Day 1
Todays Scripture:
Romans 1:1-15 ESV
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 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, 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, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 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. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 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. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome."
ESV: English Standard Version 2016
Reflection:
V1-7 are the greeting, setting the stage for the rest of the book of Romans. It gives us a basic overview of the gospel and gives us context for the rest of the book. what is one thing that stuck out to you in this section?
V8-15 are a personal note to the people from Rome. Paul is encouraged by their faith because word is spreading fast about how much they trust in Christ. When God is moving in an area, word travels fast. How have you seen God move recently in your local church?
Why is it so important that we meet together with other believers? (v11-12)
How has someone’s faith encouraged you recently? (say their name and what they did to encourage you.) how have you encouraged someone else’s faith recently? (v11-12)
Paul is “under obligation to the greeks and barbarians” which in this time meant the smart and the foolish. not all people were educated in this time so there would be separations between people groups. what is Paul under obligation to do? (V14-15)
The gospel is for all people, and you don’t need a particularly sharp mind or an education to be saved. but be prepared, because romans will be a deep book. if you commit to diving in, you will reap much reward and see great fruits from your study. Paul has in mind that he is speaking to people of different education levels, so regardless of how smart or not-smart you think you are, this book is for you. Paul’s argument begins on v18 which we will be reading tomorrow. his argument will provide a foundation of understanding that will inform your walk with Christ for the rest of your life. calling this book “extremely helpful” would be an understatement. you will return to this book many times through your life and will find great blessing in reading it. are you committed to studying this book and applying the truths to your life? (v14-15)