A Few Thoughts About Evil

In order to understand righteousness or evil, we must have a standard of right and wrong. If there is no standard, then it is impossible to decide. A short answer about God’s standards. God’s summary of the standard of right is Luke 10:27, the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20), and all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Definitions of evil:

B1 English:

C1 Can be something wrong, something harmful (disasters, health problems, etc.), misfortune, character, something unpleasant (odor), or an entity of power (demon), etc.

C2 Some synonyms: There are many, see here (need to scroll down).

B2 Hebrew:

C1 The most common word is רַע raʻ as it is used 663 times. It means, much like English, things unpleasant, etc. so in weather, animals, harm, emotions, distress, misery, etc.

C2 In the book of Proverbs, for example, it is used in various ways. This link is a list of the uses in Proverbs.

B3 Greek:

C1 One Greek word is πονηρός ponērós. It is used 76 times and means annoyance, hardship, physical ailments and weaknesses, and evil in character, words, and deeds, etc.

D1 Not only are they evil, they become more evil over time. This is a result of deception. 2 Timothy 3:13 GNB and evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

D2 There is a contrast: Matthew 13:49 GNB It will be like this at the end of the age: the angels will go out and gather up the evil people from among the good

C2 One other Greek word we will read about is κακός kakós. It is used 51 times and means something bad, so regarding morals, agriculture (bad fruit), breaking a law (as in wicked deed, etc.), not nice actions against people (hate, lying, stealing, etc.).

D1 Mark 7:21-23 GNB For from the inside, from your heart, come the evil ideas which lead you to do immoral things, to rob, kill, 22 commit adultery, be greedy, and do all sorts of evil things; deceit, indecency, jealousy, slander, pride, and folly—23 all these evil things come from inside you and make you unclean."

D2 2 Timothy 4:14 WEB Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds,

Source of evil:

B1 When God created, He created a measure of free will. This is not a sovereign free will as some Calvinists define, rather a limited free will. We can resist. Also, I might want to do something but am unable.

C1 An article that explains my position: 5 Arguments For The Existence Of Free Will by Evan Minton.

C2 A followup of the above article responds to objects: Responding To Free Will Critics by Evan Minton.

B2 Love is a choice, not an emotion or feeling (see the above articles).

B3 The Lord Jesus states: John 14:15 GW If you love me, you will obey my commandments.

B4 Faith is believing God.

C1 The Greek word for faith (as is most frequently translated) is πίστις pístis. This is a noun.

C2 The Greek word for believe (as is most frequently translated) is πιστεύω pisteúō. This is a verb.

C3 Both have the idea of what is most reasonable. It is not blind faith. The root word for both is πείθω peíthō. I know that we are not to apply too much from these Greek words being related, nevertheless do show a relationship.

B5 The first sinner started loving himself. He is known as satan now.

C1 Ezekiel 28:12-17 ESV Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord GOD: “You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared. 14 You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. 15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you. 16 In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you.

D1 Most interpret this as referring to the King of Tyre and only him.

D2 I have some problems with that interpretation.

D3 The king of Tyre was

E1 Never in the Garden of Eden

E2 Never the example of perfection.

E3 Never full of wisdom

E4 Never perfect in beauty

E5 Never covered with every precious stone

E6 Never an anointed guardian cherub

E7 Never on the holy mountain of God

E8 Never walked through the midst of stones of fire

E9 Never blameless

D4 It seems more reasonable to understand this as satan, the power behind the throne of the king of Tyre.

D5 Note how he loved himself (verse 17)

C2 Isaiah 14:12-14 ESV How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! 13 You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’

D1 Most understand this to refer to Nebuchadnezzar and only him.

D2 Personally, I think it refers to Nebuchadnezzar and the power over him, that is, satan.

D3 The being described here fell from heaven. In supreme arrogance, he states that he will ascend into heaven. His plan apparently, is conquering, sitting his throne above all thrones, and ruling as the Most High.

D4 To me, it is kinda tough to think this of Nebuchadnezzar.

