The Christian Life
Introduction
The Book of Romans is what Martin Luther called the most important letter that Paul ever wrote. The theological arguments and implications of Romans are far-reaching and the many topics are interconnected and entirely consistent with one another in argumentation and style. Within this cogent and comprehensive theological statement of belief and faith, Paul writes extensively on what it means to live a Christian life. He combines his understanding of the fall of humankind, the Old Testament law, and the fulfillment of the law in Jesus Christ with the post-Pentecostal period where the Holy Spirit dwells in believers who have professed their faith in Jesus as their Savior. According to Rom 8, the Spirit is integral to the Christian’s sanctification. The life of a Christian is one in which believers should rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them in their daily lives, a life where they are obedient to God and stand in faith on His promises.
Reliance on the Holy Spirit
Paul teaches that the mind is the key to obedience, but that the mind is helpless to the desires of the flesh unless the person has the Spirit active within him or her. Without the indwelling Spirit, a person simply cannot be obedient to God. Paul explains why in Romans 8:5, indicating that the fundamental reason for people’s inability to obey is that their minds are fixed on the flesh without the Spirit’s grace. He states, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” In this sense, the mind is the slave of the body without the Spirit. With the Spirit, however, the mind is the slave of the Spirit. On...
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Bruce, F.F. The Letter of Paul to the Romans. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. Eerdman’s, 1988.
Cranfield, C. E. B. Romans: A Shorter Commentary. New York, NY: Continuum Publishing, 1985.
Dunn, James. Romans: Word Biblical Commentary. Columbia: Word, Inc., 1988.
Kaylor, R.D. Paul’s Covenantal Community: Jew and Gentile in Romans. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1988.
Luther, Martin. “Commentary on the Book of Romans.” Transl. by Andrew Thornton. http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/romans/luther/romansintro.htm. Accessed December 12, 2013.
MacArthur, John. Romans. Nashville TN: Nelson, 2007.
Moo, Douglas. The Epistle to the Romans. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. Eerdman’s Publishing, 1996.
Schreiner, Thomas. Romans: Baker Exegetical Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1998.
Wright, N.T. Romans. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009.
In this essay, the author
Analyzes how paul combines his understanding of the fall of humankind and the old testament law with the post-pentecostal period where the holy spirit dwells in believers who have professed their faith in jesus as their savior.
Analyzes how paul teaches that the mind is the key to obedience, but that without the indwelling spirit, a person cannot be obedient to god.
Analyzes how paul builds on the idea of the mind as slave by arguing that the body or the spirit will always have a governor or leader, and the person is helpless to resist the flesh.
Analyzes the meanings of "flesh" and "spirit" in paul's letter.
Explains that the slavery to the spirit that paul describes for the believer is far from the type of bondage suffered by sinners; it is freedom from sin and a freedom to live in obedience to god.
Analyzes how paul redefines obedience within the context of the new law of spirit so that people understand what it is to obey god in the new covenant.
Analyzes paul's cogent analysis of the relationship between sin, death, the law, and salvation from sin and death.
Analyzes how paul explains the relationship between law and sin by arguing that the law itself is not sinful but it exposes sin.
Analyzes how paul uses this analysis of the relationship between sin, death, the law, and jesus’ righteous life and resurrection to explain how present christians can live right lives.
Opines that sin is no longer your master because you are not under the law, but under grace. but thanks be to god that you have come to obey the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.
Analyzes how paul addresses the false argument that believers in jesus may do as they like now that they are not beholden to the law.
Analyzes how paul makes his discussion of law, sin, righteousness, jesus, and the spirit personal by making it personal. he declares that he is wretched and in need of rescuing.
Analyzes how paul lays the foundation for the process of sanctification as an expression of the spirit's righteousness acting within the person.
Explains that the offering of the body is an expression of sanctification as the believer is granted righteousness and released from the bonds of sin.
Analyzes how paul explains the process of sanctification in romans 6 when he identifies every believer with the death of christ as well as his resurrection.
Analyzes how paul avoids any sense of legalism where christians would have to engage in certain practices to enjoy the gift of salvation and eternal life.
Analyzes how the theme of death and rebirth is one that paul carries through his argument about how believers' faith in christ enables them to be sanctified.
