Outlines and Summary Charts

For Selected Passages

In Romans

By, Rev. Eric Alan Greene

An Outline and Interpretation of Paul’s Roman Epistle

Structural Themes Using Paul’s Words and Terminology

A The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Promises of Scripture, & Obedience to the Faith 1:1-6

B Greetings to the Saints 1:7

C Paul’s Desire to See Them to Impart a Spiritual Gift 1:8-15

D The Revealing of God’s Righteousness through Jesus Christ 1:16-11:36 a The Gospel of God’s Power & Righteousness 1:16-17

b God's Judgment and Israel’s Failure to Bring Salvation to the Nations 1:18-3:20

c God’s Righteousness is Revealed; Redemption in Jesus’ Death: The Father’s sacrifice 3:21-26

d “The Law of faith” is Established and Justifies God’s People 3:27-31

e “The righteousness of faith”: Abraham’s Faith, Global Family, God’s Promise 4:1-25

f Results of Justification: Peace, Perseverance, Character, Hope 5:1-4

g Jesus’ Death and Life Shows God’s Love: “poured out” - baptism imagery 5:5-11 “justified” from wrath v.9

h Grace Reigns Over Adam’s Condemnation Through Jesus’ Righteousness: The Son’s work 5:12-21 v. 17 contains the central theme g’ Jesus’ Death and Life Identifies the Church: “united together” - baptism meaning 6:1-11 “justified from sin” v.7

f' Fruits of Justification: Instruments and Slaves of Righteousness, Holiness, Eternal Life 6:1-23

e' The Sinfulness of the Flesh: Moses’ Law-Condemnation & God’s Rescue from Death 7:1-25

d' “The Law of the Spirit of life” is Fulfilled and Empowers the Sons of God 8:1-17

c’ God’s Sons will be Revealed; Victory in Our Sufferings: The Spirit’s power 8:18-39

b' God's Mercy and Israel’s Growth By Engrafting the Nations 9:1-11:32

a' Praise of God’s Wisdom & Knowledge 11:33-36

D’ The Reign of Jesus’ Justified People 12:1-15:33

a Living Sacrifices & God's Perfect Will 12:1-3

b The One Body of Christ: Gifts of the Holy Spirit 12:4-8

c Same-mindedness To One Another: Be Humble 12:9-21 (see v.16)

d Submit to God's Governmental Authority: Live in Peace 13:1-7

e Fulfill the Law: Love Your Neighbor 13:8-10

f Put On The Lord Jesus Christ: God’s People Reign in Christ 13:11-14 compare 13:14 with 5:17

e’ Judge Not Your Brother 14:1-13

d' Submit to One Another's Preference: Pursue Peace 14:14-23

c' Like-mindedness To One Another: Bear Burdens 15:1-6 (see v.5) ends with benediction

b' The Jew/Gentile People of Christ: Fruits & Power of the Spirit 15:7-13 (see v.13) ends with benediction

a' Gentile Sacrificial Offering & God's Will For Paul's Travel 15:14-33 (see v.16,32) ends with benediction

C’ Paul Sends Phoebe: A Helper of Spiritual Gifts 16:1-2

B’ Greeting to the Saints & Warning of False Brethren 16:3-24

A’ The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Promises of Scripture, & Obedience to the Faith 16:25-27

By observing how similar passages reflect comparisons and contrasts, and how themes flow into and out of central points, Romans can be understood to have two

emphases: 1) The outworking of God’s righteousness through Jesus Christ; 2) The imperative to put on Christ as His royal people.

Aligning the Structure and Content in chapters 1-11

Romans has a doctrinal and ethical section. This study ties together various themes within the doctrinal section. (1:16-11:36) This is based on the structure in the previous

page. It aligns the outward corresponding sections side-by-side. As I understand Romans, the themes are funneled toward a central point (5:12-21) and flow out from that center

expanding all the way through chapter 11. Through comparisons and contrasts these reflecting sections help to interpret the other.

a The Gospel of God’s Power & Righteousness 1:16-17

a' Praise of God’s Wisdom & Knowledge 11:33-36

These sections enclose the entire doctrinal section. The gospel reveals God’s righteousness, and these entire eleven chapters are an explanation of God’s gospel and the effects

of it. Once Paul has explained all the ways in which the gospel has manifested God’s righteousness, he praises God for his wisdom and knowledge.

b God's Judgment and Israel’s Failure To Bless the Nations (blessings from Jews to Gentiles) 1:18-3:20

b' God's Mercy and Israel’s Growth By Engrafting the Nations (inclusion of Jews and Gentiles) 9:1-11:32

The Jewish nation had a priestly calling to be a blessing to the other nations of the world. Their blessings were to flow downhill, like Eden’s garden, to the other nations.

Sadly the Jewish spring of blessing was contaminated and poisoned by their sin. Thus Jews and Gentiles are both under sin, and Jews under the Law are more guilty. In the New

Covenant God’s Israel grows and is a blessing to the world, yet by engrafting the nations of the world (believing Jews & Gentiles).

c God’s Righteousness is Revealed; Redemption in Jesus’ Death: The Father’s sacrifice 3:21-26

c’ God’s Sons will be Revealed; Victory in Our Sufferings: The Spirit’s power 8:18-39

God’s righteousness is revealed, in regard to sin, when He punished it in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In His death redemption was accomplished. God continues to manifest

His righteousness in assuring that His children’s sufferings are victorious, just as Christ’s sufferings on their behalf were victorious. Union in Jesus’ victorious death means that our

sufferings are also victorious. (8:37) Both passages reveal aspects of God’s righteousness in regard to sin and suffering.

d “The Law of faith” is Established and Justifies God’s People 3:27-31

d' “The Law of the Spirit of life” is Fulfilled and Empowers the Sons of God 8:1-17

