SQLite format 3@ TF ii!%%atableTopicsTopicsCREATE TABLE Topics (Title NVARCHAR(100), Notes TEXT);J  11-Sep 4-10 - The Election of Grace` E 10-Aug 28-Sep 3 - Redemption for Jew & GentileD  09-Aug 21-27 - Freedom in ChristF  08-Aug 14-20 - The Man of RomansB 07-Aug 7-13 - Victory Over SinR) 06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expounding the FaithV1 05-July 24-30 - Justification and the LawH 04-Jul 17-23 - Justified by FaithB 03-Jul 10-16 - All Have Sinned;} 02-Jul 3-9 - Jew and Gentilev9E00-Contents{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fB 01-Jun 26-J  K  L `X  een changed or abrogated, that should have been done before, not after, the Cross. Thus, nothing shows the continued validity of the law more than does the death of Jesus, a death that occurred precisely because the law couldn\rquote t be changed. If the law could have been changed to meet us in our fallen condition, wouldn\rquote t that have been a better solution to the problem of sin than Jesus having to die?\par \tab\b If there were no divine law against adultery, would the act cause any less pain aspel make sense. \par \tab We often hear that the Cross nullified the law. That\rquote s rather ironic, because the Cross shows that the law can\rquote t be abrogated or changed. If God didn\rquote t abrogate or even change the law before Christ died on the cross, why do it after? Why not get rid of the law after humanity sinned and thus spare humanity the legal punishment that violation of the law brings? That way, Jesus never would have had to die. Jesus\rquote death shows that if the law could have be changed, too. Or if God's law was done away with, then sin must be, as well, and who believes that? \i (See also \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:7-10\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jam_1:14-15\cf0\ulnone .)\i0\par \tab In the New Testament, both the law and the gospel appear. The law shows what sin is; the gospel points to the remedy for that sin, which is the death and resurrection of Jesus. If there is no law, there is no sin, and so what are we saved from? Only in the context of the law, and its continued validity, does the go}e best of their understanding have followed the light of the Word will hear an inward authenticating voice assuring them that they have been accepted as children of God.\par \tab Indeed, \cf1\ul Rom_8:17\cf0\ulnone tells us that we are heirs; that is, we are part of the family of God and, as heirs, as children, we receive a wonderful inheritance from our Father. We don\rquote t earn it; it is given to us by virtue of our new status in God, a status granted to us through His grace, which has been made avying, stealing \i0 were by Act of Parliament ejected out of the English tongue and dictionaries, we should all awake next morning temperate, honest and just, and lovers of truth? Is this a fair consequence?\rdblquote -Jonathan Swift, \i A Modest Proposal and Other Satires\i0 , (New York: Prometheus Books, 1995), p. 205.\par \tab In the same way, if God's law has been abolished, then why are lying, murder, and stealing still sinful or wrong? If God's law has been changed, then the definition of sin must bbehind that statement, however, isn\rquote t quite sound, nor is the theology.\tab\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab\b Read \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:3-6\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:4\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul Rom_3:20\cf0\ulnone . What do these texts tell us about the relationship between law and sin? \b0\par \tab A few hundred years ago, Irish writer Jonathan Swift wrote: \ldblquote But will any man say that if the words \i drinking, cheating, lhing? After all, what good are these other teachings without this one?\cf3\b0\f1\fs24\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par Thursday\b0\scaps0 \fs24 \i\fs28 July 29\i0\fs24\par \pard\sb100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\fs28 The Law and Sin\fs24\tab\tab\b0\par \tab\fs22 We often hear folk say that in the New Covenant the law has been abolished and then they proceed to quote texts that they believe prove that point. The logic ed by trying to earn salvation through it. The law becomes a burden when it\rquote s presented without faith, without grace-because without faith, without grace, without the righteousness that comes by faith, being under the law means being under the burden and the condemnation of sin.\par \tab \b How central is righteousness by faith to your walk with God? That is, what can you do to make sure it doesn\rquote t get blurred by other aspects of truth to the point where you lose sight of this crucial teac :~ tR9}00-Contents{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{ N i01-Jun 26-Jul 2 - Paul and Rome{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\c;} 02-Jul 3-9 - Jew and GentileB 03-Jul 10-16 - All Have SinnedH 04-Jul 17-23 - Justified by FaithV1 05-July 24-30 - Justification and the LawR) 06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expounding the FaithB 07-Aug 7-13 R9}00-Contents{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{n 00A" q, ]01-Jun 26-Jul 2 - Paul and Rome{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\laG onship between law and faith in Galatians? \cf1\ul\b0\i Gal_3:21-23\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 If there had been a law that could impart life, it certainly would have been God\rquote s law. And yet, Paul says that no law, not even God\rquote s, can give life, because all have violated that law, and so all are condemned by it. \par \tab But the promise of faith, more fully revealed through Christ, frees all who believe from being \ldblquote under the law\rdblquote ; that is, from being condemned and burden hinks that their \ldblquote good\rdblquote deeds are all that it takes to make them right with God.\par \tab\b\ldblquote The principle that man can save himself by his own works lay at the foundation of every heathen religion. . . . Wherever it is held, men have no barrier against sin.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Desire of Ages, \i0 pp. 35, 36. What does this mean? Why does the idea that we can save ourselves through our works leave us so open to sin?\b0\par \tab\b How did Paul explain the relati0\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b0\i\tab\i0\fs22 As we saw yesterday, Paul showed that God\rquote s dealings with Abraham proved that salvation came\b \b0 through the promise of grace and not through law. Therefore, if the Jews wished to be saved, they would have to abandon trust in their works for salvation and accept the Abrahamic promise, now fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah. It\rquote s the same, really, for everyone, Jew or Gentile, who tabout the futility of seeking salvation by the very thing that leads to condemnation, because we all, Jew and Gentile, have violated the law, and, hence, we all need the same thing as Abraham did: the saving righteousness of Jesus credited to us by faith. \cf3\f1\fs24\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par Wednesday\b0\scaps0 \i \fs28 July 28\i0\fs24\par \pard\sb100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\fs28 Law and Faith\fs24\par \pard\sb10by works of the law (which would have been hard, since the law-the whole Torah and ceremonial system-was not in place yet) but by faith. \par \tab If Paul here were referring to the moral law exclusively, which existed in principle even before Sinai, the point remains the same. Perhaps even more so! Seeking to receive God\rquote s promises through the law, he said, makes faith void, even useless. Those are strong words, but his point is that faith saves, and the law condemns. He\rquote s trying to teach ral to the Old Testament? \b0\i See also \cf1\ul Gal_3:7-9\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 It\rquote s important to remember, as we said in the beginning, to whom Paul is writing. These Jewish believers were immersed in Old Testament law, and many came to believe that their salvation rested on how well they kept the law, even though that was not what the Old Testament taught. \par \tab In seeking to remedy this misconception, Paul argued that Abraham, even prior to the law at Sinai, received the promises, not ome to Abraham quite apart from law. God made a promise to Abraham that he was to be \ldblquote heir of the world.\rdblquote Abraham believed this promise; that is, he accepted the role that it implied. As a result God accepted him and worked through him to save the world. This remains a powerful example of how grace was operating in the Old Testament, which is no doubt why Paul used it. \b\par \tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_4:14-17\cf0\ulnone . How does Paul here continue showing how salvation by faith was centrough the law, but through the righteousness of faith\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_4:13\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab In this verse, \ldblquote promise\rdblquote and \ldblquote law\rdblquote are contrasted. Paul is seeking to establish an Old Testament base for his teaching of righteousness by faith. He finds an example in Abraham, whom all the Jews accepted as their ancestor. Acceptance or justification had cl prejudice such a horrible thing? How can we learn to recognize the existence of prejudice in ourselves and through God\rquote s grace purge it from our minds? \b0\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Tuesday\b0\scaps0 \i \fs28 July 2\i0 7\fs24\par \pard\sb100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\fs28 Promise and Law\fs24\par \tab\fs22\ldblquote For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, th ))Y, Rlnone}02-Jul 3-9 - Jew and Gentile{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg12m}502-Jul 3-9 - Jew and Gentile{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Geor}Ԃ;} 02-Jul 3-9 - Jew and Gentile{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128   , R24 dead 03-Jul 10-16 - All Have Sinned{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 3\b0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \i\fs28 *July 10 A03-JulH 03-Jul 10-16 - All Have Sinned{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;mfill the claims of the law in our own strength. There is hope for us only as we come under the Abrahamic covenant, which is the covenant of grace by faith in Christ Jesus.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6, p. 1077.\par \b\tab What gives us the assurance that God has indeed accepted us as children? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_8:16\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 The inward witness of the Spirit confirms our acceptance. While it is not safe to go by feeling merely, those who to th:6\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 he was not even circumcised. Thus, Abraham became the father of both the uncircumcised and the circumcised, as well as a great example for Paul to use in order to make his point about the universality of salvation. Christ\rquote s death was for everyone, regardless of race or nationality\i (\cf1\ul Heb_2:9\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \b\tab Considering the universality of the Cross, considering what the Cross tells us about the worth of every human being, why is racial or ethnic or nationa of the royal family.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, p. 215.\par \tab Paul then continues, explaining that salvation by faith was not only for the Jews but for the Gentiles, as well\i (\cf1\ul Rom_4:9-12\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 In fact, if you want to get technical about it, Abraham wasn\rquote t Jewish; he came from a pagan ancestry\i (\cf1\ul Jos_24:2\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . The Gentile-Jewish distinction didn\rquote t exist in his time. When Abraham was justified \i (\cf1\ul Gen_15are no longer binding?\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \f2\'da\f0 Read again \cf1\ul\b0 Gal_1:1-12\cf0\ulnone\b . Notice how uncompromising, how dogmatic, and how fervent Paul was regarding his understanding of the gospel. What should that tell us about how, at times, we must stand absolutely unwavering in certain beliefs, especially in a day and age of pluralism and relativism? How does this show that certain teachings cannot be compromised in any way?\b0 \cf2\f3\fs23\par \pard\par } e other way? That is, how can we recognize if we have become too lax in our lifestyle and standards to the point where our lives don\rquote t reflect the high calling that we have in Christ?\par \par \f2\'d9\f0 What are some of the arguments folk use to claim that the Ten Commandments are no longer binding on Christians today? How do we answer those claims? Why, on the face of it, are those claims so wrong, and why in many cases do those who make not really live as if they believe the Ten Commandments ial law.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 383.\fs24\par \tab\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \f2\fs22\'d8\f0 In class, go over your answer to Wednesday\rquote s final question. In what ways might your local church or you in your own home or maybe even you with yourself be laying burdens on others (or on yourself) that are not necessary? How can we recognize if we are really doing these things? Or might we be in danger of going too far th covenant with God.\rdblquote\i -\i0 Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets, \i0 pp. 371, 372.\par \tab\ldblquote Through the influence of false teachers who had arisen among the believers in Jerusalem, division, heresy, and sensualism were rapidly gaining ground among the believers in Galatia. These false teachers were mingling Jewish traditions with the truths of the gospel. Ignoring the decision of the general council at Jerusalem, they urged upon the Gentile converts the observance of the ceremone,\rdblquote pp. 27-30, in \i The Desire of Ages\i0 .\par \par \tab\ldblquote But if the Abrahamic covenant contained the promise of redemption, why was another covenant formed at Sinai? In their bondage the people had to a great extent lost the knowledge of God and of the principles of the Abrahamic covenant. . . .\par \tab\ldblquote The people did not realize the sinfulness of their own hearts, and that without Christ it was impossible for them to keep God\rquote s law; and they readily entered into\f1\fs24\par \par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\tab\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i\fs28 July 9\b\i0\fs24\par \fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0\fs22 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Jew and Gentile,\rdblquote pp. 188-192, 194-197; \ldblquote Apostasy in Galatia,\rdblquote pp. 383-388, in \i The Acts of the Apostles\i0 ; \ldblquote The Law Given to Israel,\rdblquote pp. 310-312; \ldblquote The Law and the Covenants,\rdblquote pp. 370-373, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 ; \ldblquote The Chosen Peopl by keeping the law, even the moral law-yet that isn\rquote t the same thing as saying that the moral law shouldn\rquote t be kept. Obedience to the Ten Commandments was never an issue; those who make it one are reading back into texts a contemporary issue, one that Paul wasn\rquote t dealing with.\par \tab\b How do you respond to those who claim the Sabbath is no longer binding upon Christians? How can you show the truth of the Sabbath in a way that does not compromise the integrity of the gospel?\cf3\b0! Moses. The Jerusalem council had already ruled on this question, but some refused to follow its decision. \par \tab Some read in Paul\rquote s letters to the Galatians and the Romans evidence that the moral law, the Ten Commandments (or, in truth, only the fourth commandment), is no longer binding on Christians. Yet, they are missing the point of the letters, missing the historical context and issues that Paul was addressing. Paul, as we\rquote ll see, stressed that salvation was by faith alone and not "rs were contending that the law God had given them through Moses was important and should be observed by Gentile converts. Paul was trying to show its true place and function. He didn\rquote t want these people to gain a foothold in Rome as they had done in Galatia. \par \tab It is an oversimplification to ask whether in Galatians and Romans Paul is speaking of ceremonial or moral laws. Historically, the argument was whether or not Gentile converts should be required to be circumcised and keep the law of#ote t trifling over the fine points of faith. It had become a denial of the gospel of Christ itself.\par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Gal_1:1-12\cf0\ulnone . How serious does Paul see the issue he is confronting in Galatia? What should that tell us about how important this question is?\b0 \i\par \i0\tab As stated before, it was the Galatian situation that in large degree prompted the content of the letter to Rome. In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul further develops the theme of the Galatian epistle. The Judaize$cessary but are more from tradition than divine command? If so, how? Bring your thoughts to class on Sabbath.\cf3\b0\f1\fs24\par \cf0\f0\fs22\par \b\scaps\fs32 Thursday\b0\scaps0\tab\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\i\fs28 July 8\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Galatian Heresy\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\b0\fs22 However clear the counsel, there were those who sought to go their own way and who continued to advocate that the Gentiles keep Jewish traditions and laws. For Paul, this became a very serious matter; that is, it wasn\rqu%The apostles and elders, therefore, agreed to instruct the Gentiles by letter to abstain from meats offered to idols, from fornication, from things strangled, and from blood. Some say that, because Sabbath keeping wasn\rquote t specifically mentioned, it must not have been meant for the Gentiles (of course, the commandments against lying and murder weren\rquote t specifically mentioned either, so that argument means nothing). \par \tab\b Could we, in some ways, be laying burdens on people that are not neHe stands to gain nothing from his long years of service.\par \tab Not so with the one who accepts Jesus Christ. First, he or she renders voluntary service. Second, he or she serves without fear, for \ldblquote perfect love casteth out fear\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:18\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Third, adopted as a son, he or she becomes heir to an inheritance of infinite worth.\par \tab\ldblquote The spirit of bondage is engendered by seeking to live in accordance with legal religion, through striving to ful'ould? \fs24\par \scaps\fs32\par Thursday\b0\scaps0 \fs24 \i\fs28 August 26\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Adoption Versus Bondage\b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab How does Paul describe the new relationship in Christ? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_8:15\cf0\ulnone . \b\i0 What hope is found in this promise for us? How do we make it real in our lives?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 The new relationship is described as freedom from fear. A slave is in bondage. He lives in a state of constant fear of his master. (here still will be a struggle against sin. The difference is that the person whom the Spirit indwells now has divine power for victory. Furthermore, because the person has been so miraculously freed from the slave master of sin, he or she is obligated never to serve sin again.\par \b\tab Dwell on this idea that the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from death, is the same one dwelling in us, if we allow Him to. Think about the power that is there for us! What keeps us from availing ourselves of it as we sh)rial but also a resurrection, so the person baptized rises to walk in the newness of life. This means to put to death the old self, a choice that we have to, of ourselves, make day by day, moment by moment. God does not destroy human freedom. Even after the old man of sin is destroyed, it still is possible to sin. To the Colossians Paul wrote, \ldblquote Mortify [put to death] therefore your members which are upon the earth\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Col_3:5\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 Thus, after conversion t*this chapter called the Spirit of Christ, perhaps in the sense that He is a representative of Christ, and through Him Christ dwells in the believer\i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:9-10\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 In these verses, Paul returns to a figure he used in \cf1\ul Rom_6:1-11\cf0\ulnone . Figuratively, in baptism \ldblquote the body of sin\rdblquote ; that is, the body that served sin, is destroyed. The \ldblquote old man is crucified with him\rdblquote \i (vs. 6). \i0 But, as in baptism, there is not only a bu+ who does not gather with Me scatters\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Mat_12:30\cf0\ulnone , NKJV). \i0 It\rquote s hard to get plainer, or more black and white, than that\par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_8:9-14\cf0\ulnone . What is promised to those who surrender themselves fully to Christ?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 The life \ldblquote in the flesh\rdblquote is contrasted with life \ldblquote in the Spirit.\rdblquote The life \ldblquote in the Spirit\rdblquote is controlled by the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. He is in ,scaps0 \i\fs28 August 25\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Spirit in Us\b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab\b0 Paul continues his theme, contrasting the two possibilities that people face in how they live: either according to the Spirit; that is, the Holy Spirit of God, which is promised to us, or according to their sinful and carnal nature. One leads to eternal life, the other to eternal death. There is no middle ground. Or, as Jesus Himself said: "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he-l\rquote s answer to those Jews who couldn\rquote t understand why what God had given them in the Old Testament was no longer enough for salvation. Paul admitted that what they had been doing was all good, but they also needed to accept the Messiah who had now come.\par \tab\b Look at your past 24 hours. Were your deeds of the Spirit or of the flesh? What does your answer tell you about yourself? If of the flesh, what changes must you make, and how can you make them? \par \par \scaps\fs32 Wednesday\b0\. law\i .\par \tab\i0 Paul\rquote s special purpose was to persuade the Jews that they needed more than their \ldblquote Torah\rdblquote (law). By their conduct they had shown that, in spite of having the divine revelation, they were guilty of the same sins of which the Gentiles were guilty \i (\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_2:1\ulnone\i - \cf2 entire chapter\cf0 ). \i0 The lesson of all this was that they needed the Messiah. Without Him they would be slaves of sin, unable to escape its dominion.\par \tab This was Pau/ne .\par \tab\i0 To have one\rquote s mind set on fulfilling the desires of the flesh is, in reality, to be in a state of enmity against God. One whose mind is thus set is unconcerned about doing the will of God. He or she even may be in rebellion against Him, openly flouting His law.\par \tab Paul wishes especially to emphasize that, apart from Christ, it is impossible to keep the law of God. Again and again Paul returns to this theme: no matter how hard one tries, apart from Christ one cannot obey the0ing your life?\i\tab\b0\par \tab\i0\ldblquote After,\rdblquote here, is used in the sense of \ldblquote according to\rdblquote (Greek \i kata\i0 ). \ldblquote Mind\rdblquote here means to set the mind on. One group of people sets its mind on fulfilling natural desires; the other sets its mind on the things of the Spirit, to follow His dictates. Because the mind determines actions, the two groups live and act differently.\par \b\tab What is the carnal mind unable to do? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_8:7-8\cf0\ulno10\fs24 \i\fs28 August 24\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Flesh Versus Spirit\fs24\par \tab\fs22\ldblquote They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:5-6\cf0\ulnone ). \b\i0 Dwell on these texts. What basic message comes through from them? What do they say to you about how you are liv2 is no such freedom. The one who is enslaved to sin finds it impossible to do the good he or she chooses to do \i (see \cf1\ul Rom_7:15\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_7:18\cf0\ulnone ).\b\par \i0\tab How well are you keeping the law? Putting aside any notions of earning salvation by the law, is your life one in which the \ldblquote righteousness of the law\rdblquote is fulfilled? If not, why not? What kind of lame excuses are you using to rationalize your behavior?\b0\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Tuesday\b0\scaps3 in verse 4 is an idiomatic expression signifying \ldblquote to conduct oneself.\rdblquote The word \i flesh\i0 here denotes the unregenerate person, whether before or after conviction. To walk after the flesh is to be controlled by selfish desires.\par In contrast, to walk after the Spirit is to fulfill the righteous requirement of the law. Only through the help of the Holy Spirit can we meet this requirement. Only in Christ Jesus is there freedom to do what the law requires. Apart from Christ, there4te it is now possible.\par \tab Yet, we must remember that doing what the law requires doesn\rquote t mean keeping the law well enough to earn salvation. That\rquote s not an option-never was. It means simply living the life that God enables us to live; it means a life of obedience, one in which we have \ldblquote crucified the flesh with its passions and desires\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Gal_5:24\cf0\ulnone , NKJV), \i0 a life in which we reflect the character of Christ.\par \tab\ldblquote Walk\rdblquote5salvation. It is proper to exalt the Cross, but in the outworking of the plan of salvation, Christ\rquote s life \ldblquote in the likeness of sinful flesh\rdblquote was extremely important, too.\par \tab As a result of what God has done in sending Christ, it is now possible for us to meet the righteous requirement of the law; that is, to do the right things that the law requires. \ldblquote Under the law\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_6:14\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 this was impossible; \ldblquote in Christ\rdblquo6 need the most, and that is to provide the means of salvation, a means of saving us from the condemnation and death that sin brings. For that, we need Jesus.\b\par \tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_8:3-4\cf0\ulnone . What did Christ do that the law, by its very nature, cannot do?\b0 \i\par \tab\i0 God provided a remedy by \ldblquote sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh,\rdblquote and He \ldblquote condemned sin in the flesh.\rdblquote The incarnation of Christ was an important step in the plan of 7 prince of darkness. Christ came to break the shackles of sin-slavery from the soul.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Desire of Ages, \i0 p. 466. Are you a slave, or are you free in Christ? How can you know for sure?\b0\par \par \b\scaps\fs32 Monday\b0\scaps0 \i\fs28 August 23\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 What the Law Could Not Do\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\b0\fs22 However good, the \ldblquote law\rdblquote (the ceremonial law, the moral law, or even both) cannot do for us what we8in contrast with \ldblquote the law of sin and death,\rdblquote which was described in chapter 7 as the law by which sin ruled, the end of which was death. Christ\rquote s law instead brings life and freedom.\par \tab\b\ldblquote Every soul that refuses to give himself to God is under the control of another power. He is not his own. He may talk of freedom, but he is in the most abject slavery. . . . While he flatters himself that he is following the dictates of his own judgment, he obeys the will of the9hat person. There is no more condemnation, not because the person is faultless, sinless, or worthy of eternal life (he or she is not!), but because Jesus\rquote perfect life record stands in the person\rquote s stead; thus, there is no condemnation. \par \tab But the good news doesn\rquote t end there.\par \b\tab What frees a person from slavery to sin? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_8:2\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0\ldblquote The law of the Spirit of life\rdblquote here means Christ\rquote s plan for saving humanity, <pg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 9\b0\fs24 \i\fs28 *August 21-27\i0\fs24\par \par \b\fs40 Freedom \i in \i0 Christ\par \par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs24\par= \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_8:1-17\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Memory Text: \ldblquote There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:1\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\fs24\par \dn10\fs108 R\up0\fs22 omans 8 is Paul\rquote s answer to Romans 7. In Romans 7 Paul speaks of fr>ustration, failure, and condemnation; in Romans 8, the condemnation is gone, replaced with freedom and victory through Jesus Christ.\par \tab Paul was saying in Romans 7 that if you refuse to accept Jesus Christ, the wretched experience of Romans 7 will be yours. You will be slaves to sin, unable to do what you choose to do. In Romans 8 he says that Christ Jesus offers you deliverance from sin and the freedom to do the good that you want to do but your flesh won\rquote t allow.\par \tab Paul continues, ?explaining that this freedom was purchased at infinite cost. Christ the Son of God took on humanity, the only way He could relate to us, could be our perfect example, and could become the substitute who died in our stead. He came \ldblquote in the likeness of sinful flesh\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_8:3\cf0\ulnone\i ). \i0 As a result, the righteous requirements of the law can be fulfilled in us \i (\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_8:4\cf0\ulnone\i ). \i0 In other words, Christ made victory over sin, as well as meeting t@he positive requirements of the law, possible.\par \i\tab\i0 Due to space limitations, we will cover only the first 17 verses of Romans 8. As time allows, read the rest of the chapter, which is filled with wonderful assurances of God\rquote s love. These verses powerfully point us to the hope we should have as people who are \ldblquote more than conquerors through him that loved us\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_8:37\cf0\ulnone\i ) \i0 and who, out of that love, \ldblquote spared not his own Son, but deliAvered him up for us all\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_8:32\cf0\ulnone\i )\i0 . \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 28.\fs24\par \par \b\i0\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0 \i\fs28 August 22\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Freedom From Condemnation\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22\ldblquote There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the SpirBit\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:1\cf0\ulnone ).