16I 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. 17For 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." (NIV)
Note: This passage captures, more than any other, the theme of Romans. It ties Paul’s introduction to the rest of the letter.
Main Points and Discussion Questions
1. Because God will save any and all who trust in the gospel message that Paul preaches, the apostle is not embarrassed by this message. (v.16)
Discussion question 1A: What is the gospel? i.e. What are those who trust in Christ being “saved” from? (Rom 5:6-11; 1 Co 15:1-8; 2 Co 5:16-19; Gal 1:3-4; 3:13; 2 Ti 2:8-9; Heb 2:14-15; 1 Jn 3:8)
Discussion question 1B: If the gospel is such good news, what might have tempted Paul to be ashamed of it? What might discourage Christians from being bold and unafraid in proclaiming the gospel today? (Phil 1:27-30; 2 Ti 1:7-10)
Discussion question 1C: why is the reason that Paul gives in v. 16 more than sufficient for he (and all of the church) to be unashamed, unafraid and bold in proclaiming the gospel?
2. In the gospel, God takes action to put people “in-the-right” with Himself. Faith in what God has done will result in a right relationship with Him. (v. 17)
Discussion Question 2A: What problem has required this initative of God’s?
(Isa 59:1-2; 64:6; Rom 1:18-32; 3:10-18; Gal 3:21-22)
Discussion Question 2B: What is faith, and what is it not?
(Rom 4:5,18-21; 10:11; 2 Co 1:8-11; Heb 11:1; Jas 2:19-22)
Next week: Romans 1:18-32, part 1
To prepare for this study, also read:
Mt 7:21-23
Jn 3:36
Eph 2:1-5
Col 3:5-6
2 Th 1:8-10
