The Gospels
Acts of the Apostles
Paul’s Letters
Other Letters
Revelation
A Walkthru’ of the New Testament
Lesson 7: Romans – Life Transformation Journey
 Romans – Life Transformation Journey
 1 Corinthians - Heaven’s Gold
 2 Corinthians – Jars of Clay
 Galatians – No longer I
 Ephesians - Pushing Limits
 Philippians - The Mind of Christ
 Colossians – Complete Maturity in Christ
 1 Thessalonians – Cascading Hope
 2 Thessalonians – Confident Hope
 1 Timothy - Fighting Fit
 2 Timothy – Fearless Faithfulness
 Titus – Double Grip
 Philemon
 Summary
 Slaves to sin
 Saved by grace
 Sacrifice for perfection
 Share the Gift
 Discussion
 FAQ
EVENT TIMELINE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the
mercies of God, to present your bodies as a
living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewal of your mind, that
by testing you may discern what is the will of
God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2
 Apostle Paul wrote it roughly about 56-57 A.D.
 Romans answers questions such as salvation,
predestination, God’s sovereignty, judgment,
spiritual growth, righteousness of God, etc.
 Paul highlights salvation only through faith in
God’s righteousness: "I am not ashamed of the
gospel, because it is the power of God for the
salvation of everyone who believes... For in the
gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a
righteousness that is by faith" (1:16-17).
Following are key questions answered in
Romans:
 Why believe?
 What happens to real nice guys who don’t?
 What is grace?
 If God has already predestined us, where
does the individual’s role come in?
 Why suffering?
 How to discipline our flesh?
 If Paul himself is struggling to control his
flesh, what message does it give us?
Paul stresses the universality of sin:
 “None is righteous, no, not one”; 3:10
 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God. 3:23
 All who have sinned under the law will be
judged by the law 5:12b
4 But what is the divine response to him? “I
have kept for Myself seven thousand men who
have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 In the
same way then, there has also come to
be at the present time a remnant
according to God’s gracious choice. 6
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis
of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.
Rom 11
12 For all who have sinned without the
law will also perish without the law, and
all who have sinned under the law will be
judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of
the law who are righteous before God, but the
doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For
when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by
nature do what the law requires, they are a law
to themselves, even though they do not have
the law. Rom 5
15 They show that the work of the law
is written on their hearts, while
conscience also bears witness, and
their conflicting thoughts accuse or
even excuse them 16 on that day
when, according to my gospel, God judges the
secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Rom 5
Only Christ’s
rule with Jews
in millenium
will win all
except for few
Adam to
Moses – failed
except for
remnant
Jews
under law
–failed
except for
remnant
Gentiles
without law –
failed except
for few
Church
under grace
– failing
except for
remnant
There is always
(or) only a
faithful
remnant, till
Christ’s comes.
Satan’s Designs God’s Turnarounds
 Sin
 Suffering
 Law highlighting sin
 Jews reject Christ
 Church resistant
 Conformed to world
 Salvation
 Develop character
 Grace overcomes
 Open door for
Gentiles
 Jesus’ leadership
wins
 Transformed mind
29 For those whom he foreknew he
also predestined to be conformed
to the image of his Son, in order
that he might be the firstborn
among many brothers. Romans 8
God
foreknew
Pre-
destined
Called Justified Glorified
 Predestination is based on foreknowledge.
God knows in advance the choices we will
make in our lives
 Based on that knowledge He chooses and
calls those who will choose Him.
17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death
reigned through that one man, much more will
those who receive the abundance of grace and
the free gift of righteousness reign in life
through the one man Jesus Christ.
Romans 5
4 Now to the one who works, his wages
are not counted as a gift but as his
due. 5 And to the one who does not
work but believes in him who justifies
the ungodly, his faith is counted as
righteousness. Rom 4
6 But now we are released from the
law, having died to that which held
us captive, so that we serve in
the new way of the Spirit and not in
the old way of the written code.
Rom 7
 As discussed earlier, grace is not licence to sin, it
is freedom from sin.
 Level of sin reduces level of grace in our lives.
 To increase grace in our lives, we need to be
constantly on our knees asking forgiveness from
God.
