The Epistle to the Romans is rightly placed in our Bibles after the Acts, for its leading theme is the gospel of God, and that needs to be unfolded first. Paul was staying in the house of Gaius, a Corinthian, and used Tertius to do the writing (Romans 16:22-23). How this assembly of believers in Rome originated, we are not told, but they were nearly all Gentiles. The gospel, which is given in this epistle, was given to Paul by revelation. The first proof we are given that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is that He was able to raise dead people. What infallible credentials He had! And is God any less powerful today? Is He not giving life to those who are dead in trespasses and sins? In the gospel we see the power of God going out to everyone who believes on the Lord Jesus.
Rather than improving through evolution, we see that man has degenerated. Originally, men knew God, but they chose to follow their own imaginations and foolish devices. Then they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into that which is corruptible. What grief this must have brought to the heart of God — to see those whom He loved turn away from Him. Therefore, we read in verses 24 and 28 that “God gave them up,” both as to their bodies and as to their spirits. When this happens, only corruption and every evil work follow. It is only when men fear the Lord that they depart from evil. The end of this chapter is a sad commentary on how low humanity can sink, even though men know that someday they must face the judgment of God.
1. How was Jesus Christ declared to be the Son of God with power? __________ Romans 1:___
2. What is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes? __________ Romans 1:___
3. Man changed the glory of the incorruptible God into what? __________ Romans 1:___
4. Because men did not like to retain God in their knowledge, what did God do? __________ Romans 1:___
5. Even though men know __________ that results in death for those who sin, they still not only continue living in sin but also encourage others to do the same. Romans 1:___