Bobservations Column
Titled - "Living by Faith"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
As we begin the Epistle of Paul to the Romans today, we must acknowledge that it is a letter to The Church in Rome. Written about 60 A.D., it is a Christian Church in its infant form during the Roman Empire. Later on, the church would grow in its influence and administration. Then 1,000 years after this letter, pride had entered into the Church, and the first split in the Church occurred. The Latin Rite became the Roman Catholic Church, and the Eastern Rite grew into the traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church. (The Great Schism of 1054 A.D.). Apostolic Succession ceased because human pride got in the way, though the Vatican denies it even today.
Back to this Epistle: Paul is writing to an infant Church; to Baby Christians. It’s rather remarkable that there were those in Rome who were followers of Jesus Christ. Among unnamed others, Paul’s co-laborers and helpers, Aquila and his wife Priscilla had gone to Rome to spread the Gospel. During this time the Caesars were in power, and they were persecuting anyone who would not bow down to them as gods.
Previously from Italy, but born Jews in Pontus (Asia Minor), Aquila and Priscilla met Paul in Corinth, and he lived with them. All three were tent makers (Acts 18:3). Can you imagine the conversations Paul had with them as they worked side-by-side in their craft? How effectual is the hand of God to pair us with like-minded, and like skilled people: Jewish tent makers in a distant Greek city. Paul identifies them as his “helpers in Christ Jesus,” (A humble accolade to them in Romans 16:3,4).
This Epistle is written from Corinth between Paul’s second and third visit to that City. It is advanced notice of Paul’s plans to come to Rome. Living by faith is having faith in Christ Jesus, and placing our trust in Him, regardless of our immediate circumstances, and giving Him reign over our lives to fulfill His promises.
For those in Rome, this was something they could hold onto, for each Caesar that ruled over them seemed more eccentric and unstable than the previous one. Christians in Rome were able to submit to a faithful King who provided them with hope for a better life in Eternity.
2 Corinthians 5:7 -
As we begin the Epistle of Paul to the Romans today, we must acknowledge that it is a letter to The Church in Rome. Written about 60 A.D., it is a Christian Church in its infant form during the Roman Empire. Later on, the church would grow in its influence and administration. Then 1,000 years after this letter, pride had entered into the Church, and the first split in the Church occurred. The Latin Rite became the Roman Catholic Church, and the Eastern Rite grew into the traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church. (The Great Schism of 1054 A.D.). Apostolic Succession ceased because human pride got in the way, though the Vatican denies it even today.
Back to this Epistle: Paul is writing to an infant Church; to Baby Christians. It’s rather remarkable that there were those in Rome who were followers of Jesus Christ. Among unnamed others, Paul’s co-laborers and helpers, Aquila and his wife Priscilla had gone to Rome to spread the Gospel. During this time the Caesars were in power, and they were persecuting anyone who would not bow down to them as gods.
Previously from Italy, but born Jews in Pontus (Asia Minor), Aquila and Priscilla met Paul in Corinth, and he lived with them. All three were tent makers (Acts 18:3). Can you imagine the conversations Paul had with them as they worked side-by-side in their craft? How effectual is the hand of God to pair us with like-minded, and like skilled people: Jewish tent makers in a distant Greek city. Paul identifies them as his “helpers in Christ Jesus,” (A humble accolade to them in Romans 16:3,4).
This Epistle is written from Corinth between Paul’s second and third visit to that City. It is advanced notice of Paul’s plans to come to Rome. Living by faith is having faith in Christ Jesus, and placing our trust in Him, regardless of our immediate circumstances, and giving Him reign over our lives to fulfill His promises.
For those in Rome, this was something they could hold onto, for each Caesar that ruled over them seemed more eccentric and unstable than the previous one. Christians in Rome were able to submit to a faithful King who provided them with hope for a better life in Eternity.
