1:8-15 Occasion for Writing

Romans
Occasion for Writing 1:8-15

I. What is Paul’s view of the Romans Christians?

a. “your faith is proclaimed in all the world.” (vs 8)

1. What about the Roman church has made them famous throughout the known world? Size? Budget? Diversity? Architecture?

2. What is the value of this reputation?

b. “Preaching…prayer” (vv. 9-10)

1. Paul is always diligent to pray for the churches he writes to. Why is prayer so central to his ministry? How is prayer connected with preaching?

2. What place should preaching and prayer take in ministry? Why?


c. by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you (vs 10)

1. How does Paul see his own plans in relation to God’s will?

2. How should God’s will relate to planning and decision making? How do we come to know God’s will?


II. Why is Paul going?

a. Impart some spiritual gift to strengthen them

Note: The phrase for spiritual gift here is the same as the gifts described in 1 Corinthians. However, the difference is obvious. In Corinthians the spiritual gifts come from God, here it is Paul wishing to impart the gift. Thus, Paul is probably not saying he is going to impart one of the gifts of the Spirit to them (prophesy, tongues, etc.) but something else.

1. What kind spiritual gift might he have in mind?

b. “Mutually encouraged by each other’s faith”

1. What does this say about Paul’s willingness to learn and grow?

2. How can we approach relationships with other believers with the same teachability?

c. He is under obligation to all

1. What is our obligation to all?

2. What does this say about favoritism? Should we favor the rich over the poor, or vice versa? Should we favor a specific race or ethnicity? Should we favor a social or educational background?
d. Preach the gospel in Rome

1. Who is Paul writing to? Why is Paul preaching the gospel to Christians?


III. The Theme of the whole letter

a. “not ashamed of the gospel”

1. Why would someone be ashamed of the gospel? What are the consequences of being ashamed of the gospel?

IV. “Righteousness of God”

Note: the Greek phrase ‘the righteousness of God’ can mean a number of different things. It can means the righteousness that God is characterized by. It can mean the righteousness that characterizes God’s actions. It can mean the righteousness that comes from God and is given to us.

1. What does the ‘righteousness of God’ mean here?

2. What difference does it make how we understand this phrase?

V. “Righteous will live by faith”

Note: Paul is quoting from Hab 2:4, where the context indicates. “Habakkuk was told that whereas the proud Babylonians would fall, the righteous Israelite would live by his faith, that is, in the context, by his humble, steadfast trust in God.” (John Stott)