A Study in the Book of 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 verse by verse but will be taking individual lessons from the book looking at it as a whole. This is one of the great books for people who are saved in the church age, it explains who is guilty, how God took care of man’s problem of sin, how to be saved, and even gives some instruction for living as a saved person.
Stats for 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 the 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 up 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.
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.
- In regards to the righteous part Jesus said because he went to the 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 was made righteous by his faith and his works, but after the death burial and resurrection a man is made righteous by faith alone. (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 righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. This is why it is such a good book for those who have just been saved.
A Study in the Book of 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 as a whole for people in the church age?
3) What is the key to the Gospel?
4) What is the key to Salvation?