Lesson 2—Theme and Gentiles in Sin (Chapter 1)
for September 10, 2000

Introduction

Romans might be called “the gospel according to Paul”. It is more like a treatise, sermon, or tract, than a letter. It is very logical and systematic in its presentation, unlike some other letters.

However, Romans is like a letter in that it deals with some topics of a personal nature (see especially chapter 16). It is also addresses a specific group of people (the saints at Rome, 1:7) and some matters between Paul and them—specifically, his desire to visit them (see 1:8-15).

There are several other noteworthy items in the introductory verses of Romans (verses 1-17):

The author identifies himself as Paul (v. 1), an apostle
Paul elaborates on the meaning of gospel (vv. 2-6)
Presents the notion of calling to be a Christian (v. 6)
Uses the formula greeting which is so common of New Testament letters—grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 7b)
Notes the well-reported faith of the Roman church (v. 8)
Prayer for the church (vv. 9-10)—do not fail to study Paul’s prayers for churches; they include some wonderful teaching
Paul expresses his desire to preach to them (vv.14-15)
The theme of the book is given here (vv. 16-17; see below)

Theme

Almost all commentators agree that 1:16-17 is Paul’s unifying theme for this letter to the Romans. Salvation comes through the sacrifice of Jesus to those who believe. It is not just for a certain group (the Jews), but for everyone who believes. This is good news, especially for Gentiles (those who are not Jews).

Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes by faith. This is most surely to be in opposition to the thinking of the Jews that righteousness comes by obedience to the law. Paul uses a quotation from Habakkuk 2:4 to make his point. However, there seems to be a difference in the way the quote is meant in Habakkuk and by Paul. In Habakkuk, the meaning is that those who are already righteous will survive the coming punishment by Babylon (Chaldeans) through their faith. Paul is saying (and explains fully throughout the letter) that we become righteous by faith and live.

Gentiles in sin and under God’s wrath

The remainder of chapter 1 (vv.18-32) shows that mankind in general is under the wrath of God because of its sinfulness. Evidence of God and his power is clear to all, yet many have rejected him. Therefore, God has allowed mankind to follow his own course, reaping in many ways the full results of his sinfulness. Notice that Paul particularly emphasizes idol worship and sexual perversion (vv. 22-27).

In 1:29-31, Paul gives a list of sins. These are actions and characteristics that “ought not to be done”, but are practiced by those who reject God. Unfortunately, some are even practiced by those who claim to follow God. Paul tells us that those who do these sins deserve death. He explains that it is also wrong to condone these actions by others.

Questions

1. What does it mean to be called to be a Christian? Who does the calling? What are we called to do?

2. What does Paul mean when he desires “grace and peace” for the Roman Christians?

3. How does it change your response to God if you understand that righteousness comes not from obeying the law but from trusting in what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross?

4. What does it mean to be under God’s wrath?

5. How is God evident to all people “so that they are without excuse”?

Application

What would it take for our church’s faith to be reported around the world?

What similarities do you see between the sinfulness Paul described in the Roman world and our society today? What significance does that have?

Why is disobedience to parents included in Paul’s list of sins?

How do we condone sin (see 1:32) today?