\b \i0 What does \ldblquote no condemnation\rdblquote mean?\i \i0 No condemnation from what? And why is this such good news?\b0\i\par \tab\i0\ldblquote In Christ Jesus\rdblquote is a common phrase in the Pauline writings. For a person to be \ldblquote in\rdblquote Christ Jesus means that he or she has accepted Christ as his or her Savior. The person trusts Him implicitly and has decided to make Christ\rquote s way of life his or her own way. The resuClt is a close personal union with Christ.\par \tab\ldblquote In Christ Jesus\rdblquote is contrasted with \ldblquote in the flesh.\rdblquote\i \i0 It also is contrasted with the experience detailed in chapter 7, where Paul describes the person under conviction before his or her surrender to Christ as carnal\i , \i0 meaning that he or she is a slave to sin. The person is under condemnation of death\i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:11\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_8:13\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_8:24\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 He or s:he serves the \ldblquote law of sin\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:23\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_8:25\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 This person is in a terrible state of wretchedness \i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:24\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 But then the person surrenders to Jesus, an immediate change is wrought in his or her standing with God. Formerly condemned as a lawbreaker, that person now stands perfect in the sight of God, stands as if he or she had never sinned, because the righteousness of Jesus Christ completely covers tte s law, no matter what? On the other hand, what potential dangers arise from the view that as Christians we must overcome every wrong thing in our lives, every wrong thought, every wrong tendency-no matter what, or else we are not saved? \b0\par \fs24\par \b\f2\fs22\'db\b0\f0 \b In the end, regardless of whatever position folk take on the man of Romans 7, what promises can we take from Romans 7 for ourselves that will help us understand what it means to be followers of Jesus? \cf3\b0\f3\fs23\par } Domething else entirely? What justification do you have for your answer? In class discuss the answers given.\par \par \f2\'d9\f0 How do we explain the fact that even baptized, born-again Christians struggle with sin? Shouldn\rquote t we automatically overcome everything? Or will we always be sinning? Or is the answer somewhere in between? \b0\par \par \b\f2\'da\f0 What potential dangers arise from the view that, as Christians, we will always be sinning, always be falling, always be violating God\rquoEtice, and righteousness of God. And if the ministration of the dispensation to be done away was glorious, how much more must the reality be glorious, when Christ was revealed, giving His life-giving, sanctifying, Spirit to all who believe.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6, p. 1095.\fs24 \par \par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs24\par \f2\fs22\'d8\f0 Who do you think the man of Romans 7 is? Paul, before or after conversion? Or is this chapter talking about sF1, p. 213.\par \tab\ldblquote Paul desires his brethren to see that the great glory of a sin-pardoning Saviour gave significance to the entire Jewish economy. He desired them to see also that when Christ came to the world, and died as man's sacrifice, type met antitype. \par \tab\ldblquote After Christ died on the cross as a sin offering the ceremonial law could have no force. Yet it was connected with the moral law, and was glorious. The whole bore the stamp of divinity, and expressed the holiness, jusGquote The Importance of Seeking True Knowledge,\rdblquote pp. 452-454, in \i The Ministry of Healing\i0 ; \ldblquote Christ\rquote s Victory as Complete as Adam\rquote s Failure,\rdblquote p. 323, in\i My Life Today\i0 .\par \par \tab\ldblquote There is no safety nor repose nor justification in transgression of the law. Man cannot hope to stand innocent before God, and at peace with Him through the merits of Christ, while he continues in sin.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Selected Messages, \i0 book Hist. You alone can make that choice. There\rquote s no other way to attain for yourself the victories that are promised us in Jesus.\par \b\scaps\fs36\par Friday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 August 20\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Further study:\b0\fs24 \fs22 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Perfect Law,\rdblquote pp. 212-215; \ldblquote A Divine Sin Bearer,\rdblquote pp. 308-310, in \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1; \ldblquote Healing of the Soul,\rdblquote pp. 84, 85; \ldblIdblquote I myself,\rdblquote Paul means, \ldblquote left to myself, leaving Christ out of the picture.\rdblquote However these verses are understood, one point should remain clear: left to ourselves, without Christ, we are helpless against sin. With Christ we have a new life in Him, one in which-though self will constantly arise-the promises of victory are ours if we choose to claim them. Just as no one can breathe for you or cough for you or sneeze for you, no one can choose for you to surrender to ChrJof the soul from which he apparently had been delivered. Some understand the expression of thanksgiving as a parenthetical exclamation. They believe that such an exclamation follows naturally the cry, \ldblquote Who shall deliver?\rdblquote They hold that before proceeding with an extended discussion of the glorious deliverance \i (Romans 8). \i0 Paul summarizes what he has said in the preceding verses and confesses once again to the conflict against the forces of sin.\par \tab Others suggest that by \lgage in, even though they often repeat that such amusements are harmless. God has revealed sacred and holy truths to separate His people from the ungodly and purify them unto Himself. Seventh-day Adventists should live out their faith.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 1, p. 404.\par \b\fs24\par \fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\fs24\par \f2\fs22\'d8\f0 Though we have all these wonderful promises of victory over sin, the fact is that we all-even as born-again Christians-aL 6, p. 1075.\par \tab\ldblquote A profession of Christianity without corresponding faith and works will avail nothing. No man can serve two masters. The children of the wicked one are their own master\rquote s servants; to whom they yield themselves servants to obey, his servants they are, and they cannot be the servants of God until they renounce the devil and all his works. It cannot be harmless for servants of the heavenly King to engage in the pleasures and amusements which Satan\rquote s servants enMthe divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Desire of Ages, \i0 p. 123.\par \tab\ldblquote At our baptism we pledged ourselves to break all connection with Satan and his agencies, and to put heart and mind and soul into the work of extending the kingdom of God. . . . The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are pledged to cooperate with sanctified human instrumentalities.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol.N, in\i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6.\b\par \par \b0\tab\ldblquote He [Jesus] did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ\rquote s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon O4\tab\cf3\b0\f1\par \cf0\f0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0 \i\fs28 August 13\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 \fs22 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Victory Appropriated,\rdblquote pp. 105, 106, in\i Messages to Young People; \i0\ldblquote The True Motive in Service,\rdblquote pp. 93-95, in \i Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing\i0 ; \ldblquote Appeal to the Young,\rdblquote p. 365, in \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 3;\i \i0 pp. 1074, 1075Pant offers nothing but death as payment for doing shameful things; therefore, a reasonable person should desire emancipation from this tyrant. In contrast, those who serve righteousness do things that are upright and praiseworthy, not with the idea of thus earning their salvation, but as a fruit of their new experience. If they are acting in an attempt to earn salvation, they are missing the whole point of the gospel, the whole point of what salvation is, and the whole point of why they need Jesus. \b\fs2Qe clear choice: one or the other. There is no middle ground. At the same time, as we all know, being free from the dominion of sin doesn\rquote t mean sinlessness, doesn\rquote t mean we don\rquote t struggle and, at times, even fall. It means, instead, that we are no longer \i dominated\i0 by sin, however much a reality it remains in our life and however much we must daily claim the promises of victory over it.\par \tab Thus, this passage becomes a powerful appeal to anyone who is serving sin. This tyrRy for sin-that is, the transgression of the law-is death. Certainly sin\rquote s penalty is death. But in addition to seeing death as sin\rquote s penalty, we should see sin as Paul describes it in Romans 6-as a master dominating his servants, duping them by paying them off with the wages of death.\par \i\tab\i0 Notice, too, that in his development of the figure of the two masters, Paul calls attention to the fact that the service of one master means freedom from the service of the other. Again we see thS humanity. He talks about the \ldblquote infirmity of your flesh.\rdblquote The Greek word for \ldblquote infirmity\rdblquote means also \ldblquote weakness.\rdblquote He knows what fallen human nature, left on its own, is capable of. Thus, again, he appeals to the power of choice-the power we have to choose to surrender ourselves and our weak flesh to a new master, Jesus, who will enable us to live a righteous life.\i\tab\par \tab\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_6:23\cf0\ulnone often is quoted to show that the penaltT4\par \b\fs28 Fruit Unto Holiness\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22 Keeping in mind what we have studied so far in Romans 6, read the rest of the verses \b0\i (\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_6:19-23\cf0\ulnone\i ). \b\i0 Summarize on the lines below the gist of what Paul is saying. Most important, ask yourself how you can make real in your life the crucial truths that Paul is addressing. Ask yourself, too, what are the issues at stake here?\b0\par \tab Paul\rquote s words here show that he fully understands the fallen nature ofUrate the importance of correct teaching. \par \b\i\tab Servants of sin, servants of righteousness\i0 : the contrast is very stark. If, after baptism, we sin, does this mean that we are not truly saved? Read \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:8-10\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone . How do these texts help us understand what it means to be a follower of Christ and yet still subject to falling?\b0\i\tab\i0\fs24\par \par \b\scaps\fs32 Thursday\b0\scaps0 \fs24 \i\fs30 August 12\i0\fs2V teaching, when obeyed \ldblquote from the heart,\rdblquote assisted in the Romans becoming \ldblquote servants of righteousness\rdblquote \i (vs. 18).\i0 We sometimes hear that doctrine does not matter, just as long as we show love. That\rquote s a very simplistic expression of something that\rquote s not so simple. As stated in an earlier lesson, Paul was very concerned about the false doctrine to which the Galatian church had succumbed. Thus, we need to be careful about statements that somehow denig ((04-Jul 17-23 - Justified by Faith{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpxt)04-Jul 17-23 - Justified by Faith{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\bl4a04-Jul 17-23 - Justified by Faith{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 V&eptable to ignore the commandments against adultery or murder and the like\par \tab\b What rules were placed on the Gentile believers\b0\i (\cf1\ul Act_15:20\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_15:29\cf0\ulnone ), \b\i0 and why these specific ones?\b0 \par \b\tab\b0 Although Jewish believers weren\rquote t to impose their rules and tradition on Gentiles, the council wanted to make sure that the Gentiles didn\rquote t do things that would have been deemed offensive to the Jews who were united with them in Jesus. ) Rom_13:1-7\cf0\ulnone . What basic principles can we take from these verses about how we are to relate to the civil power of government?\b0\par \tab What makes Paul\rquote s words so interesting is that he wrote during a time when a pagan empire ruled the world, one that could be incredibly brutal, one that was at its core corrupt, and one that knew nothing about the true God and would, within a few years, start a massive persecution of those who wanted to worship that God. In fact, Paul was put to deatZ before God but before others, we are to live as Paul admonishes us to in these verses.\par \b\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_12:18\cf0\ulnone . How well are you applying this admonition in your own life right now? Might you need some attitude adjustments in order to do what the Word tells us here?\b0 \fs24\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 14\b\i0\scaps\fs36 \scaps0\par \fs28 Relationship to Government\fs24\par \b0\i\fs22\tab\b\i0 Read \cf1\ul[ of it. \par \tab Of all people, Christians should be the most humble. After all, look at how helpless we are, look at how fallen we are, look at how dependent we are, not only upon a righteousness outside of ourselves for salvation but on a power working in us in order to change us in ways we never can change ourselves. What have we to brag of, what have we to boast of, what have we in and of ourselves to be proud about? Nothing at all. Working from the starting point of this personal humility, not only\t to think of himself more highly than he ought\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_12:3\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 a willingness to \ldblquote give preference to one another in honor\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_12:10\cf0\ulnone , NASB), \i0 and a willingness not to \ldblquote be wise in your own opinion\rdblquote \i (vs. 16, NKJV). \i0 Christ\rquote s words about Himself, \ldblquote Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Mat_11:29\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 catch the essenceWs one or the other because, in the end, we face either eternal life or eternal death. \par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_6:17\cf0\ulnone . How does Paul expand here on what he said in verse 16?\b0\par \tab Notice how, interestingly enough, obedience is linked to correct doctrine. The Greek word for \ldblquote doctrine\rdblquote here means \ldblquote teaching.\rdblquote The Roman Christians had been taught the principles of the Christian faith, which they now obeyed. Thus, for Paul, correct doctrine, correct] after dealing with the gifts of the Spirit, Paul exalts love. Love (Greek \i agape\i0 ) is the more excellent way. \ldblquote God is love\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:8\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Therefore, love describes the character of God. To love is to act toward others as God acts and to treat them as God treats them. \par \tab Paul here shows how that love is to be expressed in a practical manner. One important principle comes through, and that is personal humility, a willingness of a person \ldblquote no /wk1)05-July 24-30 - Justification and the Law{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\f1 N1y05-July 24-30 - Justification and the Law{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sa100\l^th makes possible victory over sin; in fact, only through faith can we have the victory that is promised us.\par \tab Having personified sin as a king ruling over his subjects, Paul now returns to the figure of sin as a master demanding obedience of his servants. Paul points out that a person has a choice of masters. He can serve sin, which leads to death, or he can serve righteousness, which leads to eternal life. Paul doesn\rquote t leave us any middle ground here or any room for compromise. It\rquote ab\scaps\f0\fs32\par Wednesday\b0\i\scaps0\fs28 August 11\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Two Contending Masters\fs24\par \tab\fs22 Read \cf1\ul Rom_6:16\cf0\ulnone . What point is Paul making? Why is his argument very black and white here? That is, it is either one or the other, with no middle ground. What lesson should we draw from this very clear contrast?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 Paul comes back to the point again that the new life of faith does not grant liberty to sin. The life of fai_e that teaches the Ten Commandments are done away with or somehow made void by faith.\par \tab Yet, it\rquote s easy to get so caught up in the letter of the law that we forget the spirit behind it, and that spirit is love-love for God and love for one another. While anyone can profess love, revealing that love in everyday life can be a different matter entirely. \par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_12:3-21\cf0\ulnone . How are we to reveal love for others?\b0 \i\tab\par \i0\tab As in 1 Corinthians 12 and 13,ce to start putting away the excuses and claim the promises, for isn\rquote t God\rquote s power greater than your excuses?\b0 \par \cf2\f1\fs24\tab\tab\tab\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 13\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Thinking of Oneself\b0\i\fs24\par \fs22\tab\i0 We have talked a great deal this quarter about the perpetuity of God\rquote s moral law, and have stressed again and again that Paul\rquote s message in the book of Romans is not ondesent their bodies \ldblquote a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.\rdblquote In order to do this, all their powers must be preserved in the best possible condition. Though none of us are without blemish, the point is that we are to seek to live as spotlessly and as faithfully as we can. \par \tab\b It\rquote s always so easy to come up with excuses for our sins and faults, isn\rquote t it? What\rquote s your common excuse for falling into the same thing over and over? Isn\rquote t it about timbinners has been removed. Thus, now free from this condemnation of death brought by the law, we live in \ldblquote newness of life,\rdblquote a life characterized and made manifest through the fact that, being dead to self, we are no longer slaves to sin.\par \tab\b How have you experienced the reality of a new life in Christ? What tangible evidence can you point to that reveals what Christ has done in you? What areas are you refusing to let go of, and why must you let them go? \cf3\b0\f1\fs24\par \cf0\fill dethrone sin from our lives. Remember, that is the whole context in which this verse appears, the context of the promise of victory over sin.\par \tab We should not define \ldblquote under the law\rdblquote too restrictively. The person who supposedly lives \ldblquote under grace\rdblquote but disobeys God\rquote s law will not find grace but condemnation. \ldblquote Under grace\rdblquote means that through the grace of God as revealed in Jesus, the condemnation that the law inevitably brings to sgs, under the Jewish economy as it was practiced in his day, with all its manmade rules and regulations-will be ruled by sin. In contrast, a person living under grace will have victory over sin, because the law is written in his or her heart and God\rquote s spirit is allowed to guide his or her steps. Accepting Jesus Christ as the Messiah, being justified by Him, being baptized into His death, having the \ldblquote old man\rdblquote destroyed, rising to walk in newness of life-these are the things that whaway with and sin still be a reality, because the moral law is what defines sin? If you were to read all that came before in Romans, even in just chapter 6, it would be hard to see how, in the midst of all this discussion about the reality of sin, Paul were to suddenly say, \ldblquote Besides, the moral law, the Ten Commandments, which defines sin, has been abolished.\rdblquote That makes no sense. \par \tab Paul is saying to the Romans that the person living \ldblquote under the law\rdblquote -that iif1\ul Rom_6:14\cf0\ulnone . How are we to understand this text? Does it mean that the Ten Commandments are no longer binding on us? If not, why not?\b0\par \i\tab\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_6:14\cf0\ulnone is one of the key statements in the book of Romans. And it\rquote s one we often hear, usually quoted in the context of someone telling us Adventists that the Seventh-day Sabbath has been abrogated.\par \tab Yet, that\rquote s obviously not what the text means. As we asked before, how could the moral law be done jy. Notice how crucial the concept of free will is. As moral creatures, we must have a free will, the power to choose right and wrong, good and evil, Christ or the world. Over the next 24 hours, try to keep track consciously of how you are using this moral free will. What can you learn about your use, or abuse, of this sacred gift? \b0\fs24\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 August 10\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Under the Law?\b0\fs24\par \tab\b\fs22 Read \ckerefore\i0 in this verse is important. It goes back to what has been said before, specifically to what has been said in verses 10 and 11. The baptized person is now living \ldblquote unto God.\rdblquote That is, God is the center of his or her new life. The person is serving God, doing what pleases God and, therefore, cannot serve sin at the same time. He or she is \ldblquote alive unto God through Jesus Christ.\rdblquote\b\par \b0\tab\b Go back over the quote from Ellen G. White in today\rquote s studll Rom_6:12\cf0\ulnone translated \ldblquote lusts\rdblquote means \ldblquote desires.\rdblquote These desires may be either for good things or for bad; when sin reigns, it will make us desire the bad. The desires will be strong, even irresistible if we fight against them on our own. Sin can be a cruel tyrant, one who never is satisfied but who always comes back for more. Only through faith, only through claiming the promises of victory, can we overthrow this unrelenting master.\par \tab The word \i thmit is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can \i choose \i0 to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Steps to Christ, \i0 p. 47.\par \tab The Greek word in \cf1\unur behavior.\par \tab When Paul says \ldblquote let not sin . . . reign,\rdblquote he implies that the justified person can choose to prevent sin\rquote s setting itself up as king in his or her life. This is where the action of the will comes in.\par \tab\ldblquote What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; o August 9\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Sin Personified\b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab What admonition is given to us in \cf1\ul Rom_6:12\cf0\ulnone ?\b0 \i\par \tab\i0 The word \i reign\i0 shows that \ldblquote sin\rdblquote is here represented as a king. The Greek word here translated \ldblquote reign\rdblquote means, literally, \ldblquote to be a king\rdblquote or \ldblquote to function as a king.\rdblquote Sin is all too willing to assume the kingship of our mortal bodies and dictate opare there, we must claim them-by faith. We always must remember, too, that God\rquote s grace abounds, even when we sin. If not, what hope would any of us have, even after being baptized?\par \tab\b What has been your experience with the power of sin in your life, even after baptism? What choices are you making that allow sin the power over you that it shouldn\rquote t have, despite all the promises we have in the Bible for victory over it?\par \scaps\fs32\par Monday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 qcan no more rule Him. So, the Christian who is baptized has died to sin once and for all and should never again come under its dominion.\par \tab Of course, as any baptized Christian knows, sin doesn\rquote t just automatically disappear from our lives once we come up out of the water. \i Not being ruled by sin isn\rquote t the same as not having to struggle with it.\i0 We have a daily, moment-by-moment battle to keep reckoning ourselves dead to sin and alive unto Christ. Though the promises of victory rin. As a result, this \ldblquote body of sin\rdblquote is destroyed, so that we no longer serve sin. In Romans 6 sin is personified as a master who rules over his servants. Once the \ldblquote body of sin\rdblquote that served sin is destroyed, sin\rquote s mastery over it ceases. The one who rises from the watery grave comes up a new person who no longer serves sin. He or she now walks in newness of life.\par \b\tab\b0 Christ, having died, died once and for all, but He is now alive forevermore. Death s that follow, does he respond to that kind of thinking? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_6:2-11\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 Paul follows an interesting line of argument in chapter 6 as to why a justified person should not sin. To begin with, he says that we shouldn\rquote t sin, because we have died to sin. Then he explains what he means.\par \tab Immersion in the waters of baptism represents burial. What is buried? The \ldblquote old man\rdblquote of sin-that is, the body committing sin, the body dominated or ruled by smmunity, if any? \b0\par \par \b\f2\'da\b0\f0 \b What can we learn from the mistakes of many in ancient Israel? How can we avoid doing the same things today? \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\b0\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\f0\fs22\par \pard\cf3\f3\fs23\par \par \par } er \tab In \cf1\ul Rom_12:1\cf0\ulnone , Paul is alluding to Old Testament sacrifices. As, anciently, animals were sacrificed to God, so now Christians ought to yield their bodies to God, not to be killed but as living sacrifices dedicated to His service.\par \tab In the time of ancient Israel, every offering brought as a sacrifice carefully was examined. If any defect was discovered in the animal, it was refused; for God had commanded that the offering be without blemish. So, Christians are bidden to prvised divine power and given assurance that victory is possible, but we are still in the world of the enemy and will have to fight many battles against temptation. The good news is that if we fall, if we stumble, we are not cast away but have a High Priest who intercedes in our behalf \i (\cf1\ul Heb_7:25\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \b\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_12:1\cf0\ulnone . How does the analogy presented here reveal how we as Christians are to live? How does \cf1\ul Rom_12:2\cf0\ulnone fit in with this?\b0\pawi not\i0 a substitute for obedience, as if faith somehow nullifies our obligation to obey the Lord. The moral precepts are still in force; they are explained, even amplified in the New Testament. And no indication is given, either, that it will be easy for the Christian to regulate his or her life by these moral precepts. On the contrary, we\rquote re told that at times it could be difficult, for the battle with self and with sin is always hard \i (\cf1\ul 1Pe_4:1\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 The Christian is promxto prepare for Sabbath, September 18.\par \i0\fs24\page\b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 12\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Living Sacrifices \b0\i\fs24\par \fs22\tab\i0 With chapter 11, the doctrinal part of the book of Romans ends. Chapters 12 through 16 present practical instruction and personal notes. Nevertheless, these concluding chapters are extremely important, because they show how the life of faith is to be lived.\par \tab For starters, faith is\yin the Old. New Testament believers have been given an example of proper moral behavior in Jesus Christ. He and no one else is the pattern we are to follow. \ldblquote Let this mind be in you, which was also in\rdblquote -not Moses, not Daniel, not David, not Solomon, not Enoch, not Deborah, not Elijah-but \ldblquote Christ Jesus\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Php_2:5\cf0\ulnone ). \i0\par \tab The standard doesn\rquote t-\i can\rquote t!\i0 -get higher than that. \par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson zhout which that obedience is impossible.\par \tab What this means is that works are part of the Christian faith. Paul never meant to depreciate works; in chapter 13 to 15 he gives them strong emphasis. This is no denial of what he has said earlier about righteousness by faith. On the contrary, works are the true expression of what it means to live by faith. One could even argue that because of the added revelation after Jesus came, the New Testament requirements are more difficult than what was required { This obedience comes from an inward change in our heart and mind, a change that comes only through the power of God working in a person surrendered to Him.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab Romans contains no hint that this obedience comes automatically. The Christian needs to be enlightened as to what the requirements are; he or she must desire to obey those requirements; and, finally, the Christian should seek the power wit~ailable to us because of the death of Jesus in our behalf. \i\par \tab\b\i0 How close are you to the Lord? Do you really know Him, or just \i about\i0 Him? What changes must you make in your life in order to have a closer walk with your Creator and Redeemer? What holds you back, and why?\b0\i\fs24\par \par \b\i0\scaps\fs32 Friday\b0\i\scaps0 \fs28 August 27\fs24\par \b\i0\fs28 Further Study: \b0\fs22 Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Later English Reformers,\rdblquote pp. 253-256, in \i The Great Controversy\i0 ; \ldblquote The Baptism,\rdblquote p. 113; \ldblquote At Capernaum,\rdblquote pp. 253-256\i ; \i0\ldblquote\lquote Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled,\rquote\rdblquote pp. 671, 672, in\i The Desire of Ages\i0 ; \ldblquote Like Unto Leaven,\rdblquote pp. 95-98, in \i Christ\rquote s Object Lessons; \i0\ldblquote Letters to Physicians,\rdblquote pp. 126-129, in \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 8.\par \par \tab\ldblquote The plan of salvation does not offer believers a life free from suffering and trial this side of the kingdom. On the contrary, it calls upon them to follow Christ in the same path of self-denial and reproach. . . . It is through such trial and persecution that the character of Christ is reproduced and revealed in His people. . . . By sharing in the sufferings of Christ we are educated and disciplined and made ready to share in the glories of the hereafter.\rdblquote -\i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6, pp. 568, 569.\par \tab\ldblquote The chain that has been let down from the throne of God is long enough to reach to the lowest depths. Christ is able to lift the most sinful out of the pit of degradation, and to place them where they will be acknowledged as children of God, heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 7, p. 229.