Lesson 1 Pilgrims Progress: By John Bunyan.                            this lessons plan according to jean baptis L.

Introduction to the module: The study of Pilgrims Progress a book by John Bunyan in conjunction with the study of Puritanism. Student will be given a brief oral biography of the life and work of John Bunyan in relation to Puritanism and how he came to write the book.

Aims: This lesson aims to introduce the book Pilgrims Progress, by giving background information about the author and the book. The lesson also aims to set the context of the book within the framework of the module on Puritanism and the struggles of the christian life.

Objectives: The intended instructional result of this lesson will be: students will write notes concerning the background information about the book and the author that they can reference at a later date. Students will gain an understanding of the forthcoming programme of study. Students will be expected to obtain a copy of Pilgrims Progress, (or read it on a website) and begin reading verse 1-99 in preparation for the following lesson.

Assessment: 10 minute Q and A session at the end of the lesson to highlight any difficulties students have with the information they have been given so far, or with accessing resources for the next lesson.

Lesson 2: Pilgrims Progress: Worldliness, Friends and Acquaintances.

Introduction: This lesson will be concentrating on the first part of Pilgrims Progress verse 1-99, students will be asked to confirm that they have read this part in their own time, and will watch part of a video adapted from the book.

Aims: Students will discuss the first part of Pilgrims Progress and working in small groups will be asked to  give a brief synopsis. Students will watch a section of the video of Pilgrims Progress. Following the video the class will be asked to discuss the allegory of worldliness and the affect worldly friends and acquaintances had upon the main characters in the book, such as Christian and Evangelist.

Objectives: The video will effectively introduce students to the lead characters in the book, and they will become familiarized with the main thrust of the allegory of one mans search for salvation. The students who are struggling with understanding the language of the book will benefit from seeing the video. Through discussion work students will gain a deeper understanding of external influences that subtly and forcefully divert the Christian from the path to salvation. Discussion will also aim to highlight the importance of reading the book for the following lessons.

 Assessment of Learning: Students will be closely observed during the discussion to ensure that everyone makes a suitable contribution to the benefit of the whole group.

 Homework: read verse 100-199.

Lesson 3: Pilgrims Progress, Discipleship and Judgement and Salvation

Introduction: This lesson will focus upon the Puritan doctrines of discipleship and judgement discussed in Bunyan’s allegory in verses 100-199. Students will watch another part of the video of Pilgrims Progress.

Aims: The goal of this lesson is to discuss Bunyan’s interpretation of discipleship looking more closely at the conversation between Christian and Goodwill, whereby Bunyan highlights the importance of counting the cost of becoming a true follower of Jesus by quoting Luke 14:25-27. Students will be asked to discuss what impact this teaching would have upon the people who heard it, such as religious leaders. Students will also discuss the judgement of the man in the iron cage of despair, and will compare these doctrines with those of the Catholic Church, for example, Catholic doctrine of purgatory, and once saved always saved. The lesson also aims to highlight the conflict between Catholic and Puritan interpretations of scripture. Finally students will be asked to note how Christian got ‘born again’, and delivered from his burden, and make a brief comment.

Objectives: Students will be able to understand the Puritan doctrine of discipleship and the radical stance they took to reject the world and follow the narrow road. Students will learn that most Puritan doctrines such as judgement were taken directly from scripture, compared with Catholic doctrines which very often were not. Students will also increase their understanding of the Puritan interpretation of being ‘born again’.

Assessment: This will be based upon observation of student contribution, this has the potential to highlight how many students are reading the book and who might be relying on the video to understand the book.

Homework: to read verses 200-299

Lesson 4: The Puritan Road to Salvation.

Introduction: This lesson will be based upon verses 200-299 and will focus on the effort that Bunyan has taken to explain the road a person should take to find eternal life and salvation using scriptures: Matt 7:13-14 and Luke 14:26-27.

