The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Romans: How to Be Right with God, Yourself, and Others
144
The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Romans: How to Be Right with God, Yourself, and Others
144eBook
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Overview
No book of the Bible more clearly illuminates the path of the Christian life than the book of Romans. Paul's power-packed letter stands as a treatise on our faith-tackling important topics of immense importance such as sin, justification, sanctification, and more.
Take eight weeks to find out how the book of Romans can help you be right with God, yourself, and others. Trust beloved Bible teacher, Warren Wiersbe, to lead you or your small group on a chapter-by-chapter study that's both penetrating in its analysis and easy to understand.
With select excerpts from his best-selling Be Right commentary on Romans and new, life-application questions, you and your small group can embark on a faith-deepening study on the doctrine and theology underpinning everything Christians hold dear.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781434765758 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | David C Cook |
| Publication date: | 01/01/2010 |
| Series: | Wiersbe Bible Study Series |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 144 |
| Sales rank: | 907,371 |
| File size: | 7 MB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
The Wiersbe BIBLE STUDY SERIES: ROMANS
How to Be Right with God, Yourself, and Others
By Warren W. Wiersbe
David C. Cook
Copyright © 2008 Warren W. WiersbeAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6575-8
CHAPTER 1
Lesson 1
Life-Changing Letter
(ROMANS 1:1–17)
Before you begin ...
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Romans 1:1–17. This lesson references chapter 1 in Be Right. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
Paul's epistle to the Romans is still transforming people's lives, just the way it transformed Martin Luther and John Wesley. The one Scripture above all others that brought Luther out of mere religion into the joy of salvation by grace, through faith, was Romans 1:17: "The just shall live by faith."
—Be Right, page 17
1. As you read this first passage from Romans, what emotions do you detect in Paul's "voice"? What is the overall purpose of this introduction?
More to Consider: This letter had a powerful impact on well-known influencers of the church such as Martin Luther and John Wesley. What clues about the importance of this letter to the early church do you discover in the opening verses?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Romans 1:1–17 that stands out to you. This could be something you're intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. What strikes you about this verse?
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
The word Paul used for servant would be meaningful to the Romans, because it is the word slave. There were an estimated sixty million slaves in the Roman Empire, and a slave was looked on as a piece of property, not a person. In loving devotion, Paul had enslaved himself to Christ, to be His servant and obey His will.
—Be Right, page 18
3. What comes to mind when you read the word servant? How easy or difficult is it for Christians today to understand the implications of Paul's use of this word for slave? What does it mean to be "enslaved to Christ" in today's world?
From the Commentary
When he was a Jewish rabbi, Paul was separated as a Pharisee to the laws and traditions of the Jews. But when he yielded to Christ, he was separated to the gospel and its ministry. Gospel means "the good news." ...
The gospel is not a new message; it was promised in the Old Testament, beginning in Genesis 3:15. The prophet Isaiah certainly preached the gospel in passages such as Isaiah 1:18 and chapters 53 and 55.
—Be Right, page 19
4. Take a moment to read Genesis 3:15 and Isaiah 1:18 (and skim chapters 53 and 55). How is the gospel message presented in these passages? In what ways is it presented as "good news"?
From the History Books
If you scroll back to the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517, you'll discover Martin Luther's challenges to the practices of the Roman Catholic Church: his "Ninety-Five Theses on the Power of Indulgences." Luther's discontent with this practice (and others) ultimately led to a fracturing of Christianity and the growth of Protestantism. Key to Luther's argument was the idea that Scripture should be the sole measure of theology. The book of Romans is central to this "sola scriptura" approach since it contains some of the most significant theological content.
5. What do you think the church would look like today without the efforts of Reformers like Luther? What is significant about Luther's belief that Scripture alone should give us our theology? How do we uncover theology from Scripture? What are the challenges we face when trying to understand theology from Scripture? The risks of counting on extrabiblical sources?
From the Commentary
Paul's special commission was to take the gospel to the Gentiles (the word nations means Gentiles), and this is why he was planning to go to Rome, the very capital of the empire. He was a preacher of the gospel, and the gospel was for all nations. In fact, Paul was anxious to go to Spain with the message of Christ (Rom. 15:28).
—Be Right, page 20
6. In what ways does Paul's excitement about preaching the gospel to the nations inspire you? In what ways does it intimidate you? How are the challenges Paul faced in presenting the gospel like or unlike the challenges faced by the church today?
