Chapters 1-4
In chapter 1, Paul says he is not ashamed of something. What is it?
50 bonus points to tell me why?
The gospel
Why? Because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile
Paul details several functions of the Holy Spirit in chapter 8. Name one.
gives life and peace, will give life to our mortal bodies, gives us adoption, assures us of salvation, intercedes for us
The author was greatly troubled by the persistent unbelief of one certain set of people. Who was he talking about in the following quote? "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." (Romans 10:1)
Jews/Israelites
Your friend is feeling discouraged and doesn't think they have a role in this HC.
Romans 12 - every member has a role and function
Someone shows up at HC and argues that if you keep sinning after receiving Christ, you might lose your salvation.
Romans 8:1; 38-39
What Old Testament character does Paul refer to in chapter 4 to support his argument?
Abraham
100 bonus points: Summarize Paul's argument and why he uses Abraham.
What is the difference between our position and condition?
Position - identity truths that are true of us no matter what (does not change)
Condition - how we are living (changes regularly)
Of what two boys was it said "The elder shall serve the younger"?
Jacob and Esau
Where would you direct someone who says this?
“Each person is born a morally 'blank slate.' Therefore, environment (parenting, education, abuse, etc.) and our own choices are the only factors involved in our moral development.”
Romans 5:12-19; Romans 3:10-18
Your friend tells you that it's a good thing we have the Bible because we can't know anything about God apart from it.
Romans 1:19-20 - general revelation
***GROUP BONUS***
In chapter 2, Paul rebukes the Jewish Christians for being prideful about something they thought made them closer with God. What was it?
Circumcision
How does our new identity play into sanctification? (HINT: 3 step process)
Know, Consider, Present (6:6, 11, 13)
***GROUP BONUS***
According to Paul, what was "mysterious" about God's plan for salvation?
That the Gentiles were included in it!
Your friend says, "I'm a liar. I've always been a liar. I don't think I'll ever be able to change." What 2 chapters might your direct this person to and why?
Romans 6 - we have a totally new identity - dead to sin but alive to Christ
Romans 7 - not the first person to have struggled with sin
You hear Tommy’s friend ask him, “How were people saved before Jesus?” Tommy responds, “By their good deeds.” What passage might you take them to in order to correct poor Tommy?
Romans 4
What is the law that Gentiles were called to obey? (Hint: Romans 2)
Natural law/the law written on their hearts
***GROUP BONUS***
In Romans 5:3-5, Paul tells us to glory in our sufferings because suffering produces ___________ which produces ___________ which produces ____________.
In Romans 5:3-5, Paul tells us to glory in our sufferings because suffering produces perseverance which produces character which produces hope.
In chapter 14, Paul talks about those with "weaker faith." What does "weak faith" mean in this context?
Those with a more sensitive conscience that feel as though they can't participate in all the new freedoms we have in Christ (i.e. veggie eaters)
***GROUP BONUS***
You're trying to persuade Flood that drinking Natty around the new believer that has struggled with alcoholism is a bad idea. Where might you point him?
Romans 14
Your disciple doesn't think evangelism is that important because God loves all people so he'll make sure they hear the gospel.
Romans 10:14 - "how can they hear without a preacher?"
What is the difference between general and special revelation?
25 bonus points for an example of each!
General - general truths about God revealed to all people (i.e. creation demonstrating god's power, conscience revealing God's moral will)
Special - specific truths about God that are not revealed to everyone (i.e. the Bible, visions)
Chapter 5 brings up the idea of federal headship.
1) What does this concept mean?
2) Who is our first federal head? In what way?
3) Who is the 2nd?
1) one person makes a choice that impacts us all
2) Adam; inherit a sin nature from him
3) Jesus
What is Paul describing when he talks about branches from a wild olive shoot being grafted into the tree? What are the natural branches?
Gentiles (wild olive shoot) being brought into God's plan for salvation. The Jews are the natural branches
Refute the following statement:
"The church has inherited all of Israel's promises because Israel is out of God's plan permanently."
Romans 11
***GROUP BONUS***
Your friend is struggling to forgive someone who has deeply wronged them because they feel like that person got away with it.
Romans 12:17-21