Romans 1

** This post represents my summary and understanding of this passage. Before reading, please read Romans 1 so that you can better know if you agree with me or not. I suggest the ESV version. **

Summary [Verses 1-17]

Paul is writing about Jesus Christ to the Roman Church. Paul thanks God for the faith of the Roman people and tells them how he has been praying for an opportunity to visit them in Rome. By visiting them, Paul wants to impart some spiritual wisdom to strengthen them. Paul is also being encouraged by their faith as much as they are encouraged by his. Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel because he knows it is the power of salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. This salvation comes to all people, not just the Jews.

Summary [Verses 18-32]

God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness of the people who saw the power of Christ and still chose to not believe. People saw all what God has done and saw how Jesus lived, so they had no reason not to believe. But they still chose to not believe. Their hearts became dark and their thinking became worthless. Instead of worshiping God, they decided to worship false idols and praise what was created instead of the Creator. They fell into sexual immorality, women started having unnatural relations, men started having relations with one another. Their minds became so corrupt that they gave into evil deeds such as envy, murder, deceit, and quarrels. They became gossipers, boastful, haters of God, disobedient, faithless, and heartless. They knew that God’s judgement meant that they would die, but they still chose to do those things and encourage others to do the same.

My Take Aways:

Wow, what a way to start a book! I’ve read Romans multiple times, but I don’t think I’ve ever actually studied it. So I am excited to study this book and really learn from it.

The first thing that stood out to me is that Paul was going to the Romans to encourage them in their faith, but he was also aware that their faith would also encourage him. In my own life I see how true that is. I lead a 20-30’s women’s bible study and every time we meet I leave so encouraged by what they shared in group. I learn so much from those women and their faith in Christ. Having a christian community is critical to our growth in faith and understanding of Christ. We can and should encourage each other and teach each other about Christ.

The second thing that stood out is that Paul was not ashamed of sharing his faith. Paul used to be the BIGGEST persecutor of Christians. He would travel around the cities killing all the Christian leaders. Until one day, on his way to Damascus, a light from the sky blinded him and God spoke to him. That day, Paul believed, became a christian, and turned his life around. Paul became the most influential Christian of all time [Read Acts 8 and 9]. Paul had every reason to be afraid to share the Gospel for people knew him and what he used to do. But he didn’t let his past stop him from sharing the Good News. He knew the Gospel was the only thing that had the power to save those who believed and give them eternal life.

This is encouraging to me, because I am the type of person that is terrified of sharing my faith and saying the wrong thing. So in a way, starting this blog series is helping me overcome that fear. Nothing in my past or lack of adequate words can stop God from using me to share the Gospel.

The third thing that stood out to me is that some of the people that saw Jesus alive and saw his mission, his miracles, his death and resurrection, still chose to not believe in Christ and have faith in Him. They knew that by believing in Christ they would be saved and have eternal life, but they still chose to live their sinful lives and worship idols. They didn’t want to let go of their lifestyle. Also, God let them do what they wanted because God gives us free will to choose whether we want to follow him or not. He doesn’t force us.

In a way, this is encouraging, because sometimes I share the gospel with friends and try to invite them to church and they refuse to believe or come. People that saw Jesus alive especially after his resurrection still chose to not believe! So it really is not up to me to convert people. All I can do is share the gospel and love them, but it is ultimately their choice to have faith or not. Only God can open their hearts and minds to the truth of the gospel, but He won’t force it on someone. They have to be willing to receive it.

Here are a few questions for you.

Feel free to answer them in the comments or just think through them.

1. Do you have a community of Christians that you can get encouraged by their faith and encourage them with your faith?
2. How has that community encouraged you lately?
3. If you don’t have one, how can you work on getting plugged into a community of Christians?
4. What is stopping you from sharing the Gospel? How can you let go of your fears of talking about your faith?
5. How has this passage encouraged you to keep reaching to people and sharing the Gospel?

Hope you enjoyed this post! Would love to hear your thoughts and what you learned from this passage!