\par \tab\ldblquote One honored of all heaven came to this world to stand in human nature at the head of humanity, testifying to the fallen angels and to the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds that through the divine help which has been provided, everyone may walk in the path of obedience to God\rquote s commands. . . .\par \tab\ldblquote Our ransom has been paid by our Savior. No one need be enslaved by Satan. Christ stands before us as our all-powerful helper.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, p. 309.\par \fs24\tab\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs24\par \f1\fs22\'d8\b0\f0 \b Read again the quotes from Ellen G. White in Friday\rquote s study. What hope can we take from them for ourselves? More important, how can we make these promises of victory real in our own lives? Why, with so much offered us in Christ, do we keep on falling far short of what we really could be? \b0\par \par \b\f1\'d9\b0\f0 \b What are practical, daily ways you can have your mind \ldblquote set . . . on the things of the Spirit\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:5\cf0\ulnone , RSV)\b\i0 . What does that mean? What does the Spirit desire? What do you watch, read, or think about that makes this difficult to achieve in your life?\b0\par \par \b\f1\'da\b0\f0 \b Dwell more on this idea that we are either on one side or the other in the great controversy, with no middle ground. What are the implications of that stark cold fact? How should the realization of this important truth impact how we live and the choices we make, even in the \ldblquote small\rdblquote things?\cf3\ul\b0\f2\par \pard\cf2\ulnone\f3\fs23\par } cond coming of Jesus. With death always potentially just around the corner for any of us, time is indeed short, and our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. \par \tab Though Paul doesn\rquote t deal much in the book of Romans with the Second Coming, in the Thessalonian and the Corinthian letters he covers it in much more detail. After all, it\rquote s a crucial theme in the Bible, especially the New Testament. Without it, and the hope it offers, our faith is, really, meaningless. After all, wJesus was coming back. The fact that this was written almost two thousand years ago doesn\rquote t matter. We must always live in anticipation of the nearness of Christ\rquote s coming. As far as we all are concerned, as far as our own personal \i experiences\i0 go, the Second Coming is as near as the potential for our own death. Whether next week or in 40 years, we close our eyes in death, and whether we sleep only four days or for 400 years-it makes no difference to us. The next thing we know is the seule to think that the Jews-many of them as serious about the Ten Commandments as Adventists are-will have a role in helping to clarify some issues before the world? After all, when it comes to Sabbath keeping, Adventists in contrast to the Jews are \ldblquote the new kids on the block.\rdblquote Discuss\b0 . \par \par \b\f2\'d9\f0 Why should, of all churches, the Adventist Church be the one most successful in reaching out to Jews? What can you or your local church do in seeking to reach Jews in your cohe Old Testament Scriptures, and perceive how clearly the New Testament explains the Old, their slumbering faculties will be aroused, and they will recognize Christ as the Saviour of the world. Many will by faith receive Christ as their Redeemer.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 381.\fs24\par \par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0 \fs24\par \b\f2\fs22\'d8\b0\f0 \b In the last days, as God\rquote s law, and especially the Sabbath, comes into sharp focus, is it not reasonablosing proclamation of the gospel, when special work is to be done for classes of people hitherto neglected, God expects His messengers to take particular interest in the Jewish people whom they find in all parts of the earth. As the Old Testament Scriptures are blended with the New in an explanation of Jehovah\rquote s eternal purpose, this will be to many of the Jews as the dawn of a new creation, the resurrection of the soul. As they see the Christ of the gospel dispensation portrayed in the pages of t advent they had been longing.\rdblquote\i -\i0 Ellen G. White,\i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 pp. 376, 377.\par \tab\ldblquote Among the Jews are some who, like Saul of Tarsus, are mighty in the Scriptures, and these will proclaim with wonderful power the immutability of the law of God. . . . As His servants labor in faith for those who have long been neglected and despised, His salvation will be revealed.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 381.\par \tab\ldblquote In the ce world today paralleling the role of ancient Israel in its day? What are the similarities and the differences? In what ways are we doing better? Or are we doing worse? Justify your answer.\par \b0\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \par \par \ul\f4\fs22\par \pard\cf2\ulnone\f2\fs23\par } aw in its proper role and context. Though, ideally, Judaism even in Old Testament times was a religion of grace, legalism arose and did a lot of damage. How careful we as a church need to be that we don\rquote t make the same mistake.\par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_13:11-14\cf0\ulnone . What event is Paul talking about here, and how should we be acting in anticipation of that event?\b0\par \tab How fascinating that Paul here was talking to the believers, telling them to wake up and get it together because is our salvation nearer than when we believed\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_13:11\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0\par \tab\b0 As we have stated all quarter, Paul had a very specific focus in this letter to the Romans, and that was to clarify for the church at Rome, especially the Jewish believers there, the role of faith and works in the New Covenant context. The issue was salvation and how a sinner is deemed righteous and holy before the Lord.\i \i0 To help those whose whole emphasis had been on law, Paul put the lnk about your relationship to God and how it is reflected in your relationships with others. How big a factor is love in those relationships? How can you learn to love others the way God loves us? What stands in your way of doing just that? \b0\i\fs24\par \b\i0\scaps\fs32\par Thursday\b0\scaps0 \i \fs28 September 16\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Nearer Than We Believed\fs24\par \fs22\tab\ldblquote And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now He was dealing with personal relationships, which is why he specified the commandments that centered on these relationships. His argument certainly shouldn\rquote t be construed as nullifying the rest of the law\i . (See \cf1\ul Act_15:20\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Th_1:9\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:21\cf0\ulnone .) \i0 Besides, as the New Testament writers point out, by showing love to others, we show our love to God \i (\cf1\ul Mat_25:40\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:20-21\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\i\par \tab\b\i0 Thielf,\rdblquote Paul showed that the principle was an integral part of the Old Testament system. Again Paul appealed to the Old Testament to support his gospel preaching. Some argue from these texts that Paul is teaching that only the few commandments mentioned here are in effect. If so, does this mean, then, that Christians can dishonor their parents, worship idols, and have other gods before the Lord? Of course not. \par \tab Look at the context here. Paul was dealing with how we relate to one another.lity of sin? However, the law truly can be kept only in the context of love. Remember, some of those who brought Christ to the cross then ran home to keep the law!\par \b\tab Which commandments did Paul cite as samples to illustrate the principle of love in law-keeping? Why these in particular? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_13:9-10\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 Interestingly, the factor of love was not a newly introduced principle. By quoting \cf1\ul Lev_19:18\cf0\ulnone , \ldblquote Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyss Jesus did in the Sermon on the Mount, Paul here amplifies the precepts of the law, showing that love must be the motivating power behind all that we do. Because the law is a transcript of the character of God, and God is love, to love, therefore, is to fulfill the law. Yet, Paul is not substituting some vague standard of love for the precisely detailed precepts of the law, as some Christians claim. The moral law is still binding, because, again, it is what points out sin-and who is going to deny the rea0 p. 69.\fs24\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Wednesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 15\b\i0\scaps\fs36 \b0\scaps0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Relationships to Others\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22\ldblquote Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Rom_13:8\cf0\ulnone ).\b \i0 How are we to understand this text? Does it mean that if we love, we have no obligation, then, to obey the law of God?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 At with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God\rquote s word must be recognized as above all human legislation. . . . \par \tab\ldblquote We are not required to defy authorities. Our words, whether spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as uttering that which would make us appear antagonistic to law and order. We are not to say or do anything that would unnecessarily close up our way.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Acts of the Apostles, \ier in conflict with the powers that be. We know from prophecy that one day all of God\rquote s faithful followers will be pitted against the political powers in control of the world\i (Revelation 13).\i0 Until then, we should do all that we can, before God, to be good citizens in whatever country we live in. \par \tab\ldblquote We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflicent or how these governments are run. On the contrary. One doesn\rquote t have to look too far, either in history or in the world today, to see some brutal regimes. Yet, even in situations like these, Christians should, as much as possible, obey the laws of the land. Christians are to give loyal support to government so long as its claims do not conflict with the claims of God. One should consider very prayerfully and carefully, and with the counsel of others, before embarking on a path that puts him or h death by this government! Yet, despite all this, Paul was advocating that Christians be good citizens, even under a government like that?\par \tab Yes. And that\rquote s because the idea of government itself is found throughout the Bible. The concept, the principle of government, is God-ordained. Human beings need to live in a community with rules and regulations and standards. Anarchy is not a biblical concept. \par \tab That being said, it doesn\rquote t mean that God approves of all forms of governmYhe Lord, who instituted those laws, make them a yoke on His people? That hardly seems so. Instead, over the years some of the leaders had, through their oral traditions, turned many of the laws, which were meant to be blessings, into burdens. The council sought to spare Gentiles from these burdens. \par \tab Notice, too, that there was no mention or question of the Gentiles not needing to obey the Ten Commandments. After all, could we imagine the council telling them not to eat blood, but that it was accab\i0 The decision was against the contentions of the Judaizers. These folk insisted that the Gentile converts be circumcised and keep the entire ceremonial law, and that \ldblquote the Jewish laws and ceremonies should be incorporated into the rites of the Christian religion.\rdblquote\i -\i0 Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 189.\par \tab It\rquote s interesting to note in verse 10 how Peter depicted these old laws as a \ldblquote yoke\rdblquote that they were unable to bear. Would td church leadership? How cooperative are you? Why is cooperation so important? How could we function if everyone was doing only what he or she wanted, independent of the larger body?\cf3\f1\fs24\par \cf0\b0\f0\fs22\par \b\scaps\fs32 Wednesday\b0\scaps0\tab\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\i\fs28 July 7\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28\ldblquote No Greater Burden\rdblquote\b0\tab\tab\fs24\tab\b\par \fs22\tab Read \cf1\ul Act_15:5-29\cf0\ulnone . What decision did the council come to, and what was their reasoning? \b0\i\par \this brethren in seeking God for wisdom to make right decisions.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 200.\par \tab It\rquote s interesting that Paul, who often talked about his prophetic calling and how Jesus had called him and gave him his mission, was so willing to work with the larger church body. That is, whatever his calling, he realized that he was part of the church as a whole and that he needed to work with it as much as possible. \b\par \tab What is your attitude towarand ceremonies of the Mosaic dispensation were no longer binding.\b\par \tab Read \cf1\ul Act_15:2-12\cf0\ulnone . How was this dispute to be settled?\b0 \par \tab\ldblquote While looking to God for direct guidance, he [Paul] was ever ready to recognize the authority vested in the body of believers united in church fellowship. He felt the need of counsel, and when matters of importance arose, he was glad to lay these before the church and to unite with and many of those who had been converted to the faith of Christ still felt that since God had once clearly outlined the Hebrew manner of worship, it was improbable that He would ever authorize a change in any of its specifications. They insisted that the Jewish laws and ceremonies should be incorporated into the rites of the Christian religion. They were slow to discern that all the sacrificial offerings had but prefigured the death of the Son of God, in which type met antitype, and after which the rites och in an earnest effort to win many souls to Christ, certain Jewish believers from Judaea \ldblquote of the sect of the Pharisees\rdblquote succeeded in introducing a question that soon led to widespread controversy in the church and brought consternation to the believing Gentiles. With great assurance these teachers asserted that in order to be saved, one must be circumcised and must keep the entire ceremonial law. The Jews, after all, always had prided themselves on their divinely appointed services, \tab\tab\i\fs28 July 6\i0\fs24\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\fs28\ldblquote What Must I Do to Be Saved?\rdblquote\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22 Read \cf1\ul Act_15:1\cf0\ulnone\i . \i0 What issue was causing dissension? Why would some people believe that this wasn\rquote t just for the Jewish nation? \b0\i See \cf1\ul Gen_17:10\cf0\ulnone .\i0 \i\par \tab\i0 While the apostles united with the ministers and lay members at Antilue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 7\b0 \i *August 7-13\i0\fs24\par \par \b\fs40 Victory Over Sin\b0\fs24\par \fs40\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs24\par \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Rom_6:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter; \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:8-10\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Memory Text:\b0 \b\ldblquote Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law,\b0 \b but under grace\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Rom_6:14\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\dn10\fs108 H\up0\fs22 aving just expounded on justification by faith, apart from the deeds of the law, Paul then proceeds to answer the obvious question: If works can\rquote t save us, why bother with them at all? Why not just keep on sinning?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\i\tab\i0 Chapter 6 is his answer to this important question. Paul here is dealing with what commonly is understood as \ldblquote sanctification,\rdblquote the process by which we overcome sin and more and more reflect the character of Christ. Yet, the word \i sanctification\i0 itself appears nowhere in Romans. (The word \i sanctified\i0 occurs once, in \cf1\ul Rom_15:16\cf0\ulnone .)\par \tab Does this mean that Paul has nothing to say about what commonly is understood by sanctification? Not at all. He simply does not refer to it by that term. \par \tab In the Bible \ldblquote to sanctify\rdblquote means \ldblquote to dedicate,\rdblquote usually to God. Thus, to be sanctified is often presented as a past completed act. For example, \ldblquote all them which are sanctified\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Act_20:32\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 The sanctified ones in this definition are the ones who are dedicated to God.\par \tab But this biblical usage of \ldblquote sanctify\rdblquote in no way denies the important doctrine of sanctification or the fact that sanctification is the work of a lifetime. The Bible strongly endorses this doctrine, but it generally uses other terms to describe it.\par \tab This week we\rquote ll look at another side of salvation by faith, one that easily can be misunderstood, and that is: the promises of victory over sin in the life of one saved by Jesus.\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 14.\par \par \b\i0\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0 \i\fs28 August 8\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Grace Abounding\fs24\par \fs22\tab\b0 In \cf1\ul Rom_5:20\cf0\ulnone , Paul makes a powerful statement: \ldblquote But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.\rdblquote His point twas that no matter how much sin there is or how terrible the results of sin are, God\rquote s grace is sufficient to deal with it.\i What hope that should bring for each of us, especially when tempted to feel that our sins are too great to be forgiven!\i0 In the next verse, Paul shows that though sin has led to death, God\rquote s grace through Jesus has defeated death and can give us eternal life.\b\par \tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_6:1\cf0\ulnone . What logic is Paul dealing with here, and how, in the versesf1\ul Rom_13:1-7\cf0\ulnone . What basic principles can we take from these verses about how we are to relate to the civil power of government?\b0\par \tab What makes Paul\rquote s words so interesting is that he wrote during a time when a pagan empire ruled the world, one that could be incredibly brutal, one that was at its core corrupt, and one that knew nothing about the true God and would, within a few years, start a massive persecution of those who wanted to worship that God. In fact, Paul was put to only before God but before others, we are to live as Paul admonishes us to in these verses.\par \b\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_12:18\cf0\ulnone . How well are you applying this admonition in your own life right now? Might you need some attitude adjustments in order to do what the Word tells us here?\b0 \fs24\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 14\b\i0\scaps\fs36 \scaps0\par \fs28 Relationship to Government\fs24\par \b0\i\fs22\tab\b\i0 Read \csence of it. \par \tab Of all people, Christians should be the most humble. After all, look at how helpless we are, look at how fallen we are, look at how dependent we are, not only upon a righteousness outside of ourselves for salvation but on a power working in us in order to change us in ways we never can change ourselves. What have we to brag of, what have we to boast of, what have we in and of ourselves to be proud about? Nothing at all. Working from the starting point of this personal humility, notte not to think of himself more highly than he ought\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_12:3\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 a willingness to \ldblquote give preference to one another in honor\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_12:10\cf0\ulnone , NASB), \i0 and a willingness not to \ldblquote be wise in your own opinion\rdblquote \i (vs. 16, NKJV). \i0 Christ\rquote s words about Himself, \ldblquote Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Mat_11:29\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 catch the esd 13, after dealing with the gifts of the Spirit, Paul exalts love. Love (Greek \i agape\i0 ) is the more excellent way. \ldblquote God is love\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:8\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Therefore, love describes the character of God. To love is to act toward others as God acts and to treat them as God treats them. \par \tab Paul here shows how that love is to be expressed in a practical manner. One important principle comes through, and that is personal humility, a willingness of a person \ldblquoot one that teaches the Ten Commandments are done away with or somehow made void by faith.\par \tab Yet, it\rquote s easy to get so caught up in the letter of the law that we forget the spirit behind it, and that spirit is love-love for God and love for one another. While anyone can profess love, revealing that love in everyday life can be a different matter entirely. \par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_12:3-21\cf0\ulnone . How are we to reveal love for others?\b0 \i\tab\par \i0\tab As in 1 Corinthians 12 ant time to start putting away the excuses and claim the promises, for isn\rquote t God\rquote s power greater than your excuses?\b0 \par \cf2\f1\fs24\tab\tab\tab\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 13\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Thinking of Oneself\b0\i\fs24\par \fs22\tab\i0 We have talked a great deal this quarter about the perpetuity of God\rquote s moral law, and have stressed again and again that Paul\rquote s message in the book of Romans is n k)u06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expounding the Faith{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\)]06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expounding the Faith{\rtf1\ansi\and)u06-JulN)I06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expounding the Faith{\rtf)}06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expounding the Faith{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl,)=06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expounding the Faith{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\f\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 2\b0\i *July 3-9\i0\fs24\par \par \b\fs40 Jew \i and\i0 Gentile\par \par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\fs24\par \par \scaps0\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Lev_23:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter, \cf1\ul Mat_19:17\cf0\ulnone , \cfar \tab\tab\par \tab\ldblquote Notwithstanding Israel\rquote s failure as a nation, there remained among them a goodly remnant of such as should be saved. At the time of the Saviour\rquote s advent there were faithful men and women who had received with gladness the message of John the Baptist, and had thus been led to study anew the prophecies concerning the Messiah. When the early Christian church was founded, it was composed of these faithful Jews who recognized Jesus of Nazareth as the one for whose1\ul Act_15:1-29\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Gal_1:1-12\cf0\ulnone\i0 , \cf1\ul\i Heb_8:6\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_12:17\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Memory Text: \ldblquote The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Joh_1:17\cf0\ulnone ).\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\i0\dn10\fs108 T\up0\fs22 he first converts to Christianity were all Jews, and the New Testament gives no indication that they were asked to drop the practice of circumcision or to ignore the Jewish festivals. But when the Gentiles began to accept Christianity, important questions arose. Should the Gentiles submit to circumcision? To what extent\b\scaps \b0\scaps0 should they keep other Jewish laws? Finally, a council was called at Jerusalem to settle the matter (see Acts 15). \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab Despite a firm decision by the council not to trouble the Gentiles with a host of regulations and laws, some teachers continued to plague the churches by insisting that Gentile converts to the faith were required to keep these rules and laws, including circumcision. \par \tab In some ways, these issues exist today, only in a different form. How often are we, as Adventists, accused of being Judaizers, or legalists, because of our adherence to the Ten Commandments (or, in actuality, our adherence to the Sabbath commandment)? How often do we hear that we are now under the New Covenant, and so the law (the Sabbath commandment) has been done away with?\par \tab On the other side, at times as a church we are confronted with those who would like to impose more Old Testament rules and regulations on us, as well.\par \tab Hence, Romans certainly has an important message for us today, as it did for the Roman church back then.\par \tab\b\scaps\par \b0\i *S\scaps0 tudy this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 10.\b\i0\scaps \par \b0\scaps0\page\b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i\fs28 July 4\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Better Promises\b0\fs24\par \tab\b\fs22 Read \cf1\ul Heb_8:6\cf0\ulnone . What is the message here? How do we understand what these \ldblquote better promises\rdblquote are?\b0 \par \tab Perhaps the greatest difference between the religion of the Old Testament and that of the New is the fact that the New Testament era was introduced by the coming of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. He was sent by God to be the Savior. Men could not ignore Him and expect to be saved. Only through the atonement He provided could they have their sins forgiven. Only by the imputation of His perfect life could they stand before God without condemnation. In other words, salvation was through the righteousness of Jesus, and nothing else.\par \tab Old Testament saints looked forward to the blessings of the Messianic age and the promise of salvation. In New Testament times, the people were confronted with the question, \i Would they accept Jesus of Nazareth whom God had sent as the Messiah, their Savior? \i0 If they believed in Him-that is, if they accepted Him for who He truly was and committed themselves to Him-they would be saved through the righteousness that He offers them freely.\par \tab Meanwhile, the moral requirements remain unchanged in the New Testament, because these were founded in the character of God and of Christ. Obedience to God\rquote s moral law is just as much a part of the New Covenant as of the Old.\par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Mat_19:17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_12:17\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_14:12\cf0\ulnone ; and \cf1\ul Jam_2:10-11\cf0\ulnone . What do these texts tell us about the moral law in the New Testament?\b0\par \tab At the same time, the entire body of ritual and ceremonial laws that were distinctly Israelite, that were distinctly tied to the Old Covenant, all of which pointed to Jesus and to His death and ministry as High Priest, were discontinued, and a new order was introduced, one based on \ldblquote better promises.\rdblquote\par \tab Helping both Jew and Gentile to understand what was involved in this transition from Judaism to Christianity was one of Paul\rquote s principal aims in the book of Romans. It would take time to make the transition.\par \tab\b What are some of your favorite Bible promises? How often do you claim them? What choices are you making that can stand in the way of having these promises fulfilled in your life?\par \b0\fs24\par \b\scaps\fs32 Monday\scaps0\fs36\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\b0\i\fs28 July 5\b\i0\fs24\par \fs28 Jewish Laws and Regulations\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22 As time allows, skim through the book of Leviticus. \i (See, for instance, \cf1\ul\i0 Lev_12:1\cf0\ulnone\i , \cf1\ul\i0 Lev_16:1\cf0\ulnone\i , \cf1\ul\i0 Lev_23:1\cf0\ulnone\i , entire chapters)\b0 \b\i0 What thoughts come to your mind as you read all these rules and regulations and rituals? Why would many of these be all but impossible in New Testament times to follow?\b0\i \par \tab\i0 It is convenient for us to classify Old Testament laws into various categories: (1) moral law, (2) ceremonial law, (3) civil law, (4) statutes and judgments, and (5) health laws.\par \tab This classification is in part artificial. In actuality, some of these categories are interrelated, and there is considerable overlap. The ancients did not see them as separate and distinct.\par \tab The moral law is summed up by the Ten Commandments\i (\cf1\ul Exo_20:1-17\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 This law sums up the moral requirements of humanity. These ten precepts are amplified and applied in various statutes and judgments throughout the first five books of the Bible. These amplifications show what it meant to keep the law of God in various situations. Not unrelated are the civil laws. These, too, are based on the moral law. These define a citizen\rquote s relationship to civil authorities and to his fellow citizens. They name the penalties for various infractions.\par \tab The ceremonial law regulated the sanctuary ritual, describing the various offerings and the individual citizen\rquote s responsibilities. The feast days are specified and their observance defined.\par \tab The health laws overlap the other laws. The various laws relating to uncleanness define ceremonial uncleanness, and yet go beyond this to include hygienic and health principles. Laws regarding clean and unclean meats are based on physical considerations.\par \tab While the Jew probably largely thought of all of these laws as a package, having all come from God, he or she must have made certain distinctions mentally. The Ten Commandments had been spoken by God directly to the people. This would set them apart as especially important. The other laws had been relayed through Moses. The sanctuary ritual could be kept only while a sanctuary was in operation.\par \tab The civil laws, at least in large part, could no longer be imposed after the Jews lost their independence and came under the civil control of another nation. Many of the ceremonial precepts could no longer be observed after the temple was destroyed. Also, after the Messiah came, many of the types had met their antitypes and no longer had validity.\cf3\b\f1\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf0\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday \b0\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tabto present their bodies \ldblquote a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.