Awake To Righteousness Bible Study

Session 2
Because of Jesus Ministries - BecauseofJesus.com

Romans 1:18-32; Chapter 2; Chapter 3 Self Righteousness vs Jesus Righteousness Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God (His grace) at work, saving everyone who believesthe Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right (qualified) in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith (relying upon Jesus). As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith (relying upon Jesus) that a righteous person has life." NLT I. After Paul explains the Good News about Jesus. He begins talking about those who have rejected the truth and the depravity that sin brings into peoples lives -without Jesus, all men are unrighteous and under the power of sin.

So why is being made righteous in Gods sight through relying upon Jesus such Good News? Romans 1:18 But God shows His anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. NLT Gods wrath is revealed in the Old Covenant upon all unrighteousness-those who are under the law-those who reject Gods way of being made righteous through faith (relying upon Jesus) . Gods wrath and anger toward sin is made very clear in the Old Covenant. God hates sin because of what it does to the people He loves, but God loves the sinner. Thats why He sent Jesus (John 3:16 -18; Ephesians 2:1-5; Romans 5:8,9). Ephesians 2:1-5 says that at one time because of our sins, we were all under Gods wrath and indignation, BUT BECAUSE OF JESUS! But in order to satisfy the great and intense love by which He loved us- God poured His anger and displeasure toward sin on Jesus and the payment and penalty of all mans sin s were laid on Him-so that we could be made righteous in Jesus (I John 2:2; Isaiah 53:4-12; II Corinthians 5:18-21) On the cross, Jesus said, It is finished! The penalty for all mans sins has been paid, the price to m ake them righteous has been made. Sin has a payment (the wages of sin is death: Romans 6:23) and Jesus paid it (He became sin to make us righteous: II Corinthians 5:21) The following verses reveal the depraved state that sin brings upon man, and mans need for a Savior: Romans 1:19 They know the truth about God because He has made it obvious to them. Romans 1:20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualitiesHis eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Romans 1:22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. Romans 1:23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. NLT Romans 1:24 So God let these people go their own way. They did what they wanted to do, and their filthy thoughts made them do shameful things with their bodies. CEV God gives everyone a free choice to rely upon Jesus or to rely upon themselves. When men reject Gods truth it leads to a sin depraved life- their thinking becomes foolish; godless thinking; stupid speculations so their minds became dark and confused.

Romans 1:25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. NLT Romans 1:26 God let them follow their own evil desires. Women no longer wanted to have sex in a natural way, and they did things with each other that were not natural. CEV Romans 1:27 And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablazewith lust fo r one another- men committing shameful acts with mean and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong doing. Romans 1:28 And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome, AMP Sin brings death and destruction into peoples lives . The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) A condemned mind leads to a life of sin. Romans 1:29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. Romans 1:30 They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. Romans 1:31 They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. Romans 1:32 They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. NLT Instead of believing (agreeing with what God said was true), they deliberately chose to believe lies instead (and agreed with the lies). They exchanged the truth for a lie and it brought destruction in their lives. Since they did not acknowledge God or agree with Him, their minds became condemned and the result was the degrading power of sin: Homosexuality, Greed, Malice, Envy, Jealousy, Murder, Strife, Deceit, Gossipers, Slanderers, Hating God, Arrogance, Disobedient to parents, Faithless, Heartless; loveless; and merciless. A condemned mind: within the heart of every man outside of Jesus is a belief that their sin deserves punishment God let them choose their own way which produced the depravity of sin and they suffered the consequences of their sins- but He made a way so they didnt have to pay the consequences of their sin through faith (relying upon Jesus) II. In Romans 2:1-29; 3:1-19 Paul addresses the self-righteous; those trying to be made righteous in Gods sight through their obedience to the law-self reliance. These people think they are better than others because they obey the law, so they condemn others who dont. The point Paul makes in the following verses is that no one will ever be made righteous before God through obeying the law. Romans 2:1 You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. (See Romans 1:29-31) Romans 2:2 And we know that God, in His justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Romans 2:3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God's judgment when you do the same things? Paul was correcting the self-righteous for condemning the people described in chapter 1, by telling them they do the very same sins (Romans 1:29) Paul was reminding these people that according to the law, each man gets what his actions deserve. Without Jesus, man pays the penalty for his own sin. Romans 2:4 Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? NLT Romans 2:4 NKJV: Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Paul has compassion toward the self-righteous-Dont you understand that its not the message of Gods judgement that is going to cause peoples hearts to turn toward Him, but its the message of His goodness and gracious gift of righteousness that will cause them to repent (change their mind) and come to Him. The kindness of God: You dont have to pay the penalty for your sin: Romans 3:23-24 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins. NLT

In the following verses, Paul continues to explain that if you choose to reject the gift of righteousness God offers, and choose to live under the law instead, you will be judged by the law. He explains the terms of the law. Keep in mind as you read who he is speaking to-those who are trusting in their obedience to the law to be made righteous. Romans 2:5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. (John 3:16-18) Romans 2:6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. Romans 2:7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. Romans 2:8 But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. Romans 2:9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evilfor the Jew first and also for the Gentile. Romans 2:10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. (Romans 3:12 says, outside of faith in Jesus, there is none good, no not one) Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:12 When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God's written law. And the Jews, who do have God's law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. Romans 2:13 For merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in His sight. Paul is explaining that under the terms of the law, you had to obey the law to be righteous, (Deuteronomy 6:24,25) but in Roman 3:20-22, He makes it very clear that no one will ever be made righteous by obeying the law, but only through faith in Jesus. Romans 2:14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, show that they know His law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. Romans 2:15 They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. Romans 2:16 And this is the message I proclaimthat the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life. Romans 2:17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God's law, and you boast about your special relationship with Him. Romans 2:18 You know what He wants; you know what is right because you have been taught His law. Romans 2:19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. Romans 2:20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God's law gives you complete knowledge and truth. Romans 2:21 Well then, if you teach others, why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? Romans 2:22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? Romans 2:23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. Romans 2:24 No wonder the Scriptures say, "The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you." Romans 2:25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God's law. But if you don't obey God's law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile.