These passages rename God’s Law. Through Christ, God’s Law has experienced a death and resurrection. It is now known as the “Law of Faith”, or the “Law of the Spirit of

life in Christ”. This Law establishes what the old Law anticipated, now rendering the verdict and power of life, instead of death. God’s righteousness, in regard to the good intentions

the old Law-covenant, is now revealed.

e “The righteousness of faith”: Abraham’s Faith, Global Family, God’s Promise 4:1-25

e' The Sinfulness of the Flesh: Moses’ Law-Condemnation & God’s Rescue from Death 7:1-25

Before the old Law, God promised Abraham a global family and that that family would inherit the world. These promises are fulfilled in Christ, and received by those who now

have faith in Christ, as Abraham had faith in God. The Law of Moses could not accomplish these promises, because of man’s sin and the reign of death. Rescue came in Christ.

f Results of Justification: Peace, Perseverance, Character, Hope 5:1-4

f' Fruits of Justification: Instruments and Slaves of Righteousness, Holiness, Eternal Life 6:1-23

Justification yields a progressive life of perseverance and character. This hope and holiness is a victorious battle with sin.

g Jesus’ Death and Life Shows God’s Love: “poured out” - baptism imagery (5:5) 5:5-11

g’ Jesus’ Death and Life Identifies the Church: “united together” - baptism meaning (6:5) 6:1-11

Jesus’ death and resurrected life are explicitly mentioned in these passages. They are tied together with baptismal imagery and meaning. Likewise, the phrases “justified by His

blood” and “justified from sin” express the means and the effect of justification. His blood effected our justified position, or status. (5:9,6:7 – same word for ‘justified’) This

declarative position of being in His death and resurrection is now the church’s identity, marked out in one’s baptism.

h Grace Reigns Over Adam’s Condemnation Through Jesus’ Righteousness: The Son’s work 5:12-21

The evil reign of Sin and Death, resulting in condemnation, has ceased because of Jesus’ obedience unto death and His righteous act of resurrection. Grace now reigns over

creation, declaring and enabling God’s sons to have a kingly reign in life now, and in the life to come. The many ramifications of this good news, reveals the many aspects of God’s

righteousness.

Outline of the 5 Sections in Romans 1:18 – 11:33

A Sinfulness of God’s Israel & The Nations 1:18 – 3:20 a Sinful World Deserving of Death 1:18-32

b God’s Judgment: Justifying & Condemning 2:1-16

c Israel Failed to Bring Salvation to the Nations 2:17-23

d Failure of Israel & Blasphemy of Nations 2:24

c’ Gentiles Saved Though Israel Failed 2:25-29

b’ God’s Vindication: Faithful & Just 3:1-8

a’ Sinful World Guilty Before God 3:9-20

B God’s Fulfillment of His Promises to Abraham 3:21 – 4:25

a God’s Righteousness Manifested in Christ 3:21-26

b God’s Jew/Gentile Family is Justified in Christ 3:27-31

c The Righteousness of Faith by which Abraham is Our Father 4:1-8

b’ God’s Justified Family Includes the Uncircumcised 4:9-12

a’ God’s Promises Fulfilled in Christ 4:13-25

C God’s Victory Through Jesus Christ 5:1 – 6:23

a Results of Justification: Peace, Perseverance, Character, Hope 5:1-4

b Jesus’ Death and Life Demonstrates God’s Love 5:5-11

c Grace Reigns Over Adam’s Condemnation Through Jesus’ Righteousness 5:12-21

b’ Jesus’ Death and Life Identifies the Church 6:1-11

a’ Fruits of Justification: Instruments and Slaves of Righteousness, Holiness, Eternal Life 6:1-23

B’ God’s Fulfillment of His Old Covenant Law 7:1 – 8:39 a Death through Jesus’ Body; Married to Jesus’ Resurrected Body 7:1-4

b Work of the Good Old Law: To Arouse Sin & To Kill 7:5-12

c Body of Death that Died in Christ 7:13-25

d The Righteousness of the “Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ” 8:1-8

c’ Bodies of Mortality that Live in the Spirit 8:9-17

b’ Work of the Spirit: To Produce Groans of Hope & To Help 8:18-30

a’ Death and Sufferings Can Not Divorce Us From Christ 8:31-39

A’ The Renewal of God’s Israel & The Covenant 9:1 – 11:33

a God’s Gifts upon Israel 9:1-5

b Electing of Israel (The “Root” Was Planted) 9:6-13

c Jew/Gentile People Included in the New Covenant 9:14-29

d Israel’s Failure to Attain the Law’s Righteousness 9:30-33

e The New Covenant & New People in Christ 10:1-13

d’ Israel’s Failure to Obey the Gospel 10:14-21

c’ Jew/Gentile People Included in the New Covenant 11:1-16a

b’ Engrafting upon Israel (The “Branches” Are Engrafted) 11:16b-29

a’ God’s Mercy Grows His Israel 11:30-33

Highlights of the 5 sections from 1:18 – 11:33 I. Beginnings and Endings Bracket the Main Themes

1:18 – 3:20 begin: wrath of God theme: all were under sin

end: judgment of God

3:21 – 4:25 begin: death of Christ theme: the righteousness of Faith

end: resurrection of Christ

5:1 – 6:23 begin: results of justification theme: Christ reigns in righteousness

end: fruits of justification

7:1 – 8:39 begin: married to Jesus theme: the Law of the Spirit of Life

end: no separation from Jesus

9:1 – 11:33 begin: God’s generosity upon historical Israel theme: the New Covenant

end: God’s mercy grows Israel in Christ growth of Israel

II. Historical Flow of the Main Themes

1:18 – 3:20 Before Christ: all under sin and death

3:21 – 4:25 Father’s work through Christ

5:1 – 6:23 Son’s righteous lordship over creation

7:1 – 8:39 Spirit’s work in church and creation

9:1 – 11:33 After Christ: God’s Israel continues to grow

III. Chapters 9 – 11 reflects the history and rehearses some points within previous sections

a.9:1-5 God's gifts to Israel a.1:18–3:20 Israel's sinful history

b.9:6-13 Roots of Israel b.3:21–4:8 Abe's Faith, Son's work

c.9:14-29 Jews/Gentiles included c.4:9–4:25 Abe's Faith-family

d.9:30-33 Israel stumbles d.5:1–5:11 Jesus' death

e.10:1-13 New Covenant e.5:12–6:23 Jesus & Us reign

d'10:14-21 Israel disobeys d' 7:1–7:25 Old Law brought death

c'11:1-16a Jews/Gentiles included c' 8:1–8:17 New Law brings life

b'11:16b-29 Branches of Israel b' 8:18–8:30 Spirit's work in us

a'11:30-33 God's mercy grows Israel a' 8:31–8:39 God's love for us

Correcting Our Assumptions For Romans #1: False Assumption About God’s Character:

