Weekly Lesson

(July 13)

How to Live Like You are Saved: Romans 7 – 16

Key Verse: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. —Romans 12:2

Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Conformed means “to be fashioned alike; one is not to be molded by the external and fleeting manners or ways of this period of time, but to undergo a deep inner transformation that can only be brought by the Holy Spirit.” We are to understand that a Christian is not to look like, act like, or even sound like the world in which we live. Instead, Christians are to be completely changed – to be like Jesus. To be transformed from the inside out. The only way to do that is to read God’s Word, learning how Jesus wants us to live an acceptable life before him – and then living that life!

It is important to understand what a Christian is to do once they give their heart and life to Jesus. The rest of the time spent on earth is to learn how to live a life better pleasing to God, to get along with one another, and encouraging one another. In addition, Christians are to be able to tell others about Jesus.

In our last lesson, we learned that everyone is a sinner and needs Jesus to take away their sin. After learning how to be saved, a Christian must know how to live a life pleasing to Jesus. 

One important thing each new Christian must recognize is that they are to no longer live a life pleasing to the flesh – for they are a new creature; a spiritual one. These two natures are contrary one to another, so there will be a struggle. Paul understood this and explained this to the new Christians. 

We will look at some of the other things Paul taught to new Christians: Christians have been adopted into God’s family; God will never leave them; God is for them; they are to want others to be saved, and tell others about Jesus; how to live; how to get along with other Christians; the importance of obeying the laws of the land; how to “walk honestly;” and to encourage one another. 

As we end this lesson, we will read a warning Paul wrote: once a Christian learns how to live a life pleasing to Jesus and begins to live that new life, he is to recognize those who claim to know Jesus, yet do not live a right life. Christians are to avoid those people and stay away from them.

Suggested Bible Reading to Prepare for This Lesson:

• Monday: Romans 7-8
• Tuesday: Romans 9-10
• Wednesday: Romans 11
• Thursday: Romans 12-13
• Friday: Romans 14-15
• Saturday: Romans 16

How To Live Like You are Saved: Romans 7-16

  1. A New Life as a Christian (Romans 7-8)
    • The struggle between the new and old natures (Romans 7:1, 5-6, 12-25)
    • Flesh vs. Spirit-adoption into God’s family (Romans 8:31, 37-39)
  2. A Burden for Others (Romans 10)
    • A prayer for salvation (Romans 10:1-4)
    • Tell others (Romans 10:8-15)
  3. The New Nature and How to Live (Romans 12-15)
    • Personally and with others (Romans 12:1-5, 18)
    • Obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-2)
    • Walk honestly (Romans 13:8-14)
    • To encourage one another (Romans 14:12; 15:1-3a)
  4. Paul’s Conclusion to Rome (Romans 16)
    • Paul greets his fellow-laborers (Romans 16:1-15)
    • A Final Warning (Romans 16:17-18)

Note: In our last lesson, we learned in Paul’s letter to the Romans that, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, we also learned, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). In addition, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We then learned what we were to do with this information: “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). In this lesson, we will learn how to live as a Christian. “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). 

  1. A New Life as a Christian (Select Scriptures from Romans 7-8)

In our last lesson, we learned of sin and that all of mankind is guilty of sin. Then we learned that Jesus can take that sin away – for those who have faith and receive that gift of grace. “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2). See another verse that helps us understand this. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). We understood that it is only then that it is possible to live a life pleasing to God. Nevertheless, we still live here on earth where sin reigns. What are we to do?

First, we must recognize that Christians are to understand God’s Law the best that we can. “1. Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 5. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter” (Romans 7:1, 5-6). 

Remember that we learned the purpose of the Law. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). We are reminded of this again. “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7). Because it is impossible for mankind to obey the law completely, we acknowledge that Jesus took away the penalty of disobedience of that Law. He did this by fulfilling it Himself. We are then to serve Jesus as a Christian, knowing Jesus lives in our heart because He already fulfilled the law for us.     

Is the law still important? “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Romans 7:12). Holy means “morally pure; blameless in heart and life; upright; virtuous.” It is God’s Law, so it is good. However, remember that the Law reveals our sin to us (see Romans 7:7). By knowing what God’s Law says, we know just how God wants (expects) Christians to live. Nevertheless, it can be difficult. Read what Paul wrote about his struggle to obey the Law (remember how great of a man he was!). “14. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:14-24). Because the new spiritual man and the old carnal man (carnal means “under the influence of the desires of things pertaining to the flesh or body”) are of opposite natures, they fight against each other. The old nature is comfortable in its sinfulness, but the new nature of Christ within hates that sin – causing conflict. Nevertheless Paul, in his struggle, asked who could deliver him from this struggle (see Romans 7:24). His answer? “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” (Romans 7:25).

  • Mind means “heart; reason; conscience; the opposite of fulfilling fleshly appetites.” 
  • Serve means “voluntary service; to obey; to be devoted to the law of God.” 
  • Flesh means “the proneness to sin; the carnal nature; implying sinfulness.” 
  • Law means “rule; standard of judging or acting.” 

