Romans

Summary

Chapters 1-11 Theology = Its all about GRACE

Chapters 12-16Application = Its all about LOVE

Chapter 1

Paul – Apostle, Sent by Jesus, Who was sent by God - To the Saints

Grace to you. I thank God for your faith

I long to see you & share our mutual faith

The Gospel has great power!

Godlessness and Wickedness have consequences

Chapter 1

Knowledge concerning God is available to all, but many suppress it

Men are without excuse

We cannot find fulfillment apart from God

When we turn from God, He will turn us over to our sinful desires

People reject God and become filled with evil

Chapter 2

Judge not! Sin is Sin! Grace is Grace!

Law and conscience lead to repentance

God is storing up His wrath for sin

Actions are a reflection of the heart!

What is Sin? Defiance of God!

God wants our hearts, not compliance

Chapter 3Jews were entrusted with the Word

But didn’t Israel mess it up?

Those darn Jews … We are just as bad

All are under sin & keep on falling short

Yet, salvation is available to all

Jesus had to die so that justice is served

The Law -> repentance -> faith in Christ

Chapter 4

Even Abraham was justified by faith

If we could earn it, God would owe us

Rejoice in His Glory AND in suffering

While we were powerless, …

Jesus knew we were evil

He continues to intercede for us

Chapter 5

Sin entered the world through Adam, but our own sin condemns us

“The gift” came through Jesus.

We are declared righteous by grace alone

The law identified sin

God’s goal is that grace might reign

Chapter 6

Liberty from legalism and from sin

Baptism is our identification with Jesus

Regeneration = the implanting of spiritual life in a believer

Sanctification = The progressive process of transformation to holiness and purity

Sanctification Attitudes Reckon

We have to claim the truth that sin no longer has mastery over us.To reckon, you must know it an believe it!

YieldTo present your body to God As an instrument of righteousness

ServeWe are now slaves to obedience

Chapter 7

Jesus married a widow (Dead to sin)

In order that we might bear fruit to God

The Law is holy, but it reveals sin

We still struggle with our sin nature

Spirit Nature vs. Sin Nature

Why do we still struggle with our sin nature?

Sins of commission and omission

Liberty

What is another word for Liberty?

Freedom

What are we free from?

What are we freed to?

Life Through the Spirit

By The Spirit, the believer can overcome the bondage to sin

No condemnation for those in Christ

The Law couldn’t lead to freedom

He fulfilled the law so that we are not condemned

Life According to the Spirit

The mind controlled by …Sin is death

Spirit is (eternal) life & (immediate) peace

Set your mind on Spiritual things and ignore your sin nature

The unsaved do not have The Spirit, but you do.

Fear vs. Sonship

Slavery to sin led to FEAR

It was replaced by Sonship

Why emphasize that we are heirs?

What about the suffering?

It doesn’t compare in magnitude or duration to the glory yet to come

We should anxiously await His return

Hope in what is yet to come

We can live confidently in His promise, but our Hope is in things yet to come

When we don’t know what to pray, The Spirit intercedes

Passages about predestination?

The question isn’t which is true, but why are they in there?

More than Conquerors

God for us (not U.S.)

This is at a personal level.

Satan will accuse us, but will not prevail!

God sacrificed His Son

Wouldn’t you love to find out that your defense attorney is the judge?

Who will separate us?

Nothing can separate us from His love

Instead, we are more than conquerors

Because the outcome has already been established

We can live with assurance!

Chapter 9

Paul was anguished because of Israel’s rejection of Christ

But the Jews had many privileges

Why did Paul (& God) place special emphasis on Israel?

Not all Israel is real Israel

Children of the Promise

What makes one a child of the promise?Being Chosen by God

Believing in Him

Paul gave many examples where God showed some preference

Election

Why do we struggle with election?

Nobody can earn mercy

Asking if God is just (fair) is like asking if the dirt is dirty

God’s Justice

Wrong View

Law of Fairness

God

God’s Justice

Wrong View

Law of Fairness

God

Correct View

God

Justice

God’s Patience & Israel’s Stone

God shows patience toward the unsaved

In order that we might see His glory

Israel failed in their pursuit of righteousness because they tried to do it under their own power

Who is their equivalent today?

Chapter 10

Israel had a zeal to please God

But they tried to do it on their own power

Faith => Righteousness

What must we do?Confess – acknowledge that Jesus is God

Believe – that God raised Him from the dead

The world needs to hear about His Love

Chapter 11

God has not rejected Israel. He reveals His remnant in every generation.

Their table (blessings) became their snare

They did not fall beyond recovery

Now the gentiles have salvation

And when the Jews return to Him, God will be glorified

God’s Sovereign Choice

God put aside Israel and proclaimed righteousness by faith to all mankind

God temporarily put aside Israel in order to show grace to the Gentiles

By that same grace, Israel will be restored

And God will be glorified

And Now …

… the rest of the story

Now that we understand sin, forgiveness, and God’s ultimate plan of grace …

We should be grateful,

AND what else?

Theology = Grace; Application = Love

Chapter 12

In light of His grace we should offer our bodies as a living sacrifice

Not acting like the world, but constantly praying, studying His Word & being renewed

Your gifts are activated by faith

Your actions flow out of love

Love between believers

Hate Evil. Cling to Good.Share with those in need; Show hospitalityBless those who persecute youRejoice and Mourn with believersDo the right thing. Don’t seek revengeLive in harmony with one anotherHang out with everyone; Lose the ‘tude.

Gifts

Our gifts are:

Accepted as a gift of Grace

Activated by Faith and

Acted upon in Service by Love

Romans 13Submit to authorities, because:

Give them what you owe:Taxes, Respect, Honor, LOVE

Love is the fulfillment of the lawFormula: Love others. Clothe yourself with Christ. Don’t seek desires of the flesh.

Get off your butt and start loving because Jesus’ return is near.

Chapter 14Paul wrote that Christians should:

not despise or condemn others

not hinder the conduct of other Christians

minister to others

In essentials unity, in opinions liberty, in all things love

Chapter 15The “Strong” should bear up the infirmities of the weak and put them first

We must follow Jesus’ example of selflessness

And strive for unity because it glorifies God

May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him

You are fully equipped, so Go & Do

I hope to come see you soon

Chapter 16Personal notes: Paul mentioned 26 people by name and praises their hard work “in Christ”

Warning: Watch out for false teachers and the divisive (You know the truth)

Paul’s wish is that we be “wise about that which is good and naïve about evil”

Jesus will crush Satan soon

To God be the Glory