HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

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BIBLE STUDY on the book of Romans

Chapter 1

This chapter gives us Paul's personal greetings; Paul's purpose; Paul's three "I ams"; a natural revelation of God and the subnatural response of man and unnatural deteriorating or declining of man

This opening chapter embraces the missionary motives of the great apostle, the definition of the gospel, and the condition of man in sin which shows the need for the Gospel. This chapter furnishes the pace for the entire letter.

The Book of Romans teaches the total depravity of man. Man is irrevocably and hopelessly lost. He must have the righteousness of God since he has none of his own.

This great document of Christian doctrine, was addressed to the church at Rome to keep it from heresy, but it did NOT accomplish its purpose. The Roman church moved far from the faith. This Book illustrates the Truth . . . that man does not understand, neither does he seek after God.

Verses 16 and 17 are recognized as the key to the epistle.

Paul's Personal Greetings . . . Romans 1:1-7

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, [KJV]

Paul took on the position of “servant of Jesus” with humble willingness. There is a lesson for us all here! It was not Paul's decision to become an “apostle.’ It was God’s decision. God called him. Acts 9:1-9 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, [2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. [3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: [4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? [5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. [6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. [7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. [8] And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. [9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. [KJV]

Paul was so zealous for his Jewish beliefs that he would persecute anyone who believed in Christ (any of this Way). As Saul traveled to Damascus, hounding Christians, our risen Lord confronted him, and brought him face to face with the truth of the Gospel. Sometimes God breaks into a life in a dramatic way, and sometimes conversion is a quiet experience. Saul’s name was changed to Paul in Acts 13:9.

Paul was “separated unto the Gospel of God.” Paul was “separated” or set apart, TO (NOT from) the Gospel of God. God sanctified Paul to preach the Gospel to lost souls.

Romans 1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) [KJV]

The Gospel was promised all through the Old Testament. It is the Message of Truth that God loves us and has prepared a Way of salvation. It gives us a personal relationship with God.

Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; [KJV]

Paul plainly states that Jesus is the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Paul calls Jesus a descendant of King David to emphasize that Jesus truly had fulfilled the Old Testament Scriptures predicting that the Messiah would come from David’s line. Paul is agreeing with the teaching of all Scripture and of the apostles. . . . http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_messianic_prophecies.htm

Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: [KJV]

The resurrection did not make Jesus the Son of God; it simply revealed Who He was! It proves everything! We see the perfect humanity of Christ, and the perfect deity of Christ. Christ is presented in the power of His resurrection. Don’t ever lose sight of the awesome Man of glory!

Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: [KJV]

“Grace” is God’s method of salvation. Apostle means sent one. Paul and the others called by Jesus were in particular, apostles, but all believers are sent forth to do a job (“Go ye therefore” Mat. 28:19)!

Romans 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: [KJV]

The “called” are the elect. Who are the “elect”? It is those who hear and respond to the Gospel (John 10:27).

Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. [KJV]

A “saint” is NOT someone who is exalted; a “saint” is someone who exalts Christ! There are only two groups of people in the world: the saints, and the saints! You become a “saint” when you trust Christ to save you (John 1:12-13). “Grace and peace” was Paul’s form of greeting in his letters.

Paul longs to visit Rome . . . Romans 1:8-17

Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. [KJV]

By saying: “I thank my God through Jesus Christ” Paul stresses the point that Christ is the one and only Mediator between God and humans. Only through Christ, does God send His love, mercy and forgiveness to us; and it is through Christ, we send our thanks to God (1 Tim. 2:5). The Roman Christians, though at the Western world’s political center, had an excellent reputation; their strong faith was making itself known around the world. When people talk about your congregation (or you), what do they say? Are their comments correct? If you are a Christian, people are watching you!

Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; [KJV]

In 1:1 Paul called the Good News “the gospel of God.” Here he calls it “the gospel of His Son.” Later he will call it “his gospel.” It is NOT three different Gospels . . . it is one and the same . . . the Good News about Christ!

When you pray repeatedly about a concern, don’t be shocked at how God will answer. Paul prayed to visit Rome so he could teach the Christians there. When he finally arrived in Rome, it was as a prisoner (Acts 28:16).

