Letter to the Romans – The Mars Hill Institute

Parting Words – Romans Chapter 16

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in Letter to the Romans

Join us as we continue studying the history of the early church in the Book of Romans and follow up on the 21 Days to Knowing Jesus Christ Bible Study. I hope that you enjoy this study and that it will be helpful to you in building a daily Bible study habit. Click the appropriate links below to access the content for the day. You can select what version of the Bible you prefer at the top of the page in the link below (King James Version is the default):

Read Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 16 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans Chapter 16. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans Chapter 16 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of Romans Chapter 16 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of Romans Chapter 16 here

Observations from the text:

In this chapter, Paul closes his letter to the Romans.
In Verses 1-2, Paul commends Pheobe, a beloved sister in Christ from the church in Cenchrea, to the Roman believers and asks them to receive her in a manner worthy of the saints. He asks that they assist her in the business that she is to perform in Rome, because she has been a great help to others and himself in the past.
In Verses 3-16, Paul asks the Roman believers to pass on his greetings to a number of his friends and fellow servants of Christ in that area.
In Verses 17-20, He urges the believers in Rome to note and avoid people who cause offense and division contrary to the doctrine which they have been given. He says that those who cause such division are not servants of the Lord, but their own bellies, and that they use smooth words and flattering speech to deceive the simple. He says that the Roman believers are noted for their obedience to the Lord by all who know of them and that he wishes for them to be wise to what is good and simple concerning evil. He assures them that the God of peace will crush Satan under their feet shortly and wishes the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with them.
In Verses 21- 24, Paul passes on the greetings to the Romans from some of his friends and fellow workers including Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater. Tertius identifies himself as the writer of the letter on Paul’s behalf and sends his greetings. Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus also send their greetings.
In Verses 25-27, Paul closes the chapter with the following:
“Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”

Thank you so much for joining us in our ongoing study. I hope that it is as encouraging and enlightening to you as it is to me. Please follow the ministry of the Mars Hill Institute on our Facebook page at HERE. You can go back and visit the daily posts at any time on the website or Facebook page. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the website by email so that you can be directly notified when new posts or materials become available.

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

Glorify God – Romans Chapter 15

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in Letter to the Romans

Read Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 15 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans Chapter 15. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans Chapter 15 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of Romans Chapter 15 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of Romans Chapter 15 here

Observations from the text:

Paul begins this chapter by encouraging the believers to help in bearing the infirmities of the weak, and not to live solely to please themselves. He goes further to encourage them to please their neighbors for the purpose of their edification (instruction or improvement). He cites the example of Jesus Christ, saying “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, ‘The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.'” He encourages the believers to be like minded one to another that they would have unity and that they might together glorify God.
In Verses 7-13, Paul encourages the believers to receive one another as Christ has received them. He tells them that Jesus Christ was a minister of the word that was given to the children of Israel, that He came to confirm the promises of God, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy. He refers to Psalm 18:49, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1 and Isaiah 11:1 to reiterate the promises of God regarding the Gentile believers.
In Verses 14-21, Paul assures the believers that he considers them to be full of goodness, filled with sufficient knowledge and able to properly admonish (advise or urge) each other. Regardless of that, he says that he has written to them more boldly on specific points that they might benefit from the particular grace that has been given to him, evidenced by the works that he has done on the ministry of Jesus Christ. He tells them that his specific ministry is not to reach those who have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but rather, those where Christ has not been named. He cites Isaiah 52:15 as his mission statement:
“To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.”
In Verses 22-33, He tells the believers in Rome that it is this cause that has hindered him from coming to visit them but that he greatly desires to see them. He tells them that when he journeys to Spain, that he will come to see them. However, now he is going to Jerusalem. He closes the chapter with the following:
“Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen”

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

Law of Liberty – Romans Chapter 14

Posted on March 11, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in Letter to the Romans

Read Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 14 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans Chapter 14. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans Chapter 14 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of Romans Chapter 14 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of Romans Chapter 14 here