Sin
Grace
Grace available Grace utilized
The power of grace
is released through
the pursuit of
holiness in the
presence of Christ
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by
the mercies of God, to present your
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
acceptable to God, which is your
spiritual worship. Rom 12:1
SACRIFICE IS WORSHIP
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal
body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not
present your members to sin as instruments
for unrighteousness, but present yourselves
to God as those who have been brought
from death to life, and your members
to God as instruments for
righteousness. 14 For sin will have no
dominion over you, since you are not under law
but under grace. Romans 6
2 Do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the
renewal of your mind, that by testing
you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and
perfect. Rom 12
Sinner
No faith
Undisciplined
mind
Undisciplined
body
Unsaved
Pharisee
No faith
Undisciplined
mind
Disciplined
body
Sanyasi
No faith
Disciplined
mind
Disciplined
body
Saved
sinner
Faith
Renewed
mind
Disciplined
body
Vessels of wrath (Rom 9:22) vessels of mercy (Rom 9:23)
Mind
Body
Sinner
Mind
Body
Saved
sinner Mind
Body
Trans-
formed
sinner Mind
Body
Christ
26In the same way the Spirit also helps our
weakness; for we do not know how to
pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself
intercedes for us with groanings too deep
for words; 27and He who searches the hearts
knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because
He intercedes for the saints according to the
will of God. Romans 8
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver
me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to
God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I
myself serve the law of God with my
mind, but with my flesh I serve the law
of sin. Romans 7
Slave to
sin
Body
Mind
Mind (Delights
in God)
Flesh (Slave to
sin)
3 …… we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing
that suffering produces endurance, 4 and
endurance produces character, and character
produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to
shame, because God's love has been
poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit
who has been given to us. Rom 5
Endurance
Character
Hope
God’s love
Suffering
14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? How will they believe in Him whom they
have not heard? And how will they hear without a
preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just
as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE
WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!”
Romans 10
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace
given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in
proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our
serving; the one who teaches, in his
teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his
exhortation; the one who contributes, in
generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the
one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12 ESV
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what
is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be
devoted to one another in
love. Honor one another above
yourselves. ….. Ch 12
 So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in
such a way that you will not cause an other believer to
stumble and fall. Rom 14:13 NLT.
 What does the picture below indicate the futility of judging
others?
The difference between
the best saint and worst
sinner is largely at the
faith level. At the sin level
the difference is hairline
in front of God’s
righteousness.
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for
those who cause divisions and create
obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you
have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such
persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their
own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery
they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your
obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over
you, but I want you to be wise as to what is
good and innocent as to what is evil. Rom 16
 Summary
 Slaves to sin
◦ Jews under law
◦ Gentiles not under law
◦ The big picture
 Saved by grace
◦ Free gift
◦ Faith
 Sacrifice for perfection
◦ Surrender
◦ Renewal of mind
◦ Struggle against sin
◦ Suffering
 Share the Gift
◦ Share the Love
◦ Use your gifts
◦ Do not judge
◦ Discern
 How much have we REALLY changed after
accepting Christ? Think of people close to us.
Think of ourselves.(ie. how much are we less
angry, impatient, selfish, etc.) Share/ reflect.
 What steps can we take to bring about a
bigger transformation in our lives?
 When do we tend to lack discernment on false
Christians and Christian leaders?
 How can we discern without judging
considering that only a “remnant” is true?
Have these questions been answered in the
study of Romans? Discuss and clarify.
 Why believe?
 What happens to real nice guys who don’t?
 What is grace?
 If God has already chosen and predestined
us, where does the individual’s role come in?
 Why suffering?
 How to discipline our flesh?
 If Paul himself is struggling to control his
flesh, what message does it give us?

Romans - Life Transformation Journey

  • 1.
    The Gospels Acts ofthe Apostles Paul’s Letters Other Letters Revelation A Walkthru’ of the New Testament Lesson 7: Romans – Life Transformation Journey
  • 2.
     Romans –Life Transformation Journey  1 Corinthians - Heaven’s Gold  2 Corinthians – Jars of Clay  Galatians – No longer I  Ephesians - Pushing Limits  Philippians - The Mind of Christ  Colossians – Complete Maturity in Christ  1 Thessalonians – Cascading Hope  2 Thessalonians – Confident Hope  1 Timothy - Fighting Fit  2 Timothy – Fearless Faithfulness  Titus – Double Grip  Philemon
  • 3.
     Summary  Slavesto sin  Saved by grace  Sacrifice for perfection  Share the Gift  Discussion  FAQ
  • 4.
    EVENT TIMELINE OFTHE NEW TESTAMENT
  • 5.
    I appeal toyou therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1,2
  • 6.