Aims: To introduce the lesson students will watch another part of the video Pilgrims Progress. Students will be asked to discuss the people Christian met in this section of the book, firstly; those who were following the road to salvation but had entered by another way. In small groups students will be expected to answer or to explain  (using the bible if preferred), why Puritans placed great emphasis on the way to salvation, two groups will present their findings to the class using the white board. Secondly, in their groups students will be asked to discuss the conversation between Charity and Christian regarding the family who Christian left behind in Destruction, using this conversation what conclusions could be drawn about the Puritan way to salvation. Remaining groups present their finding to class on the white board.

Objectives: The educational outcomes of this lesson are to highlight the emphasis that Puritan’s placed upon leading people along the right road to salvation. Students will increase their understanding of the doctrines discussed by working in small groups and sharing information, and will achieve greater confidence by presenting their finding to their peers and participating in the lesson.

Assessment: Students will be observed in the lesson and assessed based upon their contribution to the lesson. (Students who consistently fail to contribute will be offered a private tutorial to highlight problems they have).

Homework: to read verses 300-399

Lesson 5: Deliverance

Introduction: The focal point for this lesson will be to introduce the methods used by Christian to defend himself from Apollyon in the Vally of humiliation and the Vally of the shadow of death, and how, even though it seemed impossible, he was delivered from the hand of the devil. This lesson will also ask important questions concerning the text.

Aims: In small groups students will be asked to show with scriptures how Christian defended himself from the attack of Apollyon. Drawing from their understanding of the module on Puritanism students will be asked to show why Bunyan placed great emphasis on this teaching and how it might conflict with the leading religion of the day. Two groups will be expected to present their work and interact with the remaining groups to discuss their findings. Following this students will be asked to reflect on the v340 in relation to the Pope, for open discussion.

Objectives: The educational outcomes of this lesson will be; for students to increase their confidence in presenting information to their peers, for students to share information about the text and make informed historical analysis and present their findings in a professional and coherent way.

Assessment: Students will be asked to critique the lesson and the presentations using both positive and constructive criticism.

Homework: For the homework all students will be asked to read v400-499, one group will be asked to provide power point lesson about the conversation with talkative and its conclusion, this must include relevant background information concerning puritanism and the religious problems in Britain.

Lesson 6: Presentation by Students.

Introduction: One group of students will make a presentation to the class using PowerPoint, concerning the conversation between Talkative, Christian and Faithful in verses 400-499.

Aims: One group has been selected to teach the class using a presentation prepared in advance, based upon the conversation that Christian and Faithful have with Talkative. This lesson will show students that why Puritanism was opposed in Britain by the established church and delve deeper into the religious history of Britain at that time.

Objectives: The educational outcome of this lesson is to give students an understanding of the state of religion in Britain when Bunyan was writing, and to inform students in the doctrines of Puritanism. The lesson teaches students the importance of  also gives students an opportunity to improve their research and teaching skills and to gain confidence by teaching and being assessed by their peers.

Assessment: Students will be asked to evaluate the lesson using the one praise one criticism method.

Homework: Students will be asked to read verse 500-599, one group will be asked to make a power point presentation about Vanity Fair (which begins in the previous chapter). This presentation must be based upon the problems of religion in Britain.

Lesson 7: Vanity Fair

Introduction: This lesson is a presentation of Vanity Fair given by one group of students.

Aims: One group has been selected to make a presentation to the class concerning the worldliness of Vanity Fair and how it directly relates to the life and work of Bunyan and the Puritans in Britain at the time of writing. This lesson will provide an opportunity for students to research a historical subject and teach their peers.

Objectives: The intended outcomes of this lesson are for students to understand the broader historical background of Britain at the time of Bunyan’s writing so that his work can be more easily understood. This lesson puts the book in its proper historical context, and improves the confidence of students to research and present their information.

Assessment: Students will be asked to assess the lesson using one praise one criticism method.

