SQLite format 3@ .V 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   Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\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 hPrayerful study of scriptural principles, under divine guidance, has delivered the church from disintegration throughout Christian history. Should scrupulous believers, however, suffer belittling by fellow Christians for being unable to accept certain things conscientiously? \ldblquote No,\rdblquote says Paul. Neither should the scrupulous (\ldblquote weak\rdblquote ) condemn those who conscientiously view things differently. \par \par Christians are not at liberty to compromise matters clearly define aving 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 justifieishers.\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\f2\fs23\par } eferences other than from the King James Version quoted by permission 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 Publ d 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\fs :~ 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 0z9u0p9a00-Contents{\#900-Contents{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\rc A"  A01-Jun 26-Jul 2 - Paul and Rome{\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 Wingdings;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.116 q01-Jun 26-Jul 2 - Paul and Rome{\rtf1\ansi\ansicp 24\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 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 \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?\par \b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par The Lesson in Brief\i0\f2\fs24\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Key Text:\b0 \cf3\ul\i Rom_3:28\cf2\ulnone\par \i0\par \b The Student Will:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Know:\b0 Contrast the role of the law and the role of faith in justification.\par \par \b Feel:\b0 Acknowledge the depths to which God went in order to take upon Himself the consequences for our sin.\par \par \b Do:\b0 Accept Christ\rquote s death on our behalf, which makes us righteous before God.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \b Learning Outline:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi990\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Law and Love\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx504}0\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. How does the law create for us a picture of God\rquote s perfection? Why is that perfection attainable only through faith in Christ? \par \par B. Explain how Christ\rquote s death is an acknowledgment of the great expectations of the law as something we owe but cannot pay and how God offers to accept Christ\rquote s life and death for that debt.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1620\tx1800\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\ lt Sabbath School Bible Study Guide\i0 is prepared by the Office 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 r }}Y, Rlnone}02-Jul 3-9 - Jew and Gentile{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg125k}902-Jul 3-9 - Jew and Gentile{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252}Y02-Jul 3-9 - Jew and Gentile{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f2\fnil\fcha}I02-Jul 3-9 - Jew and Gentile{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f2\froman\fprq}Y0}E0O}102-Jul 3-9 - Jew and Gentile{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\w , R24 dead 03-Jul 10-16 - All Have Sinned{\rtf1\ansi\ansn 0b 03-Jul 10-16 - All Have Sin 03-Jul 10-16 - All Have Sinned{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator R not specifically addressed in Scripture. These cases are not unimportant, and believers extrapolate principles from Scripture to guide their decision making regarding emerging technologies and freshly encountered cultural differences. \par \par Certainly caution must be exercised to avoid ditches on either side. The first ditch is imagining that Scripture \i directly\i0 addresses every cultural situation. The second is naively believing that Scripture has \i nothing\i0 to say about those situations. 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 July 31-August 6\i0\tab 117\par \fs32\tab\b 7\b0\fs20 \b Victory Over Sinl ;\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\tab \b 1\b0\fs20 \b Paul and Rome-\b0\i June 26-July 2\i0\tab 11\i\par \pard\-\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 September 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 \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. 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 \pard\b\f1 The teachers edition components were written by the following:\par 1. The Lesson in Brief, and Learning Cycle, Lesson 1:\b0 Cheryl Des Jarlais, freelance writer, Ronan, Montana, U.S.A.\par \b 2. Learning Cycle, Lessons 2\endash 5:\b0 Alan Hecht, librarian, Rebok Memorial Library, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.\par \b 3. Learning Cycle, Lessons 6, 7, 9\endash 13:\b0 Dan Solis, associate pastor, Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, College Place, Washington, U.S.A.\par \b 4. Learning Cycle, Lesson 8:\b0 Janelle Margolis, freelance writer, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\f0\par The\i Aduies?\tab\par \par \f4\'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\f1\par } us saying to the Romans that the person living \ldblquote under the law\rdblquote -that is, 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 obviously not what the text means. As we asked before, how could the moral law be done away 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 i! August 10\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Under the Law?\b0\fs24\par \tab\b\fs22 Read \cf1\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"tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\par \b Questions for Discussion: \b0 What does Spurgeon mean by saying that God bears all the burdens and supplies all the need? How does this understanding help us define grace?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 #tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356 Because He has already been our help, we feel confidence in Him for the present and the future. Our prayer is, \lquote Lord be thou my helper\rquote ; our experience is, \lquote The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.\rquote\rdblquote -Charles Spurgeon, \i Faith\rquote s Check Book \i0 (Springdale, Penn.:\i \i0 Whitaker House, 1992), p. 14.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\$x3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\b Opening Activity: \b0 Discuss this Charles Spurgeon excerpt: \ldblquote His [God\rquote s] help is more than help, for he bears all the burden and supplies all the need. \lquote The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man can do unto me.\rquote \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\% is deeper and more pervasive than the politicians understand and the societal engineers are prepared for. Sin reigns. Incompetent human wisdom cannot reverse the drift into chaos and rescue us from the moral abyss. \par \par \tab We need help! Thank God we have it! Jesus defeated sin at the cross, and the Holy Spirit mediates the benefits of that victory to all who desire to conquer the temptation to sin. We have an Ally in heaven who cannot fail!\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tb \b0 Unfortunately,\b \b0 one unacceptable option surfaces too frequently-belittling those more scrupulous. Paul\rquote s contemporaries wrestled over foods sacrificed to idols and the observance of ceremonial sabbaths. Seventh-day Adventists today debate similar matters-dietary regimen, acceptable fashion, appropriate Sabbath observance, interracial marriage, and musical preferences. Divine mandates and guidelines are sometimes variously interpreted, but oftentimes the debate surrounds issues that are'garding a variety of lifestyle choices are made every day. Christians believe that no decision is unimportant, because their total existence belongs under the lordship of Christ.\b \b0 Christians also live in community; therefore an isolationist position is impossible. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 What happens when different standards and disagreements regarding Christian practices emerge among the faithful?\(320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li450\tx450\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 I. The Weak Brother\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab\b0\i (Review \cf3\ul Rom_14:1-4\cf2\ulnone with the class.)\par \i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab Multitudes of decisions re)l crossfire? This battleground is a minefield waiting to explode! How should church leaders facilitate healing and reconciliation when disagreements erupt among the faithful?\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li450\tx450\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4*dctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 2-Explore\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Just for Teachers\b0 : \b Intellectual theorists oftentimes propose grandiose schemes that disintegrate into grander failures when tested by real-world conditions. Can Paul\rquote s theology endure the real-world \ldblquote heat\rdblquote of cultura+ we have a responsibility to one another, and if our example can lead someone astray, we are culpable.\b\par \tab What kind of example do you present? Would you feel comfortable with having others, particularly young people or new believers, following your example in all areas? What does your answer say about you?\b0\i\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i0\fs24\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowi, wear or what kind of entertainment I engage in\rdblquote ? Is it really? None of us live in a vacuum. Our actions, words, deeds, and even diet can affect others, either for good or for bad. It\rquote s not hard to see how. If someone who looks up to you sees you doing something \ldblquote wrong,\rdblquote he or she could be influenced by your example to do that same thing. We fool ourselves if we think otherwise. To argue that, well, you didn\rquote t force the person is beside the point. As Christians,-ences.\par \b\tab In \cf1\ul Rom_14:22\cf0\ulnone , amid all this talk about leaving people to their own conscience, Paul adds a very interesting caveat: \ldblquote Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves\rdblquote \i (NIV).\i0 What warning is Paul giving here? How does this balance out the rest of what he is saying in this context?\b0 \b \b0\i\par \i0\tab Have you heard someone say, \ldblquote It is none of anyone\rquote s business what I eat or what I.. Although diet is important, Christians ought not to quarrel over the choice on the part of some to eat vegetables instead of flesh meats that might have been sacrificed to idols. Instead, they ought to focus on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. How might we apply this idea to questions of diet today in our church? However much the health message, and especially the teachings on diet, can be a blessing to us, not everyone sees this subject the same way, and we need to respect those differ&nfined to one region, we might be tempted to lay the blame on inadequate education, poverty, or some correctable condition. The globalization of corruption, however, does not allow such easy excuses. The answer for societal deterioration must lie elsewhere. Greed, corruption, and sexual scandal, at the highest levels of government and society, grab headlines nightly and demonstrate that sin is no respecter of caste or social position. Drug abuse prevails among the wealthy, as well as the poor. The problem0for Spiritual Growth: \b0 God\rquote s grace overflows so that it covers every sin and gives us a power that no temptation can overcome.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\tab Has there ever been a time that God\rquote s grace was needed more than today? Crime rates astound us. If these rates were co1 C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\i0\f2\fs24 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi5040\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f2\fs24\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356 Key Concept 2e s study. 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 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S 3rd \i therefore\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\rquot4n \cf1\ul 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 wo5to men; it 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 i6ictate our 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 7 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 d8edly into a full-time life of living on God\rquote s side, giving sin no vote at all?\b\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tqc\tx6480 Summary:\b0 If we are baptized into Christ\rquote s death and rise to life in Him, filled with His grace and righteousness, He blesses us with holiness and eternal life.\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par Monday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 9 desires do we have?\b\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-720\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b III. Do: Choose Today\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. While we can\rquote t change our hearts, how can we choose to submit our wills to God?\par \par B. What choices can we make this week that throw us wholeheart:9360\b II. Feel: Alive to Sin or God\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. What does it mean to be alive to sin? Conversely, what does it mean to be alive to God?\par \par B. How does serving our sinful natures include feeling and desiring those things that oppose God\rquote s way of life? What are those things?\par \par C. When we are dead to sin and alive to God, what kinds of feelings and;fe as Christ lives it, obedient to God. Why is it a life we can live only by means of God\rquote s grace?\par \par B. We can have only one master. Is it possible to live this life of grace but also be subject to the rule of sin? Why, or why not?\b \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-630\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx<0\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \b Learning Outline:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi990\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Obedient to Sin or Grace\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. When we share Christ\rquote s death in baptism, we die to sin and are raised into lipt. I can never be saved, so I might as 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 \f3\'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?\cf2\b0\f4\fs23\par } >class, go over your answers to Tuesday\rquote s question. How do we see this principle manifested in today\rquote s society?\par \par \f3\'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 corru? not. Many men and women who profess the 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 \f3\fs22\'d8\f0 In @ \par \tab\ldblquote A terrible picture 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 isA.\par \par \tab\ldblquote Many are deceived 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.B \b\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 \fs22 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. 5C Make the point that our almost-goodness is the same to God. Even if we are 99 percent righteousness-and we probably aren\rquote t-we are also 1 percent poison. For the water to be fit to drink, it has to be filtered or distilled to remove the impurities. Jesus is our filter or distiller.\i\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\i0\f0\fs22\par \scaps\fs32 Friday\fs36 \b0\i\scaps0\fs28 July 16\i0\fs24\parD \i0 pure water.\rdblquote Have cups or glasses available. They will almost certainly ask what makes the water almost pure rather than pure. Say that it contains about 1 percent silt, pesticide runoff, and unidentified chemical waste, but that the other 99 percent is definitely the finest, purest spring water. Ask again if anyone wants to drink it. They probably won\rquote t.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i\fs28 September 7\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Grafted Branch\fs24\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. 15Fers to usefulness.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Consider This: \b0 What are the earmarks of legalistic religion? How does legalism impede evangelism? What roadblocks must be removed for God to restore His original purpose?