The Open Word

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 50 - Romans 9:1–5

In Romans 9–11, Paul turns his attention to the question of the Jewish people. If Christ was their Messiah, and He was, then how is it that the Jewish nation missed it? Paul begins his discussion of this topic in Romans 9:1–5 by showing his true heart and concern for the Jewish people. 

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 49 - Romans 8:31–39

In Romans 8:31–39 we find one of the greatest assurances for the believer, that is their eternal security. Paul describes this security in terms that leaves nothing in the universe out, and that shows that those who have placed their faith in the Gospel are forever secure as nothing can separate them from God's love.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 48 - Romans 8:29–30

In this session we discuss one of the most hotly debates themes in all of Scripture, that of election, predestination, and the sovereignty of God in salvation. Romans 8:29–30 is a key text in understanding this debate. Although there is still an element of mystery surrounding this topic, there are some comforting truths to be examined in this text.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 47 - Romans 8:28

What does it mean that all things work together for good to those who love God and those who are called according to his purpose? In this session, we explore this promise that God sovereignly orchestrates all the experiences of the believer to bring about His eternal purpose and the believer's best interests.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 46 - Romans 8:26-27

One of the greatest ministries of the Holy Spirit is His intercessory work on behalf of believers. In this session we explore His intercession in the realm of prayer, where when we do not know for what we need to pray, He does, and intercedes on our behalf.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 45 - Romans 8:18–25

Paul continues his discussion of the redemption of nature when the Lord returns and those of us who are believers receive our glorified bodies. Nature is personified as a living thing that longs for that day, the day we receive our full adoption and the curse on the created order is lifted.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 44 - Romans 8:15–17

Perhaps one of the greatest illustrations Paul uses to describe our salvation is that of adoption. In Romans 8:15–17 Paul explores this metaphor, and shows the meaning and significance of what it means to be adopted as one of God's children. Not only does God become our Father, but we are co-heirs with Christ in His inheritance!

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 43 - Romans 8:12–14

What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God and what does that look like? In this session we examine Romans 8:12–14 in which Paul gives us the answer to these two important questions.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 42 - Romans 8:9–11

Having described the unbeliever, that is, one who lives according to the flesh, Paul now describes the characteristics of a believer. These are 1) they have the indwelling Holy Spirit, 2) the body of sin has been destroyed, and 3) someday the mortal will put on immortality.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 41 - Romans 8:5–8

In this session we examine Romans 8:5–8 in which Paul describes those who walk according to the flesh. There are some who see these as carnal believers, that is, believers who are living in sin, but it is best to see them not as believers, but as unbelievers.