Date Written: 57 A.D.

Author: Paul

Setting: Paul had finished his work in the east, and he planned to visit Rome on his way to Spain after first bringing a collection to Jerusalem for the poor Christians there. The Roman church was mostly Jewish but also had a great number of Gentiles. This church had been started by believers who had been in Jerusalem for Pentecost and by travelers who had heard the Good News (gospel) in other places and had brought it back to Rome. Paul wrote this letter to the Romans to encourage the believers and to let them know that he wanted to visit them. The Roman church didn’t have the New Testament because the Gospels weren’t being circulated in their final written form yet. So this letter may have been the first piece of Christian literature they had seen.  

Key People: Paul, Phoebe

Purpose: To introduce Paul to the Romans and to give a sample of his message before he arrives in Rome. Also to show law, faith, salvation, and righteous living.

Key Verses: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 5:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 12:1-2

Chapter Outline:

1-11 What to Believe

12-16 How to Behave

Importance of reading Romans:

What we read: Paul gives the foundations of the Christian faith. All people are sinful, Christ died to forgive sin, we are made right with God through faith, and this begins a new life with a new relationship with God. What we can learn: It’s good to read Romans and review the basics. When you study Romans, you will never be at a loss to know what you should believe as a Christian. Not only will you see what you should believe, you will also be reminded of how you should live every aspect of your life. 

What we read: The first 11 chapters are doctrine, then the book transitions into 5 chapters of practical instructions on how to live. What we can learn: It is important that our lives line up with what we say we believe. You can’t just talk the talk, but you must walk the walk. Does your life reflect what you say you believe? Do you know what you believe and why you believe it?

What we read: Sin is failing to obey God. Since Adam’s rebellion against God, our nature is to disobey Him. Our sin cuts us off from God. Sin causes us to want to live our own way rather than God’s way (rebellion). Because God is Holy, perfect, just, and fair, He is right to condemn sin. What we can learn: Each person has sinned. No matter how hard we try to live good and moral lives, we can’t earn salvation or remove our sin. Only the blood of Jesus can save us. God, in His love and mercy, made the way for us to be saved. Jesus’ death paid the penalty for our sin.

What we read: Chapter 12:1, in the OT when sacrificing an animal, a priest would kill the animal, cut it in pieces, and place it on the altar as an act of their worship. The sacrifice meant something to them. It cost them something. If they gave up something that wasn’t important to them, it wouldn’t have really been a sacrifice. What we can learn: God wants us to offer ourselves, not animals, as living sacrifices. Daily laying to the side our own desires to follow Him, giving Him our all, and trusting Him. It is complete surrender, holding nothing back.

What we read: Chapter 12:4-8, Paul uses the idea of the human body to teach how Christians should live and work together. What we can learn: God gives each of us gifts so we can build up His church. To use our gifts effectively, we must 1) realize they come from God, 2) understand we don’t all have the same gifts, 3) don’t desire another’s gift, but be thankful for the one(s) God has given you, and 4) be willing to use your gift for the glory of God.

Things to think about as you read Romans:

• From your study of Romans, how is a person saved?
• If someone accused you of not being a Christian, what proof could you give that you are a true child of God?
• Do you know how to share the gospel with someone? Write it out and practice so that you will know.
• How will your relationships to those in authority over you and to those who are your brothers and sisters in the faith change as you apply the truth of Romans to your life?
• Are you ready to defend the gospel? How would you do that? What would you say?

Video Link: https://youtu.be/KKMLPchUInA?si=6FXvN9lRNp6PU4Z9

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry