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Romans Romans may be the most important letter you will ever read. It is Paul’s masterpiece, the clearest and fullest explanation of the gospel in the Bible. John Calvin said that “if a man understands it, he has a sure road opened for him to the understanding of the whole Scripture.” William Tyndale, the father of English Bible translators, believed that every Christian should learn it by heart. “The more it is studied,” he wrote, “the easier it is; the more it is chewed, the pleasanter it is” (Prologue to Romans in his 1534 English New Testament). But watch out! Those who study Romans are rarely the same afterward. For example, in the summer of A.D. 386 Augustine sat weeping in the garden of his friend Alypius. He wanted to begin a new life but lacked the strength to break with the old. Taking up a scroll of Romans, he read the words, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” “No further would I read,” he tells us, “nor had I any need; instantly at the end of this sentence, a clear light flooded my heart and all the darkness of doubt vanished away.” In 1515 Martin Luther began to teach the book of Romans to his students. He wrote, “Night and day I pondered until…I grasped the truth that the righteousness of God is that righteousness whereby, through grace and sheer mercy, he justifies us by faith. Thereupon I felt myself to be reborn and to have gone through open doors into paradise. The whole scripture took on new meaning, and whereas before the ‘righteousness of God’ had filled me with hate, now it became to me inexpressibly sweet in greater love. This passage in Paul became to me a gateway to heaven.” Two years later he nailed his ninety-five theses on the door of the Castle church in Wittenberg, and the Protestant Reformation began! The evening of May 24, 1738, John Wesley “went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine,” he wrote in his journal, “while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for my salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had taken my sins away, even mine; and saved me from the law of sin and death.” This event in Wesley’s life helped to launch the great Evangelical Revival of the eighteenth century. We need to grasp the message of Romans in our day as well. Many are preaching a gospel which lacks clarity and substance. People are told to “invite Jesus into their heart” or simply to “follow Christ” without understanding the meaning of his death and resurrection. We cannot correct this problem merely by memorizing gospel outlines or canned presentations. We need to immerse ourselves in Scripture through diligent study and thoughtful reflection. Only when the gospel grips us as it did Augustine, Luther and Wesley, will we realize why “it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16). Romans is different from most of Paul’s other letters. He did not found the church in Rome; in fact, he had never even been there. It has been suggested that the church in Rome was founded by some of those who were present on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10). However, Paul had met some of the Christians in Rome, such as Priscilla and Aquila (Rom 16), during his missionary journeys to other cities. Other letters were written to address specific problems within the churches. Romans seems relatively free of problems. Their only major “problem” was that they had never met the apostle. Therefore, he felt a need to fully explain to them in a letter what he normally would have said in person. Paul probably wrote Romans between A.D. 57–58 while he was at Corinth in the home of his friend and convert Gaius. He planned to go first to Jerusalem to deliver a gift of money from the gentile churches to the poor in Jerusalem. Then he hoped to visit Rome on his way to Spain. His hopes were later realized, but not as he had expected. When he finally arrived in Rome in early A.D. 60, he was a prisoner under house arrest (Acts 28:11–31).
1. Based upon the preceding text, what do you hope to gain from this study of Romans? Be as specific as possible.
What do you need to bring to this study to see that all can get the most from it?
What has hindered you in Bible studies in the past?
2. Look at the introductory material in your Bible over the book of Romans. What was the main purpose of Paul’s writing this epistle?
How was Paul’s relationship with the church in Rome different than his relationship with the church in Corinth or Ephesus?
3. Suppose that you won the Publisher’s Clearinghouse sweepstakes or that your first child had just been born. What would you do?
It is only natural for us to want to share such good news with others, even strangers. How excited are you to share the good news of Jesus Christ?
Romans 1
1. Paul begins this epistle by introducing himself. From these opening verses, the church will form her first impressions about Paul. In verse 1, how does Paul introduce himself?
Why do you think the first thing Paul says about himself is that he is a servant or bondservant of Christ Jesus?
Jesus said that we were no longer slaves but fellow heirs with him. Why, then, does Paul refer to himself as a servant of Jesus? (See Ex 21: 2-6)
What does it mean to you for Paul to be called an apostle? How do we know Paul is not lifting himself by using this title?
