Tag: bsf lessons

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 5: Romans 1:16-17

August 27, 2026August 20, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 1:16-17

God brings the gospel, first to the Jew and then to the Gentile. The gospel is where the righteousness of God is revealed.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 5: Romans 1:16-17

12) “Because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed.”

13) It can be difficult when you are a believer, and you know the other person is not a believer or one of a different faith. And, perhaps when facing academic ridicule, social exclusion, cultural hostility, fear of rejection, or pressure to compromise Biblical truths. Paul’s words are encouraging because I know the Bible is the Truth! Faith is all you need to be righteous before God.

14a) They reflect Paul’s transformation from relying on elite religious credentials to boasting solely in Christ’s righteousness, received by faith rather than self-earned works.

b) These verses assure me that salvation relies on God’s power alone, not human performance. “Power of God” stands out as a testimony of life-changing deliverance from sin into righteous grace. Salvation stands out the most, since ultimately that is what matters the most.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 5: Romans 1:16-17

The gospel is for everyone, and all you need is faith. What Good News, indeed!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 5: Romans 1:16-17

Here, Paul dives into his theme: the righteousness of God.

The gospel is power, which is why Paul is not ashamed of it, to all who believe.

The gospel reveals the righteousness of God. Those who have faith receive God’s righteousness.

This righteousness is given to the sinner who believes in Christ. It means we have not been sinners at all in the eyes of God. We are completely wiped of sin.

Justified means declared righteous.

I think we’re seeing the power of Romans here. Paul simplifies Christianity down to its core: God gives everyone the power to be righteous through the blood of his Son. And all it takes is belief!

END NOTES SUMMARIZE

Romans 1:16–17 stands as the thematic core and theological engine of the entire Book of Romans. In these two verses, Paul boldly unveils his foundational thesis: the gospel is God’s power to save anyone who believes because it reveals His righteousness.

1. Unashamed Confidence in the Gospel (v. 16a)

Not Ashamed: To proclaim a crucified Jewish carpenter in the center of the mighty, cultured Roman Empire invited ridicule. Yet Paul boldly declares he is not ashamed of the message, knowing its divine weight far surpasses earthly imperial power.
The Power of God for Salvation: The gospel is not merely good advice, a philosophy, or moral instruction. It is the active, dynamic power (dynamis) of God that actually accomplishes spiritual deliverance, rescuing believers from sin, guilt, and judgment.

2. The Scope of Salvation: Universal and Sequential (v. 16b)

To Everyone Who Believes: Salvation is offered without distinction based on race, social status, or moral history. The sole condition is faith—placing full trust in Jesus Christ.
First for the Jew, Then for the Gentile: God’s redemptive plan followed a historical order. The Jews received the covenant, law, and promises first, but the gospel’s scope extends equally to the entire Gentile world.

3. The Divine Revelation: God’s Righteousness Revealed (v. 17a)

Righteousness Revealed: In the gospel, God demonstrates His perfect justice and His gift of righteous standing before Him. God does not lower His holy standard; instead, He provides the righteousness that humanity lacks.
From Faith to Faith: Salvation is initiated, maintained, and perfected entirely by faith from start to finish. It is not earned through human effort or works of the law.

4. The Old Testament Foundation (v. 17b)

“The Just Shall Live by Faith”: Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 to demonstrate that justification by faith is not a novel concept. God’s people have always been declared righteous and granted eternal life through humble, trusting faith rather than self-reliance.

Conclusion

Romans 1:16–17 establishes that the gospel is the ultimate power of God, offering true righteousness to a helpless world—not through human achievement, but solely through faith in Jesus Christ from beginning to end.

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BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 4: Romans 1:11-15

August 26, 2026August 20, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 1:11-15

Paul longs to see the Romans to mutually encourage one another. He wants to impart spiritual strength, experience mutual encouragement, reap spiritual fruit, and fulfill his duty to preach the gospel.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 4: Romans 1:11-15

9) Paul longs to see the Romans to mutually encourage one another. Paul’s other obligations and ministry work may have kept him away.

