Romans 1:16-17> “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.'”(Romans 1:16-17 ESV)
The book of Romans stands as one of the most profound works in the New Testament, offering deep insights into the heart of the gospel and the character of God. Penned by the Apostle Paul, this letter to the church in Rome was intended both as an introduction of himself to a church he had not yet visited and a thorough exposition of the gospel message. Within its pages, Paul systematically addresses humanity’s need for salvation, the power of God’s grace, and the transformation that life in Christ brings.
The Purpose and Context of Romans
Romans was written around AD 57, during Paul’s third missionary journey, likely from Corinth. At this time, Paul was preparing to travel to Jerusalem to deliver a gift to the believers there. He hoped to follow this visit by journeying to Rome and, ultimately, to Spain (Romans 15:23-24). Paul was aware of the diverse and complex community within the Roman church, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, each bringing their backgrounds and understandings to the faith. This diversity posed challenges, particularly around the role of the Mosaic Law and how the gospel bridged these two groups.
The Dominant Themes of Romans
Romans centers on several key themes that resonate deeply with both the Old and New Testament. Throughout the letter, Paul weaves Old Testament teachings into his gospel message, creating a bridge between the covenants and pointing to Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises. Let’s look at these themes with some guiding questions and key verses:
- The Righteousness of God
Question: How can a holy God reconcile sinful humanity to Himself?
Key Verse: Romans 1:16-17 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” - Sin and the Human Condition
Question: Why is humanity in need of salvation, and what is the true nature of sin?
Key Verse: Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” - Justification by Faith
Question: If salvation isn’t earned, how can we be made right with God?
Key Verse: Romans 4:3 – “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’” - The Role of the Law
Question: If the Law cannot save, what purpose does it serve in God’s plan?
Key Verse: Romans 7:7 – “What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin.” - Life in the Spirit
Question: How does the Holy Spirit transform us, and what does it mean to live in freedom from sin?
Key Verse: Romans 8:1-2 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” - God’s Sovereignty and Israel’s Place in Redemption
Question: What is Israel’s role in God’s redemptive plan, and how does it relate to Gentile believers?
Key Verse: Romans 11:26-27 – “And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob’; ‘and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’” - Christian Living and Community
Question: What does it mean to live out the gospel practically, especially in a diverse community of believers?
Key Verse: Romans 12:1-2 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God… Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
Romans’ Relevance for Today
Romans is more than a theological treatise; it is a call to live out the gospel with conviction, unity, and love. Its message challenges believers today to understand the depth of God’s grace, to embrace the power of life in the Spirit, and to pursue peace and unity in the body of Christ. As we embark on a study of Romans, we will uncover the profound truths that Paul laid out and consider their implications for our lives today. From the assurance of salvation to the call for transformation, Romans speaks to every believer seeking to live out a faith grounded in God’s righteousness and empowered by His Spirit.
Our prayer is that each person who reads and studies with us will be saved by the grace that is available from Jesus our Lord and that you will have great confidence in the day of judgement. “By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.”(1 John 4:17 ESV) May God bless you all. B