Romans

The first session gives us an introduction to the Book of Romans.

Plenty have tried to diagnose the core of our disease. Here at the start of Romans, we find Paul’s most thorough answer. To see this well, we’re actually going to take the text backwards.

In session 3, the solution to the problem in session 2 has become part of the problem. Now God has to find a way to save everyone.

How can God save sinful Jews and Gentiles through faith in Jesus without violating his integrity or breaking his promise?

Paul explains in Romans 3-4 that God justifies us – he declares us righteous or acquitted or pardoned – not on the basis of our good behavior but solely on the basis of his mercy and grace, solely on the basis of Jesus’ death as the perfect sacrifice that atones for our sin.

In session 6, We focus on Romans 5-8 where Paul is digging deeper into this gospel by exploring the salvation that it brings.

These two chapters wrap up the second section of Romans. 1-4 was about explaining the gospel; 5-8 has been about exploring salvation.

Session 8 covers Romans 9-11.

How do I put the process of transformation into practice?

Paul writes Romans for the church. Romans 12-16 is not just “practical advice for a successful life”; it is inspired wisdom for how to be the church or God’s people.

We have unpacked four of Paul’s five “church killers” If we’re going to be the church, we gotta find a way to disagree well. Paul gives us just what we need in Romans 14-15.

Let’s once more remind ourselves of the purpose and layout of Romans. Paul is writing the letter to (1) Clarify the gospel, (2) Prove God’s righteousness, and (3) Unify the church. To this end we’ve broken down his letter into four parts.