Homework: Students will be asked to read verses 600-699

Lesson 8 Doubt and Despair.

Introduction: This lesson will look in more detail at the Castle of Doubt and the Giant Despair.

Aims: This aim of this lecture is to present key elements of puritan thought such as, doubt and despair and their close proximity to Hell and the devil. It aims to look in more detail at the consequences of these and other sins and the solutions according to puritan doctrine. This lesson will also introduce the catechisms and creeds of Puritanism using Power Point.

Objectives: The intended learning outcomes of this lesson are to inform students about puritan thought. Students will be able to understand in more detail the doctrines and writings of the puritan movement and their origins.

Lesson 9: Ignorance, Faint heart, Mistrust and Guilt.

Introduction: This lesson will focus on some of the themes used by Bunyan and their scriptural context.

Aims. By using the themes in Bunyan’s book, this lesson aims to show that the puritans had a deep knowledge of scripture and understanding of the message contained in the Gospels. The focus of this essay is; The broad and narrow way, Apostasy, ignorance, faintheartedness, mistrust, guilt, little faith, the armour of God and the Atheist.

Objectives. Students will be able to understand how the puritan movement was based upon scriptural doctrines, and that their leaders had a sound knowledge of the biblical themes.

Homework: To read verses 700-799 in preparation for the next lesson.

Lesson 10: Continuation of Puritan Biblical Themes.

Introduction: This lesson will focus on the biblical themes used by Bunyan and their historical relevance to Puritanism. At the beginning of this lesson students will watch a short excerpt from the film Oliver Cromwell.

Aims: The aim of this lesson is to highlight the biblical themes used by Bunyan that had relevance to the puritans and their movement. For example; Sabbath breaking, swearing, lying, uncleanness, drinking and gambling. Then to contrast them with more desirable puritan themes  or religious duties described in the book such as; reading the bible, weeping for sin, grace, prayer and speaking the truth to ones neighbour.

Objectives: The educational outcomes of this lecture are for students to gain a deeper understanding of the puritan movement, and how puritans attempted to replace social disorder with godliness and holiness.

Homework: To complete reading the book. 

Lesson 11. Continuation of Puritan Biblical Themes.

Introduction: This lesson will focus on the biblical themes presented.  Preparation for forthcoming examination. A second presentation of the film Oliver Cromwell.

Aims: The aims of this lesson are to show part of the Oliver Cromwell film, this will show the historical background, the beliefs of the puritans and what they achieved. This lecture will teach the themes of; judgment, the wages of sin, justification by faith, and paradise. This lecture will focus on the puritan interpretation of these themes.

Objectives: The learning outcomes of this lesson will be for students to understand the puritan doctrines that are discussed in the book and their historical and theological context.

Homework: Revision.

Lesson 12: Preparation for Exam

Aims: This lesson aims to revisit the work in this semester. Students will be asked to prepare and present a portfolio or body of work at the end of the semester, and to use this information for the purposes of revision.

Objectives: Students will have the opportunity to identify and complete any lessons they have missed.

Homework: Revision.

Lesson 13: Examination

Aim: The aim of this lesson is to make an assessment of learning.

Objective: Students will be assessed on their performance in the exam. Students who do not achieve a pass will be offered a tutorial or remedial assistance.

  what are the  biblical foundations of mission?

God shows is  mission in Genesis by creating all that is in existence and all that we can not see, he demonstrate is mission by  reaching out to his creation showing them his unconditional love. He delights in what he has created and he provides for and protects everything that is his by his love and sovereignty.

God called Abraham, who he blessed and made into a great nation. God said all people who live on the earth will be blessed through Abraham. We all are children of Abraham and the fruit of his mission . P57

‘When he elected, then called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldean’s, we are confronted with the beginning of salvation history’. p57

Moses was given a mission in the Pentateuch which was to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. God wanted to deliver from slavery the people that he had chosen and lead them to a new land.

