Romans 1 - Jew and Greek and Righteousness through Faith

1. As we enter the book of Romans, it would be good for us to focus ourselves on the main themes it is touching on. Collapse these because they are the same:
   1. The lack of distinction between the Jew and the Greek in regard to the accountability they have for belief in the true God and the completed work of Christ.
   2. Because man is saved by grace through faith alone.
2. We see both of these themes present themselves in verse 16 and 17 respectively. Collapse
   1. (v. 16\) "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek"
   2. (v. 17\) "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith.""
3. So both the Jew and the Greek are made righteous by their faith in the gospel, and by no other means may they be declared righteous.
4. Paul then explains the condition of the unrighteous, that they know God exists but suppress that truth.
   1. God gives these people up to a debased mind, where they run further and further from Him.
   2. People will continue to suppress that truth without the gospel.
5. It is only by His grace that we have faith that pleases the Lord.