Romans: WEEKEND RECHARGE!

September 6, 2025

Monday, September 1—Romans 1:1-7

Tuesday, September 2—Romans 1:8-15

Wednesday, September 3—Romans 1:16-17

Thursday, September 4—Romans 1:18-23

Friday, September 5—Romans 1:24-32

THIS WEEK’S DAILY DEVO OVERVIEW: ROMANS 1:1-32

ROMANS 1:1-7: Our Identity in His Calling

• Paul identifies himself first as a servant (doulos) of Christ Jesus—fully devoted and surrendered. This reflects the core identity of all believers: to live in submission to Jesus, with our will aligned to his (Rom. 1:1a). 
  
  
• Paul was not only a servant but called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel. God sovereignly shaped Paul’s life—his past, personality, and even his failures—to serve his redemptive mission. The same is true for us (Rom. 1:1b-1c). 
  
  
• The message of Jesus—the promised Messiah—is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. This gospel is powerful, cross-cultural, and intended to bring about the obedience of faith among all people. Every believer is called to belong to Jesus Christ and share his message (Rom. 1:2-7).

ROMANS 1:8-15: Strategic Spots

• Just as the faith of the Roman believers was known throughout the world, God has placed each of us in unique, influential locations—our families, schools, workplaces, and communities—to share Christ and make him known (Rom. 1:8).
  
  
• Paul longed to visit the Roman believers to strengthen their faith and be encouraged by theirs. The Christian community is designed for mutual growth and support (Rom. 1:9-12).
  
• Paul saw himself as a debtor to all people because of the life-transforming grace he received from Jesus. His passion to preach was fueled by a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude—and we share that same calling today (Rom. 1:13-15). 

ROMANS 1:16-17: Not Ashamed

• Paul confidently proclaims he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is more than just a message—it is a life-changing truth. Despite cultural opposition or personal fear, he is compelled to share it because it provides spiritual victory (Rom. 1:16a).
  
  
• The gospel is powerful because it offers salvation through God’s initiation—starting with Jesus’ death and resurrection and continuing with the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work in our lives. This power is available to every believer (Rom. 1:16b).
  
• Through faith in Jesus, God declares believers righteous and invites them to keep living by that same faith every day. The gospel isn’t just the first step to salvation—it’s the foundation for the whole Christian life (Rom. 1:17). 

ROMANS 1:18-23: Without Excuse

• God has revealed his eternal power and divine nature through creation and has placed a moral awareness in every human. No one can claim complete ignorance—everyone is “without excuse” (Rom. 1:19-20). 
  
  
• Although people recognize God through general revelation, many choose to reject him by prioritizing their own desires and worshiping created things instead of the Creator. This deliberate suppression results in spiritual darkness (Rom. 1:18, 21-23).
  
• God’s wrath is not arbitrary—it is the just response to humanity’s ungodliness and unrighteousness. Those who reject God's truth revealed through nature and human conscience face judgment, unless they turn to Jesus (Rom. 1:18).

ROMANS 1:24-32: God Gave Them Over

• When people persistently reject God and suppress the truth, he allows them to follow their desires—starting with impurity and dishonoring their bodies. God gives them over to their own choices, even if it harms them (Rom. 1:24-25). 
  
  
• As people continue to accept “the lie” and reject God’s design, they are handed over, not only to impurity, but also to dishonorable passions—such as sexual behaviors that go against God’s created order. This shows the brokenness that results from turning away from the Creator (Rom. 1:26-27). 
  
• A life apart from God descends into greater depravity—characterized by a long list of sins and destructive behaviors. The greatest tragedy is not just committing sin but also celebrating and endorsing it—demonstrating how far the heart can stray from truth (Rom. 1:28-32).

Following is an outline of Romans that I have used over the years. This past week, I set the stage for the study of this book in Romans 1:1-17 and began to address the problem of sin in Romans 1:18-32. 

OUTLINE OF PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS:

Setting the Stage (Rom. 1:1-17)

Sin: The Problem (Rom. 1:18-3:20)

Salvation: The Cure (Rom. 3:21-5:21)

Sanctification: Christian Growth (Rom. 6:1-8:39)

Sovereignty of God: Christian Defense (Rom. 9:1-11:36)

So What? Practical Application (Rom. 12:1-15:33)

Signing Off: Personal Greetings (Rom. 16:1-27)