Evil humans

B1 The first human sinner was Eve, but she

C1 Admitted that she was deceived

C2 Made no excuses

C3 Received only one curse—pain in childbirth

B2 The second human sinner was Adam, and he

C1 Passed blame to Eve and then to God

C2 Did not admit his guilt

C3 Was the cause of the universe coming under God’s curse

C4 Note the Scriptures say Adam and man: Romans 5:12 NIV Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned

B3 Sinners are punished to eternal torment, not because of Adam’s sin but our own sin (See here). The sin nature is passed on through the generations. Adam and Eve were no longed sinless. They had the curse of God. Death was coming to them. They could not have sinless children, because they were not perfect, nor sinless.

C1 They had the curse of God and a sin nature. Compare: 1 Corinthians 15:22 NIV For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

C2 We don’t die for Adam’s sin. Compare: Ezekiel 18:14, 18-20 NIV But suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father commits, and though he sees them, he does not do such things: ... 18 But his father will die for his own sin, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was wrong among his people. 19 "Yet you ask, 'Why does the son not share the guilt of his father?' Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. 20 The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.

B4 There is truth, and there are lies. God lives in, speaks in, judges in, acts in truth. There is truth, and there is imagination. Truth is reality. Imagination is a substitute truth. Truth was resisted and rejected, so God punished. Humans did not believe God.

C1 Genesis 6:5 WEB Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

C2 Romans 1:17-21 WEB For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by faith.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse. 21 Because, knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.

Solution to evil:

B1 Punishment

C1 1 Corinthians 6:8-10 WEB No, but you yourselves do wrong, and defraud, and that against your brothers. 9 Or don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God.

C2 Revelation 21:8 WEB But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

B2 Believe the Gospel and trust in Jesus Christ

C1 Romans 1:16 LEB For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

C2 Ephesians 1:13 PickNT about whom, to be sure, we had heard the true Word—the Gospel of your salvation; by whom, since you also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

C3 Acts 20:21 PickNT solemnly proclaiming to both Jews and Greeks the repentance toward God and the faith into our Lord Jesus.

C4 Luke 18:13-14 PickNT The tax collector, staying a good ways off, did not even venture to look up to heaven, but started beating on his chest, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14 I say to you that this one went back home justified rather than that one; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

A Few Thoughts About Why People Do Not Believe the Gospel

Some believe that if Christians answered every question, met every need, bring justice to the world, have a comfortable setting with great music, then people will believe.

B1 Most questions are already answered, but they will not accept that answer. People think their answer is better. Sometimes they have a favorite answer already, or they don’t like or agree with the answer given.

B2 The world is unjust and evil. Many times what is a need is really only a desire. The real needs of shelter, food, safety might be already met, but they have a need of more money, or better food than they have, or ______.

B3 People define justice differently. Today many (maybe most) define justice as the “equals.” Everything must be provided for free as health care, nutrition, safety, education, etc. But different solutions are offered. Some want the socialist answer of central planning. Some want the libertarian solution of minimal government. The standard is not fixed and agreed upon.

B4 The Lord Jesus provided for all these in His ministry of earth, yet very few believed.

Others find the reason for rejection resulting from their particular bias, that is, their idea of God, their idea of punishment, their idea of Christianity, their idea in worldview and lifestyle, etc.

Some find the reason for rejection is that God only choose a small number to understand, be regenerated, then given faith to be born again. I say this sarcastically. It is the idea of selective predestination and regeneration preceding faith.

Personally, I find the Scriptures to show that it is pride and love of sinful pleasures.

B1 Pride:

C1 “I’m a good person.”

D1 Luke 18:10-12 NKJV Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 'I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'

D2 Romans 10:21 WEL But to Israel he says, “All day long I have stretched out my hands to a people who refuse to believe and defiant people.”

C2 Resist (because of pride)

D1 John 3:36 WEL “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life, but he who refuses to believe the Son will not see life, on the contrary the fierce anger of God remains on him.”

D2 Hebrews 3:18 WEL Or to whom was it that he swore that they wouldn’t enter into his rest? Wasn’t it with those who refused to believe?

