Romans Chapter 1
Most Bible scholars believe that Romans was written by Paul when he was in Corinth on this third missionary journey. This letter written to the Romans became the prized possession of the church. In it contains such wonderful doctrinal truths to help the believers grow in their faith. Imagine receiving a letter that could change the whole trajectory of your life. There have been many people who have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ after reading this letter from Paul who was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write it.
Let's Reflect
1. What two titles did Paul give himself in this letter to the Romans?
2. Why is Paul declaring his allegiance to the Son of God?
3. An apostle is someone who is first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ, but is someone who has been an eye-witness of the risen Savior and is called to share that truth with others. Paul (formerly known as Saul) was called to be an apostle through the power of Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul understood his purpose in life so clearly after his meeting with Jesus. How did Paul describe his purpose? See verse 6.
4. Paul extends to those who will receive this letter in Rome a beautiful greeting, something that we all want and need from God. What was he extending from God to the reader?
5. Paul had never been to Rome, but he knew that there were believers there. Somehow the gospel had spread to Rome. Most likely Jews that had been saved had moved there and so the church was spread to Rome. Acts 2:10 tells us that there were Jews present on the day of Pentecost that were from Rome. So, Paul is writing to these believers and wanting to visit them to encourage them in the faith. What does he tell the believers he is doing for them in the meantime?
6. Paul was eager to preach the gospel to Greeks, barbarians, wise people, foolish people, and to the Jews living in Rome. The power of the gospel is the righteousness of God revealed to mankind, it is a power that can change their life. What is required of a person to have the righteousness of God change their life? See verse 16.
7. The first step to faith is belief that God exists, and Paul said that no man can excuse himself from believing that. Why?
8. The wrath of God is shown to mankind when they resist the knowledge of Him and turn their back on Him. People have a great tendency to think that they don’t need God because they are wise. What does God call that person?
9. When a person turns his back on God, he or she leaves God no choice – He gives them up to their own fleshly desires. This leads to a myriad of sins. Sin always leads a person down a spiraling path of destruction. In the rest of the chapter Paul describes the outcome of a life that rejects God. He talks about all kinds of sins including homosexuality. When people say that the Bible does not talk about homosexuality as a sin, they are in denial of the truth of the Word of God. What is it that a person worships if they do not worship God? See verse 25.
10. According to verse 32 what is the punishment for choosing a life of sin rather than turning to God for His righteousness?
Devotionals
