Today’s lesson begins a quarterly study on the book of Romans. Though the book is a letter, it is actually a theological treatise. Romans has been called “the profoundest book in existence.” Interestingly, Paul did not found this church, nor had he visited this church prior to writing this letter. The Roman Church was composed of both Jews and Gentiles, but it was most likely predominantly Gentile. There may have been some tension in the church between the two groups. Paul wrote this letter while in Corinth on his third missionary journey. The church lacked apostolic oversight so Paul May have wrote this letter to provide some guidance in the fundamentals of the faith. Romans 1:17 is the key verse of the book: “the just shall live by faith.” The key theme of the book is salvation, the righteousness of God, which when received by faith issues in a holy life. The subject of salvation is not dealt with in such thoroughness in any of his other epistles. The book may be divided into two portions. Chapters 1-11 are theological, i.e. what to believe, and chapters 12-16 are practical, i.e. how to behave.
The scripture being studied today is Romans 1: 1-17. The title is “Paul’s Greeting and Theme.” Paul’s writings are often complex. His style is to use long, extended sentences containing many thoughts. It is helpful to break his sentences into thought units so they can be better understood. The first section is “Meet the Apostle.” vv. 1-7 After Paul’s conversion, the Lord called him to be an apostle. An apostle is one sent by divine authority to preach the gospel. Not only was Paul “called to be an apostle,” but he was also “separated unto the gospel.” The gospel he preached was not a new theology. It was based on the writings of the Old Testament. Remember the scripture “the just shall live by faith,” was first written by Habakkuk, not Paul.
The first seven verses are actually one long sentence. This is very typical of Paul. He moves from one concept to another before reaching his conclusion. In verses 1,2, he informs the readers who he is. In verses 3,4, he describes the gospel he preaches, and in verses 5-7, he lists the recipients of grace. Paul in verses 3,4, he connects the gospel to the Old Testament, “made of the seed of David,” referencing Jesus Christ. His deity is “declared” by His “resurrection from the dead.” As we read this first section, it is appropriate to ask what is your life “separated unto?” Are you like Paul and “separated unto the gospel?” We are to live a separated life to Jesus Christ. Our lives are to be holy. That is our calling. In verse 6, Paul states that the Roman Church was called by Jesus. In verse 7, he states they were called to be saints. As we begin this study of Romans, we are immediately confronted with a writer that is sold out for Jesus Christ. This book is designed to reach the readers, both the original and current, with the truth of the gospel message. We are saved by faith and called to be holy.
The second section is called "Know His Heart." vv. 8-15 Having told the readers who he is and what the gospel is, now he shares with them his personal sentiments. We see his gratitude, his prayer life, and his desires. Paul wants the Romans to know how thankful he is for them and their faith. They have remained faithful even in the midst of living in a very corrupt and sinful city. Paul was a man of prayer. He prayed for the Romans. Prayer is a major part of our Christian lives. It is a part of our service to the Lord. Paul wanted to visit the Roman church. True intercession for others will include a desire to be with the person you are praying for.
Paul had several reasons for wanting to go to Rome. First, he wanted "to impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established." He wanted them strengthened and confirmed in the faith. Second, he desired to go to Rome "to be comforted together with you." It is natural to seek out the fellowship of other believers, not to engage in carnal worldly activities, but to worship the Lord and pray together. The third reason was "that I might have some fruit among you." Paul wanted the Roman church to be on fire for God and they might become established in the faith. The fourth reason was "I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome." Paul was ready to do the Lord's work.
Answer these questions with judgment day honesty:
1. Does the public (my sphere of influence) recognize your faith?
2. Are you consistently praying for fellow Christians in other lands?
3. Do you enjoy giving to other believers?
The third section is "Hear His Message." vv. 16,17 Paul preached Christ crucified. This was a stumbling block to the Jews and they felt it lacked human effort, that is works. The Greeks felt it lacked intellectual depth, in other words it was too simple. The Romans considered Christians to be weak. Yet, Paul gloried himself in the cross and poured his life into spreading the message of salvation and sanctification. Paul was not ashamed because the gospel is “the power of God unto salvation.” The gospel meets man’s most important need, that is deliverance from sin. The gospel reveals the “righteousness of God.” Men try to earn salvation by works and legalism. While works are good, and the obedience to moral laws are to be encouraged, they are the result of salvation not the source of salvation. Verses 16 and 17 are the major theme of the book of Romans. “The just shall live by faith.” The life that is now lived by faith will be led into the experience of heart purity. The gospel is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” That was Paul’s message.
The Golden Text is: “To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father.” 1 Thessalonians 3:13 Paul wanted the Roman believers to be established in the faith. The establishment comes when the old man, that is the carnal heart, is eradicated when the believer is entirely sanctified. The heart becomes motivated by pure love. The one who is filled with love is unblameable in holiness.
My summary points:
1. We are to be separated unto the gospel.
2. Our faith should be recognizable to others.
3. We need to be sanctified wholly to be established in the faith.
Next week: “Christ is Risen.” Mark 16: 1-14.
Don’t forget to read your Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
Contact me if you would like to receive the study materials on the book of Romans. They are free and postpaid.
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