‘Under Moses’ mediation they accepted by acclamation the rule of God over their lives and pledged to keep his covenant (Ex 19:5-8)’. God also gave them his law or Torah. P72

Before entering the land that God had given them, the Israelites were given their mission to overthrow the kingdoms of Canaan. ‘When the Lord our God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, show them no mercy’ (Deut. 7:2). Leviticus 18:21-25 says that the Canaanites were excessively wicked and so lost their right to live in the land. P95

Moses disobeyed God and failed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, so the job of leading the Israelites was given to Joshua. God used Joshua to fulfill his mission to drive out all wickedness from the land of Canaan.P96.  In this case one could ask a question, how can God so loving and full of mercy and compassion be willing to wipe out all the Canaanites?  Well, God made the answer very clear by showing that he hates sin and because of the  wickedness of the Canaanites God took their land and gave it to the Israelites.

The Israelites now had good reason to boast about their God, now ‘three major emphases dominate the “confessionals” of the people of God: their election via the call of Abraham; their deliverance from Egypt through Moses’ instrumentality; and the gift of the land’. p98

Glasser says that ‘these elements are parallel to the spiritual triad found in the New Testament’, and the eschatological in gathering of all nations; ‘the election of people to belong to God: their deliverance from the guilt and consequence of sin through the cross; and the divine gift of the Holy Spirit through the resurrection of Jesus.’ P98-99

During their time in Canaan the Israelites were ruled by Judges and among them were the prophet Samuel. However, the Israelites rejected his council so God granted them a King to rule over them, and his name was Saul. Unfortunately Saul did not keep the commands of God and so he was utterly defeated in battle. This opened a path for David to be King of Israel just as Samuel had prophesied before. p103

God’s mission for His Kingdom was to use David to strengthen and enlarge Israel, and bring all the tribes of Israel under his leadership. David captured Jerusalem and made it the capital of Israel, his desire was to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant but that was left to his son Solomon to complete. The Davidic monarchy collapsed due to ‘neglect of God and the ethical failure of its rulers, priests and people’. p105-108

During this time Israel divided with only Judah remaining, however after a succession of Kings, everything that David had worked for was utterly overtaken by the Babylonians under the leadership of Nebuchadnezzar. However, it is clear that the line of David was not completely destroyed during this time, as it was the mission of God to present his son Jesus out from the line of David. p109

The mission in the History writing

Proverbs: This book in the bible along with Psalms and Ecclesiastes are also known as the books of wisdom. Proverbs is a not just a book of sayings that are true about life, they are according to Stott, sayings that deal with ‘the basic issues of life that together give order and system to human existence in this world’ (p157). Throughout history God has reached out in order to show that his wisdom permeates the conscience of every man and that is why man should fear him.

Psalm: The uniqueness and universality of God: If Genesis is about what God created then the Psalms are about who he is and why he did it. The Psalms reveal the magnitude of God’s understanding, his infinite wisdom, his gentleness and attention to detail. These writings reveal God to be both Father and Mother, ‘you knit me together in my mothers womb’ he is; a Sovereign King, an accountant (he records infinite quantities such as grains of sand and volumes of water), a doctor, a mechanic, scientist, a gardener, a cleaner and he can multitask, surely nothing is impossible for God. Gods ways are beyond human understanding, he is wise righteous, benevolent and merciful above our futile comprehension, and so it seems that God gave the Psalmists an insight into his nature that surpasses any subsequent knowledge man has about the universe he lives in. Most interesting of all is that scientists and philosophers frequently contradict themselves but the Psalms originate from the source of creation they are the mind of God.