2 Corinthians 5:7 -
“For we walk by faith, not by sight:”
Bobservations' Column: Audio Version
Sunday Morning Audio Message:
Romans 1:1-17 - "Living by Faith"
Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:
Introduction: The letter to the Romans stands as the clearest and most systematic presentation of Christian doctrine in all the Scriptures. Paul began by discussing that which is most easily observable in the world—the sinfulness of all humanity. All people have been condemned due to our rebellion against God. However, God in His grace offers us justification by faith in His Son, Jesus. When we are justified by God, we receive redemption, or salvation, because Christ’s blood covers our sin. But Paul made it clear that the believer’s pursuit of God doesn’t stop with salvation; it continues as each of us is sanctified—made holy—as we persist in following Him. Paul’s treatment of these issues offers a logical and complete presentation of how a person can be saved from the penalty and power of his or her sin.
Introduction: The letter to the Romans stands as the clearest and most systematic presentation of Christian doctrine in all the Scriptures. Paul began by discussing that which is most easily observable in the world—the sinfulness of all humanity. All people have been condemned due to our rebellion against God. However, God in His grace offers us justification by faith in His Son, Jesus. When we are justified by God, we receive redemption, or salvation, because Christ’s blood covers our sin. But Paul made it clear that the believer’s pursuit of God doesn’t stop with salvation; it continues as each of us is sanctified—made holy—as we persist in following Him. Paul’s treatment of these issues offers a logical and complete presentation of how a person can be saved from the penalty and power of his or her sin.
Rome was the capital and most important city of the Roman Empire. It was founded in 753 B.C. but is not mentioned in Scripture until NT times. Rome is located along the banks of the Tiber River, about 15 miles from the Mediterranean Sea. Until an artificial harbor was built at nearby Ostia, Rome’s main harbor was Puteoli, some 150 miles away. In Paul’s day, the city had a population of over one million people, many of whom were slaves. Rome boasted magnificent buildings, such as the emperor’s palace, the Circus Maximus, and the Forum, but its beauty was marred by the slums in which so many lived. According to tradition, Paul was martyred outside Rome on the Ostian Way during Nero’s reign (A.D. 54–68).
Some of those converted on the Day of Pentecost probably founded the church at Rome (cf. Acts 2:10). Paul had long sought to visit the Roman church, but had been prevented from doing so (1:13). In God’s providence, Paul’s inability to visit Rome gave the world this inspired masterpiece of gospel doctrine.
Paul’s primary purpose in writing Romans was to teach the great truths of the gospel of grace to believers who had never received apostolic instruction. The letter also introduced him to a church where he was personally unknown, but hoped to visit soon for several important reasons: to edify the believers (1:11); to preach the gospel (1:15); and to get to know the Roman Christians, so they could encourage him (1:12; 15:32), better pray for him (15:30), and help him with his planned ministry in Spain (15:28).
Unlike some of Paul’s other epistles (e.g., 1, 2 Cor., Gal.), his purpose for writing was not to correct aberrant theology or rebuke ungodly living. The Roman church was doctrinally sound, but, like all churches, it was in need of the rich doctrinal and practical instruction this letter provides.
Summary of Chapter 1:
In Romans 1, Paul's letter to the Christians in Rome is a thorough and clear presentation of the gospel, or "good news," about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul identifies himself as both a servant of Jesus and an apostle, representing Christ's authority and message to others.
Paul interrupts his own greeting to jump into an explanation of the gospel. It is his Christ-given mission in life, to tell everyone he can that Jesus is the Son of God, as well as the direct descendant of King David. In short, He is the Messiah who was raised from the dead (Romans 1:1–7).
Paul reveals to the Roman Christians how urgently he wants to travel to Rome to see them. In fact, he prays continually that it will be God's will for him to come. He wants to give them a spiritual gift and for there to be mutual encouragement in the faith. Also, since Paul's mission in life is to preach the gospel to all people groups, he is eager to come and preach in the multicultural metropolis of Rome (Romans 1:8–15).
Paul reveals the key purpose of his letter by declaring that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He insists that it is God's power for salvation for everyone who believes, including both Jews and Gentiles. The only way to be made righteous by God, to be welcomed into His family, starts and ends with faith (Romans 1:16–17).
Sunday Morning Audio Message: Uploaded Sunday Afternoon!
