Bible Studies

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LIFE IN THE SPIRIT



(What it Means to be a Christian)



Expository Meditations



From the Book of Romans



By Henry Jaegers



https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-ZTacxBIzcjPYeE0J53EK0dQRGvougws/view?usp=sharing



















PREFACE



About a week ago, I began my regular meditations on the scriptures in the Book of Romans. I do not recall ever seeing the things presented, coming to mind. For the most part, my readings have been always superficial at best. But as These wonderful truths came to me, I decided to begin writing down my thoughts. With the Lord’s help, I decided this would be my next venture. I have decided to begin these as a new Bible Study. By doing this it would be an incentive to cause me to continue to the end of the book. Since it is only sixteen chapters, it would not be the same as what I am doing in the book of Isaiah at present.



So, today, this begins a new study in the Life in the Spirit. Such a venture is truly that, and hopefully, it will be one full of blessings for you as it is for me.



In my previous studies, I presented lessons from books that I previously have written. Now I am doing the opposite. Writing a book from the lessons that I have taught. May this series of messages result in a richer and deeper Spiritual Experience.



I will send the complete lesson along with the audio for those who would rather listen than to read these messages.



















CHAPTER ONE



Introduction to The Book



Romans 1: 1 through 12









Who Is The Author?



Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. (Verse 1)



Here are three things of important to describe to us, who Paul is. There are other things that we will discover but for now consider: “A Servant of Jesus Christ.



Now, that is an interesting statement. He tells us that he is a servant. That word describes one who out of love and honor has pledged himself forever to offer to his master such loving obedience as he has in the past. It is a permanent position that involves total commitment. And Paul tells us by these words that His service to Jesus Christ is the same. One done willingly out of Obedience prompted by love. Not toward God only, but toward the ones that he is called to serve.



I recall, while serving on staff at the Bible school from which I graduated. A call coming from a church desiring for one to share God’s word with them. It was a far distance to travel and the church did not have money to pay a visiting preacher and no one wanted to go there. I was used to preaching at poor churches, so I decided to go.



When I arrived, I discovered a hungry and sincere people, who held on to every word I spoke. It was a rich experience for me, and one day they asked me if I could become their pastor. The church chairman told me that God told them to stop praying, for He wanted me to come. with great reluctance, I could not go, because there were three things standing in the way of my being able to come. And after discussing the matter with my present employers, God removed those barriers and I came. That Is a whole story in itself. I found it to be a great privilege to become their pastor, and I in turn was grateful to them for teaching me how to be a servant/pastor.



And I think that I understand a little of what Paul was saying. By being a servant he put himself in the place of a shepherd to the people and then, as a sheep, to God. By being a servant, He was willing to offer loving service to those that he served.



Next, notice the words, “ called to be an apostle.” This speaks of the authority given to him by God. It also speaks of the responsibility laid upon him in receiving that call. Called not to be a preacher, but one chosen by God, as he explained. “One born out of Season.” In other words, not like the other apostles who had an earthly experience with Him, but coming after His ascension. He was not only called but was chosen for this. This also confirms the authority given to him. He was equal to the other apostles and deserved to be heard. He comes as one called, equipped, and commissioned by God, with a message from God, and was worthy to be heard.



Finally consider, “separated unto the gospel of God.” What does this tell us about him? It speaks of a single-eye for the purpose of sharing the Gospel. He allows no distractions to hinder him from God’s purpose for him. Everything he did was in harmony with his purpose to bring the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. When we come to study chapters 9-11, we discover how deep and sacrificing this commitment was. And as we continue this first chapter, more will be added.



So, we began our first study by giving some idea of who Paul is. And as we continue to study his life our affection and appreciation for him, willincrease. And we have just considered the first verse.



Who is the One who Called him? (Verses 2 through 5).



(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made 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: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:



When Paul described that he was "Separated unto the Gospel", he was also telling us that He was committed first to a person who made that Gospel possible. One of the questions that may arise is, who are these Roman Christians and why do they need to hear this message? Does this mean that they are having trouble accepting Paul and his ministry? Some commentators say that Paul never visited these Roman Christians and this message was sent from a Roman prison. Is that true?



Consider, in the last chapter of Acts where we find Paul spending two years, teaching and building up these Christians. One of the reasons for the confusion about Paul not visiting Rome is found in Chapter fifteen. According to this chapter, Paul, indeed, had not yet visited Rome. He spoke of visiting them after he arrived n Jerusalem, intending to reach Spain first. This gives us a hint as to when this letter was written. But things did not turn out as Paul had hoped. But at the end of Acts chapter 28, we find him able finally to keep that promise to them.



At the end of the book of Romans, we are told, I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord." It appears, that these messages were a continuation of what he began to teach them. But while he was imprisoned later, Tertius, transcribed these messages because Paul, under these circumstances, was hindered and Tertius finished, what he started. These are the only facts that I could gather. It appears that some of these earlier associations with them were quite thorough, but they needed to be reminded once again, lest pressures came upon them that would cause them to forget what was most essential. The gospel, and the person by whom it made possible.



So, what is it that is important to remember?



First, the prophets in the Old Testament spoke clearly of His arrival. Looking back, the fulfillment of them can be clearly seen.



Second His Name was called Jesus Christ. His name Jesus was the same name given to Joshua, whose name means "The Salvation of Jehovah, who was Israel's deliverer into the promised Land. His name is also called Christ, who in the Old Testament referred to as "The Promised One, called Messiah(The Greek word Christos. And Now He has become our Lord and the reason for having the Gospel at all.