 ‘As a Great King by right of creation and enduring absolute sovereignty, he ultimately will not tolerate any worldly power that opposes or denies or ignores him. He will come to rule the nations so that all will be compelled to acknowledge him. Because the Lord is the Great King beyond all challenge, his righteousness and peaceable kingdom will come, overwhelming all opposition and purging the creation of all rebellion against his rule - such will be the ultimate outcome of history. (Niv Study bible, p784-5) The Psalms show that God will is to justify the whole of creation

Ecclesiastes  :

we can see God in is unfailing love teaching us wisdom to deal with every things around us trough ecclesiastic.

Songs of Solomon

Job: The mission of God through the history of Job, was to prove that regardless of human suffering we can still be lead by God and follow his commands. regardless of the challenge or the suffering there is nothing God cannot do. Job is not an Israelite, but Job knew God and lived by his commands.

Gods Mission Through The Prophets.

Gods Mission in the Gospels: The book of Matthew was written to reflect the universality of God and his mission, the theme of the book is to highlight the importance of and the faith of the Gentiles. According to Glasser, the fact that the gospel writer opens with the genealogy of Jesus is important because it shows that the lineage of Jesus is from David and Abraham. This genealogy would have been important for the Jews who were waiting for the Messiah to ‘establish an eternal kingdom’ (p183). God sent a prophet John the Baptist to announce the coming of the new kingdom, both John and Jesus ‘baptised the repentant, both called for spiritual reformation as well as social responsibility’ (p184-5).

The Jews were greatly offended that Jesus called himself the Messiah, they might have believed in him and his miracles (he was himself a Jew), were it not for the fact that he embraced Gentiles into what Jews perceived to be an exclusively Jewish covenant. After all, for the Jews their Messiah would rise up against the Gentile leaders and usher in the final days unto Judgment, and Jesus did not fit their expectations.

Gods Mission in Matthew: Matt 2:1-12, verse one shows where he was born emphasizing that he came from a tribe and territory of Davidic Kings, and the Jews expected the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem as it is written by the prophet Micah and quoted in verse six. The Magi, who perhaps where astrologers from the middle east, came to the capital following a star which they believed would lead them to the fulfillment of an ancient prophesy ‘the King of the Jews.’ If at the beginning of the gospel he was the King of the Jews by the end he was ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords’ (p238).

Matthew 4:19, Jesus announces that the Kingdom of God is no longer immanent it has arrived and, according to Glasser ‘Jesus now projected himself into the role of the Servant of the Lord’, and began to carry out the duties of his ministries (p186). Firstly Jesus called people to himself proclaiming himself as the way to heaven, he also called people to work for the kingdom of God “I will make you fishers of men”, making his followers responsible for calling others to the kingdom.

Matthew 8:5-13. This scripture focuses on the faith of a Gentile Centurion, who Jesus described as having more faith in God than anyone in the whole of Israel. The centurion would have been aware that Jesus would defile himself if he were to enter a gentile home, but Jesus was more focuses on the healing of a gentile to show to all around him the universality of God. The Jews were still at an advantage in that prior to the death of Jesus him ministry was predominantly focused on their conversion.

Matthew 24:14. God’s plan was for the gospel of the death and resurrection of his son to be preached to the whole world, so that God can reconcile all men to himself. This is also God’s ultimatum to the world, his final call to repentance and the last of all prophecies to be fulfilled until the end of the world.  

Matthew 28:18-20. This is the last recorded time that Jesus appeared to the disciples before he ascended to heaven, it signifies the beginning of a universal faith, a universal call to repentance, and a call to submit to God through Jesus Christ. This marks a time when Jews are no longer considered as God’s covenant people, or special or set apart from gentiles, they were now as much in need of repentance and of the grace of God as every other person on the earth. This scripture also ushers in the presence of the Holy Spirit and its redemptive power, and the promise that the spirit of God could dwell in man.

What are the biblical foundations of Mission?

Mission: Matt 28:19-20. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everthing I have commanded you.”

Mark 16:15. He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

Luke 24:46-47. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Mark 13:10 “And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.”

Every believer in Jesus Christ is a disciple and has been given a great commission, to proclaim this message of the Kingdom of God to all the world, all nations, all languages and all generations.

