enemies of the Gospel, will they eventually obtain mercy?
Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. (Romans 11:28-31 NKJV)
Does God have a plan?
For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone. 33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! 34 For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? 35 And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? 36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11:32-35 NLT)
Why did God remove certain branches from the natural olive tree, Israel? Why graft in wild olive branches, Gentiles? Why plan to graft the natural olive branches back in?
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:17 KJV)
The whole world is included. Will you accept God’s invitation? You decide!
So I ask you, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! I’m an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. (Romans 11:1 CEB)
Were some in Israel faithful?
God did not turn his back on his chosen people. Don't you remember reading in the Scriptures how Elijah complained to God about the people of Israel? 3 He said, “Lord, they killed your prophets and destroyed your altars. I am the only one left, and now they want to kill me.” 4 But the Lord told Elijah, “I still have 7,000 followers who have not worshiped Baal.” (Romans 11:2-4 CEV)
Is there still a remnant? Are they chosen by works of the law or by grace?
So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (Romans 11:5-6 ESV)
What happened to those who chose not to obey?
What then? Israel did not find what it was looking for, but the elect did find it. The rest were hardened, 8 as it is written: God gave them a spirit of insensitivity, eyes that cannot see and ears that cannot hear, to this day. (Romans 11:7-8 HCSB)
What did David say? Can even blessings like the feasts be misused in a stupor of self-satisfaction, whereby they ignore God?
Likewise, David said, “Let their bountiful table become a snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessings cause them to stumble, and let them get what they deserve. 10 Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and let their backs be bent forever.” (Romans 11:9-10 NLT)
Why did God allow Israel to stumble? Would God even use human jealousy for good?
I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. (Romans 11:11 WEB)
Will Israel’s failures bless the nations?
But if their failure brings riches to the world, and their defeat brings riches to the Gentiles, how much more will come from the completion of their number! (Romans 11:12 CEB)
What is God’s hope in Israel’s jealousy?
I am now speaking to you Gentiles, and as long as I am an apostle to you, I will take pride in my work. 14 I hope in this way to make some of my own people jealous enough to be saved. 15 When Israel rejected God, the rest of the people in the world were able to turn to him. So when God makes friends with Israel, it will be like bringing the dead back to life. (Romans 11:13-15 CEV)
Is Israel descended from faithful firstfruits, a root that is holy?
If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. (Romans 11:16 ESV)
Should Gentiles brag?
Now if some of the branches were broken off, and you, though a wild olive branch, were grafted in among them and have come to share in the rich root of the cultivated olive tree, 18 do not brag that you are better than those branches. But if you do brag—you do not sustain the root, but the root sustains you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 True enough; they were broken off by unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either. (Romans 11:17-21 HCSB)
What should our attitude be?
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. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. (Romans 11:22-23 KJV)
How long must Israel wait for salvation?
For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; (Romans 11:25 NASB)
Does this mean Israel’s salvation?
and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27 And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27 NIV)
While they were once enemies of the Gospel, will they eventually obtain mercy?
Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. (Romans 11:28-31 NKJV)
Does God have a plan?
For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone. 33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! 34 For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? 35 And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? 36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11:32-35 NLT)
Why did God remove certain branches from the natural olive tree, Israel? Why graft in wild olive branches, Gentiles? Why plan to graft the natural olive branches back in?
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:17 KJV)
The whole world is included. Will you accept God’s invitation? You decide!
Countercultural Jesus (Matthew 9)
Did Jesus seek to be culturally relevant or bring new faith to an old culture? Were there people who criticized and ridiculed Him? Let’s find out in Matthew 9:9-26.
How did Jesus call some of His disciples? Is that a picture for anyone who chooses to follow Him?
As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. (Matthew 9:9)
With whom did Jesus often spend time, the super righteous or sinners?
Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10-11)
Why did Jesus hang out with sinners?
When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9:12-13)
Is fasting just legalism or did Jesus’ disciples fast after the cross?
Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. (Matthew 9:14-15)
Can we easily mix old and new teachings?
No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. 17 Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:16-17)
Is a ruler’s faith exemplary for us?
While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. (Matthew 9:18-19)
Was a woman’s faith also quite remarkable?
