In keeping with the spirit of Paul, I say unto those reading this "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:7 ESV)
I am currently reading through the Book of Romans and wanted to share some of my notes as I feel Paul provides a lot of words of truth and encouragement in this Book in addition to spiritual advice.
Notes on Chapters 1-4
I am currently reading through the Book of Romans and wanted to share some of my notes as I feel Paul provides a lot of words of truth and encouragement in this Book in addition to spiritual advice.
Notes on Chapters 1-4
- We as Christians should frequently pray for the body of Christ as a whole and be thankful for the existence of the saints. (Romans 1:8,9)
- We should find opportunities for fellowship and share our spiritual gifts with each other (this could include teaching, encouragement, healing, generosity, hospitality, just general friendship, etc.) (Romans 1:11-12)
- If we are trying to do something and are being prevented this may be an effort by Satan to block the good that would come from it. We should see if perhaps there is another path to accomplishing the same ends. Paul wanted to come down to preach to the Romans in person but was prevented, so he writes them a letter instead. (Romans 1:13)
- As Christians we owe an obligation to all people and our help can come from unexpected places/people. (Romans 1:14) We see from the Book of Acts that Paul received support not just from fellow believers but also non-believing soldiers, politicians and barbarians, amongst others.
- We should not be ashamed of the Gospel or embarrassed about being Christians, for it is eternal life and salvation for those who believe. (Romans 1:16)
- Idolatry leads to impurity, and particularly sexual immorality and perversion. (Romans 1:24-25)
- To approve of the sin of another (and this can take many different forms) is a sin, and from my reading of the tone of Paul's epistle, a grievous sin. (Romans 1:32)
- If you judge another you will be judged and if you condemn another you will be condemned (Romans 2:1). I do not believe we should even judge or condemn ourselves (it might even be sinful although I'm not sure) for there is no condemnation for those in Christ. (Romans 5:1)
- Only those who do the law (of faith) are justified (Romans 2:13) and circumcision is a matter of the heart not the flesh. (Romans 2:29).
- No human being is justified by the law (Romans 3:20) but rather we are justified by faith. (Romans 4:5)
