Paul writing an epistle

August 7–13

Romans 1–6

“The Power of God unto Salvation”

Recording promptings will help you remember what the Spirit is teaching you. Consider also recording how you feel about these promptings.

Record Your Impressions

By the time Paul wrote his epistle to Roman Church members, who were a diverse group of Jews and Gentiles, the Church of Jesus Christ had grown far beyond a small band of believers from Galilee. About 20 years after the Savior’s Resurrection, there were congregations of Christians almost everywhere the Apostles could reasonably travel—including Rome, the capital of a powerful empire. Still, compared to the vastness of the Roman empire, the Church was small and often the object of persecution. In such conditions, some might feel “ashamed of the gospel of Christ”—but, of course, not Paul. He knew and testified that true power, “the power of God unto salvation,” is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16).

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Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

What are the Epistles, and how are they organized?

The Epistles are letters written by Church leaders to Saints in various parts of the world. The Apostle Paul wrote most of the epistles in the New Testament—starting with Romans and ending with Hebrews. His epistles are organized by length, except for Hebrews (see Bible Dictionary, “Pauline Epistles”). Although Romans is the first epistle in the New Testament, it was actually written near the end of Paul’s missionary journeys.

Romans 1–6

“The just shall live by faith.”

The following definitions may help you better understand the Epistle to the Romans:

The law.When Paul wrote of “the law,” he was referring to the law of Moses. The word “works” in Paul’s writings referred to outward actions associated with the law of Moses. Consider how the law of Moses and the works required under it are different from “the law of faith” described in Romans 3:23–31.

Circumcision, uncircumcision.Anciently, circumcision was a token or symbol of the covenant God made with Abraham. Paul used the term “circumcision” to refer to Jews (the covenant people) and “uncircumcision” to refer to Gentiles. Ponder what Romans 2:25–29 teaches about what it really means to be God’s covenant people. Note that circumcision is no longer a token of God’s covenant with His people (see Acts 15:23–29).

Justification, justify, justified.These terms refer to the remission, or pardoning, of sin. When we are justified, we are forgiven, declared guiltless, and freed from eternal punishment for our sins. When you see these terms, notice what Paul taught about what makes justification possible (see also Guide to the Scriptures, “Justification, Justify,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org; D. Todd Christofferson, “Justification and Sanctification,” Ensign, June 2001, 18–25). In Romans, words like “righteous” and “righteousness” can be seen as synonyms for words like “just” and “justification.”

Grace.Grace is “divine … help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.” Through grace, all people will be resurrected and receive immortality. In addition, “grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.” We do not earn grace through our efforts; rather, it is grace that gives us “strength and assistance to do good works that [we] otherwise would not be able to maintain” (Bible Dictionary, “Grace”; see also 2 Nephi 25:23; Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Gift of Grace,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 107–10; Brad Wilcox, “His Grace Is Sufficient,” Ensign, Sept. 2013, 35–37; or Liahona, Sept. 2013, 43–45). As you read Romans, record what you learn about the Savior’s grace.

Romans 2:17–29

My actions should reflect and increase my conversion.

Some of the Jewish Christians in Rome apparently still believed that the rites and rituals of the law of Moses brought salvation. This may seem like a problem that doesn’t apply anymore since we don’t live by the law of Moses. But as you read Paul’s writings, especially Romans 2:17–29, think about your own efforts to live the gospel. Are your outward performances, such as taking the sacrament or attending the temple, deepening your conversion and strengthening your faith in Christ? (see Alma 25:15–16). Is there something you should change so that your outward actions are leading to a change of heart?

See also Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32–34.

Romans 3:10–31; 5

Through Jesus Christ, I can be forgiven of my sins.

Some people may feel discouraged at Paul’s bold declaration that “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). But there are also hopeful messages in Romans. Look for them in chapters 3 and 5, and consider why remembering that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) is an important step toward learning to “rejoice in hope” through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:2).

Romans 6

Jesus Christ invites me to “walk in newness of life.”

Paul taught that the gospel of Jesus Christ should change the way we live. What statements in Romans 6 describe how following the Savior has helped you “walk in newness of life”? (verse 4).

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Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Romans 1:16–17.How can we show that we are “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ”?

Romans 3:23–28.As you read these verses, you might discuss the difference between “earning” God’s grace, which we can never do, and receiving it, which we must do. When have we felt God’s grace? How can we receive it more completely?

Romans 5:3–5.What tribulations have we experienced? How have these tribulations helped us to develop patience, experience, and hope?

Romans 6:3–6.What did Paul say in these verses about the symbolism of baptism? Perhaps your family could plan to attend an upcoming baptism. Or someone in your family could share pictures or memories from his or her baptism. How does making and keeping our baptismal covenants help us “walk in newness of life”?

man baptizing another in a lake

Baptism symbolizes beginning a new life as a disciple of Christ.

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “When I Am Baptized,” Children’s Songbook, 103.

Improving Personal Study

Ask questions as you study. As you study the scriptures, questions may come to mind. Ponder these questions and look for answers. For example, in Romans 1–6 you could look for answers to the question “What is grace?”

Christ lifting a girl from a stream

Be Not Afraid, by Greg K. Olsen