ROMANS ROAD
to RIGHTEOUSNESS |
Romans
1:18-3:20
|
Romans
3:21-5:21 |
Romans
6:1-8:39 |
Romans
9:1-11:36 |
Romans
12:1-16:27 |
|
SIN
|
SALVATION
|
SANCTIFICATION |
SOVEREIGNTY |
SERVICE |
NEED
FOR
SALVATION |
WAY
OF
SALVATION |
LIFE
OF
SALVATION |
SCOPE
OF
SALVATION |
SERVICE
OF
SALVATION |
God's Holiness
In
Condemning
Sin |
God's Grace
In
Justifying
Sinners |
God's Power
In
Sanctifying
Believers |
God's Sovereignty
In
Saving
Jew and Gentile |
Gods Glory
The
Object of
Service |
Deadliness
of Sin |
Design
of Grace |
Demonstration of
Salvation |
|
Power Given
|
Promises Fulfilled |
Paths Pursued |
Righteousness
Needed |
Righteousness
Credited |
Righteousness
Demonstrated |
Righteousness
Restored to Israel |
Righteousness
Applied |
God's Righteousness
IN LAW |
God's Righteousness
IMPUTED |
God's Righteousness
OBEYED |
God's Righteousness
IN ELECTION |
God's Righteousness
DISPLAYED |
|
Slaves to Sin |
Slaves to God |
Slaves Serving God |
|
Doctrine |
Duty |
|
Life by Faith |
Service by Faith |
|
Modified from Irving
L. Jensen's excellent work "Jensen's
Survey of the NT" |
FOR I CONSIDER THAT THE
SUFFERINGS OF THIS PRESENT TIME ARE NOT WORTHY TO BE COMPARED: Logizomai
(1SPMI) gar hoti ouk axia ta pathemata tou nun kairou: (see
notes
Matthew 5:11;
5:12;
Hebrews 11:25;
26;
35;
1 Peter 1:6;
1:7;
see also
Acts 20:24;
2 Cor 4:17,18)
For (gar) links this
statement with the preceding and gives the reason for the foregoing,
especially the truth that we will be glorified with Him.
Denny introduces this
section with the comment that...
This passage from Romans 8:18-27 is
described by Lipsius as a "threefold testimony to the future
transfiguration which awaits suffering believers". In Romans 8:19-22
there is the first testimony -- the sighing of creation; in Romans
8:23-25 the second, the yearning hope of Christians themselves, related
as it is to the possession of the first fruits of the Spirit; and in
Romans 8:26-27 the third, the intercession of the Spirit which helps us
in our prayers and lends words to our longing."
(Denny continues) Logizomai is
a favourite word with Paul: the instance most like this is the one in
Romans 3:28 (see note).
It does not suggest a more or less dubious result of calculation; rather
by litotes (understatement for rhetorical effect) does it express the
strongest assurance. The insignificance of present suffering compared
with future glory was a fixed idea with the Apostle, 2Cor 4:17ff.
(Nicoll, W Robertson, Editor: Expositors Greek Testament: 5 Volumes. Out
of print. Search Google)
I consider
- As we often use this word in English it suggests a matter of personal
opinion but that is not the case but as explained further below it
conveys the sense that Paul has "mentally weighed" the evidence and come
a conclusion that gives him strong assurance and not doubt.
Consider
(3049)
(logizomai
from
lógos
= reason, word, account) refers literally to numerical calculation and
means to reckon, compute, calculate, to take into account, to
deliberate, and to weigh. Logizomai refers to a process of
careful study or reasoning which results in the arriving at a
conclusion.
I have thought it over carefully—I have weighed the evidence and thus
reckon it to be so.
Logizomai
was a term frequently used in the business community of Paul's day and
meant to impute (put to one's account) or credit to one's account.
Logizomai is related to our English term logic (which deals
with the methods of valid thinking, reveals how to draw proper
conclusions from premises and is a prerequisite of all thought).
