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This is an introduction to the letter to the Romans written by Paul in the year 58 for the church at Rome. Although Paul and Peter were both martyred in Rome credit for the founding of the church in Rome goes to either of them. The congregation of the church was mostly Gentile and most likely founded by followers of Paul.
Paul wrote this letter to the church at Rome to prepare the way for his visit and to address the unbelieving, idolatrous and religious condition of the church. This letter is also the most formal of Paul’s letters. The letter to the Romans sets forth a doctrine of justification by faith. In a systematic manner, the steps of justification by faith are laid out. The theme of the book of Romans consists of:
· God’s righteousness
· Prayer for the saints at Rome
· Christian doctrines
· Natural revelation
· Justification
· The universal nature of sin
· Faith
· Original sin
· Union with Christ
· Spiritual gifts
· Respect for Government
Paul addresses the approach of a sinner's receiving God, or justification simply by grace or through faith in the righteousness of Christ as well as receiving without manner of respect to persons, God is available to all. Paul opens the letter to Romans declaring he is a bondservant of Christ.
Outline to Romans:
Opening words and theme of the letter 1:1-17
A. Paul gives greetings to the Romans
B. Paul shows interest in the Romans
C. Paul gives reference to the theme of the writing
1. Salvation has three parts
a. Past salvation
b. Present salvation
c. Future salvation
2. Salvation is for everyone who believes
Paul gives God’s design for the world and shows why man needs the righteousness of God 1:18 – 3:20
A. Condemnation of the Gentiles comes from willful ignorance of God
B. The consequence of condemnation is abandonment of God from life
C. The Jew condemned for not keeping the law
D. Condemnation for not believing the promises of God
E. The condemnation of all men
F. All have sinned and all must be justified by God
Righteousness, Justification and Salvation 3:21 – 5:21
A. Paul gives a description of righteousness
B. Paul gives an illustration of righteousness
1. Abraham’s faith separate from works
2. Abraham’s faith separate from circumcision
3. Abraham’s faith separate from the law
4. Abraham’s faith was in God
C. Paul explains the benefits of Righteousness
D. Paul gives an allegory of life in Christ/death in Adam
The imparting of Righteousness, Sanctification and Separation 6:1 – 8:39
A. Paul asks if we are to continue to sin if grace abounds
B. The old self
C. Are believers under the law
D. Is the law corrupt
E. Is the law the cause of death
F. How can the believer handle the inward struggle
G. Sanctification—a question of emancipated living
H. No condemnation in Christ Jesus for the law of the Spirit has set believers free
I. Exalted and expectant living. How are we to exalt and how are we expected to live
Paul’s address to the questions about the Jewish people
A. Paul’s sorrow
B. God’s supremacy
C. God is over all things and all people
D. Paul’s desire for the salvation of Israel
E. Israel’s rejection of Christ
F. The olive tree
G. Paul’s discourse on the duration of Israel’s rejection and God’s wisdom
The practical application of righteousness and service through the mercies of God 12:1 – 15:13
A. Our relationship to God
B. The relationship of the church to God
C. Societies relationship to God
D. The relationship of the government to God
E. The relationship of all believers to God and not judging one another
F. Do not become a hindrance to others
G. Imitate Christ in all things
A personal message from Paul and his closing words 15:14 – 16:27
A. Paul discusses his plans
B. Paul gives his personal greetings to select individuals (chapter 16 is a controversial chapter because many feel that the mention of 26 individual names place this writing perhaps into a different letter, but majority belief keeps it in Romans)
C. Paul implores the people to keep their eyes open and to be wary of those that might cause confusion and bring hindrances to the people
Resources:
Holy Bible, KJV & NIV
Sermon Notes by Pastor Thomas E. Miles, Sr.
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