Introduction
Paul, the Apostle, is the undisputed author. Paul wrote this letter while he was in Corinth and on his way to Jerusalem. This letter is foundational for any and every Christian who desires to know, without a doubt, the essence of sin, the salvation accomplished on the cross, the union of the believer with Christ, how the Holy Spirit works in the Christian to promote holiness, God’s future plan for the Jews, our future, and Christian ethics and living.
But, most importantly, Paul introduces us to the concept of the “with-God” life as we walk in “right standing” with God. The righteous (right standing with God) live by faith.
Theme
I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentiles. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17
Chapter 1
- The Gospel of God for Rome (1-7)
- Paul’s Desire to Visit Rome (8-15)
- The Righteous Will Live by Faith (16-17)
- The Guilt of the Gentile World (18-25)
- From Idolatry to Depravity (26-32)
Chapter 2
- God’s Righteous Judgment (1-16)
- Jewish Violation of the Law (17-24)
- Circumcision of the Heart (24-29)
Chapter 3
- Paul Answers an Objection (1-8)
- The Whole World Guilty Before God (9-20)
- The Righteousness of God Through Faith (21-26)
- Boasting Excluded (27-31)
Chapter 4
- Abraham Justified by Faith (1-5)
- David Celebrating the Same Truth (6-8)
- Abraham Justified Before Circumcision (9-12)
- The Promise Granted Through Faith (13-25)
Chapter 5
- Faith Triumphs (1-5)
- Those Declared Righteous Are Reconciled (6-11)
- Death Through Adam and Life Through Christ (12-21)
Chapter 6
- The New Life in Christ (1-14)
- From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God (15-23)
Chapter 7
- An Illustration From Marriage (1-6)
- Sin’s Use of the Law (7-13)
- The Problem of Sin in Us (14-25)
Chapter 8
- The Life-Giving Spirit (1-11)
- The Holy Spirit’s Ministries (12-17)
- From Groans to Glory (18-30)
- The Believer’s Triumph (31-39)
Chapter 9
- Israel’s Rejection of Christ (1-5)
- God’s Gracious Election of Israel (6-13)
- God’s Selection is Just (14-29)
- Israel’s Present State (30-33)
Chapter 10
- Righteousness by Faith Alone (1-13)
- Israel’s Rejection of the Message (14-21)
Chapter 11
- Israel’s Rejection Not Total (1-10)
- Israel’s Rejection Not Final (11-32)
- A Hymn of Praise (33-36)
Chapter 12
- A Living Sacrifice (1-2)
- Many Gifts But One Body (3-8)
- Christian Ethics (9-21)
Chapter 13
- A Christian’s Duties to the State (1-7)
- Love, our Primary Duty (8-10)
- Put on Christ (11-14)
Chapter 14
- The Law of Liberty (1-12)
- The Law of Love (11-23)
Chapter 15
- Pleasing Others, Not Ourselves (1-6)
- Glorifying God Together (7-13)
- From Jerusalem to Illyricum (14-21)
- Paul’s Travel Plans (22-33)
Chapter 16
- Paul’s Commendation of Phoebe (1-2)
- Greeting to Roman Christians (3-16)
- Warning Against Divisive People (17-18)
- Paul’s Gracious Conclusion (19-24)
- Glory to God (25-27)
Conclusion:
The Lord wants us to be wise about what is good and yet innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet. We are in right standing with God, live the “with-God” life boldly, and the grace of the Lord our Savior is with us wherever we go. Amen!
