Romans 1 -2
My initial comment before starting on this study Bible is Roman’s is more notes than scripture. This is not the case in my other study Bible’s.
As with most of Paul’s letters, this one starts with a greeting and a brief introduction. He introduces himself as “a servant of Christ Jesus” and his position as an “apostle.” Continuing he expresses his longing to go to Rome, but explains his delays. Then verse 17 shows the importance of our faith by saying:
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
This is actually a key point since Paul and the other apostles actually lived by experience which most of us pray for from time to time. We would love just some confirmation that God, like a Damascus moment, to prove to us God exists. The words written by men thousands of years ago don’t have the power we would like and we often demand something to solidify ones faith. Often this comes in the form of an answered prayer or an “odd” coincidence, but for some reason no matter how many little taps we get we want that one huge moment.
Well guess what, that isn’t going to happen! Think about all the great men who most likely wanted the same thing, men like Tozer, Warren, Piper, Aquinas, Spurgeon and more I am sure all wanted the same meeting with God. Unfortunately today if we had a Damascus moment, we would most likely be considered crazy and dismissed. So be gland you don’t have one and live on faith. There IS enough evidence without a face to face with God to prove His existence; you just need to be cognizant.
The rest of this study deals with the subject of God’s wrath and judgment on the evil doers in the world. Oh this can be a rabbit trail of despair for many since it doesn’t really deal with forgiveness and just punishment. Verse 18 sums it all up:
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
Paul then touches on the question of “proof” by saying “his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Concluding that we are “are without excuse” for not having faith and belief in God.
From this point forward Paul points out how societies degrade as the one in Rome is at this time. What is “natural” and “civil” get dismissed and acts from “dishonorable passions” become “normal.” Chapter 2 then gets into the judgment of the righteous, the hypocrites and the followers of the law. In this case “God shows no partiality.” Verse 12 is clear of the fate of those under the law or not will be the same:
For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.
This is where hypocrisy really gets exposed, since the law is very clear. Many will teach one thing and do another thus causing conflict with those they teach. One thing I find interesting with the Christian church today is what to do and how to teach the law today. We cannot get into this legalistic society that the Israelites had evolved to, but at the same time we cannot dismiss the law as not applicable to us today. The biggest problem I see is teaching that we must follow some parts while dismissing others.
I will end this with my two favorite “laws” of tithing and of eating. Tithing is often preached and Malachi 3:10 is cited to test God with your tithe and he will bless you. Then the food laws are quickly dismissed as not required since Peter’s vision in Acts 10 of unclean food. My belief is both need to be taught, but not as “sins” but more as guides to a more fruitful life here on earth. We eat right and manage our money well; the majority of the problems here on earth would not affect us!! Think about how many times we get prayer requests for people’s health and finances. Sure it will not make the road smooth, but it will allow us to travel it easier.