Put the story line in order
1) Yet some say this is just political!
2) With pressure mounting globally, this is not an issue that is likely to go away
3) Perhaps Al Gore being involved doesn’t help!
4) Does CO2 cause global warming?
5) Ice core sampling seems to say that it is
6) When all is said however, one thing is clear:
7) The subject before us today is a serious one:
In order
7) The subject before us today is a serious one:
4) Does CO2 cause global warming?
5) Ice core sampling seems to say that it is
1) Yet some say this is just political!
3) Perhaps Al Gore being involved doesn’t help!
6) When all is said however, one thing is clear:
2) With pressure mounting globally, this is not an issue that is likely to go away
RHETORICA AD HERENNIUM -STRUCTURE (Romans 1:16-17)
1) Introduction
2) Proof
3) Refutation
4) Conclusion
a. Summary
b. Indignation
c. Appeal
d. (+ Example from the past)
Introduction and Proof
The gospel is more honorable, how so?
It brings in God’s righteousness here & now
- salvation to every believer, and
- wrath to every unbeliever.
PROOF#1: as it is written, “He who from faith is righteous shall live.” (Rom 1:17)
PROOF#2: The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. (Rom 1:18ff)
One way to proof is to quote an “authoritative” document. Paul does this in Romans 1:17. The second proof though is the other side of verse 17. The wrath! The wrath of God is being revealed NOW. That’s the other reason the Gospel is righteous and honorable.
Thus, that is Paul’s proof that his position is correct. Next we would expect Paul to refute his opponent’s argument.
Refutation
- Imitating a debate with an opponent. Why? Because it fits the Rhetorical structure noted above for the next step of “refutation.”
- The gospel is more honorable, how so? It honors God by bringing his righteousness, (OPPOSITE). Paul shows that his opponent’s position fails to bring the righteousness of God that has been promised. Paul’s position does bring it to the here and now.
- (3:1-20 – answering the opponents complaints)
The two parts that are expected in a refutation are found in Romans 2 and Romans 3. Showing that your position is better than your opponents and then answering their objections
Conclusion
Romans 3:21-5:21.
This is Paul’s conclusion:
Romans 3:21-26: the Summary
Romans 3:27-31: the Indignation
Romans 5:1-11: the Appeal
Romans 4:1-25 & 5:12-21: the Examples from the Past
Interesting to note that the Appeal is found between the two examples.
Also, Romans 5:1 should be translated “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, LET US HAVE peace with God.” This fits perfectly with the rhetorical argumentation because he is APPEALING to his audience at this point in Romans 1-5.
Some things to learn:
1) Paul’s argument in Romans 2 is driven by the Jew’s own emphasis.
2) There is a Biblical basis for us to produce well structured talks.
3) Christians need the gospel afresh, and to be urged afresh towards it!
4) Paul’s argument here is very legal.
