Morning Message: Righteousness In Christ

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Righteousness in Christ"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

We have all heard the term “righteousness” bandied about, both in Churches, and in God’s Word. We learn of a righteous life, not so much by witnessing it in others (even when it is there), but by reading of it in the scriptures, the Gospels in particular, covering the Life of Christ. The Four Evangelists tell us of it, each from different perspectives, from different parables and stories they have included.

The scriptures tell us the “out of the mouths of two or three witnesses, a thing is established.” Matthew and John are among the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, they are the two eye-witnesses, and Luke makes three, having the perfect knowledge of an eye-witness himself, though not among the original twelve apostles (Luke 1:1&2). Mark, is John Mark, who writes through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and from listening to the eye-witnesses. The inner workings of the Trinity come into play, with Jesus choosing two and the Holy Spirit picking two others as witnesses.

While none of the Gospel accounts give identical accounts, they all give us an accurate overview of the Life of Jesus. Incidental information may differ, but the basic story line is the same in all four of the Gospels. The common threads of each account bring the truth out in clarity, and irrefutable accuracy.

As we read all four of the Gospels, we get a clear picture of Jesus’s life, and the righteousness of the Father, working-through-Him. As we go through this final eleven verses of Romans 3, we see the entirety of the first three chapters gel and bring understanding to us. This too, is the work of the Holy Spirit to Believers. The righteousness of the Law engraved in stone, becomes the Law, written on the “fleshly tablets of our hearts.” (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 11:19; 2Corinthians 3:3, again, the witness of three lending truth to the claim.).

God has established truth, Jesus exemplifies it, and Believers believe it. And similarly, The Father establishes His own righteousness, Jesus lives it out, and we get to exemplify it as we live for Him.

Paul, writing to the Philippians in chapter 3, verse 9 - 

"And being found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith."

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Romans 3:21-31 - "Righteousness In Christ"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

When Paul began his letter to the Romans, he quickly launched into praise for the Gospel. He promised his readers that it was ‘the power of God for salvation.’ He claimed that the righteousness of God is revealed in it. Then he did something unexpected: he brought up the wrath of God, and he spent the better part of three chapters talking about how wicked mankind is. Did Paul forget about his main theme, the gospel?

No, Paul hasn’t forgotten. He is as eager as ever to tell us about the wonderful gospel that he preaches. Now that he has convincingly argued that everyone is ‘under sin,’ we are eager to find the key that will unlock our shackles. Just as Paul began his diatribe with the words “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven” (1:18), now he transitions with the words “now the righteousness of God has been manifested.” The following verses contain some of the richest and most theologically meaty sections of Paul’s entire letter.

Righteousness In Christ is God's Gift of Righteousness to Us. (3:21-26)

The ‘righteousness of God’ that Paul references is not the righteousness of God’s strict justice. Instead, this is the righteousness that we’ve all failed to attain – the concept of ‘being righteous’ that none of us is. "There is none righteous" (3:10) – and we need righteousness in order to be saved from God’s wrath. Now, Paul says, that righteousness has been manifested (made accessible) and it is a righteousness that is ‘of God.’ It’s the righteousness that he gives.

Having shown the Jews that the law is fundamentally unable to justify, Paul is quick to point out that this righteousness is manifested ‘apart from the law.’ You don’t have to be a Jew, and you don’t have to know the law, to know about this righteousness of God. The law plays its part – it bears witness to the righteousness and points men to it – but the law doesn’t actually provide it.

Instead of being available through the law, the righteousness of God is “through faith in Jesus Christ.” Since righteousness is tied to faith in Christ, it isn’t tied to the law – and therefore it is available “for all who believe,” regardless of their relationship to the law.

Paul reinforces this by reminding the Romans of what he just explained: all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This reference to ‘glory of God’ is not clear. What does it mean to ‘fall short’ of this glory? Most likely, drawing on Jewish theological tradition, Paul is referencing the glory that mankind possessed from God during the time of Adam. Adam’s sin led to a loss of this ‘glory,’ with the consequence that mankind lost eternal life. For Paul, God’s glory and eternal life are connected (see Romans 5:2, 8:30).

Paul now tells us that everyone has access to being ‘justified’ (legally declared righteous) and that this is “by his grace as a gift.” God is the one who provides this righteousness, and he does so freely. This is good news, because we have nothing that we could pay to obtain such an important gift. It is entirely by his ‘grace,’ his kindness, his generosity – and nothing that we do ourselves – that will provide us with the ‘righteous’ verdict that we so desperately need.

We will learn that this justification comes “through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” The apostle now makes the astonishing claim that God has ‘put forward’ or ‘exhibited’ Jesus as ‘place of propitiation’ or ‘Mercy Seat.’ Jesus is the means by which God’s justice is satisfied, and He is appeased – and this occurs by the blood of Jesus, His work on the cross. Jesus is both the sacrificial victim, whose blood must be sprinkled before God, and He is the Mercy Seat where this propitiation occurs.

The last few verses Paul reiterates that Justification is by Faith (3:27-31).  There is no place for human boasting (vs. 27-28).  All human beings obtain this righteousness the same way no matter what their ethnic heritage is. Lastly, Paul explains that justification by faith does not overthrow the law, but solidifies the importance of the law.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

But Now (3:21) - Not a reference to time, but a change in the flow of the apostle's argument.  Having shown the impossibility of gaining righteousness by human effort, he turns to explain the righteousness that God Himself has provided.

