Romans: A 21-Day Musical DevotionalSample

Paul

Romans is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church at Rome. Paul likely composed this letter from Corinth in 57 A.D. while on his third missionary journey. Although Paul, given his Roman citizenship, probably had passed through the city of Rome before, he had never preached the gospel there nor visited this church (15:22). His letter to the Romans, then, is his first interaction with them.

Paul begins his letter by introducing himself. He expresses his eagerness to see them and underscores his mission to proclaim the gospel to all people.

As you read today’s passage, you may find it beneficial to also read the two paragraphs below, which are an overview of chapters 1-8. This will help you understand the big picture of what Paul is trying to communicate in this first major section. The bracketed numbers correspond to days throughout the devotional.

[2] I am Paul, [3] and I am not ashamed of the gospel, which is the good news of salvation through faith in Christ. [4] The gospel teaches that while every human being’s unrighteousness renders him inexcusably condemned before God, [5] the Lord instead punished His righteous Son, Jesus Christ, so that He may freely forgive those who place their faith in Christ. [6] Abraham, who is the father of all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles, exemplifies this working of justification by faith, [7] and if you, like Abraham, have been reckoned righteous by faith, then you have peace with God and a sure hope of eternal life.

[8] Sin entered the world through Adam; forgiveness of sins comes through Jesus – the Second Adam. [9] “Does God’s grace to us lead to greater sin?” By no means. It leads to greater conformity to Christ who has set you free from the bonds of sin. [10] “But if I am free from sin, then why do I continue sinning?” The power of the flesh still remains in part, but God who justified you will sanctify you in Christ until you are glorified. [11] Indeed, through the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s children will be made to live more like their Father. [12] Even in the midst of suffering, you can look ahead to the glory to come, when Christ fully redeems His people. [13] Our hope is truly secure and nothing will separate us from the love of God.