Romans Lesson 4: Chapter 1:16-
Lesson 3 ended with Paul giving the reason for his delay in going to Rome. Romans 1:14-15 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. He was ready to go to Rome to preach to them and impart the spiritual gift of the words Christ entrusted
him to teach others, but the Holy Spirit had other plans that delayed his going to Rome. Other churches needed his presence (maybe more urgently that those in Rome). Read 2Corinthians 11: 5-27. In these verses Paul uses his physical suffering to prove his apostleship and his dedication to preaching the gospel. Paul was not going to let physical persecution stop him from the mission Jesus Christ separated him unto.
Corinthians 11:28 Paul bore a greater burden then his physical suffering, the spiritual burden of the care of all the churches.
V16 Paul was not ashamed of preaching the gospel. Paul was one of the most highly educated Jews and as Saul of Tarsus one of the most highly respected. He went from studying and imparting the deep things of man's knowledge to to imparting the simplicity of the gospel that is in Christ. Paul speaks of this simplicity in 2Corinthians 1:12 & 11:3.
Paul realized the worldly wisdom and knowledge of Saul of Tarsus imparted had no eternal value; it was vanity. But through preaching of the gospel and the simplicity that is in Christ God's eternal power unto salvation was seen and imparted.
When Paul penned his letter to the churches in Rome, Rome was the center of the power of the world and the center of worldly knowledge and worldly wisdom. The physical condition of Paul would have been seen by most Romans a a sigh of weakness and shame. But to Paul his battered and broken body was seen as a medal of honor received for service to Christ. The Romans would have laughed at Paul's preaching and considered it a waste of time and talent. But Paul knew it was the power of God.
1Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
V17a For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
The gospel reveals the righteousness of God. Only righteousness of God can overcome the unrighteousness of man. Only the righteousness of God could rise from the dead. BUT!
Paul had to believe what he received of Christ by faith Read 2Corinthians 12:2-3. Paul didn't know if he was alive or dead. Was it a dream or real?
The churches had to except Paul's reaching by faith.
One obeys the gospel by faith. The gospel will not be revealed through physical proof. If it takes physical proof before one believes the gospel and be saved, salvation will not be gained.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
V17b as it is written, The just shall live by faith
The just is a title: Once you are saved you become part of the just. We are made just by the Just One (Acts 22:14)
Saul of Tarsus did not have to live by faith. He had wealth, he had prestige, he others serving him. But Paul the Apostle had to have faith in the Just One. He had to live by faith believing the Lord would supply his needs. He had to have faith that the Lord would carry him through the persecution. It took faith for Paul to continue to serve the Lord. remember Daniel 3:18, Paul had the same faith of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah .
2Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Paul defines living by faith in Romans 4:21as being fully persuaded that, what God had promised, he was able also to perform.
April 2020, we are living in a time none of us in the USA have ever experience before. Do we live by faith today? Do we still believe by faith that God will lead us down the path of righteousness regardless of our circumstances?
Note "by faith" is seen in 30 verses in the new testament seven of which are in Romans
V18 The contrast between those who believe the truth by faith the righteousness of God is revealed. But those who deny the truth will see the wrath of God.
Paul was separated from the life of Saul of Tarsus unto the life of faith of Paul the Apostle.
We are separated from a life that will lead to the wrath of God to a life of faith that will lead to the righteousness of God
V19-32 Paul teaches what we have been separated from.
Separated from the old fallen nature of man.
Separated from living a life based upon what is seen
Separated from the works of the flesh (unto the fruit of the spirit) (Galatians 5:16-26)
In Vs19-20 Paul makes it clear God has placed in the heart of every man and women the knowledge of his eternal power and Godhead. And He has made this knowledge clear. Everyone understands this. John 1:8-9 every man and women that has come into this world has been enlightened by the true Light of Jesus Christ. Man's rejection of the knowledge of God is a choice. It is no accident. The natural man has chosen to profane the truth of God.
V32 that God has placed the knowledge in man that who does the things listed in V21-31deserve the punishment of death. But yet the natural man defies the judgment of God and finds pleasure choosing to do the.
The history of Israel and the Jews proves what Paul records in these verses. The just (saved) are separated from this lifestyle and the judgment of death pronounced upon them who do them.