1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— ² the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures ³ regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life^[a] was a descendant of David, ⁴ and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power^[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. ⁵ Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from^[c] faith for his name’s sake. ⁶ And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

⁷ To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome

⁸ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. ⁹ God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you ¹⁰ in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

¹¹ I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— ¹² that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. ¹³ I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,^[d] that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

¹⁴ I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. ¹⁵ That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. ¹⁷ For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faithfrom first to last,^[e] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”^[f]

Discussion Questions

1. Who wrote the book of Romans and why is it important for us to read it today?
2. What does Paul say about the gospel in the opening of his letter to the Romans, and why is the gospel good news?
3. What does it mean to have faith in Jesus, and how does this faith help us to live a better life?
4. How does Paul describe the state of humanity without God, and what does this tell us about the need for salvation through Jesus?
5. How can we apply the principles and teachings in Romans 1:1-17 to our daily lives, and what are some ways we can share the good news of Jesus with others?
6. What are some of the ways that we can show love and kindness to those around us, and why is this an important part of our faith in Jesus?
7. How can we pray for ourselves and for others to grow in our faith and to share the love of Jesus with those around us?
8. What are some of the blessings that come with having a relationship with Jesus, and how can we experience these blessings in our lives?
9. How can we trust in God even when things are difficult, and how can we seek His guidance and help in all that we do?
10. What are some of the ways that we can be a light for Jesus in our schools, neighborhoods, and communities, and how can we make a positive impact on those around us?

Jesus, You died upon a cross and rose again to save the lost 

Forgive me now of all my sin
Come be my Savior, Lord, and Friend. 

Change my life and make it new . Help me, Lord, to live for You. 

Thank you Father, thank you Son, thank you Holy Spirit,                            

our God is three in one.  

Change my life and make it new.  Help me, Lord, to live for You.

Amen.