Righteousness (3:21) - A major theme of the book of Romans. Righteousness is the state or condition of perfectly conforming to God's perfect law and holy character.  This righteousness is unique because God is its source (Isaiah 45:8); it fulfills both the penalty and precept of God's law.  Christ's death as a substitute pays the penalty exacted on those who failed to keep God's law, and His perfect obedience to every requirement of God's law fulfills God's demand for righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; Hebrews 9:28); and because God's righteousness is eternal (Psalm 119:142; Isaiah 51:8; Daniel 9:24.

Apart from the Law (3:21) - Entirely apart from obedience to any law (4:15; Galatians 2:16; 3:10, 11; 5:1, 2, 6; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Philippians 3:9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5). 

Witnessed by the Law and the Prophets (3:21) - The Law and the Prophets constitute all the Old Testament (Acts 24:14). 

Through Faith...All Who Believe (3:22) - To trust, to rely on.  Faith is not simply a one-time event, but an ongoing condition.  True saving faith is supernatural, a gracious gift of God that He produces in the heart and is the only means by which a person can appropriate true righteousness.  

There is No Difference...Glory of God (3:22, 23) - God can bestow His righteousness on all who believe, Jew or Gentile, because all people - without distinction - fail miserably to live up to the divine standard.

All Have Sinned (3:23) - All means all!  Paul has already made this case in chapters 1-3.

Justified (3:24) - This verb, and related words from the same Greek root occur some thirty times in Romans and are concentrated in 2:13-5:1.  This legal term comes from the Greek word for "righteous" and means "to declare righteous."  This verdict includes pardon from the guilt and penalty of sin, and the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer's account, which provides for the positive righteousness man needs to be accepted by God.  God declares a sinner righteous solely on the basis of the merits of Christ's righteousness.  God imputed a believer's sin to Christ's account in His sacrificial death (Isaiah 53:4, 5; 1 Peter 2:24), and He imputes Christ's perfect obedience to God's Law to Christians (5:19; 1 Corinthians 1:30.  The sinner receives this gift of God's grace by faith alone. Sanctification, the work of God by which He progressively makes righteous those whom He has already justified, is distinct from justification but without exception, always follows it (8:30).

Freely By His Grace (3:24) - Justification is a gracious gift God extends to the repentant, believing sinner, wholly apart from human merit or work.

Redemption (3:24) - Paing the necessary ransom to obtain the prisoner's or slave's release.  The only adequate payment to redeem sinners from sin's slavery and its deserved punishment was "in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Peter 1:18, 19), and was paid to God to satisfy His justice.

Whom God Set Forth (3:25) - This great sacrifice was not accomplished in secret, but God publicly displayed His Son on Calvary for all to see.

Propitiation (3:25) - Crucial to the significance of Christ's sacrifice, this word carries the idea of appeasement or satisfaction - in this case Christ's violent death satisfied the offended holiness and wrath of God against those for whom Christ died (Isaiah 53:11; Colossians 2:11-14).  The Hebrew equivalent of this word was used to describe the Mercy Seat - the cover to the Ark of the Covenant - where the high priest sprinkled the blood of the slaughtered animal on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people.  Man is incapable of satisfying God's justice apart from Christ!

Forbearance (3:25) - This word, which means "to hold back," was sometimes used of a truce between warring parties.  Rather than destroying every person the moment he or she sins, God graciously holds back His judgment (3:25).  He saves sinners in a physical and temporal way from what they deserve to show them His saving character, that they might come to Him and receive salvation that is spiritual and eternal.

Passed Over the Sins (3:25) - This means neither indifference nor remission.  God's justice demands that every sin and sinner be punished.  God would have been just when Adam and eve sinned, to destroy them, and with them, the entire human race.  But in His goodness and forbearance, He withheld His judgment for a certain period of time.

To Demonstrate...His Righteousness (3:26) - This is accomplished through the Incarnation, sinless life, and substitutionary death of Christ.

Just and the Justifier (3:26) - The wisdom of God's plan allowed Him to punish Jesus in the place of sinners and thereby justify those who are guilty, without compromising His justice.

Deeds of the Law (3:28) - Doing perfectly what God's moral law requires is impossible, so that every person is cursed by that inability. 

God of the Gentiles (3:29) - There is only ONE TRUE GOD (1 Corinthians 8:5, 6).

Through Faith...We establish the Law (3:31) - Salvation by grace through faith does not denigrate the law, but underscores its true importance by providing a payment for the penalty of death,, which the law required for failing to keep it; by fulfilling the law's original purpose, which is to serve as a tutor to show mankind's utter inability to obey God's righteous demands and to drive people to Christ (Galatians 3:24); and by giving believers the capacity to obey it (8:3, 4).

 

Morning Message: The Unregenerate Man

Bobservations' Column
Title - "The Unregenerate Man"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

After last week’s study in the beginning of Romans 3, Paul asks a rhetorical question of the Jews dwelling inn Rome: “Are we better than they?” Is God unrighteous because He takes vengeance? To say that God is unrighteous would be a blasphemous lie! So, clearly Paul’s question needs no reply, because the Jews were guilty of the same things as the gentile heathens. Yet, the Jews had God’s Law(s) passed down to them through Moses.

