Studies From Romans
Lesson #1 : The Power of God (Romans 1:1-17)
In this study we will be looking at the book of Romans. We will not be studying the book of Romans verse by verse but will be taking individual lessons from the book. Romans is a great book for people who are saved in the church age. It is a book that all saved people should spend some time learning as it explains who is guilty, why they are guilty, how God took care of man’s problem of sin, and gives the plan of salvation in a simple format. Romans also gives instructions on living for God, dealing with other saved and lost people, as well as handling matters of government. All in all it is a very well rounded book for the saved person today.
Stats for the Book of Romans:
As usual when we study a book, we give some important facts about the book in general.
Author : Paul
Chapters: 16
Verses: 433
Words: 9422
Written To: All that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints (Romans 1:7)
In the opening verses Paul gives some greetings and general statements. Then in verses 16- 17 we see one of the key things that this book is about, which is The gospel of Jesus Christ and its power which yields salvation by faith for those who believe.
What is the key to the Gospel?
Paul says that the gospel is the power of God unto Salvation (verse 16). What is the gospel? In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 we see that the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
How is this connected with the power of God?
1) In the resurrection we see the power of God demonstrated (Romans 8:11)
- Jesus was raised by the spirit of God. This same spirit will raise those who are saved as well.
- You might argue and say others in the Bible were raised, and while that is true, they did not raise themselves as Jesus did and they died after being raised from the dead. Those that are raised at the Rapture of the Church (1 Corinthians 15:51-57 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) will never die.
2) The resurrection proves that Jesus was the son of God (Romans 1:4)
- If Jesus had not been the son of God, he would not have come out of the grave. Jesus’ authority had been questioned many times, but the power of God shown in the resurrection settled that question.
3) The resurrection proves that Jesus was righteous and that God accepted his sacrifice for sin (John 16:7-9).
- In this passage we see that the Holy Spirit of God would reprove the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
- The Holy Spirit is said to judge the world in righteousness because he when to his father and he is seen no more. So, the coming of the Holy Spirit proves that Jesus is with the father and that God accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Faith and Righteousness:
The key to salvation for us today is faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Note that it is said to be revealed from faith unto faith. (verse 17). In the Old Testament a man had personal righteous by his faith and his works, but after the death burial and resurrection a man gets the righteousness of God by faith alone. (Romans 3:21-22 ; Galatians 2:16)
Note that when Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 in Romans 1:17 he leaves out the word “his”. This was done by the Holy Spirit because righteousness in the church age is by grace through faith without works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In the opening chapter we see one of the main themes of the book of Romans which is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This is why it is such a good book for those who have just been saved.
Studies From Romans
Lesson #1 : The Power of God (Romans 1:1-17)
Handout
1) What are the stats for the book of Romans?
2) What is one of the main things that we see from Romans for people in the church age?
3) What is the key to the Gospel?
4) What is the key to Salvation?