From the Commentary
What a testimony: "I am a debtor! I am eager! I am not ashamed!" Why would Paul even be tempted to be ashamed of the gospel as he contemplated his trip to Rome? For one thing, the gospel was identified with a poor Jewish carpenter who was crucified. The Romans had no special appreciation for the Jews, and crucifixion was the lowest form of execution given a criminal. Why put your faith in a Jew who was crucified?
—Be Right, page 23
7. Consider Wiersbe's question in the excerpt: Why would Paul be tempted to be ashamed of the gospel? How is this like or unlike the way Christians today feel about sharing the gospel? How does someone move from being "ashamed" to being "eager" to share the gospel?
From the Commentary
Power is the one thing that Rome boasted of the most. Greece might have its philosophy, but Rome had its power. The fear of Rome hovered over the empire like a cloud. Were they not the conquerors? Were not the Roman legions stationed all over the known world? But with all of her military power, Rome was still a weak nation. The philosopher Seneca called the city of Rome "a cesspool of iniquity"; and the writer Juvenal called it a "filthy sewer into which the dregs of the empire flood." No wonder Paul was not ashamed: He was taking to sinful Rome the one message that had the power to change people's lives!
—Be Right, page 24
8. What is a modern comparison to Rome and its power? In what ways is today's church called to respond to the very same sort of need that Paul saw in Rome?
More to Consider: Think about some of the "Romes" you have encountered in your life (communities or individuals in dire need of a Savior). What are some ways your church is reaching out to these people? Is the church "eager" as Paul was? Why or why not?
From the Commentary
God does not ask people to behave in order to be saved, but to believe. It is faith in Christ that saves the sinner. Eternal life in Christ is one gift that is suitable for all people, no matter what their need may be or what their station in life.
—Be Right, page 25
9. Respond to Wiersbe's comment: "God does not ask men to behave, but to believe." How does faith save the sinner? If eternal life in Christ is a gift suitable for all people, what does that compel us as Christians to do when we meet others who do not know Christ?
From the Commentary
When you study Romans, you walk into a courtroom. First, Paul called Jews and Gentiles to the stand and found both guilty before God. Then he explained God's marvelous way of salvation—justification by faith. At this point, he answered his accusers and defended God's salvation. "This plan of salvation will encourage people to sin!" they cry. "It is against the very law of God!" But Paul refuted them, and in so doing explained how the Christian can experience victory, liberty, and security.
—Be Right, page 26
10. Paul speaks to both the Jews and Gentiles in Romans. Why is this important to the theology of the gospel? What does it say about God's grace? Why do you think accusers believed Paul's explanation of the plan of salvation would encourage people to sin?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you've explored thus far in this study of Romans 1:1–17. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don't press for people to speak if they're uncomfortable doing so.
11. In what ways are you inspired by Paul's opening to Romans? What are some of the things you're most thankful for in your faith journey?
12. Are you bold like Paul in your "missionary journeys" of life? Why or why not? What is it about Paul's approach to spreading the gospel that intimidates you most?
13. Can Christians be ashamed of the gospel? Why or why not? What would that look like? In what ways are you eager to spread the gospel? How do you deal with the insecurities that sometimes accompany a desire to share the good news? What does it look like to trust God's power in this?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you'd like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It's better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don't try).
Do you need to show your thanks for all those who have helped you in your walk of faith? Do you need to dig deeper into Scripture to understand the theology of salvation? Do you need to learn boldness? Be specific. Go back through Romans 1:1–17 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Practice being unashamed about the gospel by sharing your faith story in an appropriate venue (perhaps at lunch with close nonbeliever friends, or even among strangers if you're unafraid to engage them about God's work in your life). Afterward, share with a close friend what the experience was like and what you've learned from it to better prepare you the next time you are called or led to stand up for what you believe.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you've previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the "Going Forward" section in this lesson. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you've read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Romans 1:18—3:20. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapter 2, "When God Gives Up," in Be Right.
CHAPTER 2Lesson 2
Guilty!
(ROMANS 1:18—3:20)
Before you begin ...
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Romans 1:18—3:20. This lesson references chapter 2 in Be Right. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
"Hear ye! Hear ye! Court is now in session!" Paul could have used those awesome words at this point in his letter, because Romans 1:18 is the door that leads us into God's courtroom. The theme of Romans is the righteousness of God, but Paul had to begin with the unrighteousness of humankind. Until person knows he is a sinner, he cannot appreciate the gracious salvation God offers in Jesus Christ.
—Be Right, page 31
1. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you read this passage? How are all men and women guilty before God?