What Biblical
truths might one think about that would lead them to the conclusion that
suffering now pales in comparison to glory in the future? Ponder the
following Cross-references (see notes
Matthew 5:11;
5:12;
Hebrews 11:25;
26;
35;
1 Peter 1:6;
1:7;
see also
Acts 20:24;
2 Cor 4:17,18) No matter what we have
gone through, are presently going through, or will go through, the sum
total is not worth comparing with the glory that awaits us. We can
compare a thimble of water with the sea, but we cannot compare our
sufferings with the coming glory. Belief in what the Scriptures say will
change our lives. Some of us need to have our eyes lifted from the dirt
toward the heavens. There is simply no comparison of our pleasure or
pain with the glory yet to be revealed.
Martin Luther said
"If we consider the greatness and the glory of the life we
shall have when we have risen from the dead, it would not be difficult
at all for us to bear the concerns of this world. If I believe the Word,
I shall on the Last Day, after the sentence has been pronounced, not
only gladly have suffered ordinary temptations, insults, and
imprisonment, but I shall also say: “O, that I did not throw myself
under the feet of all the godless for the sake of the great glory which
I now see revealed and which has come to me through the merit of
Christ!”
Sufferings
(3804)
(pathema
describes what happens to a
person and must be endured. Pathema is talking about the actual
suffering itself (not suffering in general) - it refers to the very pain
that we are experiencing right now - those very things that we can "see,
touch and feel" - those things that are causing us anguish and emotional
trauma.
The sufferings of this life are the
lot of all believers but keep
in mind that for believers suffering takes on a different meaning and
purpose then suffering in general - as believers we suffer for our faith
in Christ (and Christ in us Who the world hates) and we suffer that we
might be conformed to His image.
Paul reminds the Corinthians
that
just as the sufferings
(pathema) of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is
abundant through Christ. (2Co
1:5)
Again Paul writes that
"Now I rejoice in my sufferings
(pathema) for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His
body (which is the church) in filling up that which is lacking in
Christ’s afflictions." (See note
Colossians 1:24)
As a servant of the Lord, he was
called upon to endure untold hardships, persecutions, and afflictions
(see similar use of pathema in
2 Timothy 3:11 - see note).
These to Paul were a privilege. "Filling up that which is lacking" does
not refer to the atoning sufferings of the Jesus on the Cross for they
are finished once and for all and no man could ever share in them. On
the other hand there is a sense in which the Lord Jesus still suffers,
for when believers are persecuted, the Head feels the sufferings of His
Body.
In a similar vein, Peter
encourages the saints:
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the
fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though
some strange thing were happening to you, but to the degree that you
share the sufferings (pathema) of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so
that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with
exultation." (See note
1 Peter 4:12;
4:13)
Sufferings are the universal
mark of all true Christians. Realizing that other Christians suffer in
other places of the world, encourages us to move on in the faith. This
also unites us in the same experiences. We can handle anything that life
may bring us if we know the principles of the Word. And remember that we
are not to be ignorant of Satan's schemes, one of which is to use our
suffering to discourage us. He shoots fiery missiles like "You're the
only one suffering like this." And this is a soul withering thought if
not taken captive to Christ, for in the midst of the fire of affliction,
it is easy to grow weary and want to give up under the mistaken
impression that no one else has as much trouble as we do. In the passage
below Peter speaks God's truth which deflates Satan's lie.
But
resist
(aorist
imperative)
him, firm (a military
term used to describe a Grecian phalanx that remains solid and
immovable, steadfast like a "firm" foundation)
in your faith
(pistis),
knowing (eido =
absolute, positive, beyond a chance
of a doubt type of knowing)
that the same experiences of suffering are being
accomplished
(fully completed and so reaching the intended goal, cp note
Philippians 1:6)
by your brethren who are in the world. (see note
1 Peter 5:9)
><> ><> ><>
The abrasive
experiences we encounter each day help to prepare us for heaven. God
uses all of life's troubles to polish and perfect our character. If we
accept our trials with the right attitude and recognize that the
heavenly Father is working through them, we will someday shine with
splendor before Him.
