Romans 1:1-7

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Paul's Greeting to the Christians at Rome

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The gospel of God was promised in God’s Word

    a. in the prophetic statements of Scriptures.

    b. in the prophetic pictures of the Old Testament.

  2. The gospel of God is focused in God’s Son

    a. in His incarnation.

    b. in His resurrection.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Remember that you, too, are called to be an apostle.

QUESTIONS

  1. How and when was the church at Rome begun?

  2. From where and under what circumstances did Paul write the epistle to the Romans?

  3. Who was the Gaius spoken of in Romans 16:23?

  4. What is the theme of this epistle?

  5. The gospel of God was promised in God’s word. Explain.

ANSWERS

  1. It is most likely that this church got its start soon after Pentecost as new converts carried the gospel back to Rome from Jerusalem. People were converted, Bible studies started, and the church at Rome came into being.

  2. Paul wrote from Corinth. He was on his third missionary journey.

  3. Gaius was Paul’s host, and the host of the whole church. From this we could conclude that he and his wife were committed to hospitality.

  4. The righteousness of God and the gospel of God. In Romans, the gospel is not only proclaimed, it is taught.

  5. It was promised in the prophetic statements of Scriptures, and in the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Secondly, it was promised in the prophetic pictures of the Old Testament, such as the Old Testament sacrifices that pointed to the great sacrifice to come.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Review and consider the gospel of God as promised in some of the prophetic statements of Scripture. Recall and consider some of the Old Testament pictures or types that looked forward to the gospel of God.

  2. Paul had a mission strategy, plans to evangelize people wherever he was located. Do you have a strategy to evangelize your neighbors and your colleagues? What kind of effect are you having on their lives?

CHALLENGE

  1. Paul was called to be an apostle, or a “sent one,” to show forth the gospel of God. The great commission applies to all believers (Mark 16:15). Remember that you, too, are called to be an apostle.

KEY VERSES

  • “God promised through His prophets concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord…born of the seed of David and declared to be the Son of God with power.” Romans 1:2-3

  • “Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith…among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:5-6



Talks, Romans, New TestamentDeb HarmsRomans 1:1-7