S3E1: By The Mercies of God, Give it Your All
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Romans 1:16).
Listen as Ed Underwood teaches on the book of Romans for our third season.
*See resources below for downloadable study guide notes. In the first hundred years of Christianity, there was no more strategic community of believers than those living in Rome. “All roads lead to Rome” was a common phrase demonstrating that the city was the Empire's cultural, commercial, and political center.
To this young church, Paul writes his most thorough treatise on Christianity. His purpose is clear—to call them to a life of commitment by giving their all to God (Romans 12:1-2). His motivation is also clear—to encourage them to make this radical but reasonable decision because they are overwhelmed by God’s mercy. For eleven chapters, the Apostle of Grace exalts the mercies of God. “God’s righteousness is revealed in His mercies to all who believe,” writes Paul. “So I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; it has the power to deliver believers from the wrath of God and set them on a path of faith that will radically transform their lives.”
He speaks from his own experience. Since he met Christ on the road to Damascus, he found he could do the will of God with a free spontaneity and overwhelming joy he had never known under the law. “He knew himself accepted by God. Blessed with a new power within, and called to a service which thereafter gave zest and purpose to life” (F. F. Bruce). By exalting God’s grace and mercies, he became a strategic, radically committed follower of Christ. And so, to these well-placed believers in Rome, he exalts God’s mercy and grace.
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See the chart and download the notes below for further study.