C3 Peer pressure (because of fear)

D1 John 9:22-23 NKJV His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him.

D2 Acts 5:12-13 NLT The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon's Colonnade. 13 But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them.

C4 A greater love for something (because of pride in something)

D1 John 12:42-43 WEL Nevertheless, even of the leaders many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess, lest they should be thrown out of the synagogue, 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

D2 2 Timothy 4:10 NRSV for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

B2 Love of sinful pleasures:

C1 John 3:19-21 NRSV And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.

C2 Revelation 9:20-21 NKJV But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Some other verses that may apply see here.

We must not reject: Romans 1:18-22 NIV The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools…

We must accept: Romans 10:9-13 NIV If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, "Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

A Few Thoughts About Why People Do Not Believe the Gospel

Some believe that if Christians answered every question, meet every need, bring justice to the world, then people will believe.

B1 Most questions are already answered, but people think their answer is better. Sometimes they have a favorite answer already, or they don’t like or agree with that answer.

B2 The world is unjust and evil. Many times what is a need is really only a desire. The real needs of shelter, food, safety might be already met, but they have a need of more money, or better food than they have, or ______.

B3 People define justice differently. Today many (maybe most) define justice as the “equals.” Everything must be provided as health care, nutrition, safety, education, etc. But different solutions are offered. Some want the socialist answer of central planning. Some want the libertarian solution of minimal government. The standard is not fixed and agreed upon.

B4 The Lord Jesus did all this in His ministry of earth, yet very few believed.

Others find the reason for rejection resulting from their particular bias, that is, their idea of God, their idea of punishment, their idea of Christianity, their idea in worldview and lifestyle, etc.

Some find the reason for rejection is that God only choose a small number to understand, be regenerated, then given faith to be born again. I say this sarcastically. It is the idea of selective predestination and regeneration preceding faith.

Personally, I find the Scriptures to show that it is pride and love of sinful pleasures.

B1 Pride:

C1 “I’m a good person.”

D1 Luke 18:10-12 NKJV Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 'I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'

D2 Romans 10:21 WEL But to Israel he says, “All day long I have stretched out my hands to a people who refuse to believe and defiant people.”

C2 Resist (because of pride)

D1 John 3:36 WEL “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life, but he who refuses to believe the Son will not see life, on the contrary the fierce anger of God remains on him.”

D2 Hebrews 3:18 WEL Or to whom was it that he swore that they wouldn’t enter into his rest? Wasn’t it with those who refused to believe?

C3 Peer pressure (because of pride and fear)

D1 John 9:22-23 NKJV His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him.

D2 Acts 5:12-13 NLT The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon's Colonnade. 13 But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them.

C4 A greater love for something (because of pride in something)

D1 John 12:42-43 WEL Nevertheless, even of the leaders many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess, lest they should be thrown out of the synagogue, 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

D2 2 Timothy 4:10 NRSV for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

B2 Love of sinful pleasures:

C1 John 3:19-21 NRSV And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.

C2 Revelation 9:20-21 NKJV But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Some other verses that may apply see here.

We must not: Romans 1:18-22 NIV The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools…

We must: Romans 10:9-13 NIV If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, "Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

1 Year Bible—Ephesians Part C

C5 Thanksgiving for Preaching Gospel to Gentiles Chapter 3:1-13

D1 Paul was given this ministry of God’s grace for their sakes: Acts 9:15 GNB The Lord said to him, "Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel.

D2 Paul is a prophet, for God gave him revelation of the message he is to preach. He also heard the Gospel directly on the Damascus Road. Galatians 1:11-12 NRSV For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; 12 for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

D3 For a proud Jew to come to this knowledge would be very difficult, but Paul became a new creation. Plus, the information came directly from God. Ephesians 3:5-6 GNB In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 The secret is that by means of the gospel the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God's blessings; they are members of the same body and share in the promise that God made through Christ Jesus.

