Romans: Lesson 1 of 12

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Lesson 1: Background, Overview and Introduction

Romans 1:1-17, Romans 15:23-33

Introduction to Romans

Romans Summarized:

Because you were condemned in your unrighteousness, God showed mercy on you by sending his son, Jesus Christ, to make you righteous; therefore, live a righteous life in service to him. (Romans 12:1)

Central Theme of Romans: Righteousness

Central Verse in Romans: Romans 12:1

Date of Authorship: approximately 57AD while Paul was in Corinth

Pauline Recipe: Doctrine 1^st; Application 2^nd

Doctrine: Pre-Romans 12:1

Application: Post-Romans 12:1

Paul’s Spiritual Gift to the Romans (Romans 1:1-17, Romans 15:23-33)

Paul’s Life Verse Romans 1:16

Lesson Theme: The gospel is a great gift of which we should not be ashamed.

Lesson Objective: To obtain a proper understanding of the gospel

Paul wanted to visit the Romans to impart on them a spiritual gift (vs 11). Paul’s desires are laid out clearly in Romans 15:23-33. He prays to be able to return to Rome, but realizes that going to Jerusalem will be dangerous and he may be arrested. Absent the ability to go personally to Rome, he gives them this gift (via the book of Romans) – a proper understanding of the righteousness of God.

Romans is all about the gospel…

1. The gospel was promised through the prophets (Romans 3:21; Romans 16:25-26)

Why was it important that the gospel (as we understand it) was promised through the prophets?

Answer: Because the Jews held a prophetic view that the Messiah would be a conquering king to come enforce the law, not a suffering savior that fulfills the law.

2. The gospel declares the humanity and the Deity of Jesus (Romans 1:3-4; John 1:1; and 1:14)

Both the humanity of Jesus and the divinity of Jesus are critical to a proper understanding of the gospel.

Question: Why is Christ’s humanity so important? (1 Corinthans 15:22-23)

Answer: Only a man could pay the penalty for the sins committed by man.

Question: Why is Christ’s divinity so important? (Hebrews 4:15)

Answer: Only God could have lived a sinless life to qualify to pay that penalty.

Thus, Jesus is 100% man; and 100% God.

3. What IS the Gospel? (Romans 1:16-17)

A. Nothing to be ashamed of

1. Both Romans and Jews thought crucifixion was shameful

For Romans, crucifixion was outlawed.

For Jews, crucifixion was a curse. (Deuteronomy 21:22-23)

2. Romans citizens thought slavery was shameful

Roman citizens would never voluntarily consent to being a bondservant, but Paul described himself as a bond-servant (verse 1) – which is a jewish concept of voluntary slavery for life. (Deuteronomy 15:12-16)

Both Romans and Jews were proud. Romans because of their status; Jews because of their religion. Paul wanted the Romans to break free of their prideful mentality and humble themselves before God.

Question: Are you ashamed of the gospel? If so, why?

B. The power of God for Salvation

4-fold Aspects of Salvation (Romans 8:28-30)

1. Called

2. Justified

3. Sanctified

4. Glorified

C. A Righteousness from God

God’s Righteousness

i. Enables us to meet our “legal” obligations

ii. Depends upon his holiness, not ours

D. For Everyone who Believes

James 2:19

4. HOW does the gospel (i.e., salvation) come?

A. By Grace (vs 5)

Question: What is grace?

Answer: Grace is the unmerited favor of God to a sinner who has no hope

B. Through Faith_ (vs 17)

Question: What is faith? (Hebrews 11:1)

Answer: Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen

True belief (faith) results in repentance, acceptance, then obedience

Salvation by grace through faith is a central theme of Paul’s theology (Eph 2:8-9)