Romans 2:26 And if the Gentiles obey God's law, won't God declare them to be His own people? Romans 2:27 In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God's law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God's law but don't obey it. Romans 2:28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. Romans 2:29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. NLT Romans 2:7,10: The only way a person can be declared good or do good is by faith (relying upon Jesus): Read Romans 3: 20-22. Paul explains in verse 29, the point he is making- the only way to be made righteous is not through obeying the law, but a change of identity ( a change of heart that is produced by Gods Spirit) that comes through faith (relying upon Jesus) In Chapter 3:1-20, Paul continues talking to the Jews, who are trusting in their obedience to the law for their righteousness-self-righteousness Romans 3:1 Then what's the advantage of being a Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision? Romans 3:2 Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God. Romans 3:3 True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? Romans 3:4 Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about Him, "You will be proved right in what you say, and You will win Your case in court." Romans 3:5 "But," some might say, "our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn't it unfair, then, for Him to punish us?" This is merely a human point of view. Romans 3:6 Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would He be qualified to judge the world? Romans 3:7 "But," someone might still argue, "how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights His truthfulness and brings Him more glory?" Romans 3:8 And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, "The more we sin, the better it is!" Those who say such things deserve to be condemned. Romans 3:9 Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. Romans 3:10 As the Scriptures say, "No one is righteousnot even one. Romans 3:11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. Romans 3:12 All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one." Romans 3:13 "Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies." "Snake venom drips from their lips." Romans 3:14 "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." Romans 3:15 "They rush to commit murder. Romans 3:16 Destruction and misery always follow them. Romans 3:17 They don't know where to find peace." Romans 3:18 "They have no fear of God at all." Romans 3:19 Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. Romans 3:20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. The purpose of the law is to show us we cannot be righteous on our own-through our ability or Good deeds-we all need a Savior-the whole world is guilty of sin before God. The law reveals our sin. When you live under the law you constantly live in either condemnation or self-righteousness Chapter 1- a condemned mind that keeps you under the power of sin. You think, Ill never be good enough. They are better than me Chapter 2- Self righteousness that keeps you focused on your good works. You think, I am good. I am better than them.

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Paul addressed both of these wrong ways of thinking that point us to ourselves. Only through relying upon Jesus for our righteousness will we ever live free from pride and condemnation.

Paul then shares again the Good News Gospel that all men can be made righteous in Gods sight only through faith in Jesus. We can stop trying and start trusting; quit striving and start resting. Romans 3:21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with Him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. Romans 3:22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed His life, shedding His blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when He held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, Romans 3:26 for He was looking ahead and including them in what He would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate His righteousness, for He Himself is fair and just, and He declares sinners to be right in His sight when they believe in Jesus. NLT These very verses began my journey to freedom. The Holy Spirit showed me that my bad behavior could never make me unrighteous and disqualify me, and my good behavior could never make me righteous and qualify me. I am always qualified because of Jesus- He made me righteous as a gift of His grace. I completely surrendered my inability and my ability to qualify myself in order to fully appreciate the gift of righteousness that only comes through relying upon Jesus. Only then did I experience the power of God to deliver me from the power of sin and experience the manifestation of my salvation (peace, joy, love, security, blessing, favor, wisdom, guidance, healing, etc.) We are made righteous in Gods sight only through faith in Jesus Romans 3:27 Then what becomes of [our] pride and [our] boasting? It is excluded (banished, ruled out entirely). On what principle? [On the principle] of doing good deeds? No, but on the principle of faith (relying upon Jesus). AMP Romans 3:27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith (relying upon Jesus). Romans 3:28 So we are made right with God through faith (relying upon Jesus) and not by obeying the law. NLT There is no more pride (self righteousness) or boasting in what you have done, when you truly accept Jesus righteousness, you realize you are made righteous (qualified) only because of what Jesus did for you Frustration is the number 1 symptom of self-reliance God revealed His love for us in James 4:5,6: God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble Romans 3:29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't He also the God of the Gentiles? Of course He is. Romans 3:30 There is only one God, and He makes people right with Himself only by faith (relying upon Jesus), whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Romans 3:31 Well then, if we emphasize faith (relying upon Jesus), does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith (rely upon Jesus) do we truly fulfill the law. No more trying! When we trust that we are already righteous apart from our obedience to the law, the Holy Spirit does the work in us that brings out the fruit of righteousness in our lives- Galatians 5:22-23. Right believing produces right living- through the power of the Spirit of grace Awake to Righteousness: My failures don t make me unrighteous (disqualify me) and my good works dont make me righteous (qualify me). I am righteous (qualified for all of Gods favor and blessing) because of Jesus! When I live by relying upon Jesus as my righteousness, I live free from pride and condemnation. I dont have to try in my own strength anymore! I can rely upon Jesus moment by moment and the Holy Spirit will bring out the fruit of righteousness in my life. WOOHOO!