D4 Ephesians 3:8 WEL...the unsearchable riches of Christ…

E1 A few of these are:

F1 Wisdom and knowledge. Do we need an answer? We have the greatest source: Colossians 2:3 NASB in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

F2 Memorizing and deeply thinking about the words of Scripture are very rich: Colossians 3:16 WEL Let Christ’s word live in you abundantly in all wisdom. Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

F3 Kindness, forbearance, and patience: Romans 2:4 NRSV Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

F4 Grace: Ephesians 1:7 NASB In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

F4 God’s glory: Ephesians 3:16 WEL That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner being,

E2 For both Jews and Gentiles, that is, Christians: Romans 10:12 NASB For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;

D5 God has a purpose and plan in Ephesians 3:11

D6 We have boldness to pray directly to Him. All brothers and sisters in Christ can pray directly. We do not need any mediator, priest, holy person, etc. other than Jesus.

C6 Prayer for the Ephesians Chapter 3:14-21

D1 God’s glory:

E1 Christians will share: Romans 5:2 NLT Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.

E2 The Temple seen by the Apostle John was full of God’s glory, thus light, power, strength, holiness, etc.: Revelation 15:8 NLT The Temple was filled with smoke from God's glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues.

E3 As he was dying, Stephen saw God’s glory: Acts 7:55 NLT But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand.

E4 Jesus’s glory is God’s glory:

F1 Hebrews 1:3 NLT The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

F2 Luke 9:28-29, 32 CSB About eight days after this conversation, he took along Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. ... 32 Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who were standing with him.

F3 God’s glory is the beauty of His character, His attributes, expressed through His thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

D2 Paul prays that the believers

E1 May understand God’s

F1 Ephesians 3:18...the breadth, length, depth, and height which refers to the unlimitedness, boundless, and vastness of His love

F2 Ephesians 3:19 …to know (experience first hand) the love of Christ…

G1 Which is beyond our understanding. We receive this from studying the Scriptures: Psalm 119:104 NIV I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

G2 Which endures forever: See Psalm 136.

F3 Starts when we believe and place our trust into Christ: Proverbs 9:10 NIV The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

F4 Understanding comes from God: 1 John 5:20 NIV We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

E2 Ephesians 3:20-21 WEL Now to him who is able to do way more than all we ask or think according to the power that works in us. 21 The glory be to him in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever and forever. Amen

F1 The power that works in us is the Holy Spirit:

G1 Romans 15:13 NIV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

G2 The Holy Spirit does not make us timid, He gives the power, love, and self-discipline we need to accomplish His will: 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

F2 It is not just can do all things that He wants us to do but way beyond all things: ὑπὲρ πάντα.

F3 We are to give God credit (glory) for all these things.

The prayer closes with a soul-inspiring doxology. The preceding requests have been vast, bold, and seemingly impossible. But God is able to do more in this connection than we can ask or think. The extent of His ability is seen in the manner in which Paul pyramids words to describe superabundant blessings:

Able

Able to do

Able to do what we ask

Able to do what we think

Able to do what we ask or think

Able to do all that we ask or think

Able to do above all that we ask or think

Able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think

Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think

The means by which God answers prayer is given in the expression, according to the power that works in us. This refers to the Holy Spirit, who is constantly at work in our lives, seeking to produce the fruit of a Christlike character, rebuking us because of sin, guiding us in prayer, inspiring us in worship, directing us in service. The more we are yielded to Him, the greater will be His effectiveness in conforming us to Christ.

(Source:Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald 1995

1 Year Through the Bible Series—Romans Part A

Notes

B1 Basic outline

C1 1:1-17 Introduction

C2 1:18-3:20 Teaching about sin

C3 3:21-5:21 Teaching about salvation

C4 6:1-8:39 Teaching about sanctification

C5 9:1-11:36 Teaching about Israel

C6 12:1-16:27 Teaching about Christian lifestyle

B2 Introduction 1:1-17

C1 Jesus Christ

D1 His Gospel was promised from long ago in the Scriptures

E1 Promised to Eve: Genesis 3:15 NKJV And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.

E2 Seen in Noah’s preaching. He believed God: Genesis 6:22 NKJV Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.

