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SSS4 : Epistle to the Romans : Lesson 2

Text: Romans 1:1-7
9 April 2017

SSS 4 THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS 9 April 2017

Text: Romans 1:1-7

1. Greetings Romans 1:7

a) Typical greetings
b) Writer identified
“Paul“ Romans 1:1
i) Bondservant
ii) Apostle
c) Recipients identified
“All who are in Rome” Romans 1:7

2. Calling to be an apostle

a) This was a strong concept
i) To be traced back to the Old Testament (Cf. Isaiah 41:8-9
ii) Closely related to the concept of “being chosen” (Isaiah 41:8-9)
iii) iii) A Divine act of God
iv) An invitation to serve
v) An imperial imperative
vi) Called through the grace of God Romans 1:5; Galatians 1:15
b) Separated
i) Closely related to “calling” and “being chosen”
ii) This was also mentioned in Galatians 1:15
iii) This is an act of God
iv) It may be best understood in reflection
v) This is not a wild claim
vi) It has to be proven and demonstrated in life and ministry
c) Defence of this calling to be an apostle
i) Not from man Galatians 1:1
ii) Nor by man (human agency) Galatians 1:1
iii) But from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself Galatians 1:1
iv) There were occasions where Paul had to defend his calling as an apostle

3. The Gospel of God

a) This focuses on the Source of the Gospel
b) This was not Paul’s invention
c) The Gospel originated from the Lord God Himself

4. Significant features of the Gospel to be noted Romans 1:2-6

a) The Gospel was promised Romans 1:2
b) Through the prophets Romans 1:2 (Isaiah is sometimes called an evangelistic prophet)
c) In the Scriptures
i) The birth of the Messiah Isaiah 7:14
ii) Spirit-filled Isaiah 11:2
iii) Ministry of the Messiah Isaiah 42
iv) Suffering of the Messiah Isaiah 53
d) Focus of the Gospel- The Lord Jesus Christ Romans 1:4
i) The Seed of David according to the flesh – Romans 1:3; Matthew 20:30; 21:9
ii) Declared- Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness Romans 1:4
iii) Proven by the Resurrection of the dead Romans 1:4
e) For obedience of faith Romans 1:5
i) Obedience is essential Jeremiah 11:4
ii) Obedience to God-an appropriate response
iii) To be exemplified by the apostles
iv) Among all the nations
v) On behalf of the Lord’s name (for the sake of the Lord’s name)

5. All believers Romans 1:6

a) The called ones of Jesus Christ Romans 1:6
b) The beloved ones of God Romans 1:7

6. Grace and Peace Romans 1:7

a) From God the Father
b) From the Lord Jesus Christ