A Study of Romans

Appreciation

Looking for the positive as to not dwell on the negative - the church at Rome was not a “perfect” church, it certainly had problems yet Paul chose to show appreciation for the good things;

Now this does not by any means suggest that we ignore the stresses we encounter instead it means we should not stay stuck in them;

In the hymn Count Your Blessings the chorus says - “Count your blessings, name them one by one Count your blessings, see what God hath done Count your blessings, name them one by one And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”;

Remember you attract more with happiness than with sadness.

Anticipation

Paul wants the church of Roman to realize how important they are to him - yet even with their importance he makes sure that they know Who he serves Jesus Christ;

Paul lets them know he prays for them - consistently;

Paul had a big desire to go to Rome, to share the gospel and help the church, but he would only do so on God’s terms - he did not want to create a way;

Romans 2. He Expresses His Desire to Visit the Christians at Rome (vv. 9, 10)

Some, in order to hold on to an absolute meaning, have said that the meaning of praying without ceasing means to be always in an attitude of prayer where praying would be the natural thing to do when the occasion calls for it.

Reasoning

Romans 3. He Tells Why He Wishes to Visit Them (vv. 11, 12)

The word for “gift” (Greek charisma) is modified by the word “spiritual.”

Paul is want to make sure they are ready to serve Christ through gifts which could signs or non-signs;

Not all gifts reproduced into miracles or special powers so to speak, the word gifts has a wide range of meanings;

Paul’s main intention was to be a benefit to the church of Rome and to be blessed by their faith in Christ.

Delay

Paul was delayed because of unfinished business that prevented his travels;

Paul was planting churches in areas around Jerusalem and helping to for leadership for them to carry on in his absence;

Paul also wanted them to know that when did arrive, on God’s terms, he was wanted to see more people turning to God through true repentance;

Romans 4. He Explains Why He Had Not Been Sooner (v. 13)

New Testament usage of the word fruit makes it evident that Paul meant that which would strengthen them as Christians through his labor among them as well as his hope to gain new converts. A study of the use of the word fruit in the N.T. makes it obvious that its scope is comprehensive rather than restricted to soul winning.

Preaching

Romans 5. He Expresses His Eagerness to Preach in Rome Based on His Debt to All People and His Confidence in the Gospel (vv. 14–16)

“Greek” is probably used here in the broad sense to include Greek and Roman culture, rather than the limited sense of those who spoke Greek. “Barbarians” would refer to those who were outside Greek and Roman culture. By Greeks and Barbarians, Paul meant to embrace all Gentiles.

Paul wanted to share the gospel with everyone, he did not restrict it for his desire but shared it for God’s glory;

Paul was very eager to share the gospel because he was met with the gospel (Christ) face to face;

How eager are you to share the gospel?