I have just started writing a study guide for home group use on the book of Romans. It's a powerful book, and will be a good challenge to condense the book into an 8 week study. I was amazed yesterday as I considered this well known verse: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).
It hit me that the reason for Paul's not being ashamed had nothing to do with him having a strong personality or a dynamic experience as an apostle--it had to do with knowing that the gospel is the message through which God powerfully frees sinners from their slavery to selfishness and allows them to experience abundant life. It isn't about Paul's boldness; it's about God's power.
For a great explanation of the gospel, click here.
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