The Book of Romans: Our Relationship to the Weak (Randy)

Paul wants us to understand how to relate to one another, including to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  Because we mature in the faith at different rates, we each have our own convictions about what we can and cannot do in the faith, but that can lead to divisions.  In Romans 14, Paul warns us not to judge one another and not to do things that would cause others to stumble.  He reminds us that, in the end, the Kingdom of God is about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, and we therefore should see to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.  We must act out of faith rather than freedom to ensure we live up to this ideal.

Listen to Our Relationship to the Weak
Lesson Plan
Slides

The Book of Romans: Our Relationship to Authorities (Chris)

We focus on Romans 13:1-7 in this lesson, which is about submitting to rulers and worldly powers.  America is the "land of the free," and we are raised as individualists compared to most other cultures in the world. The Apostle Paul has an important lesson for us about order, humility, balance, freedom, and faith.  During coronavirus and quarantine, this message is particularly timely.

Watch Our Relationship to Authorities 
View presentation slides

The Book of Romans: Living as Christian Disciples (Chris)

In Chapter 12 of Romans, the Apostle Paul focuses our attention on three critical relationships in our lives as Disciples: God, our neighbors, and our enemies.  Building on the last two weeks, we first will revisit ways in which we best can honor God and serve others.  Recognizing our current state of siege from COVID-19, we also will consider our Christian response to the challenges (enemies) and opportunities (neighbors) around us.

Watch Living as Disciples
View presentation slides

The Book of Romans: Our Relationship to Others (Randy)

Paul’s carefully constructed argument in the Book of Romans culminates with the grateful recognition that God has sacrificed his Son for us so we may have abundant and eternal life, and our only logical response is to make ourselves living sacrifices for God. But how? Paul explains we do it through agape-love, and gives us a 12-point definition for what that entails.

View Our Relationship to Others
Lesson Plan
Slides shared in class

The Book of Romans: Our Relationship to God and Church (Randy)

Up until now, Paul has carefully laid out his theological argument: 1) We are all under God’s wrath, 2) we are saved by God’s grace, and 3) by faith, we can live in confidence and peace before God thanks to his saving grace.  Now, starting in Romans 12, Paul turns to Christian Living and how we should respond to God’s saving action.  He begins by urging us to present ourselves to God as living sacrifices which means to obey God in everything.  Then, he tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds to become increasingly like Christ. Finally, he reminds us that we are no longer our own, independent agents, but rather all part of the Body of Christ with a role to play.

Recording of lesson not available
Lesson Plan
Slides shared in class

The Book of Romans: Plan of God (Chris)

Paul explains the relationship between the nation of Israel and Gentile followers of Christ like us.  He shows how no one can take for granted God’s love and mercy and Grace.  He also celebrates that all can share in the Good News of faith in Jesus.  “O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!”  [Romans 11:33]

Listen to Plan of God
Lesson Plan: Plan of God

The Book of Romans: Life in the Spirit (Randy)

After acknowledging that we will struggle with sin the rest of our lives while simultaneously reminding us that Jesus Christ has saved us, Paul opens Chapter 8 with the glorious statement that there’s no condemnation. Nobody can accuse us of anything that would cause God to stop loving us.  Paul goes on to explain that God’s Spirit dwells within us, making us his children and heirs to the ultimate promise – eternal life.  God wants us to be in his family for all eternity!  Because of that, we can live with power and assurance of knowing that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Listen to Life in the Spirit
Lesson Plan