# Unit 4: Pauline 1
Romans- 4 weeks
# Week 1: Introduction to The Epistle to the Romans + Chapter 1 (The apostolic blessing and encouragement to the believers)
**Week 1: Introduction to the book of Romans + Chapter 1 (The apostolic blessings and encouragement to the believers) **
- **Brief introduction about St. Paul**
- **St. Paul wrote 14 epistles** out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
- **Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles**
- The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
- **Received 4 crowns:** martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.
- Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
- **His early preparation for ministry**
- Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
- Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
- Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
- **Missionary trips:**
- **1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):**
- Asia Minor (Turkey), with Barnabus and St. Mark.
- After this journey, a council is held among the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem to determine that the gentile converts need not submit to the Law of Moses regarding circumcision.
- **2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):**
- Mainly in Macedonia (Greece), with Silas and Luke.
- 2 Epistles: 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
- **3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):**
- Asia minor and Macedonia
- 4 Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians.
- **4th Journey (Rome):**
- 8 Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews.
- **Introduction:**
- **Author:** St. Paul
- **Written to:** believers in Rome
- **Time of writing:**
- 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
- **Purpose of the book**
- The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
- How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
- The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
- Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
- Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
- **Outline**
- The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
- The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
- God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
- Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
- Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
- **Reading:**
- Chapter 1
- **Resources:**
- [Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLr5XW2dNQM&list=PLRlfqEeNUyHD47Y8uR1adaVR1OtbjE7kV "Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English")
- [The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English](https://orthokairos.weebly.com/uploads/5/7/3/1/57311059/romans_-_father_tadros_yacoub_malaty.pdf "The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English")
- **Key verse:**
- "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." Romans 1:16
- **Comments:**
- **Preaching Christ (verses 1–7)**
- The Apostle Paul always takes pride in identifying himself as a servant of the Lord Jesus by his own will because Christ loved him first, called him, and chose him as an apostle by appearing to him personally. His mission is to preach the gospel.
- Just as Christ chose Paul, He also wants to choose us, despite our weaknesses and sins.
- We see in this introduction that the Lord Jesus is the center of the message. Through His resurrection from the dead, it was revealed to us that He is indeed the living God who rose by the power of His divinity.
- The Lord Jesus offered the grace of redemption to all humanity—not because we deserve it, but because of His love for us.
- **Encouraging the believers (verses 8–12)**
- *Verse 9 “ For God is my witness, Whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His son…”*
- Only worship acceptable before God, is worship in spirit, where we walk according to the commandments of the Gospel.
- Care about praying for those you know, trusting that your prayer opens their hearts to know God and strengthens them in Him, while also deepening your personal relationship with God first.
- **Paul’s desire to preach in Rome (verses 13–17)**
- St. Paul declaring that he is ready to offer all his abilities and talents in serving and preaching among them.
- *Verse 17: “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written ,”The just shall live by faith.”*
- From faith to faith, means that Christ’s redemption transferred us from **the first faith in the Old Testament**—where a person had to follow the works and commandments of the Law and offer many sacrifices to **the second faith in the New Testament**, based on trusting in the sacrifice of Christ the Redeemer on the cross.
- **Rejecting God and worshiping idols (verses 18–23)**
- St. Paul declared, God’s wrath upon the Gentiles who rejected God and worshipped idols. No one has an excuse to claim ignorance of God because His voice is within them—their conscience.
- God’s living creation—humans, animals, plants, mountains, seas, and stars, along with the marvelous order of nature, clearly testifies to the existence of a great God behind this creation.
- **Taking part in impurity and adultery (verses 24–32)**
- When man replaced God with idols, God allowed him to fall into impurity. In other words, God left the wicked to act according to their own will.
- That doesn’t mean, God would hand them over to evil; rather, they fell by their own choice, like a patient who refuses to listen to his doctor’s advice.