“God would still be righteous even if He was not gracious or did not give us the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Correction:

“Since God promised to give the gospel, He would not be righteous if He did not give it, or was not gracious.”

Some assume that Paul is simply trying to explain how God can be both just and merciful at the same time in Romans 3:21-26. They assume God did not have

to provide redemption, therefore the gospel simply explains how God can now be gracious since justice is satisfied. Sometimes the impression is given that the cross

allowed God, or gave God, some type of permission to be redemptive when He never had to be in the first place. But the cross was not a divine “permission-slip”. It

was necessary God to sacrifice Christ because He promised to bring redemption all along. “…the gospel of God which He promised through His prophets” 1:1-2

Without the redeeming sacrifice of Christ, God’s character, promises, and especially His righteousness would be called into question. Through promises God

obligated Himself to act on behalf of His people and creation as a whole. Therefore, considering God’s character and intentions as Creator, and His promises that

saturate the Old Testament, we can safely say that God would not be righteous if He did not send the gospel. For this reason Paul is not ashamed of this gospel

which reveals God’s righteous character. (1:16) This assumption helps us see that the gospel primarily vindicates God, not that He is allowed to be redemptive, but

as being redemptive He has done what is right. (Gen.18:25)

#2: False Assumption About God’s People:

“The only people saved during the Old Testament were the Jews. Now God chooses to save Gentiles as well.”

Correction:

“Throughout the Old Testament God saved Jews and Gentiles. The difference is back then God worked through His covenant people to bring salvation to the

Gentiles outside – like Jonah preaching to the Ninevites – whereas now all saved people are within God’s covenant community.”

This is critical for understanding Romans 2 and 9-11. In chapter 2 Paul writes about those inside and outside the Old Covenant community; especially about

the saved Gentiles outside those covenant boundaries. Though the Jewish fountain of saving grace was poisoned with their sin, nevertheless God still saved

Gentiles. Though God’s covenant people failed to bless the nations with salvation, there were many Jews and Gentiles who lived by faith in the true God and will be

acknowledged on the Day of Judgment.

Now in the New Covenant any person who lives by faith in the true God is regarded as a member of God’s covenant family, who now brings Christ’s salvation

to the world. God still works through His covenant people to bless the world, yet that covenant boundary is remade and enlarged to include both Jew and Gentile.

And through Christ not only do we have the justified life that the old covenant people merely anticipated, but even in death the new covenant people truly bless and

conquer the world which old Israel failed to do. (8:21-37)

#3: False Assumption About God’s Law

“The Law of Moses, or the “works of the Law” was a system of works-righteousness and legalism through which God taught people how they could not be

saved. Therefore, now days we are saved by faith.”

Correction:

“The Law of Moses, or the “works of the Law” was never given to promote self-righteousness. It always taught people to live by faith in God. The “works

of the Law”, or “the righteousness of the Law”, was good for its time period because it merely anticipated the new covenant work of Jesus: i.e. the

righteousness of faith.”

The Law-covenant that entered with Moses, being fulfilled in Christ, was an era of gracious anticipation. It was designed to look forward to Christ. This is

why Paul quotes from the Law in chapter 10:6-8. In the sense of it being a covenant, we are now under the Law’s new identity as the “Law of the Spirit of life”. (8:2)

In the sense of moral duties of godly behavior we are still called to live by those standards taught in the old covenant, and applied in the new. (13:8-10)

In Christ, we are not “anti-Law”. Rather in Him, we have the fulfillment of that old Law, the life it promised yet could not deliver, and we live under the

Law’s renewal as the Law of the Spirit, or Law of faith, which reckons us as having the righteousness of faith. Through Christ, God is faithful to His promises, His

people, and His Law’s anticipation.

Romans 1:18 – 32

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them,

for God has shown it to them.

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen,

being understood by the things that are made,

even His eternal power and Godhead,

so that they are without excuse,

21 because, although they knew God,

they did not glorify Him as God,

(unthankful) nor were thankful,

(foolish) but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

(idolatry) 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into

an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

(immorality) 1 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

(idolatry) 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie,

and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

(immorality) 2 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.

27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,

burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful,

and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge,

3 God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

(debase mind) 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness;

(degrading actions) full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness;

they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things,

disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;

32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God,

that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same

but also approve of those who practice them.

Structural Overview of Chapter 2

A. Sinful World Deserving of Death 1:18-32

B. God’s Judgment: Justifying & Condemning 2:1-16

Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the

same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

3 And do you think this, O man, you who

judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance,

and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are

treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”:

7

eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the

truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;

10

but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.

12 For as many as

have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in

the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not

having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves

their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

C. Israel Failed to Bring Salvation to the Nations 2:17-23 17 Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God,

18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being

instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

20 an instructor of the

foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who

preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob

temples? 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?

D Failure of Israel & Blasphemy of Nations 2:24 24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.