God’s Chosen People garnered much favor from the Lord, but they ignored His laws as much as did the heathens. This is evidence of a broken relationship. It is the curse of sin as it was passed down to us from Adam. Obedience to God took on many gray areas for the Jews, and the priests of the Temple fostered it by their own hypocrisy. In verse 5, Paul describes the human rationalization, human thinking, because God gave man an intellect. The natural man will always choose that way of thinking, but the Spiritual man will set his human thoughts aside and ask himself if his thoughts are according to God’s will for him. King David wrote of this in the Psalms, as he asked Jehovah to examine his heart and reveal any wicked way in him. It’s the residual sin nature that begs to come out, and the Gospels teach us to lay it aside, and even to put it to death, that we might please God.

The answer to Paul’s question though, is found in James 4:6, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” God’s grace is given freely to those that adopt His ways as their own, as exemplified by the Lord Jesus… Not my will, Lord, but thine be done!

The human intellect pales in comparison with God’s (Isaiah 55:7-9). While it’s true that He made us in His image, that image consists of body, mind, and spirit. How sad that as humans, we focus on things we have in common with Jesus: two legs, two arms, a torso, and a brain. Yet the natural man has a tendency to use his legs to run to mischief, seeking only to fulfill his own desires. Mischief (sin) is not the product of a God-fearing world.

God’s grace is indeed abundant, but only to those that are seeking Him.

From Psalm 139:33-34,

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Romans 3:9-20 - "The Unregenerate Man"

This morning as we come to Paul’s final section on sinfulness of man, his summary of this whole discourse of the bad news of the Gospel, he delivers to us the ultimate testimony, the undeniable testimony, the testimony of Scripture. Beginning in verse 10 and going through verse 18 Paul as if standing in a courtroom presents to the court the testimony of God’s own Word as seen in the Old Testament. This whole section can be divided as if it is taking place in a courtroom with first the charge being read, then the indictment, which is God’s testimony, and finally the ruling of the court, the verdict. In this testimony of God’s Word, it shows His perfect view of man.

If you ever wondered if you were measuring up... you're not. Not at all. If you ever thought even a part of you earned God's favor or somehow you provoked Him to overlook your sin by the things you've done or by the things you've abstained from doing, you didn't (Rom. 9:16, James 2:10). Why? Because you have no bargaining chip before God (Rom. 11:35). If our study through Romans thus far didn't clear that up, let these verses tell you it very plainly as Paul intended it to be. God who delights in righteousness (Jer. 9:24) looked down and found none.

Paul thus far in Romans has walked us through scripture, facts, and sound reasoning in order to give us understanding, now tells us plainly to our face. Paul who first showed us that according to scripture, nature, logic, experience, and evidence that we are not right with God. Now, to those who may be left hanging onto the law; Paul tells them very plainly from that very law, we are bankrupt (Matt. 5:3). We have nothing to offer God (Psalm 8:3-4, 144:3, Job 7:17) and you're clinging to a sinking ship.

As Christians, especially those of us who are legalists, we like to think we are "good" sinners. In the back of our minds we measure our merits according to a standard of our own, grasping for something to hold onto that will declare us an "okay person". In our own minds we victimize ourselves (to avoid blame) our change our standards (to avoid judgement). Paul here wants us to recognize that there is no such thing as an "upright thief" nor is there an "honest liar". If we rob a bank but in the process vow to not hurt anyone, we're still a robber. Oh but such declarations help us avoid guilt doesn't it. Let the Romans road which comes to a point in these verses sink in. The law has found you guilty of being a sinner. The law which was intended for our good, to show us the right way of living (Rom. 7:10), because of the weakness of our flesh (Matt. 26:41, Rom. 8:3), has only pointed out to us our shortcomings "for through the law comes the knowledge of sin" (v20).

Paul declares that all people—both Jews and gentiles—are under the power of sin and cannot be justified through the Law.

Romans 3:9–20 is the conclusion of a longer section of the letter that begins in 1:18. In this section, Paul argues that all people—both gentiles and Jews—have some awareness or knowledge of God, whether through experience of the world and the testimony of one’s conscience, or, in the case of the Jews, also through the Law that God gave them. Despite this knowledge, both groups have failed to properly honor God and have instead turned away from God, manifested by not living in accordance with God’s will (as they have come to understand it). Therefore, all people—Jews and gentiles alike—are subject to God’s impartial judgment.

Paul powerfully brings this argument to completion in 3:9–20. Although he acknowledges in 3:1–8 that Jewish people have an advantage that gentiles do not because God gave them the Scriptures, in 3:9–20 he clarifies that even so, Jews and gentiles (referred to in 3:9 as Greeks) are equally under sin and not able to be justified (that is, brought into right relationship with God) by observance of the scriptural Law. Paul, in fact, presents a chain of Scriptural citations in 3:10–18 to show that the very Scriptures the Jews received testify to the fact that no one is righteous. This illustrates the bold claim Paul makes in 3:9 that all people are equally “under the power of sin.” Although “sin” has various nuances of meaning throughout Romans, here and elsewhere in the letter, Paul characterizes it as a force that seeks to dominate people and thus alienates them from God (e.g., Romans 6:12–14; 7:8–11). Rather than freeing people from sin, the Law brings awareness of sin (3:20).

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Are We Better . . .? (3:9) - "We" probably refers to the Christians in Rome who would receive this letter.  Christians do not have an intrinsically superior nature to all those Paul has shown to stand under God's condemnation. 

