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My thoughts on each verse
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Discussion questions
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Romans 1:1
Am I, like Paul, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God? If not, why? If so, how does my life need to change? Would things in my life change if I defined myself as a servant of Christ Jesus?
Romans 1:2-4
Paul was set apart for the gospel of Jesus, who was promised thousands of years before. Jesus was a human in the line of David and the Son of God on the testimony of His resurrection from the Dead.
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Romans 1:1
- What does it mean to be called as an apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God?
- Is every Christian called to be an apostle and set apart for the Gospel?
- How would this change your life?
The Author of the Greatest Letter Ever Written
[Piper 1:1] 
God's Good News Concerning His Son
[Piper 1:1-4]
By His Grace, For His Name, Through the Obedience of Faith
[Piper 1:1-5]
The Greatest Thing in the World: An Overview of Romans 1-7
[Piper 1:1-7]
The Mighty and Merciful Message of Romans 1-8
[Piper 1:1-8]
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Romans 1:5
The Christian receives grace. The Christian receives the apostolic task and the ability to complete that task. The act of service is for God and is completed through His power and for His name's sake.
Romans 1:6
Romans was written to Christians.
Romans 1:7
The whole of God's grace - His creation, plan of salvation, and personal communication - and God's peace which is only made possible through eternal security is to be on the Christian.
Romans 1:8
Great faith of a people has always been something the Church has reported all over the world. (The church in China; the church in Sudan)
Romans 1:9-10
Talk about single minded and whole hearted. Paul reassures the Roman church that he is praying constantly for them and is asking God to provide a way for him to visit.
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Romans 1:5
- Everyone is driven by something to obtain a goal, how can we grasp the importance of “for His name’s sake” and let that motivate our lives?
- How do you fight the steady temptation to take grace for granted?
The Called of Christ & the Loved of God, Part 1
[Piper 1:6-7]
The Called of Christ & the Loved of God, Part 2
[Piper 1:6-7]
Thank God for Famous Faith
[Piper 1:7-8]
The Gospel in the Church for the Obedience of Faith through Spiritual Gifts
[Piper 1:8-15]
The Treasure of Faith in the Life of the Church
[Piper 1:8-15]
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Romans 1:11-12
This could be a good definition of fellowship - that both are mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
Romans 1:13
Paul doesn't say what prevented him from coming to the Roman church. He fully expects to have a harvest when he gets there. And why shouldn't he? He has see God do it among the Gentiles before. He is working for God's name sake, with God's power and authority, and with God's promise of success.
Romans 1:14-15
Paul's heart was for everyone regardless of economic status or nationality. Rome had everything from poor to rich, slave to free, wise to unwise, and people from all over the globe.
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Romans 1:11-12
- Would an attitude like this empower our church through us?
- What would happen if everyone at a church or small group arrived with an attitude to mutually encourage each other by their faith.
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Romans 1:16
This is a powerful verse. The Truth has power. The Truth is never something to be ashamed of. I think most Christians would say, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel" but the actions of most Christians would say, "I am ashamed of the Gospel." This statement has no value unless there is a lifestyle that agrees with it.
Romans 1:17
What is that righteousness from God that is revealed in the Gospel? The Gospel basically teaches that we must rely on ourselves no more and trust fully in Christ to redeem us completely. Thus the righteousness from God is to do nothing except sit in the assurance of Christ's work on the cross. Faith in Christ is the strength of this righteousness.
Romans 1:18-20
Men are experiencing the wrath of God because of our wickedness. One form of that wickedness is how evil men suppress the truth of God (Romans 1:16-17) with their wicked ways. The truth of God is plain to see in His creation. Men are without excuse, we cannot say, "I didn't see the truth because it was suppressed by our wickedness."
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Romans 1:16
- What actions follow from an honest belief in this statement?
- If we couldn’t speak in any other way than our actions, how would someone communicate that they are not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone?
- What would that life look like? Do you live that life? If not, what are things you could change to live that life?
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
[Piper 1:16]
To the Jew First, and Also to the Greek
[Piper 1:16]
The Gospel is the Power of God unto Salvation
[Piper 1:16]
The Called of Christ & the Loved of God, Part 1
[Piper 1:16-17]
The Called of Christ & the Loved of God, Part 2
[Piper 1:16-17]
The Called of Christ & the Loved of God, Part 3
[Piper 1:16-17]
Proud People Don't Say Thanks
[Piper 1:16-23]
The Wrath of God Against Holding Down the Truth
[Piper 1:18]
The Wrath of God Against Ungodliness and Unrighteousness
[Piper 1:18]
Displays of God Remove the Excuse for Failed Worship
[Piper 1:18-21]
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Romans 1:21-23
Think of the stupidity. To see the glory of the Lord and turn your back and convince others it exists in an idol. It is an idiotic thing to do and it is no wonder God gave them over to be idiots. Men deceive with their foolish minds and dark hearts.
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Romans 1:21
- Does this describe any part of your life?
- Why is it so hard for us to give thanks where thanks is due?
The First Dark Exchange: Idolatry
[Piper 1:21-23]
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Romans 1:24
This verse presents a frightening truth that God gives people over to their sinful desires. Though, I don't think anyone is too far gone, it does seem like some people have been given over and are beyond hope. It is a sobering thought, when sin becomes not so bad.
Romans 1:25
This is the outcome of becoming desensitized. You start believing lies.
Romans 1:26-27
Because of verse 25, God gives us over to our shameful lusts. This is a frightening truth be it shameful lusts or idiotic idol worship, God will let us self destruct. It seems like homosexuality started with the women. I don't know if it did or not, but it probably would if men fell into sin and neglected them. This seems as clear as anything that homosexuality is a perversion and thus sinful and it comes with consequences.
Romans 1:28
I think this gives a hint as to why God gave us a mind. It is to behold the knowledge of God. Failing to do so will result in depravity. That seems to be what we see around the world.
Romans 1:29-31
It seems like these people are worse than your average sinner.
Romans 1:32
These decrepit people are worse than your average sinners, they know what is right, but don't do it. They also direct others in sin.
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Romans 1:24-26
- Any loss in God’s conviction in our lives should frighten us senseless. Are their sinful areas in your life that your conscience has been completely snuffed out of?
- What should you do to align these areas of your life with the life that believes verse 16?
Romans 1:24-32
- “God gave them over...to their sinful desires...shameful lusts...a depraved mind...to do what ought not be done.” What does this kind of world need from the Church? How can you make it happen?
The Other Dark Exchange: Homosexuality, Part 1
[Piper 1:24-28]
The Other Dark Exchange: Homosexuality, Part 2
[Piper 1:24-28]
Doing and Endorsing Evil
[Piper 1:28-32]
Final Judgment
[Piper 1:28-2:11]
The Perils of Disapproving God
[Piper 1:28-32]
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