\rdblquote In order to do this, all their powers must be preserved in the best possible condition. Though none of us are without blemish, the point is that we are to seek to live as spotlessly and as faithfully as we can. \par \tab\b It\rquote s always so easy to come up with excuses for our sins and faults, isn\rquote t it? What\rquote s your common excuse for falling into the same thing over and over? Isn\rquote t it aboub0\par \tab In \cf1\ul Rom_12:1\cf0\ulnone , Paul is alluding to Old Testament sacrifices. As, anciently, animals were sacrificed to God, so now Christians ought to yield their bodies to God, not to be killed but as living sacrifices dedicated to His service.\par \tab In the time of ancient Israel, every offering brought as a sacrifice carefully was examined. If any defect was discovered in the animal, it was refused; for God had commanded that the offering be without blemish. So, Christians are bidden promised divine power and given assurance that victory is possible, but we are still in the world of the enemy and will have to fight many battles against temptation. The good news is that if we fall, if we stumble, we are not cast away but have a High Priest who intercedes in our behalf \i (\cf1\ul Heb_7:25\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \b\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_12:1\cf0\ulnone . How does the analogy presented here reveal how we as Christians are to live? How does \cf1\ul Rom_12:2\cf0\ulnone fit in with this?\ September 10\b\i0\fs24\par \fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0\fs22 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Before the Sanhedrin,\rdblquote pp. 77-79; \ldblquote From Persecutor to Disciple,\rdblquote pp. 112-114\i ; \i0\ldblquote Written From Rome,\rdblquote pp. 474, 475, in\i The Acts of the Apostles\i0 ; \ldblquote Reaching Catholics,\rdblquote pp. 573-577, in \i Evangelism\i0 ; \ldblquote What to Preach and Not to Preach,\rdblquote pp. 155, 156, in \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1.\p-arset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 10\b0\fs24 \i\fs28 *August 28-September 3\i0\fs24\par \par \b\fs40 Redemption \i for \i0 Jew \i and \i0 Genti\tx7920\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 12\b0\fs24 \i\fs28 *September 11-17\fs24\par \par \b\i0\fs40 Love \i and\i0 Law\b0\fs24\par \fs40\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs24\par \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Rom_12:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter, \cf1\ul Rom_13:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter.\b\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i0 Memory Text: \ldblq|uote Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_12:2\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\dn10\fs108 H\up0\fs22 owever much Paul was seeking to disabuse the Romans of their false notions of the law, he also calls all Christians to a high standard of obedience.. Legalism was a perversion of it, not its foundation. \tab\b\par \b0\tab\b Dwell for a few minutes on David\rquote s sin and restoration\i \b0 (\cf1\ul\b 2Sa_11:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter, \cf1\ul 2Sa_12:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter; \cf1\ul Psa_51:1-19\cf0\ulnone )\b0 . \b\i0 What hope can you draw from that sad story for yourself?\b0 \b Is there a lesson here in how we in the church should treat those who have fallen? \b0\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Monday\b0\scaps0 \i \fs28 or he violated so many principles of the law that it condemned him on numerous counts. If David were to be saved by the law, then David would not be saved at all. \par \tab Paul sets forth David\rquote s restoration to divine favor as an example of justification by faith. Forgiveness was an act of God\rquote s grace. Here, then, is another example from the Old Testament of righteousness by faith. In fact, however legalistic many in ancient Israel became, the Jewish religion was always a religion of grace useless,\rdblquote \ldblquote invalidates\rdblquote ) the law is false; salvation by faith is very much part of the Old Testament. Grace is taught all the way through it. What, for instance, was the entire sanctuary ritual if not a representation of how sinners are saved, not by their own works but by the death of a substitute in their stead? \i\par \tab\i0 Also, what else can explain how David was forgiven after the sordid affair with Bathsheba? Certainly it wasn\rquote t law-keeping that saved him, fquote s grace given to sinners by faith. \par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_4:1-8\cf0\ulnone . How does this show that even in the Old Testament, salvation was by faith and not by works of the law? \b0\i\par \tab\i0 According to this Old Testament narrative, Abraham was accounted righteous because he \ldblquote believed God.\rdblquote Therefore, the Old Testament itself teaches righteousness by faith. Hence, any implication that faith \ldblquote makes void\rdblquote (Greek \i katargeo, \i0\ldblquote rendersfs22 Read \cf1\ul Rom_3:31\cf0\ulnone . What\rquote s Paul\rquote s point here? Why is this point important to us as Adventists?\b0\i\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab\i0 In this passage, Paul states emphatically that faith does not make void God\rquote s law. Even those who kept the law, even the entire Old Testament corpus of law, were never saved by it. The religion of the Old Testament, as that of the New, was always one of God\r he credited it to him as righteousness\rdblquote \i (NIV). \i0 Here\rquote s justification by faith in one of the earliest pages of the Bible. \tab\tab\tab\tab\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 31.\par \i0\fs24\page\b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 July 25\i0\fs24\par \pard\sb100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\fs28 The Law Established\fs24\tab\tab\tab\par \tab\ It is crucial to remember that for Paul, salvation is by grace; it\rquote s something that is given to us, however undeserving we are. If we deserved it, then we\rquote d be owed it, and if we\rquote re owed it, it\rquote s a debt and not a gift. And for beings corrupt and fallen as we are, salvation has to be a gift.\par \tab To prove his point about salvation by faith alone, Paul goes all the way to the book of Genesis, quoting \cf1\ul Gen_15:6\cf2\ulnone \cf0 -\ldblquote Abram believed the Lord, and0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab In \cf1\ul Rom_4:1\cf0\ulnone [entire chapter], Paul reveals three major stages in the plan of salvation: (1) the promise of divine blessing (the promise of grace); (2) the human response to that promise (the response of faith); and, finally, (3) the divine pronouncement of righteousness credited to those who believe (justification). That\rquote s how it worked with Abraham, and that\rquote s how it works with us.\par \tabe foundation of the biblical doctrine of salvation by faith alone. By using Abraham-the paragon of holiness and virtue-as an example of someone who needed to be saved by grace, without the deeds of the law, Paul left readers no room for misunderstanding. If the best one\rquote s works and law-keeping weren\rquote t enough to justify him before God, what hope does anyone else have? If it had to be by grace with Abraham, it has to be the same with everyone else, Jews and Gentiles. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:4\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\tab\par \pard\sb100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Memory Text: \ldblquote Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_3:31\cf0\ulnone )\b\i0\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b0\dn10\fs108 I\up0\fs22 n many ways, \cf1\ul Rom_4:1\cf0\ulnone [entire chapter] gets to thang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 5\b0\fs24 \i\fs28 *July 24-30\i0\fs24\par \par \b\fs40 Justification \i and the \i0 Law\b0\fs24\par \fs40\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs24\par \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Gen_15:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Sa_11:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter, \cf1\ul 2Sa_12:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter; \cf1\ul Rom_3:20-23\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_3:31\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_4:1-17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gal_3:1 July 26\i0\fs24\par \pard\sb100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\fs28 Grace or Debt\b0\fs24\par \tab\fs22 The issue Paul is dealing with here is much more than just theology. It gets to the heart and soul of salvation and of our relationship to God. If one believes that he or she must earn acceptance, that he or she must reach a certain standard of holiness before being justified and forgiven, then how natural to turn inward and to look to onesel z e07-Aug x 507-Aug 7-13 - Victory Over Sin{\rtf1\ansi\a q07-Aug 7-13 - Victory Ove a07-Aug 7-13 - Victory Over Sin{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0d M07-Aug 7-13 - Victory Over Sin{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\bf and one\rquote s deeds. Religion can become exceedingly self-centered, about the last thing anyone needs.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab In contrast, if one grasps the great news that justification is a gift from God, totally unmerited and undeserved, how much easier and more natural is it for that person to turn his or her focus on God\rquote s love and mercy instead of on self? \par \tab And in the end, who\rquote s more likely to reflect the love and character of God-the one self-absorbed or the one God-absorbed?\tab\par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_4:6-8\cf0\ulnone . How does Paul here expand on the theme of justification by faith?\b0\par \tab\ldblquote The sinner must come in faith to Christ, take hold of His merits, lay his sins upon the Sin Bearer, and receive His pardon. It was for this cause that Christ came into the world. Thus the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the repenting, believing sinner. He becomes a member2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\b\f1\fs24\par \b0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1154\tx1154\tx1439\tx2159\tx2879\tx3599\tx4319\tx5039\tx5759\tx6479\tx7199\tx7919\tx8639\tx9359\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\f0\fs22\par \pard\cf2\f3\fs23\par \par } well give up\rdblquote ? Do you listen to him or to Jesus, who will say to us, \ldblquote Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more\rdblquote ? \cf1\ul\b0\i Joh_8:11\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\par \par \f2\'da\f0 Why is it so important for us as Christians to understand basic human sinfulness and depravity? What can happen when we lose sight of that sad but true reality? What errors can a false understanding of our true condition lead us into?\tab\b0\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\txrquote s question. How do we see this principle manifested in today\rquote s society?\par \par \f2\'d9\f0 Look at the second quote from Ellen G. White in Friday\rquote s study. If you see yourself in there, what is the answer? Why is it important not to give up in despair but to keep claiming God\rquote s promises-first, of forgiveness; second, of cleansing? Who is the one that wants you to say, once and for all, \ldblquote It\rquote s no use. I\rquote m too corrupt. I can never be saved, so I might ase religion of Christ are guilty. Even some who profess to be looking for His appearing are no more prepared for that event than Satan himself. They are not cleansing themselves from all pollution. They have so long served their lust that it is natural for their thoughts to be impure and their imaginations corrupt.\rdblquote\i -\i0 Ellen G. White,\i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 2, p. 346.\par \par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs24\par \f2\fs22\'d8\f0 In class, go over your answers to Tuesday\e of the condition of the world has been presented before me. Immorality abounds everywhere. Licentiousness is the special sin of this age. Never did vice lift its deformed head with such boldness as now. The people seem to be benumbed, and the lovers of virtue and true goodness are nearly discouraged by its boldness, strength, and prevalence. The iniquity which abounds is not merely confined to the unbeliever and the scoffer. Would that this were the case, but it is not. Many men and women who profess thceived concerning the condition of their hearts. They do not realize that the natural heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. They wrap themselves about with their own righteousness, and are satisfied in reaching their own human standard of character; but how fatally they fail when they do not reach the divine standard, and of themselves they cannot meet the requirements of God.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, p. 320. \par \tab\ldblquote A terrible pictur Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Lord\rquote s Vineyard,\rdblquote pp. 291-294, in \i Christ\rquote s Object Lessons;\i0 \ldblquote God\rquote s Love for Man,\rdblquote pp. 9-15; \ldblquote The Sinner\rquote s Need of Christ,\rdblquote pp. 17-22, in \i Steps to Christ; \i0\ldblquote In Contact With Others,\rdblquote pp. 492-494, in \i The Ministry of Healing; \i0\ldblquote Agents of Satan,\rdblquote pp. 146, 147, in \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 5.\par \par \tab\ldblquote Many are dethe kind that comes willingly from the heart, always will be followed by a determination to overcome and put away the things that we need to repent over.\par \tab\b How often are you in an attitude of repentance? Is it sincere, or do you tend just to brush off your faults, shortcomings, and sins? If the latter, how can you change? Why \i must \i0 you change?\b0\par \b\par \scaps\fs32 Friday\fs36 \b0\i\scaps0\fs28 July 16\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 \fs22aith without the deeds of the law must never be construed to mean that good works have no place in the Christian life. For instance, in verse 7, salvation is described as coming to those who seek for it \ldblquote by patient continuance in well doing.\rdblquote Though human effort can\rquote t bring salvation, it is part of the whole experience of salvation. It\rquote s hard to see how anyone can read the Bible and come away with the idea that works and deeds don\rquote t matter at all. True repentance, h is\i not\i0 a substitute for obedience, as if faith somehow nullifies our obligation to obey the Lord. The moral precepts are still in force; they are explained, even amplified in the New Testament. And no indication is given, either, that it will be easy for the Christian to regulate his or her life by these moral precepts. On the contrary, we\rquote re told that at times it could be difficult, for the battle with self and with sin is always hard \i (\cf1\ul 1Pe_4:1\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 The Christian iss lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 18.\par \par \b\i0\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 12\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Living Sacrifices \b0\i\fs24\par \fs22\tab\i0 With chapter 11, the doctrinal part of the book of Romans ends. Chapters 12 through 16 present practical instruction and personal notes. Nevertheless, these concluding chapters are extremely important, because they show how the life of faith is to be lived.\par \tab For starters, faitrequired in the Old. New Testament believers have been given an example of proper moral behavior in Jesus Christ. He and no one else is the pattern we are to follow. \ldblquote Let this mind be in you, which was also in\rdblquote -not Moses, not Daniel, not David, not Solomon, not Enoch, not Deborah, not Elijah-but \ldblquote Christ Jesus\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Php_2:5\cf0\ulnone ). \i0\par \tab The standard doesn\rquote t-\i can\rquote t!\i0 -get higher than that. \par \par \i *Study this week\rquote power without which that obedience is impossible.\par \tab What this means is that works are part of the Christian faith. Paul never meant to depreciate works; in chapter 13 to 15 he gives them strong emphasis. This is no denial of what he has said earlier about righteousness by faith. On the contrary, works are the true expression of what it means to live by faith. One could even argue that because of the added revelation after Jesus came, the New Testament requirements are more difficult than what was bedience. This obedience comes from an inward change in our heart and mind, a change that comes only through the power of God working in a person surrendered to Him.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab Romans contains no hint that this obedience comes automatically. The Christian needs to be enlightened as to what the requirements are; he or she must desire to obey those requirements; and, finally, the Christian should seek the t: \ldblquote Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_12:2\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\dn10\fs108 H\up0\fs22 owever much Paul was seeking to disabuse the Romans of their false notions of the law, he also calls all Christians to a high standard of o80\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 12\b0\fs24 \i\fs28 *September 11-17\fs24\par \par \b\i0\fs40 Love \i and\i0 Law\b0\fs24\par \fs40\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs24\par \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Rom_12:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter, \cf1\ul Rom_13:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter.\b\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i0 Memory Texall Christians, realizing the mercy that has been given to them in Jesus, display that mercy to others. We can\rquote t be Christians if we don\rquote t \i (see \cf1\ul Mat_18:23-35\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \i\par \tab\b\i0 Is there someone to whom you need to show mercy, who perhaps doesn\rquote t deserve it? Why not show this person that mercy, no matter how hard that might be? Isn\rquote t that what Jesus has done for us?\b0 \cf2\f1\fs24\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs36\par Friday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 all men by His love. A forced repentance would destroy the whole purpose of repentance, would it not? If God forced repentance, then would not everyone be saved, for why would He force some and not others to repent? \par \b\tab What comes to those who resist God\rquote s love, refuse to repent, and remain in disobedience? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_2:5-10\cf0\ulnone .\tab\tab\tab\par \i0\tab In these verses, and frequently throughout the book of Romans, Paul emphasizes the place of good works. Justification by f sure.\b\par \tab With that story in mind, read the following: \ldblquote Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_2:4\cf0\ulnone ). \b\i0 What message is here for us?\b0 \i\par \tab\i0 We should notice that God\rquote s goodness leads, not forces, sinners to repentance. God uses no coercion. He is infinitely patient and seeks to drawng heed of what Paul has written here, can you change?\cf3\b0\f1\fs24\par \cf0\f0\fs22\par \b\scaps\fs32 Thursday\b0\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i\fs28 July 15\b\i0\fs24\par \fs28 Repentance\b0\fs24\tab\par \tab\fs22 A five-year-old boy pushed his little sister down, and the parents made him say he was sorry. He didn\rquote t want to, and out of the side of his mouth, with no sincerity and eyes boring into the ground, he barely squeezed out, \ldblquote Sorry.\rdblquote Hardly true repentance, fort in all this is that none of us are righteous, none of us meet the divine standard, none of us are innately good or inherently holy. Jew or Gentile, male or female, rich or poor, God-fearing or God-rejecting, we all are condemned, and were it not for the grace of God, as revealed in the gospel, there would be no hope for any of us.\par \tab\b How big of a hypocrite are you? That is, how often do you, even if only in your own mind, condemn others for things that you, yourself, are guilty of? How, by taki, or even worse? The problem is that we tend to turn a blind eye on ourselves, or we make ourselves feel better by looking at just how bad others are in contrast to ourselves.\par \tab Paul will have none of that. He warns his countrymen not to be quick to judge the Gentiles, for they, the Jews-even as the chosen people-were sinners, in some cases even more guilty than the pagans they were so quick to condemn because, as Jews, they had been given more light than the Gentiles.\par \tab Paul\rquote s poinquote Do not think yourself better than other men, and set yourself up as their judge. Since you cannot discern motive, you are incapable of judging another. In criticizing him, you are passing sentence upon yourself; for you show that you are a participant with Satan, the accuser of the brethren.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Desire of Ages, \i0 p. 314.\tab\par \tab It\rquote s often so easy to see the sins of others and to point them out. How often, though, are we guilty of the same kinds of things are from the New King James Version. Copyright \'a9 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\par \tab\b RSV.\b0 Bible texts credited to the RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright \'a9 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\par \pard\cf2\f1\fs23\par } ssion in this Bible Study Guide, for Third Quarter 2010, are as follows:\par \tab\b NASB.\b0 From the New American Standard Bible, copyright \'a9 the Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Used by permission.\par \b\tab NIV.\b0 Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright \'a9 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.\tab\tab\par \tab\b NKJV.\b0 Texts credited to the NKJVe of the Adult Bible Study Guide of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the guides is under the general direction of a worldwide Sabbath School Manuscript Evaluation Committee, whose members serve as consulting editors. The published guide reflects the input of the committee and thus does not solely or necessarily represent the intent of the author(s).\par \b\par Bible Versions Table\b0\par \tab Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by permield \b\par \b0\par \b Editor:\b0\par Clifford R. Goldstein\b\par \par Associate Editor:\par \b0 Soraya Homayouni\b\par \par Publication Manager:\par \b0 Lea Alexander Greve\b\par \par Editorial Assistant:\par \b0 Sharon Thomas-Crews\b\par \par Pacific Press Coordinator:\par \b0 Paul A. Hey\par \par \b Art Director and Illustrator:\b0\par Lars Justinen\par \par \b Concept Design:\par \b0 Dever Designs\par \par The\i Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide\i0 is prepared by the Officber 11-17\i0\tab 243\par \fs32\tab\b 13\b0\fs20 \b All the Rest Is Commentary\b0 -\i September 18-24\i0\tab 264\par \pard\sb100\sa100\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par \par \b Come visit us at our Web site:\b0\par {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.absg.adventist.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf1 http://www.absg.adventist.org}}}\f0\fs24 \b\par \par Editorial Office:\par \b0 12501 Old Columbia Pike\par Silver Spring, MD 20904\par \b\par Principal Contributor:\par \b0 Don F. Neuf July 31-August 6\i0\tab 117\par \fs32\tab\b 7\b0\fs20 \b Victory Over Sin-\b0\i August 7-13\i0\tab 138\par \fs32\tab\b 8\b0\fs20 \b The Man of Romans 7-\b0\i August 14-20\i0\tab 159\par \fs32\tab\b 9\b0\fs20 \b Freedom in Christ\b0 -\i August 21-27\i0\tab 180\par \fs32\tab\b 10\b0\fs20 \b Redemption for Jew and Gentile\b0 -\i August 28-September 3\i0\tab 201\par \fs32\tab\b 11\b0\fs20 \b The Election of Grace-\b0\i September 4-10\i0\tab 222\par \fs32\tab\b 12\fs20 Love and Law-\b0\i Septem \b 1\b0\fs20 \b Paul and Rome-\b0\i June 26-July 2\i0\tab 11\i\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tqr\tldot\tx8640\b\i0\fs32 2\b0\fs20 \b Jew and Gentile-\b0\i July 3-9\i0\tab 32\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx720\tqr\tldot\tx8640\fs32\tab\b 3\b0\fs20 \b All Have Sinned-\b0\i July 10-16\i0\tab 53\par \fs32\tab\b 4\b0\fs20 \b Justified by Faith-\b0\i July 17-23\i0\tab 74\par \fs32\tab\b 5\b0\fs20 \b Justification and the Law\b0 -\i July 24-30\i0\tab 95\par \fs32\tab\b 6\fs20 Expounding the Faith-\b0\i\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE\par \par STANDARD EDITION\par \par \par \fs32 Redemption in Romans\fs24\par \par by\par Don F. Neufeld\par \par \par July, August, September\par \par 2010\b0\par \par \b\fs36\tab Contents\b0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx720\tqr\tldot\tx8640\fs32\tabven\i (\cf1\ul Rom_3:1-2\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 they, too, were sinners, condemned by God\rquote s law, and in need of the saving grace of Christ. In that sense, in the sense of being sinners, of having violated God\rquote s law, and of needing divine grace for salvation, Jews and Gentiles are the same.\par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_2:1-3\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_2:17-24\cf0\ulnone . What is Paul warning against here? What message should all of us, Jew or Gentile, take from this warning?\b0\par \i\tab\i0\ldblss on Sabbath.\b0\i\par \i0\par \b\scaps\fs32 Wednesday\b0\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\i\fs28 July 14\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Jews and Gentiles Together\b0\fs24\par \tab\fs22 In Romans 1, Paul was dealing specifically with the sins of the Gentiles, the pagans, those who had lost sight of God a long time ago and, thus, fell into the most degrading practices. \par \tab But he wasn\rquote t going to let his own people, his own countrymen, off the hook either. Despite all the advantages that they had been giole that these folk play in His work.\par \tab\b What is so wrong with the idea that God has rejected \i en masse\i0 any group of people in terms of salvation? Why is that counter to the whole teaching of the gospel, which at the core shows that Christ died to save all human beings? How, for example, in the case of the Jews, has this idea led to tragic results?\par \scaps\fs32\par Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 7\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Grafted Branch\fccepted as authoritative. The passages that Paul cites represent God as giving to Israel a spirit of slumber, preventing their seeing and hearing. Does God blind people\rquote s eyes to prevent them from seeing light that would lead them to salvation? Never! These passages must be understood in the light of our explanation of Romans 9. Paul is not talking of individual salvation, for God rejects no one group\i en masse \i0 for salvation. The issue here, instead, as it has been all along, deals with the re Day of Pentecost. It took a special vision and miracle to convince Peter that the Gentiles had equal access to the grace of Christ \i (Acts 10; compare \cf1\ul Act_15:7-9\cf0\ulnone )\i0 and that the gospel was to be carried to them, as well. \par \b\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_11:7-10\cf0\ulnone . Is Paul saying that God purposely blinded to salvation the part of Israel that rejected Jesus? What\rquote s wrong with that idea?\b0\par \tab In these verses, Paul quotes from the Old Testament, which the Jews a1-7\cf0\ulnone .\b0\i \b\i0 What common teaching does this passage clearly and irrevocably deny?\b0 \par \tab In the first part of his answer to the question, \ldblquote Hath God cast away his people?\rdblquote Paul points to a remnant, an election of grace, as proof that God has not cast away His people. Salvation is open for all who accept it, Jew and Gentile alike.\par \tab It should be remembered that the early converts to Christianity were all Jews-for example, the group that was converted on thmuch else of what Paul and the New Testament teach.\par \tab\b Do you ever find yourself proud about how good you are, especially in contrast to others? Maybe you are \ldblquote better,\rdblquote but so what? Compare yourself to Christ, and then think about how \ldblquote good\rdblquote you really are.\fs24 \cf2\b0\f1\par \par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\b0\i\scaps0 \fs28 September 6\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Election of Grace\fs24\par \fs22\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_11:\ldblquote end\rdblquote of the law, in that the law leads us to Him and His righteousness. The Greek word for \ldblquote end\rdblquote here is \i teloes\i0 , which also can be translated \ldblquote goal\rdblquote or \ldblquote purpose.\rdblquote Christ is the final purpose of the law, in that the law is to lead us to Jesus. \par \tab To see this text as teaching that the Ten Commandments-or specifically the fourth (what folk really mean-are now nullified is to draw a conclusion that goes against so ness was offered to all who would fix their faith in Christ. He was the one to whom the ancient ceremonial system had pointed. \par \tab Even if one includes in the definition of law here the Ten Commandments, this doesn\rquote t mean that the Ten Commandments were done away with. The moral law points out our sins, our faults, our shortcomings, and thus leads us to our need of a Savior, our need of forgiveness, our need of righteousness, all of which are found only in Jesus. In that sense, Christ is the f Christ. \par \tab\cf1\ul Rom_10:4\cf0\ulnone is an important text that catches the essence of Paul\rquote s entire message to the Romans. First, we need to know the context. Many Jews were \ldblquote going about to establish their own righteousness\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_10:3\cf0\ulnone ) \i0 and seeking \ldblquote the righteousness which is of the law\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_10:5\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 But\i \i0 with the coming of the Messiah, the true way of righteousness was presented. Righteouss, to their diet, to how strictly they keep the Sabbath, to all the bad things they don\rquote t do, or to the good things that they have achieved-even with the best of intentions-are falling into the trap of legalism. We must every moment of our life keep before us the holiness of God in contrast to our sinfulness; that\rquote s the surest way to protect ourselves from the kind of thinking that leads folk into seeking their \ldblquote own righteousness,\rdblquote which is contrary to the righteousness oage\b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 5\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The End of the Law\b0\i\fs24\par \fs22\tab\b\i0 Read \cf1\ul Rom_10:1-4\cf0\ulnone .\i \i0 Keeping in mind all that came before, what\rquote s the message here? How could we, today, be in danger of seeking to establish our \ldblquote own righteousness\rdblquote ? \b0\i\par \tab\i0 Legalism can come in many forms, some more subtle than others. Those who look to themselves, to their good deedtion and calling, the issue isn\rquote t one of salvation but one of the role in God\rquote s plan for reaching the world. No one group has been rejected for salvation; that was never the issue. Instead, after the Cross, and after the introduction of the gospel to the Gentiles, particularly through Paul, the early movement of believers-both Jew and Gentile-took on the mantle of evangelizing the world. \par \tab\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 11.