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7Gssing. Of course, this slowed his work. Months passed. Gradually the carpenter found his tools. The hammer was rusty. The saw was dull, and the screwdriver was bent. The wrench was never located. Meanwhile, the carpenter had replaced some of the missing tools but was unwilling to throw the rusty, bent, dull ones away. He painstakingly restored them. One night the tools were overheard. There was sadness over the wrench, who had never come back, but more rejoicing over the carpenter who had restored the othH and felt denigrated when used to work with nuts. The hammer boasted that she had the highest pedigree, being crafted of the finest hickory and stainless steel. Why was she subjected to constant contact with the common iron found in nails? Other tools spoke about their superiority or how the carpenter favored them. None, however, wanted to be used for the purpose for which they had been created. Eventually many tools plotted their escape. In the morning the carpenter noticed that many of his tools were miI3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Activity: \b0 Read this parable and discuss: One night, while the Carpenter was away, the toolbox opened, and the tools began to discuss their existence and purpose. The screwdriver lamented that she was quietly used and seldom noticed. The saw was also disenchanted with his purpose, noting that other saws had gone on to become musical instruments and did not have to put up with the sawdust. The wrench complained that he outshined many hood ornamentsJg Cycle\i0\f2\fs24\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0 God\rquote s grace is sufficient to restore us when we fail His purpose and His plan.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\txEasize that just as all are equally sinners on their own merits, all are equally righteous if they accept Christ\rquote s sacrifice on their behalf. \par \b0\par \tab To emphasize the level of holiness we would have to reach to be acceptable to God on our own merits, do the following: Fill a pitcher with water. Label it in big block letters as \ldblquote\i Almost\i0 Pure Water.\rdblquote If that doesn\rquote t get the idea across, be sure to ask your class if anyone wants a drink of \i\ldblquote almostLtx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 4-Apply\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par Just for Teachers: This week we have learned that none of us is acceptable in the eyes of God without the intercession of Christ. But in His infinite mercy God the Father accepted Christ\rquote s willing sacrifice, and through this offering we are accepted as though we had never sinned. EmphMvercome 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 \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\par \cf3\ul\b0\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\Nce 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, the kind that comes willingly from the heart, always will be followed by a determination to oKhat 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 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\cf2\ul\b0\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 LearninPIsrael 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 role that these folk play in His work.\par \tab\b What is so wrong with the idea tQe 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 accepted as authoritative. The passages that Paul cites represent God as giving to Rrevocably 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 the Day of Pentecost. It took a special vision and miracle to convince Peter that thStx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800 Summary:\b0 In the end, both Jews and Gentiles have been called to share the gospel with the world.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\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_11:1-7\cf0\ulnone .\b0\i \b\i0 What common teaching does this passage clearly and irT8640\tx9360\b III. Do: Being a Vessel of God\rquote s Mercy\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. How does our experience with God\rquote s mercy help us extend mercy to others? \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1800\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\UGod\rquote s salvation and equally blessed by His mercy? By extension, what does this truth teach us about how we are to relate to one another?\par \par B. What experiences with God\rquote s mercy have both Gentiles and Jews had? Why is it important not to gloat in our advantages but to realize the responsibilities that God\rquote s gifts of mercy place upon us?\b\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-720\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\txVmise that gives us status as God\rquote s children?\par \par C. How should we treat those to whom the promise was originally given?\b\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-720\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b III. Feel: Mercy\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Why are all, Gentile or Jew, equally undeserving of 04-Jul 17-23 - Justified by Faith{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpxt)04-Jul 17-23 - Justified by FainU04-Jul 17-23 - Justified by Faith{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset2=9360\b The Student Will:\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Know:\b0 Compare and contrast being under the law, and serving the master of sin, with living under grace and obeying the Master of righteousness.\par \par \b Feel:\b0 Nurture the attitudes and feelings of one alive to God and dead to sin.\par \par \b Do:\b0 Choose to give God your will on a daily basis.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx288none ; 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 wasZin 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\ul[ed 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 \ 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 providWx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Stock or Graft\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Why must we, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, acknowledge that our status with God rests on our acceptance of God\rquote s works and abandonment of our own ways?\par \par B. How should we, who are grafted on as children of the promise, treat the pro]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 /wk1505-Jul1i05-July 24-30 - Justification and the Law{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\r1Q05-July 24T1105-July 24-30 - Justification and the Law{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Romax^ graft with original stock that learns to believe; salvation for all is His ultimate goal. \par \par \b Feel:\b0 Sense that God\rquote s overarching purpose is to show mercy and to save all whom He can.\par \par \b Do:\b0 Extend mercy and compassion to both Gentile and Jew alike, as God does.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi990\tx0\tx720\tatx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f2\fs24\par \par Key Text:\b0 \cf3\ul\i Rom_11:5-6\cf2\ulnone\par \i0\par \b The Student Will:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Know:\b0 Recognize that if God can graft in others to fulfill His plan, He can just as readily replace any unbelieving_ 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 crtant 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 convertsd: \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, impobCommandments-or specifically the fourth (what folk really mean-are now nullified is to draw a conclusion that goes against so much 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 \b0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\favior, our need of forgiveness, our need of righteousness, all of which are found only in Jesus. In that sense, Christ is the \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 gl Rom_10:5\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 But\i \i0 with the coming of the Messiah, the true way of righteousness was presented. Righteousness 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 Sh thinking that leads folk into seeking their \ldblquote own righteousness,\rdblquote which is contrary to the righteousness of 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\uii\par \tab\i0 Legalism can come in many forms, some more subtle than others. Those who look to themselves, to their good deeds, 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 ofjngelizing the world. \par \tab\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 11.\par \i0\fs24\page\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\we take from Romans 7 for ourselves that will help us understand what it means to be followers of Jesus? \b0\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf2\b\f2\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b0\f0\par \pard\cf4\f4\fs23\par } lntial dangers arise from the view that, as Christians, we will always be sinning, always be falling, always be violating God\rquote 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\f3\fs22\'db\b0\f0 \b In the end, regardless of whatever position folk take on the man of Romans 7, what promises can mr \f3\fs22\'d8\f0 Who do you think the man of Romans 7 is? Paul, before or after conversion? Or is this chapter talking about something else entirely? What justification do you have for your answer? In class discuss the answers given.\par \par \f3\'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\f3\'da\f0 What poten Yet it was connected with the moral law, and was glorious. The whole bore the stamp of divinity, and expressed the holiness, justice, 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\paoeace with Him through the merits of Christ, while he continues in sin.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, 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.pBearer,\rdblquote pp. 308-310, in \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1; \ldblquote Healing of the Soul,\rdblquote pp. 84, 85; \ldblquote 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 pq sin and live in grace through Christ\rquote s sacrifice, so that with His help you may be free of the condemnation of the law.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\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 rbout the law, dying to sin, and to grace?\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Think of a couple things that you would like to work on with Christ in this regard. Work these goals into your daily prayer life. Invite God into your life specifically in these areas and ask for His help and daily guidance in achieving them. Ask for God\rquote s help to free you from the chains of sin. Ask God to help you daily die tos law might affect their spiritual lives. Finally, encourage them to think about how they relate to God\rquote s plan of salvation.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Activity: \b0 What are some things that you are personally struggling with that can be used as an illustration of what Paul has said at E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 4-Create\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Romans 7 provides each individual in your class with a starting point for introspection. Encourage them to examine how they personally relate to the law and how Paul\rquote s teachings about thee *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 , \cf1\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 Textvfonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\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 2\b0\i yn;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sa100\lang1033\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\fs2z2 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\i0 2Sa_12:1\cf0\ulnone\i - 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_3:19\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 the 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\tx0\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 \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 d~tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 C. How should we relate to God\rquote s law and God\rquote s love as illustrated by the Cross?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\par \b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-540\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Feel: Foundations of Law and Love\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tqc\tx6480 A. How is the King of the universe able to uphold the lawful foundations of the universe and at the same time extend love, hope, and mercy to those who have been in variance with those critical principles? \tab\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 B. In what ways does your heart stretch when you attempt to absorb the heights and depths of God\rquote s reach?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\sa199\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-720\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b III. Do: Our Response\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1560\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. What should our daily response be as we grasp the picture of the righteous requirements of the law of God and our dependence on Christ to be our righteousness? \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1800\tx1560\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Summary:\b0 The law of God is perfect, and humans never can reach this standard; but when we accept Christ\rquote s righteousness, offered in place of our imperfections, God counts us as righteous. \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\par \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 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. 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 Messages, \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 choosing His way of life. It is trusting Him and seeking by faith to live according to His commandments.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\f1\par T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par Learning Cycle\i0\f2\fs24 \par \pu 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 Christ. 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 \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf2\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M Mth 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 \ldblquote 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 lifeul\b0\i Rom_7:24-25\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 Some have wondered why, after reaching the glorious climax in the expression \ldblquote I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord,\rdblquote Paul should refer once more to the struggles of 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 wie the body of this death.\rdblquote\par \tab The law of the mind is God\rquote s law, God\rquote s revelation of His will. Under conviction of the Holy Spirit, Paul consented to this law. His mind resolved to keep it, but when he tried, he couldn\rquote t, because his body wanted to sin. Who hasn\rquote t felt that same struggle? In your mind you know what you want to do, but your flesh clamors for something else.\par \b\tab How can we be rescued from this difficult situation we find ourselves in? \cf1\e struggle in your own life, even as a Christian?\par \tab\b0 In this passage, Paul equates the law in his members (his body) with the law of sin. \ldblquote With the flesh,\rdblquote Paul says, he served \ldblquote the law of sin\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_7:25\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 But serving sin and obeying its law means death \i (see \cf1\ul Rom_7:10-11\cf4\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_7:13\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Hence, his body-as it was now functioning in obedience to sin-fittingly could be described as \ldblquot 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? \b0\par \fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-630\li720\tx720\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par The Lesson in Brief\i0\f2\fs24\par \par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i Joh_1:17\cf3\ulnone\b\par \i0\par The Student Will:\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Know: \b0 Describe the great divide between legalism and righteousness by faith in the early church as well as in the church today.\par \b\par Feel: \b0 Appreciate Paul and other church leaders\rquote passionate defense of righteousness by faith.\par \b\par Do: \b0 Examine his or her life for evidence of the light and power of grace, as well as the gift of obedience.\b\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Learning Outline:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li990\tx270\tx990\tx1710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\tx8190 I. Know: The Slide Toward Works\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0 A. Some Jewish Christians emphasized Jewish laws and traditions as necessary for Gentile converts to follow, while others emphasized salvation by faith alone as critical for Jews and Gentiles alike. What were the consequences?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\txYhe Bible for victory over it?