More to Consider: What does the word righteousness mean? What do you think it means to a nonbeliever? Why does being "right before God" matter to our faith?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Romans 1:18—3:20 that stands out to you. This could be something you're intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. What strikes you about this passage?
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
Human history began with people knowing God. Human history is not the story of a beast that worshipped idols, and then evolved into a person worshipping one God. Human history is just the opposite: People began knowing God but turned from the truth and rejected God.
—Be Right, page 32
3. Circle all of the things Paul writes that illustrate why man is guilty before God. Why do you think Paul singles out "judging others" in this passage? How is man's judgment of others evidence of rejecting God?
From the Commentary
From idolatry to immorality is just one short step. If man is his own god, then he can do whatever he pleases and fulfill his desires without fear of judgment.
—Be Right, page 33
4. What is the "one short step" between idolatry and immorality? What does it mean that God will judge everyone according to his deeds? How does this line up with God's righteousness? How about with what it means to be made righteous by God?
From Today's World
Review any popular magazine, Web site, or television show, and you'll quickly see that today's world is rife with "idol worship." One of the more popular television programs of today boldly proclaims this "idol-ness" in its very title. But many of today's idols are not quite so easily identified.
5. Why is our culture so obsessed with "idols"? Though we may use the term idol flippantly or without regard to the biblical definition of the word, the truth of our desire to celebrate people, places, and things as idols remains strong. What are the dangers of playing "fast and loose" with these idols?
From the Commentary
Men not only committed these sins in open defiance of God, but encouraged others and applauded them when they sinned. How far man fell! He began glorifying God but ended exchanging that glory for idols. He began knowing God but ended refusing to keep the knowledge of God in his mind and heart. He began as the highest of God's creatures, made in the image of God, but he ended lower than the beasts and insects, because he worshipped them as his gods. The verdict? "They are without excuse" (Rom. 1:20).
—Be Right, page 34
6. What are some evidences that man was once the "highest of God's creatures"? Why are we "without excuse" when it comes to our sins? Are all sins committed in open defiance of God? Explain. How do people today exchange God's glory for idols?
More to Consider: Romans 1:26 states that God permitted people to go on in their sins and reap the consequences. Why didn't God just step in and save everyone from his or her sins? What role does God's allowance of man to continue in sin play in the theology of salvation?
From the Commentary
God's judgment is according to truth. He does not have one standard for the Jews and another for the Gentiles. One who reads the list of sins in Romans 1:29–32 cannot escape the fact that each person is guilty of at least one of them. There are "sins of the flesh and of the spirit" (2 Cor. 7:1); there are "prodigal sons" and "elder brothers" (Luke 15:11–32). When they condemned the Gentiles for their sins, the Jews were really condemning themselves. As the old saying puts it, "When you point your finger at somebody else, the other three are pointing at you."
—Be Right, pages 35–36
7. Review the list of sins in Romans 1:29–32. How does this list prove all of mankind is sinful? What is the difference between sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit?
From the Commentary
In Romans 2:6–11, Paul was not teaching salvation by character or good deeds. He was explaining another basic principle of God's judgment: God judges according to deeds, just as He judges according to truth. Paul was dealing here with the consistent actions of a person's life, the total impact of his character and conduct. For example, David committed some terrible sins, but the total emphasis of his life was obedience to God. Judas confessed his sin and supplied the money for buying a cemetery for strangers, yet the total emphasis of his life was disobedience and unbelief.
—Be Right, page 36
(Continues...)
Excerpted from The Wiersbe BIBLE STUDY SERIES: ROMANS by Warren W. Wiersbe. Copyright © 2008 Warren W. Wiersbe. Excerpted by permission of David C. Cook.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Cover,Introduction to Romans,
How to Use This Study,
Lesson 1 Life-Changing Letter (ROMANS 1:1–17),
Lesson 2 Guilty! (ROMANS 1:18—3:20),
Lesson 3 Justified (ROMANS 3:21—4:25),
Lesson 4 By Faith (ROMANS 5:1–21),
Lesson 5 Responding to Objections (ROMANS 6:1–23),
Lesson 6 The Law (ROMANS 7:1–25),
Lesson 7 Spirit and Freedom (ROMANS 8:1–39),
Lesson 8 Israel's Past (ROMANS 9:1–33),
Lesson 9 Rejection (ROMANS 10:1–21),
Lesson 10 Not Done Yet! (ROMANS 11:1–36),
Lesson 11 Right Relationships (ROMANS 12:1—13:14),
Lesson 12 We Just Disagree (ROMANS 14:1—16:27),
Bonus Lesson Summary and Review,
Extras,