Last week - Introduction to Romans - Rom. 1:1-7 in a nutshell - "Paul, an Apostle, to the church at Rome .... concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ"
Question: Why study a letter to a specific people group 2,000 years ago?
Answer: Because:
#1 - the letter has universal application!! - it could have read: ".... to the church @ Octavia"
And, #2. DOCTRINE MATTERS - What we practice (how we behave) must be based on truth.
So, the 2nd. Introduction. Rom. 1:8-17
Paul hopes to visit Rome (and will in chains! Acts 28)
He hopes to accomplish:
(1) fresh harvest - (non-Christian to Christian ratio at this time, 100 AD = 360:1)
No Apostle had ever been to Rome at this time.
(2) Spiritual edification = build up!! Most of these letters written to churches!
(3) mutual encouragement ie: to bless and BE blessed by
So Paul says ..... I am.... (1) obligated - ie. by Christ!!!
(2) eager BUT!! (approaches with fear and trembling) 1 Cor. 2:3
(3) unashamed .....then and now!!
Because the Gospel is (1) The Power of God
(2) for salvation (to effect)
(3) to all who believe
Rom. 10:9-10, John 14:6
How can a story effect salvation and transformation??
Answer: Rom. 1:17 (abbreviated) "the gospel reveals a righteousness from God that is by faith"
OBSERVATIONS:
This Righteousness is right standing (relationship) before God
ie: the ability to stand at ease in His Presence - Rev. 1:17
This Righteousness comes from God
This is more than words, outward actions ... Matt. 7:21-23
AND .. The Gospel reveals all this! (makes it known!)
Example: Bridge Illustration:
1. Right Standing - (in His presence, at ease)
2. from God - He built the bridge
3. Obtained ... by faith = CROSSING!! Believing is not faith!
And,
4. Revealed in the Gospel! Hands, heart, head - all together
This gospel has been the power of transformation in billions of people.
Closing Scripture:
Rom.3:22-24
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