BOOK OF ROMANS (INTRODUCTION)

• The Book of Romans is an epistle.
• The epistles are also circular letters – letters for each church but they are also read in the different locations (umiikot sa mga churches).

Romans 1:1-7

• The gospel of God is all about Jesus Christ our Lord.
• The whole Scripture from Genesis to Revelation is all about Jesus.
• So every time you read the Bible, look for Jesus.
• Verse 3 – According to the flesh – many say na hindi nagkatawang tao si Jesus.
• But Jesus is the Son of God who came in the flesh, died, and was resurrected from the dead.
• Verse 6 – you also are the called of Jesus Christ.
• Romans – Jews who believed and Gentiles who believed.
• Verse 7 – Declare: “I am a saint.”
• It’s all about His grace and peace for us.

Epistle to Romans

• Written by Paul 25 years after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.
• Paul has never been to Rome but he was a Roman citizen.
• His first name was Saul (after King Saul). He was born in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey).
• Turkey had fallen under Roman rule 70 years before Saul was born. Saul was considered a Roman citizen. His grandparents owned land in Turkey and landowners were granted Roman citizenship.
• Saul was born of a Jewish family. His father was a tentmaker and a Pharisee as well.
• At 14, Saul was taught under Gamaliel, a high-ranking Pharisee. He was assigned to Jerusalem afterwards. Paul, so zealous, was surprised and angered that Jews were following “The Way.” At this time, the Lord Jesus had already risen from the dead and there were more people believing in the Lord Jesus.
• Saul came against these people to the point of approving the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr, and sent families to prison and ordered their death.

Who is Paul? (Acts 9:1-9)

• Verse 5 – Jesus takes it personally if His followers are persecuted.
• Those who witnessed this with Paul stood speechless.
• Ananias was instructed by God to pray for Saul and he was able to see. His life was never the same again. From Saul to Paul.
• The name Paul means little. He saw himself as little yet used by God.
• Galatians 1:13-15 – Though God called Paul from the womb, and he was already separated and called for God’s purposes by the grace of God, Paul only discovered it on the road to Damascus.
• We are called through His grace.
• Minsan, late bloomer ang mga Kristiyano. Kanya-kanyang panahon. So do not give up on people.
• Do not decide the destiny of a person.
• Paul was like an anti-Christ back then and yet God turned his heart around.
• Walang imposible sa Diyos.
• Do not determine your own destiny or other people’s destiny.

FCI Faith Group Program June 23, 2024

• Share the gospel. God does not want anyone to go to hell. He wants all to be saved.
• God by His grace has called us and whoever responds to the call of God are chosen.
• Many are called, few are chosen – Matthew 22:1-14 parable:
  • The kingdom of God invited the Jews, they rejected the Son. God opened it to Gentiles. He opened it to all.
  • The basis is not conduct. Lahat ay imbitado. Both bad and good.
  • Wedding garments speak of being washed. Made clean and ready.
  • We are washed and made pure by the blood of the Lord Jesus when we believe in Him.
  • Many are called but only those who believe in the Lord Jesus are chosen.
  • Hindi lahat tatanggap kay Kristo.
  • Keep sharing the gospel. People need to believe in Jesus, the Son of God.
• You are an authorized person to preach the gospel.
• Hindi maganda na hindi natin ginagamit ang authority natin.
• Use your authority. Speak the Word.
• Stay in your calling.
• Each call comes with grace gifts.
• General call and a specific call. All of us are called – ekklessia.
• The call comes with the grace of God. Kasama na ang grace gift doon to be able to do things.
• Find out what is your grace gift. If you do that, you will be very effective.
• Do not attempt what others are doing. Paul was an apostle, Apollos was a teacher, Timothy was a pastor.
• Do not be what God did not call you to be.
• Our purpose has long been given but some discover it late in life. Like Paul, like David. So do not despair, you will discover yours. Grace gifts and your talents are hints.
• Paul now calls himself a servant – “doulos”, a slave. Obliged to serve Jesus. Called to be an apostle. Called specifically for an assignment which is the gospel.
• Ananias – Acts 9:11-16.
• The message of the gospel is declared by man but is authored by God. Penned by man but inspired by the Holy Spirit. It does not come from man.
• We are messengers only of the good news of God, and we do not change the message of the Author.
• Kinalimutan ni Paul lahat ng upbringing niya, training niya, at sariling paniniwala niya for the good news of God about Jesus Christ. Ganun din tayo, isantabi ang kinalakihan, sariling opinyon, education and old beliefs for the Gospel.
• The Scriptures, the gospel is all about Jesus.
• Paul called himself a bondservant.
• We are children of God, but we choose to serve God. We are sons made saints, and we choose to serve the Lord.
• Ex. In the family, it’s not an obligation to give but we honor our parents when we do.
• Whatever your personality is, God will use. Ano man ang personality o ugali mo, magagamit ka ng Diyos.
• Are you available? Are you willing?
• God can use you as you allow yourself. Share the Word of God.