In the rough, a diamond looks like a common pebble, but after it is cut,
its hidden beauty begins to emerge. The stone then undergoes a finishing
process to bring out its full radiance. A skilled craftsman holds the
gem against the surface of a large grinding wheel. No other substance is
hard enough to polish the stone, so the wheel is covered with diamond
dust. This process may take a long time, depending on the quality
desired by the one who will buy it.
This is similar to the way God works with us. The procedure is not
pleasant, nor is it intended to be. The Divine Workman, however, has our
final glory in view. We may be "grieved by various trials," as Peter
said, but when we understand what is behind them we can rejoice even in
adversity. God has one goal in mind during the refining process: that
our faith "may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of
Jesus Christ." Knowing this enables us to look beyond the unpleasantness
of "polishing" to see the outcome. P. R. V. (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
A gem cannot be
polished without friction,
nor a man perfected without adversity.
><> ><> ><>
Acid Test - A
severe trial is sometimes called an “acid test.” This term originated
during times when gold was widely circulated. Nitric acid was applied to
an object of gold to see if it was genuine or not. If it was fake, the
acid decomposed it; if it was genuine, the gold was unaffected.
In God’s view, our faith is “much
more precious than gold,” and it too MUST be tested (1
Pe 1:6-7). But these “acid tests” are positive ones. The Lord
is working to reveal genuine faith, not to expose false faith. During
hard times, though, we may feel overwhelmed with the fear that our faith
is decomposing.
Ronald Dunn, a Bible teacher who has
experienced much personal tragedy, knows what we are going through. He
writes
I’m often mystified. I don’t
understand why it is that as I endeavor to live for God and pray and
believe, everything seems to be falling apart. Sometimes I struggle, and
I say, ‘Dear Lord, why are You allowing this to happen?
Dunn concludes
It’s good for us to remember that God
is not an arsonist; He’s a Refiner!” (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
><> ><> ><>
Crucible Steel
- Frank has a toolbox full of knives and chisels that are designed
for his woodcarving hobby. His favorite is a German-made, all-purpose
carving knife. He has honed it repeatedly, and it still holds an edge.
"I'm going to be sad," Frank said, looking fondly at his knife, "when
this blade gets too thin to sharpen."
Like all reliable carving tools, that knife is constructed of "crucible
steel." To produce this durable metal, raw material is placed in a
crucible where it is subjected to intense heat. Once it is glowing with
molten brightness, the white-hot metal is maintained at precisely the
right temperature until it qualifies as crucible steel. When it cools,
it is neither so soft that it won't hold an edge nor so hard that it is
brittle.
Christians, as the handiwork of God, are shaped and formed by His will.
Sometimes He places us in a crucible of affliction. Peter wrote about
the faith of Christians and said that it may be "tested by fire" (1 Pet.
1:7). That testing may come in the form of "various trials" to refine
our faith (v.6).
If you're in a crucible of testing right now, don't be discouraged. God
knows what He is doing. He has promised to stay with you and help you to
become a useful tool in His strong, loving hands. —David C. Egner (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
All things work out
for good we know--
Such is God's great design;
He orders all our steps below
For purposes divine. --Peterson © 1961 Singspiration, Inc.
Gold is tested by fire; man is tested by adversity
><> ><> ><>
Great Preachers
- The greatest sermons I have ever heard were not preached from
pulpits but from sickbeds. The deepest truths of God's Word have often
been taught by those humble souls who have gone through the seminary of
affliction.
The most cheerful people I have met, with few exceptions, have been
those who've had the least sunshine and the most pain and suffering in
their lives. The most grateful people I have ever known were not those
who had traveled a pathway of roses all their lives, but those who were
confined to their homes, some to their beds, and had learned to depend
on God.