The Third thing of note is that He is the Seed of David. That means the covenant made to David, that there would always be a king, refers to Him being a greater son than Solomon. He was David's greater son. Under Solomon, the kingdom was lost, but to Jesus is given a throne that would never end.



In this matter, I call attention to Matthew chapter one verse one. "The Generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of Abraham, the Son of David. How could Jesus be the son of both? Very simply. He is the fulfillment of the former covenant made to Abraham and David, long before He was ever known. But now, being the Seed of David makes sense.



Next, we are told, that He was declared to be the Son of God with power. At his Baptism, he was announced by God Himself as the Son in whom He was well pleased. It was the empowerment of the father. Then further evidence of His power was displayed through his teachings and miracles that He performed. Finally at his Physical resurrection, displaying victory over death, and the soon distribution of the Holy Spirit, enabling His disciples to function with heavenly power.



And from this, Paul proclaims the apostles have received power and authority. These Roman Christians saw Paul demonstrating these powers as he ministered to the. If anyone had questions about Paul's authority, here was the proof. But I do not think these Christians had any questions about Paul's authority, but it served as a confirmation of the faith that they already had.



Paul continues his address. Who are these? (Verses 6 and 7)



Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.



I find these words very captivating for several reasons. It appears that these Christians are still young in the faith, but Paul addresses them as equal to him. In what way? They are not called apostles, but called to be saints. He is not speaking of a time in the "Sweet Bye and Bye, where they might be exonerated by the church for some great earthly deeds that they have done. Neither is he talking to those who have made a name for themselves among men. He is speaking of a present reality and ministry at the time they are receiving this letter. Notice the words, "Ye also." Without apostolic authority but equal authority given by God that allows them to function with equal success. They are addressed as "Saints". That means that they have become children of the kingdom through their faith, and being children of the kingdom, they have access to God through Jesus whom they have made king of their lives. Their address as the Beloved of God is a further confirmation of their privilege.



I think that there is a message here on the importance of teaching new Christians, who they are, to whom they belong, and the opportunities that are available to live a victorious and fruitful life. For too long, Christians are left without proper encouragement and nourishment.



But in this address, Paul immediately tells them who they are and what they can expect to happen since they have become saints.



And in the following verses, he gives them a further word, and encourages them with a word of Appreciation.



Paul’s Expression of Appreciation.(Verses 8 through12)



First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 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; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.



These closing verses in this portion of our lesson hve great significance as I contemplate the great joy in the heart of Paul toward this church.



Consider first, these words.



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



We do not have a record, except for the message of this book, of the great impact that the ministry of Paul had upon these people while he was ministering to them. But we see, what happened while he was absent. Their Godly presence and ministry affected the whole world after he left. And I think we have before us a picture of how God works in reference to the outcome of faithful ministry. I think that there is a principle here that is one that we must not forget, otherwise, we might conclude that our ministry was a failure because nothing significant happened while we were present. It happened after we left.



I can recall three or more times when I saw that happen. I really cannot take credit for any of this. I just know that had I not been there at first, it would not have happened. But it did.



and the glory must be left to God alone. and that is how all the true work of God happens. And we have before us the Testimony of Paul as a record of how God often works.



Take for instance that small church that I pastored where no one else was interested in filling the pulpit. Nothing great happened while I was there, but that small church that could not afford to pay a full-time pastor (So to speak) did something that impacted our whole denomination, and who knows, maybe the whole world as well. People remember the work of God, ) But no one remembers me.)



I am not complaining nor am I bitter because I was not there to see it happen. But Paul recognizes the result of God’s work among these people whom he was not able to be with at the time.



Here is another thing that Paul relates to us about these Roman Christians.



"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."



Do you think that Paul meant what He said? And then I must recall the many times that I said it to others. At the time that I said it, I spoke out of emotion and compassion, but not long after, I did not remember the promise that I made. It happens too often when we chant the familiar phrase, You are in our thoughts and prayers. And often it is said by those who are not even Christians. But I found a way to correct that. I start praying for them immediately, lest I forget my promise. Praying for others is the greatest thing you can do for anyone. Just before I retired from my last job, I began praying for my friends at work. I told them so and asked them later how things were going. I told a very busy nurse, but not a Christian, that I was praying for her. The next day, I asked if God had answered my prayer, and her reply was, "It seemed to work."



Paul sets before us an example of how important praying for others is. Sometimes by telling others and asking questions later, opens the door for more opportunities.



Then, continue to see what he says.



" Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."



His love for them is passionate and he longs earnestly to see them once again. I am sure that not everyone was always as happy to see Paul, as he was to visit them. And we must not let past negative relationships keep us from doing what we know is the right thing. He plans to go as God allows. And as we view the last part of Acts chapter 28, God allowed him to do so, and continue there for two more years. isn't God good? And He is good all the time, no matter how we may think.



Then he concluded that he wished to impart to them some spiritual gift. That does not refer to the Spiritual Gifts mentioned in chapter 12. What He means is that he wishes to leave behind something that will further enhance their spiritual development, and through this act, both He and they will be mutually refreshed.



This encouraging word by Paul is so full of meaning and application for us to meditate upon. In our next session, we will consider the message as it further helps us to understand, what it means to be a Christian.

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