Before you start...

This plan is a guided reading plan of the Book of Romans. The plan is an 8-week plan. Each Day should be seen as a Week (Day 1 = Week 1). Each week you are given certain chapters in Romans to read over the course of the week, as well as an outline of the themes covered in those chapters. The goal is to guide you as you dive into reading through the Book of Romans. As you read, prayerfully ask the Lord to highlight areas to you that He would like to speak to you about, as you seek to live out your faith in a practical way. There is also a Call to Action at the end of each week's reading.

WEEK 1

INTRODUCTION TO ROMANS

Section 1: The messenger's Identity (1:1)

Throughout Romans, Paul identifies himself as:

• A slave (servant) of Jesus Christ: His total allegiance is his Master. In the Old Testament, being a "servant of the Lord" was a title of high honour held by figures like Moses and David.
• Called to be an apostle: Paul didn't apply for the job; he was summoned. An "apostle" is a royal messenger sent with the king's authority.
• Set apart for the Gospel: Paul’s entire existence is now "bracketed" by the Good News.

Section 2: The definition of "the Gospel" (1:2-4)

The Gospel isn't about how to go to heaven; it is the announcement that Jesus is the rightful King of the world.

• Prophetic continuity: The Gospel isn't a new invention; it’s the climax of the story started in the Old Testament.
• The dual nature of Jesus: Jesus is described in His:
  • Humanity: According to the flesh, He is the heir of David (the rightful King of Israel).
  • Divine power: Through the resurrection, He is designated, marked out, as the Son of God.
• The resurrection is proof: The resurrection publicly proves that Jesus isn't just a dead teacher, but the living Lord of the nations.

Section 3: Obedience of faith is the goal (1:5)

Paul’s mission isn't just to get people to believe ideas, but to bring about "the obedience of faith."

• If Jesus is King, the only appropriate response is loyalty.
• This mission is universal ("among all the Gentiles"), signalling that the borders of God’s Kingdom have expanded far beyond just one ethnic group.

Section 4: The identity of the Roman church (1:6-7)

Paul concludes the greeting by reminding the Romans of who they are. In the shadow of the Roman Emperor (who also claimed titles like "Son of God" and "Lord"), Paul tells this small group of believers that they are:

• Called to belong to Jesus.
• Loved by God.
• Saints (people set apart).

Wright’s Big Idea: By using terms like "Lord," "Son of God" and "Gospel" - all terms used in Roman imperial propaganda - Paul is subtly but boldly announcing that there is a new King in town, and his name isn't Caesar.

CALL TO ACTION

This week, identify one area of your life where you act as your own "Caesar" (you have total control). Intentionally pray every morning: "Jesus, You are Lord of this area today, not me."