- **Review/recap questions:** \*\* Servant may add more questions
- - What is the central message of St. Paul’s preaching?
- What transition does “from faith to faith” refer to in the life of believers?
- According to St. Paul, why is no one excused from acknowledging God’s presence?
- **Homework: **\*\*Servant may add more questions
1. 1. **How many epistles did St. Paul write in the New Testament?**
A. 12
B. 13
C. 14
D. 15
2. **St. Paul is also known as:**
A. Apostle of the Jews
B. Apostle of the Gentiles
C. Apostle of Love
D. Apostle of Miracles
3. **On which missionary journey did St. Paul write the Epistle to Romans?**
A. 1st Journey
B. 2nd Journey
C. 3rd Journey
D. 4th Journey
4. **During St. Paul’s 3rd missionary journey, how many epistles did he write?**
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
# Week 2: God's righteous judgment and justification by faith in Him
Week 2: God's righteous judgment and justification by faith in Him
- Brief introduction about St. Paul
- St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
- Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
- The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
- Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.
- Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
- His early preparation for ministry
- Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
- Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
- Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
- Missionary trips:
- 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):
- Asia Minor (Turkey), with Barnabus and St. Mark.
- After this journey, a council is held among the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem to determine that the gentile converts need not submit to the Law of Moses regarding circumcision.
- 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):
- Mainly in Macedonia (Greece), with Silas and Luke.
- 2 Epistles: 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
- 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):
- Asia minor and Macedonia
- 4 Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians.
- 4th Journey (Rome):
- 8 Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews.
1. Introduction:
1. Author: St. Paul
2. Written to: believers in Rome
3. Time of writing:
1. 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
4. Purpose of the book
1. The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
2. How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
3. The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
4. Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
5. Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
2. Outline
1. The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
2. The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
3. God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
4. Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
5. Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
3. Reading:
1. Chapters 2&3
4. **Resources:**
1. [Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLr5XW2dNQM&list=PLRlfqEeNUyHD47Y8uR1adaVR1OtbjE7kV "Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English")
2. [The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English](https://orthokairos.weebly.com/uploads/5/7/3/1/57311059/romans_-_father_tadros_yacoub_malaty.pdf "The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English")
5. Key verse:
1. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
6. Comments: Chapters 2&3
1. Judging Others (Chapter 2: 1-3)
1. St. Paul begins by warning anyone who believes that their knowledge and understanding of God’s law places them above others, leading them to judge others. He also reminds us that God's judgment is according to truth—not based on outward appearances but by examining the heart as well.
2. God’s Judgment (Chapter 2: 4-11)
1. Do you take lightly the riches of God’s kindness and patience for your sins?. God will judge everyone based on his/her deeds.
2. Verse 6: This verse strongly declares that faith alone is not enough for salvation. Good works are essential (the doctrine of faith and works), which is a clear response to certain heresies that claim faith alone is sufficient for salvation.
1. Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.”
3. Conscience and the Law (Chapter 2: 12-16)
1. How will God judge the Gentiles, even though they did not receive the Law of Moses like the Jews? What about children born to Gentile parents, who grew up without knowledge of Moses’ law?
1. The answer is that God has given the Gentiles a natural law, which is the conscience.
2. Conscience is the voice of God within a person, a moral compass, engraved on the hearts of all people.
4. Judgment of the Jews (Chapter 2: 17-24)
1. St. Paul criticizes the hypocrisy of believers from a Jewish background. They teach one thing but do another.
2. They tell people to avoid sins like theft and adultery, and you preach against idolatry, yet they fall into the sin of stealing, committing adultery, etc.
1. Contemplation: Examine yourself, so you do not become a stumbling block for others. Make sure that what you teach others, you first apply in your own life. This will make your teaching more powerful.
5. Circumcision Does Not Justify (Chapter 2: 25-29)
1. Circumcision is the act of purification for male infants, according to the Law of Moses, where the foreskin is removed on the eighth day after birth. God commanded Abraham, his descendants, and all the people of Israel to practice circumcision as a physical sign distinguishing them as God’s chosen people, set apart from the Gentiles.
