The Book of Romans

Introduction

This book of the Bible is interesting as Paul is speaking to a primarily Gentile audience. He talks of the different ways in which someone can become a child of God.

Chapters 1-8

Righteousness through FAITH, not the LAW. This is a major theme of this letter to the Roman church. There was a lot of conflict in this early church between the traditional Jewish Christians who abided by the Law of Moses, and the new members of the church (far outnumbering the Jews) who were Gentiles and did not feel obligated to follow the Law of Moses.

Rejoice in suffering because suffering brings perseverance, perseverance brings about character, and character brings about hope in God, and hope in God will never fail us!

Paul states that the Law was added to the earth such that trespass could increase. But with that increase, Grace also increased.

In baptism we die to sin, we live through the resurrection. We are now slaves to righteousness.

"Sinful passions aroused by the Law". We now serve in the Spirit not in the old ways of the written code.

"The mind controlled by the spirit is life"

We do not know what we pray for, the Spirit intercedes for us

Chapters 9-13

Our favor with God does not depend on us (our efforts or desires) but on God's mercy.

"He hardens those he wants to harden" God chooses to circumstances that he wants us to live by, he strengthens us with challenges to our character...life is a test.

Christ is the end of the Law, so that there may be righteousness for everyone, even those who have not been under the Law.

Israel has experienced a hardening.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Consider this for a moment! We are given each a measure of faith, this is a gift not a choice. One may pray for faith as it is a gift from God.

A persons role is not set by his gift, but by the measure of his faith...leadership being the highest.

Do not repay evil for evil.

Chapter 14-16

This whole chapter is full of references to NOT condemning the practices of others. If one sees a day as holy then it is holy to them, if all days are the same for another, then all days are the same for them.

However, we do not boast of our differences, if our differences cause another to stumble, then keep the differences between you and God.

When with a vegetarian, eat as they do. Eat your meat in private. Venture to be at peace with everyone.