ROMANS: Introduction & the Problem of Sin (Romans 1:1-25)

“Romans is really the chief part of the New Testament and the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. The more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes.” -Luther↠The most powerful epistle written to the “church” in Rome…↠Most widely read epistles that has changed multitudes of lives, sparked revival↠Written by Paul from Corinth in the year 57 A.D. to “the church body” in the capital of Rome,  not one particular church but groups of house churches↠The only large church not founded by an apostle, but by Jewish converts from Acts 2 (Pentecost) who returned to their home in Rome↠The “theme” of the book of Romans- sin, power of salvation, righteousness, mercy↠It is the clearest and most systematic presentation of Christian doctrine in all the Scriptures. The Gospel is as simple as John 3.16, but it is as deep and profound as the book of Romans.↠Paul’s introduction & salutation (Rom. 1:1-17)↠Bondservant- “willingly self-committed to permanent service of the Lord.”↠Set apart as an apostle- He was called by God, set apart for the work of the Gospel↠Paul desires to visit them (v. 8-15)- longs to connect, fellowship, and impart↠First major theme of Romans- the problem of sin that affects all mankind (v. 18-25)↠Vs. 16 teaches no discrimination in salvation, but now also none in sin↠God’s wrath revealed against sin (unrighteousness/ungodliness) because it dishonors God, contradicts His’ holy character, anti-His nature- caused separation↠Unrighteousness leads to suppression of the truth (v. 18)- false view develop↠The real revelation of the truth would require repentance↠His’ truth, though, is all around us (v. 19-20)- even more so today, yet the world would still rather suppress truth/conviction (not to be prominent in thought/life)↠Even in the midst of this sin/suppression of truth- God has revealed Himself!↠He is not beyond finding out (Ps. 19), but, in that, we are without excuse↠He reveals Himself, He draws us, He releases the truth that there is a way out of unrighteousness and into righteousness and favor with God.↠Trading the truth of God for a lie (vs. 24-25)↠They traded the invisible power of the divine creator for powerless images and idols. Created things for the Creator of all things. This still happens today.↠When we willingly give ourselves into the hands of powerless idols we unknowingly give the devil opportunity to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Ephesians 4:27 teaches us- “and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Genesis 4:7)↠Solution to the problem that fulfills the latter part of John 10:10↠Where there is a problem, there is a solution- God knew that sin wasn’t something we could battle or correct on our own, we needed a Savior. We needed someone to rescue us. What we will see as we continue in Romans, is that we can stand on the truth, stand firm in the Gospel in the power of Christ…Comment here