\par \i0\fs24\pte \i (\cf1\ul Rom_10:12\cf0\ulnone )\i0 -all are sinners and all need God\rquote s grace as given to the world through Jesus Christ. This grace comes to all-not by nationality, not by birth, and not by works of the law but by faith in Jesus, who died as the Substitute for sinners everywhere. Roles may change, but the basic plan of salvation never does.\par \tab Paul continues with this theme in chapter 11. Here, too, as stated earlier, it\rquote s important to understand that when Paul talks about elece s important to read both chapters in their entirety in order to continue to follow Paul\rquote s line of thinking. \par \tab These two chapters have been, and remain, the focal point of much discussion. One point, however, comes clear through them all, and that is God\rquote s love for humanity and His great desire to see all humanity saved. There is no corporate rejection of anyone for salvation. Romans 10 makes it very clear that \ldblquote there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek\rdblquo chapter, \cf1\ul Rom_11:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter.\b\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i0 Memory Text: \ldblquote I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_11:1\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\fs24\par \dn10\fs108 T\up0\fs22 his week\rquote s lesson covers Romans 10 and 11, with a focus especially on chapter 11. It\rquot2\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 11\b0\fs24 \i\fs28 *September 4-10\fs24\par \par \b\i0\fs40 The Election \i of\i0 Grace\par \par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs24\par \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Rom_10:1\cf0\ulnone - entires24\par \b0\i\tab\b\i0\fs22 Read \cf1\ul Rom_11:11-15\cf0\ulnone . What great hope does Paul present in these verses? \b0\par \tab In these verses, we find two parallel expressions: (1) \ldblquote their [the Israelites\rquote ] fulness\rdblquote \i (vs. 12), \i0 and (2) \ldblquote the receiving of them [the Israelites]\rdblquote \i (vs. 15). \i0 Paul envisioned the diminishing and the casting away to be only temporary and to be followed by fullness and reception. This is Paul\rquote s second answer to the question raised at the beginning of this chapter, \ldblquote Hath God cast away his people?\rdblquote What appears to be a casting away, he says, is only a temporary situation.\b\par \tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_11:16-24\cf0\ulnone . What is Paul saying to us here?\b0\par \i\tab\i0 Paul likens the faithful remnant in Israel to a noble olive tree, some of whose branches have been broken off (the unbelieving ones)-an illustration he used to prove that \ldblquote God hath not cast away his people\rdblquote  \i (\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_11:2\cf0\ulnone\i ). \i0 The root and trunk are still there.\par \tab Into this tree the believing Gentiles have been grafted. But they are drawing their sap and vitality from the root and trunk, which represent believing Israel.\par \i\tab\i0 What happened to those who rejected Jesus could happen also to the believing Gentiles. The Bible teaches no doctrine of \ldblquote once saved, always saved.\rdblquote Just as salvation is freely offered, it freely can be rejected. Though we ha struggling with unexpected calamities?\tab\par \par \f3\'da\f0 Dwell more on the idea that we were called to have salvation, even before the foundation of the world \b0\i (see also \cf1\ul Tit_1:1-2\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Ti_1:8-9\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \b Why should we find this so encouraging? What does this tell us about God\rquote s love for all humans? Why, then, is it so tragic when people turn their backs on what has been so graciously offered them?\cf3\ul\b0\f4\par \pard\cf2\ulnone\f2\fs23\par } distinct as midday and midnight.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Messages to Young People, \i0 p. 390.\par \fs24\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\fs24\par \b\f3\fs22\'d8\f0 Dwell on the question at the end of Thursday\rquote s lesson. How could your class help improve your church\rquote s reputation, if need be?\par \par \f3\'d9\f0 In class, share experiences about how a situation that at first seemed terrible was able to be turned to good. How can you use these experiences to help others who are or his labors among these brethren, many of whom were as yet strangers to him, he sent them a letter announcing his purpose of visiting Rome and his hope of planting the standard of the cross in Spain.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 373.\par \tab\ldblquote The eternal God has drawn the line of distinction between the saint and the sinner, between converted and unconverted. The two classes do not blend into each other imperceptibly, like the colors of a rainbow, but are as  r attention and respect than they did when he was personally with them.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 454.\i\par \i0\tab\ldblquote To see the Christian faith firmly established at the great center of the known world was one of his dearest hopes and most cherished plans. A church had already been established in Rome, and the apostle desired to secure the co-operation of the believers there in the work to be accomplished in Italy and in other countries. To prepare the way f ve to be careful of thinking that every time we fall we are out of salvation, or that unless we are perfect we aren\rquote t saved, we need to avoid the opposite ditch as well-the idea that once God\rquote s grace covers us, there is nothing we can do, no choices we can make, that will take the provision of salvation away from us. In the end, only those who \ldblquote continue in his goodness\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_11:22\cf0\ulnone ) \i0 will be saved.\par \tab No believer should boast of his or her own goodness or feel any superiority over his or her fellow human beings. Our salvation was not earned; it was a gift. Before the Cross, before the standard of God\rquote s holiness, we all are equal: sinners in need of divine grace, sinners in need of a holiness that can be ours only through grace. We have nothing of ourselves to boast about; our boasting should be only in Jesus and what He has done for us by coming into this world in human flesh, suffering our woes, dying for our sins, offering us a model for how we are to live, and promising us the power to live that life. In it all, we are completely dependent upon Him, for without Him we would have no hope beyond what this world itself offers.\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Wednesday\b0\i\scaps0\fs28 September 8\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 A Mystery Revealed\b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_11:25-27\cf0\ulnone .\b0\i \b\i0 What great events is Paul predicting here?\b0\i\tab\par \tab\i0 Christians have been discussing and debating these few verses for centuries now. A few points, however, are clear. For starters, the whole tenor here is that of God reaching out to the Jews. What Paul is saying comes in reply to the question raised at the beginning of the chapter, \ldblquote Hath God cast away his people?\rdblquote His answer, of course, is no, and his explanation is (1) that the blindness (Greek \i porosis, \i0\ldblquote hardness\rdblquote ) is only \ldblquote in part,\rdblquote and (2) that it is only temporary, \ldblquote until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.\rdblquote \par \tab What does \ldblquote the fulness of the Gentiles\rdblquote mean? Many see this phrase as a way of expressing the fulfillment of the gospel commission, in which all the world hears the gospel. \ldblquote The fullness of the Gentiles\rdblquote has come in when the gospel has been preached everywhere. The faith of Israel, manifested in Christ, is universalized. The gospel has been preached to all the world. The coming of Jesus is near. At this point, then, many Jews start coming to Jesus. \par \i\tab\i0 Another difficult point is the meaning of \ldblquote all Israel shall be saved\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_11:26\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 This must not be construed to mean every Jew will by some divine decree have salvation in the end time. Nowhere do the Scriptures preach universalism, either for the entire human race or for a particular segment. Paul was hoping to save \ldblquote some of them\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_11:14\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Some accepted the Messiah, some rejected Him, as it is with all people groups. \par \tab Commenting on Romans 11, Ellen White speaks of a time \ldblquote in the closing proclamation of the gospel\rdblquote when \ldblquote many of the Jews . . . will by faith receive Christ as their Redeemer.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 381.\par \b\tab\b0\ldblquote There is a mighty work to be done in our world. The Lord has declared that the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and not the Gentiles only, but the Jews. There are among the Jews many who will be converted, and through whom we shall see the salvation of God go forth as a lamp that burneth. There are Jews everywhere, and to them the light of present truth is to be brought. There are among them many who will come to the light, and who will proclaim the immutability of the law of God with wonderful power.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Evangelism, \i0 p. 578.\par \tab\b Take some time to think about the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. How could a selective study of the Jewish religion help you better understand your Christian faith? \cf2\b0\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 9\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Salvation of Sinners\b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab\b0 Paul\rquote s love for his own people is clearly apparent in these verses. How hard it must have been for him to have some of his countrymen fight against him and against the truth of the gospel. And yet, amid it all, he still believed that many would see Jesus as the Messiah.\b\par \tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_11:28-36\cf0\ulnone . How does Paul show God\rquote s love, not just for the Jews but for all humanity? How does he here express the amazing and mysterious power of God\rquote s grace?\b0 \i\par  \tab\i0 All through these verses, though a contrast is made between Jews and Gentiles, one point stands clear: God\rquote s mercy and love and grace are poured out upon sinners. From even before the foundation of the world, God\rquote s plan was to save humanity and to use other human beings, nations even, as instruments in His hands to fulfill His divine will. \par \tab\b Read carefully and prayerfully \cf1\ul Rom_11:31\cf0\ulnone . What important point should we take from this text about our witness, not just to Jews but to all people with whom we come in contact?\b0\i \par \tab\i0 No doubt, through the centuries, had the Christian church treated the Jews better, many more might have come to their Messiah. The great falling away in the early centuries after Christ, and the extreme paganization of Christianity-including the rejection of the seventh-day Sabbath in favor of Sunday-certainly didn\rquote t make it any easier on a Jew who might have been drawn to Jesus. \par \tab How crucial, then, that hat does \ldblquote justification by faith\rdblquote mean without the Second Coming to bring that wonderful truth to complete fruition? \par \tab\b If you knew for certain that Jesus was coming next month, what would you change in your life, and why? Now, if you believe you need to change these things a month before Jesus comes, why shouldn\rquote t you change them now? What is the difference?\cf2\b0\f1\fs24\par \par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\i\scaps0\fs28 September 17\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0\fs22 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote An Explanation of Early Statements,\rdblquote pp. 66-69, in \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1; \ldblquote Practical Godliness,\rdblquote pp. 540, 541, in \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 5; \ldblquote Our Attitude Toward the Civil Authorities,\rdblquote pp. 394, 395, in\i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 6; \ldblquote The Tabernacle and Its Services,\rdblquote pp. 352, 353, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 ; \ldblquote The Spirituality of the Law,\rdblquote pp. 49-51, in \i Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing.\par \i0\par \tab\ldblquote In the Bible the will of God is revealed. The truths of the Word of God are the utterances of the Most High. He who makes these truths a part of his life becomes in every sense a new creature. He is not given new mental powers, but the darkness that through ignorance and sin has clouded the understanding is removed. The words, \lquote A new heart also will I give you,:\rquote mean, \lquote A new mind will I give you.\rquote A change of heart is always attended by a clear conviction of Christian duty, an understanding of truth. He who gives the Scriptures close, prayerful attention will gain clear comprehension and sound judgment, as if in turning to God he had reached a higher plane of intelligence.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i My Life Today, \i0 p. 24.\par \tab\ldblquote The Lord . . . is soon coming, and we must be ready and waiting for His appearing. Oh, how glo, a floodgate of sin and error and degradation opened. We, today, each of us, are living the consequences of that problem. In fact, unless we are moment by moment surrendered to God, we become part of the problem, as well.\par \tab\b Focus specifically on \cf1\ul Rom_1:22-23\cf0\ulnone . How do we see this principle being manifested now? By rejecting God, what have humans in our century come to worship and idolize instead? And, in so doing, how have they become fools?\b0\i \b\i0 Bring your answer to cla one of the most violent and barbaric in all history, thanks-ironically enough-in great part to the advances of science, which made it much more possible for people to kill others on a scale that the most depraved madmen of the past could only dream about.\par \tab What was the problem?\par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_1:22-32\cf0\ulnone . In what ways do we see the things written there, in the first century, being manifested today in the twenty-first century?\b0\par \i\tab\i0 When umanity lost sight of Godality would increase and that science and technology would help usher in a utopia. Human beings, it was believed, were essentially on the path toward perfection; that is, through the right kind of education and moral training, humans greatly could improve themselves and their society. All this was supposed to start happening, en masse, as we entered into the brave new world of the twentieth century. \par \tab Unfortunately, things didn\rquote t quite turn out that way, did they? The twentieth century wascf0\ulnone , NASB).\par \b\i0\tab When was the last time you took a good hard cold look at yourself, your motives, your deeds, and your feelings? This can be a very distressing experience, can\rquote t it? What\rquote s your only hope?\par \b0\fs32\par \b\scaps Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i\fs28 July 13\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 From the First to the Twenty-first Century\fs24\par \tab\b0\fs22 At the turn of the twentieth century, folk lived with the idea that humanity was improving, that morp is for us to acknowledge our utter sinfulness and also our helplessness in and of ourselves to do anything about it. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to bring about such conviction. If the sinner does not resist Him, the Spirit will lead the sinner to tear away the mask of self-defense, pretense, and self-justification and to cast himself or herself upon Christ, pleading His mercy: \ldblquote \lquote \ldblquote God, be merciful to me, the sinner!\rdblquote \rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Luk_18:13\ e word for \ldblquote glory\rdblquote may be considered as loosely equivalent to the word for \ldblquote image.\rdblquote Sin has marred the image of God in man. Sinful man falls far short of reflecting the image or glory of God.\par \b\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_3:10-18\cf0\ulnone\b0\i . \b\i0 Has anything changed today? Which of those depictions best describes you, or what you would be like were it not for Christ in your life?\b0\i\par \i0\tab As bad as we are, our situation is not hopeless. The first ste!r, when we contrast ourselves to God, and to the holiness and righteousness of God, none of us would come away with anything other than an overwhelming sense of self-loathing and disgust.\i\par \tab\i0 The verse also talks about \ldblquote the glory of God.\rdblquote The phrase has been variously interpreted. Perhaps the simplest interpretation is to give the phrase the meaning it has in \cf1\ul 1Co_11:7\cf0\ulnone , \ldblquote He [man] is the image and glory of God\rdblquote \i (RSV). \i0 In Greek, th"o easy for us, as Christians, to believe today? At the same time, what could cause some people to question the truthfulness of this text?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 Amazingly enough,\i \i0 some folk actually challenge the idea of human sinfulness, arguing that people are basically good. The problem, however, stems from a lack of understanding what true goodness is. People can compare themselves to someone else and feel good about themselves. Even the mobster Al Capone was a saint compared to Adolph Hitler. Howeve#f you can be saved? What brings these fears? What are they grounded on? Might they be grounded in reality? That is, could you be living a lifestyle that denies your profession of faith? If so, what choices must you make in order to have the promises and assurances that are for you in Jesus?\b0\par \par \b\scaps\fs32 Monday\b0\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i\fs28 July 12\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Human Condition\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22 Read \cf1\ul Rom_3:23\cf0\ulnone . Why is this message\i \i0 s$ righteousness good enough to bring us the promise of eternal life.\par \tab 3. \i Faith. \i0 In Greek the words translated \i believe \i0 and \i faith (KJV) \i0 in this passage are the verb and noun forms of the same word: \i pisteuo\i0 (believe), \i pistis \i0 (belief or faith). The meaning of faith as related to salvation will unfold as we progress in the study of Romans.\par \tab\b Do you ever struggle with assurance? Do you have times when you truly question whether or not you are saved, or even i%salvation. \par \tab 2. \i Righteousness. \i0 This word refers to the quality of being \ldblquote right\rdblquote with God. A specialized meaning of this word is developed in the book of Romans, which we shall bring out as our study of the book proceeds. It should be pointed out that in \cf1\ul Rom_1:17\cf0\ulnone the word is qualified by the phrase \ldblquote of God.\rdblquote It is righteousness that comes from God, a righteousness that God Himself has provided. As we\rquote ll see, this is the only&od news.\rdblquote Standing alone, the word may refer to any good message; but modified as it is in this passage by the phrase \ldblquote of Christ,\rdblquote it means \ldblquote the good news about the Messiah\rdblquote (\i Christ\i0 is the transliteration of the Greek word meaning \ldblquote Messiah\rdblquote ). The good news is that the Messiah has come and men may be saved by believing in Him. In Jesus and in His perfect righteousness-and not in ourselves, or even in God\rquote s law-can one find ' For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, \lquote He who through faith is righteous shall live\rquote\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_1:16-17\cf0\ulnone , RSV). \b\i0 What do these verses say to you? How have you experienced the promises and hope found in them?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 Several key words occur in this passage:\par \tab 1. \i Gospel.\i0 This word is the translation of a Greek word meaning literally \ldblquote good message\rdblquote or \ldblquote go*h by this government! Yet, despite all this, Paul was advocating that Christians be good citizens, even under a government like that?\par \tab Yes. And that\rquote s because the idea of government itself is found throughout the Bible. The concept, the principle of government, is God-ordained. Human beings need to live in a community with rules and regulations and standards. Anarchy is not a biblical concept. \par \tab That being said, it doesn\rquote t mean that God approves of all forms of government o+r how these governments are run. On the contrary. One doesn\rquote t have to look too far, either in history or in the world today, to see some brutal regimes. Yet, even in situations like these, Christians should, as much as possible, obey the laws of the land. Christians are to give loyal support to government so long as its claims do not conflict with the claims of God. One should consider very prayerfully and carefully, and with the counsel of others, before embarking on a path that puts him or her in, conflict with the powers that be. We know from prophecy that one day all of God\rquote s faithful followers will be pitted against the political powers in control of the world\i (Revelation 13).\i0 Until then, we should do all that we can, before God, to be good citizens in whatever country we live in. \par \tab\ldblquote We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict witfh the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God\rquote s word must be recognized as above all human legislation. . . . \par \tab\ldblquote We are not required to defy authorities. Our words, whether spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as uttering that which would make us appear antagonistic to law and order. We are not to say or do anything that would unnecessarily close up our way.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. .le\b0\fs24\par \fs40\par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs24\par \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_9:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter.\b\i0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Memory Text: \ldblquote Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_9:18\cf0\ulnone ).\fs24\par \i0\dn10\fs108 A\up0\fs22 s it is written, Jacob ha/ve I loved, but Esau have I hated. . . . For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy . . . and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion\rdblquote\i (\cf1\ul Rom_9:13\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_9:15\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \tab What is Paul talking about here? What about human free will, and the freedom to choose, without which very little of what we believe makes sense? Are we not free to choose or reject God, or are these verses teaching that certain people are elected to be saved and others to be0 lost, regardless of their own personal choices? \par \tab The answer is found, as usual, by looking at the bigger picture of what Paul is saying. Paul is following a line of argument in which he attempts to show God\rquote s right to pick those whom He will use as His \ldblquote elected\rdblquote ones. After all, God is the One who carries the ultimate responsibility of evangelizing the world. Therefore, why can He not choose as His agents whomever He wills? So long as God cuts no one off from the oppo1rtunity of salvation, such an action on God\rquote s part is not contrary to the principles of free will. Even more important, it\rquote s not contrary to the great truth that Christ died for all humans, and His desire was that everyone have salvation. \par \tab As long as we remember that Romans 9 is not dealing with the personal salvation of those it names but with their call to do a certain work, the chapter presents no difficulties. \par \tab\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for S2abbath, September 4.\par \par \b\i0\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\i\scaps0\fs28 August 29\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Paul\rquote s Burden\b0\i\fs24\par \tab\fs22\ldblquote\b\i0 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Exo_19:6\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 God needed a missionary people to evangelize a world steeped in paganism, darkness, and idolatry. He chose the3 Israelites and revealed Himself to them. He planned that they become a model nation and thus attract others to the true God. It was God\rquote s purpose that by the revelation of His character through Israel, the world should be drawn unto Him. Through the teaching of the sacrificial service, Christ was to be uplifted before the nations, and all who would look unto Him should live. As the numbers of Israel increased, as their blessings grew, they were to enlarge their borders until their kingdom should e4mbrace the world. \b\par \tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_9:1-12\cf0\ulnone . What point is Paul making here about the faithfulness of God amid human failures?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 Paul is building a line of argument in which he will show that the promise made to Israel had not completely failed. There exists a remnant through whom God still aims to work. To establish the validity of the idea of the remnant, Paul dips back into Israelite history. He shows that God has always been selective: (1) God did not choose all 5the seed of Abraham to be His covenant, only the line of Isaac. (2) He did not choose all of the descendants of Isaac, only those of Jacob.\par \tab It\rquote s important, too, to see that heritage, or ancestry, does not guarantee salvation. You can be of the right blood, the right family, even of the right church, and yet be lost, still be outside the promise. It is faith, a faith that works by love, which reveals those who are \ldblquote children of the promise\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_9:8\cf0\ulnone6 ).\i0\par \tab\b Look at the phrase in \cf1\ul Rom_9:6\cf2\ulnone \cf0 : \ldblquote For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.\rdblquote What important message can we find there for ourselves, as Adventists, who in many ways play the same role in our day that the ancient Israelites did in theirs?\b0 \tab\b\scaps\fs36\par \fs32\par Monday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 August 30\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Elected\fs24\par \tab\fs22\ldblquote It was said unto her, The el7der shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_9:12-13\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 As stated in the introduction for this week, it is impossible to understand Romans 9 properly until one recognizes that Paul is not speaking of individual salvation. He is here speaking of particular roles God was calling upon certain individuals to play. God wanted Jacob to be the progenitor of the people who would be His special evangelizing agency in 8the world. There is no implication in this passage that Esau could not be saved. God wanted him to be saved as much as He desires all men to be saved. \par \b\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_9:14-15\cf0\ulnone . How do we understand these words in the context of what we have been reading?\b0 \i\par \tab\i0 Paul is again not speaking of individual salvation, because in that area God extends mercy to all, for He \ldblquote will have all men to be saved\rdblq9uote \i (\cf1\ul 1Ti_2:4\cf0\ulnone ). \i0\ldblquote The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Tit_2:11\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 But God can choose nations to play a role, and though they can refuse to play that role, they cannot prevent God\rquote s choice. No matter how hard Esau may have willed it, he could not have become the progenitor of the Messiah nor of the chosen people.\par \tab In the end, it was no arbitrary choice on the part of God, not some divine _decree, by which Esau was shut out from salvation. The gifts of His grace through Christ are free to all. We\rquote ve all been elected to be saved, not lost \i (\cf1\ul Eph_1:4-5\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:10\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 It\rquote s our own choices, not God\rquote s, that keep us from the promise of eternal life in Christ. Jesus died for every human being. Yet, God has set forth in His Word the conditions upon which every soul will be elected to eternal life: faith in Christ, which leads the justif;rious it will be to see Him and be welcomed as His redeemed ones! Long have we waited, but our hope is not to grow dim. If we can but see the King in His beauty we shall be forever blessed. I feel as if I must cry aloud: \lquote Homeward bound!\rquote We are nearing the time when Christ will come in power and great glory to take His ransomed ones to their eternal home.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 8, p. 253.\par \b\fs24\par \fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs24\par \f2<\fs22\'d8\f0 In class, go over the question at the end of Thursday\rquote s lesson. What were the answers folk gave, and how did they justify them? \par \par \f2\'d9\f0 The question of how we are to be good citizens and good Christians can at times be very complicated. If someone were to come to you seeking advice about standing for what he or she believed was God\rquote s will, even though it would put him or her in conflict with the government, what would you say? What counsel would you give? What principles should you follow? Why is this something that we should proceed on only with the utmost seriousness and prayerful consideration? (After all, not everyone thrown into the lions\rquote den comes out unscathed.) \par \par \f2\'da\f0 What do you think is harder to do: to keep strict adherence to the letter of the law or to love God and love others unconditionally? Or, could you argue that this question presents a false dichotomy? If so, why?\cf2\b0\f1\fs24\tab\tab\cf3\f3\fs23\par \pard\par } < best of their understanding have followed the light of the Word will hear an inward authenticating voice assuring them that they have been accepted as children of God.\par \tab Indeed, \cf1\ul Rom_8:17\cf0\ulnone tells us that we are heirs; that is, we are part of the family of God and, as heirs, as children, we receive a wonderful inheritance from our Father. We don\rquote t earn it; it is given to us by virtue of our new status in God, a status granted to us through His grace, which has been made ava=ill the claims of the law in our own strength. There is hope for us only as we come under the Abrahamic covenant, which is the covenant of grace by faith in Christ Jesus.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6, p. 1077.\par \b\tab What gives us the assurance that God has indeed accepted us as children? