There is a short introduction available for the book of Romans. You can read it here.
Introduction - Romans 1:1-7
Understand It
- How did Paul introduce and identify himself to the Romans? (1:1)
- What special calling on his life did Paul feel? (1:1)
- In what ways has God revealed His gospel to people? (1:2-4)
- Who is the focus of God’s gospel? (1:2-4)
- What credentials does Jesus have to confirm His claim as Son of God? (1:3-4)
- What did Paul and others receive as a calling for their lives? (1:5)
- Who were the new group of people being exposed to the gospel message? (1:5)
- What were the Gentiles and all people being called to believe? (1:5)
- How did Paul describe the people who were receiving this letter? (1:6)
- To whom was this letter written? (1:7)
- What kind of greeting did Paul send to his audience? (1:7)
Apply It
- With whom could you share God’s unfolding plan of salvation for the whole world?
- How would you explain God’s plan of salvation to a friend?
- To what friend could you explain God’s love and your response to His plan of salvation? How?
Paul's Longing to Visit Rome - Romans 1:8-17
Understand It
- For what was the church at Rome well-known? (1:8)
- How did Paul describe his commitment to God? (1:9)
- What kind of concern did Paul have for his audience? (1:9-10)
- What happened to Paul’s plans to visit the church in Rome? (1:10-13)
- What did Paul want to give the Romans when he visited? (1:11-12)
- Who would benefit from Paul’s visit? (1:12)
- To whom had God called Paul to communicate the gospel? (1:14-15)
- How did Paul feel about what others thought about him and his message? (1:16)
- To whom does God grant salvation? (1:16)
- How does a person become righteous? (1:17)
- What does a person’s faith accomplish? (1:17)
Apply It
- What can you do this week to help a person for whom you are concerned?
- With whom can you be more honest and forthright about the gospel message you believe?
- For what "unreachable" person will you begin praying this week?
God's Wrath Against Mankind - Romans 1:18-32
Understand It
- What is God’s response to the people who ignore and disobey Him? (1:18)
- How does God reveal Himself to people? (1:19-20)
- What makes all people accountable to God? (1:20)
- What is the primary problem people have in their relationship with God? (1:21)
- What happens to the hearts and minds of people who reject God? (1:21-22)
- When people deny God, what do they often put in His place? (1:21-23)
- How does God respond to people who ignore and deny Him? (1:24, 26)
- How are attitudes toward sexuality affected when a person denies God? (1:24, 26-27)
- What lie do people naturally believe by denying the truth? (1:25)
- When thoughts of God are pushed out, what evil attitudes and actions replace them? (1:28-31)
- Instead of fearing God, what attitude do people naturally have toward Him? (1:32)
Apply It
- In what ways can you lessen your dependence on the things you are tempted to "worship" and serve more than God?
- How can you glorify God and give thanks to Him this week?
- Who among your friends is caught in this trap of rejecting God and needs your prayers of intercession this week?