2. However, the one praised by God is not merely the one circumcised in body but the one with a circumcised heart—free from sin and iniquity
6. Chapter 3: What is the Benefit of Circumcision? (Chapter 3: 1-4)
1. St. Paul begins this chapter with a question: If following the law and being circumcised doesn’t guarantee justification and salvation, why did God command them in the first place?
1. God’s Trust in the Jewish People: God entrusted the Jewish people with His commandments and promises.
2. Human Failure Doesn’t Cancel God’s Truth: Even if some people are unfaithful and fail to live according to God’s commandments, that doesn’t make God’s law wrong.
3. God’s Words Are Always True: God’s truth remains constant and powerful, no matter what people think.
7. Does doing evil glorify God? (Chapter 3:5–8)
1. St. Paul addresses a false argument “"If my sins show God’s righteousness and mercy more clearly, isn’t my sin a good thing?"
1. The answer to this argument: Just because God can bring good out of evil doesn’t mean the evil itself is good. Sin is still sin and deserves judgment.
8. The Sins of the Jews before Christ (Chapter 3: 9-20):
1. "There is none who does good, no, not one" Before Christ's coming and crucifixion, no one was truly perfect or able to achieve full righteousness on their own. Even the righteous people of the Old Testament, despite their good deeds.
2. When righteous individuals died before Christ’s crucifixion, they went to Hades. They were in a temporary state of waiting, not yet experiencing the fullness of salvation. Paradise was not available to them until Christ’s death and resurrection.
3. This part shows the importance of Christ’s sacrifice in completing the work of salvation.
9. Justification by God's Grace (Chapter 3:21-31)
1. The righteousness of God revealed through the redemption of humanity, which occurred through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.
2. Before Christ, people relied on the law, including practices like circumcision and animal sacrifices, to try to achieve righteousness and favor with God. However, with Christ’s work, established a new way of salvation based on faith in Him.
7. Review/recap questions
\*\* Servant may add more questions
1. 1. What warning does St. Paul give about judging others?
2. How will God judge the Gentiles who do not have the Law of Moses?
3. What is true circumcision according to St. Paul?
4. How are people justified and saved after Christ’s resurrection—through the law or by grace?
8. Homework
\*\* Servant may add more questions
1. 1. Who does the Lord Jesus Christ favor the most among nations?
a) Jews b) Greeks c) Romans d) none of these
2. What are the rewards for everyone who does GOOD work? a) glory b) honor c) peace d) all of these
3. God is the God of whom? a) Jews only b) Gentiles only c) sinners only d) everyone
4. What is God’s judgment based on—outward appearances or the heart?
5. What law do Gentiles have in place of the Law of Moses?
6. What is more important: physical circumcision or circumcision of the heart?
7. Is faith alone enough for salvation?
# Week 3: Salvation Through Faith
# Week 3: Christ the Righteous One: Salvation Through Faith
- Brief introduction about St. Paul
- The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
- Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
- His early preparation for ministry
- Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
- Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
- Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
- Missionary trips
- 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):
- Asia Minor (Turkey), with Barnabus and St. Mark.
- After this journey, a council is held among the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem to determine that the gentile converts need not submit to the Law of Moses regarding circumcision.
- 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):
- Mainly in Macedonia (Greece), with Silas and Luke.
- 2 Epistles: 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
- 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):
- Asia minor and Macedonia
- 4 Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians.
- 4th Journey (Rome):
- 8 Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews.
- St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
- Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
- Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.
