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Why We Need Romans

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—  which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures— concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead. Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles, including you who are also called by Jesus Christ. To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ROMANS 1:1-7 CSB

We need Romans because we need the gospel.

The gospel says:

The work of God is enough, you have nothing to prove

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God… ROMANS 1:1 CSB

The promises of God are reliable, you can trust him

Which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, ROMANS 1:2 CSB

For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. ROMANS 15:4 CSB

The love of God is free, you can obey without fear

To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints. ROMANS 1:7a CSB

But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ROMANS 5:8 CSB 

The grace of God is endless, you can receive as much as you need.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ROMANS 1:7b CSB

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. ROMANS 16:20b CSB

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a deep breath, find a comfy spot, and settle in to meet with God. When you’re ready, think about the last time you received good news: really, really good news. What was it? How did it make you feel and what was your reaction to the giver of that good news? The gospel means “good news.” It is good for many reasons, and Romans is going to cover many of them for us: our freedom from sin, our status as saints, God’s grace, his promises, and his incredible love, to name a few. Which one stands out to you the most as good news? How have you personally experienced God’s love, grace, or freedom? Spend some time today giving thanks to God for this good news and for how he has met you personally with the power of the gospel. Then, consider who you could share this good news with this week!

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. As we leave behind 2020 and enter into the blank canvas of a new year, what good news would you most like to see happen this year and why? 
  3. Read Romans 1:1-7. When you first heard about God’s good news, where did it find you and what made it so personally good to you?
  4. Read Romans 15:4. When have you had to trust in one of God’s promises and what specific Bible passages gave you hope and encouragement as you waited on God?
  5. Read Romans 5:8. When you first started your relationship with Jesus, what sins were you struggling with at the time and what’s changed since then?
  6. Read Romans 16:20. What specific sins do you want God’s help to crush in 2021 and what can we do to help?