All Under Sin (3:9) - The important passage from Romans 3:9-23 should make it clear to everyone that there is no one who is righteous enough before a holy God to earn his own salvation.  If anyone wishes ever to be saved and to receive eternal life, he must first of all recognize himself as a guilty sinner before God - in fact, dead spiritually, in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1).  Some liberal pastors, counselors and evangelists seem inclined to bypass this essential point in trying to enlist converts, and this is a dangerous, soul-destroying error.

As it is Written (3:10) - The common introduction to Old Testament quotations.  The tense of the Greek verb emphasizes continuity and permanence, and implies its divine authority. 

There are None Righteous (3:10) - Mankind is universally evil. The human dilemma is this: God is holy, and we are not. God is righteous, and we are not. Our righteousness is a myth, but by no means a harmless one. Nothing is more perilous than for an unrighteous person to rest his future hope in an illusion. If God requires perfect righteousness and perfect holiness to survive His perfect judgment, then we are left with a serious problem. Either we rest our hope in our own righteousness, which is altogether inadequate, or we flee to another’s righteousness, an alien righteousness, a righteousness not our own inherently. The only place such perfect righteousness can be found is in Christ—that is the good news of the gospel.

None...Understands (3:10) - Man is unable to comprehend the truth of God or grasp His standard of righteousness (see Psalm s 14:2; 53:3; cf. 1 Corinthians 2:14).  Sadly, his spiritual ignorance does not result from a lake of opportunity (1:19, 20; 2:15), but is an expression of his sinful state, rebellion (Ephesians 4:18).

None...Seeks (3:10) - See Psalm 14:2.   This verse clearly implies that the world's false religions are fallen man's attempts to escape the true God - not to seek Him.  Man's natural tendency is to seek his own interests (cf. Philippians 2:21), but his only hope is for God to seek him (John 6:37, 44).  It is only as a result of god's work in the heart that anyone seeks Him (Psalm 16:8; Matthew 6:33).

Turned Aside (3:12) - See Psalm 14:3.   This word basically means "to lean in the wrong direction."  It was used to describe a soldier's running the wrong way, or deserting.  All people are inclined to leave God's way and purse their own (cf. Isaiah 53:6). 

Open Tomb (3:13) See Psalm 5:9.   Tombs were sealed not only to show respect for the deceased, but to hide the sight and stench of the body's decay.  As an unsealed tomb allows those who pass to see and smell what is inside,  the unregenerate person's open throat - that is, the foul words that come from it - reveal the decay of his heart (cf. Proverbs 10:31, 32; 15:2,, 28; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 12:34, 35; 15:18; James 3:1-12).

Asps (3:13) - Paul moves from throat to tongue to lips and a quote from Psalm 140:3. There, David referred to evil men with the venom of asps—deadly snakes—under their lips. In other words, words from the mouths of his enemies could quickly poison and kill.

Cursing (3:14) - This is quoted from Psalm 10:7. It refers to wanting the worst for someone and publicly expressing that desire in caustic, derisive language. 

Bitterness (3:14) - The open, public expression of emotional hostility against one's enemy (cf. Psalm 64:3, 4).

Destruction and Misery (3:16) - Man damages and destroys everything he touches, leaving a trail of pain and suffering in his wake.

Way of Peace (3:17) - Not the lack of an inner sense of peace, but man's tendency toward strife and conflict, whether between individuals or nations (cf. Jeremiah 6:14).

Fear of God (3:18) - See Psalm 36:1. Man's true spiritual condition is nowhere more clearly seen than in the absence of a proper submission to and reverence for God.  Biblical fear for God consists of: (1) awe of His greatness and glory, and (2) dread of the results of violating that holy nature.

Those...Under the Law (3:19) - Every unredeemed human being.  Jews received the written law through Moses (3:2), and Gentiles have the works of the law written on their hearts (2:15), so that both groups are accountable to God.

Every Mouth...Stopped...Guilty (3:19) - There is no defense against the guilty verdict God pronounces on the entire human race.

Deeds of the Law (3:20) - Doing perfectly what God's moral law requires is impossible, so that every person is cursed by that inability.

By the Law is the Knowledge of Sin (3:20) - The law makes sin known, but cannot save.

Morning Message: Chosen People

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Chosen People"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

 

As we ended Romans 2 last week, it was a blistering critique of Judaism, and how it evolved through the years since God gave the Law to Moses.

Chapter 3 begins with the question: “What advantage then hath the Jew?” If there is no difference between Gentile behaviors and Jewish, then were the Jews chosen for naught? On the contrary, God chose them for multiple reasons.

Abram the Gentile from Ur of the Chaldees lived near the Persian Gulf (Genesis 11:31). Like Mary, espoused to Joseph, there was something special about his lineage. Mary and Abram were of the same bloodline, and following that bloodline through the genealogies of the scriptures, we are brought to the Savior of His own Creation, Jesus Christ. Notables of that bloodline included Kings and Princes, as well as harlots and ordinary folks.

God’s knowledge of all things brings that bloodline directly back to Adam in the Garden of Eden. 1 Corinthians 15:47 says, “The first Adam is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." (Adam was the first man, and the second came from heaven. [NLT]). We see then that God had a plan from the very beginning. Ecclesiastes 7:8 - “Better is the end of a thing, than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” This “thing” that the scripture speak of is God’s plan for salvation.

