Wednesday Noon Bible Study

Our Relationship to the State (13:1–14)

God has established three institutions: the home (Gen.

2:18–25), government (Gen. 9:1–17), and the church

(Acts 2). Paul was writing to believers at the very heart

of the Roman Empire. As yet, the great persecutions

had not started, but were on the way. Christianity was

still considered a Jewish sect, and the Jewish religion

was approved by Rome. But the day would come when

it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for a

Christian to be loyal to the emperor. He could not

drop incense on the altar and affirm, “Caesar is god!”

Wednesday Noon Bible Study - Paul devoted all of Romans 11 to presenting proof that God is not through with Israel. We must not apply this chapter to the church today, because Paul is discussing a literal future for a literal nation. He called five witnesses to prove there was a future in God’s plan for the Jews. 

Say something interesting about your business here.

Give customers a reason to do business with you.

Whatever God does, must be just. Wherein the holy, happy people of God differ from others, God's grace alone makes them differ. In this preventing, effectual, distinguishing grace, he acts as a benefactor, whose grace is his own. 

 Whatever God does, must be just. Wherein the holy, happy people of God differ from others, God's grace alone makes them differ. In this preventing, effectual, distinguishing grace, he acts as a benefactor, whose grace is his own. 

 Whatever God does, must be just. Wherein the holy, happy people of God differ from others, God's grace alone makes them differ. In this preventing, effectual, distinguishing grace, he acts as a benefactor, whose grace is his own. 

 it is impossible for the believer to be separated from Christ and his love. Nothing can stop Christ's love or separate the believer from his love (Romans 8:35). Believers face various kinds of intense adversity 

1. Foreknew 2. Predestined 3. Called 4. Justified 5. Glorified 

 Paul summarizes the ideas he has been discussing since the beginning of this section in verse 12. One trespass, one sin, led to the condemnation of all men. This was Adam's sin in breaking God's command not to eat from one specific tree. In doing so, he introduced sin and death to the world, where they took root in every person to follow. Because all sinned, all faced God's judgment and the same fate: condemnation.  

By contrast, though, one "act of righteousness" leads to the opportunity for justification for every person in the world. This act of righteousness was Jesus' death on the cross to pay for human sin. Those who, by faith, receive this free gift of God's grace are declared righteous by God. They are justified. This is the case Paul has been making throughout Romans. 

Revelation 20:6 speaks of the second death in relation to a future period called the Millennium: “Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” This verse notes three important facts. First, those who die for their faith in Jesus during the Tribulation will later be resurrected to enter the Millennium and live with Him. Second, these martyrs will escape the lake of fire or second death. Third, they will reign with Christ. 

 A millennium is a period of 1,000 years. When we speak of “the Millennium,” we refer to the 1,000 years following the Savior's Second Coming (see Revelation 20:4; Doctrine and Covenants 29:11). During the Millennium, “Christ will reign personally upon the earth” 

Give customers a reason to do business with you.

 He was rejected and crucified. But He will not be rejected at His Second Coming, “for every ear shall hear it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess” that Jesus is the Christ (D&C 88:104). He will be greeted as “Lord of lords, and King of kings” 

Paul's message is that no one (Jew or Gentile) lives a perfect life, all are sinners, and no one will be justified or declared righteous simply by observing the law. Instead, under the new covenant, Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins, and those who put their faith and trust in Him will be declared righteous. 

 Paul's message is that no one (Jew or Gentile) lives a perfect life, all are sinners, and no one will be justified or declared righteous simply by observing the law. 

Instead, under the new covenant, Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins, and those who put their faith and trust in Him will be declared righteous. 

Beginning in Revelation 17, John describes the Lamb’s step-by-step victory over “the beast” and his kingdom. In Revelation 17, the religious system is judged; in Revelation 18, the political and economic system fall victim. Finally, the Lord Himself returns to earth; judges Satan, “the beast,” and the false prophet (Rev. 19:19–20); and then establishes His kingdom. 

 Beginning in Revelation 17, John describes the Lamb’s step-by-step victory over “the beast” and his kingdom. In Revelation 17, the religious system is judged; in Revelation 18, the political and economic system fall victim. Finally, the Lord Himself returns to earth; judges Satan, “the beast,” and the false prophet (Rev. 19:19–20); and then establishes His kingdom. 

Beginning in Revelation 17, John describes the Lamb’s step-by-step victory over “the beast” and his kingdom. In Revelation 17, the religious system is judged; in Revelation 18, the political and economic system fall victim. Finally, the Lord Himself returns to earth; judges Satan, “the beast,” and the false prophet (Rev. 19:19–20); and then establishes His kingdom. 

It is possible to submit outwardly and yet not be humbled

inwardly. God hates the sin of pride (Prov. 6:16–17),

and He will chasten the proud believer until he is humbled.

We have a tendency to treat sin too lightly, even

to laugh about it (“let your laughter be turned into

mourning”). But sin is serious, and one mark of true

humility is facing the seriousness of sin and dealing

with our disobedience. “A broken and a contrite heart,

O God, thou wilt not despise” (Ps. 51:17).

 Here is a series of causes and effects, along with some unspoken ones that undergird the whole verse. Those who trust in the Lord will have a steadfast mind as a result. Those who have a steadfast mind will be kept by God in perfect peace.  Verse 4, which directly follows says, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” God is not only our Rock but he is our eternal Rock, which means that we are not only to trust him for this life but forever. It also stands that his perfect peace is eternal. 

 Jesus responds to the anxiety of his disciples by saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me” (14:1). Jesus calls them back to this fundamental relationship of trust and assures them that he is not abandoning them. Rather, he is returning to his Father, which is good news for them. 

 Jesus responds to the anxiety of his disciples by saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me” (14:1). Jesus calls them back to this fundamental relationship of trust and assures them that he is not abandoning them. Rather, he is returning to his Father, which is good news for them. 

 We do not have to sin anymore. This is the message of “baptism” that Paul proclaims in Romans 6: that through baptism we are united to Christ. And if we are united to Christ, then what is true of him is true of us. Dead to sin, we no longer have any excuse to sin. 

 1 Peter emphasizes the role of apostles as chosen by God to share his Gospel. Because of this, their persecution can actually be seen as a gift because it offers them a chance to show others the surprising generosity and love of Jesus, which is fueled by hope in his return and victory over evil. 

 Sermon by Dr. Tony Evans 

Sermon by Dr. Tony Evans

A discussion from the men about "What has FBC Meant to Us" Our panelists: Deacon Arnold Davidson, Deacon Clyde Steverson, Teacher Maurice Lytle, Deacon Al Washington.