10) I am encouraged that all things happen in God’s timing and that all things happen for a reason, too. Therefore, delays are for reasons! God’s purpose always prevails!

11a) Paul has many obligations to all people, but he is patient and knows that when he arrives in Rome, he will be all the more eager! Paul felt bound to share salvation with everyone—Jew or Gentile—and fulfilled this duty with passionate obedience, unashamed boldness, and relentless, joyful zeal.

b) Wow. This is a big question. It’s something I have to prioritize (such as this blog). I have to keep this in the forefront of my mind at all times. And, sharing the knowledge of Jesus brings me immense joy!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 4: Romans 1:11-15

I love how Paul is eager to go to Rome, but he knows that delays are just a part of the process. We should have the same attitude when we face delays in our lives!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 4: Romans 1:11-15

Note how Paul wanted to be encouraged as much as he wants to encourage others. This is SO important for all of our ministers. They need prayer, too!

Paul is obligated to both the Greeks and the non-Greeks of Rome because it brought peace, prosperity, and roads, so people could hear of the gospel.

Spurgeon points out that Paul is always ready, whether to preach, suffer, or even die.

Love this! This is SO encouraging to most of us that deal with unexpected circumstances that interrupt our plans (for me, lung cancer), but even the interruption services God’s purpose!

END NOTES SUMMARIZE

In Romans 1:11–15, Paul transitions from personal greetings to explaining his deep desire to visit the Christians in Rome. These verses showcase the heart of Paul’s pastoral philosophy, highlighting mutual encouragement, his duty as an apostle, and his passionate commitment to preaching the gospel.

1. The Purpose of His Visit: Mutual Strengthening (vv. 11–12)

Imparting Spiritual Gifts (v. 11): Paul expresses a strong desire to see them so he can impart “some spiritual gift” to strengthen their faith. This refers to pastoral teaching, spiritual insight, and divine encouragement that builds up the local church.
Mutual Encouragement (v. 12): Paul immediately clarifies his heart to avoid sounding condescending or spiritually superior. He recognizes that spiritual growth is a two-way street; he expects to be personally encouraged by the Romans’ faith just as they would be by his.

2. Persistent Plans and Desired Fruit (v. 13)

Spiritual Fruit: Paul reveals he had planned to visit them many times so he could “reap a harvest” among them, just as he had among other Gentiles. This refers both to new conversions and the deepening of existing faith.
Sovereign Delays: He acknowledges that up until this point, he was “prevented from doing so”—a reminder that even an apostle’s schedule is subject to God’s providential timing and circumstances.

3. The Apostolic Obligation and Eagerness (vv. 14–15)

Under Obligation (v. 14): Paul describes himself as a “debtor” to all people—Greeks and non-Greeks, the wise and the foolish alike. Having received God’s unmerited grace, Paul felt a profound obligation to share that grace with everyone, regardless of culture, class, or intellect.
Eagerness to Preach (v. 15): His duty was not a cold, burdensome chore. Instead, it fueled a passionate eagerness to preach the gospel directly in Rome—the very heart of the pagan empire.

Conclusion

Romans 1:11–15 teaches that true Christian ministry relies on humble, mutual encouragement, views the sharing of the gospel as a sacred debt owed to all people, and moves with joyful eagerness to build up the church wherever God leads.

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BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 3: Romans 1:8-10

August 25, 2026August 20, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 1:8-10

Paul thanks God for the Roman believers and their world-renowned faith. He prays for them, and he hopes to come to them soon to encourage them personally.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 3: Romans 1:8-10

6) “Because your faith is being reported all over the world”

7a) Paul prays to come to them soon. Paul did travel to Rome, but he came in chains having been arrested.

b) Serving God is inherently an act of worship, naturally expressed through unceasing, selfless prayer for others and total submission to His divine will.

8 ) Even though God does not always answer our prayers as we expect, He DOES answer our prayers, so we must never cease to pray to the One, True God!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 3: Romans 1:8-10

Great lessons on prayers and how God answers but often in unexpected ways!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 3: Romans 1:8-10

If we all kept in mind that it’s God’s will and not ours, we’d be a lot less worried and stressed!

