Family Study Guide for Romans 1

September 1 – September 7, 2005
(Read Romans 1 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 1 by Mark Chesner, Coach

Some of you may be aware that Matt and Jim work in the fire sprinker business, putting in those little metal things in the ceiling. Normally, a fire sprinkler is something we ignore, only to be noticed when we happen to be looking at the ceiling in a store or at school – usually when we are so bored that we are looking for anything to grab our attention. And even for people who own buildings with the things, they tend to only think about them when the annoying side comes out – leaks, drips, and regular inspection visits.

But when a fire bursts out, that is when you suddenly understand just what those little things can do. The little red bead in them bursts, a valve opens, and gallons of water pour out to quickly quench the flames that would otherwise overwhelm and destroy everything. A couple of years ago, there was a metalworking plant that developed a little fire due to momentary carelessness. But that “little problem” quickly became a major disaster because the lack of fire sprinklers in the building meant there was no way to stop the incredible heat from melting or igniting nearly everything in the building.

This is similar to the image I get when I read through Romans 1. After introducing himself, Paul talks about the gospel as “power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” because it is “in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.” So what?, you can almost hear long-time Christians saying to themselves. I know the gospel and I believe it, but pretty much it is something that just annoys me when I’d rather sleep in on Sunday. Well, Paul quickly goes on to answer the “So what?” by explaining the fire building right under our noses: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness… Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts… Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity.”

Because God’s wrath has been quenched for us, we forget about the “fire” raging around us. We forget that our friends and even family may not know. But Paul has it constantly on his mind, and is going to lay out in Romans the problem with humanity, God’s solution to the problem, and the incredible kindness and grace of our God.

Questions to Consider from Romans 1:

• Do you ever take the gospel for granted?
• Why is it important that Paul establishes himself as “a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God?”
• Does Paul leave anyone out of the gift of salvation?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

• Introduction (1:1-17)
• God’s Righteousness Revealed in condemnation (1:18-3:20)
• Condemnation against pagan humanity (1:1-32)

Finish the Verses for Romans 1:

I am // not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16

For in // the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:17

The wrath of God is // being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. Romans 1:18-19

For since the creation of // the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

1. According to Romans 1:13, I do not want you to be what?
2. I serve whom with my whole heart?
3. What is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes?
4. 3 Part : What have been clearly seen?
5. The way may what?
6. 2 Part : I remember you in my PRAYERS how?
7. Paul, a servant of whom?
8. I have had what among the other Gentiles?
9. 2 Part : I long to see you so that what?
10. Through Jesus Christ I what?
11. 2 Part : From God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, what?
12. Who was a descendant of David, as to his human nature?
13. According to Romans 1:26, God gave them over to what?
14. The gospel he promised beforehand in what?
15. They INVENT what?
16. They DISOBEY whom?
17. (They) WORSHIPED and SERVED what?
18. According to Romans 1:16, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile what?
19. They did not think it WORTHWHILE to what?
20. Who was declared with power to be the Son of God?

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