What does it mean to you that Paul was “set apart” for the gospel of God? Set apart from what?
In what way or ways are you being set apart for the gospel of God?
Suppose God chose to send you to another body of believers and you were to write them a letter first. How would you introduce yourself to them? What would be the first line of your letter?
2. Beginning in verse 2, Paul introduces this gospel for which he has been set apart. What does Paul say about this gospel in verse 2?
Paul said that God promised this gospel before or beforehand? What does this mean? Promised before what?
How did God reveal this gospel? (What is meant by the Holy Scriptures?)
Paul was speaking to a “New Testament” church, and he refers to the prophets in the Holy Scriptures. Does this statement still hold significance for us? Please explain.
Can you point out any of these scriptures from the prophets that tell of Jesus Christ?
3. Verse 3 gives more information about the gospel that God promised before hand and the gospel that Paul is preaching. Paul says this gospel is about God’s Son. In verses 3-4, what does Paul reveal about God’s Son?
What does it mean to you that Jesus was a descendant of David and the Son of God?
These verses speak to the dual nature of Jesus. Why is this such an important aspect of the gospel that Paul puts it at the beginning of this letter?
4. Read verse 4 very carefully. Paul says that Jesus was declared God’s Son through the Spirit of holiness, with power, and by His resurrection from the dead. This is the gospel in a single sentence. Explain what each of these means to you and why each is important.
What does it mean to you that Jesus was declared the Son of God by his resurrection?
What is the danger of leaving any one of these truths about Jesus out of our presentation of the gospel?
Has the church been faithful to present this gospel of God’s Son to the world? Please explain.
5. In verse 4 Paul refers to God’s Son as Jesus Christ our Lord. Let us look closely at each part of this name. What is the significance of “Jesus”?
Of “Christ”?
Of “Lord”?
What does it mean to you to call the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord?
6. In verse 5 Paul adds a little more to his own introduction. Paul tells us that he received what from Jesus?
What is grace to you?
What was the purpose of Paul’s apostleship?
We also learn another key truth about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to do more than see people saved. Paul said he was to call people from the Gentiles to a life of obedience that comes through faith. What does this mean to you?
According to this verse, to what type of life are we to call people?
How are we to do this?
How does this relate to James’ statement that faith without works is dead?
Compare verse 5 to Acts 26:20.
7. Then in verse 6 Paul states that the Roman believers are among those called to belong to Jesus Christ. We can say the same thing about all of us. What does it mean to you that you belong to Jesus Christ?
What privileges does this entail for us?
What responsibilities does this hold for us? 8. Verses 1-6 contain Paul’s introduction to the church in Rome. Based on these verses alone, what opinion would you draw about this man?
9. Paul is finished with his introduction and addresses the Roman believers directly in verse 7. How does Paul address them?
What does it mean when Paul says “grace and peace to you”?
What is the significance of Paul’s saying “from God our Father” instead of “from God my Father”?
What is the significance of Paul’s saying “the Lord Jesus Christ” instead of “our Lord Jesus Christ”?
What does it mean to you that you are called to be a saint?
How has this word been misused by the church?
10. Read vv. 8-10. This part of Paul’s letter is actually a prayer and blessing. If you were a member of the church in Rome, how would these verses make you feel?
How could Paul say these things about people he had never met and mean it?
11. In verse 8 what is the first thing for which Paul thanks God through Jesus Christ?
What do you think Paul meant when he said their faith is being reported all over the world? How can faith be reported?
Is the faith of our church being reported around town? Please explain.
People are always watching us, especially because we say we are Christians. For what are they looking?
Read Eph 2:10 and Matt 5:16. What do these verses mean to you?
12. What is the significance of Paul’s statement that he thanks God through Jesus Christ?
What does this say about our relationship with God?
13. In verses 9-10 Paul says that God is his witness concerning his prayers. Why would Paul say this?
Do we have a tendency to say we will pray about something or for someone only to forget after a time? If so, how would remembering that God is our witness help us?
About what two things did Paul pray concerning the church in Rome?
How did God answer Paul’s repeated prayers that he be allowed to visit Rome?
How important was prayer to Paul? Please explain.
