Romans 1:1-7 – September 1
This week we are starting six weeks in the book of Romans. You can read the NIV version below or your favorite Bible version then spend some time meditating and journaling on the reading, letting God speak to you through it. We encourage use of the SOAP method of Bible study as you grow in your relationship with God. Check out the What’s SOAP tab above for more info. Also, below today’s reading is a SOAP journal entry from our team to help dive into God’s Word. And we encourage you to share your SOAP journal entry or prayer requests in the Comments section on our website.
Romans is a letter to the Christian church in Rome written by the missionary and apostle Paul. God must have revealed to Paul the importance of the church in Rome. Their church was a mix of Jews and Gentiles who probably got into some pretty heated debates over theology. At the time of writing this letter, Paul had not yet visited these Christians, but he shares the basic tenets of the Christian faith in his letter as building blocks to the health of their church.
The Discover One Thing main website continues to follow the Life Journal Reading Plan which covers the whole Bible in one year. Click HERE to check out today’s Discover One Thing post.
Romans 1:1-7
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Letter To Everyone | Dyea Rowland
Scripture
Romans 1:6
Observation
Do you know what that means?? Anyone who trusts (just faith in His name sake!) – no more, no less – is “saved”. This doesn’t mean we have just a “place” to go, but it literally means we are “saved” to Him. Paul knew this and was set apart.
Application
I can do nothing more or nothing less to change how You already feel about me. I will let You love me just the way I am.
Prayer
Father, I sin, but by Your grace alone, I now belong to you. Let me walk, set apart, like Paul! For weeks now You have been leading the Pastors at church, for ears to hear, to say “it’s Jesus alone, not Jesus plus one” – I get it now, but help me not to forget this! Let me repent, always, to stay right with You! And will You always have mercy on me, when I fall? But let me always be just the way I am, and that is Yours…Amen.
Posted on September 1, 2015, in Uncategorized and tagged Bible, Bible Study, Paul, Romans, SOAP. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
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Scripture
Romans 1:1-4
Observation
At first in reading these first few verses of Romans 1 I thought to myself, “yeah yeah, the same old Paul introduction” but after coming back and rereading it, I realized that this intro was much more detailed than others I remember. Looking deeper into the verses, I found that this letter written by Paul was likely the FIRST time the Roman believers had seen any kind of Christian literature, as the Gospels had not yet been in final written form. Paul had never met these believers, but felt connected to them because of their faith. For some reason, I had never thought of this before and it struck me as exciting! He had to get the word out because the “Word” hadn’t been finished for believers to read and be encouraged. Imagine the Romans’ excitement when they received it.
Application
It’s so interesting to read of Paul reaching out to others who are new in their faith and yet, I have the same opportunity today that he did! And I may have more opportunities to reach out to others than he did. Why do I hold back? Why do I shy away from sharing Jesus’ love in the grocery line? Why do I sit quiet when my extended family is being critical of others at the dinner table? Lately I’ve found myself saying “Use me, God!” and yet, am I letting Him use me? I need to draw myself into His Word, that is now easily accessible for me, and be filled with the Holy Spirit that I might use His strength to speak up and speak out in His name.
Prayer
Father God, thank you for gifting Paul with words and talents that thousands of years ago built the foundation of your church. That today, I can read those words and be encouraged, like the Romans, to share my own faith with others. Help my voice be a vessel, God. Show me how to have a servant’s heart like Paul. Correct me when I fall so that I might stand and be even more bold in Jesus name. Amen
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Thank you for sharing your SOAP, Jess! Good stuff out of the gate! I’m hearing a similar message this morning. Paul is introducing himself to these guys, giving himself some authority for what he’s about to share, and how does he choose to introduce himself and set the tone for his letter to the Romans? “Servant of Christ Jesus”, “called”, “apostle”, “set apart”. What words do I choose to describe me and communicate who God and Jesus are in my life? Well, I did that when I wrote up my bio under the “Study Leaders” tab. The words I used to describe me–“mom”, “wife”, “scientist”, “tree hugger”. But I don’t have an identity just in this world; I have an identity in Christ that far surpasses this world! God, help me understand more my identity in You–I am Your daughter and I am loved. When I communicate to others, help these truths shine through me so that they will see You and know they have the same identity in You.
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Verse 5: through him and for his name’s sake we received grace. He’s not just about saving us or those around us, he does this for his glory that we might then go to all peoples to bring him more glory.
Further observation: obedience comes from faith. Struggling with that self control issue? Might be time to investigate my faith. Am I drawing closer each day to Him? This will increase my ability for obedience.
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Great perspective, Kim, moving from a self-focus to a God-focus of salvation which comes with maturity in our faith. I have a long way to go; my daily journaling is still all about me, me, me.
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