Paul Encourages Christians How to Live Righteously

Read Romans 1:1-17
THEME: Introduction
Title in NIV: Paul introduces himself and the gospel of Christ Jesus.

I'm tackling Romans. The book of Romans has six (6) divisions. Each division has a theme. I will list the theme at the beginning of each post to help you keep track of Paul's thoughts.

Romans was written my Paul but inspired by the Holy Spirit. Paul introduces himself to the Christians in Romans both Jews and Gentiles. He explains how he longs to visit and hopes to soon. He summarizes his understanding of the gospel. He is determined to make Christ known to men everywhere.

Chapter 1:1-17 is the Introduction to the book of Romans. Paul describes himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, and apostle called by Jesus Christ, and set apart for the gospel of God. He explains that the gospel was promised before Christ came through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures (what we think of as the old testament). Examples of the promised Christ are many: Is. 42, Is. 53 just to name a few.
The Holy Scriptures describe Jesus as a descendant of David in his human nature (Mt. 1:17) and the Son of God who was resurrected with power in his Spiritual nature (Phill 3:10). Paul explains that his ministry includes calling Gentiles to obedience through faith. He addresses the Christians in Rome in vs. 7, "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints." Paul tells them he is proud of them because their faith is being reported all over the world. He explains that he thanks God for them and constantly remembers them in prayer.

First, we can all be encouraged to make our prayer life better by Paul's example. Write prayers in a tiny spiral or 3X5 card you can tote in your purse or car. Take it with you to your prayer time. Look up verses that help make your prayers specific. Example: look up verses for unforgiveness, worry, health or strength and pray those verses back to God on be half of those you are praying for.

Second, (vs.12) we can also be encouraged to meet with our Christian brothers and sisters for mutual encouragement through each other's faith. That is so important!! Stay connected to Christian friends to build one another up, hold one another up, bear with one another and together, fight the good fight of this sinful world as one unit with a purpose (defeat Satan's schemes). One problem I see is that even as Christians, we don't share our struggles with the ones closest to us for support.

Third, do not be ashamed of the gospel. We are not ashamed to share our new car, or a piece of jewelry our husband got us for our anniversary. We should have the same enthusiasm to share the gospel. Try getting together with a Christian friend and making a date to discuss one scripture and what it means to both of you. If we practice with our loving, non-judgemental Christian friends, it will be easier when God puts someone in our path who does not know Christ's gift. Our motivation should be (vs. 16) "for the salvation of everyone who believes." Challenge: Think about why sharing our faith so hard?

In the end of the introduction, Paul says that by sharing the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed. Some people do not even know they need it. Only something unknown can be revealed. People need to hear the Word so they can be filled with understanding and ultimately choose faith. Then, the last sentence of the intro is, "The righteous will live by faith." To me, you have to have faith first and God will place the desire in your heart to live righteously.

The next theme is: All men's guild as sinners. Hope to meet you here next week.
Blessings!!!