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

In Romans 1:8–10, Paul transitions from his formal prescript to a deeply personal pastoral greeting. These verses reveal his heart for a church he had never personally planted or visited, establishing a foundation of gratitude, spiritual integrity, and longing for fellowship.

1. Thanksgiving for World-Renowned Faith (v. 8) Paul begins by thanking God “through Jesus Christ” for the Roman believers.

Global Reputation: He highlights that their faith is being spoken of “throughout the whole world.” Situated at the center of the Roman Empire, the church’s steadfast devotion amid pagan culture served as a powerful testimony across the Mediterranean.
Christ as Mediator: By directing his gratitude to God through Christ, Paul emphasizes that all genuine spiritual vitality flows from Jesus.

2. Spiritual Integrity and Unceasing Prayer (v. 9) Paul appeals to God as his witness, offering a glimpse into his private prayer life:

“Whom I serve with my spirit”: The word for “serve” (latreuo) often carries priestly or liturgical connotations. For Paul, preaching the gospel was not just a job, but a sacred act of worship engagement.
Relentless Intercession: Paul repeatedly assures them that he remembers them “without ceasing.” His commitment to a church he had never met shows his expansive love for the global Body of Christ.

3. Submission to God’s Will for the Future (v. 10) Paul expresses his long-standing desire to visit Rome, but frames it entirely around divine sovereignty:

“By the will of God”: Paul does not presume to dictate his itinerary. Though he passionately desires to travel to Rome, he submits his timing and travel plans to God’s ultimate oversight.

Conclusion

Romans 1:8–10 demonstrates that authentic Christian leadership prioritizes intercessory prayer, celebrates the spiritual victories of others, and submits all future plans to the sovereign will of God.

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BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 2: Romans 1:1-7

August 24, 2026August 20, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 1:1-7

Paul was called to bring the good news of the saving grace of Christ to Gentiles. He greets the Romans as such, saying they belong to Jesus and are loved by God and called to be His holy people.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 2: Romans 1:1-7

3a) “A servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God”

b) We learn that Paul’s authenticity and veracity are questioned because of his previous persecution of Christians, yet he was successful in converting people to Christ. We learn that Paul believes himself to be the worst of the worst of sinners, but Christ showed him mercy, so that Christ might show his patience in sinners. He received God’s grace, faith, and love.

Acts reveals Paul’s immediate preaching of Jesus’ divinity and apologetic skill, while 1 Timothy highlights his former violence, deep humility, and transformative grace.

4a) We learn that Christ has called the Gentiles to obedience through faith in Christ’s name and included them in the good news/eternal salvation of Christ’s death and resurrection on the cross.

Jesus is the divine Messiah saving all sinners—shown when even a violent persecutor like Paul receives complete forgiveness, infinite patience, and new purpose.

b) I am a Gentile who has been included and counted as a child of God, included in God’s grace and mercy to be saved by faith in Jesus for eternal life.

5a) He told the Romans that they are among those called to belong to Jesus. They are loved by God and called to be His holy people.

Paul encouraged Roman believers by affirming their divine calling, validating their identity as God’s loved saints, and blessing them with grace and peace.

b) All believers are unbelievably blessed to be called to be a part of God’s eternal kingdom. Therefore, we should all show grace and mercy to others.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 2: Romans 1:1-7

Love how Paul starts out with the best news of all — we are saved! You could literally stop reading here since if that’s all you get from Paul, you got the most important message.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 2: Romans 1:1-7

There are almost no commentators who dispute that Paul is the author of Romans. It is believed this great book of the Bible was written somewhere around 55 AD in the city of Corinth. He would have been on his third missionary journey. Acts 20:2-3. This is based on Romans 16:1 and 16:23 along with 1 Corinthians 1:14. He planned to visit Rome after he went to Jerusalem.

Note Paul is first a servant of Christ and then an apostle. A servant is utterly devoted.

