Even though it’s been a while since I’ve posted a Friday Bible Study, they have been happening. Some weeks I’m not there, most weeks I am.
Since we’ve now started into Romans more properly I’ll try and keep track more faithfully.
You may wonder if the preacher is delivering sermons on this passage on Sunday what is left to look at on the Friday after. Well, the sermon is really an overview with particular attention applied to the the main theme of the passage. The bible study gives us an opportunity in a more relaxed framework to think a bit more laterally and deepen our understanding of what we’ve learnt. In university study (particularly humanity subjects) the lecture provides a perspective on the topic and the tutorial groups enable personal exploration.
So, what did we get up to today?
We heard Romans 1:1-17 again.
Then we counted how many times the word ‘gospel’ appears in the passage. In the NIV six times, the ESV four (with the other two from the NIV translated by pronouns, which and it). Clearly the Gospel, its content, power, influence and outworkings were pervasive in Paul’s life.
But the Gospel is God’s (verse 1), not something which belongs to humans or was created by them. Paul proclaims a message that is not his own, but has been given to him.
In a theme which will be developed later, the reference to the scriptural basis of the Gospel points out that it is not something new, a novelty or a departure from the teachings of the Scriptures.
The person of Jesus is central to the Gospel. His humanity, but also His divinity are in view here. The Gospel is the message about a person, not a teaching, or a philosophy.
The church in Rome is commended for its faith. A reference has already been made to the obedience of faith in verse 5, and here we see the twin distinctives: that which is believed; and the fruit that is produced the Gospel which is believed. The two are inseperable.
In anticipation of serving the church Paul was committed in prayer that the opportunity would arise. Note well that being an apostle did not mean automatic positive answer to prayer. Nor does Paul berate himself for a lack of faith to ask and receive. Actually he tells us that he has been prevented from coming. This can mean that as much as he wanted to come there were always more pressing situations that demanded his presence. After all, the Romans have been doing well enough without him.
Think of it. If Paul had not been delayed and had actually been able to go when he had wanted he would probably not have written the very letter we’re studying. Their frustration has been to the blessing of the Christian Church.
Verse 16 tells us that the power of God is the Gospel. We can see why so much of Paul’s pastoral advice is rooted in Gospel logic. His ethics flow from it, his worldview is shaped by it, his life is empowered by it. Without it he has no expectation of God’s power being available.
That power enter our lives through faith. It is not of works. It is a foreign righteousness being associated with us. It is God making right what is wrong. And it is for everyone, regardless of background, history, ethnic origin or social class. Every human being, we will soon see, has the same need.
God in His mercy provides a salvation sufficient for any.
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