Observations from the text:

In this chapter, Paul begins by encouraging believers to receive ones who are weak in the faith, but not to argue or dispute over small issues, or ones that are not important in the big scheme of things. He says that there are many who have varying beliefs regarding the kinds of food that are allowable to eat. He encourages the believers not to despise other believers because of their positions on food. He says that God has received that person as a believer and that other believers ought to as well. The New Testament Christian believer is free of the Jewish ceremonial law and is not restricted in the types of food that they are allowed to eat. There were are a number of Jewish believers at that time who also adhered to the Jewish ceremonial laws regarding food. There were also disputes about whether or not it was permissible to eat food that had been offered to idols. Paul is basically telling the believers not to dispute over these things but that it is an issue between the believer and God. Paul asks “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls.” He says that in regard to the believer, indeed, he will be made to stand, because God is able to make him stand.
He goes on to say likewise about those who esteem one day above another or those who treat each day the same. He encourages each believer to be fully convinced in their own mind as to their individual beliefs. The Bible gives us critical guidance for the things that are critical for Christian doctrine. However, there are other minor issues where there is considerable liberty that is up to individual interpretation. He encourages those who take various positions “He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore. whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He light be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ.” He goes on to say that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess to God, so, each of us shall give account of himself to God. He concludes this topic with “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” Let us not dispute about things that we ought not dispute over.
In Verses 14-18, Paul explains that he is convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is no thing that is unclean, in and of itself; but to the person who considers a thing to be unclean, to him or her, it is unclean. If you invite you brother or sister in Christ to partake in something that they believe is unclean, then you are not showing love toward them. Paul encourages us not to destroy other believers by forcing our own liberty upon them if they hold a different position. He says “Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.” He says also that “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
In Verses 19-23, Paul summarizes:
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

Love Your Neighbor – Romans Chapter 13

Posted on March 10, 2018March 10, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in Letter to the Romans

Read Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 13 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans Chapter 13. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans Chapter 13 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of Romans Chapter 13 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of Romans Chapter 13 here

Observations from the text:

In this chapter, Paul begins by encouraging the believers to make themselves subject to the appropriate governing authorities. His reason for this is that there is no ultimate authority except from God. He tells them that the authorities that exist are appointed by God and therefore those who resist those authorities are, in fact, resisting the ordinances of God Himself. He tells the believer that if he or she wishes to be unafraid of authority, they should do what is good, and they will have praise from them. However, if they do that which is evil, they will be subject to the punishment that accompanies evil behavior. He also instructs the believers to likewise render taxes to those to whom they are due for the same reasons. He tells them “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, and honor to whom honor.”
In Verses 8-10, Paul tells the believers “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” He goes on to explain that a number of the Ten Commandments are summarized by the commandment of Jesus “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” He summarizes that love does no harm to a neighbor, therefore to love your neighbor is to fulfill the law.
In Verses 11-14, Paul exhorts the believers to put off the works of darkness and to put on the armor of light. He says “Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the faith, to fulfill its lusts.”

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

A Living Sacrifice – Romans Chapter 12

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in Letter to the Romans

Read Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 12 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans Chapter 12. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans Chapter 12 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of Romans Chapter 12 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of Romans Chapter 12 here

Observations from the text:

In this chapter, Paul resumes from chapter 11 and encourages believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, declaring that this is the reasonable service of the saved believer. He goes on to encourage the believers to not be conformed to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, that they might demonstrate the good and perfect will of God in their lives.
In Verses 3-8, Paul encourages all among the believers not to think more highly of them selves than they ought to think, but to think soberly as each has been given faith. He reminds the believers that all of them are as members of one body, the collective body of believers united in faith in Christ. Each member having their own skills and gifts given to them uniquely by God. He encourages them to do what they are gifted with, whatever that is, to the benefit of the collective body of believers.
In Verses 9-21, Paul exhorts the believers to behave as true followers of Christ; to love without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil, and cling to that which is good.

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.