Romans 1: The Life Changing Power of the Gospel

Read Romans Chapter 1

Introduction: The Book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, is maybe, the most spiritual book in the Bible. It addresses the deeper truths of the Christian faith. It opens with Paul telling about himself and his mission, then quickly moves to stress the universal need for the gospel due to the sinful state of man. Romans 1 sets the tone by explaining the power of the gospel, the wrath of God against mankind’s unrighteousness, and the consequences of ignoring the truth. Paul is very persuasive in Romans, calling upon the readers to consider the gravity of God’s message and the life changing power of faith in Jesus Christ.

I. Greeting and Purpose of Writing (Romans 1:1-7)
Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ, called to be an apostle and set apart to preach the gospel (to the gentiles). He describes the gospel as the fulfillment of the promises of the prophets in the Old Testament, concerning God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Paul’s calling can be seen in Acts 9:15, the Bible says Paul is chosen by God to spread the gospel, and he has apostolic authority, he is the last apostle called by Jesus Christ. In 2 Timothy 1:10, the Bible tells us, the gospel reveals Jesus Christ, which relates to Paul’s message of Christ being the central person of the gospel, and the rest of the Bible as well (when considering messianic prophecy). Also in Galatians 1:15-16, Paul’s divine calling and commitment to the gospel is talked about here.

II. Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome (Romans 1:8-15)
Paul expresses his gratitude for the Roman Christians and their renowned faith. He shares his longing to visit them to provide spiritual support and also where they can encourage one another. Paul points out  his obligation to preach to both the Greeks and barbarians, the wise and the foolish, the gentiles. In 1 Thessalonians 1:8, the Bible tells us that the spread and reputation of the Roman believers’ faith relate to Paul’s acknowledgment of their faith. In Ephesians 4:12, we see the purpose of building up the body of Christ lines up with Paul’s desire to strengthen and encourage the Roman Christians. Also in Acts 28:30-31, Paul’s mission to preach to all people, regardless of their where they come from, lines up with his actions during his ministry.

III. The Power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17)
Paul declares he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. He explains that in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, the gospel’s power for believers is the main theme, like Paul’s assertion in Romans. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1, the concept of faith as assurance and conviction props up Paul’s claim that righteousness is revealed through faith, as we know, faith produces righteous works. And in Habakkuk 2:4, the righteous living by faith is an Old Testament prophecy that Paul recalls in his message.

IV. The Wrath of God Revealed (Romans 1:18-32)
Paul preaches about the reality of God’s wrath against mankind’s unrighteousness. He points out that although people knew God, they chose not to honor Him and became futile in their thinking. As a result, God gave them up to perversion, sin, impurity and degrading passions of the wrong sort. Paul lists several sins that characterize a depraved mind, making the point that such behaviors warrant God’s judgment. We all know that God’s presence is plainly seen in nature, as Psalm 19:1 tells us, knowledge of God revealed through creation, which Paul preached concerning mankind’s unrighteousness. The Bible speaks of futility in Ephesians 4:17-19, it describes the futility of the Gentiles’ minds, somewhat like Paul describing mankind’s depravity. People going to believe a lie when truth is rejected, we see this in 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, this is Paul’s point about God giving people up to their sinful unnatural desires.

Conclusion: Romans 1 sets the tone for the rest of the epistle. Paul writes of the gospel’s life changing power and says it as the source of salvation for all who believe, regardless of their background. He speaks about God’s just wrath against sin and the consequences of mankind’s willful ignorance. This chapter should urge believers to turn from sin and embrace the righteousness offered through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul’s words are a bold call to all people so they can witness the truth of God’s salvation and to live lives that are worthy of this gospel.