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Romans 1

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1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through Him and on behalf of His name, we received grace and apostleship to call all those among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, how often I planned to come to you (but have been prevented from visiting until now), in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. 17 For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith." 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. 31 They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.

Study Notes — Romans 1

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Chapter Summary

Romans chapter 1 begins with Paul's introduction and greeting to the church in Rome, explaining that he is called to be an apostle and a servant of Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 1:1. He then expresses his desire to visit the Roman church and to preach the gospel to them, as stated in Romans 1:11-15. The chapter also explains that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, and that it is rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures, as seen in Romans 1:2-4. Paul then describes the sinful state of humanity, explaining that people have suppressed the truth about God and have turned to idolatry, as stated in Romans 1:18-23. The chapter concludes by describing the consequences of sin, including the wrath of God, as seen in Romans 1:24-31.

Context for the Chapter

Romans chapter 1 is the introduction to the book of Romans, which is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Rome. The chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book, which explains the gospel of God and its implications for believers. The book of Romans is a theological masterpiece that explains the nature of God, the sinfulness of humanity, and the power of the gospel to save people from sin and its consequences. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which points to Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Savior of the world, as stated in Romans 1:2-3 and Genesis 12:3, 15:5-6, and 17:1-14.

Heart Application

The chapter reminds us of the importance of preaching the gospel to everyone, regardless of their background or culture. It also highlights the power of the gospel to save people from sin and its consequences, as seen in Romans 1:16-17. As believers, we should be eager to share the gospel with others and to live out its implications in our own lives, as stated in Romans 1:14-15 and Matthew 28:18-20.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Romans chapter 1 introduces the theme of the gospel of God, which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16. The chapter explains that the gospel is rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures and is the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, as seen in Romans 1:2-3. The apostle Paul explains that he is not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16. The chapter also describes the sinful state of humanity and the consequences of sin, including the wrath of God, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32.

Voices from the Church

“The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, and it is the means by which people are justified before God, as stated in Romans 1:16-17 and 3:24-25.”

— John Calvin

“The wrath of God is a terrible thing, and it is poured out on those who reject Him and His gospel, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32. But the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, and it is available to all people, regardless of their background or culture, as seen in Romans 1:16.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Gospel (Romans 1:1-7) — The chapter begins with Paul's introduction and greeting to the church in Rome, explaining that he is called to be an apostle and a servant of Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 1:1. He then expresses his desire to visit the Roman church and to preach the gospel to them, as stated in Romans 1:11-15.
  2. The Gospel is the Power of God (Romans 1:8-17) — The chapter explains that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, and that it is rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures, as seen in Romans 1:2-4. Paul then describes his desire to preach the gospel to the Roman church and to see them justified before God, as stated in Romans 1:11-15.
  3. The Sinful State of Humanity (Romans 1:18-23) — The chapter describes the sinful state of humanity, explaining that people have suppressed the truth about God and have turned to idolatry, as stated in Romans 1:18-23. This is a universal problem that affects everyone, regardless of their background or culture.
  4. The Consequences of Sin (Romans 1:24-31) — The chapter describes the consequences of sin, including the wrath of God, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32. This is a sobering reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
  5. Conclusion (Romans 1:32) — The chapter concludes by describing the wrath of God as a judgment that is poured out on those who reject Him and His gospel, as stated in Romans 1:32. This is a reminder of the importance of preaching the gospel to everyone and of living out its implications in our own lives, as stated in Romans 1:14-15 and Matthew 28:18-20.

Core Doctrines

The Gospel
The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, and it is rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures, as seen in Romans 1:2-4 and 1:16-17. The gospel is the means by which people are justified before God, as stated in Romans 1:16-17 and 3:24-25.
Justification by Faith
Justification by faith is the means by which people are declared righteous before God, and it is available to all people through faith in Jesus Christ, as stated in Romans 1:17 and 3:24-25. This is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith, as seen in Romans 3:24-25 and Galatians 2:16.
The Wrath of God
The wrath of God is a judgment that is poured out on those who reject Him and His gospel, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32. This is a sobering reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and Revelation 20:11-15.
The Universality of Sin
The universality of sin is the idea that all people have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, as stated in Romans 1:18-23 and 3:9-20. This is a universal problem that affects everyone, regardless of their background or culture, as seen in Romans 3:9-20 and Psalm 14:1-3.

