Session 1
EXPLORE THE TEXT
Believers seek opportunities to share the gospel’s power with those who need it.
13 Now I don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,
that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now)
in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you,
just as I have had among the rest of the Gentiles.
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise
and the foolish.
15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is
the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,
first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.
17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith,
just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.
Paul wrote this letter toward the end of his third missionary journey.
Paul did not plant and had not visited the church in Rome,
so he needed to provide some form of introduction.
He used this introduction to launch into a discussion about
how every person needs the gospel.
Make a list of key words or phrases that reveal why
Paul wanted to go to Rome.
Fruitful ministry, Greeks and barbarians, wise and foolish, share the gospel.
Highlight the desire for a fruitful ministry.
Suggest why “gospel” is such a significant idea in these opening lines of the letter.
Share:
Paul’s testimony reminds us that we should never be ashamed of the gospel.
The good news about Jesus is the power of God that
changes lives and brings salvation to everyone who believes.
Paul’s mention of both Jews and Greeks reminds us that
the gospel has no boundaries-
it is good news for all people everywhere.
Receiving the gift of salvation through Christ changes everything. (PSG, p. 13)
Paul had dual desires.
On one hand,
he wanted everyone to hear the good news of Jesus, the gospel.
On the other hand,
he wanted believers to grow stronger in Christ.
Preaching the gospel could accomplish both.