Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ and an apostle called to preach the gospel. He describes the gospel as the good news from God that was promised through the prophets concerning God's son Jesus Christ. Paul wanted to visit the Christians in Rome to strengthen them in faith and encourage them, as he was indebted to preach the gospel to all nations. The gospel reveals God's righteousness received through faith alone rather than human effort.

1. Paul’s Letter to the Romans God-Righteousness Revealed

2. Today’s Topics A. Introduction to the Gospel (1:1-15) B. The Gospel Defined (1:16, 17)

3. Introduction to the Gospel (1:1-15) Paul Introduces himself (1:1,5) Paul introduces his subject (1:1-5) Paul greets his readers (1:6-7)

4. Introduction to the Gospel (1:1-15) Read vs 1- 7 and find how Paul describes: himself (1:1,5) his subject (1:1-5) his readers (1:6-7)

5. Introduction to the Gospel (1:1-15) Read vs 1- 7 and find how Paul describes: himself (1:1,5) Bondservant or slave of Jesus Christ Apostle Separated to the Gospel

6. Introduction to the Gospel (1:1-15) Read vs 1- 7 and find how Paul describes: his subject (1:1-5) Gospel (Good News) FROM GOD PROMISED before through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures ABOUT His Son Jesus Christ Who was of the Seed of David – His Human ancestry Declared (shown) to be the Son of God – His Heavenly authority To be OBEYED among all nations

7. Introduction to the Gospel (1:1-15) Read vs 1- 7 and find how Paul describes: his readers (1:6-7) Called by Jesus Christ Beloved of God Called Saints

8. Introduction to the Gospel (1:1-15) Read vs 8 – 15 and find 2 reasons why Paul wanted to visit the Christians at Rome: Why do you think Paul describes himself as a debtor? (v14)

9. Introduction to the Gospel (1:1-15) Read vs 8 – 15 and find 2 reasons why Paul wanted to visit the Christians at Rome: He wanted to give them some spiritual gift (v11) He wanted them to be established in faith (v11) He wanted to receive encouragement from them (v12) He wanted to have fruit among them, as he did among the other Gentiles (v14) He was a debtor to preach the Gospel to all men

10. Introduction to the Gospel (1:1-15) Why do you think Paul describes himself as a debtor? (v14) Compare this verse with 1Tim 1 v 12 - 16 He is a slave of Christ Although previously a blasphemer and persecutor (the chief of sinners) he received mercy He had been forgiven much: “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (Luke 7:47)

11. The Gospel Defined (1:16, 17) It is the POWER of God to Salvation (v16) For everyone who believes In it the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God is revealed From faith to faith

12. The Gospel Defined (1:16, 17) Read vs 16 & 17 carefully and find what Righteousness God says we need for Salvation Re-read vs 17 carefully and find what God says is the basis of that Righteousness

13. The Gospel Defined (1:16, 17) Read vs 16 & 17 carefully and find what Righteousness God says we need for Salvation We need God-Righteousness which is revealed in the Gospel Re-read vs 16 & 17 carefully and find what God says is the basis of that Righteousness God-Righteousness is on the basis of FAITH only It comes from faith and leads to faith – that means it starts with faith alone and leads to trusting God more and more “The just shall live by faith”

14. The Gospel Defined (1:16, 17) What do these verses teach about HUMAN EFFORT or SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS as a way of Salvation? Human Effort is useless – the Gospel reveals the POWER OF GOD for Salvation Self-Righteousness is useless – the Gospels reveals GOD-RIGHTEOUSNESS for Salvation

15. The Gospel Defined (1:16, 17) The Gospel can be defined as: The Good News of God-Righteousness to all who believe on Christ