Intro to Romans
Romans • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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The gospel of Jesus… means A LOT.
That is how the intro video begins… and that is a very loaded statement. Not only does the gospel of Jesus mean a lot… it means… everything! It has the power to change the world!
Tonight we dive into the Book of Romans… a book that was written by Paul… and it is a book I personally refer back to in many sermons and teaching opportunities.
The theme of this book is powerful: God’s gift of righteousness revealed through Christ and received by faith.
This theme is introduced early on in the book by the author in Romans 1:16-17
16 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.”
The purpose of the book, might come as bit of a surprise to many.
Paul is well known for his writings and for the churches he pioneered throughout his ministry. Romans is the longest book that he wrote and it contains the most in-depth theology of all of his writings.
He wrote the book (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) in connection with his God-given mission to take the message of Jesus to the Gentile world.
Now, contrary to some views regarding church history and tradition, the church in Rome was not founded by Peter; nor was it likely founded by any other apostle.
The Roman church may have been established by people from Macedonia and Asia whom Paul had introduced to faith in Christ, along with some Jews and others who responded to the Holy Spirit and the message about Jesus on the day of Pentecost.
Paul felt it was right to address the Romans and offer spiritual guidance to Christ’s followers in Rome since he did not consider that area to be under the direct leadership of another apostle (Romans 15:20).
Paul knew he would be going to Rome soon… so he sent this letter as an introduction, if you will, to his ministry and message.
And… we still get letters similar to this in our day today… not from apostles, but from various ministries who might be coming through the area.
These letters highlight the message, the ministry, and often give testimonies of how God has been using the particular evangelist, missionary, etc. These introductions help churches to know the ministry and beliefs of the potential guest minister.
But for Paul, this was more than a simple introduction or “business card” exchange with believers in Rome. Paul is building spiritual foundations with this letter. The basic outline for the book consists of these major points:
Humanity’s defiance toward God and its desperate need of righteousness.
God’s provision of salvation and righteousness
God’s work and development of righteousness in Christ’s followers
Israel’s rejection and restoration regarding righteousness through Christ
Believer’s practical application of righteousness in daily life.
Kind of sounds like a letter… we need today! And that is what I love about the Bible… it is timeless. Its truths and meanings are timeless.
Yes, thee are times when what is written is addressing a current cultural concern or an issue within the given context.
I’ve had the opportunity to serve in ministry in a few different places.
Every place had its own ebb and flow. Every place had its perks and pitfalls.
My preaching and teaching was formatted for the needs of that specific context for that specific time.
That being said, the truths presented were universal meaning… the underlying principles of each lesson were true for all no matter the context.
The truths that were spoken of then… are truths for us today. So let’s dive into this book by digging into the first half of chapter one.
The Greeting
The Greeting
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we might b tempted to quickly read through opening passages… but they do a lot to reveal what is coming in the chapters ahead.
First, the author of the letter is made known to the reader.
Today, we might like at the return address to find out who a letter came from. Paul identifies himself as the author and he speaks of his spiritual “mission” if you will.
Paul says he is “called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.”
First off, what is an apostle?
An apostle is a special messenger of Jesus - a person to whom Jesus delegated authority for certain tasks.
In order for an apostle to receive said designation… they had to have direct contact with Jesus.
It is remarkable that Paul was “called” to be an apostle due to his previous way of life. God used a man that persecuted the church… to be one of the most prominent voices for the church.
God can use who He chooses… It is important to note that Paul did not continue in his old ways but chose to follow Jesus.
When we obey the call, our life will change, our direction will change, our trajectory will change. Paul was “set apart” for the gospel of God.
Secondly, Paul clarifies his message - the gospel message.
He makes clear that the message is the one that God had promised and that the prophets had spoken of.
Paul gives a quick history lesson that establishes Jesus as… Lord.
It also establishes Jesus as the source of our grace and Paul’s apostleship to preach this message t the Gentiles.
Paul is writing to the Gentiles through the authority and leading of Jesus.
Paul is operating… in his calling.
The Intention
The Intention
8 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. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, 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.
Paul… was on his way to Rome! He is announcing his visit… and his intention for his visit: “that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Paul makes it clear that there are some good things happening in Rome. How do we know this?
Because the faith of the believers was being reported all over the world. Yes… even in Rome, the people believe in Jesus.
Paul has been trying to get there and now… at last… the time seems to be coming soon. And he’s not coming with just any message… he is coming… with THE message.
This isn’t a visit to catch up on things for old time’s sake. This visit is intentional… this visit is missional… and Paul reveals that next.
The Mission
The Mission
14 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.
16 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.”
First, we need to take good notice of something in verse 14.
What did Paul refer to earlier that works in conjunction with his “obligation” to both the Greeks and non-Greeks, the wise and the foolish?
The “obligation” Paul is speaking of is the calling on his life placed there by Jesus.
In order for Paul to be completely obedient to the call on his life, he MUST reach all those He is called to reach.
If we are operating in the calling of God on our lives and IF we decide who is worthy to receive the message, and who isn’t then we are no longer operating in the call of God… we are operating through our personal view and desires - which is no calling at all.
Although the word of their faith was spreading round the world, Paul knew there were hurting people in Rome that needed Jesus.
Therefore, he would come and preach what they needed to hear.
He didn’t come with any other message other than Jesus saves.
Secondly, Paul speaks of his devotion to the mission.
I am not ashamed of the gospel. Why is he unashamed of the gospel? Because he knows that it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.
The gospel message of Jesus is the ONLY message that can set a messed up world… free. Rome was far from perfect… and the people needed Jesus.
There is no greater message today… And Paul knew that if that message was silenced, even through something like shame… people would miss out on the power of God at work in their lives.
The enemy wants to silence your witness for Jesus. He will work to find a way to discourage you from sharing your faith.
God desires for His church to deliver the message of salvation to a lost and dying world. Will we move on that desire… or sit back and withhold the message?
Lastly, Paul speaks of the righteousness of God being revealed through the gospel message. It is a righteousness that can only come by way of faith.
What does that mean? How does righteousness come by way of faith?
Our righteousness is something we cannot earn on our own. Isaiah 64:6 describes our righteousness as but what? Filthy rags! I won’t tell you what the original word here for filthy means… but the point is we could NEVER obtain the required level of righteousness on our own!
But by faith in Christ… we can receive it!
The gospel message and its acceptance has the power to COMPLETELY turn our lives around!
Closing
Closing
As stated before, the theme of Romans is God’s gift of righteousness revealed through Christ and received by faith.
This book is timely. This book is theologically in depth. And I believe this book will bless you as we study it.
For tonight… I go back to what we talked about in verse 16… of not being ashamed.
This gospel has the POWER to set hearts free. We have knowledge of that power and we have experienced that power in our own lives first hand.
Are we willing to share that message with others?
This world is in trouble. Jesus is coming soon. Let’s choose to share the gospel with those God is calling us to reach. Let’s obey the call, be the light that Christ needs us to be, and share His love with a hurting and dying world.