E3 Example of Abraham: Genesis 15:6 NIV Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

E4 Prophesied by many prophets. Some are

F1 Moses

F2 David

F3 Isaiah

F4 Verse: Luke 24:27 NIV And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

D2 His Gospel reveals Messiah, the Savior, Jesus (Yeshua)

E1 Born of a woman (hinted to be a virgin by God’s promise to Eve)

E2 Descendant of King David by flesh (Son of Man, Jesus’s humanity)

E3 By the power of the Holy Spirit upon the Virgin Mary (Son of God, Jesus’s deity)

F1 By His holiness:

G1 Psalm 111:9 NIV He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever—holy and awesome is his name.

G2 Hebrews 4:15 WEL For we don’t have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses but was in every way tempted like us, yet without any sin.

F2 By the resurrection: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 WEL For the first thing I passed on to you was what I also received, how that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, 4 And that he was buried, then rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 And that he was seen by Cephas then the twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than five hundred brothers at one time, of whom the greater part remains to this present hour, but some have fallen asleep, 7 After that he was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, he was seen by me also, as of one born at the wrong time.

C2 The Gospel

D1 Power of God for salvation: John 1:12 CSB But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name

D2 Believes! This is the Gospel: to believe God and to place trust into Him.

E1 Old Testament: Psalm 78:22 NKJV Because they did not believe in God, And did not trust in His salvation.

E2 New Testament: 1 Timothy 4:10 NKJV For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

D3 God’s righteousness

E1 To offer salvation: John 3:16-17 WEL For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that anyone believing in him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

E2 To enable salvation: Acts 4:12 CSB There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.

E3 To set the conditions of salvation: John 3:18 CSB Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

C3 Applications

D1 The beginning of proof that Christianity is the only salvation and truth begins with Jesus. He existed, what He did and said, His miracles, His prophesies, and His work as High Priest. This is most reasonable. A source for more information is here.

D2 Salvation is the most important thing. We live, and we will die. After death, there is judgment. After judgment, there is sentencing. The sentencing is for eternity, never ending, either torment or bliss in heaven. The believers will be blessed with fellowship with God, the holy, elect angels, and other believers. The believers will be blessed to serve God forever. He is King of the Universe.

John 3:15-21 WEL So that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that anyone believing in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

18 “The one who believes in him is not judged, but the one who does not believe is judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 “This is [the reason for] the judgment, because light is come into the world and people loved darkness rather than light, because their actions were evil.

20 “Everyone who does evil hates the light and doesn’t come to the light, so that his actions may be exposed and reproved [discovered and reproved is one word in Greek].

21 “But the one who does the truth comes to the light, so that his actions may be plainly seen that they are done in God.”

Thoughts on Discipling Part 2 Gospel Part A

B1 What it is

C1 God’s character, kingdom, laws

D1 God’s character

E1 God’s character regarding the Gospel

F1 Holiness

G1 The summary of the Law: Mark 12:28-34 MKJV And coming up one of the scribes heard them reasoning, knowing that He had answered them well, he asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord; 30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said to Him, Right, Teacher, according to truth You have spoken, that God is one, and there is no other besides Him. 33 And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love the neighbor as himself, is more than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 And seeing that he had answered intelligently, Jesus said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. And no one dared to question Him any more.

G2 The Ten Commandments

H1 A set of 10 commands (Exodus 20:1-17). These are broad sets of all types of sins.

H2 For example, Exodus 20:16 MKJV You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

I1 One article lists 7 lies: White lies, Bold-faced lies, exaggerated lies, deceptive lies, compulsive lies, lies of fabrication, duplicitous lies.

I2 These lies can be in thoughts, desires, words, and/or deeds.

H3 One can do this for all of the 10 commandments.

F2 Consistency

G1 What God believes and how He acts today has been, is, and will always be the same.

G2 Hebrews 13:8 MKJV Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.

E2 God’s character traits (see below under doctrine)

D2 God’s kingdom operates under His laws. There can be no disobedience.

C2 Obedience or rebellion

D1 We obey; we live. We disobey; we are punished.