Mankind is impatient. Our Father in heaven has more patience than is in the world. It is timeless and without limit. The Savior was born, and some day, the Jews and everyone, will acknowledge that truth, as it is written:

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” - Zechariah 12:10

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Romans 3:1-10 - "Chosen People"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

This morning, we will be looking at the first ten verses of Romans chapter 3. 

Whether Jew or Gentile, male or female, young or old, rich or poor, most people delight to think of themselves as worthy in the sight of God and of greater merit than other people. Most consider themselves deserving of heaven and that they are a little more principled, and a little more virtuous than the rest of humanity.

But Paul outlines God's condemnation of the intent of man's heart. He details in sober terms the inner thoughts of man's mind and he records in stark language what God thinks of man's actions, man's attitudes, man's words, and fallen man's sinful state: "As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not even one."

God's declaration of the whole of humanity is GUILTY. Guilty before God. Measured against the goodness of God, humanity stands condemned. When compared with the righteousness of Christ Jesus our Lord, the whole world is guilty before God.

This chapter delves deeper into the themes of sin, righteousness, and justification.  Paul addresses both Jewish and Gentile audiences, dismantling any notion of inherent superiority based on heritage or law observance. This chapter is pivotal in laying the foundation of the doctrine of justification by faith, central to Christian theology.

Paul begins by considering the advantages of being Jewish, acknowledging that the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God (Romans 3:1-2). This privilege highlights the special relationship between the Jewish people and God, given their role in preserving and transmitting His revelations.

Anticipating objections, Paul addresses a hypothetical question about the faithfulness of God in light of Jewish unbelief (Romans 3:3-4). He affirms that God’s faithfulness is not nullified by human unfaithfulness. God remains just and His words true, even if every human were a liar, as David says in the Psalms (Psalm 51:4), emphasizing that God’s righteousness in judgment stands apart from human sinfulness.

Paul quotes a series of Old Testament passages to prove that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin (Romans 3:9-18). These verses from Psalms and Isaiah paint a grim picture of humanity’s moral state.

We will learn that no one can be justified apart from God.  It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Oracles (3:2) - The Greek word is logion, a smaller form of the common NT word logos, which is normally translated "word."  These are important sayings or messages, especially when referring to God's Word.Paul is using the word to encompass the entire Old Testament that the Jews received, the very words of the true God (Deuteronomy 4:1, 2; 6:1, 2; cf. Mark 12:24; Luke 16:29; John 5:39).  The Jews had a great advantage in having the Old Testamen, becuase it contained the truth about salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) and about the gospel in its basic form (Galatians 3:8).  When Paul said, "reach the Word" (2 Timoth 4:2), he meant the "oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11) recorded in Scripture.

Shall Their Unbelief (3:3) - Unbelief has no bearing on God's faithfulness.  Many people reject God's Word claiming that the Bible has been disproven by modern science and reason.  They are deceived!  God's Word has been forever settled in heaven and will endure forever according to Psalm 119:89, 160, even after this present earth has passed away (Matthew 24:35).  God's revealed Word is absolute truth, and will judge all unbelievers in the last day.

Faithfulness of God (3:3) - God will fulfill all the promises He made to the nation, even if individual Jews are not able to receive them because of their unbelief.

Every Man A Liar (3:4) - If all mankind were to agree that God had been unfaithful to His promises, it would only prove that all are liars and God is true.  

I Speak As A Man (3:5) - Paul is paraphrasing the weak, unbiblical logic of his opponents.

Judge (3:6) - A major theme of Scripture (Genesis 18:25; Psalm 50:6; 58:11; 94:2), here it probably refers to the great future day of judgment. Paul's point is that if God condoned sin, He would have no equitable, righteous basis for judgment.

Slanderously Reported (3:8) - Tragically, the apostle's gospel message of salvation by grace through faith alone had been perverted by his opponents, who argued it provided not only a license to sin, but outright encouragement to do so (5:20; 6:1, 2).

Are We Better . . .? (3:9) - "We" probably refers to the Christians in Rome who would receive this letter.  Christians do not have an intrinsically superior nature to all those Paul has shown to stand under God's condemnation. 

All Under Sin (3:9) - The important passage from Romans 3:9-23 should make it clear to everyone that there is no one who is righteous enough before a holy God to earn his own salvation.  If anyone wishes ever to be saved and to receive eternal life, he must first of all recognize himself as a guilty sinner before God - in fact, dead spiritually, in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1).  Some liberal pastors, counselors and evangelists seem inclined to bypass this essential point in trying to enlist converts, and this is a dangerous, soul-destroying error.

As it is Written (3:10) - The common introduction to Old Testament quotations.  The tense of the Greek verb emphasizes continuity and permanence, and implies its divine authority. 

None Righteous (3:10) - Mankind is universally evil. The human dilemma is this: God is holy, and we are not. God is righteous, and we are not. Our righteousness is a myth, but by no means a harmless one. Nothing is more perilous than for an unrighteous person to rest his future hope in an illusion. If God requires perfect righteousness and perfect holiness to survive His perfect judgment, then we are left with a serious problem. Either we rest our hope in our own righteousness, which is altogether inadequate, or we flee to another’s righteousness, an alien righteousness, a righteousness not our own inherently. The only place such perfect righteousness can be found is in Christ—that is the good news of the gospel.

Morning Message: Check for Motes

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Check for Motes"
Written by - Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The message from last week continues, and becomes more personal, more intuitive in its approach to interpersonal behaviors. As Paul continues to address the Romans, we find his Epistle having much in common with the Gospel of Matthew.  And of course, Matthew the Apostle was of the tribe of Levites, and addresses his Gospel to the circumcision in particular, and Paul grasps its universal application.