Analyzes how paul's theology teaches believers to reject the cultures in which they live as the patterns of their lives. the renewing of the mind leads one back to what paul explained in romans 8.
Explains that paul's directions offer believers a direct way to ensure that they obey god and live righteously.
Explains bruce, f.f., the letter of paul to the romans.
Explains that paul's covenantal community: jew and gentile in romans. louisville, ky: westminster john knox press, 1988.
Describes luther's commentary on the book of romans, transl. by andrew thornton.
Stowers, Stanley. A Rereading of Romans: Justice, Jews, and Gentiles. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1994.
In this essay, the author
Analyzes how the seventh chapter of romans remains one of the more controversial sections of paul's final letter. it is rhetorically and stylistically challenging, and there is no consensus as to audience, or meaning.
Argues that paul is not speaking as himself, but as a gentile, apart from the law and christ. the statements in verses 14 through 20 would apply equally to both parties.
Analyzes how paul's statements imply that, as a whole, the statement does apply or can apply to any person.
Analyzes how paul points to a reality of self-betrayal by acknowledging the deep schism between the will and the actions.
Argues that paul's critique of torah is not only about torah, but also about the ability of human beings to consistently obey its mandates.
Analyzes how the schism between actions and thought in romans 7 is indicative of a larger and detrimental trend in humanity.
Describes cragg, gerald r., stowers, stanley. the interpreter's bible, nashville, 1954.
While acknowledging the divergent views of Nygren and Bornkamm that Romans reflects Paul's past experience, this essay, however, sides with the view that the Sitz im Leben of Romans manifests itself as a letter addressed to the social interactions between Jews and Gentiles and the situation of the Roman Jewish community whom Paul hopes to persuade, as in 14:1 and 15:3, to build up a Christian community net-work in order to give concrete support to his mission to Spain and spiritual support for his journey to Jerusalem (L. K. Lo, 1998 and Ziesler, 1989). This manifestation is again revealed in Paul's discussion of the commonality of sinfulness of Jews and Gentiles in 1:18-32 and 2:21-24, arguing that their solidarity in sin has put them in the same situation of guilt and powerlessness (Lo, 1998). The problem of human sin affecting Jews and Gentiles can only be solved by the divine righteousness which comes to the rescue of human beings in their collective predicament and which is, as in 1:17, primarily a saving power available to all who have faith in and respond to Jesus Christ (Ziesler, 1989). It is therefore against this background that this essay will attempt to discuss Pauline doctrine of justification by faith as understood by scholars like Ziesler, Barclay, Kasemann, Lo and Heinecken and to highlight where relevant differences in their perceptions of the doctrine. In its latter part, this essay will take issue with contentions that the doctrine constitutes only a subsidiary crater (Schweitzer), that justification is only the consequence rather than the content of the gospel (Molland) and that Christology rather than justification is the theme of the epistle (Friedrich) and will argue that the doctrine is so important and...
In this essay, the author
Argues that the sitz im leben of romans manifests itself as a letter addressed to the social interactions between jews and gentiles and the situation of the roman jewish community.
Argues that paul's reference to these three important conceptions at the preamble before dealing with any specific issue of the concrete situation in rome lends cogent and telling support to the contention that the doctrine of justification is the central theme in romans.
Analyzes how paul focuses on the plight of all human races which are neither free from sin nor free for god, a dire situation which evokes god's wrath.
Analyzes barclay's view that keeping all the laws is the way to attain to a right relationship with god.
Analyzes heinecken's position that christians remain righteous and sinners and need daily repentance and renewal.
Explains that the only condition for salvation on human side is faith in jesus christ, equally open to everyone, both jews and gentiles.
Analyzes how deissmann and schweitzer relegate the theme of justification of faith to an insignificant'side-crater' in paul's theology.
Analyzes how the essay refutes the veracity of the argument based on the frequency and number of references to the language 'in christ' in pauline letters.
Cites heinecken, martin, "justification by faith" in a new dictionary of christian ethics, 1986, scm press.
Stott, John R. W. The Message of Romans: God’s good news for the world. Downer’s Grove:
In this essay, the author
Analyzes how the book of romans teaches us about many aspects of christian life, including how we should view the natural world, our identity as people, relationships, culture, civilization and more.