1. Introduction:
- Author: St. Paul
- Written to: believers in Rome
- Time of writing:
- 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
- Purpose of the book
- The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
- How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
- The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
- Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
- Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
- Outline
- The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
- The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
- God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
- Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
- Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
- Reading:
- Chapters 4,5
- Resources:
- [Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLr5XW2dNQM&list=PLRlfqEeNUyHD47Y8uR1adaVR1OtbjE7kV)
- [The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English](https://orthokairos.weebly.com/uploads/5/7/3/1/57311059/romans_-_father_tadros_yacoub_malaty.pdf)
- Key verse:
- “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
- Comments: Chapters 4&5
- Ibrahim is justified by his faith. (Romans 4: 1-8)
- St. Paul clarifies that righteousness does not come from works alone but through faith, using Abraham as an example. If Abraham were justified by works, he could boast before people, but true justification came when he believed in God. Those who rely solely on works receive only material rewards, like hired laborers, without grace or justification, remaining unworthy of God's Kingdom.
- Abraham Was Justified Before Circumcision (Romans 4:9-12):
- St. Paul emphasizes that justification is by faith, not circumcision. He proves this by highlighting that Abraham was declared righteous while still uncircumcised, long before circumcision and the Mosaic Law, showing that righteousness is available to both Jews and Gentiles.
- Faith as a Condition for Righteousness (Romans 4:13-17):
- St. Paul emphasizes that salvation is available to all, not just Jews, and is based on faith, not the law.
- God's forgiveness of sins is a grace and gift, not a payment for faith, but a reward far greater than what humans deserve.
- Abraham's faith in God was demonstrated in two key moments:
- "God is able to raise the dead" verse 17– When Abraham obeyed God by offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice and raised the knife to kill him, he was fully certain that God would raise Isaac back to life.
- "He calls things that do not exist as though they did" verse 17– When Abraham believed he would have a descendant (Isaac), even before Isaac was born.
- Everything is Possible for the Believer (Romans 4:18-25):
- Abraham was strong in his faith and believed that he can have children when he is old. He trusted in a God who is capable of everything, for what is impossible for people is possible only for Him. So, trust in Him and do not be afraid.
- The Fruits of Christ's Righteousness (Romans 5:1-5):
- When we received justification through faith, we entered into a state of peace with God. This reconciliation was made possible through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Rather than focusing on the bitterness of trials, focus on God's loving hand guiding them, as everything that happens is for your earthly good and heavenly glory.
- Christ the Righteous One, the Savior of Sinners (Romans 5:6-11):
- Human logic suggests that one might die for a righteous or good person, but no one would die for a wicked person. Yet, Christ, the righteous one, demonstrated His great love by dying for sinners like us.
- Christ, when He was dead in the flesh, was the cause of our reconciliation with the Father, after we have been reconciled, we will receive salvation by growing in His love and remaining close to Him by partaking of His Body and Blood and living a righteous life.
- The Sin of Adam and the Righteousness of Christ (Romans 5:12-21):
- (The first Adam) Adam's sin brought death to all humans, while (The second Adam) Christ's grace grants believers the gift of eternal life to reign with Him in the heavens.
- Review/recap questions
\*\* Servant may add more questions
- How was Abraham justified before God?
- (Was it by faith or by works, and what does this teach us about justification?)
- Who can receive the promise of righteousness through faith? is it only for the Jews?
- What is the contrast between Adam and Christ in terms of their impact on humanity?
8. Homework
\*\* Servant may add more questions
1. The Holy Scripture states "Abraham believed in God, and it was accounted to him for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_."
a) works b) righteousness c)grace d) spirituality
2. What is the result of Jesus Christ's sacrifice according to Romans 5?
A) It condemns all people
B) It offers reconciliation and peace with God
C) It brings judgment
D) It ends the law
# Week 4: Christ Frees Me from the Law and Saves Me from Sin
# Week 4: Christ Frees Me from the Law and Saves Me from Sin
- Brief introduction about St. Paul
- Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
- Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
- Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
- 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):
- Asia Minor (Turkey), with Barnabus and St. Mark.
- After this journey, a council is held among the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem to determine that the gentile converts need not submit to the Law of Moses regarding circumcision.