Romans 2 has much in common with Matthew 7, as we shall see. From last week’s message, one cross reference from Numbers 23 stands out: “How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? Or, how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied?”

Do we view things from God’s point of view, or do we see things only from our personal perspective. God’s grace (unmerited favor) is bestowed upon His own seemingly without measure. If we are too worldly minded, then this is a maddening situation! It might seem like God follows critical race theory, except we know He judges everyone according to His Word. Our problem is our own human hearts, as wicked as they are, according to Jeremiah 17:9,10.

God is much more gracious, much more forgiving, and much more loving than we are, even to His enemies. It begs the question, do we want to be more Christ-like? Then we must adopt the mind of Christ, and let it displace our limited and selfish minds. Issues will never be about us; they will always be about Jesus.

“But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you.” - Matthew 5:44

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Romans 2:17-29 - "Check for Motes"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Our text for today is Romans 2:17-29. The main theme of Romans is “the righteousness of God” and how that righteousness becomes ours through faith in Christ. This is the most vital message in the world because it results in eternal life for those who believe it and eternal damnation for those who don’t.

In this New Testament letter, Paul systematically explains the gospel – the good news of how God rescues sinners and reconciles them to himself through Jesus Christ his Son. So, if you’re not a Christian, this message is for you. Believe it, and God will forgive your sin, change you from the inside out, and grant you the gift of eternal life. If you already are a Christian, this message is for you too. Even as believers, we need to keep going back to the gospel – remembering it, reviewing it, diving more deeply into it.

So, the message of Romans is for all of us!  All of us!  As we read the second half of chapter two, keep in mind the context. Paul has already declared in chapter one, verses 16 and 17, that God’s righteousness is revealed through the gospel. How? By the power of God as he makes sinners right with him through faith in Christ. That’s the good news. But after declaring the good news, Paul delivers the bad news. The bad news is that our sin made the gospel necessary. Just as the gospel reveals the righteousness of God, so our sin reveals the wrath of God. God’s wrath stems from his righteousness. It is God’s intense hatred toward all sin. Though the ultimate outpouring of God’s wrath will occur at the Final Judgment, even now God reveals his wrath to some degree by handing people over to their sins and allowing them to suffer the consequences of their rejection of Him. In Romans 1, Paul describes the awfulness of human depravity in the 3rd person: “they.” But in chapter two, Paul shifts to the 2nd person and confronts those who are quick to condemn other people for their sins while failing to acknowledge their own.

Specifically, Paul addresses the self-righteous Jew who thinks he’ll get a pass on Judgment Day because of the privileges God has given him. But Paul shows that this is not the case at all if these privileges are not accompanied by obedience from the heart.

That’s the primary point Paul makes in the second half of Romans chapter two.  Paul begins by exposing the conceit and hypocrisy of the self-righteous person, then Paul explains the nature of true conversion, which is heart surgery by the Holy Spirit.

In Romans 2, Paul removes the mask of moralism to expose the conceit of the self-righteous. Privilege leads to pride when we see our blessings as a tribute to our goodness rather than God’s grace. Such was the case with the self-righteous Jew that Paul confronts in Romans 2:17-24. Paul begins by listing their privileges, which led to a certain perception on the part of the Jews, that was inconsistent with their practice.

However, despite their privileges – which Paul does not deny – and their perception of themselves in light of these privileges, Paul confronts them head-on for their hypocrisy.

Throughout this section, Paul takes the self-righteous Jew to task. But this text applies to all self-righteous people. Many people think that by keeping the Ten Commandments, they can merit righteousness before God. The problem is that one must do so perfectly one hundred percent of the time. Scripture says, “whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it” (James 2:10).  Paul wants the self-righteous Jew, along with every other moralistic person to know that they have failed along with everyone else to meet God’s standard of holiness. 

The bad news is that true and perfect righteousness is not possible for man to attain on his own; the standard is simply too high. The good news is that true righteousness is possible for mankind, but only through the cleansing of sin by Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We have no ability to achieve righteousness in and of ourselves. But Christians possess the righteousness of Christ, because “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is an amazing truth. On the cross, Jesus exchanged our sin for His perfect righteousness so that we can one day stand before God and He will see not our sin, but the holy righteousness of the Lord Jesus.

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Jew (2:17) - Previously called Hebrews and Israelites, by the first century "Jew" had become the most common name for the descendants of Abraham through Isaac.  "Jew" comes from "Judah" (meaning "praise"), one of the twelve tribes and the designation for the southern half of Solomon's kingdom after his death.  From the time of the Babylonian captivity, the whole race bore this title.  Their great heritage, however (cf. Genesis 12:3), became a source of pride and complacency (cf. Jonah 4:2; Micah 3:11,12; Matthew 3:7-9; John 8:31-34, 40-59), which led to judgment instead of "praise."

The Blind . . . Babes (2:19, 20) - Because they possessed the law, the Jews were confident that they were spiritually superior teachers:  guides to blind pagans (cf. Matthew 23:24-28), light (cf. Isaiah 42:6), wise in God's ways, and able to teach babies (Probably a reference to Gentile proselytes to Judaism).

