Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER

Paul is writing his Magnus opus on salvation, and he starts his letter to the Roman church by talking about the condemnation of the unrighteous. God’s judicial wrath is on all people because of their sins. In these opening paragraphs, he explains the path people take away from God.

LEARN

The opening of Romans is almost like a courtroom scene. In the first chapter, Paul makes the case against pagan, unreligious people. They do not have a book to read or prophets, but they have a loud witness of God’s presence through nature and conscience. Paul then proceeds to indict moral people who think their good works will gain them favor with God, but their evil hearts condemn them. He moves on to his people, the Jews, who are guilty before God even though he gave them his Law and the preaching of the prophets. By chapter three Paul closes his case: “There is no one righteous, not even one!”

APPLY

Reflect on the different types of people in this passage – pagan, unreligious, moral, religious. Which one can you most identify with? Note all the ways God has reached out to reveal himself – through nature, conscience, His Word, etc. Do you know people in these categories? Who do you need to share God’s revelation of love with this week?