\par \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx7800\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Key Text:\b0 \cf4\ul\i Rom_6:11\cf3\ulnone\par \i0\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\txyone for salvation. Romans 10 makes it very clear that \ldblquote there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek\rdblquote \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 wi\par \dn10\fs108 T\up0\fs22 his week\rquote s lesson covers Romans 10 and 11, with a focus especially on chapter 11. It\rquote 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 anath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs24\par \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Rom_10:1\cf0\ulnone - entire 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\fs24man\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\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 Sabbkth this theme in chapter 11. Here, too, as stated earlier, it\rquote s important to understand that when Paul talks about election 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 evaebt 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, and 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\fs22 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\tx720to keep reckoning ourselves dead to sin and alive unto Christ. Though the promises of victory are 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 tfcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\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 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 \i0\fs24\par \b\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 was 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 verses 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 sin. 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 can 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 t Christ offers and what He has done for them? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\b0\f1\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\ulnone\f2\fs24\par \par \b\par \b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\f0\fs22\par \par \pard\cf4\b0\f4\par } we as Christians respond to them? Why is the hope we have in Jesus the only answer to that meaninglessness? \par \par \f3\'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 whaHow has your faith sustained you through some terrible trials? What things 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\f3\'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 ding His children that trying experiences come to them. Trials and obstacles 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\f3\fs22\'d8\f0 ard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\par \i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0 God will use any and all means in His power to bring us back into His family.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: In this week\rquote s lesson we discuss and explore faith as our only means for reconciliation with God.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx6570\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\tab We are all recidivist crim5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 B. How did Paul and other church leaders face the first faction in the church?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\sa199\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-540\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Feel: Better Promises\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4inals. We can\rquote t even remember when we started committing crimes. It just came naturally. After all, we grew up with other criminals, some of whom taught us-intentionally or not-how to commit more and better crimes.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 We know the difference between right and wrong, so we can\rquote t plead insanity. All our crimes are known to the judge, and there is no question of being i/par Tuesday\b0\scaps0 \i \fs28 September 21\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Giving No Offense\i\fs24\par \tab\i0\fs22 Read \cf1\ul Rom_14:15-23\cf0\ulnone \i (see also \cf1\ul 1Co_8:12-13\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Summarize on the lines below the gist of what Paul is saying. What principle can we take from this passage that we can apply in all areas of our life?\b0\par \i\tab\i0 In\i \cf1\ul Rom_14:17-20\cf0\ulnone \i0 Paul is putting various aspects of Christianity into proper perspective0320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Why were Paul and other leaders in the church so ardent about not burdening Christian believers with superfluous religious traditions? \par \par B. What are the \ldblquote better promises\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Heb_8:6\cf3\ulnone , NIV)\i0 held out to believers? What were some of the regulations that the church felt were important to note as still binding?\par \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1080\li1800\tx1800\tx2160\tx288nnocent until proven guilty, because everyone knows we\rquote re guilty. Being sorry doesn\rquote t help. We face consecutive life sentences exceeded only by the consecutive death sentences.\par \par There\rquote s no hope. No lawyer is good enough to exonerate you, or even mitigate your punishment. But wait! Here comes that man that you\rquote ve heard about. How can you describe him? Well, he\rquote s something like a combination of the best points of Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Mozart, and Stephen Hawking   k)u06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expoun)a06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expounding the Faith{\rtf1\an)E06-Jul 31-Aug)}06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expounding the Faith{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fromaB)i06-Jul 31-Aug 6 - Expounding the Faith{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharse, only better. He\rquote s on his way to accept multiple Nobel prizes; but instead, he decides to come to your trial. To make a long story short, he accepts the penalties that are rightfully yours and gives you the honor that is rightfully his. Where is this in any law book? Suddenly you are on your way to Stockholm, and He is on the way to the penitentiary. How does this make you feel?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Consider This: \b0 As humans we have a difficult time forgiving others. How should we\b \b0 respond to God\rquote s incredible act of forgiveness?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\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 is 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 and \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 act 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 time. 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 away 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 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\fs24\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 2-Explore\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1080\li1440\tx810\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 I.\tab Sin: Covered or Blotted Out?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review with your class \cf3\ul\i0 Gen_3:1\cf2\ulnone\i - entire chapter, \cf3\ul Pro_28:13\cf2\ulnone , \cf3\ul Rom_3:25\cf2\ulnone , \cf3\ul Heb_9:5\cf2\ulnone , \cf3\ul Exo_25:18-21\cf2\ulnone .)\par \b\i0\par \b0\tab However good or righteous we think we are, our lives are full of sin. We know this truth, and our natural response is to cover our sins up. This reaction dates back to the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve realized that they were naked and made garments out of leaves \i (\cf3\ul Gen_3:7\cf2\ulnone )\i0 . In a way, this response is perfectly rational. Our sins separate us from both God and the better parts of ourselves. They need to be covered, so that we can relate to a holy God and discover the people God intended for us to be. But can we do this ourselves?\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul Pro_28:13\cf2\ulnone says simply that \ldblquote he who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion\rdblquote \i (NASB).\i0 In other words, we cannot cover up our own sins and expect them to stay covered. What happens when we try to conceal our own sinful nature? First, our motives are not pure; when we hide our sins, we are most often motivated by the desire to appear to be good in the eyes of other people. God isn\rquote t fooled, and deep down we know this.\par \par Second, our concealment isn\rquote t any good. Sooner or later, the real sinful self peeks around the corners of our mask. Consider the garments of leaves made by Adam and Eve. What happens to leaves once you pluck them off the tree? They wither, and there you are, still naked under your garments.\par \par God wants to put your sin out of sight as much as you do-even more. He does not just want to hide it; He wants to blot it out. Only He can do it effectively. Refer again to Genesis 3. When God finds Adam and Eve and establishes what has happened, He makes garments out of skin to cover their nakedness. What\rquote s the difference between their covering and God\rquote s? Only the difference between leaves and leather. And that is the difference between failure and forgiveness.\par \par In this context it is important to note that the term rendered \i atonement\i0 or \i propitiation\i0 in most English translations of \cf3\ul Heb_9:5\cf2\ulnone is actually a reference to the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant. This seat was not truly \ldblquote a chair\rdblquote as we would think of it, but rather the lid that covered the ark of the covenant. On top of this plate were the two cherubim with outspread wings. At the mercy seat our sins are blotted out and banished from God\rquote s sight. The words in the original Hebrew refer to covering more than to legal notions of atonement.\par \par We want our sins out of sight. Only God, through the work of His Son Jesus Christ, can make them disappear for good.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \b Consider This: \b0 Do you trust God to cover up and blot out your sins, or are you still trying to do it yourself? If the latter, what is stopping you from seeking God\rquote s forgiveness and compassion?\b\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li720\tx720\tx900\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 II. Justified by Faith\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review with your class \cf3\ul Rom_3:28\cf2\ulnone .)\par \b\i0\par \b0\tab God wants to forgive, conceal, and abolish our sins, and we want them forgiven, concealed, and abolished. How can we, unholy and unclean as we are, approach a God who is the polar opposite of all these thingsey were proven wrong before. Next bring out your hidden water bottle and fill the container again. \par \par \b Discuss:\b0 How does the activity visibly illustrate the importance of being open-minded and creative in our approach to God\rquote s work? Why should there always be \ldblquote space available\rdblquote for newer ideas and methodologies alongside older concepts?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Activity: \b0 Bring a large transparent glass container for filling. First, fill the container with large rocks. Ask, Is the container full? The expected response is \ldblquote full.\rdblquote Next bring out your hidden sack of sand, pouring sand into the container. Ask if the container is now full. Expect an affirmative answer, though some may hesitate because thfferences resolved-split churches, acrimonious exchanges, judgmental rhetoric? Perhaps understanding, open-mindedness, compassionate listening, and flexibility characterize your church. Blessed indeed are those who have experienced the latter rather than the former! \par \par Having established a common theological foundation, Paul now addresses the cultural disagreements in practice that threatened to fracture the church.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760blquote -Ellen G. White,\i Messages to Young People, \i0 p. 390.\par \fs24\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\fs24\par \b\f4\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 \f4\'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 struggling with unexpected calamit 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 distinct as midday and midnight.\rdid 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 for his labors among these brethren,les. 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 greater attention and respect than they dOd 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 faith without the deeds of the law must never be construed to mean that good works have no plathese passages to read in closing your class. \cf2\f3\fs22\par \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. 372-374, in \i The Acts of the Apostr the spread of the gospel that fueled Paul\rquote s life, what special message do you have that deserves the devotion of your life? Challenge class members to search for their favorite passages of Paul\rquote s declaration of mission and use them to design their own mission statements.\par \par \pard\li720\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 5. What concise passages of Paul\rquote s writings describe the deep fervor of his mission? Choose one of ). \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 have 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 \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\f1\par T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Just for Teachers: Individuals, bent on establishing their own righteousness, impede rather than facilitate God\rquote s saving purpose. How can we avoid both the pitfalls of legalism and license (the \ldblquote anything goes\rdblquote philosophy)?\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 I. The End of the Law\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab\b0\i (Review \cf3\ul Rom_10:1-4\cf2\ulnone with the class.)\par \i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab This passage is not saying that God has abolished the Ten Commandments or the Old Testament. The Greek word for \i\ldblquote end\rdblquote\i0 means ending in the sense of \ldblquote finish line,\rdblquote the \ldblquote goal\rdblquote toward which movement is directed, as in \ldblquote outcome.\rdblquote In other words, the teaching of the Torah (Moses\rquote books), including the Ten Commandments, leads us to the finish line, who is Christ. Far from leading to license-\ldblquote do anything you want because God ditched the Ten Commandments\rdblquote -Paul establishes the value of the Torah, specifically, and the Old Testament, generally, in pointing us to Christ.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx86 z e07-Aug x 507-Aug 7-13 - Victory Over Sin{\rtf1\ansi\a q07-Aug 7-13 - Victory Ove u07-Aug 7-13 - Victory Over Sin{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\de -07-Aug 7-13 - Victory Over Sin{\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 Times New Roman;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f6\fnil\40\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Consider This: \b0 Can the idea that the Ten Commandments have been abolished be reconciled with Jesus\rquote testimony in \cf3\ul Mat_5:17-19\cf2\ulnone ? Justify your response.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi90\li270\tx270\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b II. The Grafted Branch\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab\b0\i (Review \cf3\ul Rom_11:11-24\cf2\ulnone with the class.)\par \i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab Knowing that the heart is deceitful, Paul cautions the Gentile believers. He does not want them to be ensnared by the entitlement attitude of his Jewish brothers. To prevent this mistake, he reminds them that they were grafted branches; the Jewish branches had been removed for one cause-that of disbelief. Clearly, the Gentiles could be removed for the same reason. The determining factor for all was trust. Those who continued trusting were \ldblquote in,\rdblquote and those who ceased trusting were \ldblquote out,\rdblquote regardless of ethnic background. Once again Paul undercut the entitlement attitude that divided the Roman church.\par \pard\nowidctlpakr\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Consider This: \b0 How do we address the entitlement attitude (\ldblquote Do things my way-I\rquote m a fifth-generation member\rdblquote ) that still plagues churches? How do genuine conversion and evangelistic activity mitigate the human tendency toward exclusiveness? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\txwith 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 \f4\'d9\f0 How do you see the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its calling in the 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.