Romans 1:10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. [KJV]

Paul was a prayer warrior! He prayed for a safe trip. He did arrive safely . . . after getting arrested, slapped in the face, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake. When God answers our prayers, sometimes the results are often far from what we expect. When you pray in humility and sincerity, God will answer . . . although sometimes the timing and ways are not what you might expect.

Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; [KJV]

Paul wanted to go to Rome to teach these Christians the Word of God. He loved the Gospel and he loved sharing it with others, as should we.

Romans 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. [KJV]

Paul longed for the chance to visit these Christians so he could encourage them with his gift of faith and be encouraged by theirs. As God’s missionary, he could help them understand the meaning of the Good News about Jesus. As God’s devoted people, they could offer him fellowship and comfort. When Christians gather, everyone should give and receive. Our mutual faith gives us a common language and a common purpose for encouraging one another.

Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. [KJV]

Paul wanted them to know that he had planned many times to visit them, but something always prevented him in doing so. He had traveled widely and started many churches (mostly Gentile) in Syria, Galatia, Asia, Macedonia, and Achaia. He wanted to work among them and see the good results, just as he had done among other Gentiles. The Book of Acts tell us of many of Paul's journeys.

Romans 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. [KJV]

Paul felt an obligation to all peoples, to the civilized and to the savage, to the educated and to the ignorant. Why did Paul feel obligated? After his unexpected and dramatic experience with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), his whole life was consumed with spreading the Good News of salvation through Christ Jesus. He was obligated to Christ for being his Saviour, and he was obligated to the entire world to tell of his wonderful Saviour. Because of this, Paul proclaimed Christ’s salvation to all people, both Jews and Gentiles, all cultures, all social, racial, and economic lines. We too are obligated to Christ because He took the punishment we deserve for our sin. Even though we can never repay Christ for all He has done, we can show our gratitude by showing His love (through us) to others.

Romans 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. [KJV]

Paul admits he is a “debtor” in the previous verse; now here he states he is ready to pay! Paul is not only ready to preach the Gospel . . . he is eager to do so! Oh! if only we had the enthusiasm and zeal and willingness of Paul! We should quickly and willingly tell others what God has entrusted to us, the Gospel of Christ. We should rejoice to make others joyful. We should especially take great pleasure in communicating with those who believe the same things as we do. If we have been redeemed by the Blood, and converted by the grace of the Lord Jesus, we belong to Him; and for His sake we are debtors (as was Paul) to ALL men (red, yellow, black or white), to do all the good we can. It is our duty to serve our risen Lord!

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [KJV]

In these last three verses, we have three “I ams” of Paul. Verse 14 he says: “I am a debtor,” this is admission. Verse 15 he says: “I am ready,” this is remission. Verse 16 he says: “I am not ashamed,” this is submission. These three ‘missions’ of Paul are vital and necessary for ALL Christians! We cannot be ashamed of Christ, or His Gospel (Mark 8:38), for we surely do not want Jesus to be ashamed of us!

WHY is Paul not ashamed of the Gospel? “It is the power of God.” The Gospel has extraordinary and exceptional power! It has this power for a very certain and distinct thing; that being: “it is the power of God unto salvation.” This is the purpose and end of the Gospel of Christ. Salvation simply means deliverance, but it embraces everything from justification to glorification, which we will cover later on. Salvation is both an ‘act’ and a ‘process.’ I have been saved, I am being saved, and I shall be saved. Paul took the Gospel to the Jews first. The Gospel started in Jerusalem, a Jewish city, then spread to Judaea (surrounding Jewish area), then to Samaria (Gentile area) and to the ends of the Earth (ALL people).

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. [KJV]

The Gospel shows us both how righteous God is in His plan for us to be saved, and it also shows us how we may be made fit for eternal life. When we trust Christ, our relationship with God is made right. God declares us to be righteous because of faith . . . and faith alone. Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 when he says “the just shall live by faith.” Habakkuk may have thought this to mean this present life only, but Paul tells us this statement includes eternal life. As we trust God by faith, we are saved; we find a better life here and now, and also forever, (eternally). We are delivered from condemnation by faith, through the gracious mercy of God, through Jesus Christ, His precious Son.