And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. (Matthew 9:20-22)
Was the crowd’s ridicule common for the old way of worldly thinking?
When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, 24 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. 25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went out into all that land. (Matthew 9:23-26)
Jesus came to teach something very old but also new to many, faith. Do we trust religious ritual, the works of the law, man-made traditions, or do we have faith in Jesus? You decide!
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
How did Jesus call some of His disciples? Is that a picture for anyone who chooses to follow Him?
As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. (Matthew 9:9)
With whom did Jesus often spend time, the super righteous or sinners?
Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10-11)
Why did Jesus hang out with sinners?
When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9:12-13)
Is fasting just legalism or did Jesus’ disciples fast after the cross?
Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. (Matthew 9:14-15)
Can we easily mix old and new teachings?
No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. 17 Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:16-17)
Is a ruler’s faith exemplary for us?
While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. (Matthew 9:18-19)
Was a woman’s faith also quite remarkable?
And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. (Matthew 9:20-22)
Was the crowd’s ridicule common for the old way of worldly thinking?
When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, 24 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. 25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went out into all that land. (Matthew 9:23-26)
Jesus came to teach something very old but also new to many, faith. Do we trust religious ritual, the works of the law, man-made traditions, or do we have faith in Jesus? You decide!
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Belief in Jesus (Bible E-Course 26 Romans 10
What makes people acceptable to God? Let’s begin with Paul’s prayer for Israel?
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire is for Israel’s salvation. That’s my prayer to God for them. (Romans 10:1 CEB)
What was Israel’s biggest issue? Can Christians have the same problem?
I know they love God, but they don't understand 3 what makes people acceptable to him. So they refuse to trust God, and they try to be acceptable by obeying the Law. (Romans 10:2-3 CEV)
Who is the end, culmination or fulfillment of the law? What does believing mean?
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:4 ESV)
Is there a different righteousness than that by the law?
For Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the law: The one who does these things will live by them. 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith speaks like this: Do not say in your heart, “Who will go up to heaven?” that is, to bring Christ down 7 or, “Who will go down into the abyss?” that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. (Romans 10:5-7 HCSB)
Do the heart and mouth have anything to do with righteousness that is by faith?
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; 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:8-10 KJV)
What is the key?
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11 NASB)
Do Jews and Gentiles have different paths to salvation?
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:12-13 NIV)
Who brings this message?
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? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15 NKJV)
Does everyone welcome the Gospel?
But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” (Romans 10:16 NLT)
How does faith come? What message must preachers bring?
So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 WEB)
Did Israel hear or understand or look for God?
But I ask you, didn’t they hear it? Definitely! Their voice has gone out into the entire earth, and their message has gone out to the corners of the inhabited world. 19 But I ask you again, didn’t Israel understand? First, Moses says, I will make you jealous of those who aren’t a people, of a people without understanding. 20 And Isaiah even dares to say, I was found by those who didn’t look for me; I revealed myself to those who didn’t ask for me. (Romans 10:18-20 CEB)
Did God reach out to a stubborn people?
And Isaiah said about the people of Israel, “All day long the Lord has reached out to people who are stubborn and refuse to obey.” (Romans 10:21 CEV)
Israel lacked faith in God. Are we Christians sometimes just as guilty? Do we look to the 613 commandments of the law but ignore the commandments of Christ? Do we trust our ability to keep the works of the law perfectly or do we trust in Jesus? You decide!
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire is for Israel’s salvation. That’s my prayer to God for them. (Romans 10:1 CEB)
What was Israel’s biggest issue? Can Christians have the same problem?
I know they love God, but they don't understand 3 what makes people acceptable to him. So they refuse to trust God, and they try to be acceptable by obeying the Law. (Romans 10:2-3 CEV)
Who is the end, culmination or fulfillment of the law? What does believing mean?
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:4 ESV)
Is there a different righteousness than that by the law?
For Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the law: The one who does these things will live by them. 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith speaks like this: Do not say in your heart, “Who will go up to heaven?” that is, to bring Christ down 7 or, “Who will go down into the abyss?” that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. (Romans 10:5-7 HCSB)
Do the heart and mouth have anything to do with righteousness that is by faith?
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; 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:8-10 KJV)
What is the key?