Romans Paul and the Law.

Romans 1:3-6 Paul introducRomans 1:1-2 Paul introduces himself with all humility as a servant called by Jesus.
es Jesus first as a son of David to show that Jesus is a human just like us. Paul then introduces Jesus for a second time as the Son of God and in him we receive grace and salvation. Paul shows that the purpose of the gospel is obedience and the goal of the gospel is to honour the name of Jesus.

Romans 1:7-1 Paul praises the believers of the church of Rome, showing them his devotion to God and his prayerful longing to see them again to impart spiritual gifts and strengthen the church. Once more Paul demonstrates his humility and willingness to be encouraged by the church as well as to encourage them.

Romans 1:13-17 Paul reveals to the Roman church that he is not ashamed of the gospel, he will go to all nations and cross all boundaries of prejudice.

Philip Esler shows that Paul wrote to the first century Roman church to speak to them concerning the ethnic tension and conflict among them. Esler shows that the conflict between the Jew and Greek, or the “foreigner” and “heathen” is that they had no collective identity or collective memory. The collective memory “encompasses events and people such as treasured ancestors”, it also involves oral history, artifacts, motifs, and beliefs. He states that Paul’s motive for writing Romans was to break down the barriers that these groups had built between each other to create two subgroups within one group.  Esler thinks that Paul had enough understanding of the relationship between ethnic identity and self esteem to successfully link them, and he did this by showing that he had mutual respect for each group.p1-35

 Romans 2:17-29. Paul talks directly to the Jews and questions their self confidence, namely, the confidence they placed in their God given ‘privileges’; covenant, circumcision and law. According to J. Stott, Paul wanted to make clear to the Jewish leaders that because of a new covenant (God has made with the whole world), they could no longer consider themselves immune from judgement because they do not practice what they preach. In particular Paul wanted to attack those who were teachers of the law but were self righteous and condemned sinners, when they themselves were likely to be engaged in; stealing, adultery and idolatry.

John Stott says  some commentators think that Paul did not literally mean that Jewish leaders were committing these sins but that he used them as an example to convey his message. However, Stott does not hesitate to point out that when one understands sin with the perspective of God ‘there is no man who is not guilty of all three’. Rom:2, 19-22.p91

When one considers the treatment of Jesus in the hands of Jewish leaders (not to mention those he healed), one can only assume that the Jewish leaders where guilty of all that Paul accused them of. They had become so proud of themselves and the gift that God had given them that they forgot their mission. They had become blinded by power and pride and so lacked the humility and wisdom needed to be true spiritual leaders.

It seems likely in these times that the Jewish leaders had few critics, probably fewer still from their own ranks. Paul had first hand knowledge of their practices and beliefs and he had the boldness and courage to stand up to their hypocrisy just as Jesus had done. Without doubt Paul was testing them to see if they had the spirit of God, for any believer who instructs others in the word of God would be crushed by Paul’s words in Rom 2:17-24 and the futility and pride-fullness of judging others before having a sober judgement of oneself. 

Romans 3:21-26. Paul states according to God everyone who he has created has sinned, no-one is good and everyone is in need of redemption. Stott says that God has done what is unthinkable, all throughout the Old Testament God has stated that the wicked must be punished and the unjust condemned, but Paul has revealed a deeper level of our spiritual need, that is not about morality or ethics, it’s about who we are and whose we are. We are guilty because of where we come from not because of what we have done, every inclination of the heart of man is evil not one is good. It is also interesting to note how Stott comments that God did not have to compromise his righteousness to justify man as righteous even though man is inherently evil. God justified mankind without corrupting his righteousness by sending us the lamb of atonement, his son. God in his grace gave his son freely so that we could be rescued from his condemnation. ‘Associated with the cross, therefore, there is a redemption of sinners, a propitiation of God’s wrath and  a demonstration of his justice’. p111-113