C’ Gentiles Saved Though Israel Failed 2:25-29

25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

26

Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not

the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he

is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that

of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

B’ God’s Vindication: Faithful & Just 3:1-8

A’ Sinful World Guilty Before God 3:9-20

Outlined Details of Chapter 2 - (NJKV, yet in BOLD print is an alternate translation. capitalization of ‘Law’, and comma in verse 14 after ‘nature’)

Therefore you are inexcusable,

O man, whoever you are who judge,

for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself;

for you who judge practice the same things.

2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same,

that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

6 who

“will render to each one according to his deeds”:

7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;

8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,

9 tribulation and anguish,

on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;

10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

11 For there is no partiality with God.

12 For as many as have sinned without Law will also perish without Law, and as many as have sinned in the Law will be judged by the Law

13 (for not the hearers of the Law are just in the sight of God,

but the doers of the Law will be justified; 14

for when Gentiles,

who do not have the Law by nature, do the things in the Law,

these, although not having the Law, are a Law to themselves, 15

who show the work of the Law written in their hearts,

their conscience also bearing witness, and between

themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16

in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

17 Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the Law, and make your boast in God,

18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the Law,

19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind,

a light to those who are in darkness,

20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the Law.

21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?

You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery?

You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the Law, do you dishonor God through breaking the Law?

24

For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.

25

For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the Law; but if you are a breaker of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?

27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the Law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the Law?

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;

29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart,

in the Spirit, not in the letter;

whose praise is not from men but from God.

Romans 3: 1 – 20 (NKJV except of the bold underline in v.3,19,20)

God’s Vindication: Faithful & Just

1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Themes: 2 Much in every way!

Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. God’s oracles 3

For what if some were not faithful? ( *Similar word for “committed”/entrusted, “believe”,

Will their unfaithfulness make “unbelief”, and “faithfulness” in NKJV)

the faithfulness of God without effect? God’s faithfulness

4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: God’s truth

“ That You may be justified in Your words, God’s justification

And may overcome when You are judged.” (Psalm 51:4)

5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? God’s righteousness

Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world? God’s judgment 7 For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? God’s truth 8 And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. God’s glory

Their condemnation is just.

Sinful World Guilty Before God 9 What then? Are we better than they?

Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10 As it is written:

“ There is none righteous, no, not one; (Eccl. 7:20)

11 There is none who understands;

There is none who seeks after God.

12 They have all turned aside;

They have together become unprofitable;

There is none who does good, no, not one.” (Ps.14:1-3)

13“ Their throat is an open tomb;

With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; (Ps.5:9)

“ The poison of asps is under their lips”; (Ps.140:3)

14 “ Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” (Ps.10:7)

15 “ Their feet are swift to shed blood; (Pr.1:16)

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; (Is.59:7)

17 And the way of peace they have not known.”

18“ There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

(Ps.36:1)

19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law,

that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the Law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:21 – 4:25 (NKJV, but alternate translation in Bold print: Law is capitalized, and faithfulness of Jesus Christ, etc.)

A. God’s Righteousness Manifested in Christ 3:21-26

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the Law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through the

faithfulness of Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

24 being justified freely by

His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation, through this faithfulness (Faith) in His blood, to demonstrate His

righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to this demonstration of His righteousness at the present

time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

B. God’s Jew/Gentile Family is Justified in Christ 3:27-31 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what Law? Of works? No, but by the Law of faith.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from

the deeds of the Law. 29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also,

30 since there is one God who will

justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then make void the Law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish

the Law.

C. The Righteousness of Faith by which Abraham is Our Father 4:1-8

1 What then shall we say? Have we found Abraham to be our forefather according to the flesh?

2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has

something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

4

Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith

is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:

7

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin.”

B’ God’s Justified Family Includes the Uncircumcised 4:9-12 9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.

10

How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of

circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are

uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk

in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.

A’ God’s Promises Fulfilled in Christ 4:13-25 13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.

14 For if those who

are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the Law brings about wrath; for where there is no Law there is no

transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who

are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God,

who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many

nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was

about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to

God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him,

24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from

the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

An Attempt to Ask the Right Questions for Romans 3:21-31 (21) But now, When has the good news come?

apart from the Law, What did God not use?

God’s righteousness is manifested, What has God shown and vindicated about Himself?

being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, Though God did not use the Law and Prophets, what was their purpose?

(22) even God’s righteousness, To clarify, what did the Law and Prophets anticipate that God would do?

through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, How and through whom did God work to manifest His righteousness to the world?

to all who believe. Who benefits from Jesus’ faithful obedience unto death?

For there is no difference; Why are Jews not the only beneficiaries?

(23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, What have Jews and Gentiles done?

(24) being justified freely by His grace What benefit does Jew and Gentile receive now when they trust in Jesus Christ?

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, How did Jesus accomplished this new covenant acceptance for believers?

(25 )whom God set forth as a propitiation What did God do to the Messiah to accomplish this new legal standing?

through this faithfulness (faith) in His blood, Again, what did God commission His Servant to do for His people?

to demonstrate His righteousness What did the Messiah’s death do for God as He was set forth as a propitiation, to redeem us, so that we would be justified in Him?

because the tolerance of transgressions previously committed (26) in the forbearance of God, What is a past reason for God’s new work through Jesus?

to this demonstration of His righteousness, Again, what was God’s purpose for sending Jesus to shed His blood?

in the present time, Now that Christ has come, when has God demonstrated His covenant righteousness/faithfulness, and through whom?

so that He is righteous What has God vindicated about Himself and made known to us?

and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. What does God do to believers in Jesus?

(27) Therefore, where is boasting? It is excluded! Can Jews now boast in their Law-identity and possession of it? ( 2:17)

Through what Law? Law of works? What “Law” has now excluded boasting?

No, but through the Law of faith. How is the “Law of works” now fulfilled? “Law of faith” is explained in 2:25-29, 7:4, 8:2, 9:30-31, 10:4-6

(28) For we reckon that a man is justified by faith How do we now recognize God’s new covenant people?

apart from works of the Law. Since God did not use the Old Law (3:21) in bringing justification, do we still use it to recognize His covenant?