Paul understood that as long as he physically lived on this earth, although in his heart and spirit he would be obeying God’s law, in his flesh he would never be perfect but would sin. 

A Christian should never consider himself perfect, without sin, – only forgiven by Jesus.

Read what happens once we submit our “mind” (mind means “heart; reason; conscience; the opposite of fulfilling fleshly appetites”) to obey God’s law. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). Spirit means “correcting, elevating; standing opposed to the flesh not indulging in the depraved affections and lusts of the physical nature, but follows the actions and desires the Spirit imparts.” We will no longer be condemned to death if we fail to fulfill the law completely, because Jesus did that for us. We are to live our lives to the best of our ability, walking in the spirit. “2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:2-4). We can better understand this in the following verses. “5. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:5-8). We can understand that the description “flesh” and “carnally minded” represents someone without Jesus in their heart who is dead and cannot please God (“enmity against God”). On the converse, “Spirit” and “spiritually minded” represents someone who has Jesus in their heart who is life. In Romans 8:9-11, we understand more about this difference, reminding us that God’s Spirit lives within us, helping us. (Especially note, “… Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” Romans 8:9b. It is important to make sure one belongs to Jesus. The Spirit will make that known.)  Paul concluded this part with the following insight. “12. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:12-14). Because Jesus gave His life, we are in his debt – and we must live a life pleasing to Him. We will then be acknowledged as the Sons of God – because of our adoption into God’s family. “15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:15-17). Abba, Father means “my father, God as the creator, watching over Christians with paternal love and care.” After learning this, we read some more encouraging words.  “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). No matter how hard it is to forsake the fleshly desires, and no matter how difficult it may be to please God in every area of one’s life, we are to understand that these difficulties are nothing compared to what God wants to reveal in us. Glory means “the ideal condition in which God created man – the condition that man lost when Adam sinned in the Fall and that Jesus regained for all who will believe.  This will not be complete for Christians until we go to heaven.” It will be worth it one day.  

In the meantime, while we try to live according to God’s Word, understanding it will be difficult, understand something else. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). To them that love means “to love, indicates a direction of the will and finding one’s joy in something.” Purpose means “purpose, intent, design of God in calling men in general, Gentiles as well as Jews, to salvation.” God will work in the lives of those who belong to him (“who are the called”). Moreover, He will work all things for good in a Christian’s life that lives a life pleasing to God.

See also the great encouragement we read in the following verse. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Finally we read, “37. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39). God is not only for each Christian, He will help them with anything He wants accomplished, never forsaking anyone who belongs to Him.

A Deeper Path: See what James later wrote in his explanation of a Christian’s responsibility of obeying God’s Word (including God’s law). “22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25). To know how God expects His people to live, and then to choose to live contrary, is compared to a man who sees something wrong, yet refuses to fix it (see James 1:24). Remember the Law is much like a mirror – it reveals the sin in each person.

2. A Burden for Others (Select Scriptures from Romans 10)

Once Christians understand we are continually to please God by living according to His Word, we are then to have a burden for our friends and family – just like Paul did. “1. Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:1-4). They needed to know the truth about God’s Word: Jesus came to set them free from the confines of the Law, for He fulfilled it for them. Each person needs Jesus.

After understanding others’ need Jesus, what are we to do? We are to tell them how to be saved. “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:8-13). Once the Words of salvation are declared and it is believed in the heart, Jesus will save anyone who calls upon Him. 

See that it is a Christian’s responsibility to tell others how Jesus can save them, too. “14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15). It is the job of each Christian to tell others how to be saved.

A Deeper Path: Romans 10:14-15 is a quotation from Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” It is good to tell the Good News of God’s Salvation!

3. The New Nature and How to Live (Select Scriptures from Romans 12-15) The first verses we will look at deal with each Christian’s relationship with God:

We are to learn some very important things about how we are supposed to live. We have read a few, but read the following verses. “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Keep in mind that we read Romans 12:2 earlier for it is the Key Verse for this lesson. Paul is encouraging the people who have given their hearts and lives to Jesus to understand the importance of living their lives in a pleasing manner. Just as Jesus willingly died for each Christian, each Christian is then to present their life to Jesus as a “living sacrifice.” What does this mean? Living sacrifice means “the physical life and existence, as opposed to death or nonexistence, always with some duration as a living and constant sacrifice.” God expects His people to live a life, always, as if they belong to Him – acceptable to Him. That is the very least we can do (“reasonable service”). Paul went on to remind us that because we are now spiritual creatures, we are not to be “conformed” to this world. Conformed means “to be fashioned alike; one is not to be molded by the external and fleeting manners or ways of this period of time, but to undergo a deep inner transformation that can only be brought by the Holy Spirit.” Instead, a Christian is to be transformed. Transformed means “that invisible process that begins to take place in a Christian during their life here on earth.” How are Christians transformed? By renewing one’s mind. Renewing means “a renovation which makes a person different than in the past.” Prove means “to put to the proof or examine; the notion of proving a thing whether it is worthy or not.” Once Christians know how to live, they are to implement those things into their life.