Redemption: Not so long ago you could buy fizzy orange in a bottle,  if you didn’t keep the bottle you got ten cents when you took it back (a lot of money for a kid). God gave us our lives to enjoy, but he wants us back and that part is up to us, we have to give up the life he gave us and give it back to him, he is willing to buy us back and the price has already been paid. God could only do this by having an agreement with man, he sent his son to die on the cross with a message, that our lives can only be redeemed, that we can only go back to God through his son.  It’s like the choice we make, we don’t have to take the bottle back, we could just throw it away and say “its not worth anything to me”, just as with life.

Propitiation: There is some argument about the meaning of this word, however, Stott tends to lean towards the understanding that it means atonement, cleansing, or nullifying of sin. There is also a suggestion that it means to calm the anger of God who wants to vent his rage at the wickedness of man. Stott believes that this argument is justified because he says, ‘there is nothing unprincipled, unpredictable or uncontrolled about God’s anger; it is aroused by evil alone’ (p115).  Another interpretation is ‘mercy-seat’ (the golden lid of the ark within the temple’s inner sanctuary), and that Jesus is the ‘mercy-seat’ where God and sinners are reconciled. Stott thinks this is unlikely to be what Paul was describing, rather the issue is the sin of man that caused the wrath of God and not the wrath of God itself. Ultimately it is the infinite mercy in the nature of God, that he did not punish man for his sin, and instead to prevent himself from becoming unjust by not carrying out his judgment for evil acts (and lest men called him unjust for not doing so), he cast his wrath upon himself by allowing his son to die on the cross. As Paul has tried to show there is no doubt that God is very angry at our lack of love for his commands, but his character did not allow him to show that anger even though he promised it(p115-117). What is clear from this is that the anger of God is righteous anger or justified anger, but it is still anger and it needs to be appeased or propitiated. God showed his love and restrained his anger by allowing his son to die for man.

Demonstration: Here Paul explains that God had actively gone out of his way to save man in anyway he could without corrupting his own purpose and profound sense of justice. Stott shows that God had left the sins of the forefathers unpunished to show his restraint, not condoning evil, but to prove to all that he ‘could be just, he could demonstrate justice and he be the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus’ (p116).

 Just to sum up, God has redeemed his people by buying them back with the blood of Jesus. He has resisted showing his anger to man and set man free from judgment by proving or demonstrating his justice.

Romans 4:1-25. Without question it would appear that Paul was addressing the Jewish people in this chapter, Abraham was their patriarch who found favour with God. Because of Abraham many Jews believed they were justified in the same way that he was by ‘works’. However in this chapter Paul’s makes a huge effort to explain to the Jews that Abraham believed God and had faith in him, and he was considered righteous by God because of his faith and not by what he did (Rom 4:1-3). Stott thinks it is a mistake to suppose that this chapter was written only for Jewish Christians, because by using examples of Abraham and David, Paul tries to show that in both Old and New Testament ‘justification by faith is God’s one and only way to salvation’ (p122).

Paul always took the time to point out that no man is good enough to be justified, and especially not by what he does or  by works, because any effort to buy the the forgiveness of God by what you do is futile. Paul exposes how the promises of God can only be given to those who believe in him, it is the believer who has his sins and transgressions covered by the grace of God, and not the one following the law. As far as Paul was concerned it was important for the Jews and the Gentiles to understand that Abraham was justified by God before his circumcision v 9-12(a sign of Gods covenant with his people), to show both groups that justification is not in the circumcision either.

In conclusion, neither Abraham or David were justified by God because of what they did; by keeping the law of Moses, by circumcision, or by how good they were, Paul summarises by saying that it was because of the true faith of Abraham and because of the confidence that he had in God that he was justified v22.

