Introduction To Romans
Romans 1
This week we are starting a study through the book of Romans. This study will take us some time as we will not be in a hurry to finish it and may take breaks as the Spirit directs. There are several thoughts we must keep in our minds as we work through Romans.
First, Paul the apostle wrote Romans while he was at Corinth around the year 54 A.D. Next, he wrote it to the Christians in Rome, verse 7, and to the church in general according to 16:5. In addition, the purpose of the book is to declare man’s sinfulness and to show forth God’s righteousness.
There are three key thoughts that we need to keep in mind. First, the key verses are 1:16-19, the key chapters are 6-9, and the key word is righteousness. Just like a well written symphony has a main melodic line woven throughout the song, so does Romans have righteousness throughout the entire book.
In verse number one Paul starts off by giving the Romans his credentials. He first states that he is a servant of God. We too should be servants of God but most have a hard time with surrendering to His will. We, like Paul have been born into this world as sinners being a servant of Satan Ps. 51:5, Eph. 2:3. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. However, we can become new creatures II Cor. 5:17. Most of the time, though, we do not crucify ourselves Matt. 16:24 and we try to serve two masters which is impossible Matt. 6:2.
Paul also tells us that he was called to be an apostle. Acts 26 gives us a look at Paul’s conversion and we are told that Christ tells him that he will be a minister to the gentiles. We are also given a mission by God in the Great Commission. I Peter 2 also tells us that we have a work to do. If you have repented and received Christ’s forgiveness, you have been given a specific work and we must be obedient.
Lastly, Paul tells us that he was sanctified to the gospel. Everywhere Paul went, he preached the gospel. Reaching people is at the heart of Christ. What is at your heart?