Doest Thou Commit Sacrilege? (Do You Rob Temples?) (2:22) - May refer to fraudulently skimming funds from money given to the temple or withhold part of their temple tax or offerings (cf. Malachi 3:8-10).  More likely, however, it refers to the common practice - in direct violation of God's command (Deuteronomy 7:25) - of looting pagan temples and selling the idols and vessels for personal profit (cf. Acts 19:37) under the pretext of religion.

It Is Written (2:24) - Quoted from Isaiah 52:5. When Isaiah wrote, the name—the reputation—of the God of Israel was sneered at by other nations because His people were being oppressed. In contrast, Paul now says God is dishonored by Israel's own actions. By breaking the law of Moses, they give God a bad name among the Gentiles. Seeing that the Jewish people break their own God-given law while looking down on others, the Gentiles respond by speaking blasphemously about Israel's God.

This highlights an important point which applies to believers in Christ, today. When those who claim to be Christians behave in un-Christ-like ways, it dishonors God. Non-believers see those sins and blame them on the faith. As Paul made clear earlier in this letter, that's not a valid excuse for rejecting the truth (Romans 1:18–20). However, those who claim the name of God need to be extremely careful about the kind of reputation we create in this world.

The point Paul is building up to is that nobody can keep the law of Moses perfectly (Romans 3:10). Everyone breaks it, somehow and somewhere, bringing dishonor to God. Everyone deserves God's judgment as a result of their sin. The law only helps to reveal sin, so salvation must come from another source. That source is faith in Christ (Romans 3:22–25).

Circumcision (2:25) - As a religious rite, circumcision was required of all of Abraham’s descendants as a sign of the covenant God made with him (Genesis 17:9–14; Acts 7:8). The Mosaic Law repeated the requirement (Leviticus 12:2–3), and Jews throughout the centuries have continued to practice circumcision (Joshua 5:2–3; Luke 1:59; Acts 16:3; Philippians 3:5). Circumcision symbolized the need for a profoundly deep cleansing, a cutting away of the flesh, and repentance to reverse the effects of sin.  

Uncircumcision (2:25) - A Jew who continually transgressed God's Law had no more of a saving relationship to God than an uncircumcised Gentile.  The outward symbol was nothing without the inner reality.

Counted as Circumcision? (2:26) - God will regard the believing Gentile as favorable as a circumcised, believing Jew.

Outwardly (2:28) - This refers to physical descendants of Abraham who have been properly circumcised (cf. 9:6; Matthew 3:9).

He is a Jew (2:29) - A true child of God, the true spiritual seed of Abraham. (See Romans 4:16; Galatians 3:29). 

Circumcision is that of the Heart (2:29) - The outward rite is of value only when it reflects the inner reality of a heart separated from sin unto God. (See Deuteronomy 19:16; 30:6).

Spirit . . . Letter (2:29) - Salvation results from the work of God's Spirit in the heart, not mere external efforts to conform to His law.

Morning Message: Patient Continuance

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Patient Continuance"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Paul’s second chapter of Romans brings home a point that God wants us to recognize, and have it lay in our hearts permanently. God’s overriding law of love can guide our treatment of others, whether they are believers, or not. We all have common ground, as all are born into this world as sinners, because we are descended from Adam.

But because we have found Christ and become believers, God’s love for us should foster the same from us towards others, for as long as we are alive on Earth, we are as susceptible to sin as anyone.

As always, to read this chapter here shows how important it is, just as the Holy Spirit moves the Apostle Matthew to dedicate all of his Chapter 7 to it. Its inclusion in two Books of the Bible reveals its true importance. Both Apostles are moved by the Holy Spirit to write on this topic, and it underscores the will of the Father for His children.

Repetition in the Bible always gives us insight into the will, the mind and heart of God. As today’s teaching follows Romans 1, it becomes clear that there are issues in Rome that are identical to those in Jerusalem, so Gentiles and Jews alike are both guilty.

Love draws people in, while condemnation drives people away, and all need salvation. Humans identify levels of sin, God does not. To our God, all sin is an abomination, every sin is unacceptable. He wants His message of loving one another to be of primary importance in his message to the lost, or those susceptible to temptation and to the saved that are still susceptible to Satan’s temptations. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of all.

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Romans 2:1-16 - "Patient Continuance"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In Romans 1:18-32 the apostle Paul paints a striking picture of evil, debauched men and women. They've abandoned God and God abandons them to the consequences of their own sin.

However, at the end of Romans 1 a very important question remains unanswered: what about good people? What about those who aren't murderers, liars, thieves, fornicators, adulterers, and homosexuals? Where do the people fit who haven't abandoned all sense of right and wrong?

We learn that good is never good enough!  The gospel is for everyone without exception. If the good news of God’s saving righteousness in Jesus Christ is for everyone, then the bad news that all stand under condemnation apart from God’s righteousness is also for everyone.

In this world are people who do not appear to be idolatrous or sinful--they may even identify with the true religion. In Paul's day they were the Jews. In our day they are professing Christians who want to uphold the moral standards of Scripture. But those who are not true believers are unable to maintain an external moral value system because they cannot restrain their own sinfulness. In essence they cover their darkened hearts with cloaks of light.

In Romans 2 Paul exposes the moralist. The moralist agrees with Paul's condemnation of the idolaters in chapter 1 because he sees himself as better and therefore uncondemned. But that produces a false sense of security. In Romans 3:19 Paul says, "We know that whatever things the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God." A person understands the Christian gospel only when he understands he is guilty before God--whether immoral (chapter 1) or moral (chapter 2), whether Gentile (chapter 1) or Jew (chapter 2).

