Recap pf the book of Romans.
Background of the Book of Romans
The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul in approximately 57-58 C.E. as a letter to the church in Rome. Paul probably wrote Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:2–3). Rome was the epicentre of the powerful Roman Empire, ruling over many of the great ancient centres of Western civilization. Paul wrote Romans to unite the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome in the gospel. He also wanted the church in Rome to become the base of operations from which he could proclaim the gospel in Spain (15:22–24).
Three key lessons from the book of Romans; Chapters 1-16.
1. Argument for salvation
2. Righteousness by faith not works
3. Living the new life.
1. Argument for salvation
I want to preach it because I’m not ashamed of the good news. It is God’s power to save everyone who believes. It is meant first for the Jews. It is meant also for the Gentiles. Romans 1: 16
He points out that the gospel is the solution to man’s woes.
Romans 2:11
God treats everyone the same.
Do not think you are better based on your works or race as a Jew. You must meet God’s standard! We are not qualified before God because your parents are pastors, you are educated, handsome, beautiful or a Muslim.
Romans 3: 23 Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory. 24 The free gift of God’s grace makes us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price to set us free.
Non of us qualify before God in ourselves but by Jesus Christ
Question 1
• Is there a difference between morality and righteousness?
• Can you be righteous by your own standards?
2. Righteousness by faith not works. Chapters 4-6
We are made righteous by our faith- believing in what Jesus has done for us not our effort, achievement or status.
All God expects of us is to accept what He has done for us by believing in Jesus as our salvation from sin to receive the gift of righteousness.
Romans 4: 4 When a person works, their pay is not considered a gift. It is owed to them. 5 But things are different with God. He makes ungodly people right with himself. If people trust in him, their faith is accepted even though they do not work. Their faith makes them right with God.
Romans 5: 1 We have been made right with God because of our faith. Now we have peace with him because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through faith in Jesus we have received God’s grace. In that grace we stand. We are full of joy because we expect to share in God’s glory.
By faith in Jesus, we are baptised; a symbol of our identity with Jesus himself! The father loves us so much that he makes us “as righteous” as Jesus!
Romans 6:3 All of us were baptized into Christ Jesus. Don’t you know that we were baptized into his death? 4 By being baptized, we were buried with Christ into his death. Christ has been raised from the dead by the Father’s glory. And like Christ we also can live a new life.
Question 2
Why does God wants us to believe in the work of Jesus for us in order to make us righteous?
3. Living the new life. Chapter 7-15
He challenges us to live the new life in Christ. By faith in Christ Jesus, we receive the new life that makes us victorious in this world and gives us a unique relationship with God.
Romans 8:1 Those who belong to Christ Jesus are no longer under God’s judgment. 2 Because of what Christ Jesus has done, you are free. You are now controlled by the law of the Holy Spirit who gives you life. The law of the Spirit frees you from the law of sin that brings death.
God has gone out of His way to make us righteous with Him so we can have this new life! We didn’t have to be Jews, or by any special ability.
Romans 9:3 What if he put up with them to show the riches of his glory to other people? Those other people are the ones he shows his mercy to. He made them to receive his glory. 24 We are those people. He has chosen us. We do not come only from the Jewish race. Many of us are not Jews. 25 God says in Hosea,
“I will call those who are not my people ‘my people.’
I will call the one who is not my loved one ‘my loved one.’ ” (Hosea 2:23)
This new life is for everyone who will believe in Jesus!
Romans 10:11 Scripture says, “The one who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12There is no difference between those who are Jews and those who are not. The same Lord is Lord of all. He richly blesses everyone who calls on him. 13 Scripture says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
God did not placed the Jews above us although He also loves them; His goal is to draw all men to Himself.
Romans 11: 35“Has anyone ever given anything to God,
so that God has to pay them back?” (Job 41:11)
Romans 11:36 All things come from him.
All things are directed by him.
All things are for his praise.
May God be given the glory forever! Amen
This new life comes with new abilities or gifts;
Romans 12: 6 We all have gifts. They differ according to the grace God has given to each of us. Do you have the gift of prophecy? Then use it according to the faith you have. 7 If your gift is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach. 8 Is it encouraging others? Then encourage them. Is it giving to others? Then give freely. Is it being a leader? Then work hard at it. Is it showing mercy? Then do it cheerfully.
The ultimate of this new life is love; experiencing the love of God so we can walk in love.
Romans 13:10 Love does not harm its neighbour. So love does everything the law requires.
Romans 14:13 Let us stop judging one another. Instead, decide not to put anything in the way of a brother or sister. Don’t put anything in their way that would make them trip and fall.
Romans 15: 1 We who have strong faith should help the weak with their problems. We should not please only ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbours. Let us do what is good for them in order to build them up.
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We must live this new life of love.
Question 3
How can we grow in love individually and as a church?
Conclusion
Romans 16: 25 May God receive glory. He is able to strengthen your faith. He does this in keeping with the good news and the message I preach. It is the message about Jesus Christ. This message is in keeping with the mystery hidden for a very long time. 26 The mystery has now been made known through the writings of the prophets. The eternal God commanded that it be made known. God wanted all the Gentiles to obey him by trusting in him. 27 May the only wise God receive glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen.
God keeps our faith growing in this “New Life” as we keep hearing the gospel.
25 May God receive glory. He is able to strengthen your faith. He does this in keeping with the good news and the message I preach. It is the message about Jesus Christ.
God want all people to know him. We can become labours for God in fulfilling this goal! It is a command from Him!
26 The mystery has now been made known through the writings of the prophets. The eternal God commanded that it be made known. God wanted all the Gentiles to obey him by trusting in him.