Lessons from Romans 1

  1. The Importance of Preaching the Gospel — The chapter highlights the importance of preaching the gospel to everyone, regardless of their background or culture, as stated in Romans 1:14-15. This is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8.
  2. The Power of the Gospel — The chapter explains that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16-17. This is a reminder of the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel to transform lives, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.
  3. The Universality of Sin — The chapter describes the sinful state of humanity, explaining that all people have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, as stated in Romans 1:18-23 and 3:9-20. This is a universal problem that affects everyone, regardless of their background or culture, as seen in Romans 3:9-20 and Psalm 14:1-3.
  4. The Consequences of Sin — The chapter describes the consequences of sin, including the wrath of God, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32. This is a sobering reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and Revelation 20:11-15.
  5. The Importance of Faith — The chapter highlights the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, explaining that it is the means by which people are justified before God, as stated in Romans 1:17 and 3:24-25. This is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, as seen in Romans 3:24-25 and Galatians 2:16.

Themes from Romans 1

  1. The Gospel of God — The chapter introduces the theme of the gospel of God, which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16-17. This is a central theme of the book of Romans and the Christian faith, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
  2. The Sinful State of Humanity — The chapter describes the sinful state of humanity, explaining that all people have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, as stated in Romans 1:18-23 and 3:9-20. This is a universal problem that affects everyone, regardless of their background or culture, as seen in Romans 3:9-20 and Psalm 14:1-3.
  3. The Wrath of God — The chapter describes the wrath of God as a judgment that is poured out on those who reject Him and His gospel, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32. This is a sobering reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and Revelation 20:11-15.
  4. The Importance of Faith — The chapter highlights the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, explaining that it is the means by which people are justified before God, as stated in Romans 1:17 and 3:24-25. This is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, as seen in Romans 3:24-25 and Galatians 2:16.
  5. The Power of the Gospel — The chapter explains that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16-17. This is a reminder of the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel to transform lives, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What is the gospel, and how is it the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16-17?
  2. How does the chapter describe the sinful state of humanity, and what are the consequences of sin, as stated in Romans 1:18-23 and 24, 26, 28, 32?
  3. What is the importance of preaching the gospel to everyone, and how can we live out its implications in our own lives, as stated in Romans 1:14-15 and Matthew 28:18-20?
  4. How does the chapter describe the wrath of God, and what is its significance for believers, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32?
  5. What is the relationship between faith and justification, and how are they connected to the gospel, as stated in Romans 1:17 and 3:24-25?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Gospel (Romans 1:1-7)

Romans 1:1 Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and an apostle, as seen in Romans 1:1. He explains that he is called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, as stated in Romans 1:1, 5-6, and Galatians 1:15-16.
Romans 1:2 The gospel is rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures, which point to Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Savior of the world, as stated in Romans 1:2-3 and Genesis 12:3, 15:5-6, and 17:1-14.

2. The Gospel is the Power of God (Romans 1:8-17)

Romans 1:8 Paul expresses his gratitude to God for the faith of the Roman church, as stated in Romans 1:8. He explains that he is eager to preach the gospel to them and to see them justified before God, as stated in Romans 1:11-15.
Romans 1:9 Paul explains that he is not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16-17. This is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 1:18.

3. The Sinful State of Humanity (Romans 1:18-23)

Romans 1:18 The chapter describes the sinful state of humanity, explaining that people have suppressed the truth about God and have turned to idolatry, as stated in Romans 1:18-23. This is a universal problem that affects everyone, regardless of their background or culture, as seen in Romans 3:9-20 and Psalm 14:1-3.
Romans 1:19 People have known God, but they have not glorified Him or given thanks to Him, as stated in Romans 1:19-21. Instead, they have become futile in their thinking and have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, as seen in Romans 1:21-23 and Jeremiah 2:1-13.

4. The Consequences of Sin (Romans 1:24-31)

Romans 1:24 The chapter describes the consequences of sin, including the wrath of God, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32. This is a sobering reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and Revelation 20:11-15.
Romans 1:25 People have exchanged the truth of God for a lie and have worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator, as stated in Romans 1:25. This is a fundamental aspect of the sinful state of humanity, as seen in Romans 1:18-23 and Psalm 96:5.

5. Conclusion (Romans 1:32)

Romans 1:32 The chapter concludes by describing the wrath of God as a judgment that is poured out on those who reject Him and His gospel, as stated in Romans 1:32. This is a reminder of the importance of preaching the gospel to everyone and of living out its implications in our own lives, as stated in Romans 1:14-15 and Matthew 28:18-20.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the gospel, and how is it the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes?

The gospel is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, and it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16-17. The gospel is rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures and is the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, as seen in Romans 1:2-3 and Genesis 12:3, 15:5-6, and 17:1-14.

How does the chapter describe the sinful state of humanity?

The chapter describes the sinful state of humanity, explaining that people have suppressed the truth about God and have turned to idolatry, as stated in Romans 1:18-23. This is a universal problem that affects everyone, regardless of their background or culture, as seen in Romans 3:9-20 and Psalm 14:1-3.

What is the importance of preaching the gospel to everyone?

