Grace from Romans

Lesson two

Romans 8-17

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ! With these words Paul wraps up his introduction of his letter to the Romans and he transitions into the main points of his letter.

Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established–– 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

Ø I am thankful Vs 8

“First” meaning of greatest importance. Paul is saying that the thing that he wanted to say to the Romans before anything else was how thankful he was for their testimony and how that testimony had spread throughout the whole world of that day.

Ø I am eager Vs 9-13

Paul wanted the believers in Rome to know that he earnestly desired to come to them and minister to them in Rome. He calls on God as the witness to his desire and his prayers for them. It was Paul’s desire to be an encouragement to the believers there in Rome and to teach them from the Word of God.

Romans 1:14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.

Ø I am a debtor Vs 14

What does Paul mean when he says that he is in debt to the Greeks and the barbarians, both to wise and unwise? Warren Wiersbe says “Paul had an obligation to all men” He was given a task from the Lord Jesus when they met on the road to Damascus. Paul was given a job to do and until it was completed. He was under obligation to take the word of God to them.

Romans 1:15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Ø I am ready to preach Vs 15

“Two different Greek words are translated ‘Ready’ in the Bible. One means ‘prepared’ as in Acts 21:13. ‘I am ready to die at Jerusalem...’ the other one, used here in Romans 1:15, means ‘eager, with a ready mind.’” WW. Paul was eager to share with them the good news. The Roman church only had a part of the Bible at this time and Paul wanted to give them a fuller understanding of who God is and what he has for his children.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Ø I am not ashamed Vs 16-17

Many people were ashamed of the gospel in that day. If they let it out too much that they were Christians, it could cost them their life. They would hide the fact that they were believers. Paul here is saying that he is willing to put it all on the line for people to hear the gospel. It is that important, he says, because it is the power of God to bring salvation to those who believe.

Check it Out

Ø Thankful – Are you thankful for the witness and testimony of others? Do you have the kind of reputation in your community that God is thankful for?

Ø Eager – Do you just plod along through life or are you joyful, looking forward to the next way that God will use you for His Glory?

Ø Debtor – God has given you a job, “Go, make disciples of all nations...,” What are you doing to pay your debt to the world?

Ø Ready to Preach – Maybe this would be better said “eager to share.” When is the last time that you just couldn’t wait to share your faith with a neighbor, friend or family member

Ø Not Ashamed –

o James Boyce, in his commentary on Romans gives eight reasons to not be ashamed of the gospel.

§ 1. The Gospel is Good news. When was the last time you had good news to share? I know, for me, I can’t wait to tell people about it.

§ 2. It is the way of Salvation.

§ 3. It is God’s way not man’s.

§ 4. It is the Power of God. It is the means to accomplish God’s salvation. It is not weak or powerless, it has the Power of God.

§ 5. It is for Everyone, both Jew and Gentile, man and woman. It has no prejudice.

§ 6. It is Salvation revealed to sinners.

§ 7. It is the Righteousness from God. We have no righteousness on our own. We are totally dependant on God to give us His righteousness. And Lastly

§ 8. It is totally of Faith from first to last. It begins with saving faith and ends with the faith to live each day for him.

o When you have the opportunities to share your faith, do you run and hide in shame or do you take the opportunities? Are you ashamed?