Hamilton 1 Becca Hamilton Za) Dr. Green $ 4 BITH 213 NT Lit Cy 12 November 2013 Human Corruption and Guilt Discussion in Romans In Paul’s magnificent letter to the Roman church, he lays out the strong foundations the new believers were so hungry to understand and digest. Of the many topics discussed in the book of Romans, Paul places a special emphasis on the ideas of human corruption and guilt before God. Throughout the book, Paul elaborates on how the source of both human corruption and {guilt is sin, while their natures differ from a more automatic reaction or a more thought-out reaction, Just when there seems to be no hope, Paul sheds light on God’s solution to these problems, and how he went about redeeming these situations in order to pull the whole story together. As Paul offers his ideas on human corruption and guilt before God, he suggests that they both sprout from the same source of sin. In a long section discussing sin, Paul writes in chapter 7 verse 14, “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin” and then g0es on to say in verse 18, “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out” (NIV). By suggesting that we as people are essentially dehumanized by becoming a ‘slave’ to sin, everything that ever is produced from this ‘slave’ without God is sinful, whether that be good things or human corruption and guilt before God. Even if there is a strong desire to produce good things, the sin that is the source of all the slave’s actions hinders them so they “cannot not carry it out” apart form God. This suggests that sin is essentially the root of everything separate from God. EveryHamilton 2 action, whether that results in human corruption or leads to guilt before God or anything else on our own is controlled by this sin. These sins however can take different forms and personalities. The nature of human corruption as described by Paul is very automatic and spontaneous to a point of being out of control on their own. In Romans chapter 1 verse 32 Paul writes, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them” (NIV). The logical reaction of a rationally thinking individual would be to avoid disobeying a ‘righteous decree’, and yet Paul points out that humans automatically do what they want despite their knowledge. ‘There is an immediate reaction which encourages others to follow in these sinful actions because they ‘approve of those who practice them’, hence further spreading human corruption. In contrast, the nature of guilt before God is more controlled and calculated. In chapter 3 verses 19 Paul writes, “Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those under the law, so that every mouth will be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God”(NIV). Guilt grows gradually through the calculated study of God’s laws and Word. By being ‘held accountable to God’ we are made aware of our sins, and so are more controlled in our guilt before God. Both human corruption and guilt before God are serious concerns that spring from sin, yet these differing natures separate them. ‘Though human corruption and guilt are cripplingly prevalent, Paul continually reminds us of God’s solution to our sin problem. He writes in chapter 3: 22-24 and 7:23-8:4 that we are “justified freely through his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ”(NIV). Humans were redeemed of our sin, the corruption and guilt, because of God’s precious gift of sending his Son to die for us as atonement. This amazing solution saved us from our natures of spontaneous corruption and controlled realization of guilt, purely because he loves us.Becca Hamilton Dr. Green NT Lit BITH 213 CPO 1282 26 November 2013 The Book of James The book of James discusses many complex issues, however the main themes include poverty, riches, and oppression in relation to faith. James writes on the idea that the humble before God are blessed above those who have many Earthly things, which leads to healthy perseverance in faith, James first comments on the rich members of society, saying in 1:10, “But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower”(NIV). James suggests that the things that make a man rich inevitably pull him down to a “low position’ before God. God can give the greatest riches from Heaven, which surpasses any gift received on Earth. James continues with this theme by addressing the poor. When discussing how God does not show favoritism to those of riches and high status he writes in 2:5-6, “Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones dragging you into court?”(NIV). James reinforces his theme of prized humility by encouraging the poor to look to their rich futures in Heaven God has prepared for them because of their humble faith. They were free from distractions of Earthly goods and were better able to present themselves as fully dependent on God, which He richly rewards. The third set of people James addresses is those ‘who are oppressed. James explains in 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised tothose who love him”(NIV). James reveals that when a believer clings to God instead of Earthly ideas or possessions, they will be blessed and rewarded for their faith. God calls for determination, and when believers follow through, God is very pleased. James also addresses those who are oppressing the poor in 5:1-6 were he says, “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you”(NIV). He goes on to state all the consequences the rich oppresses will experience if they continue to oppress people. By not showing mercy and love towards those in need, they in tum separate themselves from God's mercy and love. This theme of humility and faithful before God, which brings about blessings of ‘many kinds, is a continuing point that James drives into the heads of his audience. He wants the people to turn away from their Earthly focuses of money, suffering, and conflict and humbly turn to God in everything, ‘This teaching of humility intersects with James’ understanding of faith through the characteristic of perseverance. James suggests that consistent humility in faith requires great perseverance, which then brings about great blessings as well. In 1:2-3 he writes, “Consider it a pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance”(NIV). He also writes in 5:11, “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and merey”(NIV). In times of oppression, turning from riches, or suffering in poverty, by humbling ourselves toward Christ James shows us that in our perseverance God will bless us because of our faith. A persevering, faith shows that we believe and that we love God with everything that we are, Overall, James demonstrates that in oppression, resisting riches, or reveling in poverty, humbling ourselves can lead to perseverance in faith and great blessings from God.