Romans 5: 12-21. Paul makes a great effort to show that all are born in sin because of the sin of Adam in the Garden of Eden. He describes how even before the law of Moses was given sin existed, but at that time there was no punishment for sin because there was no law. Prior to the time of Adam’s sin there was no death, but after Adam’s sin, by breaking the commands of God, death entered the world, and it is death that signifies the sin of Adam, therefore because all men die all men are born full of sin or with sin in their hearts. Stott says; ‘As Adam is the door through which sin entered and sin is the door through which death entered (p150).’ There is a similarity in the symbolism of Adams sin and that of Jesus’ crucifixion. Adam’s sin brought sin, judgment and death into the world, but the death of Jesus brought salvation and redemption to all mankind.

Stott explains that it is not clear whether mankind is sinful and dies because of the sin of Adam and therefore man inherits the sin of Adam, or whether Adam brought sin into the world and therefore all mankind is destined to sin in the same way that Adam did. Needless to say all men are the descendants of Adam and are given an inheritance, therefore, it is more likely that man inherited the sins of Adam.

Lesson Plan for Romans 7: 7-25

Introduction: Students should have an understanding of the Romans in the New Testament and its historical background, who wrote it, why and to whom was it sent. They will also have a working knowledge of the commentary by of Romans by John Stott (The Message of Romans) which the lesson will also refer to. Because Romans 7: 7-25 presents some complicated doctrines this lesson is best taught as a power point presentation. Students will be asked to read the scripture from Romans before the presentation begins.

Teaching Activities: The lesson should commence with three opening questions which will be the first page of the presentation. Students will be encouraged to interact with each other and openly discuss the meaning and the answer to the following questions that Paul tries to answer in this passage.

1. According to Paul does grace encourage sin?

2. Is the law sin, does it create sin and death, and is the law original sin on earth?

3. How can the law be the holy and righteous will of God but it cannot save sinners?

Following this brief discussion the teacher will use the examples provided by John Stott in his commentary to further explain these questions. The following notes provide some answers to these questions.

1. Should we go on sinning so that grace may increase, shall we sin because we are under grace. Stott argues that Roman 6 says grace does not encourage sin it renders sin inadmissible and inconceivable.

2. Romans 7 argues that the law does not create sin and death, it is our fallen human nature which is to blame for them. Stott says that sin is hostile to Gods laws. Paul argues that the law does not provoke sin it reveals or uncovers sin in our hearts, convicts a person of sin and condemns sin. Apart from the law sin is dead, according to verse 13 sin exploited the law and caused his death. The law gives life and sin inflicts death. The law exposes, provokes and condemns sin.

3.Paul is ambivalent about the law, seeing it neither positive or negative. On one side it is the law of God, his revelation and will, it is holy righteous and good and spiritual. But it is unable to save sinners because it has lost its power. The law cannot save because the law cannot be kept or observed because of indwelling sin. The law is good but it is also weak, it cannot make man holy. Those who are under the law are right to look to the law for moral guidance but wrong to look to it for saving power.

Romans 7:14-20. The next section of the lesson is the discussion Paul has about a person who is under the law but has not power to change his sinful behaviour. Paul highlights that the struggle within can only be resolved by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

1. I do not do what I want to do. Stott says that this person wants to follow the law but lacks power, the desire to sin has greater power than knowledge of the law.

2. What I hate I do. Paul shows that the person under the law understands the difference between good and is convicted when he does bad.

3.The evil I do not want to do - this is what I keep doing. Stott shows that the person who is under law knows he is divided, the will is there but the ability is not. It is not the law that is bad, but the law and will are weak.

4. Romans 7:21-25. Stott describes two more laws at work, the law of sin and the law that is a delight in the law of God and a desire to do good.

5. In the final part of the session students enter into a discussion based on the information presented in the lesson. The teacher should ask some leading questions related to Romans 7: 21-25 Paul describes himself as a slave to sin and death. What did Paul say could redeem him from the law of sin and death and why?

Objectives: Students will understand the interpretation of the scripture with greater depth.

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