Romans Part 2

Romans 1:8-17.

So after the greeting in the previous 7 verses.

Paul now moves on to expressing his gratitude to God and his desire to visit Rome.

Let’s dig right in to verse 8

The New International Version Chapter 1

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

Paul thanks God for the Roman Christians.

More specifically he thanked God for the fact that they were public about their faith.

Paul really wanted to go to Rome and asked God in his prayers to allow it.

Now, I don’t want to pass straight over this.

Paul had the ability to travel, and could physically Go to Rome any time he wasn’t in jail

However, Paul lived his life in accordance with God’s Will

What he did was serve God.

So making a trip to Rome was not on his agenda, if it wasn’t on God’s agenda.

It is also important to note that, he didn’t want to go visit for vacation or to just hang out.

He wanted to have a spiritual impact on them and also be encouraged by their faith.

Yes, whether you are a new believer or someone who has served God for many years, you can encourage each other in faith

vs. 13

The New International Version Chapter 1

13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, c that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

The New International Version Chapter 1

I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

This text shows that though he wanted to come he had been prevented.

this is because God had him elsewhere doing His work

until now

Now he will have the opportunity to com.

Paul then shares that he is obligated to all

to share the gospel with all

This is why he is so eager to go there

remember, last week we discussed that Rome was filled with a multitude of religions and cultures.

and Paul is obligated to all of them.

vs. 16

The New International Version Chapter 1

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.

A lot to unpack here.

First, a line of Scripture that is often quoted, but not always duplicated.

I am not ashamed of the Gospel

Many quote this and claim it, but don’t actually live it.

To be unashamed of the gospel means to be not embarrassed or have the feeling of guilt due to actions or association with the Gospel.

this would mean, you would have no issue sharing about it because of what other’s might think or say.

Paul lived a live of not being ashamed

Not because of Paul’s greatness

but as he expresses here, because of the power of God that brings salvation

then he states the chronological order that salvation came, first to the Jew then the Gentile

Another reason Paul had such confidence in the Gospel is that God’s righteousness is revealed in the Gospel.

This is not just the standard of righteousness

but that the righteous will live by faith.

most people in the world believe that if we just live as good people we are doing right

The majority of people who believe in some form of heavenly afterlife believe that a life led by good acts and kindness will get us there.

If we rely on our own ability to be “good” then we will always fall short of God’s glory

We will always fall short of Heaven

we will always fall short of salvation

But, if we appeal to God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then Salvation can be obtained.

And if we live by that faith in Jesus, then we can live a righteous life.

See, it is not us who sets the standard of good or righteous, but God

it is only through our faith in Him can we be transformed into ones living a righteous life for Him.

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