Romans 2:25-29

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Paul now argues that law keeping and law breaking are central to your status as Jews (circumcised) or Gentiles (uncircumcised).  He states that circumcision is of value for those who observe the Law. However, Circumcision without law-keeping is useless, you are considered uncircumcised (v25).   In the same way, those who are uncircumcised but keep the… Continue reading Romans 2:25-29

Romans 2:12-16

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There is no escaping death.  Sin leads to death.  This includes both those who sin but haven’t hot the Law (Torah), they still perish and it also includes those who have heard Torah (Jews) but break it. They are judged under the Law (v12). Is this unfair?  No, because judgement is not concerning whether or… Continue reading Romans 2:12-16

De-creation and the Egyptian plagues

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In Genesis 6-9, we see that God’s judgement on a sinful and wicked world is also an act of de-creation.  Where the creation of Genesis 1-2 had seen forming and structure so that light was divided from darkness and sea from land and sky, we see a descent into chaos as the form and structure… Continue reading De-creation and the Egyptian plagues

The firstborn

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God announces to Moses that there is just one more plague to come and then Pharoah will let the people go (Exodus 11:1).  Before he  announces the plague, Moses instructs the Isralites to go and request silver and gold from the Egyptians.  YHWH ensures that the people find favour with the Egyptians and additionally, Moses… Continue reading The firstborn

Romans 2:1-5 (notes)

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At the start of chapter 2, Paul is addressing any man/person rather than specifically the recipients of his letter. The point is made to those who seek to judge others, they are “without excuse”.  This is the conclusion  to the preceding argument that God’s righteousness and wrath our revealed clearly but humans choose to suppress… Continue reading Romans 2:1-5 (notes)

Let my people go

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Moses and Aaron now go to address Pharoah, as instructed, they tell him that YHWH-God commands him to let the Israelites go a three-day journey into the wilderness to celebrate a feast.  The king’s response is that he has not heard of this YHWH and he has no intention of letting his slaves off their… Continue reading Let my people go

Romans 1:17-23 (notes)

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The Gospel has power to save because it reveals righteousness.  This righteousness is “from faith to faith” or we might say “is all about faith”.  In other words, you can’t add anything such as works to faith in order to gain righteousness.  Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 to back this up, “The righteous will live by… Continue reading Romans 1:17-23 (notes)