Introduction:

(adapted from The Epistle to the Romans, by Douglas J. Moo)

1. Rome & the NT Church (50’s A.D.): ● The Greco-Roman World: a Greek influenced culture of the Roman Empire. Jews/Christians were scattered throughout, but were minority groups living in a pagan world. 

● The Church in Rome: probably started by Roman Jews converted at Pentecost (Acts 2), who brought the gospel back to Rome.  Gentile presence within the church was increasing as the gospel spread.  The Jews were temporarily expelled from Rome (A.D. 49-54), so the church in Rome become largely & quickly Gentile in membership (and was probably made up of numerous house churches – see Ro 16:1ff).  By the time Paul writes Romans, the Jews had returned, but relationships between Jewish & Gentile Christians were strained (with Gentile indifference-arrogance towards Jews; and the Jews’ reliance/overemphasis on the OT law in their NT faith). 

● Our Church & World Today:

2. Paul’s letter to the Romans: ● Paul as a Missionary: Paul’s on his 3^rd missionary journey, probably writing while in Corinth (A.D. 57), with plans to visit Jerusalem, Rome, & then begin a mission work in Spain (Ro 15:22-29). 

● Some Theological Highlights: The continuity/faithfulness of God’s salvific plan from the OT thru the NT (& how Israel/Gentiles, law/grace fit in); The problem of sin; Justification by faith thru Christ; Life in Christ & holy living; The believer’s security amidst trials & death; and Unity in the church).

● The Overarching theme of Romans: “the Gospel” (Ro 1:16-17). 

Living and Proclaiming the Gospel:

with Godly Passion and Confidence

Knowing the Gospel

(Points #2 thru 6 adapted from a message by D.A. Carson on 1Cor 15:1ff)

1. This is God’s Gospel: vs1-2

    grounded in God’s Promise and Faithfulness

2. The Gospel is Prophetic and Biblical: vs1-2

    grounded in the Holy Scriptures

3. The Gospel is Christ-centered: vs3-5

    and Eschatological in Nature

4. The Gospel is Historical: vs1, 3-5

    and Apostolic in Nature

5. The Gospel is Life-transforming: vs5, 14-15

    and Cross-culturally Relevant

6. The Gospel is Theological: vs6-7,16-17

    and Personally Relevant

7. The Gospel is Missional: vs8-17

    and Experienced in Unifying Fellowship

Living & Proclaiming the Gospel

1. Do we know the Living Christ?

2. Do we have a Godly Passion & Confidence in the Gospel?

● thru Biblical Faith & Understanding: Knowing God and His Gospel

● thru Discipleship & Encouragement: Living in the fellowship of the

   church, as Christ’s servants and for His glory

● by Trusting in God’s Power: Unashamed of the Gospel and sharing

   Christ with unbelievers