Romans is a book about God, different than Paul’s other letters, which focus on the churches he wrote to.

Fun Fact: The word “God” appears 153 times in the book of Romans, more than any other New Testament book.

If you look at the frequency of other words in Romans (Lord appears 43 times and faith appears 40 times), you’ll see a huge difference.

Paul did not found the church in Rome, which is different than the other churches he wrote to.

Jesus Christ is the center.

“Grace to you” is a traditional greeting used by Greeks. “Peace from God” is a traditional greeting used by the Jews. Note how Paul is already including the Gentiles here.

Christians are called to live differently. We are made righteous and justified through the blood of Christ on the cross. Christ gives us his perfection so that we can stand with God once again.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Romans 1:1–7 functions as Paul’s formal prescript, but it packs an entire systematic theology into a single sentence. Because Paul had not yet visited the church in Rome, he uses this greeting as a theological resume, establishing his authority, defining his message, and honoring his audience.

1. The Messenger: Identity and Authority (v. 1) Paul introduces himself with three distinct titles:

“Servant” (Doulos): Expresses absolute devotion and ownership by Christ. In a Roman context, a slave lacked status, but in a Hebrew context, “servant of the Lord” placed Paul in line with Moses, David, and the prophets.
“Called to be an apostle”: Establishes that his leadership was not self-appointed or humanly assigned, but directly commissioned by God.
“Set apart for the gospel”: His singular focus and lifelong vocation are dedicated entirely to God’s good news.

2. The Message: The Gospel’s Roots and Realities (vv. 2–4) Paul immediately grounds his theology in history and Christology:

Promised beforehand (v. 2): The gospel is not a novel invention or a departure from Judaism; it is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures.
According to the flesh (v. 3): Refers to Jesus’ human lineage as a descendant of King David, establishing his legal right to the messianic throne.
Declared Son of God in power (v. 4): The Resurrection did not make Jesus God’s Son, but it vindicated Him, revealing His divine power and authority as the resurrected Messiah.

3. The Mission: Bringing Faith to the Nations (vv. 5–6)

Grace and Apostleship: Paul attributes his calling to unmerited favor (grace), which empowers his office (apostleship).
“Obedience of faith”: Real faith is not merely intellectual assent; true belief produces active obedience.
Among all the Gentiles: Paul clarifies his target audience. The church in Rome contained both Jews and Gentiles, but Paul highlights his specific call to the non-Jewish world.

4. The Recipients: Believers in Rome (v. 7) Paul addresses the Christians in Rome not as a geographic institution, but as a community defined by grace:

Loved by God & Called to be saints: “Saint” (hagios) means “set apart.” Believers do not become saints through extraordinary moral effort; it is their identity based on God’s call.
Grace and Peace: Paul combines the standard Greek greeting (charis / grace) and Hebrew greeting (shalom / peace), anchoring both in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Romans 1:1–7 anchors Paul’s gospel in ancient prophecy, reveals Jesus’ divinity through resurrection, and unites believers as God’s loved, called saints under grace.

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bsf study of romans: from guilt to grace answers beginning august 24, 2026 www.atozmomm.com

Beginning Posting Dates for BSF’s Study Romans: From Guilt to Grace!

August 17, 2026August 16, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Hey all!

I will begin posting BSF’s Study Romans: From Guilt to Grace’s answers beginning next Monday, August 24th, 2026. You can expect the same format as last year with a thorough commentary and conclusion for your greater understanding!

Subscribe to my BSF blog to not miss a single post!

Please comment and ask questions as much as you want, so we all can learn and form community!

Looking forward to what God will do this year!

God bless!

people at bible study from bsf exile and return study www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 6: Maturing His People

March 20, 2026February 14, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 6

13) Deep

14) Just dealing with my unexpected cancer diagnosis. I have to rely on Him for everything. It’s in His plan, for my benefit, for His purposes. I have to embrace it as such. I have to get through it and rely on His strength to do so. I have to find meaning in it for Him.

15) So many again. I can get caught up in the busyness of life that I forget to put Him first. I can get comfortable with my life without acknowledging God’s role in it. There is just so much here.