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_8:16\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 The inward witness of the Spirit confirms our acceptance. While it is not safe to go by feeling merely, those who to the>e stands to gain nothing from his long years of service.\par \tab Not so with the one who accepts Jesus Christ. First, he or she renders voluntary service. Second, he or she serves without fear, for \ldblquote perfect love casteth out fear\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:18\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Third, adopted as a son, he or she becomes heir to an inheritance of infinite worth.\par \tab\ldblquote The spirit of bondage is engendered by seeking to live in accordance with legal religion, through striving to fulf?uld? \fs24\par \scaps\fs32\par Thursday\b0\scaps0 \fs24 \i\fs28 August 26\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Adoption Versus Bondage\b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab How does Paul describe the new relationship in Christ? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_8:15\cf0\ulnone . \b\i0 What hope is found in this promise for us? How do we make it real in our lives?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 The new relationship is described as freedom from fear. A slave is in bondage. He lives in a state of constant fear of his master. HH of writing. Because Paul traveled much, knowing where he was at a particular time gives us a clue to the date.\par \i\tab\i0 Paul established the church at Corinth on his second missionary journey, \scaps a.d.\scaps0 49-52 \i (see \cf1\ul Act_18:1-18\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 On his third journey, \scaps a.d.\scaps0 53-58, he visited Greece again \i (\cf1\ul Act_20:2-3\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 and at this time he received an offering for the saints in Jerusalem near the end of his journey \i (\cf1\ul Rom_15:25-26\cfA\scaps0\fs28 June 2\i0\scaps 7\par \b\scaps0 Date and Place\fs24\par \b0\i\fs22\tab\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_16:1-2\cf0\ulnone indicates that Paul probably wrote Romans in the city of Cenchreae\i , \i0 which was near the eastern port of Corinth, in Greece. Paul\rquote s mention of Phoebe, a resident of greater Corinth, establishes that place as the likely background for the letter to the Romans.\par \tab One of the purposes of establishing the city of origin of the New Testament epistles is to ascertain the dateBul and the words that the Holy Spirit gave him at that time. \par \tab Amazingly enough, though written a long time ago and in a whole other context, the book has messages relevant to His people today, in every land and in most every situation. Hence, we need to heed prayerfully the words written here and apply them to our lives.\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 3.\b\i0\scaps\par \b0\scaps0\fs24\par \page\b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \iCk of Romans understand the book\rquote s historical background. Without that background, it will be difficult for the student to know what Paul is saying. Paul was writing to a specific group of Christians at a specific time for a specific reason; knowing, as much as possible, that reason will greatly benefit us in our study.\par \tab We must, in our imagination, go back in time, transport ourselves to Rome, become members of the congregation there, and then, as first-century church members, listen to PaD_1:1\cf0\ulnone and then go through the entire book verse by verse. Because only one quarter has been allotted to the study of the book, we have had to be selective in what parts we can study. The book could easily take four quarters, not one, to explore. Hence, only the key chapters, in which the basic message is contained, will be covered.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab It is extremely important that a student of the booE3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Memory Text: \ldblquote First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Rom_1:8\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\dn10\fs108 I\up0\fs22 deally, in our study of the book of Romans, after a study of the historical background, we should begin with \cf1\ul RomFng1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 1\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab \b0\i\fs28 *June 26-July 2\b\i0\par \fs24\par \fs40 Paul \i and\i0 Rome\par \par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\par \fs24\par \scaps0\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0\i \cf1\ul Act_28:17-31\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_1:7\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_15:14\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_15:20-27\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Eph_1:1\ulnone \cf0 -entire chapter; \cf1\ul Php_1:12\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\tab\tab\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\txI0\ulnone ).\i0 The Epistle to the Romans was, then, written probably in the early months of \scaps a.d.\scaps0 58.\par \b\tab What other important churches had Paul visited on his third missionary journey? \cf1\ul\b0\i Act_18:23\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\tab\par \tab\b0 Visiting the Galatian churches, Paul discovered that during his absence false teachers had\b \b0 convinced the members to submit to circumcision and to keep to other precepts of the law of Moses. Fearing that his opponents might reach Rome beMfore he arrived, Paul wrote a letter (Romans) to forestall the same tragedy happening in Rome. Some (but not all) scholars believe that the Epistle to the Galatians was written also from Corinth during Paul\rquote s three months there on his third missionary journey, perhaps shortly after his arrival. \par \tab\ldblquote In his epistle to the Romans, Paul set forth the great principles of the gospel. He stated his position on the questions which were agitating the Jewish and the Gentile churches, and sho FF:=08 908-Aug 14-20 - The Man of Romans{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 8\b0\fs24 \i\fs28 *August 14-20\i0\fs24\par \par \b\fs40 The M3 Eu10-AugEY10-Aug 28-Sep 3 - Redemption for Jew & Gentile{\:Eu10-Aug 28-Sep 3 - Redemption for Jew & Gentile{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdin EU10-Aug 28-Sep 3 - Redemption for Jew & Gentile{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fch  09-Aug 21-27 - Freedom in Christ{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 9\b0\fs24 \i\fs28 *Aug(  Q09-Aug 21-27 - Freedom in Christ{\rtf1\ansi\ansic;Nwed that the hopes and promises which had once belonged especially to the Jews were now offered to the Gentiles also.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 373.\par \tab As we said, it is important in the study of any book of the Bible to know why it was written; that is, what situation it was addressing. Hence, it is important for our understanding of the Epistle to the Romans to know what were the questions agitating the Jewish and Gentile churches. Next week\rquote s lesson wiOll deal with these questions.\par \tab\b What kinds of issues are agitating your church at present? Are the threats more from without or from within? What role are you playing in these debates? How often have you stopped to question your role, your position, and your attitudes in whatever struggles you\rquote re facing? Why is this kind of self-examination so important?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\b0\f1\fs24\par P \par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\fs24\tab\tab\tab \b0\i\scaps0\fs28 June 28\b\i0\scaps\fs24\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\scaps0\fs28 Personal Touch\fs24\par \tab\b0\fs22 A letter is one thing, a personal visit another. That\rquote s why Paul, even though he wrote to the Romans, announced in the letter that he intended to see them in person. He wanted them to know that he was coming, and why.\b\paQr \tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_15:20-27\cf0\ulnone . What reasons does Paul give for not having visited Rome earlier? What made him decide to come when he did? How central was mission to him in his reasoning? What can we learn about mission and witnessing from Paul\rquote s words here? What interesting-and important-point does Paul make in verse 27 about Jews and Gentiles?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 The great missionary to the Gentiles felt constantly impelled to take the gospel to previously unentered areas, leaving otRhers to labor in areas where the gospel had been established. In the days when Christianity was young and the laborers few, it would have been a waste of valuable missionary power for Paul to work in already entered areas. He said, \ldblquote So have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man\rquote s foundation,\rdblquote so that \ldblquote they that have not heard shall understand\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_15:20-21\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 It wasS not Paul\rquote s purpose to settle down at Rome. It was his aim to evangelize Spain. He hoped to get the support of the Christians in Rome for this venture.\b\par \tab What important principle can we take away for ourselves on the whole question of mission from the fact that Paul sought help from an established church in order to evangelize a new area?\b0\par \tab\b Read again the verses in \cf1\ul Rom_15:20-27\cf0\ulnone . Notice how much Paul wanted to serve; that is, his great desire was to ministeTr and to serve. What motivates you and your actions? How much of a heart of service do you have? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\b0\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i\fs28 June 29\i0\fs24\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx504U0\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\fs28 Paul Reaches Rome\b0\fs24\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab\b\fs22\ldblquote But when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Act_28:16\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\b\i0 What does this text tell us about how Paul finally got to Rome? What lesson can we drVaw from this for ourselves about the unexpected and unwanted things that so often come our way?\b0\par \tab Life can take some very strange turns. How often our plans, even the ones formulated in the best of intentions, don\rquote t come out as we anticipated and hoped for. The apostle Paul did, indeed, get to Rome, but it probably wasn\rquote t as he had expected. \par \tab When Paul reached Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey with his offering for the poor, which he collected from theW congregations of Europe and Asia Minor, unexpected events awaited him. He was arrested and fettered. After being held prisoner for two years at Caesarea, he appealed to Caesar. Some three years after his arrest, he arrived in Rome, and (we can assume) not in the manner that he intended to when he first wrote to the Roman church years before about his intention to visit them. \par \b\tab What do the following texts tell us about Paul\rquote s time in Rome? More important, what lesson can we learn from thXem? \cf1\ul\b0\i Act_28:17-31\cf0\ulnone\i0 .\tab\par \tab\ldblquote Not by Paul\rquote s sermon[s], but by his bonds, was the attention of the court attracted to Christianity. It was as a captive that he broke from so many souls the bonds that held them in the slavery of sin. Nor was this all. He declared: \lquote Many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.\rquote \cf1\ul Php_1:14\cf0\ulnone .\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Acts Yof the Apostles, \i0 p. 464.\b\par \tab How many times have you experienced unexpected twists in your life that, in the end, turned out for good? \b0\i (See \cf1\ul Php_1:12\cf0\ulnone .) \b\i0 How can, and should, those experiences give you faith to trust God for the things where no good seems to have arisen?\cf3\b0\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\Ztx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\fs36 \b0\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tab \i\fs28 June 30\i0\fs24\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\fs28 Called to Be \ldblquote Saints\rdblquote \b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22 Here is Paul\rquote s salutation to the church in Rome. \ldblquote To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord[ Jesus Christ\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_1:7\cf0\ulnone ). \b\i0 What principles of truth, of theology, of faith, can we take away from his words here?\b0\i\par \tab Beloved of God. \i0 While it is true that God loves the world, in a special sense God loves those who have chosen Him, those who have responded to His love. \par \tab We see this in the human sphere. We love in a special way those who love us; with them there is a mutual exchange of affection. Love demands response. When the response is \not forthcoming, love is limited in its fullest expression.\par \tab\i Called to be saints. \i0 In some translations the phrase \ldblquote to be\rdblquote is in italics, which means that the translators have supplied the words. But they can be left out with the meaning intact. When they are omitted, we get the expression \ldblquote called saints\rdblquote ; that is, \ldblquote designated saints.\rdblquote\par \tab\i Saints \i0 is the translation of the Greek \i hagioi, \i0 which literally means \ldblqu]ote holy ones.\rdblquote \i Holy\i0 means \ldblquote dedicated.\rdblquote A saint is one who has been \ldblquote set apart\rdblquote by God. He or she still may have a long way to go in sanctification, but the fact that this person has chosen Christ as the Lord designates him or her as a saint in the Bible\rquote s meaning of the term.\par \tab\b Paul says that they were \ldblquote called to be saints.\rdblquote Does this mean that some people are not called? How does \cf1\ul Eph_1:4\cf0\ulnone , \c^f1\ul Heb_2:9\cf0\ulnone , and \cf1\ul 2Pe_3:9\cf0\ulnone help us understand what Paul means?\b0\par \tab The great news of the gospel is that Christ\rquote s death was universal; it was for all human beings. All have been called to be saved in Him, \ldblquote called to be saints\rdblquote even before the foundation of the world. God\rquote s original intention was for all humanity to find salvation in Jesus. The final fire of hell was meant only for the devil and his angels \i (\cf1\ul Mat_25:41\cf0\u`lnone ). \i0 That some folk don\rquote t avail themselves of what was offered doesn\rquote t take away from the wonder of the gift any more than someone who goes on a hunger strike in a marketplace takes away from the wonderful bounties found there.\par \tab\b Think about it: Even before the foundation of the world, God called you to have salvation in Him. Why should you not allow anything, anything at all, to hold you back from heeding that call?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tcied sinner to obedience. \par \tab\b You, yourself, as if no one else even existed, were chosen in Christ even before the foundation of the world, to have salvation. This is your calling, your election, all given to you, by God, through Jesus. What a privilege, what a hope! Why, all things considered, does everything else pale in comparison to this great promise? Why would it be the greatest of all tragedies to let sin, self, and the flesh take away from you all that\rquote s been promised you in Jesus?\ax3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\scaps\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\fs36 \b0\i\fs28 July 1\b\i0\fs24\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\fs28 World Reputation\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22\ldblquote First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith isb spoken of throughout the whole world\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_1:8\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 It is not known how the congregation in Rome became established. The tradition that the church was founded by Peter or Paul is without historical foundation. Perhaps lay persons established it, converts on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem \i (Acts 2) \i0 who then visited or moved to Rome. Or perhaps at some later period converts moving to Rome witnessed to their faith in that world capital.\par \tab It is surprising that, in a few decades from Pentecost, a congregation that apparently had received no apostolic visit should be so widely known. \ldblquote Notwithstanding the opposition, twenty years after the crucifixion of Christ there was a live, earnest church in Rome. This church was strong and zealous, and the Lord worked for it.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6, p. 1067. \i\par \tab\i0\ldblquote Faith\rdblquote here probably includes the broader sense of faidcf3\b0\f1\fs24\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 August 31\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Mysteries\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22\ldblquote For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts\rdblquote\b0e \i (\cf1\ul Isa_55:8-9\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \b\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_9:17-24\cf0\ulnone . Given what we have read so far, how are we to understand Paul\rquote s point here? \b0\i\par \tab\i0 In dealing with Egypt at the time of the Exodus in the manner He did, God was working for the salvation of the human race. God\rquote s revelation of Himself in the plagues of Egypt and in the deliverance of His people was designed to reveal to the Egyptians, as well as to other nations, that the God of Israel indeed was the true God. It was designed to be an invitation for the peoples of the nations to abandon their gods and to come and worship Him.\par \tab Obviously Pharaoh had already made his choice against God, so that in hardening his heart God was not cutting him off from the opportunity of salvation. The hardening was against the appeal to let Israel go, not against God\rquote s appeal for Pharaoh to accept personal salvation. Christ died for Pharaoh, just as much as for Moses, Aaron, and the rest of thg69.\fs24\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Wednesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 15\b\i0\scaps\fs36 \b0\scaps0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Relationships to Others\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22\ldblquote Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Rom_13:8\cf0\ulnone ).\b \i0 How are we to understand this text? Does it mean that if we love, we have no obligation, then, to obey the law of God?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 As Jesuus did in the Sermon on the Mount, Paul here amplifies the precepts of the law, showing that love must be the motivating power behind all that we do. Because the law is a transcript of the character of God, and God is love, to love, therefore, is to fulfill the law. Yet, Paul is not substituting some vague standard of love for the precisely detailed precepts of the law, as some Christians claim. The moral law is still binding, because, again, it is what points out sin-and who is going to deny the reality ( ever liveth to make intercession for us.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6, p. 1071.\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 17. \par \i0\fs32\page\b\scaps Sunday\b0\i\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\fs28 July 11\fs24\par \b\i0\fs28 Not Ashamed of the Gospel\fs24\par \tab\fs22\ldblquote I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.hnd it, you must cease haggling over your pet ideas, and with humble hearts survey the atonement.\par \tab\ldblquote This matter is so dimly comprehended that thousands upon thousands claiming to be sons of God are children of the wicked one, because they will depend on their own works. God always demanded good works, the law demands it, but because man placed himself in sin where his good works were valueless, Jesus\rquote righteousness alone can avail. Christ is able to save to the uttermost because Heiave pushed God from their memories. Paul then shows that the Jews are just as bad, the point being that none can save themselves with their good works.\i\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab\i0 Ellen G. White makes it so clear: \ldblquote Let no one take the limited, narrow position that any of the works of man can help in the least possible way to liquidate the debt of his transgression. This is a fatal deception. If you would understaj0\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\i0\dn10\fs108 U\up0\fs22 nless a person acknowledges that he or she is unrighteous, that person will sense no need for justification (God\rquote s declaration of a sinner as righteous in His eyes). Therefore, for Paul, the first step in justification is that a person recognize himself or herself as a helpless, hopeless sinner. In building this argument, Paul presents first the terrible depravity of the Gentiles. These have sunk as low as they have because they hk7\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_1:22-32\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_2:1-10\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_2:17-23\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_3:1-2\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_3:10-18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_3:23\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Memory Text: \ldblquote All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_3:23\cf0\ulnone ).\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx360l}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 3\b0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \i\fs28 *July 10-16\i0\par \fs24\par \b\fs40 All Have Sinned\fs28\par \fs40\par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\tab\fs24\tab\par \par \scaps0\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_1:16-1o\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE\par \par STANDARD EDITION\par \par \par \i\fs32 Redemption in Romans\i0\fs24\par \par by\par Don F. Neufeld\par \par \par July, August, September\par \par 2010\b0\par \par \b\fs36\tab Contents\b0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx720\tqr\tldot\tx8640\fs3p2\tab \b 1\b0\fs20 \b Paul and Rome-\b0\i June 26-July 2\i0\tab 11\i\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tqr\tldot\tx8640\b\i0\fs32 2\b0\fs20 \b Jew and Gentile-\b0\i July 3-9\i0\tab 32\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx720\tqr\tldot\tx8640\fs32\tab\b 3\b0\fs20 \b All Have Sinned-\b0\i July 10-16\i0\tab 53\par \fs32\tab\b 4\b0\fs20 \b Justified by Faith-\b0\i July 17-23\i0\tab 74\par \fs32\tab\b 5\b0\fs20 \b Justification and the Law\b0 -\i July 24-30\i0\tab 95\par \fs32\tab\b 6\fs20 Expounding the Faith-q\b0\i July 31-August 6\i0\tab 117\par \fs32\tab\b 7\b0\fs20 \b Victory Over Sin-\b0\i August 7-13\i0\tab 138\par \fs32\tab\b 8\b0\fs20 \b The Man of Romans 7-\b0\i August 14-20\i0\tab 159\par \fs32\tab\b 9\b0\fs20 \b Freedom in Christ\b0 -\i August 21-27\i0\tab 180\par \fs32\tab\b 10\b0\fs20 \b Redemption for Jew and Gentile\b0 -\i August 28-September 3\i0\tab 201\par \fs32\tab\b 11\b0\fs20 \b The Election of Grace-\b0\i September 4-10\i0\tab 222\par \fs32\tab\b 12\fs20 Love and Law-\b0\i Sreptember 11-17\i0\tab 243\par \fs32\tab\b 13\b0\fs20 \b All the Rest Is Commentary\b0 -\i September 18-24\i0\tab 264\par \pard\sb100\sa100\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par \par \b Come visit us at our Web site:\b0\par {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.absg.adventist.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf1 http://www.absg.adventist.org}}}\f0\fs24 \b\par \par Editorial Office:\par \b0 12501 Old Columbia Pike\par Silver Spring, MD 20904\par \b\par Principal Contributor:\par \b0 Don F.s Neufeld \b\par \b0\par \b Editor:\b0\par Clifford R. Goldstein\b\par \par Associate Editor:\par \b0 Soraya Homayouni\b\par \par Publication Manager:\par \b0 Lea Alexander Greve\b\par \par Editorial Assistant:\par \b0 Sharon Thomas-Crews\b\par \par Pacific Press Coordinator:\par \b0 Paul A. Hey\par \par \b Art Director and Illustrator:\b0\par Lars Justinen\par \par \b Concept Design:\par \b0 Dever Designs\par \par The\i Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide\i0 is prepared by the tOffice of the Adult Bible Study Guide of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the guides is under the general direction of a worldwide Sabbath School Manuscript Evaluation Committee, whose members serve as consulting editors. The published guide reflects the input of the committee and thus does not solely or necessarily represent the intent of the author(s).\par \b\par Bible Versions Table\b0\par \tab Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by upermission in this Bible Study Guide, for Third Quarter 2010, are as follows:\par \tab\b NASB.\b0 From the New American Standard Bible, copyright \'a9 the Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Used by permission.\par \b\tab NIV.\b0 Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright \'a9 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.\tab\tab\par \tab\b NKJV.\b0 Texts credited to the NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright \'a9 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\par \tab\b RSV.\b0 Bible texts credited to the RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright \'a9 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\par \pard\cf2\f1\fs23\par } wrdblquote Paul showed that the principle was an integral part of the Old Testament system. Again Paul appealed to the Old Testament to support his gospel preaching. Some argue from these texts that Paul is teaching that only the few commandments mentioned here are in effect. If so, does this mean, then, that Christians can dishonor their parents, worship idols, and have other gods before the Lord? Of course not. \par \tab Look at the context here. Paul was dealing with how we relate to one another. He wxas dealing with personal relationships, which is why he specified the commandments that centered on these relationships. His argument certainly shouldn\rquote t be construed as nullifying the rest of the law\i . (See \cf1\ul Act_15:20\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Th_1:9\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:21\cf0\ulnone .) \i0 Besides, as the New Testament writers point out, by showing love to others, we show our love to God \i (\cf1\ul Mat_25:40\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:20-21\cf0\ulnone )\i0 .\i\par \tab\b\i0 Think abyout your relationship to God and how it is reflected in your relationships with others. How big a factor is love in those relationships? How can you learn to love others the way God loves us? What stands in your way of doing just that? \b0\i\fs24\par \b\i0\scaps\fs32\par Thursday\b0\scaps0 \i \fs28 September 16\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Nearer Than We Believed\fs24\par \fs22\tab\ldblquote And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is ouzr salvation nearer than when we believed\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_13:11\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0\par \tab\b0 As we have stated all quarter, Paul had a very specific focus in this letter to the Romans, and that was to clarify for the church at Rome, especially the Jewish believers there, the role of faith and works in the New Covenant context. The issue was salvation and how a sinner is deemed righteous and holy before the Lord.\i \i0 To help those whose whole emphasis had been on law, Paul put the law in{ its proper role and context. Though, ideally, Judaism even in Old Testament times was a religion of grace, legalism arose and did a lot of damage. How careful we as a church need to be that we don\rquote t make the same mistake.\par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_13:11-14\cf0\ulnone . What event is Paul talking about here, and how should we be acting in anticipation of that event?\b0\par \tab How fascinating that Paul here was talking to the believers, telling them to wake up and get it together because Jesus| was coming back. The fact that this was written almost two thousand years ago doesn\rquote t matter. We must always live in anticipation of the nearness of Christ\rquote s coming. As far as we all are concerned, as far as our own personal \i experiences\i0 go, the Second Coming is as near as the potential for our own death. Whether next week or in 40 years, we close our eyes in death, and whether we sleep only four days or for 400 years-it makes no difference to us. The next thing we know is the second }coming of Jesus. With death always potentially just around the corner for any of us, time is indeed short, and our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. \par \tab Though Paul doesn\rquote t deal much in the book of Romans with the Second Coming, in the Thessalonian and the Corinthian letters he covers it in much more detail. After all, it\rquote s a crucial theme in the Bible, especially the New Testament. Without it, and the hope it offers, our faith is, really, meaningless. After all, what d~oes \ldblquote justification by faith\rdblquote mean without the Second Coming to bring that wonderful truth to complete fruition? \par \tab\b If you knew for certain that Jesus was coming next month, what would you change in your life, and why? Now, if you believe you need to change these things a month before Jesus comes, why shouldn\rquote t you change them now? What is the difference?\cf2\b0\f1\fs24\par \par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\i\scaps0\fs28 September 17\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0\fs22 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote An Explanation of Early Statements,\rdblquote pp. 66-69, in \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1; \ldblquote Practical Godliness,\rdblquote pp. 540, 541, in \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 5; \ldblquote Our Attitude Toward the Civil Authorities,\rdblquote pp. 394, 395, in\i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 6; \ldblquote The Tabernacle and Its Services,\rdblquote pp. 352, 353, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 ; \ldblquote The Spirituality of the Law,\rdblquote pp. 49-51, in \i Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing.\par \i0\par \tab\ldblquote In the Bible the will of God is revealed. The truths of the Word of God are the utterances of the Most High. He who makes these truths a part of his life becomes in every sense a new creature. He is not given new mental powers, but the darkness that through ignorance and sin has clouded the understanding is removed. The words, \lquote A new heart also will I give you,\rquote mean, \lquote A new mind will I give you.\rquote A change of heart is always attended by a clear conviction of Christian duty, an understanding of truth. He who gives the Scriptures close, prayerful attention will gain clear comprehension and sound judgment, as if in turning to God he had reached a higher plane of intelligence.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i My Life Today, \i0 p. 24.