Intro to Romans

Introduction to Romans

Romans 1:1

“Most, if not all, of the great revivals and reformations in the history of the church have been directly related to the book of Romans.”

This epistle quotes the Old Testament some 57 times, more than any other New Testament book. It repeatedly used key words, God 154 times, law 77 times, Christ 66 times, sin 45 times, Lord 44 times, and faith 40 times.

Four Types of New Testament Writings

Gospels Acts Epistles Apocalypse

“Romans satisfies the craving of the human spirit for a comprehensive exposition of the great truths of salvation set out in logical fashion, supported and illumined by Old Testament Scripture.”

The letter to the Romans was written by Paul, likely in spring of 58 AD and likely from Corinth.

The founding of the church at Rome is unclear, but it was not started by an apostle, but rather unnamed individuals.

While the church at Rome was famous, Paul had never visited the church.

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

Paul wanted to visit the church. He wanted to encourage them and also be encouraged.

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.Romans 1:11-12

Paul wanted to visit Rome and preach the Gospel.

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

Paul’s only visit to Rome would be during incarceration. He would never gather with the church at Rome.

For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.Acts 25:11-12

During Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, he would write Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon.

Romans is the clearest single book that gives us a systematic theology.

Romans is the clearest single book that gives us a full view of the Gospel.

“Every preacher who has proclaimed the gospel since Paul’s day has depended on that apostle’s teaching for his material.”

We struggle with a corrupted desire.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.Romans 3:10-12

Our corrupted desires lead to a heavy weight of guilt and shame.

Our guilt and shame cause us to long for meaning in life.

Lack of meaning leads to hopelessness.

Jesus is our hope.

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.Romans 5:5-6

The Gospel gives us meaning.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Romans 8:29

The sacrifice of Jesus removes our guilt and shame.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9

The Spirit of God renews our hearts and minds, thus transforming our desires.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Romans 12:1-2