God's Intent and Purpose

Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

do you despise all that GOD stands for,
1. by casting judgment NOW, and not warning others of the judgment to come.
2. by not pointing out to others the goodness of GOD for providing a way out of the coming judgment.

IT IS THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD’S;
GOODNESS or kindness
FORBEARANCE or tolerance
and
LONGSUFFERING or patience
THAT LEADS PEOPLE TO REPENTANCE. Not our judgment of others.

It is when a sinner realizes that in spite of what they have done GOD will still forgive and cleans them. And welcome them into HIS family as one of HIS children.
Someone who decides instead to judge "despises the riches" of what GOD is offering.
It completely misrepresents GOD intend and purpose.

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Walk Just As He Walked

Romans 2:3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?

It is so easy to get on sort of a self-righteous kick. And not see our own faults while being quick to point the finger at others.

There is a mentality among some Christians that says, I can do whatever because I'm forgiven in JESUS. "I will escape judgment" Paul seems to disagree with that thinking.

John also wrote on this topic; 1 John 1:3-6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

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Obedient and Resourceful to GOD

Romans 2:2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

"We know" when the author says this, make sure you know.
GOD'S judgment is coming it will be based on truth (actual facts) and it will be against people who practice what was mentioned above.

This knowledge will produce some response, don't let that response be judgment, that's GOD'S role.

Probably best to let our response be one of enlightening others to GOD'S truth.
That way we become obedient and resourceful to GOD.

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With Knowledge Comes Responsibility

Romans 2:1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.


Romans Chapter 1 ended with a list of horrible wrongs that enter a society when it refuses GOD. Read Romans 1:26-32
When you read a list like this does it create a tendency to judge?

In light of all the wrongs Paul pointed out in ch.1:18-32. Now don't be quick to point the finger and judge those sinning when you may be guilty of sinning also.


Jesus said in

Mathew 7:1 - 5
"Do not judge lest you be judged. "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. "And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.


The point here is not to condemn others because you've been made aware of the sinful acts, but rather to understand the truth about GOD'S knowledge and coming judgment. AND WITH THAT KNOWLEDGE WILL COME SOME RESPONSIBILITY.



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Servants of the Creature NOT The Creator

Romans 1:25-32 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them

People often wonder, Where did all these horrible things come from??? DON'T BLAME GOD. Here Paul explains that its all a product of rejecting GOD. Choosing darkness rather then the light JESUS offers.

These People are without excuse, because GOD has already revealed to them HIS will.

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Professing to Be Wise, They Became Fools

Romans 1:22-24 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man; and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. The making of idols. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

GOD WILL PUT ALL INTELLECTUALS IN THEIR PLACE, But many will still choose not to believe in God. Because they would not accept the natural that GOD created.

GOD gave them up, or let them go to follow their hearts desires.

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Those in Darkeness

Romans 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Nature in of its self reveals GOD, but that does not force people to give GOD the credit or glory. When a person refuses to give GOD this credit they became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

When you take GOD out of the picture, the thinking becomes foolishness and way off balance. To better understand this read Job 38 on.
It begins like this;

1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
2 "Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge?
3 Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
4 " Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone,

GOD WILL PUT ALL INTELLECTUALS IN THEIR PLACE. But if ones doesn't believe GOD their foolish hearts are darkened. This is also the case when one questions GOD or gets angry with GOD. YOU'LL LOSE EVERY TIME.

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Without Excuse

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Rom 1:20: they are without excuse. The things that are made (creation) reveal to all people the eternal power and divine nature of the true God, so that the rejection of this truth makes a man without excuse before God.

Just look at the anatomy of the human eye or ear... ... To think it just all fell together after millions of years is to reject GOD and be without excuse.

You can see Gods handy work everywhere. Take plants look at the various ways of reproduction. Some require insects or they'll die. Some have to shoot seeds away some have to taste good so a bird will eat and dispose elsewhere

Some birds winter in Hawaii but spend their summers in Alaska where they have there young. Before the young are old enough to make the journey the cold starts to arrive so mom & dad take off to the beach house in Hawaii leaving junior behind to develop more muscle, After a few weeks he's off never been to Hawaii before but he knows how to get there and does.
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Manifest In Them

Romans 1:19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

The idea that those who have never heard the gospel are not accountable to GOD is corrected in this passage. There is an intuitive knowledge about God, which HE placed in the minds (heart, conscience,) of all people.

Invisible attributes of God, which are clearly seen in HIS power, His creation, what some call Mother Nature. This proves HIS existence/Not to mention the cosmos itself, which is an additional witness

King David wrote in his psalms:
Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handy work.

The Author, Physician, Disciple Luke wrote in the book of Acts:
Acts 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Paul’s conclusion is that all men are, therefore, without excuse

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The Wrath of God

Romans1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

GOD'S wrath will come against 2 main things;

1. ungodliness = a wrong relationship with GOD.

