Romans

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this series is to delve deeply into the many important theological and practical topics presented by St. Paul in the Pauline Epistles. The students will gain a better understanding of how St. Paul's writings greatly influenced the establishment of the Church and of Christianity as they exist today. Students should understand the difference between salvation by the law versus salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION - 10 Minutes

Warm-up discussion question:

  • What is more important if we wish to be saved?
    • To have faith in Jesus Christ and love God?
    • To avoid sin at all cost and become sinless?
  • Ask students to share their opinions and to try to justify why they think this is true.

As we will see in Romans, we are not saved by the law (by following rules and not ever sinning), but instead we are saved by Jesus Christ despite our sins because of our faith in Him. And by extension, the more we love and have faith in Him, the less likely we are to commit sin. He will help us. We are not excused from sin, but by faith in Him we learn to live a more righteous life.

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 30 Minutes

Background:

In this section of Romans, St. Paul is addressing a controversy that was common in the early church.

  • Since Jesus Christ came from the Jewish religion, many of his new followers were Jewish. Before Jesus Christ and Christianity, it was wrong for Jews to mix with gentiles.
  • Jewish people are called the chosen people of God.
  • Jews believed that in order to follow God, you must follow the law of Moses.
    • Moral laws
    • Traditions (sacrifice, circumcision)
  • If a gentile wanted to be a part of the Jewish community, they had to follow all the Jewish laws and become Jewish.
  • There were also many Jews who still felt that gentiles were unclean, and would not want to be near them.

But wait, if it's true the Jewish people are the chosen people of God, then weren't these Jews of the early church right in their beliefs? Why are we not all following all the Jewish laws and traditions like they wanted?

  • Short answer: No
  • After the Resurrection, but before the Ascension, Christ declared:
  • "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,..." (Matthew 28:18-19)
  • "...But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Now into Romans:

Paul is frustrated with the Jews for the reason above. They still want to live according to the Law of Moses.

The problem with his is two fold:

  1. The law is for the Jews, the chosen people of God.
  2. The law is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Paul in Romans helps correct throughout his ministry. Below will be a few examples.

  • Romans 2: 12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
    • This means that if we still lived under the law, we would still be guilty for all our sins.
    • Think about all of the sins you have committed, under the law you would still be guilty and the consequences of sin is ... death (meaning we would not be saved)
  • But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:21-24)
  • Here Paul explains that we are not saved by the law. Following a bunch of rules will never save you.
  • So how are we saved? (This is so important to explain, so take your time here)
    1. No one can save themselves, we needed a savior
    2. Because of our sins, the law declares that we are deserving of death.
    3. Instead of allowing us to suffer that consequence, Christ came and took the consequence for us when he died on the cross.
    4. We are now saved through "faith in Jesus Christ"

Does that mean I can sin? As long as I have faith in Jesus Christ, I will be saved right?

  • Answer: No.
  • Therefore, brethren, we are debtors---not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs---heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:12-17)

Take away points:

  1. We owe Christ our whole lives because He died for us. If someone saved your life, you would do anything you could to repay them. You would be so thankful Do we act this way towards Christ?
  2. We are now called to live "by the Spirit of God"
    1. We should no longer live for this world (lusts of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life)
    2. We now live for the kingdom of Heaven - a life of love for others, rather than love of self.
  3. We are now adopted and are Children of God.
  4. We are only children of God if we suffer with Christ. If we learn to live a life of sacrifice of love in the way that he did for us.
    1. We must imitate our Lord Jesus Christ.
    2. Not because of a rule book or because of the Law, but because of love.

APPLICATION (Action) - 1 Minute

Please sit with your father of confession and ask the following question.

  • I now understand that I am saved because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and by my faith in Him. I want to live a life of love so I can repay Him and show him my love and appreciation. How can I start doing this?

ACTIVITY - 5 Minutes

Students can break out into smaller groups and answer the question: "We owe Christ our lives because he died for us, what are some ways that we can live our lives repaying him?"

And after they discuss with their groups, each group can share with the class.

RESOURCES

  • Optional: Purchase these bookmarks and have students decorate them as a keepsake.