The gripers, on the other hand, are usually those who have the least to
complain about. The men and women who are the most cheerful and the most
grateful for the blessings of Almighty God are often those who have gone
through the greatest trials.
The Bible tells us that if we respond properly to the trials of life, we
will develop patience and godly maturity (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:3-4). We
must keep in mind that our present sufferings are "but for a moment" and
that they are being used by God for our eternal good (2 Corinthians
4:17-18).
So take heart, suffering one. Someday you too will realize that it was
worth it all (1 Peter 1:7). —M R De Haan (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
It will be worth it
all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ. — Esther Kerr Rusthoi
(c) Renewal 1969 Singspiration, Inc.
Some of life's
greatest lessons are learned in the school of affliction.
><> ><> ><>
The present
time - literally the now season. Just as seasons pass,
so too the time of suffering will give way to a new age in which
there is no suffering...
For momentary, light affliction is
producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which
are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things
which are not seen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:17-18)
Time
(2540)(kairos)
means a period of time
frequently with the implication of being especially fit for something to
take place or have effect. Kairos means a period which is
especially appropriate with the added notion of suitableness ("the
suitable time", "the right moment", "the convenient time").
Morris
comments that...
Contemplation of the future
privileges of the believer leads Paul to think of the contrast this
makes with the present state. He shows that suffering is
the path we tread as we move to blessing and to glory. Since the early
Christians led a somewhat precarious existence, it may well be that the
contemplation of the future glory was very precious to them... Paul
speaks of our present sufferings, which means the sufferings
characteristic of this present age rather than the
present moment. There is no reason to think that the
circumstances in which he wrote were especially significant, but this
age is in marked contrast to the age to come (Ed note:
Millennium).
Paul holds that the believer must expect sufferings in this present
age. There is suffering that is the direct result of our sinning
and there is suffering that we endure for Christ’s sake,
suffering that arises directly from our Christian profession in a
world that rejects Christ. But beyond that, there is suffering
that arises simply because we are in this imperfect world. Paul is
realistic; there is no reason to think that Christians will be free from
troubles in this present life. It is important, therefore, that they
learn how to bear them. (Morris,
L. The Epistle to the Romans. W. B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press)
Not worthy
- absolutely not (ouk) worthy. Hodge writes...
Here the meaning is “not weighty in
reference to” or “in comparison with.” As the glory so outweighs the
suffering, the idea of merit is excluded. It is altogether foreign to
the context. It is not the basis on which eternal life is bestowed, but
the greatness of the glory that the saints are to inherit which the
apostle seeks to illustrate. (Hodge,
Charles: Commentary on Romans. Ages Classic Commentaries or
Logos)
Worthy
(axios) (Click study of
axios)
means weighing as much as, of like value, worth as much. It means having
the weight of another thing and so being of like value or worth as much.
In other words axios has the root meaning of balancing the
scales—what is on one side of the scale should be equal in weight to
what is on the other side. By extension, axios came to be applied
to anything that was expected to correspond to something else. A person
worthy of his pay was one whose day’s work corresponded to his day’s
wages.
The meaning of
axios is illustrated by the balancing of the scale (see
below). It is as if Paul is saying
Brothers, the glory to be revealed to
the children of God is not on even on the same scale as Trials because
the eternal glory so far outweighs the temporal trials
|
TRIALS......................GLORY
/\ |
|
Jewish readers would
agree with Paul that the righteous would be greatly rewarded for any
sufferings in this world. (Many Jewish teachers went beyond Paul and
even said that one’s suffering atoned for sin, but Paul accepted only
Christ’s atonement as sufficient for sin—see note
Romans 3:25)
As noted above,
Paul calls present sufferings "momentary, light affliction” compared to the “eternal
weight of glory” (2Cor 4:17) because the divine compensation package is “a
hundredfold” (Mt 19:29).