\cf3\ul\b0\f1\par } ar \f4\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 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 comprehending; 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\pof 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 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 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 ?\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Once again, we run into the idea of faith. In our present state we cannot even accurately perceive God if left to our own devices. So God freely gives us the means to communicate with Him. This means is called faith. Faith is not merely belief. In the Christian context, faith involves trust. Trust in God as a person. Trust that God is real and that He is working on our behalf.\par \par Faith is not necessarily an emotion. We don\rquote t always feel God\rquote s presence, nor do we always feel \ldblquote faithful,\rdblquote or full of faith. Every human is going to have moments of doubt, moments during which he or she is walking down the street and suddenly wonders, \ldblquote Is this for real? Or am I fooling myself?\rdblquote Nor is faith something we arrive at through logic. It exists beyond logic, emotion, and all other human categories, because it is of divine origigroups? How has the church blended those various strengths? Has variety produced disharmony? \par \par Age is another factor that often divides churches. Social scientists even speak of youth culture as if it were a separate entity, encapsulating unique values, social patterns, and language. Does harmonious interaction between various age groups exist in your church? Do cultural battles erupt over musical preferences, Sabbath observance, and evangelistic methodology? When Christians disagree, how are diolve the disputes between the two groups; but the fact that the book of Romans was written several years after the council testifies to the difficulty of resolving these differences. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 If the early church, nearest in historical time to the advent of Christ, had these difficulties, should we be surprised that churches today struggle for harmony? Does your church include various ethnic 40\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab Because Rome was a cultural melting pot, it is not surprising that the believers\rquote various backgrounds led to divergent understandings about living the Christian life. While Jewish and Gentile Christians were alike committed to Jesus as their Savior, their cultural upbringing induced a certain amount of tension as the two groups tried to live out their commitment. The Jerusalem council \i (Acts 15)\i0 was an attempt to respar \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0 Believers may agree on the principles of Scripture but disagree on the methods of living out those principles. In such cases, grace and understanding should take precedence over judgment and condemnation.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx14 is warning about here? Why must we be careful in not seeking to be the conscience of others, no matter how good our intentions?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0\par \cf2\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par Learning Cycle\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f2\fs24\(see \cf1\ul 1Co_8:4\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 so who cares if some pagan offered the food to a statue of a frog or a bull?\i \i0\par \tab A person should not be made to violate his or her conscience, even if the conscience is overly sensitive. This fact the \ldblquote strong\rdblquote brethren apparently did not understand. They despised the scrupulosity of the \ldblquote weak\rdblquote brethren and put stumbling blocks in their way.\par \tab\b Might you, in your zeal for the Lord, be in danger of what Pauler for another. In this important sense, we are \i not\i0 our brother\rquote s keeper.\par \b\tab Keeping the context in mind, how do you understand what Paul is saying in \cf1\ul Rom_14:14\cf0\ulnone ?\b0\par \tab The subject is still foods sacrificed to idols. The issue is, clearly, not the distinction between the foods deemed clean and unclean. Paul is saying that there is nothing wrong per se in eating foods that might have been offered to idols. After all, what is an idol anyway? It is nothing \i ).\i0 \par \b\tab Of what significance is the statement from the Old Testament that Paul introduced here? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom_14:11\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\i0 The citation from \cf1\ul Isa_45:23\cf0\ulnone supports the thought that \i all\i0 must appear for judgment. \ldblquote Every knee\rdblquote and \ldblquote every tongue\rdblquote individualizes the summons. The implication is that each one will have to answer for his or her own life and deeds\i (\cf1\ul Rom_14:12\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 No one can answn.\par \par When God gives us this faith, we can recognize and move past our human weaknesses. We can trust God to remove our sins and know that He has done it in a way that is beyond our usual ways of knowing and perceiving. In turn, we receive the power to become the people God meant us to be and to do the things that such people do. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \b Consider This: \b0 How does our faith change the way we live our lives in concrete, observable ways? \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par 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_3:25\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.\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, 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,\rdblquote\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 the 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 \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 3-Practice\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par Just for Teachers: Emphasize to your students that we are saved not on the basis of our goodness but by the saving grace and goodness of God.\b0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Thought Questions:\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0 What, if any, parallels to Christ\rquote s substitution for us are found in human law or justice? What does this tell us about how God\rquote s law is incomprehensibly higher than human law? What does it tell us about the purpose of God\rquote s law as compared to human law, which is concerned primarily with discipline and punishment?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 In what ways are the righteousness of the law and the righteousness of God identical or complementary?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 How were people saved before Jesus Christ appeared on earth and lived and died? If they were saved in the same way, do you think they understood the concept of salvation the same as we do? Why or why not? In the same vein, what things might there be that we don\rquote t understand about salvation at present but will understand more fully later?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Application Questions:\b0\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 In the abstract, most of us can accept that sin is sin and that no one sinner is better than any other. On the other hand, most of us would rather live next to a hypocrite or a gossip than a mass murderer. Society also disdains or condemns some sins more than other sins. So, in what sense are all sins equal?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Christ\rquote s sacrifice takes away the legal guilt of our sins, but we often may face present circumstances stemming from past actions. How can we make our acceptance by God seem real to us?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Only through Christ\rquote s sacrifice and substitution for us can we keep the law. How, and why? Is it because we have more motivation? Do we have access to supernatural power that we didn\rquote t before? Explain.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\f0\fs22\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 faith 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 you0\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\rquote 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 renders 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, for 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. 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 (\cf1\ul 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 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par Theht fool ourselves by our hypocrisy, but not God, who warned us: \ldblquote Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Mat_7:1-4\cf0\ulnone x8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par Monday\b0\scaps0 \fs24 \i\fs28 September 20\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 With What Measure You Mete\fs24\par \tab\fs22 Read \cf1\ul Rom_14:10\cf0\ulnone . What reason does Paul give here for us to be careful about how we judge others? \b0\i\par \tab\i0 We tend to judge others harshly at times, and often for the same things that we ourselves do. How often, though, what we do doesn\rquote t seem as bad to us as when others do the same thing. We migard\nowidctlpar\li1800\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Summary:\b0 Though we may all have differences in how we understand our duty to God, as we foster acceptance and respect and learn from one another we will grow closer as a result.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tver differences with us in spiritual matters?\b \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-720\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b III. Do: Building Up the Body\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. What are some of the ways we can foster a spirit of unity among a body of believers who are different in many ways?\b\par \p 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 draw all men by His love. A forced repentance would destroy the whole purpose of repentance, woul\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, for sure.\b\par \tab With that story in mind, read the following: \ldblquote Despisest thou the\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 What are the dangers of a too-acute perception of the sins of \i others?\i0 See \cf4\ul Rom_2:1\ulnone \cf3 - entire chapter.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\f0\fs22\par 200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Application Questions:\b0\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Why is it so difficult to convince people today of human sinfulness? Why is it crucial to a saving acceptance of Jesus Christ? How would you tactfully present this concept to those who do not understand or accept it?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx1080\tx1440\tx2160n preached from the pulpit that \ldblquote you don\rquote t have to be good to be saved, but you have to be saved to be good.\rdblquote Do you agree or disagree? Why? Is it possible to be good without being saved, and if so, what is meant by \ldblquote good\rdblquote in this context?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1154\tx1154\tx1439\tx2159\tx2879\tx3599\tx4319\tx5039\tx5759\tx6479\tx7199\tx7919\tx8639\tx9359 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7that this was literally true in the discovery of \ldblquote gospels\rdblquote that served mainly to use Christ to espouse some pet idea or doctrine. What kind of false gospels exist today?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 It has bee20\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0 Paul makes it a point to refer to the \ldblquote gospel of Christ\rdblquote in \cf4\ul Rom_1:16\cf3\ulnone , as well as later in \cf4\ul 1Co_9:16-18\cf3\ulnone . For most of us, there is only one gospel, and it pertains to Jesus Christ. But clearly, Paul thought that there were other, competing (and false) gospels. He makes this more explicit later on in \cf4\ul Gal_1:6-9\cf3\ulnone . In recent decades we have seen \tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par Just for Teachers: Encourage your students to use these questions to think about the Christian hope as it relates to their own lives and to the world at large.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Thought Questions:\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx7ly in your own mind, condemn others for things that you, yourself, are guilty of? How, by taking heed of what Paul has written here, can you change?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0\par \cf3\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 3-Practice\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720lquote 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  temperance periodicals for the library. Third month: Sponsor a free music giveaway drawing at a basketball game (contemporary Christian music that students relate to, of course).\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\f3\fs23\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 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,\rdb 3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Activity:\b0 Discuss methods your class will deploy for this invasion of Satan\rquote s realm. Develop a timetable. Example: projected target: local high school. First month: Put a booth on campus during Community Resource Day to invite students to join your church drama group, biking club, softball team, etcetera. Second month: Sponsor Because there is a cognitive component to conversion, exercise care in finding the best literature/study material available for your endeavor. In a military assault, the invasion planners assess which weapons are needed to surmount the obstacles between the invading force and the objective. This assessment is not one-size-fits-all. Similarly, Christians should carefully plan which tools are best suited for this invasion of Satan\rquote s territory.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\txcause, as Jews, they had been given more light than the Gentiles.\par \tab Paul\rquote s point 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 on0\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\b II. Feel: Valuing One Another\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Though it is important to follow our individual consciences, why must we also be sensitive to how the things we do influence others?\par \par B. How should we relate to church members who express concern over our lifestyle or actions or o we each may have a different understanding of what God is asking us to do, why must we accept and encourage one another in the following of our individual consciences and be willing to learn from one another?\par \par B. What are some of the differences that arise when church members follow their consciences in obeying God? \par \par C. How can these differences lead to division, and how can they lead to growth?\b\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-540\li1440\sa199\tx1440\tx216g up of Christ\rquote s body. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi990\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Unified in Diversity\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. While \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Know:\b0 Explain the importance of letting each person follow God\rquote s will as best as he or she knows how, while at the same time being sensitive to how our actions affect others around us.\par \par \b Feel:\b0 Value unity in Christ as a principle that informs both our independence and interdependence.\par \par \b Do:\b0 Do whatever it takes to contribute to peace and the buildinx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\fs24\par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28\par The Lesson in Brief\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\qc\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Key Text:\b0 \cf3\ul\i Rom_15:5\cf2\ulnone\par \par \b\i0 The Student Will:\par  \par \tab\b Though we need to keep in mind the principles seen in today\rquote s lesson, are there not times and places where we need to step in and judge, if not a person\rquote s heart, at least the actions? Are we to step back and say and do nothing in every situation? \cf1\ul Isa_56:10\cf0\ulnone describes watchmen as \ldblquote dumb dogs, they cannot bark.\rdblquote How can we know when to speak and when to keep silent? How do we strike the right balance here?\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\ttoo, to realize that Paul in verse 3 does not speak negatively of the one \ldblquote weak in the faith.\rdblquote Nor does he give this person advice as to how to become strong. So far as God is concerned, the overscrupulous Christian (judged overscrupulous, apparently, not by God but by his or her fellow Christians) is accepted. \ldblquote God hath received him.