As we begin our study of Romans 2, we need to focus on this thought: mankind does not accept God’s assessment of human sin and the imperative of divine judgment. This is not to say that men will not admit they are sinners. It is very easy to get a non-Christian to agree that he is a sinner (“nobody’s perfect”), but it is almost impossible to get him to realize the gravity of his sin. Typically, he has no trouble agreeing that those who are guilty of “big sins” like murder and rape and treason deserve judgment—even death. However, that God’s wrath should fall on those guilty of such “lesser sins” as envy or arrogance does not seem quite right to them.

Most people do not take God’s word about sin and judgment seriously, but rather reject it and replace it with their own ad hominem reasoning... “Nobody’s perfect!”  “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” Such thinking suggests that since we are human, we are under some moral obligation to sin, and that God is under moral obligation to forgive us. "Everyone is doing it; it is not so bad—as long as we do not commit the “biggies” we will be okay"—is the assumption that God does not mean what he says. The eternal fact is, God means what he says and says what he means.

God's judgment, despite moralisms to the contrary, is perfect. That is what Romans 2:1–16 is all about. As we come to understand (or reaffirm our understanding) of the perfection of God’s judgment, we will bring health to our souls. For those of us who are believers, this will drive us toward a greater authenticity in life—and thus spiritual power. For the non-Christian, there will be strong encouragement to face fundamental issues about oneself and God.

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Inexcusable (2:1) - Without excuse.  Both Jews and moral Gentiles who think they are exempt from God's judgment because they have not indulged in the immoral excesses described in chapter 1, are tragically mistaken.  They have more knowledge than the immoral pagan (3:2; 9:4) and thus a greater accountability (cf. Hebrews 10:26-29; James 3:1). 

Condemn Yourself (2:1) - Whoever has sufficient knowledge to judge others condemns himself because he has the knowledge to evaluate his own condition and doesn't.  Overlooking their own sins they become self-righteous.  Romans 3:10, "There is none righteous, no not one."

Despise (2:4) - Literally, to think down on someone or something. 

Goodness (2:4) - “The goodness of God” simply refers to His kindness. Also known as "common grace," or the undeserved goodness of God toward sinners.

Forbearance (2:4) - a patient holding back, or a delay of punishment/judgment. In this verse, it represents a suspense of wrath which must eventually be exercised unless the sinner accepts God's conditions.

Longsuffering (2:4) - The duration for which God demonstrates His goodness and forbearance - long periods of time. 

Repentance (2:4) - The act of turning from sin to Christ for forgiveness and salvation.

Hardness (2:5) - A hardening of the heart. Here the danger is not physical but spiritual. 

(See: Ezekiel 36:26; Matthew 19:8; Mark 3:5; 6:52; 8:17; John 12:40; Hebrews 3:8, 15; 4:7).

Impenitent Heart - A refusal to repent and accept God's pardon of sin through Jesus Christ.

Treasuring Up...Wrath (2:5) - Those who reject God's offer of forgiveness and cling to sin accumulate more of God's wrath and will earn a more severe judgment.

Day of Wrath/Judgment (2:5) - The final judgment of wicked men that comes at the Great White Throne at the end of the Millennium.

In verses 6-10, Paul describes the deeds of two distinct groups:  the redeemed (verses 7,10) and the unredeemed (verses 8, 9). Although Scripture everywhere teaches that salvation is NOT on the basis of works, it consistently teaches that God's judgment is always on the basis of a person's deeds (Isaiah 3:10, 11; Jeremiah 17:10; John 5:28, 29; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Galatians 6:7-9).   The deeds of the redeemed are not the basis of their salvation, but the evidence of it.  They are not perfect and are prone to sin, but there is undeniable evidence of righteousness in their lives.

Eternal Life (2:7) - Not just in duration, but also in quality.  Eternal life is a kind of life, the holy life of the eternal God given to believers.

The Jew First (2:9) - The Jews, as God's chosen people, were given the first opportunity to hear the gospel, and Paul always sought to apply this principle.  By the same token, they were to receive the first and most sever judgment, because of the greater light they had received (Luke 12:47, 48) when they rejected the gospel.

Respect of Persons (2:11) - no partiality, or preference given to someone simply because of his position, wealth, influence, popularity, or appearance.  God's nature is to be just; it is impossible for Him to be anything but impartial.   

Without Law (2:12) - The Gentiles who never had the opportunity to know God's moral law (Exodus 20:1) will be judged on their disobedience in relationship to their limited knowledge.  

Judged by the Law (2:12) - The Jews, and many Gentiles who had access to God's moral law will be accountable for their greater knowledge (Matthew 11:20-23; Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-31). 

By Nature (2:14) - Without knowing the written Law of God, people in pagan society generally value and attempt to practice its most basic tenets.  This is normal for cultures instinctively value justice, honesty, compassion, and goodness toward others, reflecting the divine law written in the heart. 

Law to Themselves (2:14) - Practice of some good deeds and their aversion to some evil ones demonstrate an innate knowledge of God's Law.

Conscience (2:15) - Literally, "with knowledge." That instinctive sense of right and wrong that produces guilt when violated.  God has designed us with an internal warning system that activates whenever we choose to ignore or disobeys His law.  Repeatedly ignoring the warnings of the conscience desensitizes it and eventually silences it (1 Timothy 4:2).