Romans 1:1-17: Good News from God

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Romans.

"I'm engaged!"
"I got a raise!"
"My wife's having a baby!"
What is our immediate response to good news? We tell others! We feel we will burst unless we share our joy with those around us.
Paul felt that way about the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ. As we read these opening verses in his letter to the Romans, we find his excitement is contagious.

Warming Up to God

Our days and weeks are often filled with bad news. Think of all the good news you can, and praise God for it.

Read Romans 1:1-17

Discovering the Word

• Imagine that verses 1 and 5 are the only information you possess about Paul. Describe everything you would know about him.
• In verses 1-5 Paul gives a summary of the gospel for which he had been set apart. What do we learn about the gospel from these verses?
• What do verses 8-13 reveal about Paul's attitude toward the Romans?
• Paul says we can be eager to preach the gospel or be ashamed of it (vv. 15-16). What might lead us to adopt one attitude or the other?

Applying the Word

• Because he was an apostle ("one who is sent"), Paul felt obligated to preach the gospel to everyone (v. 14). Whom do you have the greatest opportunity of reaching with the gospel?
• What steps can you take to reach them?

Responding in Prayer

Pray that God will use Romans to give you Paul's attitude toward the gospel and toward those who need its message.