Intro Work

Series Title

The power of the gospel.

Notes from Class

Purpose and Theme

Chapters 1-11 of Romans are the theological foundation of the gospel in the revelation of God’s righteousness. Chapters 12-15 are specific and practical calls for transformed living in faith based on those mercies of God.

purpose - the reason for writing the letter.

The Jews and Gentiles in Rome needed to be unified as one body in Christ,

theme - the main truth the author uses to address the purpose.

clarifying the gospel: both groups are under sin, both are justified by grace through faith in Christ, and both are therefore called to live together in transformed love for the glory of God.

romans 1:16-17

I am not ashamed of the gospel

saving power

must believe

Reveals God’s Righteoussness through faith

Main Argument - The gospel transforms us through the righteousness of God revealed in Jesus

We are all are under sin, and must be justified by grace through faith in Christ; and because we are saved by the same gospel, we are called to live together in transformed love for the glory of God.

The Jews and Gentiles in Rome needed to be unified as one body in Christ, and Paul seeks to accomplish this by clarifying the gospel: both groups are under sin, both are justified by grace through faith in Christ, and both are therefore called to live together in transformed love for the glory of God.

Author - Paul

Date and place of writing -

Though Paul never named his place of writing, it is apparent from the epistle he was in Corinth, since Phoebe of nearby Cenchrea was entrusted with the carrying of the letter (16:1-2).  The mention of greetings from Gaius, a man associated with the church in Corinth, also shows he wrote from there (16:1-2, 23; cf. 1 Cor. 1:14).  The letter was written at the close of Paul's third missionary journey during the three months he was in Greece (Acts 20:3) just before his return to Jerusalem with the offering from the churches of Macedonia and Achaia for the poor believers there (Rom. 15:26). 

Date written then is around AD 51

recipients

Roman Christians, with major Jew/Gentile and Israel issues. Romans 9–11 as focused on Israel and God’s promises.

preaching outline

1:1-17 - Intro and main theme

The gospel’s revelation of God's righteousness condemns all as under sin. (1:18--3:20)

1:18-32 - through General revelation all are guilty

2:1-16 - sin brings condemnation

2:17-3:8 - The guilt of the Jew under the law

3:9-20 - summary, we are all guilty

The gospel’s revelation of God's righteousness provides justification through faith in Christ. (3:21--5:21)

3:21-31 - provides justification through faith

4:1-25 - the evidence in the OT

5:1-11 - Through the blood of Jesus

5:12-21 - Death through Adam, Life through Christ

The gospel’s revelation of God's righteousness provides sanctification through union with Christ and the indwelling of the Spirit. (6:1--8:39)

6:1-14 - our union with Christ means no more continuing in sin

6:15-23 - sanctification is a requirement of believers

7:1-6 - Union iwth Christ means deliverance from the law

7:7-13 - sin uses the law for death

7:14-25 - deliverance from sin comes through God

8:1-39 - possible only through the spirit

The gospel’s revelation of God's righteousness displays the continuity of God’s sovereignty and grace. (9:1--11:36)

9:1-29 - God acts on his sovereignty

9:30--10:4 - Israel repudiated righteousness by faith.

10:5-21 - Israel Ignored it

11:1-24 - Rejection of Israel is not complete nor is it final

11:25-36 - Mercy for all

The gospel’s revelation of God's righteousness calls for transformed living in faith. (12:1--15:13)

12:1-8 - submission for transformation as seen in spiritual gifts.

12:9-21 - as seen in relationship with others

13:1-7 - as seen in our submission to the government

13:8-14 - we fulfill the law through love

14:1-15:13 - as seen in our relationship between the strong and the week.

Epilogue:  Concluding duties and personal matters are noted. (15:14--16:27)