Key Words and Definitions with Reference:
Paul (1:1) - Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. Notice he uses his Gentile name, Paul (from a Latin word meaning "little"), instead of his Hebrew name, Saul, as the very first word in every one of his epistles, with the possible exception of Hebrews.
Bondservant (1:1) - This word is the Greek word for servant or slave, but given a Hebrew sense here by Paul to imply willing service for a beloved, respected master.
Bondservant (1:1) - This word is the Greek word for servant or slave, but given a Hebrew sense here by Paul to imply willing service for a beloved, respected master.
Separated Unto (1:1) - Paul had been set apart (that is, specially selected) by God for his ministry to the Gentiles.
Gospel of God (1:1) - The word gospel means "good news." The gospel comes to us from God. Paul did not make it up. God originated the gospel. And the gospel is all about God. It tells us how we can be rightly related to Him through His eternal Son, whom He sent.
He Had Promised Afore (1:2) - Paul began his letter by stressing that the gospel was not some new religion, but was the prophetic fulfillment of the promises given in God's Holy Scriptures from the beginning.
Declared (1:4) - Literally, "to distinguish, or mark off," this is the Greek word from which the English word "horizon" comes; as the horizon marks clearly the boundary between earth and sky, the resurrection marks Christ as the Son of God come in the flesh.
Resurrection of the Dead (1:4) - The power to defeat death and rise again is beyond all human ability. Only the Creator of life, the God who imposed death as the penalty for sin, could defeat death. Christ's bodily resurrection, supported historically as it is by "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3), is the crowning proof that He is, indeed, the eternal and unique Son of God.
He Had Promised Afore (1:2) - Paul began his letter by stressing that the gospel was not some new religion, but was the prophetic fulfillment of the promises given in God's Holy Scriptures from the beginning.
Declared (1:4) - Literally, "to distinguish, or mark off," this is the Greek word from which the English word "horizon" comes; as the horizon marks clearly the boundary between earth and sky, the resurrection marks Christ as the Son of God come in the flesh.
Resurrection of the Dead (1:4) - The power to defeat death and rise again is beyond all human ability. Only the Creator of life, the God who imposed death as the penalty for sin, could defeat death. Christ's bodily resurrection, supported historically as it is by "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3), is the crowning proof that He is, indeed, the eternal and unique Son of God.
Obedience to the Faith (1:5) - True saving faith always produces obedience and submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Serve With My Spirit (1:9) - The word translated "serve" can also be translated "worship."
Spiritual Gift (1:11) - The Greek word for "gift" is charisma, meaning a "gift of grace," a divine enablement.
But Was Let Hitherto (1:13) - "Let" is an old word meaning "delayed."
Debtor (1:14) - Under obligation to fulfill his ministry because of God's calling and the Gentiles' great need.
Barbarians (1:14) Those who used the Greek languages called those who could not use the Greek or Latin Barbarians. Greek and Latin were considered the languages of cultured people.
Power of God (1:16) - There are six Greek words translated "power." This Greek word used in this verse is dunamis, meaning "effective ability to accomplish an intended purpose." The gospel proclaims and produces salvation in everyone who believes it.
Salvation (1:16) - Deliverance or rescue, in this case from lostness - that is, separation from God.
Believes (1:16) - Trusts, relies on, or has faith in.
To the Jew First (1:16) - Salvation has no national, racial, or ethnic barrier but is given to every person who believes. To the Jew first chronologically because Jews are God's specially chosen people, through whom He ordained salvation to come (John 4:22). The Messiah came first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24).
As it is Written (1:17) - The quotation is from Habakkuk 2:4, also quoted in Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38. Salvation by His grace working through man's faith was always God's plan, as Paul here implies in quoting from Habakkuk.
To the Jew First (1:16) - Salvation has no national, racial, or ethnic barrier but is given to every person who believes. To the Jew first chronologically because Jews are God's specially chosen people, through whom He ordained salvation to come (John 4:22). The Messiah came first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24).
As it is Written (1:17) - The quotation is from Habakkuk 2:4, also quoted in Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38. Salvation by His grace working through man's faith was always God's plan, as Paul here implies in quoting from Habakkuk.
