Introduction To Romans - Part 1 Series

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

Hagerstown, MD

www.mycrossway.org

"1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, having been set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 who was designated as the Son of God in power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we received grace and apostleship for the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:1–7 LSB)

Welcome to our first Study in the Book of Romans. It is likely that if you have walked with the Lord for any length of time, you’ve studied the Book of Romans before. Some might say this is a simple and easy study. However, there is enough meat in Romans to keep us deep into theological study for quite some time. Let me impress upon you the beauty of Scripture that you can come back to Scripture many times, and each time, you will discover something new that builds your faith.

If this is your first time systematically studying this Epistle, you are in for a treat. Within these chapters and verses are some of the greatest expressions of the Christian faith to be put on paper. Here, Paul explains sanctification, justification, salvation, and atonement. He describes original sin, humanity's course, and God's incomprehensible love. Paul will lead us in discourse through understanding Israel and the Law. He will illuminate for us God’s amazing grace and the work of the Spirit. These are just to name a few, but understanding them is vital to living a victorious Christian life.

So, it is a worthy portion of Scripture to dig deep into our lives. Here, we find the treasures of the gospel. And if we deeply know these truths, we can apply them to our lives and aptly share them with others. In our studies, we follow in the steps and hear the voices of great men of the faith, including the Apostle Paul. Consider these quotes about Romans:

“It is the chief part of the New Testament and the perfect gospel… the absolute epitome of the gospel.” (Martin Luther)

“When anyone understands this Epistle, he has a passage opened to him to the understanding of the whole Scripture.” (John Calvin)

“[Romans is] beyond question the most dynamic of all New Testament letters even as it was written at the climax of Paul’s apostolic career.” (Richard Lenski)

If you look in your Bible, Romans is the first Epistle (letter) to appear after the Book of Acts. Romans was the 6th letter in the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul (written in AD 58), but the New Testament isn’t organized that way. First, we find the four Gospels, followed by the Book of Acts. These are historical accounts placed in the front of the New Testament Canon. After the Book of Acts, we find the Epistles of the Apostles. They are organized first by author and then by size. Last in the New Testament is the Book of Revelation, which is the apocalyptic book of the New Testament.

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through the perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

This week and next, we will look at the introduction to Romans, covering verses 1-7. In doing so, we are going to answer several questions. First, who was the Apostle Paul? Secondly, we will answer the question, “Why did Paul write this letter?” Third, we will answer, “Who were the people Paul was writing to?” In doing so, we’ll better understand the letter of Romans and its significance in Scripture.

Speaking of Scripture, we have full authority over what we are reading Scripture.

All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16 LSB)

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (LSB)And for this reason we also thank God without ceasing that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also is at work in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been declared to you through those who proclaimed the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:12 )