Romans 1 Study Guide - God's Power for Salvation

Romans Chapter 1

Section 1: Introduction and Greeting (Romans 1:1–7)

Key Points:

• Paul introduces himself as a servant and apostle, set apart for the gospel (Romans 1:1).

• The gospel was promised through the prophets and centers on Jesus Christ, a descendant of David and the Son of God (Romans 1:2–4).

• Jesus' descent from David was essential to fulfill Messianic prophecy (2 Samuel 7:12-13, Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 23:5). It shows God's trustworthiness in keeping covenants (promises).

• Paul's mission is to call Gentiles to obedience that comes from faith (Romans 1:5).

• All believers are loved by God and called to be His holy people (Romans 1:7).

Discussion Questions:

1. The Amplified bible uses the word “bondservant” instead of “servant.” What does it mean to be a “bondservant?”

2. What does it mean to be "set apart for the gospel of God"? (Romans 1:1, Acts 13:2, Galatians 1:15 (Set apart from birth)

3. Why is it essential that the gospel was promised beforehand through the prophets? (Romans 1:2, Isaiah 53:1-12, Luke 24:27)

4. How does Paul describe Jesus’ divine identity and authority? (Romans 1:3–4, 2 Samuel 7:12–16, Philippians 2:6–11)

5. How does it feel to be "called" to receive grace and belong to Jesus? (Romans 1:5-6)

Section 2: Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome (Romans 1:8–15)

Key Points:

• Paul thanks God for the Romans’ faith, known worldwide (Romans 1:8).

• He prays for the opportunity to visit them (Romans 1:9–10).

• He desires mutual encouragement and a spiritual harvest among them (Romans 1:11–13).

• He feels obligated to preach to all people without favoritism (Romans 1:14–15).

Discussion Questions:

1. What can we learn from Paul’s prayer life and desire to visit the Romans? (Romans 1:9–10, Philippians 1:3–5, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

2. What is meant by being “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith”? (Romans 1:12, Hebrews 10:24–25, Proverbs 27:17)

3. Why does Paul feel obligated to preach to both Greeks and non-Greeks? (Romans 1:14, Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 9:16)

Section 3: The Power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16–17)

Key Points:

• Paul is not ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16).

• The gospel brings salvation to all who believe, Jew and Gentile (Romans 1:16).

• It reveals God’s righteousness, received by faith (Romans 1:17).

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is Paul “not ashamed of the gospel”? (Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Timothy 1:8)

2. What does “righteousness that is by faith from first to last” mean? (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Ephesians 2:8–9)

3. How does “The righteous will live by faith” apply today? (Romans 1:17, Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 10:38)

Section 4: God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity (Romans 1:18–32)

Key Points:

• God’s wrath is revealed against those who suppress the truth (Romans 1:18–20).

• Creation reveals God’s eternal power and divine nature (Romans 1:19–20).

• People exchange the truth for lies and worship creation instead of the Creator (Romans 1:21–25).

• God “gives them over” to their sinful desires (Romans 1:24, 26, 28).

• Sin affects every part of human life (Romans 1:29–32).

Discussion Questions:

1. How has God made Himself known to humanity? (Romans 1:19–20, Psalm 19:1–4, Acts 14:17)

2. What does it mean that God “gave them over”? (Romans 1:24, 26, 28, Proverbs 1:24–31, Ephesians 4:18–19)

3. Why does Paul list so many sins in verses 29–32? (Romans 1:29–32, Galatians 5:19–21, 2 Timothy 3:1–5)

4. What is the danger in approving of others’ sin? (Romans 1:32, Isaiah 5:20, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11)