1. Retreat Testimonies

2. Romans 1:1 Introduction

3. Author & Historical Context
The letter was written by Paul from Corinth in 56 AD.
This is Paul’s longest letter.
The letter was written in anticipation that he would be coming to Rome soon and wanted the people prepared for the doctrines he would be instilling.

4. Themes
The letter written to expound on the nature of the gospel, faith in Jesus Christ and its implications for the believer.

5. Themes
The letter written to expound on the nature of the gospel, faith in Jesus Christ and its implications for the believer.
Paul also addresses schism between the Gentile and Jewish believers with the intent of unifying them.

6. Themes The letter also addresses important doctrinal teachings such as
- How God reaches those “without the message of Jesus”
- How God views and deals with worldliness and immorality
- How faith in Christ empowers the believer to live a righteous life.
- How the Holy Spirit assists us in this endeavor
- How to live righteously in as a community of believers
- How to live righteously in a secular society
- How to live righteously with our brothers and sisters in Christ

7. Why Romans?

9. Paul’s Identity: Servant
Romans 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
It is important that Paul begin the letter by establishing his authority but chooses instead to call himself a “slave”.
1 Cor 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

10. Do you consider yourself a slave to Christ?
A slave stewards the different facets of life with the intent to obey the Master?

11. Paul’s Identity: Apostle
Romans 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
- Apostle means, “one who is sent”
- In order to be carry the title Apostle one had to have met a series of important criteria.

12. Paul’s Identity: Apostle
Requirements of Apostleship:
Candidates needed to have been with Jesus during the whole three years that Jesus was among them. Acts 1:21
He needed to have witnessed Jesus sacrifice Himself on the cross. Acts 1:22a
- He had to have seen Jesus walk, talk, and eat among the disciples again after His resurrection. Acts 1:22b

13. Paul’s Identity: Apostle
Paul’s Unique Apostleship
Galatians 1:1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
His Conversion & Ordination: Acts 9:4-18

14. Paul’s Identity: Apostle
Paul’s Unique Apostleship
Galatians 1:1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
His Conversion & Ordination: Acts 19:12-18
His Confirmation: Galatians 1:15
His Proofs:
Miracles - Acts 19:11-13
Testimony - Galatians 2:6-9
His Words – 2 Peter 3:15-18

15. Do you live your life as an apostle?
An apostle lives their life in order to respond to the sending of their Master.

16. Paul’s Identity: Separate
Not just separated but separated unto the gospel
“Gospel of God” because it isn’t of men
Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
“gospel of his Son” because of his divine nature
Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

17. Paul’s Identity: Separate
“Gospel of Christ” because it has the power to save
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
“my gospel” because of his divine nature and his saving power.
Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

18. Do you take ownership of the gospel?
A believer associates themselves so much with the work of the cross that they possess it as their own.