Explains that the bible is a revelation of god and not merely written by man. god showed himself to us through creation.
Explains that human identity is found through knowing christ and knowing our true nature. faith in jesus, the full trust in his saving work, is the condition of justification.
Explains that human relationships are often confusing and the hardest part of life. since we are fallen beings, we sin, and we often sin against each other.
Analyzes how paul reminds us that god doesn't save based on race, but on grace.
Explains that the law is written on our hearts, and we know what is right and wrong, so we have laws that are moral.
Concludes that the natural world, our identity as people, the relationships we have and how we treat those relationships, culture, and civilization all change the way we look at the world.
Explains that moo, douglas j. romans: the niv application commentary. grand rapids, zondervan, 2000.
Antony Kamm ~ The Romans: An Introduction Second Edition, Published in 2008, pages 47, 93
In this essay, the author
Analyzes how octavian transferred the power of the state to the senate and people of rome in 27 bc. dio cassius implies that this happened in one step early in the year.
Analyzes how octavian gave up his powers and returned absolute authority in the provinces as well as his control of the legions that were sanctioned there.
Explains that octavian's new position was the office of proconsul and consul, which granted control over spain, gaul, syria, cilicia, cyprus and egypt.
Explains that the first settlement of 27 bc, was a significant factor that set the foundations for octavian’s continual rise to power.
Explains that two titles were also given to octavian during 27 bc. the first was ‘augustus’, which was sanctioned by the senate on the 16th of january.
Explains that octavian was given the title of imperator after his defeat of mark antony in 31 bc at the battle of actium.
Explains that octavian wished to reorganise the political structures of the first settlement. the retention of his consulship gave him the necessary power and authority to begin making these changes.
Explains toni hurley, philippa medcalf, christine murray, jan rolph's hsc course third edition antiquity 2 interpreting the past, published in 2008, pages 414-443.
Livius, Titus. "The History of Rome, Vol. III." Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library. 8 11, 2005. http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/Liv3His.html (accessed 3 1, 2010).
In this essay, the author
Analyzes how polybius' account of the punic wars explains the reasons for rome's victory over carthage.
Opines that no punic accounts exist of the conflict due to roman victory and the roman accounts of livy, appian, and cassius dio came far after the event.
Explains that the first official relations between rome and carthage began in 508 b.c., with the establishment of the roman republic.
Explains that rome was more responsible than the carthaginians for starting the war, in that they also sent a garrison to messina.
Analyzes how the peace reflected the relationship of power between rome and carthage, like the french after the germans took alsace-lorraine.
Explains that rome, at least officially, could only declare war for just reasons, such as if saguntum was in an alliance relationship with rome.
Analyzes how polybius, being a greek held hostage in rome, could not write partisan account of the war, at least not overtly.
Analyzes dio, cassius, kagan, donald, livius, titus and polybius.
Paul du Plessis, Borkowski’s Textbook on Roman Law, 4th Edition, Oxford University Press Inc., New York (2010), p. 265
In this essay, the author
Opines that stein is the closest scholar to have accounted for the explanation behind these controversies.
Argues that no writer has ever argued a theory which accounts for all of the controversies without being countered.
Concludes that the only explanation which succeeds at convincingly solving the problem of the controversies, or at finding general acceptance, is a combination of them all.
Explains h. f. jolowicz's historical introduction to the study of roman law, cambridge university press.
Explains john w. cairns, alan watson, o. f. robinson, critical studies in ancient law, comparative law and legal history, hart publishing.
Explains maximilian herberger's dogmatics: the history of concept and method in medicine and jurisprudence, frankfurt am main.
States that paul du plessis, borkowski’s textbook on roman law, 4th edition, oxford university press inc., new york (2010), p.
Reviews tessa g. leesen's book, gaius meets cicero: law and rhetoric in the school controversies, martinus nijhoff publishers.
Explains enrico pattaro's a treatise of legal philosophy and general jurisprudence: vol. 6: a history of the philosophy of law from the ancient greeks to the scholastics. francis de zulueta, the institutes of gaius, oxford: clarendon press.
Cites vander waerdt's the case of stoicism and natural law. sextus pomponius – enchiridium, 2nd century ad, preserved in the digest of justinian.
