Topic: Romans

The book of Romans is Paul’s most formal letter—probably because Paul had never been to Rome. Not only is the book written in a formal manner, but the theological content far exceeds the other letters written by Paul. Romans can be divided into three sections:

I . The Righteousness of God (chapters 1-8)

a. The need for God’s righteousness

b. Justification through God’s righteousness

c. Demonstration of God’s righteousness

II. The Proof of God’s Righteousness (chapters 9-11)

a. God’s sovereignty

b. Israel rejects God

c. Israel restored

III. The Application of God’s Righteousness (chapters 12-16)

a. God’s righteousness demonstrated in Christian service

b. God’s righteousness demonstrated in Christian freedom

The book of Romans tells us about God, who He is and what He has done. It tells us of Jesus Christ and what His death accomplished. It tells us about ourselves, what we were like without Christ and who we are after trusting in Christ. Paul makes it clear that there is nothing a Jew or Gentile can do to save themselves. Every “good” deed we have ever done is as a filthy rag before God. We are so dead in our trespasses and sins that only the grace and mercy of God can save us.

In light of the salvation message, Paul urged to abandon a lifestyle of the flesh and to live through the power of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Although there is a constant struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, one can live in the power of the resurrected Christ by faith.

Throughout history, the church has experienced reform because of the message of Romans. St. Augustine was saved from sin by reading Romans 13:13-14. Martin Luther launched the greatest reform the church has experienced because of Romans 1:17 and 3:24.

Romans has guided the church to experience revival more than any other book of the Bible. My prayer is that your faith will be renewed as you read the book of Romans.

See you Sunday!

Dr. Scott Kallem