We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Personal Bible Notes: Romans


Refer to my 9/25/18 post about the margin notes in my Bible, and why I decided to share them on this blog.

1:3 “according to the flesh”: This statement is unnecessary if Jesus was merely a man.
1:7 “Grace…peace”:  “Grace” is Greek, “peace” is Jewish.
1:8 “telling”: This word actually limits the intent; Paul lives the gospel, which includes “telling.”
1:14: “barbarians”: These didn’t know Greek or Latin.

2:25ff: “circumcision” represents faith.
3:27-31: This section is the outline for chapter 4.

4:2: Abraham was before the Law.
4:16-18: The faith was not in his inability to have a child (he doubted that) but God’s ability to make him a father of nations.
6:3-5: Baptism is by immersion.

8:2 “law”: the word here means “principle.”
8:8: refers to unbelievers.
8:9-11: The Spirit lives in you if you are a believer. The Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of God.
8:14: Only Christians are God’s children.
8:19-22: The Earth is under corruption.
8:29: “foreknew”—NOT “fore-ordained”
8:30: “predestined,” i.e. planned for.

Chapters 9 through 11: about nations, not individuals, chosen for service, not for salvation.

Chapter 9: Israel’s past.
9:13: Israel vs Edomites; Israel chosen, Edomites enemy.
9:15: reference is to the aftermath of calf worship. Despite Israel’s sin, Moses asked to see God’s glory. God’s mercy to Moses over idolaters.
9:21ff: “Clay” is Abraham: One part, Isaac, for honor-chosen; One part, Ishmael—not chosen. Could also be Israel at the calf incident; objects of wrath being the idolaters.

Chapter 10: Israel’s present.

Chapter 11: Israel’s future.
11:13-24: The trunk is not Israel, the tree is the place of spiritual blessings. The branches are not saved but Israel and gentiles. The root is Abraham’s faith.

12:1 “urge”: literally, “exhort”
12:19: see 13:4b

15:18-19: Paul was personally inspired, and confirmed by signs and wonders.

2 comments:

Jesse Albrecht said...

Hey Glenn,

What do you make of this article?:

https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/gods-irrevocable-gifts-and-calling/

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Jesse,

Except for the error of claiming Romans 9 is about individual election, the teaching about Romans 11 is good.