That is, down here it doesn't seem like we are getting very far, nothing
seems to be accomplished; but over yonder, where we can't see, the great
floodtide of suffering is washing in a great wave of glory which shall
be revealed in its time.
The late Ethel Waters, a performer who often sang at Billy Graham
crusades was best known before she became a Christian for her rendition
of the popular song, “Stormy Weather.” Later as a Christian she was once
asked to sing this song, but replied, “No Sir, I’ll never sing ‘Stormy
Weather again, since Jesus came into my heart I’ve never had stormy
weather like I had before I knew him.”
WITH THE GLORY
THAT IS TO BE
REVEALED TO US: pros ten mellousan
(PAPFSA ~ about to be)
doxan apokaluphthenai (APN) eis hemas: (Col
3:4;
2 Thes 1:7-12;
2:14;
1 Pe 1:13;
4:13;
5:1;
1 Jn 3:2)
Glory...revealed to us - The
Amplified rendering expands the meaning of the preposition to
(eis = motion into, toward or upon)...
the glory that is
about to be revealed to us and in us and for
us and conferred on us!
Glory
(1391)
(doxa from dokeo = to think) means to give a proper
opinion or estimate of something and thus the glory of God
expresses all that He is in His Being and in His nature, character,
power and acts. He is
glorified when He is allowed to be seen as He really is. To be where God
is will be glory. To be what God intended will be glory. To do what God
purposed will be glory.
Vine writes that
the basic idea in the word doxa,
glory, is that of manifestation. The glory of God is the manifestation
of His Being. His character and His acts. (Vine,
W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)
Doxa is
used repeatedly in the Greek Septuagint (LXX) to describe the (Shekinah)
glory of God. For example at Mt Sinai
the appearance of the
glory
( LXX = doxa)
of Jehovah was like a consuming fire on the mountain top" (Ex
24:17)
The dóxa of
man is human opinion and is shifty, uncertain, often based on error, and
its pursuit for its own safety is unworthy. The true glory of man is the
ideal condition in which God created man. This condition was lost in the
fall and is recovered through Christ and exists as a real fact in the
Divine mind. As Paul writes every believer eagerly awaits his and her
complete restoration.
Revealed
(601)
(apokalupto from apó = from + kalúpto = cover,
conceal) (Click
study of related word
apokalupsis)
means literally to uncover. The idea is to cause something to be fully
known by "removing the veil or covering" which then exposes to full view
what was previously hidden. Apokalupto means to make manifest or
reveal a thing previously secret or unknown and is especially applied to
supernatural revelation.
It means to cause something to be
fully known. Note the
passive voice,
which indicates it is God Who will do the revealing.
Future glory in context refers to
our future tense salvation (Romans 8:18-25) - I have been saved (from
penalty of sin), I am being saved (from the power of sin - which was
broken when we were saved but is now being "worked out" in the process
of sanctification), I will be saved (from the presence of sin). The
Spirit’s work within us is present tense salvation (sanctification) --
Believers are being saved from the power of sin and becoming righteous
(see note
Philippians 2:12;
Philippians 2:13). When Jesus returns we will be saved completely, liberated
from the last vestiges of sin which cling so persistently to this old
mortal body.
The believer does not focus on today’s sufferings; he looks forward to
tomorrow’s glory (Ro 8:18 2Cor 4:15-18),letting his uplook change his
outlook. Today’s groaning bondage will be exchanged for tomorrow’s
glorious liberty!
Those who live only for this life cannot look forward to any resolution
of wrongs or to any comfort for their souls. Their pain, loneliness, and
afflictions serve no divine purpose and bring no divine reward.
Christians, on the other hand, have great hope, not only that their
afflictions eventually will end but that those afflictions actually will
add to their eternal glory. Long before the incarnation of Christ, the
prophet Daniel spoke of believers’ glory as “the brightness of the
expanse of heaven,” and as being “like the stars forever and ever”
(Da 12:3).