\rdblquote\par \b\tab How does \cf1\ul Rom_14:4\cf0\ulnone amplify what we\rquote ve just looked at?\b0  any animal, clean or otherwise, could be eaten, they would be misapplied. Comparison with other New Testament passages would rule against such an application. \par \tab Meanwhile, to \ldblquote receive\rdblquote one weak in the faith meant to accord him or her full membership and social status. The person was not to be argued with but given the right to his or her opinion.\tab\tab\par \tab\b What principle should we take, then, from \cf1\ul Rom_14:1-3\cf0\ulnone ? \b0\par \tab It\rquote s important, cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Some Christians didn\rquote t care about that at all; others, if there were the slightest doubt, chose to eat vegetables instead. The issue had nothing to do with the question of vegetarianism and healthful living. Nor is Paul implying in this passage that the distinction between clean and unclean meats has been abolished. This is not the subject under consideration. If the words \ldblquote he may eat all things\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_14:2\cf0\ulnone ) \i0 were taken to mean that nownday\b0\scaps0 \i \fs28 September 19\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 The Weak Brother\b0\fs24\par \i\tab\i0\fs22 In \cf1\ul Rom_14:1-3\cf0\ulnone , the question was the eating of meats that may have been sacrificed to idols. The Jerusalem council \i (Acts 15) \i0 ruled that Gentile converts should refrain from using such foods in their diet. But there was always the question as to whether meats sold in public markets had come from animals sacrificed to idols \i (see \cf1\ul 1Co_10:25\dblquote commentary.\rdblquote Though very strong on some points, Paul takes a much freer attitude regarding other things. That\rquote s because these things are nonessentials, \ldblquote commentary,\rdblquote as it were. Yet, at the same time, though the issues themselves might not have been crucial, the attitude the Christians had toward each other in dealing with these issues was. \par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 25.\par \i0\fs24\par \b\scaps\fs32 Suame before focused very much on the foundational principles of salvation. What is the role of the law-be it the whole Old Testament system or just the Ten Commandments-in the area of salvation? Paul needed to define clearly what are the grounds upon which God accepts a person. Perhaps the whole thing could be summarized by the pagan jailer\rquote s question, \ldblquote What must I do to be saved?\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Act_16:30\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \tab With that explained, Paul now engages in some \lblquote what seems to you to be hurtful; that is the whole Torah. All the rest is commentary.\rdblquote\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab Whether or not one agrees with the rabbi\rquote s statement, he does have a point. Some aspects of our faith are foundational and others mere \ldblquote commentary.\rdblquote This week\rquote s lesson looks at some of that \ldblquote commentary.\rdblquote What this means is that all that cer? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_14:10\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0\dn10\fs108 S\up0\fs22 omeone approached a famous rabbi of antiquity and asked him to explain the whole meaning of the Torah while standing on one leg. \ldblquote Do not do to another,\rdblquote the rabbi said on one leg, \ldtember 18-24\fs24\par \par \b\i0\fs40 All \i the\i0 Rest \i Is\i0 Commentary\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_14:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter; \cf1\ul Rom_15:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter; \cf1\ul Rom_16:1\cf0\ulnone - entire chapter.\b\tab\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i0 Memory Text: \ldblquote Why dost thou judge thy brothr 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 \tab 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, and 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 \pard\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,h 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\ulnone ; \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 k of others and to point them out. How often, though, are we guilty of the same kinds of things, 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 be What message should all of us, Jew or Gentile, take from this warning?\b0\par \i\tab\i0\ldblquote 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!ple, his own countrymen, off the hook either. Despite all the advantages that they had been given\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?"JV).\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\i0\f0\fs22\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 peo#ail, we are condemned. God has redeemed us through His grace, but the steep price was the bloody, painful, and lonely death of His Son.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \b Consider This: \b0 Why did Paul, in referring to the rewards and punishments of obeying or disobeying the law, emphasize that these things would come to \ldblquote the Jew first and also of the Greek\rdblquote ? \i (\cf4\ul Rom_2:9\cf3\ulnone , NK$for doing. In assuming that they are somehow exempt from judgment, they are contradicting their own theology and condemning, not others, but themselves. They are, in fact, worse off than an ignorant person who has a rudimentary sense of right and wrong and attempts to live by it.\par \par Another point is that while we are all sinners and fail to keep the law, our failure is not something we can take lightly. Everyone sins, but there is no safety in numbers. Obedience to the law is expected, and if we f%andards. We can imagine them rationalizing-giving themselves leeway that they would never give others-because they are somehow God\rquote s favorites. Surely God would overlook their tiny transgressions, because they are otherwise so exemplary. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Paul rightly points out that their transgressions are not so tiny and that they, in fact, do all or most of what they condemn others &40\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000 II. Leading to Repentance\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review with your class \cf4\ul Rom_2:4-12\cf3\ulnone .)\b\i0\par \b0\par \tab In this passage Paul is addressing people who believe that they are justified by their works, look down on other people who are presumably less righteous than they are (but are really just less knowledgeable), and yet themselves fail to meet their own st' them the new sense known as faith and to change them through it. All of us want to be better than we are, but only God can do that for us, and the gospel is His means.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \b Consider This: \b0 Why is the gospel of Christ crucified and resurrected all that we need for salvation?\b\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx540\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx68* Lesson in Brief\i0\f2\fs24\par \par Key Text:\b0 \cf4\ul\i Rom_4:1-2\cf3\ulnone\par \par \b\i0 The Student Will:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Know:\b0 Explain why an understanding of faith in God\rquote s provisions for our righteousness has been the foundation of a right relationship with Him through the Old as well as the New Testament.\par \par \b Feel:\b0 Sense the blessings of ju+stification by faith.\par \par \b Do:\b0 Abandon our own works and throw our entire trust on what Christ has done.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \b Learning Outline:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi990\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b I. Know: Abraham\rquote s Faith\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2,880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Why was Abraham, father of both the circumcised and uncircumcised, accounted righteous? What is the significance of knowing that this accounting occurred long before the distinction between Jews and Gentiles, the giving of Mosaic laws, or Christ\rquote s death on the cross? \par \par B. Why has justification by faith, rather than by keeping the law, been a crucial belief for all people in all ages?\b \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\-par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-540\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Feel: The Blessings of Justification\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Though David sinned grievously, how was God able to forgive him? \par \par B. What are the blessings that come from being justified by faith? \i (\cf4\ul Rom_4:6-8\cf3\ulnone ).\b\i0\par \par .\pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-720\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b III. Do: Abandoning Self for Christ\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Because the law doesn\rquote t give life or righteousness but only distinguishes between righteousness and sin, what do we do to become righteous and to have eternal life? \par \p/ar B. How should those who are saved by Christ\rquote s sacrifice relate to the law?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1800\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Summary:\b0 All people in every age have faced the same need to abandon any sense of working for salvation by following rules or rituals. Salvation comes only by allowing God to make us righft through the blood that was shed for us in Christ Jesus.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par Monday\b0\scaps0 \i \fs28 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 salvatio10\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b III. Do: Commitment to Grace\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Where do you stand in relationship to religious traditions and righteousness by faith? \par \par B. What importance does obedience to God\rquote s law have in your life? \par \par C. How are you championing the importance of grace in your life, as well as in 2your witness?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1800\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Summary:\b0 Like the early Christian church, there is still the tendency to focus on what we do, rather than depending entirely on Christ\rquote s atoning sacrifice and His promise to live out His life in us.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx28803\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\f0\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) \i0 What thoughts come to your mind as you read all these rules and regulations and rituals? Why would 4many 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 p(al in a remote outpost of the Roman Empire achieve salvation for \i me\i0 ? This thinking was in direct contrast to the philosophical and religious systems-then and now-that appealed to the hearer with powerful logic, flattery, and complex explanations of the meaning of life.\par \par The gospel of Paul-and Christ-may have seemed weak and foolish to the intellectuals of late antiquity, as it does to many postmoderns today; yet its true power can be seen in the lives of those people who allow God to give5gies. It did not need more power; it was the very power of God. And here\rquote s the really shocking thing: it not only wasn\rquote t helped by the addition of \ldblquote something else\rdblquote ; it could not coexist with that \ldblquote something else.\rdblquote\par \par However, there was, in fact, something else: faith, the new sense that God gives us so we can perceive His mighty works. To the person without it, the gospel was simplistic and illogical. How could the death of a historical individu6tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 With all these choices, why would the prospective believer want to \ldblquote settle\rdblquote for Paul\rquote s gospel, which was simply Christ crucified and resurrected? It was just so simple! Too simple. Or so it might have seemed to one viewing it without the eyes of faith.\par \par In reality, Paul\rquote s gospel was \i the \i0 gospel. The gospel not of Paul, but of Christ. And it did not need supplementation from outmoded legalisms or speculative cosmolo7hem were \ldblquote Christian,\rdblquote plus something else. Perhaps it was some form of legalism inherited from the Pharisees. Or maybe it was a mixture of the teachings of Christ plus unique cosmologies and road maps of the afterworld that enabled the bearer to get to heaven just a little bit faster. All these things were presented as \ldblquote the gospel\rdblquote but with just a little more power, supposedly.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\8x7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li720\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 I. Not Ashamed of the Gospel\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review with your class \cf4\ul Rom_1:16-17\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul 1Co_1:23\cf3\ulnone .)\par \i0\par \tab In Paul\rquote s time, as now, there were many voices preaching many different gospels. Some of t9x720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 2-Explore\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\t: 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 class on Sabbath.\b0\i\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i0\par \cf3\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\t;dmen 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 God, 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< 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 was 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 ma=x6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b0\f0\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 morality 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>ous, and happy state. Most attempts have ended in disappointment or catastrophe. Personal and social morality appears to be in free fall. If society makes us bad and nature makes us bad, what hope is there? Read on!\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \b Consider This: \b0 Why is the fact of our sinful nature so hard for us to accept?\b\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\t?0\tx8640\tx9360 As explorers came back from other regions with reports of diverse societies that seemed to live in idyllic harmony with nature, these thinkers took the reports as confirmation of their suspicions. From this marriage of legitimate dissatisfaction with the status quo and poorly understood and patronizing accounts of other societies, the concept of the noble savage was born.\par \par Since then, varieties of ideologies and philosophies have attempted to return humanity to its natural, virtuansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\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\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 13\b0\fs24 \i\fs28 *Sepive? 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 \f3\'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\f2\fs24\tab\tab\cf4\f4\fs23\par } B24\par \f3\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 \f3\'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 gCOh, 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:\fsDI 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. End 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 F 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 a ou never find yourself in that type of contrary relationship with Jesus again?\b0 \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 4-Create\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Just for Teachers: Build a vehicle for delivering the gospel message to a group discussed above.Hlieves 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, y ::: 108-Aug 14-20 - The Man of Romans{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 8\b0\fs24 \i\fs28 s xxEuEi10-AEE10-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 Wingdings;}{d E10-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\fchar  a09-Aug 21-27 - Freedom in Christ{\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 Calibri;}{\f4\fnil`  A09-Aug 21-27 - Freedom in Christ{\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 Calibri;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fnil\fcG\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\b Activity: \b0 Reread \cf3\ul Rom_12:6-8\cf2\ulnone ; list the various gifts mentioned. Invite members to take pictures of activities during the coming week that they feel illustrate the gifts list and bring them to the next class.\tab\par \par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\i\scaps0\fs28 M8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Just for Teachers: How does love fulfill God\rquote s law in our experience so that our lives are satisfactory to God and satisfying to us? Discuss spiritual gifts in the context of the above question to introduce the final activity. How is God pleased when we utilize those gifts for His glory? How does utilizing our abilities bring personal satisfaction?