Greetings and Good News

An Intro to Romans

Romans 1:1-7

A Servant of Christ Jesus (Rom 1:1) The author of this book, Paul, is indeed a hero of the faith, but he doesn’t mention his “important” titles to start with. He mentions that which is most important, he is a servant! The Greek word doulos, bondservant is one owned by and identified as being with Christ! Being a servant of anything would have been a radical idea to the Jewish community. The Greeks were more familiar with this concept. God’s reply is the most important thing we should long to hear, “well done my good and faithful servant.”

One Set Apart for the Gospel (Rom 1:1) The set-apartness of the gospel is the most dividing reality in all humanity. The gospel means good news! It is a glorious and weighty reality. When we receive or have received the good news it transforms us, and sets us apart from a flesh centered humanity and thrust us into a faith centered reality! We are different! What should people say? “I want the joy and peace that you have and our answer will be come to Christ!” He will transform you! Are you set apart by the good news that Jesus died for you, was buried, and rose again? Verse 1 is sharing Paul’s credentials as a servant of Christ and the sharing the critical value of the gospel.

The Fulfillment of Scripture (Rom 1:2-3) The fact that Jesus Christ came from the line of David is the yes to all of God’s promises. Jesus is the conqueror! Allow me to share two of many passages that share this truth: Jeremiah 23:5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” And also 2 Samuel 7:12-13 “12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. Paul, a professor of apologetics, is justifying the reliability of the gospel.

The Source of the Good News (Rom 1:4-6) Jesus Christ is the source of the good news! What He did was and will forever be the most extravagant act of love by God himself to mankind.

  1. The Son has power over death (v.4)
  2. The Son gives grace to proclaim to the nations (v.5)
  3. The Son promises belonging by faith (v.6)

 

To the Saints Receiving the Good News (Rom 1:7) Many scholars believe that this book addressed to the church of Rome was written by Paul from Corinth near the end of his third missionary journey, between 55 and 58 A.D.

Why the book of Romans? The book of Romans portrays the doctrines of the Church and magnifies the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Romans is a book of growth in and for the work of Jesus Christ! Expect to be challenged and stretched for God’s glory!

Romans Outline: Provided by Brad Arnett, PhD.

  1. The Gospel as Righteousness of God (Chs. 1-4)
  2. The Gospel as the Power of God for Salvation Resulting in Eternal Life (Chs. 5-8)
  3. The Relationship Between the Gospel and Israel (Chs. 9-11)
  4. How the Gospel Works in the Transformed Life (Chs. 12-15)