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)

Romans 1:24-32 (notes)

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We are now told about three ways that God gave humanity up or handed them over.  First, he gave their hearts over to lust (v24), second, he gave them over to “dishonourable passions” .  note, it’s their bodies that are given over (v26).[1] Thirdly, he handed over their minds or delivered them to “debased minds”… Continue reading Romans 1:24-32 (notes)

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)

Romans 1:16 (notes)

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There now follows a lengthy sentence, supporting the  statement here in verse 16.  The organising theme of this section is that Paul is  “not ashamed of the Gospel.”  Three reasons are then given as to why, all connected by the word γὰρ or “for”.  Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel. Why?  Because it is,… Continue reading Romans 1:16 (notes)

Romans 1:8-15 (notes)

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It is normal for Paul to follow his initial greeting with a prayer of thanksgiving for the recipient church.  Here he gives thanks, not just for the Romans’ faith but because it is widely known. When Paul talks about the world, he means the known world of the day or Roman Empire  (v8).  Paul himself… Continue reading Romans 1:8-15 (notes)

Romans 7, the normal Christian life and missing the exam question

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There are a few debates going on around the question of sin and the believer at the moment.  They seem to link back to a current fascination amongst reformed academics about concupiscence.  I’m intending to write a little bit more about this over coming months.  However, one strand I’ve just picked up on s a… Continue reading Romans 7, the normal Christian life and missing the exam question

Are all age services any use?

The All Age Family service is sometimes treated with a bit of suspicion, tolerated at best.  I’ve heard two objections to them. The first is that All Age worship excludes single people and those without children.  The second is that they prevent you engaging deeply with God’s Word.  Now, both of those things can be… Continue reading Are all age services any use?