\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720Ndn\rquote t you change them now? What is the difference? \b0\i\tab\i0\fs24\tab\fs36\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 4-Create\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\txO. 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 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 shoulPext 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 detailQ 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 nRontext. 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 weSember 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 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 cTtx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 What experience replaces hollow, appearance-conscious religion?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\b0\scaps0 \i \fs28 SeptU0\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 How does the Christian get recharged? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000 How does he or she receive the Designer\rquote s directions? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\V\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\expndtw6\b\scaps\tab NC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0 Count me in. You\rquote re good.\par \expndtw6\b\scaps\tab RC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0\tab Well, really, \i he\rquote s\i0 good.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Thought Questions:\b0 \par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx432W0\b0\scaps0\tab Remember, gratis? Free! \'bfComprende, senor? \par \expndtw6\b\scaps NC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0 Sounds cheap enough.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-810\li1530\tx810\tx1530\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tx8010\tx8730\expndtw6\b\scaps RC.\tab \expndtw0\b0\scaps0 Expensive, actually . . . but the price has been paid. But yeah, all that power inside me, directed, driven by the designer himself.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040Ie 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 beY 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 thZe, 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[22\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 plac\7920\tx8640\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 How can our church cultivate the seed of Christian witness?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par Thursday\b0\i\scaps0 \fs28 September 2\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Stumbling \fs24\par \tab\fs]y class with that can be devoted to freeing the lost?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 \par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Why have certain groups in our community been overlooked?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx@despite all the pretensions to Christianity and morality, people still were not good. In fact, they were pretty bad, and maybe civilization-emphatically including the church-was at fault. Was it possible, they asked, that people in what they called \ldblquote the state of nature\rdblquote were essentially good and that it was the church, state, and society that made people appear to be bad?\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx792Xgue that. But we automobiles were created for more than just good looks. We\rquote re made to move! Until my motor and battery pack were installed, I was just hollow inside. Now the manufacturer guides my every motion through antenna signals. I\rquote ve never felt so satisfied before.\par \expndtw6\b\scaps NC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0 \i (pausing\i0 ): Think there\rquote s hope for broken-down Chevette models like me? This recession\rquote s hit pretty hard at my garage.\par \expndtw6\b\scaps RC.\expndtw`, I reached a low point when I crashed. I was tired of just looking good but being empty inside. Moving was easy going downhill, but forget uphill-even level places. About that time I heard about the free-motor, free-rechargeable battery, free-antenna offer. Checked it out and haven\rquote t been the same since.\par \expndtw6\b\scaps NC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0 Doesn\rquote t make you better than me. I\rquote m your size and even shinier. \par \expndtw6\b\scaps RC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0\tab Won\rquote t arand installing motors and antennas gratis. \par \expndtw6\b\scaps RC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0\tab Correct.\par \expndtw6\b\scaps NC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0 Look, buddy, I\rquote m looking as spiffy as you without extra psychological baggage . . . I just don\rquote t need \ldblquote stuff.\rdblquote \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-810\li1530\tx1531\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tx8010\tx8730\tx9450\tx10170\expndtw6\b\scaps RC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0 Well, speaking only for myselfded0\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 TEACHERS 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\fs32\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-\b0\i July 31-August 6\i0\tab 117\par \fs32\tab\b 7\b0\fs20 \b Victory Over Sin^at information should I gather about other people groups so that I can be an effective instrument in God\rquote s hands for sharing the gospel? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 What spiritual gifts, skills, and natural abilities has God blessed mgn 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 oneself 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, takieeps 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 to 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 faitjh? 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 \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\f1\par T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 4-Apply\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx?1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par Just for Teachers: This week we have learned that although we are not worthy of salvation, God has provided it for us anyway. Why would we ever want to go on with \ldblquote business as usual\rdblquote ?\b0\par \par \tab A key concept in this lesson is the idea of substitution. Christ\rquote s record of perfect obedience to the law substitutes for our record of disobedience, haphazard obedience, or obedience for the wl1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\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 ofm 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\rdbnlquote 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 oall 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 pWhite 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 salvaqtion 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? \b0\fs24\parr \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Even with the best intentions, we can lose sight of the purpose of the church, turn inward, and trust in our goodness rather than in God\rquote s. At that point we need His grace more than ever, and He promises it! While God promises to restore us when we turn from our deviation, how can we stay true to the mission from the start?\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Activity: \b0 Read the following dialogue between the delivery truck (DT) and the parade float ( *August 14-20\i0\fs24\par \par \b\fs40 The Man \i of\i0 Romans 7\b0\par \par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\tab\fs24\par \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Rom_7:1\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 Now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, abs NC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0 Hey, news flash, senor, I\rquote m just as good an automobile as you any day. You think you\rquote re the only one heading for a fancy car museum?\par \expndtw6\b\scaps RC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0\tab Sorry . . . Guess I should apologize. Believe me, whatever I said wasn\rquote t meant to make you feel that way.\par \expndtw6\b\scaps NC.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0 Really? I overheard your conversation with the Austin-Healy last Thursday . . . Something about a conversion process av man\rdblquote destroyed, rising to walk in newness of life-these are the things that will 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 thew grace of God as revealed in Jesus, the condemnation that the law inevitably brings to sinners 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 areasx are you refusing to let go of, and why must you let them go? \b0\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\i\f3\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\i0\f2\fs24\par \b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi360\tx0\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\by0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-630\li990\tx720\tx990\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\b I. Sin Personified\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi270\li450\tx450\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\i (Review \cf4\ul Rom_6:12\cf3\ulnone with the class.)\b\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx990\tx1710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\tx8190\tx8910\tqr\tx9626\b0\i0\tab How zdoes one distinguish between pure and evil desires? The distinction may not be that simple. The Greek word, \i epithumia\i0 , often translated \ldblquote lust,\rdblquote\i \i0 is simply the word for \ldblquote desire\rdblquote and can be neutral \i (\cf4\ul Mar_4:19\cf3\ulnone ),\i0 and even good, as when Paul spoke of his \i epithumia\i0 to be with Christ \i (\cf4\ul Php_1:23\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . However, translators almost universally consider the \i epithumia\i0 of \cf4\ul Rom_6:12\cf3\ulnone to hav{e a negative meaning (\i KJV, NKJV, NASB-lust; NIV-evil desires; NLT-lustful desires;\i0 \i RSV, NRSV,\i0 and \i MLB\i0 use \i passion\i0 ; [while technically a neutral term, it can carry the romance-novel connotation of forbidden sexual desire]; \i TEV, CEV\i0 , and \i NEB\i0 use the neutral term \i desire\i0 ). Clearly, translators use context to determine the shade of meaning they assign to it. The distinction between pure and evil desire comes down to God's expressed will. Sexual desire is a God-g|iven instinct, pure until expressed outside of God\rquote s will; hunger is a natural desire, pure until leading to excess; even desire for wealth is not evil of itself until it becomes greed. \i Desire\i0 becomes perverted from its original God-intended purpose to some excess or destructive behavior. God gave us the Bible so that we may discern what His purposes are.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356 Onc}e the Holy Spirit guides our knowledge of God\rquote s purposes, there is good news; we are not left alone nor powerless! Christ\rquote s sacrifice freed us from sin\rquote s reign and empowers us to live holy lives-if we choose. Through his alter ego Geraldine\i , \i0 comedian Flip Wilson carved the expression \ldblquote The devil made me do it\rdblquote into international consciousness; but no one legitimately can excuse sin on this basis, for the devil cannot force us to do anything. He stands powerle~ss when we have chosen to allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives. Therein lies the real battle: Will we surrender control to God, or will we wrestle the reins of life away from Him?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\b Consider This: \b0 How does God propose to purify my desires and motives? How do we sometimes get in the way of His divine purposes?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\b II. Under the Law?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Rom_6:14\cf3\ulnone with the class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\i0\tab Some commentators assert that Paul is dismissing the Ten Commandments in these verses. How odd that Paul would say something contrary to Christ\rquote s express statement \i (\cf4\ul Mat_5:17\cf3\ulnone ) \i0 regarding the law! If we follow Paul=s reasoning, we will not jump to such erroneous conclusions. Paul\rquote s argument is that the law defines right from wrong, thus teaching us what sin is. The person who violates the law comes under legal jurisdiction. The person who is not violating the law (not sinning) is not under legal jurisdiction (the law). An officer arrests me (puts me under the law) when I exceed the speed limit. If I were not speeding, he would not \ldblquote put me under the law.\rdblquote Conversely, the fact that I am not speeding doU  9:;<=>?@ABCGHIMNOPa`_^]\nil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\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\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 12\b0\fs2es not mean there are no speed limits. The fact that by God\rquote s grace I am no longer under sins power does not mean there are no Ten Commandments. Paul never says there is no law; he simply asserts that we are not under it because, by divine power, we need not sin. Sin puts us under the law; when we stop breaking the law, we are no longer \ldblquote under it.\rdblquote\par \par \b Consider This: \b0 How would we know what sin is if there were no law? How does God propose to help us get out from und-\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 September 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 \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. Neufeld \b\par \b0\par \b Editor:\b0\par Clifford R. Goldstein\b\par \par Associate Editor:\par \er the law (i.e., stop sinning)?\par \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\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 ve 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 member 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 ts for mission trips that are being made by local academies or church groups in your conference. ShareHim (\cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://global-evangelism.org/php/index.php"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 http://global-evangelism.org/php/index.php}}}\cf3\f2\fs24 ) is another source of international evangelistic programs you may become involved in. Individuals in the class or the class as a whole may adopt a mission project to support, or plan to go yourselves.\par \par 4. As you contemplate the passion fob0 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 \pard\b\f1 The teachers edition components were written by the following:\par 1. The Lesson in Brief, and Learning Cycle, Lesson 1:\b0 Cheryl Des Jarlais, freelance writer, Ronan, Montana, U.S.A.\par \b 2. Learning Cycle, Lessons 2\endash 5:\b0 Alan Hecht, librarian, Rebok Memorial Library, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.\par \b 3. Learning Cycle, Lessons 6, 7, 9\endash 13:\b0 Dan Solis, associate pastor, Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, College Place, Washington, U.S.A.\par \b 4. Learning Cycle, Lesson 8:\b0 Janelle Margolis, freelance writer, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\f0\par The\i Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide\i0 is prepared by the Office 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 permission 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\f2\fs23\par } reaches has been confirmed by the preaching of Jesus and by the messages of the prophets. It was kept secret, not because God did not want men to know, but because men refused light from heaven, preventing God from giving them further light. Moreover, there were some aspects of the plan that men would be unable to grasp until the Messiah came in human flesh. He gave a demonstration, not only of what God is like but also of what man may become by laying hold of divine power. The new kind of life would be o a close? \cf1\ul\i Rom_16:25-27\cf0\ulnone .\par \b0\tab\i0 Paul ends his letter in a glorious ascription of praise to God. God is the one in whom the Roman Christians, and all Christians, can safely put their trust to confirm their standing as redeemed sons and daughters of God, justified by faith and now led by the Spirit of God.\par \tab Paul is thrilled to be the herald of such glorious news. He calls this news \ldblquote my gospel.\rdblquote What he means is the gospel he proclaims. But what he p\rdblquote may be translated \ldblquote encouragement.\rdblquote The God of encouragement is the God who encourages. The God of hope is the God who has given hope to humankind. Likewise, the God of peace is the God who gives peace and in whom one may have peace.\par \tab What a fitting benediction in a letter whose dominant theme is righteousness by faith-encouragement, hope, peace! How sorely our present world needs these.