Sermon Notes: Romans 1:7-15

Romans 1:7–15 (CSB)

To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints.

• Grace and Peace: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Thanksgiving: Paul thanks God through Jesus Christ for the Romans, and their faith is reported worldwide.
• Desire to Visit: Paul desires to visit and impart a spiritual gift for mutual encouragement.
• Mission to Rome: Paul, eager to preach the gospel, has been prevented but remains obligated to Greeks and barbarians.

Paul and the Romans

• Unity in the Gospel: Rome as a gateway to spread the Gospel to the world.
• Set Apart as Saints: Believers are called saints, set apart for divine use, regardless of their self-perception.
• Positional Holiness: Holiness is a positional reality in Christ, leading to progressive holiness in practice.

Spreading the Word

• Talked About Saints: The Roman believers, both Jews and Gentiles, are talked about all over, even in the pagan capital.
• Faith Over Programs: Unlike worldly success, the Roman church is known for its faith, prompting continued prayers.

Paul’s Dedication

• Prayer for Faith: Paul prays for the Romans’ faith to remain strong and be a catalyst for world outreach.
• Understanding Indebtedness: Paul emphasizes his indebtedness to Christ and urges believers to share the gospel.

Broad Vision for the Gospel

• No Boundaries in Ministry: Paul feels obligated to Greeks and barbarians, wise and foolish, emphasizing a broad vision for the gospel.
• Spiritual Honor and Duty: The Christian life involves selfless service, spending life for others as a bondservant of Jesus.

Next Step

• Continuous Prayer: Pray continuously for the community and the spread of the gospel.
• Use Gifts for Others: Use the gifts given by God to live life to its fullest and call others to life.
• Ultimate Application: The gospel truth is the ultimate application of life.

Bibliography

• Kenneth Boa and William Kruidenier, Romans, vol. 6, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 25–29.
• W., Jackson. Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2019.