Romans 1-4 Recap

The first few chapters of Romans can be viewed through the social setting of the church.

In the first century Roman church, the leaders of Rome passed a law that all Jewish people had to leave. The church was a mix of Jews and non-Jews but almost overnight the Jews all had to leave. This changed the Roman church socially. So when the law was reversed, upon their return they discovered that the church was very different and they felt like they didn't belong.

A church divided

Those Jews who returned felt that they had to press hard with the Jewish traditions they had always kept but lost in their exile. This was causing problems and Paul had to address it.

Paul turned to the history of God and His people to try to solve this problem. Paul sowed the Romans that the problem in the world then is exactly the same problem that was present from the very start in Eden. Adam & Eve exchanged the truth of God for the lie of the serpent and worshipped things other than God. The result is that God allowed them to do that. It was their choice and God let them. It is exactly the same for everyone in the whole world.

Then, God stepped in with grace. He used Abraham to bring a promise of grace and blessing for the world. It doesn't go well, though. God's people who were designed to be a rescue for the world then become in need of rescue as well.

Boasting in the law

The point is that the Jews who boast in the law are boasting in something they failed to keep. They were no better than those who did not keep the law. They needed rescue and the law couldn't do it for them.

For Paul, living as God intended is someone who's heart has been changed so they live the intended purpose of the law - to save others around them. We all need our heart to be changed so the Spirit can flow, causing us to live our lives like that.

Jesus is the answer

To be right with God is to be a part of God's people. The big question was: "What badge marks us as one of God's people?"

Paul's answer is that the one badge is faith in Jesus. Being in God's family means having faith. Faith brings righteousness, a fresh start, and a place with Him.

Paul used Abraham as an example of this. While Abraham was declared righteous, it was not out of what he did, but solely for his faith. All those who have faith follow in Abraham's footsteps and are part of that family.

Hard, narrow culture

This issue can be present in today's churches. Cultures form in church that means that people who can't fit that culture feel that they cannot belong to God's people. All are welcome and can belong. So those cultures need to go. Our culture image church should be wide and soft, comfortable for all.

Why are we saved? To be that city on a hill that can be seen and reached by anyone. To be what Israel was supposed to be, all around the world.