2. unrighteousness = a wrong relationship with people.

who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, the truth of the righteousness of GOD has been revealed to mankind. When mankind rejects this truth they "suppress" what GOD has given them.
THIS IS THE ACT OF EVERY PERSON WHO DOESN'T KEEP & DO WHAT GOD SAY'S. Failing to obey GOD simply places a person in ungodliness. Often blinding them to HIS light of righteousness.

1John 2:11 But whoever hates his brother (disobey’s GOD) is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

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The Just Shall Live by Faith

Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

"it" being the "the gospel of CHRIST" from vs.16.

The gospel from a human prospective will save everyone who will receive and eternal damnation to everyone who doesn't. Paul writes the church in Corinth
1Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1ST fact From a heavenly prospective the gospel is "the power of GOD unto salvation" and the "righteousness of GOD revealed".

"the power of GOD unto salvation" because to everyone who will believe or receive GOD'S plan of salvation, the power of GOD will save them from the punishment phase of sin or the death to come.
GOD HAS THE POWER TO FREE YOU FROM THAT HORRIBLE EVENT.

2nd fact"righteousness of GOD revealed" because in order for righteousness to be maintained you can't just ignore the payment due for sin. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, God had to pay this wage in order to 1. save people and 2. maintain his righteousness. So the "righteousness of GOD was revealed" by paying the price or wage for sin.
This GOD did by having JESUS die on the cross. the just for the unjust Paul writes again to the church in Corinth
1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

from faith to faith;
The phrase is difficult to completely understand, Some say;
(1) from the faith of the Old Testament to that of the New Testament;
(2) from the faith of the preacher to that of the hearers;
(3) from God's faithfulness to man's faith; or
(4) from a young faith to a mature faith.
Literally, the words can be translated "out of faith unto faith."
Most likely is referring to a maturing or growing faith.

"The just shall live by faith." from Habakuk 2:4, also quoted in Galations 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38.

Faith is the only way to become just, because it is the only way to receive salvation.

For by grace we are saved through faith


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To Everyone Who Believes

Romans 1:15-16 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. 16 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.

I'm not afraid to share the gospel because I know it is the power...to everyone who believes.

It's as if Paul is saying, he'll keep sharing the gospel because he knows it will bring salvation to those that believe.
IT'S THE POWER OF GOD WORKING IN THEIR LIVES!

All believers have the power of God working in their lives, without God we could do nothing to escape the sin that is all around us and mended in our lives.


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In Debt To Share the Gospel

Romans 1:14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.

Greeks = those who spoke Greek and who had adopted Hellenistic culture, in contrast to barbarians who had not.

Greeks & barbarians would refer to all peoples. Like saying Jew & Gentile.

a debtor or obligated because Paul considered himself called to preach the gospel, therefore owing Greeks & barbarians alike, the gospel.
It's like having a free copy of something that you are suppose to give to all people. Your in debt to them until it's delivered.

THIS IS A GOOD WAY TO VIEW OUR CHRISTIANITY.
WHEN WE’RE AROUND A NON-BELIEVER WE OWE THEM THE GOSPEL.


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How Can I Be Fruitful?

Romans 1:13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

Paul didn't want to go to Rome to sightsee or vacation. He wanted to be used by GOD in such a way as to be fruitful towards GOD'S kingdom.

That should always be our mindset. How can I be fruitful????? Fruits of the Spirit are the qualities of character God grows inside of you. It's more than mere spiritual or personal growth; it's God at work within the believer.

In Galations 5:2223 Paul refers to the Fruits of the Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

His desire to visit sooner was probably hindered by the work of the ministry in other places. It wasn’t GOD’S timing.

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Empowered By the Spirit

Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established; 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

When Paul returned to places of established worship, the idea was to help them grow and be strengthened in the faith.

The idea of imparting some spiritual gift. God has used Paul in miraculous ways in various cities; this may simply mean Paul believes the same will happen with them. Some think it may be in reference to receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit because possibly they had never experience this. They had received JESUS and where saved but not empowered

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God's Will Not My Will

Rom 1:10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.

In Verse 10 We see Pauls desire to visit Rome back when he wrote this letter in Corinth before his arrest in Jerusalem. Asking GOD to make it possible IF it is "in the will of God".

It is important that we desire to be in "God's Will", instead of "our own will." Paul Makes Note of this becasue it is possible to pray outside of God's will, desiring something you may think is of God but it isn't.

Jesus also made mention of this during his instructions on Prayer in Mathew 6:9-10. This Then is how you pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, Your wil be done on earth as it is in heaven.



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Comfort With God

Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,

God is the best witness to have as to your prayer life. There are those who boast of their prayer life build towers for prayer... ...