This coming glory will not only be revealed TO us, but will actually be
revealed IN us. (NASB translates it "to us" but Young's Literal
translates it "in us"), which is an incredible truth that is paralleled
in 2Th 1:10 referring to Christ's second coming -- "when He comes to be
glorified IN His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who
have believed". This truth is a bit difficult to fully comprehend on
this side of eternity.
MacArthur nicely summarizes our present suffering vs future glory:
"As
followers of Christ, our suffering comes from men, whereas our glory
comes from God. Our suffering is earthly, whereas our glory is heavenly.
Our suffering is short, whereas our glory is forever. Our suffering is
trivial, whereas our glory is limitless. Our suffering is in our mortal
and corrupted bodies, whereas our glory will be in our perfected and
imperishable bodies."
Matthew Henry has some pithy comments
writing that... "The sufferings of the
saints strike no deeper than the things of time, last no longer than the
present time, are light afflictions, and but for a moment. How vastly
different are the sentence of the word and the sentiment of the world,
concerning the sufferings of this present time! Indeed the whole
creation seems to wait with earnest expectation for the period when the
children of God shall be manifested in the glory prepared for them.
There is an impurity, deformity, and infirmity, which has come upon the
creation by the fall of man. There is an enmity of one creature to
another. And they are used, or abused rather, by men as instruments of
sin. Yet this deplorable state of the creation is in hope. God will
deliver it from thus being held in bondage to man's depravity. The
miseries of the human race, through their own and each other's
wickedness, declare that the world is not always to continue as it is.
Our having received the first-fruits of the Spirit, quickens our
desires, encourages our hopes, and raises our expectations. SIN has
been, and is, the guilty cause of all the suffering that exists in the
creation of God. It has brought on the woes of earth; it has kindled the
flames of hell. As to man, not a tear has been shed, not a groan has
been uttered, not a pang has been felt, in body or mind, that has not
come from SIN. This is not all; SIN is to be looked at as it affects the
glory of God. Of this how fearfully regardless are the bulk of mankind!
Believers have been brought into a state of safety; but their comfort
consists rather in hope than in enjoyment. From this hope they cannot be
turned by the vain expectation of finding satisfaction in the things of
time and sense. We need patience, our way is rough and long; but He that
shall come, will come, though He seems to tarry." In the light of eternity we should view the cost of suffering with Jesus
Christ now as insignificant in view of the glory that lies ahead for us
(cf. 2Cor 4:17).
Disciple's Study Bible has an
interesting note writing that...
Sin will never have the last word.
God made the earth as a habitation for His people. The presence of sin
brought on decay and frustration of purposes (Ge 3:17-19). Along with
His people, the earth will be redeemed by the Creator. Paul personified
the elements of nature as looking forward to deliverance the same way
that Christians anticipate our glorified resurrection body. The same
Holy Spirit that brooded over the waters in creation (Ge 1:2) has been
given to Christians as a foretaste and guarantee of the glorious hope
that awaits us. We can live with joy, confident that we have a wonderful
hope awaiting us. That hope includes a new, redeemed world, which will
again pass God's examination as "very good'' (Ge 1:31).
God's eschatological (future) salvation will include the whole created
order. Just as the created order was affected by the advent of human
sin, so it will be by future human redemption. A cosmic liberation from
decay awaits the final, full redemption of the children of God. The
redemption of nature is to be associated with that of believers' bodies.
Three statements underlie the eager expectation of creation: because of
human sin, God subjected the created order to frustration (Ge 3:17-19);
the created order is presently in bondage to decay; and it has been and
yet continues to groan with birth pains. The analogy of travail suggests
the coming to be of something new. Creation is not what it should be due
to human sin. It cannot serve its true function of glorifying God. It
decays and thus goes nowhere. It is temporary rather than eternal. It
suffers pain rather than being the arena of peace. It can look forward
to a new glory when God creates a new earth. (Disciple's
Study Bible) |
