The Open Word

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 52 - Romans 9:14–18

Paul addresses one of the most controversial topics in our passage today: election. Paul confronts the belief that God is unfair, and makes the argument that God is not. Rather He is sovereign. Instead, God has the prerogative to show mercy on whom He will, and to show His wrath to the others.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 51 - Romans 9:6–13

Paul makes the argument that the problem that Israel as a whole has not believed is not because God's word or promise has failed, but that just because someone is descended from Abraham does not automatically make them a "true Israelite." Not every descendant gets an automatic pass. His illustration is Abraham had two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, but only one was the child of promise. Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob, but only one was the child of promise. 

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.