- 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):
- Mainly in Macedonia (Greece), with Silas and Luke.
- 2 Epistles: 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
- 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):
- Asia minor and Macedonia
- 4 Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians.
- 4th Journey (Rome):
- 8 Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews.
- The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
- Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
- His early preparation for ministry
- Missionary trips
- St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
- Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
- Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.
- Introduction:
- Author: St. Paul
- Written to: believers in Rome
- Time of writing:
- 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
- Purpose of the book
- The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
- How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
- The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
- Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
- Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
- Outline
- The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
- The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
- God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
- Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
- Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
- Reading:
- Chapters 6,7
- Resources:
- [Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLr5XW2dNQM&list=PLRlfqEeNUyHD47Y8uR1adaVR1OtbjE7kV)
- [The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English](https://orthokairos.weebly.com/uploads/5/7/3/1/57311059/romans_-_father_tadros_yacoub_malaty.pdf)
- Key verse:
- “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
- Comments: Chapters 6&7
- Chapter 6: In this chapter, St. Paul explains the role of the sacrament of baptism in cleansing and renewing our corrupted nature, inherited from Adam’s sin. He also calls us to refrain from returning to a life of sin.
1. - The Role of Baptism in Justification (Romans 6: 1-10)
- **Verse 3: "Baptized into His death"** – This means that through baptism, a person dies with Christ when immersed in the water. This immersion symbolizes Christ’s death on the cross.
- **Verse 5: "We shall also be in His resurrection"** – Baptism leads to a life of resurrection, victory over sin, and communion with Christ.
- **Verse 6: "Old man"** – Refers to the corrupt nature inherited from Adam.
- **Verse 10: "Once for all"** – Indicates that baptism is not repeated, just as Christ died once for all.
- The Human role in Justification (Romans 6: 11-14)
- After highlighting God's role in salvation and justification, St. Paul shifts to the human responsibility.
- Our role is not to return to sin and to dedicate our bodies to righteousness and to the will of God.
- Do not let your **tongue** be used for cursing, your **hands** for violence, or your **body** for impurity.
- Instead, offer yourself—your mind, heart, and body to God.
- St. Paul emphasizes that salvation is available to all, not just Jews, and is based on faith, not the law.
- Slave to sin or slave to Christ (Romans 6: 15:23)
- As Jesus said, " No one can serve two masters" Matthew 4:24. A person must choose between two paths:
- **A slave to sin:**
- Those who obey sin's desires become its slaves, leading to spiritual death.
- **A Slave to Christ:**
- Those who follow God's commandments become righteous and gain freedom and eternal life.
- Freed from the law through Christ (Romans 7: 1-6):
- St. Paul explains in this chapter that the law no longer has authority over us after Christ's resurrection.
- After His death and resurrection, Christ fulfilled the Law and freed us from it and united us with him.
- The purpose of the law was to show people what sin is, but it couldn't save them from sin.
- The Law reveals sin but cannot save (Romans 7:7-13):
- The Law itself is not sinful, but its role was to make people aware of sin, exposing all forms of sin, but it did not have the power to save anyone from it.
- The Law is like a warning sin, it tells us the danger of sin but cannot save us. True salvation comes only through faith in Christ.
- The struggle between good intentions and sin (Romans 7: 14-25)
- St. Paul describes the inner conflict that we experience, the struggle between wanting to do good and being overcome by sin.
- Paul acknowledges that he desires to do **what is right**, but he often finds himself **doing the opposite,** due to the weakness of human nature.
- Christ is the only solution, "Who will rescue me from this body of death?"
- Christ has come to **free us from the power of sin** and bring reconcile us with the Father.
2. Review/recap questions
\*\* Servant may add more questions
- What is the role of baptism in justification?
- What is the human role in justification?
- Can we be slave to sin and slave to Christ at the same time?
- What is the purpose of the law?