D2 Obedience is based on

E1 Believing God

F1 John 14:1 MKJV Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me.

F2 Hebrews 11:6 NLT And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

E2 Loving God: John 14:15 NLT If you love me, obey my commandments.

D3 Rebellion is based on

E1 Me first. The Bible has much to say of selfishness. I’ll paste 2:

F1 Matthew 16:24 NLT Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.

F2 James 3:16 NLT For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

E2 God’s way is this: Romans 15:1-3 AMPC WE WHO are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others] and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually]. 3 For Christ did not please Himself [gave no thought to His own interests]; but, as it is written, The reproaches and abuses of those who reproached and abused you fell on Me. [Psalm 69:9]

E3 Punishment is forewarned to those who rebellion.

F1 God warns. His warning is not symbolic or to be taken allegorically.

G1 Matthew 10:28 NLT Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

G2 Ezekiel 18:4 NLT For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die.

G3 Romans 3:10 NLT As the Scriptures say, "No one is righteous—not even one.

F2 Eternally conscious torment and suffering. It is also not symbolic or to be taken allegorically. In the verses below the emphasis is mine.

G1 Luke 16:24 NLT The rich man shouted, 'Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.'

G2 Jude 1:12-13 NLT When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord's love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness.

G3 Revelation 14:11 NLT The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.

G4 Revelation 19:20 NLT And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

G5 Revelation 20:10 NLT Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

F3 It never ends. The door to hell only opens to let someone in; it never opens to let someone out. Matthew 25:46 NLT And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.

Broad Way or Narrow Way Destruction or Life

Matthew 7:13-14 WEL “Enter in at the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the road is spacious that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in there. 14 “Because the gate is narrow and the road difficult that leads to life and there are few who find it.

What is destruction?

B1 The Greek word is ἀπώλεια apṓleia. It means destruction and destroy. Often, the idea is the effects/punishments of the sentence of a judge.

C1 2 Peter 3:7 NIV By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

C2 Philippians 1:28 NIV without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God.

C3 2 Thessalonians 2:3 NIV Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

B2 It will be spiritual and physical destruction. It does not have the idea of disappearance as in composting or annihilation.

God opens the eyes and mind of all people, calls them, and offers salvation. Most resist His call. Pride is usually the reason for refusal. God frees our will from our darkness and bondage to sin. With a freed will, then we can make our choice. God is omniscient and omnisapient. He knows how to communicate perfectly. God does not lie. The offer is for all people. In His sovereignty He desires and initiates salvation. If He did not initiate, then no one could or would be saved.

B1 1 Timothy 2:4 NIV who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

B2 Isaiah 45:22 NIV Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

B3 Isaiah 55:1 NIV Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

B4 Ezekiel 18:32 NIV For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!

B5 John 3:15-17 NIV that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

B6 2 Peter 3:9 WEL The Lord doesn’t procrastinate in keeping his promise as some think, but is longsuffering towards us not willing that anyone should perish but that all should repent.

Ephesians 3:1-7

A1 Scripture

Ephesians 3:1-7

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles  (2) surely you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God that was given to me for you,  (3) how that by revelation He made known to me the ‘secret’ (as I have written briefly already, (4)  with reference to which, when you read, you can understand my insight into Christ’s secret), (5) which in different generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: (6)  that the Gentiles are joint-heirs, of the same body, and fellow partakers of His promise in the Christ through the Gospel, (7) of which I became a servant according to the gift of God's grace, the gift given to me according to the outworking of His power. Ephesians 3:1-7 WPNT

A2 Outline

B1 God's blessing to understand His "secret." 1-2

C1 Ephesians is one of the prison letters along with Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon.

C2 Paul was in prison because he was a Christian.

C3 Paul is not bragging or wanting sympathy. He is simply telling a fact.

C4 The word dispensation in KJV is the Greek word οἰκονομία oikonomía. That word means a steward, the household manager. God has given responsibility to Paul as the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” Romans 11:13 WEL For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I hold my ministry in honor.

D1 NRSV uses the word commission.

D2 WEB uses the word administration.

