Romans 1:11 - The Gospel of God | Speak His Word Only
The Power of God Unto Salvation
Welcome to the Romans Bible Study
Welcome to our study of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans. Romans contains sixteen chapters and presents one of the clearest and most extensive explanations of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
In this study, we will slow down and examine the Scriptures carefully, allowing the text to establish the doctrine. Rather than simply reading Romans quickly, we will observe Paul's words, examine their meaning in context, compare Scripture with Scripture, and consider how these truths should affect our daily walk with God.
Our purpose is not merely to know about Romans. Our desire is to understand God's Word and become established in its truth.
Historical and Biblical Background
The apostle Paul wrote this letter to believers in Rome.
Unlike several churches addressed in Paul's other letters, the Roman congregation was not a church Paul had personally established. Paul desired to visit them and strengthen them spiritually.
Romans 1:11 KJV
“For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;”
Rome was the center of a vast empire composed of people from many nations and cultures. The church itself included both Jewish and Gentile believers.
This background helps us understand why Romans repeatedly addresses questions concerning:
sin, law, faith, grace, Jews and Gentiles, Abraham, justification, righteousness, Israel, salvation, and life in Christ.
Paul demonstrates that the gospel is God's answer to humanity's universal problem of sin.
Paul — A Servant of Jesus Christ
Romans begins:
Romans 1:1 KJV
“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,”
Before Paul discusses humanity's sin or God's righteousness, he identifies himself.
He is:
a servant of Jesus Christ,
called to be an apostle,
and separated unto the gospel of God.
Paul's authority did not originate with himself.
He had been called.
He had been separated.
He belonged to Jesus Christ.
This establishes an important principle for ministry: before Paul speaks about his apostleship, he calls himself a servant.
The Gospel Was Promised Beforehand
Romans 1:2 KJV
“(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)”
The gospel did not suddenly appear in the New Testament without preparation.
God had already spoken concerning His redemptive purpose through the prophets and the Holy Scriptures.
The Old Testament prepares the way for what God reveals fully through Jesus Christ.
Romans therefore cannot be properly understood by separating it from the Old Testament.
Throughout this letter Paul will draw upon:
Genesis,
Exodus,
the Law,
the Psalms,
Isaiah,
Hosea,
and other portions of Scripture.
The gospel is rooted in God's previously revealed redemptive plan.
The Gospel Concerns God's Son
Romans 1:3 KJV
“Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;”
At the center of the gospel is not merely a doctrine, religious system, or moral philosophy.
At the center of the gospel is Jesus Christ.
Paul says the gospel concerns “his Son.”
Jesus came through the lineage of David according to the flesh, fulfilling the biblical expectation of the promised Davidic Messiah.
Jesus Christ Declared to Be the Son of God With Power
Romans 1:4 KJV
“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:”
The resurrection stands at the center of Paul's proclamation.
Jesus Christ died, but death did not hold Him.
He arose from the dead.
The gospel Paul preached therefore rests upon the historical proclamation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Compare:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
The Gospel Produces Obedience
Romans 1:5 KJV
“By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:”
Grace does not lead God's people away from obedience.
Biblical faith produces a life that increasingly submits to God.
Paul's mission extended beyond Israel to “all nations.”
The gospel crosses national, ethnic, cultural, and social boundaries because humanity shares the same fundamental problem:
sin.
And humanity needs the same Savior:
Jesus Christ.
The Called of Jesus Christ
Romans 1:6 KJV
“Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:”
The believers in Rome belonged to Christ.
Christian identity begins with belonging to Jesus Christ.
Before considering our titles, positions, achievements, possessions, or backgrounds, we should remember:
We belong to Him.
The Theme of Romans
One of the central declarations of the entire book appears in Romans 1:16–17.
Romans 1:16 KJV
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth...”
Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because God's saving power is revealed through it.
Then Paul explains why.
Romans 1:17 KJV
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
These verses introduce themes that will continue throughout Romans:
The Gospel
Salvation
Faith
Righteousness
Justification
Grace
Sin
Life in Christ
Romans explains both humanity's need for salvation and God's provision of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Progression of Romans
As we move through the sixteen chapters, we will encounter several major sections.
Romans 1–3 — Humanity's Problem: Sin
Paul demonstrates the universal condition of humanity under sin.
Romans 3–5 — Justification by Faith
Paul explains righteousness through faith and uses Abraham as an important example.
Romans 6–8 — New Life in Christ
The believer's relationship to sin, grace, the law, the Spirit, suffering, and victory in Christ is examined.
Romans 9–11 — Israel and God's Redemptive Purpose
Paul addresses Israel, election, mercy, Gentile inclusion, and God's continuing purposes.
Romans 12–16 — Living Out the Gospel
The doctrinal teaching of the earlier chapters becomes practical Christian living: service, love, humility, submission, spiritual gifts, unity, and ministry.
Romans therefore moves from:
what God has done → what we believe → how we should live.
How to Study Romans
As you work through each lesson:
Read the Scripture carefully.
Observe repeated words and phrases.
Ask who is speaking and who is being addressed.
Study the surrounding verses rather than isolating individual statements.
Compare Scripture with Scripture.
Pay attention to words such as therefore, for, but, because, wherefore, likewise, and now. These words frequently connect Paul's argument from one thought to another.
Ask what the passage reveals about:
God,
Jesus Christ,
sin,
salvation,
faith,
grace,
righteousness,
and Christian living.
Then ask:
How should this truth change the way I live?
Observation
Romans is not merely a collection of inspirational verses.
Paul develops an argument.
Each section builds upon what came before it.
Therefore, we should resist the temptation to remove familiar verses from their context without first understanding Paul's larger message.
Read slowly.
Observe carefully.
Compare Scripture with Scripture.
Allow the Word of God to speak for itself.
Personal Application
As I begin studying Romans, I should approach God's Word with humility.
I am not studying merely to collect information.
I am studying so that God's truth may renew my mind and transform my life.
I should ask:
Do I understand the gospel biblically?
Am I trusting in Christ rather than my own righteousness?
Am I ashamed of the gospel, or am I willing to stand upon its truth?
Is my faith producing obedience?
Is my life demonstrating that I belong to Jesus Christ?
Romans will challenge what I believe about God, myself, salvation, righteousness, grace, faith, and Christian living.
My responsibility is to receive God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me into truth.
Reflection Questions
Who wrote the book of Romans?
To whom was the letter written?
How does Paul describe himself in Romans 1:1?
What was Paul separated unto?
According to Romans 1:2, where had God previously promised the gospel?
Who is the central person of the gospel?
What does Romans 1:5 teach about faith and obedience?
Why was Paul not ashamed of the gospel?
What does Romans 1:17 reveal about righteousness and faith?
What do I hope God will teach me as I study Romans?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for Your Word and for the gospel of Jesus Christ. As I begin this study of Romans, give me wisdom, understanding, discernment, and a teachable heart.
Help me not merely to read the Scriptures but to understand them in their proper context. Teach me the truth concerning sin, salvation, grace, faith, righteousness, and the new life You have given us in Christ.
Let Your Word renew my mind, strengthen my faith, correct my understanding, and produce obedience in my life.
May I never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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