16) Thank you, Lord, for your goodness, your faithfulness, your reliability, your heart, and your love. Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, so I can be forgiven each and every day. Thank you for choosing me to believe in you and Jesus. You have more and more of my heart each and every day.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 6

My biggest lesson is letting others see God through me. That’s the goal!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 6

1. The Sin of “Selective Obedience”

In Ezra, the people were eager to build the altar but hesitant to separate from worldly influences. You might feel convinced that you are “building” your spiritual life in public while holding onto “compromised” habits in private. The Response: Yielding by inviting God into the hidden corners of your life, not just the visible ones.

2. The Sin of Discouragement (Unbelief)

In Haggai, the people stopped building because the new temple didn’t look as “grand” as the old one. God often convicts us of judging His work by our own standards of success. The Response: Repenting of a “small view” of God and choosing to believe that “the glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house” (Haggai 2:9).

3. The Sin of Apathy Toward the Vulnerable

Nehemiah was deeply convicted when he saw the wealthy nobles exploiting the poor during the rebuild (Nehemiah 5). This often strikes a chord with our modern tendency to focus on our “own walls” while ignoring the needs of those building right next to us. The Response: Yielding by practicing radical generosity or advocacy within your community.

UPCOMING HAPPENINGS

I have so enjoyed this study of books of the Bible that are so rich, but are often forgotten. I am eager to study Romans next year! What fun! I love Paul!

I will most likely be doing summer Bible studies through BSF’s app, WordGo, once again. I’ll announce those closer to time.

And, finally, thank you all who follow me, send me messages, donate to my blog, and pray for me. I love all of you and wish I could give you all a hug! May you have a wonderful summer!

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 5: Facing Forward

March 19, 2026February 14, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 5

11) I would say I’m more prayerful, more intentional with my words and actions with my family. I try to bring the light of Jesus to work, too. My daily work is an opportunity to see God do great things all around me.

12) This is constant. Just dealing with others is a challenge on a daily basis. I try to be more patient with people like God is with me and more encouraging.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 5

Transforming yourself with God’s help is a continual process. Keep at it!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 5

Nehemiah’s Principles for Unity

Work Where You Are: Many built “opposite their own house” (Nehemiah 3:10, 23). This teaches us to take ownership of the specific sphere God has placed us in—whether that’s our specific desk at work or our own dinner table.
The “Next to Him” Principle: The phrase “next to him” appears repeatedly in Chapter 3. No one worked in isolation. Encouragement comes from knowing you are part of a continuous line of effort.
The Mindset of a Builder: Nehemiah 4:6 says, “the people had a mind to work.” They didn’t just have the tools; they had the heart. This challenges us to bring a willing spirit to mundane tasks.
Watch and Pray: When opposition arose, they set a guard and prayed (Nehemiah 4:9). This creates a balance of practical vigilance and spiritual dependence.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 4: Reaching the Next Generation

March 18, 2026February 14, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 4

8 ) I did not have kids in the program nor did I bring anyone.

9) NA

10) I did not volunteer with the kids since I did an online group.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 4

Volunteering in BSF’s youth program can help to accelerate spiritual growth by requiring you to simplify deep truths for others. Plus, the children’s program uses simpler terms, so you often see things you’d miss otherwise!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 4

Studying God’s Word provides children with a moral compass and an eternal identity. It builds a foundation of truth that counters cultural confusion, teaching them they are uniquely created and loved. Like the Israelites rebuilding Jerusalem, children learn that God is faithful, empowering them to face life’s “walls” with courage and prayer.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 3: Studying the Bible in Community

March 17, 2026February 14, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 3

6) I had an online group, and my attendance was not the best this year, but I did learn from them!

7) I would say the prayers of the group helped me immensely in what I was going through. I will never deny anyone who wants to pray for me!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 3

Watching God answer specific prayers helps to deepen my trust in Him and all that He alone can do.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 3

I love the community of BSF. It makes doing the lessons and attending so much the better!

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