Romans 1-8 Analysis

Paul, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, wrote a letter to believers in Rome. The letters is now known today as the book of Romans. In Romans, chapters 1-8, Paul addresses some of the challenges and situations the Roman believers were dealing with. Some of the things he touches upon are the natural world, culture, human relationships, and human identity. Paul’s letter gives the believers in Rome a ray of hope when there seems to be no hope.

Natural World:

Paul states and clarifies many situations and challenges in Romans 1-8 regarding the natural world. He starts off by saying that God created and formed every living thing in the world. At the moment of creation everything was pure and right in God’s eyes. However, when Adam sinned

and ate the forbidden fruit, a curse was put on the world and everyone born after him was automatically born into sin. In Romans chapter one, Paul says that there is power in His word. He says that you gain righteousness through faith alone, not by the “good” works you do. It didn’t matter if you were a Jew or a Gentile, works alone wouldn’t grant you righteousness. Paul also states that religion will not set us free from our sinful ways. Paul acknowledges that he has been getting good reports of Rome and is proud of them and wants them to keep it up.

Culture:

Paul touches upon situations and challenges about culture throughout Romans 1-8.

He says that the culture in Rome at the time of the letter was to worship Pagan idols and not worship God. In his letter, he tries to correct the citizens of Rome and tells them that it is a sin to worship other idols. Paul says that some of the Jews were so enthralled with the law that they pushed aside anyone who got in their way. The Roman culture, at that time, cared little for what God deemed appropriate, just, and right. Instead they approved of lusting after another person of the same sex, divorce, gossip, and un-kept promises. Paul specifically states that “God did what the law could not do.” (ERV) He sent his one and only son to die for our sins. Therefore, we should not live for ourselves but we should live for God and live according to His

will.

Human Relationships:

Not only does Paul mention and clarify situations and challenges regarding the natural world, he also touches upon human relationships. In his letter, Paul states that homosexuality is wrong and is a sin. God created man in His image and that a man and a woman were to love one another. Paul also touches upon idolatry. He states that God doesn’t like it when we worship other man made idols and not Him. Paul says that we have given into our sinful ways, such as greed and hatred. We are not to be boastful about what we have or have accomplished. We are to love our parents and elders and treat them with respect. More importantly, we should not judge anyone. God is the ultimate judge and he will always have the last say. Paul makes it clear to us that we need to reevaluate our lives, repent, and start living the way God intended us to live.

Human Identity:

In Romans chapter 1-8, Paul touches upon situations and challenges regarding human identity.

He says that living among the believers in Rome are non-believers and that our responsibility as believers is to teach the gospel of God to them. The Jews were special because they had the Law. However, just by knowing the Law does not guarantee eternal life or that you can lead a sinful life. In ordinance with the Law, Jews had to be circumcised. However, if you were still living a sinful life, your circumcision meant nothing. It would be as if you don’t know the Lord our God. There were not only Jews in Rome but Gentiles as well. Even though the Gentiles don’t have the Law, they could be saved though their faith in Jesus Christ. God sent His one and only son to die for our sins, Paul says we need to focus a lot more of our attention on God rather than on

ourselves.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Paul addresses many topics in Romans chapters 1-8. He focused on situations and challenges regarding culture, the natural world, human identity, and human relationships. Before reading Romans chapters 1-8, I didn’t know what a worldview was. After understanding what a worldview is supposed to encompass, I would say that my prior worldview consisted of love for one another, no divorce, and a bit of selfishness. After reading Romans chapters 1-8, I have decided to change part of my worldview. I do have quite a bit of work to do to change it but with God’s help I am positive that I will shape it into something that pleases Him more.