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11 NASB)
Do Jews and Gentiles have different paths to salvation?
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:12-13 NIV)
Who brings this message?
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? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15 NKJV)
Does everyone welcome the Gospel?
But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” (Romans 10:16 NLT)
How does faith come? What message must preachers bring?
So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 WEB)
Did Israel hear or understand or look for God?
But I ask you, didn’t they hear it? Definitely! Their voice has gone out into the entire earth, and their message has gone out to the corners of the inhabited world. 19 But I ask you again, didn’t Israel understand? First, Moses says, I will make you jealous of those who aren’t a people, of a people without understanding. 20 And Isaiah even dares to say, I was found by those who didn’t look for me; I revealed myself to those who didn’t ask for me. (Romans 10:18-20 CEB)
Did God reach out to a stubborn people?
And Isaiah said about the people of Israel, “All day long the Lord has reached out to people who are stubborn and refuse to obey.” (Romans 10:21 CEV)
Israel lacked faith in God. Are we Christians sometimes just as guilty? Do we look to the 613 commandments of the law but ignore the commandments of Christ? Do we trust our ability to keep the works of the law perfectly or do we trust in Jesus? You decide!
Beyond Prejudices (Matthew 28)
The Great Commission challenges Christians to go beyond national and tribal prejudices. Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 28:16-20.
They Worshiped Him
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. (Matthew 28:16-17 NKJV)
The particular mountain is not named, but was perhaps a place well-known to them. They worshiped him, but “some” doubted. Vacillating is a normal human reaction. Paul later said that the resurrected Jesus was seen by over five hundred brethren (1 Corinthians 15:6).
All Authority
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18 NKJV)
Jesus humbled Himself to death. God gave Him the name above every other name. Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:7-11). God sat Jesus at His right hand and made Him head over all things to the church, which is His body (Ephesians 1:20-23).
Go
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19 NKJV)
“Go” literally means “having gone.” This is not the Great Suggestion, but a commission. It would be easier just to stay home and not go. It would be more convenient not to make that phone call or be involved in a difficult world, but we are not given that option.
The verb is also plural and can be translated as “Go ye [plural of you]” or “Ye having gone.” It is our collective task. Our job is the saving of souls. Every Christian has this same commission. It is most difficult in nations that abuse the human rights of Christians.
The next imperative is to “make disciples.” We are to teach or instruct. This means action in “all nations,” not just safer ones. May God bless those courageous souls who go to dangerous places! “Nations” literally means different ethnic groups and customs. “All” means nobody is left out. “Love thy neighbor” does not stop at artificial national borders.
The Age of Baptism
Here “baptism” is the norm as discipleship begins rather than infant baptism. Some churches look to circumcision and the Red Sea as examples allowing infant baptism, and later confirmation as completing the rite. Certainly, baptism pictures circumcision and entire families were baptized into Moses (Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4). Infant baptism was not mentioned in the early church, yet the age of baptism seems to be an area of grace not direct Bible command.
The Mode of Baptism
Baptize literally means immerse. However, baptism also means figuratively to wash (Mark 7:4; Luke 11:38; Acts 22:16), to pass through the sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-4), and to suffer (Mark 10:38). We are baptized by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11), but He is also poured out (Acts 10:45), and water is figuratively sprinkled to cleanse from idolatry (Ezekiel 36:25).
Jesus and the Ethiopian eunuch came up out of, or away from the water. It could have been ankle deep. Though immersion was common in the early church, so too were exceptions made, but water was always used. The mode is not specified in scripture; the act is (Acts 2:38).
The Single Name of the 3
Father, Son and Holy Spirit have one “name.” Jesus prayed to the Father, not Himself (John 17). Jesus is the Word who was God (John 1:1-4, 14). The Holy Spirit makes decisions (1 Corinthians 12:11), teaches (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:11-13), guides (John 16:13), makes things known (John 16:14), convicts the world of sin (John 16:8), can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), can be blasphemed (Matthew 12:31), possesses a rational mind (Romans 8:26-27), can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4), can be resisted (Acts 7:51), is distinguished from the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19-20) and we can have fellowship with him (2 Corinthians 13:14). God is three in one, a mystery to us.