(29) Or is He the God of Jews only? And not also of the Gentiles? Yes! He is God of also Gentiles, Is the God of creation, redemption, and judgment, only for the Jews?

(30) since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith Since there is only one God, (Dt.6:4), how will God now accept and justify the Jew?

and the uncircumcised through this faith. Also, how will God now accept the pagan Gentile into this new covenant?

(31) Therefore, do we negate the Law through this faith? Does this new Law of faith, which will be explained later, negate the goodness of the old Mosaic Law?

Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the Law. Does the old covenant Jew now establish the Law without trusting in Jesus Christ?

* The “faithfulness of Jesus Christ” translations are barrowed from the New English Translation. See KJV’s “faith of Jesus” in verse 22. The Greek word for “faith” is the same for

“faithfulness”. Scholars debate whether this phrase means Jesus’ faithfulness to the cross, or simply our faith in Him. The advantage of understanding it as Jesus’ faithfulness for us, is

that it certainly implies our faith in Him. Also it is more consistent with the theme of how God demonstrated His righteousness in fulfilling His promises of redemption.

Romans 5 – 6

A. Results of Justification: Peace, Perseverance, Character, Hope 5:1-4

1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which

we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

4 and

perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was

given to us.

B. Jesus’ Death and Life Demonstrates God’s Love 5:5-11 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man

someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, having

now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His

Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through

whom we have now received the reconciliation.

C. Grace Reigns Over Adam’s Condemnation Through Jesus’ Righteousness 5:12-21 12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

13 (For until the law sin

was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according

to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense

many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came

through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted

in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of

righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation,

even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made

sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded,

grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

B’ Jesus’ Death and Life Identifies the Church 6:1-11 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?

2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

3 Or do you not

know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just

as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of

His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done

away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live

with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.

10 For the death that He died, He died to

sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

A’ Fruits of Justification: Instruments and Slaves of Righteousness, Holiness, Eternal Life 6:1-23 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you

should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and

your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

15 What then? Shall we sin

because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom

you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the

heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

19 I speak in human terms because of

the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your

members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.

21 What fruit did you have then in the

things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your

fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Christ’s Righteousness Reigns Over Adam’s Condemnation 5:12 – 8: 39

Key Observation: Chapters 6-8 are simply the full blossom and details of what 5:20-21 contain in seed-form:

“…so that grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Chapters 6-8 explain

the manifold and cosmic application of the justification that Jesus accomplished. Justification frees us from the reign of sin and

death. (ch.5-6) Justification frees us from the era of Moses’ Law, which merely magnified Adam’s condemnation (ch.7)

The full effect of Jesus’ righteousness will be applied at the final resurrection, when all creation will be “delivered from the bondage of corruption” (8:21)

Romans 5 – 8 explains the outworking of God’s victory that He accomplished in the righteous lordship of Christ, rendering justification to His people, and renewal of His creation.

In Adam: The reign of Sin and Death gave condemnation 5: 12 – 20a

The Old Law entered, only increasing the

strength of sin and the sting of death.

The Old Law could not give justification, nor life

to Israel or creation. (Acts 13:39, Rm.3:20)

“The Law entered that the offense might abound…”

- Adam’s offense led to the “many offenses” (5:16)

throughout Israel’s history.

- Their sin “abounded” in the killing of Christ. (5:20)

- Christ suffered the full tyranny of Sin and Death’s

condemnation.

In Christ: The reign of Grace gives ‘justification of life’ 5: 17 – 21

Grace Abounding & Renewing 6:1 – 8:11

Though sin abounded in the death of Christ,

“grace abounded much more”. (5:20)

Chapter 6: New Exodus and New Baptism

- We’re baptized into Christ, not Moses. (I Cor.10)

- We are justified from the reign of Sin’s power (v.7)

- No longer under Law-Covenant (contra. 3:9-18)

- Justification declares a sanctified status (v.1-11),

which is a positional union in Jesus’ death and

resurrection. This position initiates and authorizes

our personal and progressive conquest of sin, i.e.

sanctification. (v.12-23) We reign like kings

over Sin, through Jesus, under grace. (v.5:17)

Chapter 7: The old Sinai Law has died in Christ.

- Though the Old Law promised life, it only

brought death.

- “Oldness of the letter” died with Jesus. (7:6)

- The old Israel, “I”, died to the Law that the

renewed Israel would be married to Christ.

(7:7-25 explains 7:4)

Chapter 8: A new Law of life, is raised in Christ.

- Now, no condemnation for those in Christ.

- In Christ’s death and resurrection the new “Law

of the Spirit of life” frees believers from the

old “Law of sin and death”. (8:4)

- The Law’s righteous verdict of life is now

fulfilled in us. (8:4 is contrary to Rom.1:32)

- By the Holy Spirit we “submit to the Law of God”.

Paul’s earlier comments about the Old Covenant

people doing, keeping, and fulfilling the Law “in

the Spirit” (2:29) are now applicable to the New

Covenant people because of the same Spirit’s dwelling.

Grace’s Conquest & Consummation 8:12 – 39

1. Our Adoption: (v.12 – 17)

- The Holy Spirit bears witness

that we are sons of God.

- We are heirs of God with Christ.

2. Creation’s Hope: (v.18 – 22)

- Creation has an earnest

expectation for the revealing of

the sons of God. (v.19)

- Creation will have an exodus

from its bondage to corruption. (v.21)

3. Our Hope: (v. 23 – 27)

- We look for the resurrection (v.23)

- The Spirit intercedes for us. (v.26)

4. Our Glorification: (v.28 – 30)

- We are & will be glorified like Christ.

(v.17,18,30)

- The glory that God has predestined

for us will come to pass.

5. God’s Salvation: (v.31 – 34)

- None shall have a charge against us.

- None shall condemn us.

