1. Paul introduces himself in this letter as a servant of Christ who is called to be an apostle. What do you notice about this introduction?
Paul says what he is first (a servant of Jesus), then describes his role (apostle). Whatever else we are (spouse, parent, employee, business owner, hobbyist, friend, position in the church), we should count ourselves as servants of Jesus first. Then, we can talk about our calling in life.
2. Verses 3 and 4 remind us that the man Jesus was an earthly descendant of David, but He was proven to be the Son of God when the Spirit raised Him from the dead. How does this mirror our own reality?
Like Jesus, we are one thing in our earthly nature, but by the power of God, we are appointed to something so much higher. We become God’s children and walk in the power of the Spirit of God.
3. Who is greeting the Roman church in verse 7?
The greeting is actually from God the Father and Jesus. Their greeting to the church is to give them grace and peace. It’s also God’s greeting to us each time we meet with Him. He wants to impart grace and peace to us.
4. In verse 8-10, Paul says he thanks God for and prays for the Christians in Rome. Why is it important to thank God for and pray for other Christians?
For me, it’s important to remember that that group of Christians I belong to are not the only followers of Christ in the world. We belong to a much larger family of God and need to look beyond ourselves to care for and be encouraged by others.
It’s also good to remember that Christianity extends beyond my culture. Christianity is not limited by the practices of one particular group of Christians. It’s worldwide, and Christians in other places experience and worship Jesus in other ways than I’m used to. We can all learn from and be enriched by one another.
It would be a good practice to think about how Christians in other parts of the world interpret certain passages of Scripture and pray for them as they face challenges unique to their culture. Many Christians face persecution in their home countries.
5. In verse 15, Paul says he’s eager to preach the gospel in Rome? You might not be an Apostle like Paul was, but we should all be eager to share the gospel with others? What holds you back?
Some reasons people might not want to share their faith include:
It’s not socially acceptable to talk about your religion.
We don’t feel like we know enough about the Bible to talk about it.
We don’t feel like we’re good enough Christians for others to take us seriously.
We don’t have time to talk to someone seriously about the faith.
6. In verse 16, Paul says he’s not ashamed of the gospel. Why is he not ashamed, and how can that encourage us to overcome our hesitation to share our faith?
The gospel is the power of God for salvation.
It’s true. It’s powerful. It’s from God, not from ourselves. We don’t need to be hesitant or shy about sharing it. It doesn’t depend on us but on God. If we tell someone how God has saved us, we can trust that God will begin working in their heart to save them too. We don’t need to have all the answers or be as mature of a Christian as we will one day become. We simply need to point them to God.
What to DO after reading this passage
In verses 11 and 12, Paul says he wants to share his spiritual gifts with the Christians in Rome and wants himself and them to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Think about what gifts the Spirit has given you to share? How can you use those gifts this week to encourage the Church?
Here are two lists of spiritual gifts to help you consider. Note: These are not all the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 - Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Romans 12:6-8 - We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
1. In verses 18-20, Paul says that God has made it plain to people that He exists from what He has made. What can we learn about God from considering His creation?
There is a lot we can tell about God’s character and nature from looking at the creation. Some obvious points are:
There is a Creator –The world didn’t just happen.
The Creator is powerful.
He’s invisible.
He is creative, wise, orderly.
He loves variety and beauty.
He cares for His creation.
2. In verse 21, Paul says people neither glorified God nor gave thanks to Him. Why is it important to worship and thank God?
When we’re worshipping and thanking God, we can’t rebel against Him. Our hearts are softened toward Him rather than hardened in sin. We remain humble and teachable rather than prideful and judgmental. We can’t forget God if we make it a regular practice to worship Him.
3. What was the result of people not acknowledging God as Creator?
They became foolish enough to worship created things rather than God (verses 23-25).
They were attracted to the same sex (verses 26-27).
They became depraved in all other areas (verses 28-32).
4. Paul opens and closes this passage by saying that people know God and His commands but choose to ignore this knowledge. How do people suppress the knowledge of God today?
People invent other reasons for the origin of the Universe.
They ignore their own consciences that proclaim the commands of God.
They try to fill the yearning in their soul for higher things with money, relationships, pleasure, accomplishment.
They argue that the God’s Word doesn’t mean what it says, or that it’s outdated and not applicable to modern people.
5. What does verse 18 tell us about the final result of humanity’s sin?
The wrath of God is real. He will punish all sin because we are all without excuse.
What to DO after reading this passage
Verse 32 says that people not only continue to sin, but also approve of others who sin. Spend some time in prayer asking God if there is any way in which you have been approving of sin.
A couple of ideas might be laughing at inappropriate jokes or paying for and sponsoring entertainment that shows you sinful behavior.
Do you have another insight into this passage? Please share below!
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