ROMANS - Growing Christians Ministries

1 Growing Christians Ministries Box 2268, Westerly, RI 02891 ROMANS study guide for 2 Lesson 1 Paul s Greeting to the Christians at Rome ROMANS 1:1-7 background notes 1. 2. 3. doctrinal / teaching points 1. The gospel of God was promised in God s Word a. in the prophetic statements of Scriptures. b. in the prophetic pictures of the Old Testament. 2. The gospel of God is focused in God s Son a. in His incarnation. b. in His resurrection. practical application Remember that you, too, are called to be an apostle.

2 Questions 1. How and when was the church at Rome begun? 2. From where and under what circumstances did Paul write the epistle to the ROMANS ? 3. Who was the Gaius spoken of in ROMANS 16:23? 4. What is the theme of this epistle? 5. The gospel of God was promised in God s word. Explain. 3answers 1. It is most likely that this church got its start soon after Pentecost as new converts carried the gospel back to Rome from Jerusalem. People were converted, Bible studies started, and the church at Rome came into being.

3 2. Paul wrote from Corinth. He was on his third missionary journey. 3. Gaius was Paul s host, and the host of the whole church. From this we could conclude that he and his wife were committed to hospitality. 4. The righteousness of God and the gospel of God. In ROMANS , the gospel is not only proclaimed, it is taught. 5. It was promised in the prophetic statements of Scriptures, and in the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Secondly, it was promised in the prophetic pictures of the Old Testament, such as the Old Testament sacrifices that pointed to the great sacrifice to come.

4 Discuss / consider 1. Review and consider the gospel of God as promised in some of the prophetic statements of Scripture. Recall and consider some of the Old Testament pictures or types that looked forward to the gospel of God. 2. Paul had a mission strategy, plans to evangelize people wherever he was located. Do you have a strategy to evangelize your neighbors and your colleagues? What kind of effect are you having on their lives? challenge Paul was called to be an apostle, or a sent one, to show forth the gospel of God.

5 The great commission applies to all believers (Mark 16:15). Remember that you, too, are called to be an apostle. memorize God promised through His prophets concerning His Son Jesus Christ our of the seed of David and declared to be the Son of God with power. ROMANS 1:2-3 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ. ROMANS 1:5-6 4 Lesson 2 The Apostle Paul Tells of His Plans to Come to Rome & The Theme of ROMANS ROMANS 1:8-17 background notes 1.

6 2. 3. doctrinal / teaching points 1. The gospel of God reveals the power of God. 2. The gospel of God reveals the righteousness of God. practical applications 1. Are you paying off your debts? 2. Are you ashamed of the gospel? 3. Don t be discouraged if God says No to your godly plans. questions 1. Refer to ROMANS 1:8. Why was Paul giving thanks? 2. When did Paul write this letter to the ROMANS ? 3. How does the gospel of God reveal the power of God? 4. Does God lower His standards to save sinful people?

7 5. Is sharing the good news optional for the believer? 5answers 1. He was thankful for the believers at Rome and thankful for their Christian testimony, which was known throughout the whole world (that is, the roman Empire). 2. About 57-58 3. The good news is the power of God. Intrinsic to the gospel is the power of God to save and transform lives when the good news is believed. 4. No, although we are saved by God's grace and mercy, He does not lower or compromise His standards. Believers are declared righteous as they accept by faith the sacrifice of Christ.

8 5. No. Paul wrote that he was a debtor to both Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and unwise. The Lord brings us into contact with many people from all walks of life. We are the means God used to get the good news to them. It is our responsibility, not an option. discuss / consider 1. The roman persecutions followed the great fire in Rome in AD 64, when Nero blamed the Christians for the fire. Some of these Christians would be martyred for their faith in Christ. Would you be so faithful under such conditions?

9 2. Paul prayed for the Christians undergoing persecution. How faithful are you in praying for believers around the world who are even now undergoing great persecution? challenge Have you experienced the power of God to save and transform your life? Have you experienced the power of God to save you from the penalty and power of sin in your life? Are you sharing this good news? memorize ..without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers. ROMANS 1:9 I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.

10 ROMANS 1:16 6 Lesson 3 The Whole World Is Guilty Before God, and No One Has An Excuse ROMANS 1:18-23 background notes 1. 2. 3. doctrinal / teaching points 1. God does not condemn people for ignorance of the truth. 2. God does condemn people for willful rejection of the truth. practical application Don t be brain washed with the study of man s religion. questions 1. In the epistle to the ROMANS , we have good news and bad news. What is the good news? What is the bad news? 2. Does God condemn people for ignorance of the truth?