     Apostle Paulwrote it roughly about 56-57 A.D.  Romans answers questions such as salvation, predestination, God’s sovereignty, judgment, spiritual growth, righteousness of God, etc.  Paul highlights salvation only through faith in God’s righteousness: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes... For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith" (1:16-17).
  • 7.
    Following are keyquestions answered in Romans:  Why believe?  What happens to real nice guys who don’t?  What is grace?  If God has already predestined us, where does the individual’s role come in?  Why suffering?  How to discipline our flesh?  If Paul himself is struggling to control his flesh, what message does it give us?
  • 8.
    Paul stresses theuniversality of sin:  “None is righteous, no, not one”; 3:10  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 3:23
  • 9.
     All whohave sinned under the law will be judged by the law 5:12b
  • 10.
    4 But whatis the divine response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. Rom 11
  • 11.
    12 For allwho have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. Rom 5
  • 12.
    15 They showthat the work of the law is written on their hearts, while conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Rom 5
  • 13.
    Only Christ’s rule withJews in millenium will win all except for few Adam to Moses – failed except for remnant Jews under law –failed except for remnant Gentiles without law – failed except for few Church under grace – failing except for remnant There is always (or) only a faithful remnant, till Christ’s comes.
  • 14.
    Satan’s Designs God’sTurnarounds  Sin  Suffering  Law highlighting sin  Jews reject Christ  Church resistant  Conformed to world  Salvation  Develop character  Grace overcomes  Open door for Gentiles  Jesus’ leadership wins  Transformed mind
  • 15.
    29 For thosewhom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8
  • 16.
    God foreknew Pre- destined Called Justified Glorified Predestination is based on foreknowledge. God knows in advance the choices we will make in our lives  Based on that knowledge He chooses and calls those who will choose Him.
  • 17.
    17 For if,because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5
  • 18.
    4 Now tothe one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. Rom 4
  • 19.
    6 But nowwe are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. Rom 7
  • 20.
     As discussedearlier, grace is not licence to sin, it is freedom from sin.  Level of sin reduces level of grace in our lives.  To increase grace in our lives, we need to be constantly on our knees asking forgiveness from God. Sin Grace Grace available Grace utilized
  • 21.
    The power ofgrace is released through the pursuit of holiness in the presence of Christ
  • 22.
    I appeal toyou therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Rom 12:1 SACRIFICE IS WORSHIP
  • 23.
    12 Let notsin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6
  • 24.
    2 Do notbe conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom 12
  • 25.
    Sinner No faith Undisciplined mind Undisciplined body Unsaved Pharisee No faith Undisciplined mind Disciplined body Sanyasi Nofaith Disciplined mind Disciplined body Saved sinner Faith Renewed mind Disciplined body Vessels of wrath (Rom 9:22) vessels of mercy (Rom 9:23)
  • 26.
  • 27.
    26In the sameway the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8
  • 28.
    24 Wretched manthat I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Romans 7
  • 29.
  • 30.
  • 31.
    3 …… werejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Rom 5
  • 32.
  • 33.
    14 How thenwill they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!” Romans 10
  • 34.
    6 Having giftsthat differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12 ESV
  • 35.
    9 Love mustbe sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ….. Ch 12
  • 36.
     So let'sstop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause an other believer to stumble and fall. Rom 14:13 NLT.  What does the picture below indicate the futility of judging others?
  • 37.
    The difference between thebest saint and worst sinner is largely at the faith level. At the sin level the difference is hairline in front of God’s righteousness.
  • 38.
    17 I appealto you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. Rom 16
  • 39.
     Summary  Slavesto sin ◦ Jews under law ◦ Gentiles not under law ◦ The big picture  Saved by grace ◦ Free gift ◦ Faith  Sacrifice for perfection ◦ Surrender ◦ Renewal of mind ◦ Struggle against sin ◦ Suffering  Share the Gift ◦ Share the Love ◦ Use your gifts ◦ Do not judge ◦ Discern
  • 40.
     How muchhave we REALLY changed after accepting Christ? Think of people close to us. Think of ourselves.(ie. how much are we less angry, impatient, selfish, etc.) Share/ reflect.  What steps can we take to bring about a bigger transformation in our lives?  When do we tend to lack discernment on false Christians and Christian leaders?  How can we discern without judging considering that only a “remnant” is true?
  • 41.
    Have these questionsbeen answered in the study of Romans? Discuss and clarify.  Why believe?  What happens to real nice guys who don’t?  What is grace?  If God has already chosen and predestined us, where does the individual’s role come in?  Why suffering?  How to discipline our flesh?  If Paul himself is struggling to control his flesh, what message does it give us?