Romans 1
0 ratings
· 4 viewsRomans 1 lays the foundation for the Gospel message by revealing humanity's universal sinfulness and need for righteousness, which is made available through faith in Jesus Christ.
Notes
Transcript
Context
Romans 1 serves as the introduction and foundation for the themes Paul will discuss throughout the letter. Here, he wants to set the stage for his exposition on the sinfulness of humanity (both Jew and Gentile), the righteousness of God revealed in Jesus Christ, and the resulting implications for the life of faith. Paul is gearing up to make an elaborate argument that all of humanity is in desperate need of salvation, which comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ.
Main Idea
The main idea of Romans 1 is the revelation of God's righteousness and wrath as universal truths that impact all of humanity. Apostle Paul introduces the Gospel as the power of God for salvation, available to everyone who believes. He argues that God's existence and divine attributes are evident through creation, leaving people without excuse for their ungodliness and unrighteousness. As humanity suppresses this truth and turns to idolatry, they experience moral and spiritual decay. Paul lays out this foundational understanding of universal sinfulness to highlight the desperate need for the righteousness that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.
Overview
Introduction and Greeting (Verses 1-7)
In this opening section, Paul introduces himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. He mentions his mission to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. The greeting also includes a blessing of grace and peace to the recipients, the believers in Rome.
Thanksgiving and Longing to Visit Rome (Verses 8-15)
Paul expresses his gratitude to God for the faith of the Roman Christians, which is known throughout the world. He also articulates his strong desire to visit Rome to impart spiritual gifts and to be mutually encouraged by their faith.
The Power and Righteousness of the Gospel (Verses 16-17)
In these verses, Paul gets to the heart of his message: the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. He introduces the critical theme of righteousness that comes from God and is received by faith.
God's Wrath Against Sinful Humanity (Verses 18-32)
Here, Paul outlines the gravity and universality of human sin. He argues that all people, having rejected God's evident truth, are subject to God's wrath. He describes the descent into various forms of immorality and idolatry as evidence of this rejection.
Proposition
You must embrace righteousness through faith.
The proposition "You must embrace righteousness through faith" encapsulates the core message of Romans 1. In this chapter, Apostle Paul introduces the Gospel as "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). This salvation brings the righteousness of God into the life of the believer, a righteousness that comes by faith. At the same time, the chapter vividly portrays the universal human condition of sinfulness, underlining the critical need for God's righteousness. Paul makes it clear that human efforts, moral uprightness, or religious ritual cannot substitute for the righteousness that comes from God. Therefore, embracing this righteousness through faith becomes the single most crucial action for a believer.
Illustrations
The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43)
The thief hanging beside Jesus on the cross serves as a powerful illustration of embracing righteousness through faith. Here was a man deserving of death for his sins, with no time for religious rituals or good works to earn his salvation. In a moment of revelation, he recognizes Jesus as Lord, confesses his own guilt, and seeks Christ’s mercy: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus' response, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise," highlights the immediate imputation of God's righteousness through faith, even in the bleakest of situations.
Rahab the Harlot (Joshua 2:1-21; Hebrews 11:31)
Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, was unlikely to be considered righteous by human standards. However, her encounter with the Israelite spies in Jericho led her to express faith in the God of Israel. Rahab hid the spies, lied to her own people, and trusted that the Israelites would spare her and her family. Hebrews 11 commends her as a woman of faith. Rahab embraced righteousness through faith in God, showing that societal status or past sins don’t disqualify one from receiving God's righteousness.
The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:27-39)
This high-ranking official from Ethiopia was reading the prophet Isaiah but couldn't understand what he was reading. Philip the evangelist explained the Gospel to him, specifically how Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The eunuch’s immediate request to be baptized after coming to faith illustrates a quick and profound embracing of righteousness through faith. In a foreign land, distanced from the religious epicenter of Jerusalem, this eunuch found the righteousness of God simply by believing in the message of Jesus Christ.
Each of these individuals had different backgrounds and stood at different points on the social and moral spectrum, yet they all embraced righteousness through faith. Their lives testify to the availability and sufficiency of God's righteousness to all who believe, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
There are several reasons you must embrace righteousness through faith:
1. Because God Authorized It (Verses 1-7)
Paul's apostolic authority and mission establish the credibility and gravity of his message. Recognizing this authority helps believers to embrace righteousness through faith, as outlined in the Gospel that Paul preaches. The key original language word is "apostolos" (ἀπόστολος), which means "one who is sent" or "messenger." In Romans 11:13, Paul refers to himself as an "apostle to the Gentiles," emphasizing his God-given role to carry the message of righteousness by faith to non-Jews. Understanding Paul's apostolic authority lays the foundation for embracing the theological truths that follow.
2. Because Changed Lives Demonstrate It (Verses 8-15)
Paul praises the faith of the Roman Christians, emphasizing that their faith is proclaimed throughout the world. This global testimony serves as a compelling reason for believers to also embrace righteousness through faith. The key original language word here is "pistis" (πίστις), meaning "faith" or "trust." For instance, in Romans 3:22, "pistis" is used to speak of the "righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe." The widespread recognition of the faith of the Roman Christians should bolster the confidence of others in embracing this righteousness.
3. Because the Gospel Empowers It (Verses 16-17)
Paul declares the Gospel to be the power of God for salvation. Accepting this Gospel power enables believers to embrace righteousness by faith. The term "dunamis" (δύναμις), meaning "power" or "ability," is pivotal here. This word is also used in Romans 15:13, where Paul prays that believers may be filled "with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Understanding that the Gospel carries God's power reinforces the necessity of embracing righteousness by faith.
4. Because God's Wrath Compels It (Verses 18-32)
Paul vividly describes the universal condition of human sinfulness, leading to God's wrath. This grim picture gives believers a pressing reason to seek God's righteousness through faith. The key term here is "orge" (ὀργή), which means "wrath" or "anger." In Romans 2:5, Paul warns that stubbornness and unrepentant hearts are "storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed." Recognizing the severity of God's wrath against sin should compel believers to seek His righteousness as their only hope.
An Urgent Appeal: The Time is Now
Friends, Romans 1 presents a sobering reality. It holds a mirror to our faces and shows us who we are—fallen beings who have suppressed the truth about God and wandered away into darkness. We've traded the glory of the immortal God for images and pursuits that are mere shadows of His majesty. As a result, we stand guilty and exposed under the looming wrath of God. This is not just a message for those of the past; it is a message for each one of us today.
But amid this bleak picture shines the brilliance of the Gospel—good news so powerful that it transforms lives, liberates souls, and brings us into a right relationship with God. The righteousness we so desperately need but can never achieve on our own is graciously offered to us through Jesus Christ. He lived the life we could not live, and He died the death we should have died. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering us a new life—a life of righteousness through faith.
So I plead with you, don't turn away from this message. Don't suppress the truth any longer. The Gospel is the power of God for your salvation. You can exchange your sin for Christ's righteousness. You can move from impending wrath to everlasting peace. Turn to Jesus Christ today. Believe in Him, and you will experience the life-changing power of God's righteousness in your life. The time is now. Your eternity hangs in the balance. Trust in Christ for your salvation. Amen.
Bibliography
ChatGPT. "Exploring the Riches of Romans 1: A Deep Dive into Righteousness and Faith." Chat with ChatGPT, OpenAI, 21 Oct. 2023.