Romans Sermon Series/Bible Study
Romans 1:1 – 3:31 July 19, 2009
For the next seven or so Sundays, we are doing a Sermon Series/Bible Study during English worship at Meito Christ International Church. Our attendance is lower during the summer as many of our worship attendees travel. During the time when typically there would be a sermon, we look at particular verses and ask questions of each other. These are my notes in outline form. The quotes from the Bible are from the New International Version (NIV).
Introduction:
“Paul was on fire to preach the good news of the gracious lordship of God expressed in Jesus Christ, and nowhere more so than in Romans.” Paul Achtemeier, Interpretation: Romans, John Knox Press, Atlanta, 1985. p.1
This was a a letter to the political, military and economic capital of Paul’s world.
The letter to the Roman church is for
practicing
Christians and not intended as an introduction into the Christian faith.
The theme of Romans: 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Romans is a letter from Paul…. Period. No other author is mentioned.
Some initial personal questions with some possible answers:
1. Is there more than one church in Rome? A strong possibility.
16:5 “Greet also the church that meets at their house.”
2. When was the letter written? Consensus possibly 55-58 AD
3. Where? Probably in Greece; possibly Corinth
15: 25-26 “Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.”
4. What did Paul know about the church in Rome? He possibly knew some people:
16: 5 “My dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.”
5. Who began the church/how did it begin? It was not Paul. I think it may have been people like us at Meito Christ International Church – expats (come to Rome to work) and travelers. What about Romans who had lived in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus – Cornelius or other roman soldiers?
1: 10 “I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.”
Chapter 1:
Custom of the day begins by extending greetings and offering thanks.
Concerning Paul vss.1-5 Vs. 1
Concerning Romans vss.6-15 Vs. 8
Concerning the Gospel vss.16-17 Vs. 16
The Need for Salvation vss.18-32 Vs. 23
Chapter 2
Having depicted the world in Chapter 1 18:32, Paul addresses comments to those who pass judgment on others — ironic considering what he had just written in vs. 18-32. Or maybe that is the point!
Gentiles need for Salvation vss.1-16 Vs. 1
Jews need for Salvation vss.17-29 Vs. 17
Chapter 3
As Paul continues to demonstrate the Jewish need for salvation, he proceeds to answer questions that Paul envisions protesting Jews might ask.
Jewish Advantage vs.1-2
Answers to possible objections vss.3-8
However all under sin vss.9-20
God’s righteousness revealed vss.21-23 Vs. 22
God’s righteousness explained vss.24-26 All the verses
Implications of God’s righteousness vss.27-31
Next week we continue…