Lanciani, Rodolfo. Pagan and Christian Rome. The riverside Press Cambridge, Boston and New York, 1892.
In this essay, the author
Explains that man's fear of the unknown and his need to explain it gave rise to various religions that attempted to provide answers to all of man’s mystical questions.
Explains that christianity was an infant religion that was taking its first steps. being one of the minority of religious faiths that sought to convert others, christianity began to distinguish itself from the crowd.
Explains how christianity drew its followers by increasing its appeal to the people of the times. people who walk through life with this frame of mind are easily won to a cause which offers the rewards of christianity.
Explains that christianity was not without heavy criticism from pagan philosophers and other non-christian scholars.
Explains that although christianity was considered the underdog among the religions of its time, it gradually gained influence throughout the roman empire.
Explains that pagan religions had a feast on december 25th in celebration of the winter solstice. the waning sunlight was important to christians because the doctrines held that jesus was born during the darkest hour.
Analyzes how the winter solstice represented the strategic ‘high ground’ of the pagan calendar.
Explains that the word "superstition" was used by christians to categorize and denigrate earlier, less sophisticated or disapproved religious attitudes and behavior.
States that christianity took another step towards the eradication of paganism by christianizing pagan churches, temples, and other buildings.
Opines that any opportunity provided for replacing, covering, or otherwise erasing paganism was capatalized on. when archeological sites which are historically known to be pagan religious sites are excavated there will almost certainly be christian artifacts.
Explains the encroachment of christianity into pagan buildings and architecture. the cemetaries and graveyards were removed of pagan influence and replaced by christianity.
Concludes that christianity has come a long way since the days when it was just another temple among the hundreds of others that filled the ancient roman cities.
Describes the books that were published by the university of chicago press, and rodolfo lanciani.
Cites lanson, maritin a. the story of christain origins. macmullen, ramsay. paganism in the poman empire.
The First Year of Roman Law, Fernand Bernard, Translated by Charles P. Sherman D.C.L, Oxford University Press
In this essay, the author
Explains that the praetor was an official who had a lot of influence on laws, but it is impossible to mention all of these influences.
Introduces harriet i. flower's the cambridge companion to the roman republic.
Explains that the praetor accepted most of his predecessor's edicts more than once or twice.
Cites alan watson's the development of the praetor’s edict, the journal of roman studies, vol. 60 (1970), pp.
States william alexander hunter's a systematic and historical exposition of roman law in the order of a code, sweet & maxwell limited.
Defines imperium as the supreme executive power in the roman state, which involved both military and judicial authority.
Explains that the praetorian actio in factum was the most potent instrument of law reform in the last century of the republic.
Explains that the praetor could grant remedies to roman citizens by means of a legis actio procedure.
Explains that the praetor's edict was considered to be the most important ‘vehicle of legal change’.
Explains that the ius civile was a rigid type of law followed by the roman citizens. the praetorian edicts developed the flexible and flexible ius honorarium.
Explains the textbook on roman law by andrew borkowski and paul du plessis and rita antonie meyer- spasche.
Explains that the widows could not inherit each other except in the case of a manus marriage.
Reviews william livesey burdich's the law exchange ltd. clark, new jersey, 2004 the first year of roman law, fernand bernard.
Westerholm, Stephen. Perspectives Old and New on Paul: the "Lutheran" Paul and His Critics. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2004. Print.
In this essay, the author
Explains that the law was a gift to god's people after being elected. the jews believed that it was by grace that they entered into an eternal relationship with god.
Opines that the emphasis on returning to a more historical paul has done scholars some good. it has forced us to go back to early writings that we can learn from.
Opines that there are many weaknesses with the new pauline perspectives, which vary from one scholar to the next.
Analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the new perspective and explains the gap between orthodox and new perspectives.
Opines that it's a great time for people like piper and wright to stand up and discuss these controversial topics.
Describes calvin, jean, a. n. s. lane, and hilary osborne's the institutes of christian religion.
Explains that the term "new perspective on paul" was coined in 1982 by james dunn.
Argues that krister stendahl's argument is that the early reformation fathers imposed their own ideas and concerns upon paul’s writing
Introduces macarthur, john, busenitz, lang, and johnson. fool's gold?: discerning truth in an age of error.