The chapter highlights the importance of preaching the gospel to everyone, regardless of their background or culture, as stated in Romans 1:14-15. This is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Romans 1:1 → Galatians 1:15-16 Paul's introduction as a servant of Jesus Christ and an apostle is similar to his introduction in Galatians 1:15-16, as seen in Romans 1:1 and Galatians 1:15-16.
2 Romans 1:2 → Genesis 12:3, 15:5-6, and 17:1-14 The gospel is rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures, which point to Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Savior of the world, as stated in Romans 1:2-3 and Genesis 12:3, 15:5-6, and 17:1-14.
3 Romans 1:16 → 1 Corinthians 1:18 The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 1:18. This is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 1:18.
4 Romans 1:18 → Psalm 14:1-3 The chapter describes the sinful state of humanity, explaining that people have suppressed the truth about God and have turned to idolatry, as stated in Romans 1:18-23 and Psalm 14:1-3. This is a universal problem that affects everyone, regardless of their background or culture, as seen in Romans 3:9-20 and Psalm 14:1-3.
5 Romans 1:23 → Jeremiah 2:1-13 People have exchanged the truth of God for a lie and have worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator, as stated in Romans 1:23 and Jeremiah 2:1-13. This is a fundamental aspect of the sinful state of humanity, as seen in Romans 1:18-23 and Psalm 96:5.
6 Romans 1:24 → Revelation 20:11-15 The chapter describes the consequences of sin, including the wrath of God, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32. This is a sobering reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and Revelation 20:11-15.
7 Romans 1:25 → Psalm 96:5 People have exchanged the truth of God for a lie and have worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator, as stated in Romans 1:25 and Psalm 96:5. This is a fundamental aspect of the sinful state of humanity, as seen in Romans 1:18-23 and Psalm 96:5.
8 Romans 1:32 → Matthew 28:18-20 The chapter concludes by describing the wrath of God as a judgment that is poured out on those who reject Him and His gospel, as stated in Romans 1:32. This is a reminder of the importance of preaching the gospel to everyone and of living out its implications in our own lives, as stated in Romans 1:14-15 and Matthew 28:18-20.

Sermons on Romans 1

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill (Hebrews) 1-Overview-1 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its portrayal of the end times. He expresses sorrow over the degradation and perversion in society, emp
Art Katz "In the Beginning God created..." by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching the word of God to a colony of people who were not living for the purpose of God. He describes how the power of the w
Derek Prince God's Dealing With Me - Part 2 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the pastor shares his personal experiences and the impact of God's work in his life. He mentions a powerful message he preached and the warm spirit in the Sunday mo
Derek Prince The Call of God - Part 1 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call and making commitments to Him. He shares his own experience of speaking at Pacific Asia Christian
Art Katz "To the Jew first..." by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the Jewish people as central to the church's mission. He argues that neglecting the Jews not only harms them bu
Leonard Ravenhill "America Rejecting the Light" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon delves into the concept of God's potential withdrawal of protection from a nation that has been abundantly blessed but has turned away from Him. It explores the idea th
Tim Keller A World of Idols by Tim Keller In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that religion is often seen as a superficial and temporary experience. However, the speaker argues that true faith in Christianity is meant t
Vance Havner The Best, Not the Good by Vance Havner In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices in life between the bad, the good, and the best. He highlights the danger of settling for the good when we c
Kathryn Kuhlman Your Bible Insists on a Spirit Filled Life by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a spirit-filled life as instructed in the Bible. He criticizes those who mimic the ways of the devil and compromise
David Wilkerson Hell - Part 1 by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of hell and the judgment of God. He emphasizes that even before eternity comes, God will pour out His judgments on the earth, inc

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans 1

Matthew Henry's commentary on Romans 1 explains that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16-17. The commentary highlights the importance of preaching the gospel to everyone, regardless of their background or culture, as stated in Romans 1:14-15. The chapter describes the sinful state of humanity, explaining that people have suppressed the truth about God and have turned to idolatry, as stated in Romans 1:18-23. The commentary also explains that the consequences of sin include the wrath of God, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32. The chapter concludes by describing the wrath of God as a judgment that is poured out on those who reject Him and His gospel, as stated in Romans 1:32. This is a reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 1:16-17 and Revelation 20:11-15. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Universality of Sin

The chapter explains that all people have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, as stated in Romans 1:18-23 and 3:9-20. This is a universal problem that affects everyone, regardless of their background or culture.

The Power of the Gospel

The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to save people from sin and its consequences, as seen in Romans 1:16-17. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

The Wrath of God

The chapter describes the wrath of God as a judgment that is poured out on those who reject Him and His gospel, as stated in Romans 1:18-23, 24, 26, 28, 32. This is a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

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