Romans by Conrad Hilario (2019)

Romans 1 claims that God has made himself known through his creation. One of the ways scientific discovery points to an intelligent creator is the astonishing fine-tuning of the universe to enable life. We are challenged to look at the evidence and put our faith in Jesus Christ.

In Romans 1, Paul tells us that God has made Himself known through his creation, but that people suppress the truth in unrighteousness. The origin of the universe is one part of creation that points to an intelligent being as its cause. We are challenged to examine the evidence and turn to the living God, who has made Himself known more fully through Jesus Christ.

Romans 1 says that God has made His existence evident within us. One way He has done this is by giving us a universal sense of morality and free will--both of which are dismissed by a pure naturalist worldview. We are challenged to examine the evidence and turn to the creator God.

Paul addresses unrighteous judgment, warning us that when we judge others we actually condemn ourselves because we stand equally guilty before God. We have two choices: love God perfectly, or be loved by God perfectly and receive his free forgiveness.

Paul describes humanity's problem of sin, saying that there is no one righteous, not even one. Then he lays out God's solution to our problem: forgiveness received freely by the sacrifice of Jesus as payment for our sin. We are left with a choice to either continue trying to earn our way to God, or to place our trust in the free gift of grace purchased by Jesus.

Paul explains that Biblical faith is not based on good works, ritual, or law, but rather it is a willingness to act, based on God's truth, while trusting in His promises. Using Abraham as an example, Paul illustrates that that is how people have been credited as righteous before God from the very beginning until today. We, too, are not only saved by this type of faith, but it is also the key to spiritual growth.

The Book of Romans is considered by many to be the clearest and most thorough explanation of the gospel in scripture. It has influenced many game-changers of the faith, including Martin Luther and John Wesley. This letter makes clear that salvation is by faith alone and, as Paul writes in chapter one, demonstrates that the gospel "is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes."

Paul outlines several results of our justification, including peace, hope, perseverance, and the ability to rejoice, even in suffering.

Paul compares the church to a human body, containing both unity and diversity and the various parts each having an important role to play. Entering and thriving in God's community requires humility.

Paul uses a human body as a metaphor for the interrelated and intimate community God intends for Christians to share. Within this community, we are called to actively love others by being sincere and devoted to one another, honoring others above ourselves, and showing hospitality.

Paul explains that God established governing authorities to curb evil in the world and we should submit to our governing authorities, so long as it doesn't enjoin what the Bible forbids or forbid what the Bible enjoins. Real change takes place through spiritual transformation and we look forward to the day God will establish His just and loving rulership on earth.

Paul explains that the Old Testament law can be summed up as loving God and loving others. In contrast to the many ideas of love put forth by the world, the Bible defines love as a sacrificial choice to give of oneself in every area for the good of another and this is the key to healthy relationships and true fulfillment.

Paul explains that living for Christ gives us true freedom, but that we shouldn't use our freedom to satisfy our selfish desires. Rather, we should use our freedom to serve others in love, sometimes even willingly giving up our freedoms for the benefit of others, while being careful not to go beyond what God has written in His word.

Paul explains that worshipping God is not just something Christians do on Sunday, but rather should encompass our entire lives. It should involve offering God praise, thanksgiving, and material resources, but the crucial part is sharing the message of Jesus with the world. This is controversial in today's culture, but is the only reasonable response if the Bible is true--and it is the central mission of the church.