I. Introduction and Theme (Romans 1:1-17)
The book of Romans is a masterpiece of theology and a cornerstone of the Christian faith. At the beginning of this epistle, the Apostle Paul introduces himself and his mission. In just five short verses, we learn a great deal about his place in life, his story in life, and his purpose in life.
A. Concerning Paul (Romans 1:1-5)
1. His place in life: servant & apostle (Romans1:1)
Concerning Paul’s Place in life he identifies himself as both a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ. The word “servant” can also be translated as “slave,” indicating that Paul was entirely devoted to the Lord and committed to serving Him with his life. The title “apostle” indicates that Paul was chosen and sent out by Christ to spread the Gospel message and establish churches.
2. His story in life: the gospel of Christ (Romans1:2-4)
Next, concerning Paul’s story in life, he emphasizes the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus came into the world to save sinners and offer them eternal life through faith in Him. Paul himself experienced this transformation, as he was formerly a persecutor of Christians until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. From that point on, his life was dedicated to sharing the Gospel with others.
3. His purpose in life: to produce obedience based on faith (Romans 1:5)
Finally, concerning Paul’s purpose in life, he states that he is eager to produce obedience based on faith. This is a key theme throughout the book of Romans, as Paul argues that salvation is by faith alone and not by works. However, true faith always produces good works and obedience to God’s commands. Paul’s goal in preaching the Gospel was not just to convert people but to see them transformed and living in obedience to Christ.
B. Concerning The Romans (Romans 1:6-15)
1. Paul’s description of them (Romans 1:6-7)
Paul gives a description of the Roman Christians in Romans 1:16-17. He says that he is not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. He then emphasizes that the righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel, and it is received by faith. This statement reveals that the Roman Christians had embraced the Gospel message and believed in Christ.
2. Paul’s report of them (Romans 1:8)
Paul reports on the Roman Christians’ reputation in Romans 1:8. He says that their faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world, indicating that their witness had reached far beyond Rome. Their testimony had become known to others, and this would have encouraged other Christians who were facing persecution or hardship.
3. Paul’s deep desire to visit them (Romans 1:9-10)
Paul expresses his deep desire to visit the Roman Christians in Romans 1:9-10. He says that he prays for them continually and asks God to make a way for him to come to them. This shows that Paul had a personal relationship with the Roman Christians and cared deeply for them.
4.Paul’s reason and eagerness to visit them (Romans 1:11-15)
Paul explains his reason and eagerness to visit the Roman Christians in Romans 1:11-15. He says that he wants to impart some spiritual gift to them so that they may be strengthened. He also desires to be encouraged by their faith and to preach the Gospel to them. Moreover, he had a broader mission of taking the Gospel message to the Gentiles, and Rome was a strategic location for this purpose.
C. Concerning the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17)
In the opening verses of the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul introduces the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the centerpiece of his message. In Romans 1:16-17, he summarizes the Gospel’s character and content, highlighting its respectability, nature, aim, scope, and content.
1. Concerning the Gospel’s respectability
Paul affirms that it is nothing to be ashamed of. In a world that often despises and rejects the Gospel message, Paul proudly proclaims that the Gospel is a respectable message. It is a message of truth and hope that offers salvation to all who believe in it. (Romans 1:16a)
2. concerning the Gospel’s nature
Paul states that it is the power of God. The Gospel message is not just another set of religious beliefs or philosophical ideas. It is a message that carries the power of God, transforming the hearts and lives of those who believe in it. The power of the Gospel is seen in the lives of believers who have been transformed by its message. (Romans 1:16b)
3. Concerning the Gospel’s aim
Paul declares that it is for salvation. The Gospel is not a message of condemnation or judgment, but one of salvation. It offers hope to all who believe in it, a hope that transcends this world and leads to eternal life. (Romans 1:16c)
4. Concerning the Gospel’s scope
Paul declares that it is for everyone who believes. The Gospel message is not just for a select few but is available to all who put their faith in Christ. It is a message that transcends race, ethnicity, and social status, offering salvation to all who believe. (Romans 1:16d)
5. Concerning the Gospel’s content
Paul states that it is the revelation of God’s righteousness through faith. The Gospel message reveals God’s righteousness, which is received by faith alone. The Gospel message is not about our own righteousness or good works, but about the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to us by faith. (Romans 1:17)
II. The Gentiles’ Need of Salvation (Romans 1:18-32)
A. Wicked Man Dishonoring God (Romans 1:18-23)
The Apostle Paul, in the book of Romans, describes the downward spiral of humanity in their rejection of God. In Romans 1:18-23, he describes the wickedness of those who dishonor God and refuse to acknowledge His existence. This passage highlights the ways in which the wicked man stifles God’s revealed truth, despises the testimony of nature, becomes ungrateful and foolish, and ultimately gives himself over to idolatry.
