THE GOSPEL: THE POWER OF GOD
Romans 1:1-17
Key Verse: 1:16
1. How does Paul identify himself (1)? What is the significance of these words: “a servant of Christ Jesus”, “Called to be an apostle”, “set apart”? What is the origin of the gospel, and how has it been attested to (1-2)?
2. Read verses 3-4. What is the gospel about? Who is Jesus according to the human nature? According to the divine nature? What was Paul’s conclusion about Jesus?
3. What blessings are given through Jesus (5)? What does the word “we” indicate? What mission do “we” receive through Jesus? What does “for his name’s sake” imply? What did Paul say about the believers in Rome (6-7)?
4. What is Paul’s thanksgiving topic and prayer topic (8-10)? Why did he want to visit them (11-15)? What might the “spiritual gift” be (15:29)? What motivated Paul to preach the gospel to them so eagerly?
5. Read verse 16. What does the phrase “I am not ashamed of the gospel” imply? What does Paul describe say about the gospel regarding its saving power and effectiveness? Why does everyone need the gospel?
6. Read verse 17. What is revealed in the gospel? What is the “righteousness of God” and how can we receive it? What does the phrase “by faith from first to last” mean? How does Paul support this (Hab 2:4)?