Romans is a theology book, a systematic presentation explaining Jesus’ sacrificial death, while the four Gospels present Jesus’ words and actions; therefore, a study of both give a good understanding of Jesus, the resurrected Christ, so Lord willing, we will examine Paul’s letter to the Romans, the “saints”, Christians in the church at Rome.
The Apostle Paul, in Romans 1:1-7, introduces himself and greets the saints in the church at Rome, by revealing how the prophets, in the Scriptures, showed our Lord Jesus Christ would be born according to or in agreement with the flesh, as King David’s descendant, and declared to be God’s Son, according to or in agreement with the Spirit of holiness, by resurrecting from death, and therefore through Jesus the resurrected Christ, we have peace, grace, apostleship, for obedience to keep the faith for the sake of His name. WOW, what an awesome introduction to who Jesus, the resurrected Christ, is to us and us to Him.
Romans 1:8-17 is Paul’s desire to visit the church at Rome, to impart something from God to them, and receive something from God through them, for Paul knew he would encourage the Roman saints and they would also encourage him. Paul boldly states he is unashamed of Christ’s gospel, for by it, God’s power is released during salvation to all who believe and trust Him, for Christ, God’s Righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30) is revealed as we move from one act of faith to the next, because the lifestyle of the righteous is faith, complete trust in God whose word we believe and obey.
Romans 1:18-32 reveals that like wrath (punishment) God inflicted on His Son, Jesus, will be inflicted on everyone who refuses to obey God’s plan for man and woman to marry and produce children for His glory, but instead man lust for sex with man and woman lust for sex with woman, because from creation God has revealed His marital plan to all creation, and yet rebels know this truth but suppress it in their unrighteousness (refuse to become right with God); thus, they deserve death, and God goes on to explain, in Romans 1:28-32, what kind of person they are in His sight.
Romans 1:28-32—28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
This is everyday occurrence in America and gets worse daily, for lust, anger, pride, authority, power, sex, transgender, and greed are approved, practiced, and government enforced, but God despises it, yet He will forgive, cleanse, and change anyone with this lifestyle that comes humbly to Him asking for His help, and will give up the world’s ways and commit themselves to Him.
We all know truth hurts when it opposes our lifestyle, but Jesus, in John 8:31-36, says He, the Truth, can and will set us free from these wicked lifestyles if we come to Him and ask Him to do it. When Jesus spoke John 8:31-36 to the Israelites, they were at that time Roman slaves, yet they denied every being in bandage (slavery to anyone), because they were Satan’s slaves.
John 8:31-36—31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son (Jesus Christ) makes you free, you shall be free indeed (completely free).
And this promise is still real for anyone today that will humble themselves and ask Jesus Christ to totally set them free from every sin they have committed and are doing, then trust Him.
Jim Nabors
