Bible Study 5/23

Romans 1:1-17

The purpose Paul gives in vs. 5 for "bringing about the obedience of faith [in Jesus Christ through the gospel]" is "for the sake of his name among all the nations." That is, for the glory, or fame and worship, of God.

That phrase, "the obedience of faith", also shows that faith is more than accepting intellectually the facts of the gospel. Faith implies an active trust - it is demonstrated through obedience, and is in fact inseparable from obedience.

Paul is "set apart for the gospel" (v.1), serves "in the gospel" (v.9), preaches the gospel (v.15), and is not ashamed of the gospel (v.16), because he knows the gospel is the power of God for salvation. The gospel, the message the Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again to defeat death and reconcile us to God, is the center of the Christian life.

V.12 - "that we may be mutually encouraged by each others' faith" - what a great description and hope for summer projects!

Proverbs 1:1-19

(v.7) - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge". True understanding and a philosophy of how to live begins with "the fear of the Lord" - which is knowing who God is through who He has revealed himself to be, and responding to Him out of reverence and worship, as He has revealed how to respond (in faith).

v.10 - "If sinners entice you, do not consent."

v.19 - "Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors."