Romans is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.
-Martin Luther
Romans 1:1-17
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
One message:
1) - Jesus
Two phrases:
1) Loved by God
agapetos - beloved (from agape)
1 John 4 - God is love.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, he sent his only son
1 John 3:16 - This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lies for our brothers.
2) Called to be saints
Hagios - sacred, holy, consecrated, set a part, different
Paul is establishing IDENTITY and CALLING.
Three pastoral imperatives:
Romans 1
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.
1. Be grateful for one another.
Romans 1
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
2. Encourage one another.
Hebrews 10:24
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Romans 1
14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
3. Be courageous with the Good News.
Communion
Small Group Discussion Questions:
Opening Question:
• What stood out to you most from the sermon on Romans 1:1–17? Why?
Exploring the Passage
1. Identity and Calling
• Read Romans 1:7. How does Paul describe the believers in Rome?
• What does it mean to be “loved by God” and “called to be saints”?
• How do these truths shape your understanding of your identity and calling as a follower of Jesus?
2. The Gospel and God’s Love
• Reflect on the verses referenced in the sermon (1 John 4:8–10, John 3:16, 1 John 3:16).
• How do these verses expand your understanding of God’s love?
• How should this love impact the way we view others and live our lives?
3. The Power of the Gospel
• Read Romans 1:16–17. Paul says he is “not ashamed of the gospel.”
• Why do you think Paul was so confident in the power of the gospel?
• Have you ever felt hesitant or bold in sharing the gospel? What made the difference?
Living It Out
1. Be Grateful for One Another
• Read Romans 1:8–10. Paul expresses gratitude for the faith of the Roman believers.
• Who are some people in your life whose faith has inspired or encouraged you?
• How can you express gratitude for them this week?
2. Encourage One Another
• Read Romans 1:11–12 and Hebrews 10:24–25.
• How have you been mutually encouraged by the faith of others in your small group or church community?
• What is one way you can intentionally encourage someone this week?
3. Be Courageous with the Good News
• Paul felt an obligation and eagerness to share the gospel with all people (Romans 1:14–15).
• What obstacles or fears sometimes keep you from sharing the gospel?
• What step of courage can you take this week to share the Good News, whether through words or actions?
Closing Question:
• After reflecting on this passage, what is one thing God is inviting you to do in response this week?