A Point-Based Study of the Book of Romans 1.
God made the plan for us to have a right standing with Him a long time –
In Verse 2, Paul says that “God promised long ago through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures to give this Good News to his people” (ERV). This statement confirms Paul’s consistency on this subject. In Ephesians 1:4, Paul states that God chose us in Christ to be holy and righteous before the foundations of the world.
We edify each other through physical fellowship–
Like in other letters, Paul expresses his deep desire to meet with the believers in Rome, saying “Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.” This expression suggests that believers can help each other grow through fellowship.
Anyone called into ministry must rise above social stratification and constructs–
Paul says that he “must serve all people,” including the Greek, less civilized, educated, and ignorant. From Paul’s attitude, we can discern that God expects us to serve the people He places under us, irrespective of their social status.
No news is better than the Good News–
Paul says that he is proud of the Good News and goes further to explain it. Good news entails God’s way of making us right with Him. Paul is excited to preach this news and so should we. Anyone who realizes the transformation that occurs through the gospel will not be ambivalent or reluctant to preach it.
Faith is all that is needed to be made right with God –
In verse 17, Paul says, “God’s way of making people right begins and ends with faith” (ERV). The AMPC Bible expounds that righteousness is disclosed or revealed by faith and the same faith arouses more of it. When Paul, toward the end of this verse, says that “the just shall live by faith,” he means that it is still faith that ensures we come from a state of being dead to being alive. This message becomes clear when you read using the amplified version because it offers a broader context than the other versions. It should be noted here that Paul actually quotes Habakkuk 2:4, which states, “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” As you can see, the context here is man’s helplessness with sin and how faith changes everything.
The entire creation is meant to reflect God so that no one can have any excuse–
Paul says that God is in plain sight. While His divine attributes are not obvious, His creation points to Him. He, therefore, expects people to honor Him when they see the created things.
Failing to honor God leads to depravity and, eventually, the path of God’s wrath.
Paul explains how past generations ignored God and chose the route of disobedience. God allowed them to indulge in their evil desires.
Continue to another study of the Book of Romans chapter 2 here.