6. God’s Love: (v.35 – 39)

- Nothing separates us from God’s

love in Christ (v. 35,37,39)

7. God’s People Conquer: (v.37)

- In all our sufferings we conquer the

world, through Christ (v.37)

God in His righteousness conquers, as God

promised, and as the gospel reveals.

Israel’s History: “In Adam” - Church’s Story: “In Christ”

“Moreover the Law entered that the offense might abound.

But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,”

Romans 5:20

1 2 3 4

In Adam Moses Israel’s History Israel’s Sinful Climax: The Murder of Christ

- disobedience - “the Law entered” Rm.5:20 - “that the offense might abound” Rm.5:20 - “But where sin abounded,…” Rm. 5:20

- death - Exodus event / Mt. Sinai - The Law could not give the life it promised. - Israel was the location of the most heinous crime.

- condemnation - Baptized into Moses (ICor. 10:2) - Without Christ, it’s a Law of sin and death

- Adam’s offense - Israel’s many offenses

initiated the condemnation climaxed in the death of Christ.

throughout Israel’s history. This may be what Paul meant that justification

came “from many offenses” (Rm.5:16)

5 ch. 6 ch. 7 ch. 8

In Christ The Church’s New Identity The Church’s New Law The Church’s Inheritance

- “...grace abounded - Baptized into Christ (Rm.6:3-5) - Old Law only brought death (Rm.7:10) - spiritual life in this age (Rm.8:10)

much more.” Rm.5:20 - United to His death & resurrection - Old Law magnified sin (Rm. 7:25) - resurrection life later (Rm.8:23)

- obedience - A greater exodus than Moses’ - Old Law’s power died in Christ’s death (Rm7:4,6) - glorification like Jesus (8:17,30)

- life - Old Law is renewed in Christ’s resurrection. It is now - Creation will have an exodus (8:21)

- justification “the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” freeing Jewish

believers from “the Law of sin and death” (Rom.8:2)

- The new “Law of the Spirit of life” gives the church life,

which is now “fulfilled in us” (Rm.8:4). Thus we “submit”

to God’s Law (Rm.8:7), which is the “Law of Christ”(Gal.6:2),

and of this Law we are “doers” and “keepers.”(Rm.2:13,26)

Since Christ is the Law’s “goal” (Rm.10:4); we “establish”

the Law. (Rm.3:31)

- Christ’s obedience to death, and resurrection - In Christ, the church will inherit glorification,

initiated the justification that the church resurrected bodies, and the redemption of all creation.

now experiences under His reign, thus ending - The church “conquers” (8:37) the world; in contrast

Adam’s reign of condemnation upon the church. to Old Israel who could not fully conquer their land.

(see Rom.8:1 – “now no condemnation”)

God’s Elect Remnant & God’s Fulfillment of the Old Covenant Law

Romans 9 – 10:13 Chapter 9 Chapter 10:1 - 13

Key Observations: The “righteousness of Faith” refers both to Christ’s work for us (10:5), and our faith in Him (9:30). Through this “faith” God promised to Abraham and his seed, the world. (4:13)

The “righteousness which is of the Law” (10:5), or “the Law of righteousness” (9:30-31) refers to the good anticipation of how the Law desired life and righteousness only to be

accomplished in Christ. The Law could never give this glory, nor its own promises, not during its time, nor within its power. (3:21) (Phil.3:6,9 is about the Law before Christ.)

Our “righteousness” in Christ (10:4) is the long-anticipated new covenant position that now justifies us, since we are now reckoned (6:11) to be in His death and resurrection.

“Justification” is a new-covenant, legal, and two-fold-eschatological declaration. In retrospect, it fulfills the past Law(10:4). In prospect, it secures the future judgment (2:13 & 5:9).

Our present justification produces Spiritual and Lawful fruits, which the future judgment will inspect (2:6) and justify (2:13-16); after the Spirit completes our resurrection (8:23).

A. The History and Continuation of God’s Remnant People v.1-29

History of Israel’s blessings and Paul’s sorrow (1-5)

History of God’s covenantal election within Israel (6-13)

- God was free to choose His covenant people from inside Abraham’s seed.

- Isaac, not Ishmael (Gen.21:12,18:10,14); Jacob, not Esau (Gen25:23,Mal.1:2,3)

God is righteous in hardening & having mercy (14-24)

- God is free, even now, to choose His New Covenant people from inside or

outside Israel’s race. (Ex.33:19, 9:16)

Prophets foretold of God calling Gentiles into the New Covenant and preserving a

remnant of Jews.

- Hosea 2:23,1:10 prophesied that Gentiles would be included. (25-26)

- Isaiah 10:22,23; 1:9 prophesied that a Jewish remnant would be preserved. (27-29)

B. Ironic Results: Called Gentiles now attain to, or arrived at, “the Law of

righteousness” through “the righteousness of Faith” v.30-33

Called Gentiles now have righteousness, which is identified as the “righteousness

of Faith” (30)

Israel pursued “the Law of righteousness”, yet did not reach, or arrive at, the Law.(31)

Israel thought the righteousness of the Law was attained, or reached, through the Law’s

works; wrong!

The “Stumbling Stone” for Jews (Is.8:14,28:16), was the Person through Whom the

Law’s righteousness was achieved. In Him, Gentile’s “attain to righteousness.”

Summary & Transition:

Israel’s “Stumbling Stone” was the rightful means of attaining the “the Law of

righteousness”, which will now be identified as the Law’s “Goal” (10:4).

The “Stumbling Stone”, the Law’s “Goal”, has now established “the righteousness of

Faith”, which is how believers attain even to the “Law of righteousness.”(cf. v.31)

Compare Rom.9:30-10:6 with II Cor. 3:7-18. The little “glory” in Moses’ Law was the

“righteousness which is of the Law.” As the old glory needed the new and better glory,

so also the old “righteousness of Law” anticipated the “righteousness of Faith.”

The Law’s Anticipation and Fulfillment v. 1-13 1. Israel’s Ignorance and Insufficiency: (1-3)

Israel, by rejecting Christ, is willfully ignorant of God’s righteousness

manifested in Christ. They do not know how God has fulfilled His covenant

promises, having now accomplished the anticipated justification.