\par \tab\ldblquote The Lord . . . is soon coming, and we must be ready and waiting for His appearing. Oh, how glorious it will be to see Him and be welcomed as His redeemed ones! Long have we waited, but our hope is not to grow dim. If we can but see the King in His beauty we shall be forever blessed. I feel as if I must cry aloud: \lquote Homeward bound!\rquote We are nearing the time when Christ will come in power and great glory to take His ransomed ones to their eternal home.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 8, p. 253.\par \b\fs24\par \fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs24\par \f2\fs22\'d8\f0 In class, go over the question at the end of Thursday\rquote s lesson. What were the answers folk gave, and how did they justify them? \par \par \f2\'d9\f0 The question of how we are to be good citizens and good Christians can at times be very complicated. If someone were to come to you seeking advice about standing for what he or she believed was God\rquote s will, even though it would put him or her in conflict with the government, what would you say? What counsel would you give? What princie children of Israel.\i\par \i0\tab The crucial point in all this is that as fallen human beings, we have such a narrow view of the world, of reality, and of God and how He works in the world. How can we expect to understand all of God\rquote s ways when the natural world, everywhere we turn, holds mysteries we can\rquote t understand? After all, it was only in the past one hundred fifty or two hundred years that doctors learned it might be a good idea to wash their hands before performing surgery! That\rquote s how steeped in ignorance we have been. And who knows, if time should last, what other things we will discover in the future that will reveal just how steeped in ignorance we are today?\par \tab\b Sure, we don\rquote t always understand God\rquote s ways, but Jesus came to reveal to us what God is like\i \b0 (\cf1\ul Joh_14:9\cf0\ulnone ).\b \i0 Why, then, amid all of life\rquote s mysteries and unexpected events, is it so crucial for us to dwell on the character of Christ and what He has reveaples should you follow? Why is this something that we should proceed on only with the utmost seriousness and prayerful consideration? (After all, not everyone thrown into the lions\rquote den comes out unscathed.) \par \par \f2\'da\f0 What do you think is harder to do: to keep strict adherence to the letter of the law or to love God and love others unconditionally? Or, could you argue that this question presents a false dichotomy? If so, why?\cf2\b0\f1\fs24\tab\tab\cf3\f3\fs23\par \pard\fs23\par } t is a close personal union with Christ.\par \tab\ldblquote In Christ Jesus\rdblquote is contrasted with \ldblquote in the flesh.\rdblquote\i \i0 It also is contrasted with the experience detailed in chapter 7, where Paul describes the person under conviction before his or her surrender to Christ as carnal\i , \i0 meaning that he or she is a slave to sin. The person is under condemnation of death\i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:11\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_8:13\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_8:24\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 He or shthfulness; that is, faithfulness to the new way of life they had discovered in Christ.\par \b\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_15:14\cf0\ulnone\i . \i0 How does Paul there describe the church at Rome?\b0\par \i\tab\i0 The three items that Paul selects as worthy of note in the Roman Christians\rquote experience are:\par \tab 1. \ldblquote Full of goodness.\rdblquote Would people say this of our own experience? As they associate with us, is it the abundance of goodness in us that attracts their attention?\par \taled to us about God and His love for us? How can knowing what God\rquote s character is like help us stay faithful amid trials that seem so unjustified and so unfair? \b0\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Wednesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 1\b\fs24\par \fs28 Ammi\i0 : \ldblquote My People\rdblquote\b0\i\fs24\par \tab\i0\fs22 In \cf1\ul Rom_9:25\cf0\ulnone , Paul quotes \cf1\ul Hos_2:23\cf0\ulnone , and in \cf1\ul Rom_9:26\cf0\ulnone he quotes \cf1\ul Hos_1:10\cf0\ulnone . The background is that God instructed Hosea to take \ldblquote a wife of whoredoms\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Hos_1:2\cf0\ulnone ) \i0 as an illustration of God\rquote s relationship with Israel, because the nation had gone after strange gods. The children born to this marriage were given names signifying God\rquote s rejection and punishment of idolatrous Israel. The third child was named \i Loammi\i0 \i (\cf1\ul Hos_1:9\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 meaning literally \ldblquote not my people.\rdblquote\par \tab Yet, amid all this, Hosea predicted the day would come when, after punishing His people, God would restore their fortunes, take away their false gods, and make a covenant with them. \i (See \cf1\ul Hos_2:11-19\cf0\ulnone .) \i0 At this point those who were \i Loammi, \i0\ldblquote not my people,\rdblquote would become \i Ammi, \i0\ldblquote my people.\rdblquote\par \tab In Paul\rquote s day, the \i Ammi\i0 were \ldblquote even us . . . not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_9:24\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 What a clear and powerful presentation of the gospel, a gospel that from the start was intended for the whole world. No wonder we as Adventists take part of our calling from this verse: \ldblquote Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth-to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people\rdblquote\i (\cf1\ul Rev_14:6\cf0\ulnone , NKJV). \i0 Today, as in Paul\rquote s day, and as in the days of ancient Israel, the good news of salvation is to be spread to all the world. \i\par \tab\b\i0 Read \cf1\ul Rom_9:25-29\cf0\ulnone . (Notice how much Paul quotes the Old Testament to make his point about the things that were happening in his day.) What is the basic message found in all these verses? What hope is being offered there to his readers?\b0 \i\par \tab\i0 The fact that some of Paul\rquote s kinsmen rejected the appeal of the gospel gave him \ldblquote great heaviness and continual sorrow\rdblquote  in his heart \i (\cf1\ul Rom_9:2\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 But at least there was a remnant. God\rquote s promises do not fail, even when humans do. The hope we can have is that, in the end, God\rquote s promises will be fulfilled, and if we claim those promises for ourselves, they will be fulfilled in us, as well. \par \tab\b How often have people failed you? How often have you failed yourself and failed others? Probably more times than you can count, right? What lessons can you learn from these failures about where your ultimate trust must lie?\cf3\b0\f1\fs24\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Thursday\b0\i\scaps0 \fs28 September 2\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Stumbling \fs24\par \tab\fs22\ldblquote What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which\b0\i \b\i0 is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_9:30-32\cf0\ulnone ). \b\i0 What\rquote s the message here, and, more important, how can we take this message, written in a certain time and place, and apply the principles to ourselves today? How can we avoid making the same mistakes in our context that some Israelites did in theirs?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 In words that cannot be misunderstood, Paul explains to his kinsmen why they are missing out on something God wishes them to have, and more than that, on something they were actually pursuing but not achieving.\par \tab Interestingly, the Gentiles whom God had accepted had not even been striving for such acceptance. They had been pursuing their own interests and goals when the gospel message came to them. Grasping its value, they accepted it. God declared them righteous because they accepted Jesus Christ as their substitute. It was a transaction of faith.\par \tab The problem with the Israelites was that they stumbled at the stumbling stone \i (see \cf1\ul Rom_9:33\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Some, not all\i (see \cf1\ul Act_2:41\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 refused to accept Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah whom God had sent. He did not meet their expectations of the Messiah; hence, when He came, they turned their backs on Him. \par \tab Before this chapter ends, Paul quotes another Old Testament text: \ldblquote As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_9:33\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 In this passage Paul shows, again, just how crucial true faith is in the plan of salvation \i (see also \cf1\ul 1Pe_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 A rock of offense? And yet, whoever believes in Him shall not be ashamed? Yes, for many, Jesus is a stumbling block, but for those who know Him, and love Him, He is another kind of rock, \ldblquote the rock of my salvation\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Psa_89:26\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \tab\b Have you ever found Jesus to be a \ldblquote stumbling block\rdblquote or a \ldblquote rock of offense\rdblquote ? If so, how so? That is, what were you doing that brought you into that situation? How did you get out, and what did you learn so that, one hopes, you never find yourself in that type of contrary relationship with Jesus again?\b0 \cf2\f2\fs23\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Friday\b0\scaps0 \i\fs28 September 3\b\i0\fs24\par \fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0\fs22 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Later English Reformers,\rdblquote pp. 261, 262, in \i The Great Controversy\i0 ;\b \b0\ldblquote Faith and Works,\rdblquote\i \i0 pp. 530, 531, in\i The SDA Encyclopedia; \i0 Ellen G. White Comments, pp. 1099, 1100, in \i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 1.\i\par \i0\tab\ldblquote There is an election of individuals and a people, the only election found in the word of God, where man is elected to be saved. Many have looked at the end, thinking they were surely elected to have heavenly bliss; but this is not the election the Bible reveals. Man is elected to work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. He is elected to put on the armor, to fight the good fight of faith. He is elected to use the means God has placed within his reach to war against every unholy lust, while Satan is playing the game of life for his b 2. \ldblquote Filled with all knowledge.\rdblquote The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of enlightenment, information, and knowledge. Christians are urged to study the Bible and to become well-informed as to its teachings. \ldblquote The words, \lquote A new heart also will I give you,\rquote mean, \lquote A new mind will I give you.\rquote A change of heart is always attended by a clear conviction of Christian duty, an understanding of truth.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i My Life Today, \ind hurt than it does now to those who are victims of it? How does your answer help you understand why God\rquote s law is still in effect? What has been your own experience with the consequences of violating God\rquote s law?\b0\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Friday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 July 30\b\i0\fs24\par \fs28 Further Study:\b0 \fs22 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Christ the Center of the Message,\rdblquote p. 388, in \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1; \ldblquote The Call of Abraham,\rdblquote pp. 125-127; \ldblquote The Law and the Covenants,\rdblquote pp. 363, 364, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 ; \ldblquote The Sermon on the Mount,\rdblquote pp. 307, 308; \ldblquote Controversy,\rdblquote p. 608; \ldblquote\lquote It Is Finished,\rquote\rdblquote pp. 762, 763, in \i The Desire of Ages\i0 .\i\par \par \i0\tab\ldblquote In that age of caste, when the rights of men were often unrecognized, Paul\b \b0 set forth the great truth of human brotherhood, declaring that God \lquote hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.\rquote In the sight of God all are on an equality.\rdblquote\i -\i0 Ellen G. White,\i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 238. \par \ldblquote In order for man to be saved, and for the honor of the law to be maintained, it was necessary for the Son of God to offer Himself as a sacrifice for sin. He who knew no sin became sin for us. He died for us on Calvary. His death shows the wonderful love of God for man, and the immutability of His law.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, p. 240.\par \tab\ldblquote Righteousness is obedience to the law. The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinner\rquote s account.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, p. 367.\par \tab\ldblquote If Satan can succeed in leading man to place value upon his own works as works of merit and righteousness, he knows\b \b0 that he can overcome him by his temptations, and make him his victim and prey. . . . Strike the door-posts with the blood of Calvary\rquote s Lamb, and you are safe.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Review and Herald, \i0 Sept. 3, 1889.\par \par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs24 \b0\par \b\f2\fs22\'d8\f0 Why is it so important to understand salvation by faith alone without the deeds of law? What kind of errors can that knowledge protect us from? What dangers await those who lose sight of this crucial biblical teaching?\par \par \f2\'d9\f0 What other reasons can you give for the continued validity of God\rquote s law, even when we understand that the law and obedience to it are not what saves us?\par \par \f2\'da\f0 Dwell more on this idea that because of the Cross all human beings are equal. Why is it that so often Christians\b0 ,\b who have the Cross before them, seem to forget this important truth and can be guilty of racial or ethnic or even national prejudice? \par \par \f2\'db\f0 As justified sinners, we have been made the recipients of grace and undeserved favor from God, whom we have sinned against. How should this fact impact how we deal with others? How full of grace and favor are we toward those who have wronged us, who don\rquote t really deserve our grace and favor? \cf3\f1\fs24\par \pard\cf2\b0\f3\fs23\par } e serves the \ldblquote law of sin\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:23\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_8:25\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 This person is in a terrible state of wretchedness \i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:24\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 But then the person surrenders to Jesus, an immediate change is wrought in his or her standing with God. Formerly condemned as a lawbreaker, that person now stands perfect in the sight of God, stands as if he or she had never sinned, because the righteousness of Jesus Christ completely covers that person. There is no more condemnation, not because the person is faultless, sinless, or worthy of eternal life (he or she is not!), but because Jesus\rquote perfect life record stands in the person\rquote s stead; thus, there is no condemnation. \par \tab But the good news doesn\rquote t end there.\par \b\tab What frees a person from slavery to sin? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_8:2\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0\ldblquote The law of the Spirit of life\rdblquote here means Christ\rquote s plan for saving humanity, in contrast with \ldblquote the law of sin and death,\rdblquote which was described in chapter 7 as the law by which sin ruled, the end of which was death. Christ\rquote s law instead brings life and freedom.\par \tab\b\ldblquote Every soul that refuses to give himself to God is under the control of another power. He is not his own. He may talk of freedom, but he is in the most abject slavery. . . . While he flatters himself that he is following the dictates of his own judgment, he obeys the will of the prince of darkness. Christ came to break the shackles of sin-slavery from the soul.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Desire of Ages, \i0 p. 466. Are you a slave, or are you free in Christ? How can you know for sure?\b0\par \par \b\scaps\fs32 Monday\b0\scaps0 \i\fs28 August 23\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 What the Law Could Not Do\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\b0\fs22 However good, the \ldblquote law\rdblquote (the ceremonial law, the moral law, or even both) cannot do for us what we need the most, and that is to provide the means of salvation, a means of saving us from the condemnation and death that sin brings. For that, we need Jesus.\b\par \tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_8:3-4\cf0\ulnone . What did Christ do that the law, by its very nature, cannot do?\b0 \i\par \tab\i0 God provided a remedy by \ldblquote sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh,\rdblquote and He \ldblquote condemned sin in the flesh.\rdblquote The incarnation of Christ was an important step in the plan of salvation. It is proper to exalt the Cross, but in the outworking of the plan of salvation, Christ\rquote s life \ldblquote in the likeness of sinful flesh\rdblquote was extremely important, too.\par \tab As a result of what God has done in sending Christ, it is now possible for us to meet the righteous requirement of the law; that is, to do the right things that the law requires. \ldblquote Under the law\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_6:14\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 this was impossible; \ldblquote in Christ\rdblquot0 p. 24.\par \tab 3. \ldblquote Able . . . to admonish one another.\rdblquote No one can thrive spiritually if isolated from fellow believers. We need to be able to encourage others and, at the same time, be encouraged by others. \par \b\tab What about your local church? What kind of reputation does it have? Or, even more important, does it even have one at all? What does your answer tell you about your local church? More important, if need be, how can you help improve the situation?\cf2\b0\f2\par \pard\li720\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\scaps0\fs36\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \b0\i\fs28 July 2\b\i0\fs24\par \fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0\fs22 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Mysteries of the Bible,\rdblquote p. 706, in \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 5; \ldblquote Salvation to the Jews,\rdblquote pp. 3 72-374, in \i The Acts of the Apostles. Read also The SDA Bible Dictionary, \i0 p. 922; and \i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6, pp. 467, 468.\tab\par \par \tab\ldblquote While apparently cut off from active labor, Paul exerted a wider and more lasting influence than if he had been free to travel among the churches as in former years. As a prisoner of the Lord, he had a firmer hold upon the affections of his brethren; and his words, written by one under bonds for the sake of Christ, commanded greatee it is now possible.\par \tab Yet, we must remember that doing what the law requires doesn\rquote t mean keeping the law well enough to earn salvation. That\rquote s not an option-never was. It means simply living the life that God enables us to live; it means a life of obedience, one in which we have \ldblquote crucified the flesh with its passions and desires\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Gal_5:24\cf0\ulnone , NKJV), \i0 a life in which we reflect the character of Christ.\par \tab\ldblquote Walk\rdblquote  in verse 4 is an idiomatic expression signifying \ldblquote to conduct oneself.\rdblquote The word \i flesh\i0 here denotes the unregenerate person, whether before or after conviction. To walk after the flesh is to be controlled by selfish desires.\par In contrast, to walk after the Spirit is to fulfill the righteous requirement of the law. Only through the help of the Holy Spirit can we meet this requirement. Only in Christ Jesus is there freedom to do what the law requires. Apart from Christ, there is no such freedom. The one who is enslaved to sin finds it impossible to do the good he or she chooses to do \i (see \cf1\ul Rom_7:15\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_7:18\cf0\ulnone ).\b\par \i0\tab How well are you keeping the law? Putting aside any notions of earning salvation by the law, is your life one in which the \ldblquote righteousness of the law\rdblquote is fulfilled? If not, why not? What kind of lame excuses are you using to rationalize your behavior?\b0\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 August 24\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Flesh Versus Spirit\fs24\par \tab\fs22\ldblquote They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:5-6\cf0\ulnone ). \b\i0 Dwell on these texts. What basic message comes through from them? What do they say to you about how you are living your life?\i\tab\b0\par \tab\i0\ldblquote After,\rdblquote here, is used in the sense of \ldblquote according to\rdblquote (Greek \i kata\i0 ). \ldblquote Mind\rdblquote here means to set the mind on. One group of people sets its mind on fulfilling natural desires; the other sets its mind on the things of the Spirit, to follow His dictates. Because the mind determines actions, the two groups live and act differently.\par \b\tab What is the carnal mind unable to do? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_8:7-8\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 To have one\rquote s mind set on fulfilling the desires of the flesh is, in reality, to be in a state of enmity against God. One whose mind is thus set is unconcerned about doing the will of God. He or she even may be in rebellion against Him, openly flouting His law.\par \tab Paul wishes especially to emphasize that, apart from Christ, it is impossible to keep the law of God. Again and again Paul returns to this theme: no matter how hard one tries, apart from Christ one cannot obey the law\i .\par \tab\i0 Paul\rquote s special purpose was to persuade the Jews that they needed more than their \ldblquote Torah\rdblquote (law). By their conduct they had shown that, in spite of having the divine revelation, they were guilty of the same sins of which the Gentiles were guilty \i (\cf1\ul\i0 Rom_2:1\ulnone\i - \cf2 entire chapter\cf0 ). \i0 The lesson of all this was that they needed the Messiah. Without Him they would be slaves of sin, unable to escape its dominion.\par \tab This was Paul\rquote s answer to those Jews who couldn\rquote t understand why what God had given them in the Old Testament was no longer enough for salvation. Paul admitted that what they had been doing was all good, but they also needed to accept the Messiah who had now come.\par \tab\b Look at your past 24 hours. Were your deeds of the Spirit or of the flesh? What does your answer tell you about yourself? If of the flesh, what changes must you make, and how can you make them? \par \par \scaps\fs32 Wednesday\b0\scaps0 \i\fs28 August 25\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Spirit in Us\b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab\b0 Paul continues his theme, contrasting the two possibilities that people face in how they live: either according to the Spirit; that is, the Holy Spirit of God, which is promised to us, or according to their sinful and carnal nature. One leads to eternal life, the other to eternal death. There is no middle ground. Or, as Jesus Himself said: "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Mat_12:30\cf0\ulnone , NKJV). \i0 It\rquote s hard to get plainer, or more black and white, than that\par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rom_8:9-14\cf0\ulnone . What is promised to those who surrender themselves fully to Christ?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 The life \ldblquote in the flesh\rdblquote is contrasted with life \ldblquote in the Spirit.\rdblquote The life \ldblquote in the Spirit\rdblquote is controlled by the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. He is in this chapter called the Spirit of Christ, perhaps in the sense that He is a representative of Christ, and through Him Christ dwells in the believer\i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:9-10\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 In these verses, Paul returns to a figure he used in \cf1\ul Rom_6:1-11\cf0\ulnone . Figuratively, in baptism \ldblquote the body of sin\rdblquote ; that is, the body that served sin, is destroyed. The \ldblquote old man is crucified with him\rdblquote \i (vs. 6). \i0 But, as in baptism, there is not only a burial but also a resurrection, so the person baptized rises to walk in the newness of life. This means to put to death the old self, a choice that we have to, of ourselves, make day by day, moment by moment. God does not destroy human freedom. Even after the old man of sin is destroyed, it still is possible to sin. To the Colossians Paul wrote, \ldblquote Mortify [put to death] therefore your members which are upon the earth\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Col_3:5\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 Thus, after conversion th@ere still will be a struggle against sin. The difference is that the person whom the Spirit indwells now has divine power for victory. Furthermore, because the person has been so miraculously freed from the slave master of sin, he or she is obligated never to serve sin again.\par \b\tab Dwell on this idea that the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from death, is the same one dwelling in us, if we allow Him to. Think about the power that is there for us! What keeps us from availing ourselves of it as we shoonly answer to that meaninglessness? \par \par \f2\'da\f0 Just as Adam\rquote s fall imposed a fallen nature on all of us, Jesus\rquote s victory offers the promise of eternal life to all of us who accept it by faith, no exceptions. With such a wonderful provision right there for us, what holds people back from reaching out and eagerly claiming it for themselves? How can each of us help those who are seeking to better understand what Christ offers and what He has done for them? \cf3\b0\f3\fs23\par } ngs did you learn from these trials about yourself and about God? Also, what have you learned that might be of assistance to others who might be going through some hard times themselves?\b0\par \par \b\f2\'d9\f0 Think about the reality of death, of what it does not only to life but to the \i meaning\i0 of life. Many writers and philosophers have lamented the ultimate meaninglessness of life because it ends in eternal death. How do we as Christians respond to them? Why is the hope we have in Jesus the acles are His chosen methods of discipline, and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their weaknesses better than they themselves can know them. He sees that some have qualifications which, if rightly directed, could be used in the advancement of His work.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i The Acts of the Apostles, \i0 p. 524.\par \b\tab\par \fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\fs24\par \b\f2\fs22\'d8\f0 How has your faith sustained you through some terrible trials? What thiany as water comes to the thirsty traveler. The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, seemed a precious thought.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, p. 360.\par \tab\ldblquote Trial is part of the education given in the school of Christ, to purify God\rquote s children from the dross of earthliness. It is because God is leading His children that trying experiences come to them. Trials and obstrning the condition of their hearts. They do not realize that the natural heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. They wrap themselves about with their own righteousness, and are satisfied in reaching their own human standard of character.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, p. 320.\par \tab\ldblquote There is great need that Christ should be preached as the only hope and salvation. When the doctrine of justification by faith was presented . . ., it came to m August 6\b\i0\fs24\par \fs28 Further Study:\fs22 \b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Help in Daily Living,\rdblquote pp. 470-472, in \i The Ministry of Healing\i0 ; \ldblquote Christ the Center of the Message,\rdblquote pp. 383, 384, in \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1; \ldblquote The Temptation and Fall,\rdblquote pp. 60-62, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 ; \ldblquote Justification,\rdblquote pp. 712-714, in \i The SDA Encyclopedia\i0 .\b\par \par \b0\tab\ldblquote Many are deceived concet, that we don\rquote t deserve. Like all gifts, we have to reach out and accept them, and in this case, with this gift, we claim it by faith.\par \tab\b What was the best gift you ever were given? What made it so good, so special? How did the fact that it was a gift, as opposed to something you earned, make you that much more appreciative of it? Yet, how could that gift even begin to compare with what we have in Jesus? \b0\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Friday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 s and Christ\rquote s acts contrasted in \cf1\ul Rom_5:15-19\cf0\ulnone ?\b0\par \tab Look at the opposing ideas here: death, life; disobedience, obedience; condemnation, justification; sin, righteousness. Jesus came and undid all that Adam had done!\par \tab It is fascinating, too, that the word \i gift \i0 occurs five times in verses 15 through 17. Five times! The point is simple: Paul is emphasizing that justification is not earned; it comes as a gift\i .\i0 It is something that we don\rquote t meris the \ldblquote Second Adam.\rdblquote\par \tab\ldblquote The second Adam was a free moral agent, held responsible for his conduct. Surrounded by intensely subtle and misleading influences, He was much less favorably situated than was the first Adam to lead a sinless life. Yet in the midst of sinners He resisted every temptation to sin, and maintained His innocency. He was ever sinless.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6, p. 1074.\par \b\tab How are Adam\rquote li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf2\b0\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1154\tx1154\tx1439\tx2159\tx2879\tx3599\tx4319\tx5039\tx5759\tx6479\tx7199\tx7919\tx8639\tx9359\b0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\cf3\f3\fs22\par \fs23\par } is? After all, if we stopped sinning and never did it again, why would that still not be enough to make us righteous before God? How can these facts help motivate us to resist the temptation to sin? \par \par \pard\f2\'da\f0 What are ways one could be tempted to abuse this wonderful news about salvation by faith alone? What trap is someone falling into who gets caught up in that kind of thinking? \b0\i (See \cf1\ul 2Pe_3:16\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:7\cf0\ulnone .)\b\i0 \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\nce of one shall many be made righteous\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_5:18-19\cf0\ulnone ). \b\i0 What contrast is presented here to us? What hope is offered us in Christ?