Chapter 3 Discussion Questions Answered
1. “Righteousness” is often misunderstood as simply being morally good. How does N.T. Wright explain the deeper meaning of God’s “righteousness” in this chapter, and why is this distinction important?
Answer: Wright challenges the simplistic view of “righteousness” as mere moral uprightness. He argues it’s far richer and more dynamic, encompassing God’s covenant faithfulness, His active commitment to fulfilling His promises, particularly to Abraham. This involves restorative justice, actively setting things right in the world, like a king rescuing his people. It’s also relational, concerning right relationships between God and humanity, and among humans. This is vital because it avoids the trap of legalism and self-righteousness, revealing God’s character as a loving Father actively pursuing us. It empowers us to participate in His work of reconciliation, not just strive for personal goodness.
2. Wright argues that Paul isn’t against good works in general, but against “works of the law.” What specifically did Paul mean by this phrase, and why was it a stumbling block for both Jews and Gentiles?
Answer: Paul isn’t condemning all good deeds. “Works of the law,” according to Wright, refer to specific Jewish identity markers like circumcision, Sabbath observance, and dietary laws. These practices, while not inherently bad, became problematic when used to boast, exclude Gentiles, and create a hierarchy of righteousness. Jews struggled because it challenged their perceived earned favor with God, while Gentiles faced a barrier to entry into the faith. Paul attacks the notion that we earn God’s grace through our efforts, highlighting that “works of the law” fostered division and obscured the true message of grace through faith in Christ.
3. How does the cross of Jesus Christ demonstrate God’s righteousness, according to Wright? Go beyond the idea of “payment for sins” and explore the broader implications of Christ’s faithfulness.
Answer: Wright emphasizes that the cross transcends a mere “payment for sins” transaction. It showcases God’s covenant faithfulness, as He sacrifices His Son to fulfill His promises. It’s a victory over evil, defeating the powers of sin and death. The cross reveals true love – self-sacrificial, unconditional, and suffering. In Jesus’ death, God identifies with human suffering (solidarity with humanity). It also marks the inauguration of new creation, overcoming sin and death, reconciling humanity to God. Christ’s faithful obedience, even unto death, is central to God’s righteousness. Wright moves beyond penal substitution, focusing on the cross as a revelation of God’s character and a cosmic transformation, intrinsically linked to the resurrection.
4. Why is the inclusion of the Gentiles a crucial aspect of God’s righteousness, and how does it connect to the promises made to Abraham?
Answer: Wright connects God’s righteousness to His faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant, where He promised to bless all nations through Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3). Including the Gentiles fulfills this promise, demonstrating that God’s righteousness transcends ethnic and social boundaries. It’s not a plan B but the culmination of God’s intention from the beginning. This inclusivity reveals God’s righteousness as an expansive love for all who believe, regardless of background.
5. What challenges and opportunities arise when Jews and Gentiles are united in a single “new covenant community”? How does this community reflect God’s righteousness in the world?
Answer: Uniting Jews and Gentiles presented challenges: deep-seated prejudices, power dynamics, different expressions of faith, and social and cultural barriers. However, it also offered opportunities: a powerful witness to the world, enriched understanding of God, mutual support and encouragement, and expanded missional reach. This community reflects God’s righteousness by breaking down walls of hostility, living out God’s inclusive love, and demonstrating the power of the gospel to create a new humanity in Christ. It’s a messy but vital embodiment of God’s plan for redemption.
6. Reflect on a time when you felt excluded or judged by others because of your beliefs or actions. How does Paul’s message about the inclusiveness of God’s righteousness in Christ challenge those feelings and offer a different perspective on your own identity and worth?
Answer: (Based on a hypothetical N.T. Wright response) “I recall facing criticism for my theological views, feeling excluded from certain academic circles. Paul’s message in Romans challenges this by revealing that God’s acceptance isn’t based on conformity or ‘correctness’ but on Christ’s faithfulness, freely given to all who believe. My identity and worth are rooted in God’s grace, not others’ approval. This frees me to engage with differing views humbly, seeking unity in Christ’s love, not uniformity of opinion. True belonging comes from our shared embrace of Christ, inspiring me to extend that same inclusive love to others.”
7. Wright emphasizes that God’s righteousness is not about earning our way into His favor, but about receiving His grace. How does this understanding free you from the pressure to perform and allow you to rest in God’s love?
Answer: (Based on an N.T. Wright perspective) God’s righteousness as a gift, not a standard to meet, liberates us from the pressure to perform. We can release ourselves from legalism, embrace imperfection, and find motivation in love, not fear. We can rest in God’s embrace, knowing our worth isn’t based on performance but on His unwavering grace. This echoes Jesus’ invitation to the marginalized, offering grace and acceptance, and inviting us to find rest in His love.
8. The cross is the ultimate expression of God’s faithfulness and self-giving love. Spend some time meditating on the image of Christ crucified. What emotions and thoughts arise as you contemplate His sacrifice for you?
Answer: (Based on an N.T. Wright perspective) Meditating on the cross evokes grief and sorrow for Jesus’ suffering, gratitude and awe for His immense love, hope and joy in the promise of new life, humility and repentance for our sin, and a deeper love and devotion to Christ. The cross reveals God’s unwavering faithfulness, His self-giving love, and the balance of justice and mercy. It compels us to embrace vulnerability, extend forgiveness, live sacrificially, and share the good news.
9. Imagine yourself as part of the new covenant community described by Wright, where Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ. How does this vision challenge your own prejudices and preconceptions, and inspire you to embrace diversity and build bridges with those who are different from you?
Answer: (Based on an N.T. Wright perspective) This vision challenges us to confront our ingrained prejudices, to set aside assumptions, and to actively listen and learn from those different from us. It’s an opportunity to see the world through new eyes, to discover the richness of God’s creation in its diversity, and to build bridges of understanding and respect. This unified community becomes a powerful witness, demonstrating God’s love transcends all boundaries.
10. Consider how you can embody God’s righteousness in your daily life. What concrete actions can you take to promote justice, extend grace, and share the love of Christ with others?
Answer: (Based on an N.T. Wright perspective) Embodying God’s righteousness means actively participating in His redemptive work. We can promote justice by challenging injustice, seeking fairness in our actions, and supporting organizations working for equality. We extend grace by forgiving others, showing compassion, and giving generously. We share the love of Christ by living authentically, sharing our faith stories, serving others, and building bridges with those who are different. These actions, though varied, all stem from seeing ourselves as agents of God’s transformation in the world.
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
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Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post