Romans 3:28-4:5 We continue in this lesson the lesson begun last week about boasting, works, and faith. If the first reason is because all have sinned, what is the second reason why everyone must be justified by faith? Why was it necessary for Paul to prove his point by using the example of Abraham? When Paul says, "not before God," is he speaking of it being acceptable for Abraham to boast before men? What is the back story for the verse about Abraham that Paul quotes from the Old Testament? What is possible for the problem justified by believing in God to not do and and still be justified? (50 min.)

Keywords Righteousness, Faith, Works, Abraham

Romans 3:27, 28 In this passage Paul makes a major shift in his presentation, leaving behind some of the themes that have dominated his arguments so far. Now he shifts to the primary subject of justification by faith, which will occupy his attention through chapter four. What is the fine line that Paul finds himself having to walk in this passage? What is syncretism, and how does it happen? How does the question about boasting in this passage arise? Would Paul's imaginary opponent really ask something like this? How is Paul using the word "law" in these verses? What is it that excludes boasting? If believing is something we do, then is it a work? How can works and faith be mutually exclusive? (52 min)

Keywords Justification, Faith

Romans 3:24, 25 Our passage in this lesson emphasizes the public display of Jesus as a "propitiation" What is propitiation? Why do some translators prefer the word "expiation?" How is the Greek word that is translated here used throughout the Greek version of the Old Testament? How is that significant to understanding this passage? What is the mercy seat? What actually happened those many years of High Priests offering sacrifices at the mercy seat? What does Paul mean by speaking of God "passing over" sins in the past? What is the problem with God declaring sinners to be righteous? How is the public display of Christ on the cross different from the mercy seat in the Old Testament? Why is this so important? (54 min)

Keywords Righteousness, Justification, Mercy Seat

Romans 3:21-24 Today's passage begins with two of the most wonderful words in Scripture: “but now." How does Paul intend us to understand these words, logically or temporally? What is the righteousness of God of which Paul speaks here and back in Romans 1:17? What do justification and righteousness have in common? How does the righteousness of God differ from what Paul calls "his righteousness" in verses 25 and 26? Why does Paul refer twice in one sentence to receiving the righteousness of God by faith? Is he arguing in a circle? What is the standard or mark that we have all missed when we sinned? How do Adam and Eve demonstrate this to us? How does God provide justification for us, and how does this contrast with his wrath at our sin? (51 min)

Keywords Righteousness, Law, Sin, Faith

Romans 3:9-20 In this lesson's passage Paul reaches the grand finale of his argument about the universal condition of man. We begin to learn some important things about sin that will become more clear throughout Romans. In what way do the Jews have an advantage, and in what way are they on the same plane with everyone else? What is significant about Paul's use of the singular form of the word "sin?" What is implied by Paul's use of the word "under?" In Paul's selection and arrangement of verses he quotes from the Old Testament, what are the two kinds of relationship that he shows are impacted by sin? What are the two aspects of the extent of sin which these verses point out? When we speak of "total depravity" what do we not mean, and what do we mean? How does the Law stop our mouths when we are indicted before God? (52 min)

Keywords Sin, Total Depravity, Law