\b0\par \tab As humans, we received nothing from Adam but the sentence of death. Christ, however, stepped in and passed over the ground where Adam fell, enduring every test in man\rquote s behalf. He redeemed Adam\rquote s disgraceful failure and fall, and, thus, as our substitute, He placed us on vantage ground with God. Hence, Jesus iby God. As stressed before, the true version of the Old Testament faith was not legalistic. \b\scaps\par \fs32\par Thursday\fs36 \b0\i\scaps0\fs28 August 5\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Second Adam\b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab\ldblquote Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man\rquote s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obediested before then. This was the first time, however, according to the Bible, that this law was written and widely proclaimed.\par \tab When the Israelites began to compare themselves with the divine requirements, they discovered that they fell far short. In other words, \ldblquote the offense\rdblquote abounded. They suddenly realized the extent of their transgressions. The purpose of such a revelation was to help them to see their need of a Savior and to drive them to accept the grace so freely offered nevertheless. They had the revelations of God in nature, to which they had not responded and thus were held guilty. \ldblquote The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen. . .; so that they are without excuse\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_1:20\cf0\ulnone ).\par \b\i0\tab For what purpose did God reveal Himself more fully in the \ldblquote law\rdblquote ? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_5:20-21\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 The instruction given at Sinai included the moral law, though it had exiul until then? Of course they were\par \tab\b What are some texts that reveal the reality of sin before Sinai? \b0\par \tab It is true that prior to Sinai the human race generally had only a limited revelation of God, but they obviously knew enough to be held accountable. God is just and isn\rquote t going to punish anyone unfairly. People in the pre-Sinai world died, as Paul here points out. Death passed upon \i all\i0 . Though they had not sinned against an expressly revealed command, they had sinned leled with the statement \ldblquote from Adam to Moses.\rdblquote He is talking about the time in the world from creation to Sinai, before the \i formal\i0 introduction of the rules and laws of the Israelite system, which included, of course, the Ten Commandments. \par \tab\ldblquote Until the law\rdblquote means until the detailing of God\rquote s requirements in the various laws given to Israel at Sinai. Sin existed before Sinai. How could it not? Were lying, killing, adultery, and idolatry not sinf \i\fs28 August 4\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Law Awakens Need\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22\ldblquote Until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam\rquote s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_5:13-14\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0 What is Paul talking about here? The phrase \ldblquote until the law\rdblquote is paraland intercession for lost man-magnifies the law, and makes it honorable.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White\i , Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, p. 371.\par \b\par \fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs24\par \f2\fs22\'d8\f0 Read over the texts for this week and then, in your own words, write a paragraph summarizing what they are saying. Share your paragraphs with each other in class.\par \par \f2\'d9\f0 Think about what it cost to save us: the death of the Son of God. What should that tell us about just how bad sin soul. He is elected to watch unto prayer, to search the Scriptures, and to avoid entering into temptation. He is elected to have faith continually. He is elected to be obedient to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, that he may be, not a hearer only, but a doer of the word. This is Bible election.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, \i0 pp. 453, 454.\par \tab\ldblquote No finite mind can fully comprehend the character or the works of the Infinite One. We cannot by searching find out God. To minds the strongest and most highly cultured, as well as to the weakest and most ignorant, that holy Being must remain clothed in mystery. But though \lquote clouds and darkness are round about Him: righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne.\rquote \cf1\ul Psa_97:2\cf0\ulnone , R.V. We can so far comprehend His dealing with us as to discern boundless mercy united to infinite power. We can understand as much of His purposes as we are capable of c  in dealing witu11-Sep 4-10 - The Electi11-Sep 4-10 - The Election of Grace{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswi11-Sep 4-10 - The Election of Grace{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\co )11-Sep 4-10 - The Election of Grace{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rev_1:18\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Because Jesus has the keys, the enemy can no longer hold his victims in the grave.\par \b\tab What has been your own experience with the reality and the tragedy of death? Why, in the face of such a relentless enemy, must we have a hope in something greater than ourselves or greater than anything this world offers?\b0\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Wednesday\b0\scaps0\fs24  White,\i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, pp. 366, 367.\par \tab\ldblquote Though the law cannot remit the penalty for sin, but charges the sinner with all his debt, Christ has promised abundant pardon to all who repent, and believe in His mercy. The love of God is extended in abundance to the repenting, believing soul. The brand of sin upon the soul can be effaced only through the blood of the atoning Sacrifice . . . of Him who was equal with the Father. The work of Christ-His life, humiliation, death, ith can lay hold of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin. Faith can present Christ\rquote s perfect obedience instead of the sinner\rquote s transgression and defection. When the sinner believes that Christ is his personal Savior, then, according to His unfailing promises, God pardons his sin, and justifies him freely. The repentant soul realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his substitute and surety, has died for him, is his atonement and righteousness.\rdblquote -Ellen G.\i Steps to Christ, \i0 p. 62.\par \tab\ldblquote Grace is unmerited favor. The angels, who know nothing of sin, do not understand what it is to have grace exercised toward them; but our sinfulness calls for the exercise of grace from a merciful God.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, pp. 331, 332.\par \tab\ldblquote Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith whereby salvation is merited, but because fahe Righteousness of Christ in the Law,\rdblquote pp. 236-239; \ldblquote Come and Seek and Find,\rdblquote pp. 331-335; \ldblquote Perfect Obedience Through Christ,\rdblquote pp. 373, 374, in \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1; \ldblquote Things New and Old,\rdblquote pp. 128, 129, in \i Christ\rquote s Object Lessons\i0 .\par \par \tab\ldblquote Christ\rquote s character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.\rdblquote\i -\i0 Ellen G. White,  get caught up in the trap of thinking that because the law doesn\rquote t save us, we need not worry about keeping it? Have you ever rationalized away sin by claiming justification by faith? Why is that a very dangerous position? At the same time, where would we be without the promise of salvation, even when tempted to abuse it? \b0\par \par \b\scaps\fs36 Friday\b0\i\scaps0\fs28 July 23\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0\fs22 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Tlnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_14:12\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . Paul\rquote s point is that, although obedience to the law is not the \i means\i0 of justification, the person who is justified by faith still keeps the law of God\i \i0 and, in fact, is the only one who \i can\i0 keep the law. An unregenerate person who has not been justified can never fulfill the requirements of the law.\i\tab\i0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab\b Why is it so easy topard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tqc\tx4320 But many Christians have misunderstood and misapplied this text. They say that all one has to do is to believe, while downplaying works or obedience, even obedience to the moral law. In so doing, they completely misread Paul. In the book of Romans, and elsewhere, Paul attaches great importance to the keeping of the moral law. Jesus certainly did, as well, as did James and John \i (\cf1\ul Mat_19:17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_2:13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jam_2:10-11\cf0\ud doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, \i0 p. 456.\par \tab Works of law cannot atone for past sins. Justification cannot be earned. It can be received only by faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Therefore, in this sense, works of law have nothing to do with justification. To be justified without works means to be justified without there being anything in ourselves to merit justification.\par \ab This verse is Paul\rquote s conclusion from his claim that the law of faith excludes boasting. If a man were justified by his own actions, he could boast about it. But when he is justified because Jesus is the object of his faith, then the credit clearly belongs to God, who justified the sinner. \par \tab Ellen G. White gives an interesting answer to the question \ldblquote What is justification by faith?\rdblquote She wrote: \ldblquote It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, an without the deeds of the law\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_3:28\cf0\ulnone ).\b \i0 Does this mean that we are not required to obey the law, even if it doesn\rquote t save us? Explain your answer.\b0\i\par \tab\i0 In the historical context, Paul was speaking in \cf1\ul Rom_3:28\cf0\ulnone of law in its broad sense of the system of Judaism. No matter how conscientiously a Jew tried to live under this system, if he or she failed to accept Jesus as the Messiah, that person could not be justified.\par \te world after it sinned; instead, He sent Jesus to save it. What does that tell us about the character of God? How should our knowledge of His character impact how we live? What will you do differently in the next 24 hours directly as a result of knowing what God is like?\b0\tab\par \par \b\scaps\fs32 Thursday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 July 22\i0\fs24 \par \b\fs28 Faith and Works\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22\ldblquote Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faithlquote\i \i0 and that it comes to us, not by works, not by our merit, but by faith in Jesus and what He has done for us.\par \tab Because of the cross of Calvary, God can declare sinners righteous and still be considered just and fair in the eyes of the universe. Satan can point no accusing finger at God, for Heaven has made the supreme sacrifice. Satan had accused God of asking of the human race more than He was willing to give. The Cross refutes this claim.\par \b\tab Satan expected God to destroy th by His death, Christ has paid the penalty for all men\rquote s sins. Anyone, therefore, who has \ldblquote faith in His blood\rdblquote can have his or her sins remitted, for Christ has already died for them \i (\cf1\ul 1Co_15:3\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \b\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_3:26-27\cf0\ulnone . What point is Paul making here?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 The good news that Paul was eager to share with all who would listen was that there was available to man \ldblquote his [that is, God\rquote s] righteousness,\rdb.\rdblquote It is our sins that make us unacceptable to God. We can do nothing of ourselves to cancel our sins. But in the plan of redemption, God has provided a way for these sins to be remitted through faith in Christ\rquote s blood.\par \tab The word for \i remission \i0 is the Greek \i paresis, \i0 literally \ldblquote passing over\rdblquote or \ldblquote passing by.\rdblquote The \ldblquote passing over\rdblquote is in no sense an ignoring of sins. God can pass over the sins of the past because,:25\cf0\ulnone , describing the offer of justification and redemption through Christ, propitiation seems to represent the fulfillment of all that was typified by the\i \i0 mercy-seat in the Old Testament sanctuary. What this means, then, is that by His sacrificial death, Jesus has been set forth as the means of salvation and is represented as the One providing the propitiation. In short, it means that God did what was needed to save us.\par \tab The text also talks about the \ldblquote remission of sins\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Wednesday\b0\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i\fs28 July 21\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28\ldblquote His Righteousness\rdblquote\b0\fs24\par \i\tab\i0\fs22 In \cf1\ul Rom_3:25\cf0\ulnone , Paul expounds further on the great news of salvation. He uses a fancy word, \i propitiation. \i0 The Greek word for it, \i hilasterion, \i0 occurs in the New Testament only here and in \cf1\ul Heb_9:5\cf0\ulnone , where it is translated \i mercy-seat\i0 . As used in \cf1\ul Rom_3for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_5:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter..\b\i0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Memory Text:\b0 \b\ldblquote Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_5:1-2\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\tnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 6\b0\fs24 *\i\fs28 July 31-August 6\i0\fs24\par \par \b\fs40 Expounding \i the\i0 Faith\b0\par \par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs24\par \par \b\fs22 Read y and then return to Christ, justification would occur again. Also, if reconversion is considered a daily experience, there is a sense in which justification might be considered a repeating experience. \par \tab\b With the good news of salvation being so good, what holds people back from accepting it? In your own life, what kinds of things cause you to hold back from all that the Lord promises and offers you?\b0 \cf2\f1\fs24\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880e. One moment the sinner is outside, unrighteous, and unaccepted; the next moment, following justification, the person is inside, accepted, and righteous.\par \tab The person who is in Christ looks upon justification as a past act, one that took place when he or she surrendered himself or herself fully to Christ. \ldblquote Being justified\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_5:1\cf0\ulnone ) \i0 is, literally, \ldblquote having been justified.\rdblquote\par \tab Of course, if the justified sinner should fall awaact of grace to consider or declare that person to be righteous. It is unmerited favor, and the believer is justified without any merit of his or her own, without any claim to present to God in his or her own behalf except his or her utter helplessness. The person is justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, the redemption that Jesus offers as the sinner\rquote s substitute and surety.\par \tab Justification is presented in Romans as a punctiliar act; that is, it happens at a point in timd \ldblquote righteousness,\rdblquote a connection that doesn\rquote t always come through in various translations. We are justified when we are \ldblquote declared righteous\rdblquote by God.\par \tab Before this justification, a person is unrighteous, and thus unacceptable to God; after justification, he or she is regarded as righteous, and thus acceptable to Him. \par \tab And this happens only through God\rquote s grace. \i Grace\i0 means favor. When a sinner turns to God for salvation, it is an s this idea of \ldblquote justifying,\rdblquote as found in the text? The Greek word \i dikaioo, \i0 translated \i justify\i0 , may mean \ldblquote make righteous,\rdblquote \ldblquote declare righteous\rdblquote or \ldblquote consider righteous.\rdblquote The word is built on the same root as \i dikaiosune, \i0\ldblquote righteousness,\rdblquote and the word \i dikaioma, \i0\ldblquote righteous requirement.\rdblquote Hence, there is a close connection between \ldblquote justification\rdblquote anng His way of life. It is trusting Him and seeking by faith to live according to His commandments.\cf2\f1\fs24\par \b\par \cf0\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\b0\scaps0 \i \fs28 July 20\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Grace and Justification\b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab Keeping in mind what we have studied so far about the law and what the law cannot do, read \cf1\ul Rom_3:24\cf0\ulnone\b0\i . \b\i0 What is Paul saying here? What does it mean that redemption is in Jesus?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 What iages, \i0 book 1, p. 367. How can you learn to accept this wonderful truth for yourself? \b0\i (See also \cf1\ul Rom_3:22\cf0\ulnone .)\i0\par \tab The faith of Jesus Christ is here doubtless faith \i in\i0 Jesus Christ. As it operates in the Christian life, faith is much more than intellectual assent; it is more than just an acknowledgment of certain facts about Christ\rquote s life and His death. Instead, true faith in Jesus Christ is accepting Him as Savior, Substitute, Surety, and Lord. It is choosio the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinner\rquote s account. Christ\rquote s righteousness is accepted in place of man\rquote s failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves him as He loves His Son.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messerdana;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 4\b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \i *July 17-23\i0\fs24\par \par \b\fs40 Justified \i by \i0 Faith\par \par \scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\fs24\par \par \scaps0\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_3:19-28\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\scaps\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\scaps0 Memory Text: \ldblquote Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_3:28\cf0\ulnone ).\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\i0\dn10\fs108 I\up0\fs22 n this lesson we come to the basic theme of Romans: justification by faith. The phrase is a figure based on law. The transgressor of the law comes before a judge and is condemned to death for his transgressions. But a substitute appears and takes the transgressor\rquote s crimes upon himself, thus clearing the criminal, who-by accepting the substitute-stands before the judge, not only cleared of his guilt but regarded as never having committed the crimes for which he was first brought into court. And that\rquote s because the substitute-who has a perfect record-offers the pardoned criminal his own perfect law-keeping. Thus, the guilty one stands before the judge as having never transgressed.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab No one is saying that the person was innocent. On the contrary, his guilt is presumed. The good news is that, despite the guilt, he is pardoned.\par \tab In the plan of salvation, each of us is the criminal. The substitute, Jesus, has a perfect record, and He stands in the court in our stead, His righteousness accepted in place of our unrighteousness. Hence, we are justified before God, not because of our works but because of Jesus, whose righteousness becomes ours when we accept it \ldblquote by faith.\rdblquote Hence the term \ldblquote justification by faith.\rdblquote No matter our past, when we accept Jesus, we stand before God in His righteousness, the only righteousness that can save us.\par \tab Talk about good news! In fact, the news can\rquote t get any better than that.\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 24.\par \i0\fs24\page\b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\i\scaps0\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \fs28 July 18\fs24\par \b\i0\fs28 The Deeds of the Law\fs24\par \tab\fs22 Read \cf1\ul Rom_3:19-20\cf0\ulnone . What is Paul saying here about the law, about what it does and what it does not or cannot do? Why is this point so important for all Christians to understand?\b0 \i\par \tab\i0 Paul is using the term \i x0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\dn10\fs108 P\up0\fs22 aul has established the point that justification, or acceptance with God, comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, for His righteousness alone is enough to give us the right standing with our Lord. Building on that great truth, Paul now expounds more on this theme. Showing that salvation has to be by faith and not by works, not even for someone as \ldblquote righteous\rdblquote as Abraham, Paul in a sense steps back, looks at the big picture-at what caused sin and suffering and death and how the solution is found in Christ and what He\rquote s done for the human race. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tab Through the fall of one man, Adam, all humanity faced condemnation, alienation, and death; through the victory of one man, Jesus, all the world was placed on a new footing before God, one in which, by faith in Jesus, the record of their sins, and the punishment due those sins could be remitted, could be forgiven and forever pardoned. \par \tab Paul contrasts Adam and Jesus, showing how Christ came to undo what Adam did and that by faith the victims of Adam\rquote s sin could be rescued by Jesus, the Savior. The foundation of it all is the cross of Christ and His substitutionary death there-which opens the way for every human being, Jew or Gentile, to be saved by Jesus, who with His blood brought justification to all who accept Him. \law\i0 in its broad sense as the Jew in his day understood it. By the term \i Torah\i0 (the Hebrew word for \ldblquote law\rdblquote ), a Jew even today thinks particularly of God\rquote s instruction in the first five books of Moses but also more generally in the entire Old Testament. The moral law, plus the amplification of this in the statutes and judgments, as well as the ceremonial precepts, was a part of this instruction. Because of this, we may think of the law here as the system of Judaism.\par par \tab Surely this is a theme worth expounding upon, for it\rquote s the foundation of all our hope.\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 7.\par \i0\page\b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\i\scaps0 \fs28 August 1\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Therefore, Being Justified\b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_5:1-5\cf0\ulnone . On the lines below summarize Paul\rquote s message. What can you take from that for yourself now?\tab\tab\tab\b0  \tab To be under the law means to be under its jurisdiction. The law, however, reveals a person\rquote s shortcomings and guilt before God. The law cannot remove that guilt; what it can do is lead the sinner to seek a remedy for it. \par \tab As we apply the book of Romans in our day, when Jewish law is no longer a factor, we think of law particularly in terms of the moral law. This law can\rquote t save us any more than the system of Judaism could save the Jews. To save a sinner is not the moral law\rquote s function. Its function is to reveal God\rquote s character and to show people wherein they fall short of reflecting that character.\par \i\tab\i0 Whatever law it is-moral, ceremonial, civil, or all combined-the keeping of any or all in and of itself will not make a man just in God\rquote s sight. In fact, the law never was intended to do that. On the contrary, the law was to point out our shortcomings and lead us to Christ. \par \tab The law can no more save than can the symptoms of a disease cure the disease. The symptoms don\rquote t cure; they point out the need for the cure. That\rquote s how the law functions.\par \tab\b How successful have your efforts in law-keeping been? What should that answer tell you about the futility of trying to be saved by keeping the law?\cf2\b0\f1\fs24\par \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\b0\scaps0 \i\fs28 July 19\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Faith and Righteousness\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22\ldblquote Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_3:21\cf0\ulnone ). \b\i0 How are we to understand what this text means?\b0\i\par \i0\tab This new righteousness is contrasted with the righteousness of the law, which was the righteousness with which the Jew was familiar. The new righteousness is called \ldblquote the righteousness of God\rdblquote ; that is, a righteousness that comes from God, a righteousness that God provides, and the only one that He accepts as true righteousness. \par \tab This is, of course, the righteousness that Jesus wrought out in His life while here in human flesh, a righteousness that He offers to all who will accept it by faith, who will claim it for themselves, not because they deserve it but because they need it.\par \tab\b\ldblquote Righteousness is obedience to the law. The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes tomprehending; beyond this we may still trust the hand that is omnipotent, the heart that is full of love.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Education, \i0 p. 169.\par \fs24\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs24\par \f3\fs22\'d8\f0 Certain Christians teach that, even before we were born, God chose some to be saved and some to be lost. If you happened to have been one of those whom God, in His infinite love and wisdom, preordained to be lost, then no matter the choices you make, you are doomed to perdition, which many people believe means burning in hell for eternity. In other words, through no choice of our own, but only through God\rquote s providence, some are predestined to live without a saving relationship with Jesus here in this life, only to spend the next one burning forever in the fires of hell. What\rquote s wrong with that picture? How does that view contrast with our understanding of these same issues?\par \par \f3\'d9\f0 How do you see the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its calling in thre aware of just how fallen we are, of just how sinful we are, and of just how corrupt our hearts can be. Is there a contradiction here? Explain your answer.\par \par \f2\'d9\f0 In class, give a testimony as to what Christ has done in you, to the changes you have experienced, to the new life you have in Him. \par \par \f2\'da\f0 However important it is that we always remember that our salvation rests only in what Christ has done for us, what dangers arise if we overemphasize that wonderful truth to the exclusion of the other part of the salvation: that of what Jesus does in us, to transform us into His image? Why do we need to understand and emphasize both these aspects of salvation? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\b\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\f0\fs22\par \par \pard\cf2\f3\par \fs23\par } M August 18\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Man of Romans 7\b0\fs24\par \b\tab\fs22\ldblquote If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_7:16-17\cf0\ulnone ). \b\i0 What struggl\i e \i0 is presented in these\i \i0 verses?\b0\i\par \tab\i0 Using the law as a mirror, the Holy Spirit convicts a person that he or she is displeasing God by not fulfilling the requirements This same thought is reemphasized in Romans 7. Living under the \ldblquote law\rdblquote means enslavement to sin, a merciless master.\par \tab\b What has been your own experience with how sin enslaves? Have you ever tried to play with sin, thinking you could control it as you wished, only to find yourself under a vicious and merciless taskmaster? Welcome to reality! Why, then, must you surrender to Jesus, and die to self daily?\b0\fs24\par \b\scaps\fs32\par Wednesday\b0\scaps0 \i\fs28 _8:1\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Only Jesus Christ could free him from slavery to sin. \par \tab Paul describes himself as \ldblquote sold under sin.\rdblquote He is a slave to sin. He has no freedom. He can\rquote t do what he wants to do. He tries to do what the good law tells him to do, but sin won\rquote t let him. \par \tab By this illustration, Paul was trying to show the Jews he need of the Messiah. He already had pointed out that victory is possible only under grace \i (\cf1\ul Rom_6:14\cf0\ulnone ). \i0e sin, not the law, for his terrible sinful condition; that is, his working \ldblquote all manner of concupiscence [lust]\rdblquote \i (vs. 8).\i0 The law is good, for it is God\rquote s standard of conduct, but as a sinner, Paul stood condemned before \tab\par \b\tab Why was sin so successful in showing up Paul as a terrible sinner? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_7:14-15\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab Carnal\i0 means fleshy. Thus, Paul needed Jesus Christ. Only Jesus Christ could take away the condemnation \i (\cf1\ul Rom from sin. For that we need Jesus, because the law-whether the entire Jewish system or the moral law in particular-cannot bring salvation. Only Jesus and His righteousness, which comes to us by faith, can.\par \b\tab Whom does Paul blame for his condition of \ldblquote death,\rdblquote and what does he exonerate? Why is that distinction important? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_7:13\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 In this verse, Paul is presenting the \ldblquote law\rdblquote in the best sense possible. He chooses to blamstand what Jesus has done for you by giving you a new life in Him\par \scaps\fs32\par Tuesday\b0\i\scaps0 \fs28 August 17\b\i0\fs36\par \fs28 The Holy Law\fs24\par \tab\fs22 Read \cf1\ul Rom_7:12\cf0\ulnone . How do we understand this text in the context of what Paul has been discussing?\b0\par \tab Because the Jews revered the law, Paul exalts it in every way possible. The law is good for what it does, but it can\rquote t do what it was never meant to do, to save usI was alive without the law once\rquote -he felt no condemnation; \lquote but when the commandment came,\rquote when the law of God was urged upon his conscience, \lquote sin revived, and I died.\rquote Then he saw himself a sinner, condemned by the divine law. Mark, it was Paul, and not the law, that died.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6, p. 1076.\par \b\tab In what sense have you \ldblquote died\rdblquote before the law? How, in that context, can you underent here and throughout this section, he is trying to build a bridge to lead the Jews-who revere the \ldblquote law\rdblquote -to see Christ as its fulfillment. He is showing that the law was necessary but that its function was limited. The law was meant to show the need of salvation; it never was meant to be the means of obtaining that salva