A Christian is to live a life, not like the rest of the world, but different from the world!

The next verses we will look at deal with each Christian’s relationship with one another: 

After the information of our personal relationship with God, we find a warning. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). A Christian is to be careful that they never think they have reached a point where they do no more wrong – remember what we just learned. (See Romans 7:25 and remember that as long as one physically lives on this earth, although in his heart and spirit he obeys God’s law, in his flesh he can never be perfect, but will sin). Remembering this, we must be a little understanding with other Christians. “4. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5. So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (Romans 12:4-5). All Christians, as different as they are and with many different jobs God has called them to do, are to come together as one as the body of Christ. We call this the church. (To understand better some of the ways Christians are to get along as the body of Christ, the church, read “A Deeper Path below.”)

A Christian is to recognize the laws of the land: 

Just as we are to understand God’s Law, we are to recognize the laws of the land. “1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” (Romans 13:1-2). Remember that God is in control of the entire world, and he gives the power to our rulers. When we disregard the rulers of this world, we are resisting God.

A Christian is to walk honestly (to live one’s life honorably and decently):

Christians should be good citizens, and as much as possible to get along with other citizens in this world. Remember, a Christian is to be a light to draw others to want to know Jesus. “8. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:8-14). It is important to remember what not to do: what one wants to do. Instead, Christians are to do what Jesus expects one to do.

Each Christian is responsible for his own actions: 

 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). 

Remember – Christians are to encourage one another to better please Jesus: 

Christians should help one another. “1. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3a. For even Christ pleased not himself …” (Romans 15:1-3a). Jesus was a servant to all. He is our ultimate example.

There are many more examples in Romans of how to live a Christ-like life, and we will learn many more in the lessons to come.

A Deeper Path: Read the following verses to help us understand how Christians are to get along with other Christians: Romans 12:9-16: 

  • “9. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. (dissimulation means “without hypocrisy – genuine.”)
  • 10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
  • 11. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
  • 12. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
  • 13. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
  • 14. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
  • 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
  • 16. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Read the following verses to help us understand how Christians are to get along with all people: Romans 12:17-18: 

  • 17. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
  • 18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

4. Paul’s Conclusion  and Final Warning to Rome (Romans 16)

Paul wanted the church at Rome to recognize and receive many of the fellow-laborers God had given him. Not only had they spread the Gospel message with Paul, but he also declared many of them as his friends. Especially read Priscilla and Aquila (see Romans 16:3) that we learned about in Acts, and Rufus (mentioned in Romans 16:13 is probably the same as the boy mentioned in Mark 15:21 whose father, Simon, carried Jesus’ cross). God gave Paul many people who helped spread the Gospel message. They became Paul’s great friends.

After learning the importance of living a life pleasing to God according to His Word, we read further instruction. “17. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18). Mark means “to spy out; to contemplate; to give attention to.” Offenses means “it produces certain behavior which can lead to ruin.” Paul encouraged Christians to watch out for people who caused divisions and those who cause ruin to not only fellow Christians, but also the church. These people do not live according to God’s Word (as we have learned the Bible teaches how to live), but live a life pleasing to themselves. After recognizing these kinds of people, Paul warned Christians to avoid them. Avoid means “to stay away from those who turn away or swerve from piety and virtue.” It is important for Christians to watch out for and recognize those who appear to be like Christ, yet live contrary to His teachings. Christians are to stay away from them, lest we become like them. Why? For they “by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Fair speeches means “those who are false teachers who, for personal gain, flatter people.” Deceive means “to beguile; seduce; to lead out of the right way into error.” This kind of person can, and will, deceive those who truly want to know Jesus and how to live for Him. 

A Christian is to stay away from someone who claims they know Jesus, but does not live like it.

A Deeper Path: Read what Paul later wrote to the church at Thessalonica as an example of what to do when you see people who claim to be a Christian but who does not live a Christ-like life. “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us” (2 Thessalonians 3:6). 

Reinforcement: Paul explained that once a person becomes a Christian, they are to forsake the old life, gaining a new nature within. He then wrote of the importance of living like God’s Word teaches, understanding Christians can only accomplish this by God’s Spirit living within. Once a Christian knows of this new life, they are to tell others how to know Jesus. Christians are not to live like the rest of the world (conforming to the world and its ways), but be transformed (completely changed from the inside out). Once a Christian learns to live like Jesus, it is easier to recognize people who need Jesus. But most importantly, after learning of this new life and living it, they are to recognize those who do not live according to God’s Word and avoid them. It is important for Christians to have Christian friends – those who know the importance of pleasing Jesus and not living like the world. They are to be an encouragement to one to another.