What can we learn about praying for others and for other churches?
14. Paul also tells us that he serves God with his whole heart in preaching the gospel of His Son. What does this mean to you?
How is this a reflection of the greatest commandment?
How is this related to Paul’s opening statement that he was a bondservant of Jesus Christ? Please share a time when you felt compelled to share the gospel.
15. Read carefully verses 11-13. Paul gives three main reasons why he wants to visit the church in Rome. What are they?
What do you think about these reasons?
16. Paul states one of his reasons for wanting to visit the church in Rome in verses 11-12. What spiritual gift do you think Paul wants to impart?
What does it mean to impart a spiritual gift?
Are you more conscious of receiving spiritual gifts or imparting them? Please explain. Explain why both are important.
Are you aware that you have spiritual gifts to impart to others? Please explain.
17. The church in Rome has been established and apparently successful. How would Paul’s impartation help them? (See v. 11)
In verse 12 Paul states that he hopes they will be mutually encouraged by his visit. What does this mean to you?
Can you remember a time when you ministered to someone and in turn were encouraged? Please share the experience that you might encourage someone else.
What does this teach us about the body of Christ?
18. In verse 13 Paul states that he planned many times to come to them but was prevented from doing so. Who or what do you think prevented him?
Read Prov. 16:9 and 19:21. How do these verses apply to Paul’s statement?
What meaning do they hold for us? (Do these verses mean that we are not to plan anything?)
19. Paul also states in verse 13 that he wants to visit Rome so that he might have a harvest or some fruit among them. What does Paul mean?
Is this a selfish motive? Please explain.
Are we to have the same mindset as Paul? If so, what should we be doing?
Again, how is Paul’s desire related to his being a bondservant and steward of Jesus?
20. In verse 14 Paul states that he feels obligated or indebted to Greeks and non-Greeks (or barbarians). What does Paul mean?
Why is he obligated?
Are we to feel the same obligation? Please explain.
What does Paul mean when he mentions Greeks and non-Greeks or barbarians?
21. This obligation did not weigh Paul down. Instead, in verse 15 he states that he is ready, even eager, to preach the gospel. How do you explain this eagerness?
Do you feel an eagerness to share the gospel? Please explain.
What are some of the ways in which we can share the gospel?
Paul has been preaching the gospel for many years; yet, he is still eager to share the good news about Jesus Christ. How can we ensure that our eagerness does not diminish or grow cold?
22. Read very carefully verses 16-17. Many commentaries say these verses contain the theme of Romans. Paul begins these verses by stating that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Why do you think Paul began this section with this statement?
What do you think it means to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ?
Also notice that Paul clearly identifies the gospel he is preaching. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Why might some be ashamed of the gospel of Christ?
What other gospels are there?
Without bringing any condemnation on anyone, can you remember a time when you were “ashamed” to share the gospel of Christ?
What can we do to see that we are not ashamed of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
Think of what this statement means: not to be ashamed of the gospel. How might such a person appear to the world and why might this bring that person persecution?
Can you think of someone you have met or seen or heard who, like Paul, is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ?
Why does it take courage and boldness to share the gospel?
23. Why was Paul not ashamed of the gospel?
What does it mean to you that the gospel of Christ is the power of God?
Now we come to Paul’s central theme. The gospel of Christ is the power of God for salvation. What does it mean to you to be saved?
Why does it take the power of God to save us?
When have you witnessed this power of God? If so, please be willing to share without mentioning other people’s names.
For whom is this message intended? What part do we play?
Think of some of the opportunities we face today in bringing the gospel of Christ to all those around us. How can remembering that the gospel of Christ is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes both help and challenge us?
Why do think Paul mentions the gospel of Christ instead of the gospel? What significance does this hold for us?
24. Why do you believe Paul stated that the gospel of Christ was for the Jew first and then for the Greek or Gentile?
What does it mean that there is only one gospel for all people, Jew and Gentile alike?
25. In verse 17 Paul talks about another aspect of the gospel. He says that the gospel reveals a righteousness from God. What does it mean to you that the gospel reveals this righteousness from God?
How would you define this righteousness from God?
What is the relationship between salvation and this righteousness from God?