Discipleship Curriculum
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)
The main thing is the main thing. Jesus specifically said to teach what He taught the disciples. All healthy churches preach the whole Bible, but their focus is on the Gospels. Healthy preaching prioritizes what Jesus commanded.
What unites us, whether we are Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant? We believe what Christ taught. Jesus is the priority in the Bible, the words He taught His first disciples. When we focus on Jesus, issues that divide us fade into the background. We find common ground that unites Christian churches.
The Gospel challenges us to go beyond our national and tribal prejudices. We are to go, make disciples, baptize those disciples and then teach them what Jesus taught. This overrides all our artificial borders between nations and prejudices between tribes. Are we about our Father’s business to all people, everywhere? You decide!
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
They Worshiped Him
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. (Matthew 28:16-17 NKJV)
The particular mountain is not named, but was perhaps a place well-known to them. They worshiped him, but “some” doubted. Vacillating is a normal human reaction. Paul later said that the resurrected Jesus was seen by over five hundred brethren (1 Corinthians 15:6).
All Authority
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18 NKJV)
Jesus humbled Himself to death. God gave Him the name above every other name. Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:7-11). God sat Jesus at His right hand and made Him head over all things to the church, which is His body (Ephesians 1:20-23).
Go
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19 NKJV)
“Go” literally means “having gone.” This is not the Great Suggestion, but a commission. It would be easier just to stay home and not go. It would be more convenient not to make that phone call or be involved in a difficult world, but we are not given that option.
The verb is also plural and can be translated as “Go ye [plural of you]” or “Ye having gone.” It is our collective task. Our job is the saving of souls. Every Christian has this same commission. It is most difficult in nations that abuse the human rights of Christians.
The next imperative is to “make disciples.” We are to teach or instruct. This means action in “all nations,” not just safer ones. May God bless those courageous souls who go to dangerous places! “Nations” literally means different ethnic groups and customs. “All” means nobody is left out. “Love thy neighbor” does not stop at artificial national borders.
The Age of Baptism
Here “baptism” is the norm as discipleship begins rather than infant baptism. Some churches look to circumcision and the Red Sea as examples allowing infant baptism, and later confirmation as completing the rite. Certainly, baptism pictures circumcision and entire families were baptized into Moses (Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4). Infant baptism was not mentioned in the early church, yet the age of baptism seems to be an area of grace not direct Bible command.
The Mode of Baptism
Baptize literally means immerse. However, baptism also means figuratively to wash (Mark 7:4; Luke 11:38; Acts 22:16), to pass through the sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-4), and to suffer (Mark 10:38). We are baptized by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11), but He is also poured out (Acts 10:45), and water is figuratively sprinkled to cleanse from idolatry (Ezekiel 36:25).
Jesus and the Ethiopian eunuch came up out of, or away from the water. It could have been ankle deep. Though immersion was common in the early church, so too were exceptions made, but water was always used. The mode is not specified in scripture; the act is (Acts 2:38).
The Single Name of the 3
Father, Son and Holy Spirit have one “name.” Jesus prayed to the Father, not Himself (John 17). Jesus is the Word who was God (John 1:1-4, 14). The Holy Spirit makes decisions (1 Corinthians 12:11), teaches (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:11-13), guides (John 16:13), makes things known (John 16:14), convicts the world of sin (John 16:8), can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), can be blasphemed (Matthew 12:31), possesses a rational mind (Romans 8:26-27), can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4), can be resisted (Acts 7:51), is distinguished from the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19-20) and we can have fellowship with him (2 Corinthians 13:14). God is three in one, a mystery to us.
Discipleship Curriculum
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)
The main thing is the main thing. Jesus specifically said to teach what He taught the disciples. All healthy churches preach the whole Bible, but their focus is on the Gospels. Healthy preaching prioritizes what Jesus commanded.
What unites us, whether we are Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant? We believe what Christ taught. Jesus is the priority in the Bible, the words He taught His first disciples. When we focus on Jesus, issues that divide us fade into the background. We find common ground that unites Christian churches.
The Gospel challenges us to go beyond our national and tribal prejudices. We are to go, make disciples, baptize those disciples and then teach them what Jesus taught. This overrides all our artificial borders between nations and prejudices between tribes. Are we about our Father’s business to all people, everywhere? You decide!
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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