\par \b\tab After numerous personal greetings, how did Paul bring his letter tow can you, yourself, live out this principle?\b0\par \tab\b As Paul brought his letter to a close, what varied benedictions did he utter? \cf1\ul\i Rom_15:5-6\cf4\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_15:13\cf4\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_15:33\cf0\ulnone .\par \b0\tab\i0 The God of patience means the God who helps His children steadfastly to endure. The word for \ldblquote patience,\rdblquote \i hupomone, \i0 means \ldblquote fortitude,\rdblquote \ldblquote steadfast endurance.\rdblquote The word for \ldblquote consolation\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par Thursday\b0\i\scaps0 \fs28 September 23\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Fitting Benediction\b0\fs24\par \i\tab\b\i0\fs22 Read \cf1\ul Rom_15:1-3\cf0\ulnone . What important Christian truth is found in these texts? \par \tab In what way do these texts capture so much of what it means to be a follower of Jesus? \par \tab What other verses teach the same idea? Most important, hondled?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-274\li274\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\tab\tab Thought Question: \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 What role should our educational system play in developing discernment, tolerance, and compassion?\par \pard\sb100\sa100ted in this new church family that she wanted to contribute something to the dinner, so she prepared the family\rquote s special recipe. It involved several hours of preparation, but she joyfully made the dish out of gratitude. When church matriarch Helen saw the chicken and dumplings, she nearly exploded. (There is an unwritten regulation that these meals are strictly vegetarian.) She dragged Juanita out of the dining hall into the kitchen for a face-to-face confrontation. How should this situation be ha0\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 B. Juanita joined the church three years ago. She became very active in soul winning and recently brought her neighbor Petra to church for three consecutive weeks. Juanita mentioned to Petra that the fourth Sabbath of each month is \ldblquote potluck\rdblquote dinner, but never thought that Petra would bring anything. Petra felt so accepive friends at the Adventist university. One Sabbath just before finals, he and seven young men visited a small mountain lake encircled by a trail. After hiking halfway around, one of his friends suggested that they swim across the lake to cool down from the sweltering heat. Adonijah was shocked that his conservative friends would do this, for he was taught that swimming on Sabbath was sinful. How should this situation be handled?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx504 members have you been meaning to get to know and encourage in faith? Plan a series of visits over the next few months to develop these contacts into real friendships.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720 2. Develop a writing ministry in which you use letters and cards to share your faith in the local community, in prison ministry, or around the world.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1080\tx1170\tx1530\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280 3.\tab Investigate planPF) and discuss ways to \ldblquote stay on the right track.\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1260\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab\expndtw6\b\scaps PF.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0\tab Hey, little guy, you want to get in the big show?\par \tab\expndtw6\b\scaps DT.\expndtw0\b0\scaps0\tab The what?\par \tab\expndtw6\b\scaps PF.\expndtw0\b0\sca. 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\f5\'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?\cf2\ul\b0\f1\par } 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\f5\'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 t 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 \f5\ntary, \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 a \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 Comme \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 nd I\rquote ll send you lessons on how you can be free. \i0 Inflate the balloons with helium, tie them with string, and release them together. Recommendation: After church, have a class dinner followed by this activity.\par \par \pard\cf4\f4\fs22\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\i\scaps0 \fs28 August 27\fs24\par \b\i0\fs28 Further Study: \b0\fs22 Ellen G. White,x6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Activity: \b0 Purchase 100 large biodegradable balloons. Inside each balloon, insert a slip of paper with the message: \i I am the heart of a balloon\i0 . \i Once I was tied down by fear, failure, anxiety, inadequacy, put-downs, and hang-ups; but one day a strong wind broke my strings and set me free to soar. If you want to be free, too, write me at [your address], a\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Just for Teachers: The message that God\rquote s Spirit fills us with peace and sets us free cannot be kept secret. Like the woman at the well, we are compelled to share the news. The following activity serves a double purpose, providing a visual illustration of freedom and a practical witnessing opportunity.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tause 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 \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\i0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f2\fs24\par nderstanding 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 available to us becf 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 best of their urd\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Suggest the following ideas to help your members put this week\rquote s class discussion into practice during the following weeks or months.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1080\tx1170\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280 1.\tab Plan your own mission journey around your neighborhood. Who among your neighbors and communityd 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?\par \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pao 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, \i0 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 encourageo 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_15:6\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 national 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 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par Learning Cycle\i0\f2\fs24 \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\par \i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0 God is the source of both the justice in His law and the grace seen in the atoning death of Jesus Christ that saves us from sin.\par \b\par Just for Teachers: In this week\rquote s lesson, we discuss and explore the\i \i0 relationship between God\rquote s law and His grace.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1440\tx7290\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\b\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\b0\tab Imagine that you were in a school that offered only one of two grades: pass or fail. The only problem was that in order to pass, you needed a perfect score on every quiz, every test, every paper. Even one wrong answer, just one, would ruin your chances of passing. In other words, you could get every question right, every time, and then get the last question on the last test wrong, and you would get the same failing grade as someone who got every question on every test wrong.\par \par \tab In a sense, that is what salvation is like. We need an absolute perfect score for salvation, absolute perfect holiness, absolute perfect obedience to God\rquote s law. Anything short of that leads to a failing grade. The most wonderful saint who has even the most minor character fault is in the same boat as the nastiest and more degenerate criminal. Without absolute righteousness, we are lost.\par \par \tab Now, suppose in the school there was a student who not only got a perfect score but offered to share that score with you? That is, his perfect score would be yours, the only way you could possibly pass.\par \par \tab In a sense, that\rquote s the gospel. None of us have a passing grade. All of us have missed more than one question for sure, for we all have violated the law. Jesus alone has perfect righteousness, and the good news of the gospel is that He offers that perfect righteousness to all who claim it truly by faith. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\b Consider This: \b0 God\rquote s law stems from His righteousness and goodness and grace. Therefore, why does it make no sense that He would simply do away with it, as many Christians believe He did?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\scaps\f0\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, through 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 come 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 central 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 by 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 about 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. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 2-Explore\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi360\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 I. Abraham\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review with your class \cf4\ul Gen_15:6\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul\i0 Rom_4:1\cf3\ulnone\i - entire chapter)\par \b\i0\par \b0\tab As humans we tend to put other humans on a pedestal, sometimes literally! Never is this tendency truer than in how we Christians view biblical figures and other great heroes of faith. What we forget is that they are heroes \i of faith.\i0 They are what they are because they had faith in what God could do through and for them, not because they were born with a special holiness gene that most of us lack.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Consider Abraham. Abraham is revered by three world religions that agree on little else. In the ancient world even pagans regarded Abraham as a figure worthy of respect. The pagan Roman emperor Alexander Severus (who ruled from A.D. 222-235), missing the point spectacularly and flamboyantly, included a bust of Abraham-along with others of Moses, Jesus, Orpheus, and Apollonius of Tyana-in his private chapel.\par \par Yet, where did Abraham\rquote s greatness lie? He \ldblquote \lquote believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,\rquote \rdblquote as stated in \cf4\ul Rom_4:3\cf3\ulnone \i (NASB),\i0 quoting \cf4\ul Gen_15:6\cf3\ulnone .\par \par Abraham had to have righteousness credited to him, because he was not righteous on his own. He made mistakes. Sometimes he based his decisions on cowardice and faithlessness. For example, review \cf4\ul Gen_12:10-20\cf3\ulnone , in which he denies that Sarah is his wife and allows her to be taken by the pharaoh as a concubine, and his reprise of that error in regard to Abimelech in Genesis 20. And then there was his decision, in Genesis 16, to \i help\i0 God along in fulfilling the promise God had made to give him a son. In short, a close look reveals that Abraham\rquote s past is as riddled with failures as any one of ours might be, and his is recorded in Scripture.\par \par Nor was Abraham\rquote s lineage particularly holy, although the Jewish people in Paul\rquote s time took great pride in being of the lineage of Abraham. Abraham was a descendant of Noah, as was everyone else inhabiting the earth. Although the most evil antediluvians had died, leaving no heirs, descendants of Noah soon proved they had no mean talent for betraying and disappointing God. These were Abraham\rquote s forebears.\par \par Neither Abraham\rquote s predisposition to goodness and holiness, nor his heritage, was particularly noteworthy, but Abraham was special, as any of us can be special: He believed that God could change him, work through him, and bless the world through him. He believed God, God accepted him as righteous, and God made him capable of righteousness. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \b Consider This: \b0 JuLst as God intended Abraham to bless the whole world in spite of his individual flaws, God wants to bless the whole world through all of us. How does Abraham\rquote s story inspire you to believe in God as He believes in you?\b\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li720\tx720\tx900\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 II. By Grace, Through Faith\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx936tems 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 \tab 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 tf 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 faithfulness; 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 i 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 fulfill the claims ond not in the oldness of the letter\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rom_7:6\cf0\ulnone ).\fs24\par \pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i0\dn10\fs108 F\up0\fs22 ew chapters in the Bible have created more controversy than has Romans 7. Concerning the issues involved, \i The\i0 \i SDA Bible Commentary \i0 says: \ldblquote The meaning of \cf1\ul Rom_7:14-25\cf0\ulnone has been one of the most discussed problems in the whole epistle. The main questions have been as to whether the description of such intense moral struggle could be autobiographical, and, if so, whether the passage refers to Paul\rquote s experience before or after his conversion. That Paul is speaking of his own personal struggle with sin seems apparent from the simplest meaning of his words (cf. \cf1\ul Rom_7:7-11\cf0\ulnone ; [Ellen G. White, \i Steps to Christ, \i0 p. 19; Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 3, p. 475]). It is surely also true that he is describing a conflict that is more or less experienced by every soul confronted by and awakened to the spiritual claims of God\rquote s holy law.\rdblquote -\i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 6, p. 553.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab Bible students differ on whether Romans 7 was Paul\rquote s experience before or after conversion. Whatever position one takes, what\rquote s important is that Jesus\rquote righteousness covers us and that in His righteousness we stand perfect before God, who promises to sanctify us, to give us victory over sin, and to conform us to \ldblquote the image of his Son\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:29\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 These are the crucial points for us to know and experience as we seek to spread \ldblquote the everlasting gospel\rdblquote to \ldblquote every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rev_14:6\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\i0\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 21.\par \i0\fs24\page\b\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\i\scaps0 \fs28 August 15\i0\fs24\par \b\fs28 Bound to the Law? \b0\fs24\par \b\fs22\tab Read \cf1\ul Rom_7:1-6\cf0\ulnone . What illustration does Paul use here in order to show his readers their relationship to the law, and what point is he making with that illustration?\b0\i\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tqc\tx4365 \i0 Paul\rquote s illustration in \cf1\ul Rom_7:1-6\cf0\ulnone is somewhat involved, but a careful analysis of the passage will help us to follow his reasoning.\tab\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab In the overall context of the letter, Paul was dealing with the system of worship established at Sinai; that is often what he means by the word \i law\i0 . The Jews had difficulty grasping the fact that this system, given to them of God, should end with the coming of the Messiah. This is whaul 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 oimple dress, strict Sabbath observance, and home-schooling. After completing a GED he planned on attending an independent \ldblquote institute\rdblquote because his parents felt that Seventh-day Adventist colleges were too worldly. Nevertheless, he enrolled because he was fascinated by architecture and could not get that training at the independent institute. At least, he reasoned, the Adventist university would be less worldly than a state university. To his happiness, he discovered a group of conservatife situations and discuss how the principles of Romans 14 and 15 apply. How can believers make their world more principled and tolerant at the same time?\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \b\tab Activity: \b0 Read the following:\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Adonijah was raised in a conservative home characterized by s  in dealing witu11-Sep 4-10 - The Electi11-S5!x 11-Sep 4-10 - The Election of Grace{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blueN 11-Sep 4-10 - The Election of Grace{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froat Paul was dealing with-Jewish believers still not ready to abandon what had been such an important part of their lives.