- What is the solution for the human between wanting to do good and being overcome by sin.?
8. Homework
\*\* Servant may add more questions
# Week 5: Christ grants us eternal life
# Week 5: Christ grants us eternal life
- Brief introduction about St. Paul
- Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
- Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
- Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
- 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):
- Asia Minor (Turkey), with Barnabus and St. Mark.
- After this journey, a council is held among the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem to determine that the gentile converts need not submit to the Law of Moses regarding circumcision.
- 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):
- Mainly in Macedonia (Greece), with Silas and Luke.
- 2 Epistles: 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
- 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):
- Asia minor and Macedonia
- 4 Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians.
- 4th Journey (Rome):
- 8 Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews.
- The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
- Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
- His early preparation for ministry
- Missionary trips
- St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
- Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
- Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.
- Introduction:
- Author: St. Paul
- Written to: believers in Rome
- Time of writing:
- 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
- Purpose of the book
- The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
- How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
- The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
- Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
- Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
- Outline
- The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
- The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
- God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
- Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
- Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
- Reading:
- Chapter 8
- Resources:
- [Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLr5XW2dNQM&list=PLRlfqEeNUyHD47Y8uR1adaVR1OtbjE7kV)
- [The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English](https://orthokairos.weebly.com/uploads/5/7/3/1/57311059/romans_-_father_tadros_yacoub_malaty.pdf)
- Key verse:
- “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to *His* purpose.." Romans 8:28
- Comments: Chapter 8
1. - No condemnation for those who walk according to the Spirit (Romans 8: 1-17)
- Those who united with Christ Jesus have been rescued and saved- on the condition that they live a spiritual life
- Living according to the Spirit: submitting to God's commandments, pleasing God, focuses on spiritual matters such as prayer, spiritual readings, and fasting.
- Living according to the flesh: concerned about what to eat, drink, wear, and pleasing the flesh.
- **Verse 14-17**: Confirms that those who are led by the Holy Spirit are truly God's children. Since we are God's children, we also inherit eternal life and the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Led by the Spirit = True children of God.
- We are no longer slaves to fear but are adopted as God's children.
- The Holy Spirit confirms our identity in Christ.
- As heirs with Christ, we inherit eternal life
- Renewal of Creation and the Hope of Coming Glory (Romans 8:18-25):
- St. Paul discusses the suffering of present time and contrasts it with the glory that will be revealed in the future.
- Creation, affected by sin, suffers from wars, diseases, famines, natural disasters and more, but one day will be freed from corruption.
- St. Paul teaches that true hope is not about what is seen, but about waiting for what is promised (the fullness of God's sonship), which requires faith and patience.
- The Intercession of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27):
- The Holy Spirit intervenes to support, guide, teaches us to pray and request.
- If you don’t know what to say in prayer, or if the devil attacks you with laziness or wandering thoughts, ask for God's help; He will support you and guide you, all through the work of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you.
- Christ the Sustainer and Intercessor (Romans 8:28-34)
- God's plan for us is above our understanding. He turns all things, without exception, for the building up of our souls, working for our good both on earth and for His glory in heaven.
- The phrase "work together" means that while some events in life may seem bad or confusing, they ultimately come together in harmony to serve our good and well-being.
- After His resurrection, Christ ascended to heaven to demonstrate the possibility of humans entering the glory of the Kingdom. He is the firstborn of all believers.
- We cannot doubt God's love, for He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ for our redemption. Therefore, it is only natural that He will grant us all the gifts and graces necessary for our salvation.
- **Noting can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-39)**
- The devils attempts to separate us from God's love through trials and distractions.
- Despite these challenges, tribulations, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or death, nothing can separate us from God's love.
- Examine yourself at the end of each day to see what has prevented you from enjoying the love of Christ. Make more time and give up not only evil desires or the worries and disturbances of life, but also any distractions that deprive you of your spiritual life.
2. Review/recap questions
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8. Homework
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