Romans 3:1-8 Backed into a corner by Paul's arguments concerning the Law and Circumcision, Paul's imaginary challenger attempts to show that Paul's message leads to unacceptable conclusions about God. By this point in Paul's "diatribe,” who might Paul actually be envisioning as his opponent? What are the four questions presented against Paul's Gospel? What are the four things about God that Paul is accused of undermining? Does Paul believe that there is any real advantage to being Jewish? How are we today sometimes guilty of the same errors that Paul exposes in the thinking of his Jewish opponent? How does Paul successfully defend the character of God while maintaining his position regarding the Law and Circumcision? (58 min)

Keywords Jews, Law, Circumcision, Righteousness, Faithfulness, Justice

Romans 2:25-29 After getting our bearings once again in the flow of Paul's case, we consider in this lesson his response to the Jew's reliance on circumcision. What was the purpose of circumcision? What value did Paul see in circumcision for the Jew who kept the Law? What value did it have for the one who transgressed the Law? What are the two "hypothetical" characters Paul sets before us in this passage? What essentially happens for the uncircumcised person who keeps the Law of Moses? What becomes the relationship of the uncircumcised keeper of the law with the circumcised transgressor? What are the four distinct ways that scripture speaks of someone being the descendant of Abraham or the "seed" of Abraham? How is the fourth way both a new and old way of looking at things? What is Paul saying, and not saying, when he speaks of being a Jew as an internal thing? What implications does Paul's dismissal of circumcision as effective for redemption have upon us today? (58 min)

Keywords Jews, Law, Circumcision, Gentiles

Genesis 17:15-27 Now we discover the place Sarai is to play in God's great covenant promises to Abraham. God gives to Sarai a new name, and prohibits Abraham from using her old name. Why? Complications appear from previous carnal choices. How will Abraham persuade all his men to obey God's instructions?

Keywords Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Circumcision

Genesis 17:4-14 Four elements of God’s covenant promise to Abram, and their significance in God’s purpose. God gives to Abram a new name. Why? What is God really doing in this Covenant? What is this circumcision thing really all about?

Keywords Abraham, Covenant, Circumcision