03-01-20, Romans 1-17, Compelled, Intro to Romans
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This document provides an outline and summary of Romans 1:1-17 from a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. The summary includes: 1. Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ called to preach the gospel of God about His Son, Jesus Christ. 2. Christ is described as both human through his descent from David and declared the powerful Son of God through his resurrection. 3. The gospel has the power to save all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles, as it reveals the righteousness of God that comes through faith.
03-01-20, Romans 1-17, Compelled, Intro to Romans
- 1. Romans 1:1-17 Compelled Intro to Romans March 1, 2020 First Baptist Church Jackson, Mississippi USA What’s the number one thing? The glory of God! 1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. References • Moo, Douglas J., Encountering The Book of Romans (Grand Rapids, Baker Academic, 2003), 21-51. • MacArthur, John, The MacArthur Study Bible (Nashville, Nelson Publishing, 1997). • Palmer, Edwin H., The NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1985). Outline for Today’s Lesson • Read Paul’s introduction of the letter to the church in Rome (Scriptures are in the 1985 NIV). • Study the composition of the church in Rome and the historical events affecting the letter. • Review some of the theological concepts in the opening of the letter. • Focus on the summary statement of the gospel in Romans 1:16-17. Introduction to Romans • Paul wrote Romans while in Corinth on his 3rd Missionary Journey in 56 A.D. while on his way to Palestine with an offering for believers suffering poverty in the Jerusalem area churches. • The letter was probably delivered by Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2). • The purpose of the letter was to teach great truths of the gospel of grace to believers who had never received apostolic instruction.
- 2. Paul introduces himself. Romans 1:1 NIV 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— • Servant ‒ Slave. • Apostle ‒ Greek “One who is sent.” • Gospel ‒ “Good news.” • Paul was set apart to preach the “good news of God.” Christ selected and taught Paul. • Acts 9:15-16 NIV 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man (Paul) is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” • Galatians 1:12 NIV 12 I (Paul) did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. The Son of God Romans 1:2-4 NIV 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. “promised beforehand through his prophets” • The gospel can be the gospel “of God” only if it stands in continuity with the revelation of that same God in the Old Testament. • Paul will repeatedly stress in Romans that God’s work in Christ for all people is exactly what he had promised from the beginning. • The Old Testament and its’ law fit smoothly with the gospel as a single plan of God. “regarding his Son” • Paul introduces Christ as God’s Son. • By calling Jesus God’s Son, Paul connects him with Old Testament predictions about a coming king, or messiah. • The title also suggests Jesus’ unique and intimate relationship to the Father.
- 3. Paul describes the two natures within Christ. • “who as to his human nature was a descendant of David” ‒ The Old Testament had prophesied that the Messiah would be in the lineage of David (2 Sam. 7:12,13; Is 11:1-5; Jer. 23:5,6). ‒ Because He is fully human and fully God, He can serve as man’s substitute (John 1:29; 2 Cor. 5:21). • “who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” ‒ The resurrection clearly declared that Jesus is deity, the expression of God himself in human form. ‒ His victory over death is the supreme demonstration and most conclusive evidence that He is God the Son. Romans 1:5-6 NIV 5 Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. • The NKJV interpretation in verse 5 of the Greek is “for obedience to the faith.” What is the meaning of “obedience that comes from faith”? • Paul’s mission is to call Gentiles to a faith that carries with it determination to obey the Lord. • True saving faith always produces obedience through submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. • Faith and obedience are two sides of the same coin. • One cannot have true faith without obedience, nor can one truly obey without believing. Romans 1:7 NIV 7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. • The letter is addressed to believers in Rome and not the church in Rome. Why was the letter addressed to believers and not directly to the church? • Paul had never been to Rome, and he did not establish these home churches or synagogues. • All other letters by Paul are addressed to churches he established or visited on his missionary journeys. • Christianity was brought to Rome 20 years earlier after the coming of the Holy Spirit to Roman visitors in Acts 2:10.
- 4. Christians in Rome 56 A.D. • Converted Jews brought the gospel back to Rome, and Gentiles also became believers. • In 49 AD, Roman Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews (Christian & non- Christian) from Rome (Acts 18:2). • The Gentile Christians took over the churches and positions of leadership. • When the converted Jews returned, the situation was ripe for social and theological tensions. What about Peter and the Roman Church? • No scriptural or historical evidence supports Peter establishing the Roman Catholic Church. • In Matthew 16:18, “on this rock I will build my church” refers to Christ as the Son of the living God, not Peter. • The earliest claim about Peter by the Catholic Church was around 354 AD in Catalogus Liberianus. • If Peter came to Rome, it would probably have been after Paul had written Romans. Romans 1:8 NIV 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. • Acts 18:1-2 NIV 1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, God used Claudius’ actions to further the gospel through Aquila and Priscilla. • Considered the first married missionary couple. • The Church in Corinth met in their home. • Paul lived and worked, as a tent maker, with them. • They went with Paul to Ephesus and remained there and also ministered with Timothy in Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:19). • The gospel was spread by a faithful couple who shared Christ everywhere they went. Romans 1:9-10 NIV 9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. • Paul is praying for God to allow him to visit Rome, and God answers in an unusual way.