What does it mean to you that this righteousness is from faith to faith or from faith from first to last? What is faith to you?
Next, Paul states that the righteous or just will live by faith. (See Hab. 2:4) What does this mean to you?
26. In your own words, restate verses 16 & 17.
27. Paul now moves from the revelation of God’s righteousness to the revelation of God’s wrath. What is God’s wrath?
How is it revealed? In other words, what form might God’s wrath take?
God’s wrath is being revealed against whom or what?
What does it mean to you that someone suppresses the truth?
How are people today suppressing the truth by their wickedness or unrighteousness?
28. Read verses 19 & 20. Paul states that the truth is plain to these people. What does he mean that the truth is plain?
How has God made this truth plain to all of us? Give some examples.
What implication does this hold for us? Is Paul saying that all we need is nature and not the gospel? Please explain.
29. Verse 20 talks about God’s invisible qualities. Paul says that since the beginning of creation these qualities have been clearly seen. What are some of these invisible qualities?
How have these invisible qualities been made clearly visible?
Paul says that we are without excuse? What does he mean and why are we without excuse?
If these invisible qualities are clearly seen, why do some not “see” them? How do they explain these qualities?
Creation is meant to reveal God; it is not meant to be worshipped. What should be our responsibility to nature?
30. Read verse 21. What do you think it means that these people “knew” God?
How would you define God’s wrath?
This verse lists two actions that can bring down the wrath of God. What are they?
What are the results of these actions?
Can you see evidence of these results in our world? Please explain.
31. Verse 22 states that these people professed or claimed to be wise when in truth they were fools. What is a fool according to the scriptures?
How can people believe they are wise when they are not?
Give some examples of those who profess their wisdom or truth when they are actually fools.
32. According to verse 23, what is the major result of foolish people who think they are wise?
Can you give some examples of idolatry in today’s world?
Why would this action bring about the wrath of God?
33. Notice the progression in these verses. First, men knew God but did not glorify Him or thank Him. Then, they exchanged God’s truth for their wisdom. Finally, they exchanged the glory of God for idols. As a result, verse 24 says that God gave them up or gave them over. What do you believe this means?
When God gave them up, what took control of their lives?
Is this consequence still applicable to us today?
How would you respond to people who say God is being cruel for giving up people?
34. Verse 25 states that these people exchanged the truth of God for a lie. What is the truth they exchanged?
What is the lie they received in exchange for the truth?
How does this exchange of the truth for a lie affect our worship?
Can you think of examples where man worships the creation instead of the Creator?
Paul ends this verse by saying the Creator is to be praised or blessed forever. Why do you think Paul inserted this statement at this point? What does it mean to you to praise or bless God?
35. Read verses 26 and 27. These verses state a further consequence of not glorifying God and exchanging the truth for a lie. Without going into detail, what are the shameful lusts to which these verses refer?
Why do you believe Paul specifically mentions women and men?
Read Lev. 18:22. How does your Bible read?
Why do you believe Paul specifically mentions this sin in detail?
Based on these verses, how do you explain that some churches are teaching that homosexuality is not a sin but a lifestyle?
36. Read verse 28. What happens to a person when he or she chooses not to retain the knowledge of God?
What is a depraved or reprobate mind?
When God turns these people over to a depraved mind, these people do things that they should not. What are some of these things? (See verses 29-31)
Look carefully at this list of sins. What do you notice about this list?
How has our world justified these sins such that they become acceptable?
37. According to verse 32, these people know the result of their actions is what?
If they have rejected the knowledge of God, how can they know this?
Not only do they continue to sin, Paul says they approve of or find pleasure in those who practice them. What does this mean to you?
Can you give examples of people who find pleasure in the practice of such sins?
38. Once again we see a progression into depravity. It begins with a knowledge of God that is rejected. Then we see people replace that knowledge with their own understanding. As they do this, they sink into sin against themselves. Left unchecked, this sin then turns against others. Based upon Paul’s statement that these people knew God yet rejected Him, what conclusions can you draw from this progression?
Why do you believe Paul is so specific about sin and its consequences so early in this letter to the Romans?
Is the church today this “blunt” or bold about sin and its consequences? Please explain your answer.
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