God's Wrath Against Man . . . Romans 1:18-32

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [KJV]

Just what does God consider “ungodliness and unrighteousness”? Here are a few things to think about: ALL sex outside marriage, ALL untruths, being unthankful, gossip, hardheartedness, hatred, homosexuality, immorality, lies, malice, pride, self-centeredness, separation from God to worldly things, stubbornness, wickedness, witchcraft, etc. . . . ALL these are ungodliness and unrighteousness, and ALL these will bring on the wrath of God! BEWARE!!!

To know what salvation is, we must realize just how bad sin really is. God’s wrath is not His feelings, not His punishment of sin; it is His holy anger toward all sin.

Ungodliness is all that goes against God. Unrighteousness is all that goes against mankind. God will judge ALL ungodliness and unrighteousness.

Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [KJV]

We CANNOT stifle the Truth, that God naturally reveals to us in order to believe things that support our own self-centered life-styles.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [KJV]

Most people do things they KNOW to be wrong, and omit doing what they KNOW to be right. None of us can plead ignorance. We know better! Our Creator’s invisible power and Godhead are so clearly shown in the works He has made, that even the most hard hearted unbeliever is left without excuse.

Romans 1:21-23 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. [KJV]

Instead of seeing God as the Creator and Sustainer of life, they see themselves as the center of the universe. They invent convenient “gods” for their own selfish plans. These gods may be images, but may also be goals or things we pursue such as money, power, pleasure or comfort. Many make God in their image, instead of the reverse. Idolaters worship the things God made rather than God Himself. Is there anything you feel you can’t live without? Do you prefer something more than God? Is God in first place in your life? Many think and “profess” to be wise, but in God’s eyes, they are fools!

Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [KJV]

Oh! what a sad statement indeed! “God gave them up.” Man’s degradation and degeneration is on a constant down hill path, NOT the other way as some would have you believe. Man is in steady and growing rebellion against God. Idolatry and disgraceful immorality are the bitter ‘fruits’ of rejecting God’s clear revelation of Himself. God giving a person up means He literally ‘hands them over’ to their own lusts, and to Satan.

Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [KJV]

They exchange the Truth about God for a lie. They worship and serve what God has created instead of the Creator Himself. TV, music, movies, etc., present sinful life styles and unwholesome values as something exciting and enjoyable which is eagerly accepted. These attitudes and beliefs are totally opposed to the Bible. Be very careful about forming opinions. The Bible should be your only standard of truth (Acts 17:11). Evaluate all other opinions in light of its teachings.

Romans 1:26-27 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [KJV]

Again, it says: “God gave them up!" According to God’s Holy Word, homosexuality is passions of dishonor, disgrace and depravity; no matter who thinks otherwise. This precise perversion is why God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. God will abandon anyone who will not forsake this, or any other sin.

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; [KJV]

For the 3rd time, God states He will “give them up.” Because people refuse to keep in mind the Truth about God, He has given them over to their corrupted minds, allowing them to do things that they should not do. If anyone thinks they can live in the perversion of this ‘modern’ day, and not come under God’s wrath, they are fooling only themselves. Is there a way out? A definite YES! Repent and turn to Christ for deliverance.

Romans 1:29-31 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: [KJV]

There are many who are filled with all kinds of wickedness and evil, greed and vice; they are full of jealousy, hatred, murder, fighting, deceit, and malice. They lie and gossip, speaking evil of one another; they are hateful to God, disrespectful, proud, always boasting; dreaming up ways to do evil. To disobey parents is popular; they have no conscience; they never keep promises, they never show kindness or pity to others. This is a scary list of sins of those who do not know our Lord Jesus. They are in continual rebellion against God!

Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. [KJV]

People know that God says people who live in this way deserve death. Yet they keep on doing wrong things, and even approve of, and encourage others to do them. This chapter is a wake up call to self-examination. The result should be our deep conviction of sin, and our need for deliverance from that state of God’s condemnation.

1 Cor. 11:31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (KJV)
2 Cor. 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (KJV)

The Book of Romans

Ch.1 . Ch.2 . Ch.3 . Ch.4 . Ch.5 . Ch.6 . Ch.7 . Ch.8 . Ch.9 . Ch.10 . Ch.11 . Ch.12 . Ch.13 . Ch.14 . Ch.15 . Ch.16

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