*International Conference, Sept 2019 -- Saved by His Life*

*Message 1* -- The context: what motivated Paul to write the letter to the Romans (Rom
15:22-29; 9:1-5; 11:14; 1Co 9:22).

*i. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROPHETIC WORD TO GIVE US DIRECTION*

-- a. In 2 Peter 1:19, we can see the importance of the prophetic word for God’s people.
Without such a word, the people get corrupted and perish. Since we live in a dark world, we
need guidance. We thank God because we have a light that guides us and gives direction
through the prophetic word. For us, it is a privilege to receive such a word.

-- b. However, it is important to realize that the prophetic word is not restricted only to us, but
to the whole people of God. For this reason, we have published this word in books in order to
reach all the people of God. This is our mission and burden.

-- c. In this conference, we will follow the book of Romans. From the sixth chapter onwards,
there are important points, capable of changing our lives and making us useful to bring the
kingdom of God to earth. However, let us understand the historical context that surrounds this
letter, and consolidate the principles that will be presented later.

*ii. THE CONTEXT THAT LEADED PAUL TO WRITE TO THE ROMANS*

-- a. What were the circumstances that led Paul to write to the Romans? Where did he write
from and who were the receivers of the letter? In the previous conference, we were greatly
helped with the refined humanity of Christ. Today the Lord can sympathize with us because He
knows our context, this is what the book of Hebrews shows us. Therefore, it is important to
know the context of Romans to understand the purpose for which this letter was written.

-- b. In Romans 15, we can point out some reasons that led Paul to write the letter. On Paul's
three missionary journeys, he traveled through several regions: Galatia, Asia Minor,
Macedonia, and Achaia. However, after the third journey, Paul realized that he needed to
open new fields to preach the gospel. It was this desire that led him to consider going to
Europe (verses 22-24). Thus, we understand that this was Paul's first reason to write to the
Romans, he had to pass through Rome to go to Spain.

-- c. For this reason, we can learn from Paul about the need to expand our field of activity. We
cannot be accommodated with what we have already achieved and conquered.

*iii. THE STRONG BURDEN OF PAUL FOR THE SALVATION OF THE JEWS*

-- a. Although Paul was an Apostle to the Gentiles, he was so zealous for his countrymen that
he wanted to save at least some of the Jews. This means that the reason he wrote the letter
was also to save some Jews who lived in Rome.

-- b. In Acts 11:27-28, fifteen years earlier, a prophet named Agabus had predicted that a great
famine would come. Paul, thinking of the needy brothers who lived in Jerusalem, decided to
raise a collection to help them. Paul, however, was not yet so sure that he should go to
Jerusalem because of the risks he would take there. Although the offering was sent to
Jerusalem, Paul himself was not so sure that he would go also (1 Corinthians 16:1-4).

-- c. When he was in Ephesus, Paul wrote to the Corinthians and mentioned to them the
wonderful experience of the brothers living in Macedonia in regard to the offerings to the
needy brothers living in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1-3).
-- d. However, at the end of his stay in Ephesus, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem.

-- e. In Romans 9: 1-5, Paul talks about his deep feeling of saving his countryman, the Jews. He
recognized that the Jews were part of God's plan. If there were no Israel, there would not be
Christ according to the flesh. We are also descendants of Abraham, we are his offspring of
faith. When the Lord comes, there will be a Jewish remnant who will call on the name of the
Lord and will be saved.

-- f. Although we are today the protagonists of the story, there will still be a time when the
history of Israel will be told.

-- g. In Romans 10:1, Paul records again his deep desire to save his countrymen. All this teaches
us that we must also be willing to save as many people as possible.

-- h. Paul knew, in his day, that the Jews were bound in their statutes and ordinances and that
they could be delivered and saved through Christ. Paul wanted to show them that salvation is
not related to works (Romans 3:19-28).

*iv. THE RECEIVERS OF THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS*

-- a. Rome in the time of Paul was the greatest empire in the world. There, it was the world's
reference to many things and many people had moved there seeking a better life. Ancient
Rome is similar to United States and Europe these days and the migration that takes place
today for those places also occurred at that time in Rome. That is why Paul knew many
brothers who lived in Rome (Romans 16:3-16).

-- b. Like Paul, our desire is that the brothers who live abroad should be cared in order for God
to find a way through them to save many others.

-- c. May the Lord put in our hearts, compassion for all those who live with us. We must learn
from Paul, to enlarge our hearts so that the Lord may use us to gain many others for Him.

-- Jesus is Lord! Amen!