- 5. Paul’s trip to Rome – Acts 21:1-28:31 • Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and accused of sedition and brought before the Roman governor, Felix, probably around 62 AD. • Because of Paul’s Roman citizenship, he appeals to Caesar when presented to King Agrippa in Caesarea. • Paul arrives in Rome after being shipwrecked in Malta and lives for 2 years under house arrest. Paul’s visit to Rome – 2 Timothy 1:1-4:22 • Paul was released after his home imprisonment and wrote 1 Timothy and Titus (62-64 AD) while staying in Rome. • Paul was rearrested (66-67 AD) during Neronian persecution and placed in a cold, dark dungeon. • Paul was beheaded by the Romans in around 68 AD. • The Epistle to the Romans was written in 56 AD before his arrival. The gift of mutual encouragement Romans 1:11-12 NIV 11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. • Even though Paul is the teacher and scholar, he gains encouragement from the faith of new believers. The blessing of mutual encouragement 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. • God created us to be connected to others. • One of the ways of maintaining healthy emotions is with positive connections with others. • This is one of the values of small groups (Sunday School Classes) in church. Compelled in verse 15 Romans 1:13-15 NIV 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
- 6. Introduction to Romans 1:16-17 These summarize the gospel of Jesus Christ: Listen for these points as we read verses 16-17. 1. Paul is not ashamed of the gospel because God’s power overcomes man’s sinful nature and gives him new life. 2. Salvation is available to everyone who believes, both Jew and Gentile. 3. The gospel has the power to save because the righteousness of God is revealed in it. 4. This righteousness is based on faith, as described in Habakkuk 2:4. Romans 1:16 NIV 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. • Power ‒ Greek “dynamis”, English for dynamite. • Salvation ‒ deliverance, to rescue. Salvation ‒ What are we delivered from? 1. Lostness ‒ Luke 19:10 NIV 10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” 2. Wrath of God ‒ Romans 5:9 NIV 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 3. Willful spiritual ignorance ‒ 2 Thessalonians 1:8 NIV 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 4. Darkness ‒ Colossians 1:13 NIV 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 5. Ultimate penalty of sin ‒ Revelation 19:19-21 describes eternal separation from God and eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
- 7. “Salvation to everyone who believes” • Believes ‒ To trust, to rely on, or have faith in. • The verb believes when used with salvation is in the present tense (“is believing”). • This stresses that believing is not just a one-time event, but an ongoing condition. • Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Saving faith consists of 3 elements. 1. Mental – The mind understands the gospel and the truth about Christ (Romans 10:14-17). 2. Emotional – One embraces the truthfulness of those facts with sorrow over sin and joy over God’s mercy and grace (Romans 6:17; 15:13). 3. Volitional – The sinner submits his will to Christ and trusts in Him alone as the only hope of salvation (Romans 10:9). “first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” • The merging of two separate religious cultures into a new people of God created much tension in the Roman churches. • Jews had believed that salvation was promised in the covenant, and salvation would be fully granted at the end of life, depending on their obedience to the law. • Gentiles had beliefs that behavior (good or bad) was not related to one’s religion or salvation. The challenge for the Roman church. The challenge was helping Jews and Gentiles understand that: 1. Salvation is based on an individual’s belief (faith) in Jesus Christ only. 2. Salvation is because of God’s grace and not on man’s deeds or obedience to the law. 3. Salvation is genuine faith producing obedience to Christ. 4. Salvation is open to everyone, not just the Jews. Romans 1:17 NIV 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.” • Righteousness ‒ “Right standing” before God. • Righteousness ‒ The state of perfectly conforming to God’s perfect law and holy character.
- 8. “righteousness from God” • “Righteousness from God” means being “declared to be right” in a judicial sense, but not in a moral sense. • The gospel reveals that on the basis of faith in Christ alone – God will impute His righteousness to ungodly sinners. • 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. “a righteousness that is by faith from first to last” • This may be a parallel expression to “everyone who believes” in verse 16, as if Paul were singling out the faith of each individual believer. • Another interpretation is that righteousness from God is completely on the basis of faith from beginning to end (Old Testament New Testament). “The righteous will live by faith.” Habakkuk 2:4b NIV 4b but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness— • Paul intends to prove in Romans that “faith” has always been God’s way to justify sinners by His grace, beginning with Abraham. • Hebrews 11 lists the Old Testament saints who were saved (credited as righteous) by their faith in God. Another translation of Habakkuk 2:4b • “The one who is righteous by faith will live.” • Meaning ‒ Eternal life is granted to the person who has been declared righteous before God through his or her faith. A Simplified Introduction to Romans • Paul is writing about the way a sinful human being can get into right relationship with a perfect and just God. • All God asks is that people turn away from their sins, and turn to him, by placing their faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. Summary Scripture of Today’s Lesson Romans 3:22-24 NIV 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
- 9. Scripture Blessing Numbers 6:24-26 NIV 24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ The Plan of Hope & Salvation: John 3:16-17 NKJV 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 14:6 NKJV 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Romans 3:23 NKJV 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 6:23a NKJV 23a For the wages of sin is death, • Death in this life (the first death) is 100%. • Even Jesus, the only one who doesn’t deserve death, died in this life to pay the penalty for our sin. • The death referred to in Romans 6:23a is the “second death” explained in Revelation 21:8. Revelation 21:8 NKJV 8 “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” • Anyone who’s lifestyle is one or more of the sins listed in Revelation 21:8, will experience the “second death,” if they do not repent. • To Repent means to turn around, to go in the opposite direction, to turn away from sin and believe in Jesus. Romans 5:8 NKJV 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- 10. Romans 6:23b NKJV 23b but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Revelation 21:7 NKJV 7 “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” • Romans 10:9-10 explain to us how to be overcomers. Romans 10:9-10 NKJV 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:13 NKJV 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Do you have questions? Would you like to know more? Please, contact First Baptist Church Jackson at 601-949-1900 or http://firstbaptistjackson.org/contact/