Let's Study Romans

As this blog is kind of turning into a daily devotional I figured we could kill two birds with one stone. I am currently studying the book of Romans in an inductive manner. So what I want to do is post here what I study and we can all learn together. And without further ado I present to Jerry's Ramblins On Romans:

The epistle to the Romans is a very much studied and debated book. There are those in “Christendom” that would assert that the only doctrine we can draw from the New Testament comes from the book of Romans itself. I do not agree with this assertion, but merely use it to illustrate a point about how important it is that we understand what is really contained within its words.

Paul starts the epistle off by introducing himself and his topic of discussion. In verses 1-6 he explains his authority, and by whom it was given:

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6

Paul is pointing out here that he is called to be an apostle, explaining what that means, by telling them that he is set apart for the Gospel. He then goes onto to explain exactly what Gospel he is an apostle of. I believe that this an important point because there have been many false teachers having claimed special revelation from God, and Paul even points out in his epistles to the Corinthians, as well as to Timothy, that false teachers will bring false Gospels and doctrines leading even the elect astray if possible. He goes on, after briefly summarizing the Gospel, that it was through that same Jesus that he received the grace to be an apostle, in order that he might bring about obedience to the faith among all nations, not for Paul’s sake, but for Christ’s sake. And that calling would even include those who were in Rome.

Paul uses verses six and seven to make a thought shift in pointing out to whom he was writing, and the occasion for the letter. To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you-- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Romans 1:7-17

After transitioning to addressing the Romans Paul begins to expound upon why he is writing. He exhorts them that they are loved by God, and that they have been called to be saints. Sainthood comes by calling and never by deed. Paul then declares to them how thankful he is for the fact that there are those in Rome whose faith is proclaimed throughout the world as a testimony to the power of the Gospel.

Paul then transitions to letting them know that it is not for a lack of concern of them that he has been unable to come to them, but rather that he earnestly prays for them and seeks God to allow him to come that he may bless and encourage them, and be blessed and encouraged by them. He then goes onto to explain the reason that he has not come to them is that he has been prevented by God from doing so. He explains that his ministry is not only to them in Rome, but to all the other Gentiles as well. Both Greek and barbarian, wise and foolish alike need to hear the gospel. Paul then explains that he is not ashamed of the message, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first as well as to the gentile. For righteousness is imputed and revealed by faith, so that the righteous shall live by faith.

So how we can we apply this passage of scripture to our lives? Well first and foremost we need to ask ourselves if the Gospel is the power unto salvation, do I know what it is, and have I received salvation? Secondly I would say that Paul seems to be addressing a problem in the opening of this letter that is all to common among the churches today. A common thought process among the church people is that the church, and the ministers of it, exist primarily for them. While it is true that the church, and its ministers, are there to encourage, exhort, reprove, and train the church members it is also important to note that it is just not to a select few that we are called to minister, but it is to a great multitude that we must minister to.

So let me encourage you to make your calling and election sure. Then after you have done that remember that as Jesus said, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few,” so we should, “therefore pray that the Lord of the Harvest thrust forth laborers into his harvest field.” Pray for your Pastors, Teachers, Elders, and Leaders that they might be blessed of God by not only ministering to you, but that you might have patience with us as we sometimes get overwhelmed with the tasks of ministry. And be sensitive that you might hear God’s call on your own life to become a minister of the Gospel.