D3 GW uses the word responsibility.

D4 ESV uses the word stewardship.

D5 Coverdale uses the word office.

B2 God's blessing to reveal the "secret." 3-5

C1 The are some interpreters who believe this passage refers to the Church Age Gospel, which is different from other Gospels, including the Gospel that the Lord Jesus preached.

D1 There is only ONE Gospel. Peter and Paul preached the same Gospel, so did the Lord Jesus to Adam.

D2 The Gospel you and I believed is the same Gospel Adam and Eve believed as well as Able, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Mr and Mrs Isaiah, Joseph and Mary, Peter, Paul, Polycarp, and down to us and the future.

D3 Galatians 1:8-9 NRSV  But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed!  9 As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed! What if someone tells the Gospel that Peter was preaching at that time or one who had heard the Lord Jesus?

D4 Dr Randy White, the last I knew, still taught that the Gospel that the Lord Jesus preached was the Gospel of the Kingdom, which is understood to be believe that He is Messiah and keep the Law. This is false. Consider the teaching of the Lord Jesus and the tax collector: Luke 18:13-14 NKJV  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!'  14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." The Lord Jesus declared that this man was justified by believing God.

D5 Abraham believed God and was considered a believer by God.

E1 Genesis Genesis 15:6 NRSV  And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness.

E2 Romans 4:3 NRSV For what does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness."

E3 Galatians 3:6 NRSV Just as Abraham "believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,"

E4 James 2:23 NRSV Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God.

C2 Even though the Gospel was known, how it provided justification was not known, at least completely. After the Lord Jesus died, buried, and raised to life (the resurrection), the Apostles and believers knew. Because of God’s Law they knew the penalty, but did not understand the idea of someone must be punished for my sin. It is either me or a substitute, that substitute was Messiah Jesus.

D1 Blood of animals was only a covering. It cannot take away sins. Hebrews 10:4 NRSV  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

D2 The blood of the Lord Jesus was the atonement, the cleansing. Hebrews 9:12-14 NRSV  He entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.  13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified,  14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

B3 The "secret." 6-7

C1 Before the Lord Jesus, there were Jews and Gentiles, now there are Jews, Gentiles, and Christians. Christians are one.

C2 One

D1 In inheritance: Romans 8:16-17 NRSV  It is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

D2 In eternal life: John 3:15-16 EMTV That everyone who believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

D3 In salvation: Hebrews 1:14 NRSV  Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

D4 The unbelieving do not inherit the Kingdom of God; believers do inherit the Kingdom of God: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 WEL Don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Don't be deceived, for neither fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, active homosexual partners, 10 Thieves, covetous, drunkards, verbal abusers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you, but now you are washed, but now you are sanctified, but now you are made righteous in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

D5 The Lord Himself

E1 First translation: Psalms 73:26 NRSV  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

E2 Second translation: Psalms 73:26 GW  My body and mind may waste away, but God remains the foundation of my life and my inheritance forever.

C3 Grace

D1 Is defined as receiving what we do not deserve or earn.

D2 The Greek word for grace is χάρις charis. Its underlying meaning is joy. Further, it implies sympathy and kindness even favor. That sense of unmerited favor is how we use this here.

E1 The noun and verb are used in this passage: Acts 11:23 WEB who, when he had come, and had seen the grace [noun] of God, was glad [verb]. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.

E2 A gift: Romans 3:24 NRSV  They are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

D3 Blessings of grace

E1 Justified: Romans 3:24 NRSV  They are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

E2 More grace: James 4:6 NKJV But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

E3 Sufficient in trials and service: 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NRSV  Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me,  9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

E4 Comfort, hope, and strength: 2 Thessalonians 2:16 NRSV  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope.

E5 Let us be sure we do NOT fall from grace. Human effort cannot please God: Galatians 5:4 NRSV  You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

A3 Application

B1 God wants to bless people to know and believe the Gospel.

B2 Believing Christians are not Jews and Gentiles, we are Christians—one body in Christ.

B3 God’s grace, not us, is sufficient for believers then and today.