By “seeking to establish their own righteousness” in the Law, they’ve rejected

the Law’s anticipated Goal. Thus, their own outdated righteousness is a

wicked contrast to God’s righteousness which was demonstrated in Christ.

2. The Law’s “Goal”/ “End” is Christ: (v.4)

The work of Christ, which revealed God’s righteousness, is the Law’s goal.

Whoever now believes in Christ, God reckons them as “righteous”, since they

have Christ “for righteousness”.

3. The Law is reached by the “righteousness of Faith”(5-9)

i. The Law’s Past Promise and Inability (v.5)

Moses rightly wrote about the “righteousness which is of the Law” (see 9:31)

which promised life by doing the Law.

“The man who does those things shall live by them” (Lev.18:5) describes this

righteousness of the Law. Though good for that time, it was nevertheless

under the condemning era of Death’s and Sin’s reign. Thus the Law was

unable to grant the righteousness and life it promised. (see 7:10; Gal.3:21)

ii. The Law is fulfilled in the “righteousness of Faith”(v.6-9)

Christ is and established the “righteousness of Faith” which the “righteousness

of Law” anticipated.

Only in “the righteousness of Faith” through Christ is the “righteousness of the

Law” attained to, and received by us. (10:5-9 explains 9:30-31)

Paul quotes from the Law (Dt.9:4; 30:12,13,14) to show that the Law anticipated

this new work of God through Christ. (3:21)

iii. The Invitation for this righteousness (v.10-13)

Whoever believes in Christ now has this “righteousness of Faith” which the

“righteousness of the Law” always desired, and needed, to give its intended

verdict of life. (10:4-13 explains 8:4) (Is. 28:16 & Joel 2:32 continue their call)

The details of going “from glory to glory” (II Cor.3:7-18), from Moses to Christ,

are explained here in Rom.10:5-9.

Romans 12 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, A. 3 Qualities Of Bodily Service

which is your reasonable service. B. Reasonable Service (reason)

2 And do not be conformed to this world, C. Do Not Be Conformed

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, B’ Renew Your Mind (mind)

that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. A’ 3 Qualities of God’s Will

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, A. Paul’s Message

not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, B. Think Soberly Of Yourself

as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. C. Faith Is Given 4

For as we have many members in one body, D. One Body

but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, E. Variety Of Functions

are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. D’ One Body of Christ

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, C’ Grace Is Given

let us use them: B’ Use Your Gift

if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; A’ Paul’s List: 1. prophecy / preaching 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; 2. ministry / service

he who teaches, in teaching; 3. teaching 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; 4. exhorting

he who gives, with liberality; 5. giving

he who leads, with diligence; 6. leading

he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 7. showing mercy

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. A. Love Sincerely

Abhor what is evil. B. Oppose Evil

Cling to what is good. C. Cling To Good 10

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, D. Give Kindly Affection

in honor giving preference to one another; E. Honor Others 11

not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; F. Serve The Lord Faithfully 12

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; G. Fellowship: Joy, Patience, Prayer 13

distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. H. Giving Physical Needs To The Saints

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. I. Bless Your Enemies

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. H’ Giving Emotional Support To The Saints

16 Be of the same mind toward one another. G’ Fellowship: Samemindness

Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. F’ Associate With The Humble

Do not be wise in your own opinion. E’ Humble Yourself

17 Repay no one evil for evil. D’ Give No Evil

Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. C’ Regard Good 18

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. B’ Seek Peace 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; A’ Wrath Is God’s Work

for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. 21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 13

A. i. 1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. A. i. Be subject

ii. For there is no authority except from God, ii. Negatively: no authority expect from God

iii. and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. iii. Positively: all authority appointed by God

B. i. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, B. i. Resistance against God’ ordinance

ii. and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. ii. Resistance brings God’s judgment

C. i. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, C. i. No terror to good works

ii. but to evil. ii. Terror to evil works

D. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? D. No fear

E. Do what is good, E. Do good

D’ and you will have praise from the same. D’ Receive praise

C’ i. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. C’ i. God’s minister for good

ii. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; ii. God’s sword for evil

B’ i. for he is God’s minister, B. i. God’s minister / servant

ii. an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. ii. God’s avenger of wrath

A’ i. 5 Therefore you must be subject, A’ i. Be subject

ii. not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, ii. Negatively: no just because of wrath

iii. for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: iii. Positively: they are God’s ministers

taxes to whom taxes are due, List of 4 duties: taxes

customs to whom customs, customs

fear to whom fear, fear

honor to whom honor. honor

A. i. 8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, A. i. Love is to be owed

ii. for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. ii. Love fulfills the law

B. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” B. 5 commandments listed

“You shall not murder,”

“You shall not steal,”

“You shall not bear false witness,”

“You shall not covet,”

B’ and if there is any other commandment, B’ All commandments included

are all summed up in this saying, Summary: Love

namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

A’ i. 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; A. i. Love does no harm

ii. therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. ii. Love fulfills the law

A. 11 And do this, knowing the time, A. Do this, know the time

B. that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; B. Wake up out of sleep

C. for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. C. Approaching the end

D. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. D. Night vs. Day

D’ Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. D’ Dark vs. Light

C’ 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, C’ Walk as if end/day has come

B’ not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. B’ Deeds of sleep/death/darkness

A’ 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. A’ Do this: put on Christ

Romans 14

A. Respect Each Other

a. Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. a. Receive The Weak

b. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. b. Different Beliefs

b’ 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; b’ Respect Different Beliefs

a’ for God has received him. a’ God Has Received The Eater

B. Judge Not; God Makes His Servants Stand

a. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? a. Another’s Servant: Do Not Judge

b. To his own master he stands or falls. b. Stand or Fall Before Master

b’ Indeed, he will be made to stand, b’ Made to Stand Before Master

a’ for God is able to make him stand. a’ God’s Makes His Servant Stand

C. Glorify God With Your Personal Conviction

a. 5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. a. Different Convictions About Days

b. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. b. Mandate Of Personal Conviction

a’ 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and a’ Glorify The Lord In Your Conviction

he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. i. concerning “the day”

