Paul speaks of his desire to preach the gospel as a debtor to all men. He also speaks of the responsibility of all men to respond to the revelation given to them.

What Does It Say?

1. Paul had often ____________ to come unto the Romans so that he might have some ___________ among them also.
2. Paul testified, I am ________ to preach the _________ to you that are at Rome.
3. It is written, The just shall live by __________.
4. The __________ of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and ________________  of men.
5. That which may be known of ______ is manifest _____ them.

What Does It Mean?

1. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes (v.16). What does it mean, “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek?” Bible students answer this question in several ways. What possible meanings do you think this statement could have? Which meaning do you think is correct and why?
2. The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith (v.17). Are there different kinds of faith in the Bible? Is the faith of one time different from the faith of another? How would you explain this statement?
3. Paul says that creation tells us two things about God: His eternal power and Godhead (v.20). What is the eternal power of God? How does creation clearly show the eternal power of God? The word “Godhead” is used three times in the Bible: Acts 17:29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
   See All...; Romans 1:20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
   See All...; Colossians 2:9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
   See All.... It seems to point to God as being an intelligent (“head”) being meaning that He has the things that we consider a part of intellect, like reason, creativity, appreciation of beauty, etc. How does creation reveal these things about God? In what ways can we see the person behind the creation?

What Does It Mean to Me?

1. Paul declared himself to be a debtor (that is, he owed a debt) to all men (v.14) and was ready to preach the gospel to them (v.15). How could he be a debtor to all men, even to the Barbarians? What does he mean by this? How does this apply to us? Are we debtors also? Why? How can we pay our debt?
2. Read verse 21 carefully. What kind of spiritual condition does this verse describe? How can we avoid the same fate in our Christian lives?

Suggested Memory Verses

Romans 1:14-17 [14] I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. [15] So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. [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. [17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
See All..., Romans 1:19-20 [19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
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