1. The wicked man stifles God’s revealed truth
In Romans 1:18-19, Paul says that the wrath of God is revealed against those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. God has revealed His truth through creation, conscience, and the Scriptures, but the wicked man suppresses it, preferring to believe lies and live in sin.
2. The wicked man despises the testimony of nature
In Romans 1:20, Paul declares that God’s invisible attributes are clearly seen in nature, but the wicked man refuses to acknowledge them. Despite the obvious evidence of God’s power and wisdom in creation, the wicked man chooses to reject it and worship the creation instead of the Creator.
3. The wicked man becomes ungrateful and foolish
In Romans 1:21-22, Paul describes the wicked man as failing to give thanks to God and becoming futile in their thinking. The wicked man’s heart becomes darkened, and he becomes foolish, claiming to be wise but in reality, becoming a fool.
4. The wicked man gives himself over to idolatry
In Romans 1:23, Paul says that the wicked man exchanges the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man, birds, animals, and reptiles. The wicked man has rejected God and turned to idols, worshipping created things instead of the Creator.
B. Holy God “Giving Up” On Wicked Man (Romans 1:24-32)
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans describes the downward spiral of humanity’s rebellion against God. In Romans 1:24-32, Paul explains how God “gives up” on the wicked man and allows him to follow the path of his own sinful desires. This passage highlights three ways in which God “gives up” on the wicked man – by giving him up to disgusting uncleanness, to lesbianism and homosexuality, and to debased minds and all unrighteousness.
1. God gives the wicked man up to disgusting uncleanness
In Romans 1:24-25, Paul says that God gives the wicked man up to the lusts of his own heart, to impurity, and to the dishonoring of his own body. The wicked man chooses to indulge in his own sinful desires, rejecting God’s standard of holiness and decency.
2. God gives the wicked man up to lesbianism and homosexuality
Paul recounts in Romans 1:26-27 how God gives the wicked man over to dishonorable desires, substituting natural relationships for those that are counter to nature. This includes same-sex relationships, which God considers to be an abomination.
3. God gives the wicked man up to debased minds and all unrighteousness
In Romans 1:28-32, Paul says that God gives the wicked man up to a debased mind, to do what ought not to be done. Unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, and gossip characterize the wicked man. It is important to note that God’s “giving up” on the wicked man does not mean that God stops loving him or that the wicked man is beyond redemption. Rather, it means that God allows the wicked man to experience the consequences of his own sin and rebellion. God’s love for the wicked man remains, and He offers him a way of escape through faith in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Romans chapter one presents a clear picture of humanity’s rebellion against God and the consequences of our sin. We see how God has revealed Himself through nature and how He has made known His righteous standard. Yet, despite this revelation, we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.
However, in the midst of our rebellion, we see the beauty and power of the gospel. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, offering a way out of our sin and rebellion. We see that the righteousness of God is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life and died on the cross for our sins.
As we reflect on Romans chapter one, we are reminded of our desperate need for a Savior and the amazing grace that has been offered to us through Jesus Christ. May we turn to Him in faith and repentance, acknowledging our sin and our need for His saving grace. And may we strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him, walking in obedience and gratitude for all that He has done for us.
