Romans 1:1-7 - Part 1

In a broad sense, this book was written to provide and in-depth study of the gospel, the core of the Christian faith

It is a core in which the church needs to focus its unity around, as the book will explain

Furthermore, it was an explanation of the orthodoxy of Paul, that the Romans would be comfortable sponsoring a trip to Spain (Rom. 15:23-24)

From Paul

The Epistle (letter) of Romans was authored by God and written by Paul

A servant (slave) of Jesus Christ -> this is an honored position of great humility

Jesus came to minister, Paul and the other apostles were slaves, and you and I are lowlier than them all -> a clear precedent is set

We need to think like slaves and embrace the temperament of one towards our master, Jesus () Mat. 5:10-12

If we can think like this in the extreme cases, then we can think like it in lesser cases too

Called to be an apostle -> a position of authority that no longer exists, used for the establishment of the church and authorship of the NT

Separated unto the Gospel of God -> Paul’s life was not ruled by him -> the same is true for all believers

The great commission has separated us all to the gospel of God -> this dictates our personal standard of living and mission in this life

Everything you say and do must align to the calling you have been consecrated for () 2 Tim. 1:9-12

To Rome

The book of Romans has a blended audience of Jews and Gentiles -> there were nearly as many Jews in Rome as in Jerusalem

What would have started as a Jewish church grew into a mixed church, which explains the depth of Jewish teaching and address of conflict

The conflicts were regarding dietary restrictions, holy days, and other such things -> the solution we are given may surprise you

They (and you) are beloved by God -> It is important to note that we are loved of God

Preaching is not all “hard preaching”, and even such preaching should be conducted appropriately

The church needs to be treated with respect -> she is the bride of Christ

Before we proceed in this study, you need to know that God loves you and your fellow believers

Love is the greatest thing we have to use in the Lord () 1 Cor. 13:13

They (and you) are called to be saints (holy people)

The catholic church has made saints to be something they are not for various reasons -> it is both more mundane and more spectacular than they portray it

The greatest issue is that they fail to recognize that all saved people are saints and are called to act like it!

Grace and peace from God is prayed on their (and your) behalf

This is a part of the standard greeting, and they communicate that the things we long for are a reality in Christ