\par \tab In essence, Paul\rquote s illustration is as follows: a woman is married to a man. The law binds her to him as long as he lives. During his lifetime she cannot consort with other men. But when he dies, she is free from the law that bound her to him \i (vs. 3).\i0\par \b\tab How does Paul apply the illustration of the law of marriage to the system of Judaism? \cf1\ul\b0\i Rom\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 is 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 Pas they were to the churches of Paul\rquote s time. What challenges do churches face that may be met by a definitive \ldblquote thus saith the Lord\rdblquote ? What sources of knowledge and support has God given us for our times?\cf0\b\f0\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\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\scaps\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\fs36 hy churches are present in the large cities of today? What challenges face younger, more remote churches?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Clear explanations of the principles of the gospel still are as important today *\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf5\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0 What cities and regions of today are most influential in not only material trade but the exportation of thoughts and ideas that influence the rest of the world? How might today\rquote s church make use of the position and influence of these channels of culture to spread the gospel of Christ around the globe? What challenges to the growth of healtare situated in metropolises that may do a lot to support the development of younger churches in less populated and more remote areas. However, challenges exist in every region. Use the thought questions below to help your class reflect on not only the challenges faced by the global church but its place in the global picture.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Thought Questions:\par \pard{\pntext\f5\'B7\tab}{\im. Why should you not allow anything, anything at all, to hold you back from heeding that call?\par \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: As in Paul\rquote s day, larger churches often  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\ulnone ). \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 Hul 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 , \cf1\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 originalote ; that is, \ldblquote designated saints.\rdblquote\par \tab\i Saints \i0 is the translation of the Greek \i hagioi, \i0 which literally means \ldblquote 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 Pa 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\rdblquon 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 thepar \b Consider This:\b0 How did hardships affect Paul\rquote s sense of mission? \par \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\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 salutaticf4\ul Act_28:17-31\cf3\ulnone with your class.)\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i0\tab Paul eventually reached Rome but not as a free man. Despite his chains, the gospel of Christ that was always on his heart, and was the continual burden of his exhortations and letters, was boldly preached to all who would listen. He wrote his epistles to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and to Philemon from Rome.\par \gh the church in Rome had not been established by any known apostle, it was vibrant and growing, and God was with it. What challenges do churches without much available, trained leadership face? How may these challenges be met?\par \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 III. Serving in Chains\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi360\li360\tx360\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000\b0\i (Review \ Jewish traditions to Christian ways of thinking. The Jewish traditions had been so long steeped in human machinations that their original godly purposes had been misunderstood or forgotten by many. But just which beliefs and practices were to be kept and which had been swept away, by means of type meeting antitype in the death of Christ, was not always clear. A decisive explanation of the foundations of the gospel was critical for the development of the young church.\par \par \b Consider This:\b0 Thou letter to the church in Rome, describing the great principles of the gospel. He stated persuasively that a practical application of the gospel met challenges that some of the Christian churches were facing, surrounded as they were by the pagan cultures of idolatry and immorality.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tab Because the church was still in its infancy, there also were challenges in regard to the shift fromaps\f0\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. He stands to gainpar \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard{\pntext\f6\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf6\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 How do we replace the tendency to focus on earthly things with a focus on spiritual things?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Thought Questions:\b0 \par \pard{\pntext\f6\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf6\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li1080\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 If we become what we think, how can pornography advocates claim that porn is harmless? \x7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Activity: \b0 The battle for the mind is the battle for the soul. What we think about becomes who we are. Make a group list of practical methods that members use to focus on spiritual things. The list might include such things as prayer, listening to Christian music, singing, reading/memorizing scripture, nature hikes, mission trips, sharing their faith, etcetera.\par \pard\nowido options for application. If you saved your second quarter teacher\rquote s guide, refer to the Apply section of lesson 2 (\ldblquote The Power of Choice\rdblquote ). The sketch \ldblquote The Puppet and the Wind\rdblquote is based on Romans 8. (Note: That lesson is valuable as supplemental material for our current study.) The other option is described below. Either way, focus on things that set us free.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tT E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Just for Teachers: Note that verse 2 is the only place within Romans 8 in which Paul uses first-person singular (set \i me \i0 free). This freedom was something that Paul experienced personally, not some theoretical schema that he propounded for argument\rquote s sake. So it should be with us. We offer twe, 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 should? \fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\b0\f1\fs22 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 there still will be a struggle against sin. The difference is that the person whom the Spirit indwells now has divine power for victory. Furthermorr\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 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 believeme, 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 x5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Consider This: \b0 Is your spiritual walk a \ldblquote slave walk\rdblquote or an \ldblquote heir walk\rdblquote ? Do you see God\rquote s ways as restrictive or liberating? Why?\par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32\par 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 thes ways as His respected desires rather than as tyrannical restrictions. Here Paul\rquote s language mirrors his earlier letter to the Galatians \i in chapter 4,\i0 where he compares slaves and children. He rejoices \i (vs. 7)\i0 that \ldblquote you are no longer a slave, but a son . . . an heir\rdblquote \i (NIV).\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\t3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Anciently both children and slaves were regular members of the household. Yet, no one would be confused about the roles each played. Children stood to inherit the family wealth, while the slaves\rquote role was to follow the owners\rquote orders. \par \par The \ldblquote flesh person\rdblquote functions as a slave, doing out of fear and obligation what the law states. The believer, however, obeys the heavenly Parent out of love, seeing God\rquote \ul Rom_8:15-17\cf2\ulnone with the class.)\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i0\tab Here Paul introduces a new metaphorical pair-children versus slaves. Leaving behind the legal metaphors that dominated his earlier exposition, Paul turns to familial ones to summarize his position. Perhaps this shift signals a move from the head to the heart, as well. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\txh person\rdblquote who sins and a believer who sins? What evidence exists to prove that the law can be fulfilled in us?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b II. Adoption Versus Bondage\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab\b0\i (Review \cf3_7:4-5\cf0\ulnone\par \tab\i0 As the death of her husband delivers the woman from the law of her husband, so the death of the old life in the flesh, through Jesus Christ, delivers the Jews from the law they had been expected to keep until the Messiah fulfilled its types.\par \tab Now the Jews were free to \ldblquote remarry.\rdblquote They were invited to marry the risen Messiah and thus bring forth fruit to God. This illustration was one more device Paul used to convince the Jews that they were now free to abandon the ancient system. \par \tab Again, given all else that Paul and the Bible say about obedience to the Ten Commandments, it doesn\rquote t make sense to assert here that Paul was telling these Jewish believers that the Ten Commandments were no longer binding. Those who use these texts to try to make that point-that the moral law was done away with-really don\rquote t want to make \i that\i0 point, anyway; what they really want to say is that only the seventh-day Sabbath is gone, not the rest of the law. To read these verses as teaching that the fourth commandment has been abolished or superceded or replaced with Sunday is to give them a meaning that the words were never intended to have. \fs24\par \par \pard\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\ulnone\b\i\fslquote The first has divine purpose; the second has none. What we focus on we become. By focusing on Jesus, we become more like Him. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Consider This: \b0 How can Christians tell if they are living in the flesh or in the Spirit? What is the difference, if any, between a \ldblquote fles28\par The Lesson in Brief\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9356\b\par Key Text:\b0 \cf3\ul\i Rom_7:22-23\cf2\ulnone\par \par \b\i0 The Student Will:\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Know:\b0 Recognize that our sinful nature wages war against God\rquote s law and that we must die to the l the time, etcetera.) We are freed from that behavior in Jesus. \par \par A key to this changed life resides in the choices we make with our mind. The Greek word \i phr\f3 oneo\f2 , \i0\ldblquote\i mind\rdblquote\i0 (\cf3\ul\i Rom_8:5\cf2\ulnone\i0 ), implies more than passive thought, suggesting intent and focus. The spiritual-minded person focuses on God\rquote s revealed will, while the flesh-dominated person accepts the \ldblquote default\rdblquote position of \ldblquote do whatever suits me.\rdbew life that is defined by God\rquote s standard of righteousness as revealed in Scripture. Though not yet possessing perfect character, this person is oriented by a desire to please God rather than satisfy self. Miracle of miracles, this means that what the law requires can be satisfactorily accomplished in us. We no longer \ldblquote have to\rdblquote beat our spouses, lie publicly, humiliate our children, cheat on taxes, murder, steal, or commit adultery! (Or gossip, slander, dominate, have our way alures the totality of life apart from God-the sum of our desires, interests, pursuits, and passions. The \ldblquote flesh\rdblquote covers every aspect of our self-focused, self-centered lives (not merely our sexual dimensions, as with some Victorian interpretations). \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 The Spirit is just the opposite, representing the emptied self filled with God. The Spirit-filled person desires a nhrist made not this atonement, that thou shouldest anger God again; neither died he for thy sins, that thou shouldest live still in them; neither cleansed he thee, that thou shouldest return (as a swine) unto thine old puddle again; but that thou shouldest be a new creature and live a new life after the will of God and not of the flesh.\rdblquote -John Stott, \i Romans \i0 (Downers Grove, Ill.:\i \i0 InterVarsity Press, 1994), p. 182. The flesh stands as a metaphor for our life apart from Christ. It pict20\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tab News flash-there is no longer condemnation for those who live in Jesus. But who are those people? Here Paul introduces a key metaphor that is replayed throughout the first half of the chapter. Those who are in Jesus are those who walk after the Spirit, rather than after the flesh. English Reformer William Tyndale, cited in John Stott\rquote s \i Romans, \i0 wrote in 1526: \ldblquote Now go to, reader. . . . Remember that Cabbath?\b0\par \fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par STEP 3-Apply\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Just for Teachers: Select one or more of the following lh Paul\rquote s writings: \ldblquote As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 2Pe_3:16\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \tab\b What has been your experience with the Sabbath? Has it been the blessing it was meant to be? What changes can you make in order to experience more fully what the Lord offers you in the Senalties 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.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sa99\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ul\f1 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\ulnone\b\i\fs28\par Learning Cycle\i0\f2\fs24\par \par \i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f2\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-1440\li1440\tx1440\tx8010\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\b0\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0 The early church\rquote s debate over whether-or how much-Christians must obey Old Testament laws mirrors our efforts today to strike a balance between law and grace in our own spiritual lives.\par \b\par Just for Teachers\b0 : \b In this week\rquote s lesson we discuss the issues faced by the early church in regard to the role of law and grace in one\rquote s salvation. \par \par \b0\tab The great American writer Ambrose Bierce defined a Christian as \ldblquote one who believes that the New Testament is a divinely inspired book admirably suited to the spiritual needs of his neighbor.\rdblquote One thing we can see from this is that Bierce hadn\rquote t been exposed to the right kind of Christian. But, as in all canards, there is a grain of truth to it.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi720\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Bierce probably was referring to the garden- variety hypocrite, who believes that loving one\rquote s neighbor, caring for the least of these, etc., is a burden to be borne \i by someone other than oneself.\b\i0 \b0 As \cf4\ul Luk_11:46\cf3\ulnone suggests, this school of thought has a long history.\par \par But there\rquote s another aspect implicit in Bierce\rquote s scathing witticism equally worthy of consideration. Most of us would affirm that the New Testament teaches that we are saved by grace and that there is nothing we can do to be saved. But when you say \ldblquote we,\rdblquote does it include \i you?\i0 Do you truly believe you are saved by grace, or are you burdening yourself with things you must do to be accepted? Is the gospel for you, or is it just admirably suited to your neighbor?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\par \b Consider This: \b0 In \cf4\ul Mat_11:30\cf3\ulnone , Jesus says that \ldblquote \lquote my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.\rquote \rdblquote Why do we often feel a need to make it heavier for ourselves or others?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tab\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\tab\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 Antioch in an earnest effort to win many souls to Christ, certain Jewish believers from Judaea \ldblquote of the sect of the Pharisees\rdblquote