JESUS said, Matthew 6:5-7 " And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

REMEMBER, YOU CAN TELL A LOT ABOUT A PERSON BY HOW THEY PRAY. HOW COMFORTABLE ARE THEY WITH GOD??

What we can learn about Paul:
Paul prays for other Christians - thinks about others, Others Minded
Paul thanks GOD for the godliness in others - Awlays be thinking about GOD, GOD minded.
Paul serves with his spirit - puts Your all into your service. And be Committed to the gospel.


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Made Alive

Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Paul mentions that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. The whole world is talking about the faith found in the Christian church in Rome. What a neat thing to have said about your fellowship or you on a personal level.

Through Jesus Christ = we come to GOD through Jesus.

1Pet.3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.

We come to GOD through Jesus; GOD comes to us through HIS Holy Spirit. Causing us to be "MADE ALIVE".

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Set Apart & Committed

Rom 1:7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this section of the book of Romans, Paul points out why he wanted to visit Rome.

The first part of this verse is very defining. Rome = literally Christians in Rome, but it could be Metropolis or any city.

Beloved = agapetos, ag-ap-ay-tos'; dear to GOD.

Called = invited, i.e. appointed,

saints = sacred, set apart, (blameless or religious, consecrated). (most) holy (one, thing), The New Testament calls all believers "saints" because they are position ally holy and set apart to God.

Paul defines a Believers here; someone who is loved by GOD, invited to be set apart as holy and committed to GOD.

Q: What does Paul want for these special people??????
A: Grace & Peace from GOD our Father and Lord JESUS Christ. That is from GOD who is a father to us and Jesus who is Lord and savior (Messiah).

Grace being getting what we don't deserve and
Peace being the by-product of having HIS grace.

Paul Writes in the Letter to the Philippians:

Phil. 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Minister Chuck Smith Wrote on this topic,"Many Christians are upset, worried, and frantic. They're not sure that God will work out everything, and their lives are in turmoil. They don't have the peace of God. This is the peace to which Paul is referring. After I recognize that the grace of God is unmerited favor, I can experience the peace of God because I'm no longer striving. I realize that His blessings haven't been earned by my merit or goodness. I'm now trusting in God's completed work, and I'm at peace in my relationship with God. I've totally committed myself to Him. "


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The Called

Rom 1:6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

called = invited, those who have responded to God's invitation for salvation.

That is you if you are a Born Again Christian, God has called you, and provided the road to Salvation through Jesus Christ. Not only to believers, but to everyone in the world. The Apostle John tells us in the Gospel of John that

John 3:16 God so loved the world that he gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

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Obedience to the Faith

Rom 1:5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,

Through Him King James Version says by Him = to set off by boundary, limit, exclude, appoint, divide, separate, sever. We might say, through HIM, only HIM and no other.

we have received =we being all Born Again Christain's.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Received accepted in, 2 things; Grace & Apostleship

1. Grace = getting what we don't deserve
Eph.2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

As a Born Again Christain I receive GOD'S grace through JESUS.

2. apostleship for obedience to the faith, = apostleship receive our commissioning which is obedience to the faith.

As Born Again Christain'swe are commissioned to obey the faith, hold the faith, stand in faith, show our faith by obedience (works).

among all nations that is not only Israel but all nation's and people.

for His name we might say, for His sake or as His representatives.

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Making Him Authentic

Rom 1:2-4 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Rom 1:2: Holy Scriptures = being what we call the Old Testaments.

Rom 1:3: There are so many Old Testament scriptures fulfilled through Christ, but Paul doesn't even get into them at this point. In the Books of Mathew & Luke we see Jesus genealogy travels through David on both parent's sides.

Rom 1:4: Being through the lineage of David made JESUS absolutely human. Being raised from the dead as HE predicted made HIM absolutely the "Son of GOD" = Messiah. (John 2:18-22; Matt. 16:21)

How was HE raised from the dead?? By the power of the Spirit of Holiness we say by the Holy Spirit.

So Jesus was Promised in the Old Tetament scripture, to be GOD'S Son = (making Him a deity) through David's lineage (making Him human), was resurrected from the dead by the Holy Spirit (making Him authentic).

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Separated For God

Rom 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God

"bondservant" a willing slave. Someone who could go free but chooses instead to go to remain a slave. This is like a person who loves his boss or job so much he is willing to work for free.

"called to be an apostle" = apostle is one commissioned by Jesus to be a delegate; or ambassador of the Gospel accompanied with miraculous powers.

" separated to the gospel of God" = separated as an apostle with his main calling being to spread the gospel.

Paul knew his calling and sought to fulfill it. Peter wrote;

2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I know my calling, but I don't know yours, be sure to find that that GOD would have you to do and then give it your best shot.

Paul received his calling at his conversion. In Acts 22 Paul said Ananias told him; Acts 22:14 "Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should
know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. 15 'For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And that is exactly what Paul was.'

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