Studies in Romans  :  No. 1

 

The House of Romans

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MEET THE TOURIST GUIDE !

 

INTRODUCTION

This is Paul’s greatest epistle.  As Christians we ought to try, at least, to understand just what it is all about! He is going to take us for a walk through the great doctrines of the Christian Faith, described by one writer as ‘The House of Romans.”

It was this epistle that played a major role in the conversion of Martin Luther (and the subsequent Protestant Reformation), and in the conversion of John Wesley (and the Methodist Revival).

 

OUTLINE … (based on Rev. C. Porter)

 

          Chapters     1-3              RIGHTEOUSNESS REQUIRED

                             4                  RIGHTEOUSNESS REVEALED

                             5                  RIGHTEOUSNESS RECEIVED

                             6-8              RIGHTEOUSNESS REALISED

                             9-11            RIGHTEOUSNESS REJECTED

                             12-16           RIGHTEOUSNESS REPRODUCED

 

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In 1:1-17 Paul talks about the Old-Time Gospel … though it was still new then!

 

1.       THE PREACHER

Paul describes himself as a “slave”, a “sent one” and as “separated to the gospel” (v. 1).  Therefore he is able to say “I am debtor” (v. 14), because Christ bought him his freedom from the Devil’s bondage;  “I am ready”, because Christ is the One who does the sending (v. 15), and “I am not ashamed…” (v. 16), because he is no longer in partnership with the world, he is separated to the gospel!

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2.       THE PREDICTION OF THIS GOSPEL

Verse 2 … Foretold by the Old Testament prophets.

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3.       THE PROOF OF THE GENUINENESS OF THIS GOSPEL

… the empty tomb!  Jesus was shown to be God’s Son by His resurrection.  No empty tomb … no gospel!  (I Corinthians 15:14-15).

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4.       THE PERSON OF THE GOSPEL

… our Lord Jesus!  (vs. 3, 16).  Only through Him can sinful man be reconciled to God, the Father.  And how that takes place is the subject of “Romans.”

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5.       THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

… God’s (v. 16).  It is able to reach the hardest heart and melt it like butter.

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6.       THE PRIORITY OF THE GOSPEL

To the Jew first??  (v. 16).  Chronologically, that is!  It is not a command for us to follow today, but a statement of fact. We are to proclaim the good news of the Gospel to Jew and Gentile alike.

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7.       THE PROVISION OF THE GOSPEL

“… everyone that believeth!”! (v. 16)  For Gentiles as well as Jews.   And it is their choice as to whether they believe …or not !

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8.       THE PURPOSE OF THE GOSPEL

Salvation!  Hallelujah!

 

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