He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and ii. concerning food

he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

C’ Glorify The Lord In Life or Death

a. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. a. Our Life & Death: Not Done To Ourselves

b. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. b. Our Life & Death: We Do It To The Lord

c. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. c. Our Life & Death: We Belong To The Lord

b’ 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, b’ Christ’s Death and Life Had A Purpose

a’ that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. a’ Our Lord Christ Over The Dead and Living

B’ Judge Not; You Will Stand Before God

a. i. 10 But why do you judge your brother? a. i. Do Not Judge

ii. Or why do you show contempt for your brother? ii. Do Not Show Contempt

b. For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. b. We Will All Stand Before Christ

c. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, c. We Will All Bow Before Christ

and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Is.45:23)

b’ 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. b. We Will All Give An Account

a’ i. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, a. i. Do Not Judge

ii. but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. ii. Do Not Cause Your Brother To Stumble

A’ How To Respect Each Other

a. Food Is Clean, Yet A Conscience Is Grieved (walk in love)

i. 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; i. A Knowledge Of Truth

ii. but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. ii. One’s Conscience

iii. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. iii. Sinfully Offending With A Knowledge Of Truth

b. Do Not Destroy Your Brother

i. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. i. Do Not Destroy Your Brother

ii. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; ii. Good Intentions May Be Spoken As Evil

c. God’s Kingdom & Fruits of the Holy Spirit

i. 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, i. God’s Kingdom; Not Food & Drink

ii. but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ii. Fruits of the Spirit

ii. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things

is acceptable to God and approved by men. ii. Servant of Spiritual Fruits; Acceptable

i. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. i. God’s Kingdom; Peace & Edification

b’ Do Not Destroy The Work of God

i. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. i. Do Not Destroy God’s Work For Food

ii. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. ii. Pure Things Thought As Evil

i. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles i. Deny Food & Drink For Others’ Good

or is offended or is made weak.

a’ Faith Clears One’s Conscience (live by faith)

i. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. i. Faith Before God

ii. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. ii. No Condemnation

ii. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, ii. Self Condemnation

i. because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. i. Faith Is The Issue

Romans 15

A. 1We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. A. Do not please yourself

B. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. B. Please your neighbor, build up one another

C. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; C. Christ did not please Himself

D. but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” D. Scripture tells of Christ’s sufferings

E’ 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, E. Scripture was written for us

D’ that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. D. Scripture gives us comfort & hope

C’ 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, C’ Be like-minded, according to Christ

B’ 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. B’ With one mind and mouth, glorify God

A’ 7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. A’ Receive one another

A. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, A. Christ: He is the servant for God’s truth

B. to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, B. Christ confirmed God’s promises

C. as it is written: “ For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.” C. Gentiles will sing God’s name (Ps.18:49)

D. 10 And again he says: “ Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!” D. Gentiles rejoice (Dt.32:43)

D’ 11 And again: “ Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” D. Gentiles praise (Ps.117:1)

C’ 12 And again, Isaiah says: “ There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, C’ Gentiles hope in Christ’s lordship (Is.11:10)

In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”

B’ 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, B’ Church with joy & peace, believes (i.e. promises)

A’ that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. A. Spirit: He is the power of God’s hope

A. 14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, A. Full goodness, knowledge they have

able also to admonish one another.

B. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given B. Offering of Gentiles

to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the

Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which

pertain to God.

C. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to C. Will speak only of Jesus’ work

make the Gentiles obedient—

D. 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum D. Places Paul preached

I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

E. 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, E. Desire for new places

F. 21 but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; and those who have not heard shall understand.” F. Nations shall understand

E’ 22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. E’ Reason for not visiting them

D’ 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, D’ No place remains

C’ and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see C’ Will visit them (giving report)

you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am

going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.

B’ 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. B’ Contribution of Gentiles

27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also

to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.

A’ 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. A’ Full blessing Paul will give to them

A. 30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, A. Love of the Spirit

B. that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, B. Strive with me in prayer

C. 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, C. Pray for deliverance

D. and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, D. Pray for my work to be accepted

C’ 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, C. Pray that I may see you

B’ and may be refreshed together with you. B’ Pray for mutual refreshment

A’ 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. A’ God of Peace be with you.

Romans 16 1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints,

and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

1. 3Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

2. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

3. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.

4. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us.

5. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

6. 8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.

7. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.

8. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ.

10. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

11. 11 Greet Herodion, my countryman.

12. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

13. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord.

14. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.

15. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

16. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them.

17. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

18. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

19. The churches of Christ greet you.

A. 17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, A. Beware of evil people

B. contrary to the doctrine which you learned, B. What you did not learn

C. and avoid them. C. Avoid them

D. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, D. They are anti-Christian

C’ and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. C. Their smooth & flattering words

B’ 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; B’ Your obedience

A’ but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. A’ Be wise. You will crush the “wise”

serpent.

A. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

20. 21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.

21. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. Observation: “Greet” is used here 23 times.

22. 23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. The triangular multiple of 23 equals 276.

23 Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. Paul’s ship had 276 aboard. (Acts 27:37)

A’ 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (I’m not sure this means anything, it’s just an observation.)

A. 25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel A. To Him who is able

B. and the preaching of Jesus Christ, B. Preaching of Jesus Christ

C. according to the revelation of the mystery C. According to the revelation

D. kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, D. The mystery is now manifested

D’ and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, D’ The Scripture is made known to the nations

C’ according to the commandment of the everlasting God, C’ According to God’s command

B’ for obedience to the faith— B’ Obedience to the Faith

A’ 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. A’ To God alone be the glory

(Soli Deo Gloria)