Lesson 1: The Gospel Revealed

Scripture

Romans 1:1–17 (read the entire passage in your Bible)

Big Idea

The righteous will live by faith.

Before You Read

Romans is Paul’s sustained explanation of the good news of Jesus Christ. Read this passage in the flow of his argument, observing what it reveals about God, human need, Christ’s saving work, and a life shaped by grace.

Passage-by-Passage Exposition

1:1–7 | Called and set apart

Paul begins not with himself as a celebrity but as a servant belonging to Jesus Christ. The promised gospel concerns God’s Son, descended from David according to the flesh and declared Son of God in power by the resurrection. Believers in Rome are called saints: people claimed by God and summoned to obedience flowing from faith.

1:8–15 | A debt to proclaim

Paul thanks God for their faith and longs to strengthen them, yet expects mutual encouragement. His obligation to Greeks and non-Greeks expresses the universal reach of the gospel; the apostle is eager to preach even in the imperial capital.

1:16–17 | God’s saving power

The gospel is not advice about improving ourselves. It is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew and then to the Gentile. In it God reveals His righteousness, and the righteous live by faith from beginning to end.

Key Truths

• The righteous will live by faith.

• Interpret every paragraph in the wider argument of Romans rather than as an isolated slogan.

• God’s saving initiative in Jesus Christ leads to humility, worship, and faithful obedience.

Digging Deeper

Trace Paul’s argument: What problem is he confronting? What does God accomplish? What response does the passage call for? Note the distinction between what God has done for believers and how believers are called to live. Where the passage raises debated questions, read the surrounding chapters before forming a conclusion.

What Do You Notice?

Underline two repeated or emphasized terms. Identify one statement about God and one about people. How does the paragraph connect to the preceding and following material?

Let’s Talk About It

1. What do Paul’s descriptions of Jesus establish about His identity?

2. Why is the resurrection essential to the gospel?

3. What does Paul’s readiness to preach reveal about Christian witness?

4. Why might someone be ashamed of the gospel?

5. What difference does salvation by faith make to your assurance?

Living It Out

Write a two-sentence explanation of the gospel and share it naturally with someone who asks about your faith. Pray for courage without pressure or argument.

Personal Reflection

In your own words: What did I learn about the gospel? What belief, habit, fear, or relationship should change? Write one specific response and revisit it before the next lesson.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, deepen our confidence in the good news of Your death and resurrection. Teach us to live by faith and speak of You with grace. Amen.

MVM • Romans — The Gospel of God’s Grace • Scripture references only; no Bible translation text reproduced.