Adult
• 4 Sessions of Learner’s Materials
• 4 Sessions of Teaching Materials
• 5 Handouts
1. Romans 2:17-29
2. Romans 3:1-20
3. Romans 7:7-25
4. Romans 8:29-39
In the New Testament, Paul is the voice of strongest criticism about the Law and the most positive supporter of the potential of the Law. The four lessons in this unit take us through Paul's elaborate presentation of the law of God and the mission of Christ. Although this presentation is often thought of as a well-oiled courtroom argument, it is more likely the result of years of living and defending the work of God in the lives of Jews and Gentiles.
Session One: Knowledge of the Law is worthless without obedience to the Law. No amount of obedience to the Law brings perfection. Without disregarding the differences between Jew and Gentile, Paul argues that we are all in the same boat when it comes to lawfully gaining God's favor.
Session Two: In contrast to the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome who relied on the Law and used it to pass judgment on others, some apparently regarded the work of Christ on the cross as license to live without behavioral boundaries. They seemed to believe that Christ's sacrifice had made the Law irrelevant and that life in Christ was free from rules and expectations. Paul brings these people into the circle for instruction. As you read today's passage, listen for the echo of their arguments behind his words.
Session Three: Any law from God is good. If the Law exposes our sin, it is only good if God is gracious. If we were completely freed from the Law when we chose to follow Christ, then the Law would be behind us and therefore bad. But the Law is from God and therefore good. Paul wants us to know that the Law is from God, but the Law is not God. The Law serves a limited role.
Session Four: Now Paul invites us to look to the future. Our former pain ceases in the presence of Christ's pardoning power. All of creation moaned with us and now shares our hope for further deliverance (8:18-28). Our troubles are not over, but we are no longer isolated. The Spirit now stands with us in weakness and difficulties. Indeed, our present pain is only temporary. It comes from standing with Christ, as all future pain can be endured and shaped by our desire for God and God's purposes for us.
by Judy Skeen
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