As Christians, both Jew and Gentiles can have Confidence in their Salvation through Christ.
Chapter 1
The Big Idea: Paul wrote “Romans” to urge us to turn our eyes from what we have done to what Jesus did on the cross as the basis of our salvation–turn us to Christian faith.
I. THE WRITER:
A. The writer calls himself Paul (1).
1. He saw himself as a servant [doulos] (1).
2. He was a called apostle–called by the Lord (1).
3. He was set apart to the Gospel (1).
B. The writer was credentialed for his work.
1. He was set apart to the gospel (1).
2. He was sent to call people from among all Gentiles (5).
3. He was sent to bring about Obedience that comes from faith (5).
4. He was sent to call people to belong to Jesus Christ (6).
II. HIS MESSAGE:
A. His message was the Gospel.
B. His gospel was according to Old Testament Scriptures (2).
1. His gospel was promised beforehand (2).
2. His gospel was promised Through the Prophets (2).
3. His gospel was promised in the Scriptures (2).
B. His subject was the Son of God.
1. His message concerning His Son (3).
2. Jesus descended from David (3).
3. Jesus was designated the Son of God (4).
a. He was thus designated by His power (4)
b. He was thus designated according to the Spirit of holiness (4).
c. He was thus designated by the resurrection (4).
4. This Son of God was Jesus (4).
5. Jesus was the Christ (4).
6. Jesus is our Lord (4).
7. The Son of God is the one through whom Paul receive Grace and Apostleship (5).
III. THE RECIPIENTS:
A. The letter was written to all in Rome who are loved by God (7).
B. They were addressed as those in Rome who are called to be saints (7).
C. The Writer’s Attitude toward his Audience:
1. Thankful for them (8).
2. Prayed for them (9, 10).
3. Wanted to visit them (10).
4. Longed for them (11).
5. Wanted to share a gift of mutual encouragement (11, 12).
6. Often intended to visit them (13).
7. Wanted fruit among them (13).
8. Felt a debt to them (14).
9. Eager to preach to them (15).
IV. THE MAIN POINT OF THE LETTER: God’s power to save all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles through a “righteousness from God”–Jesus Christ (16-17; cf. 4:4-8).
V. GENTILES NEED THIS RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD BECAUSE THEY ARE VILE SINNERS AND HAVE NO RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THEIR OWN (1:18-32).
A. All sinners are without excuse because God has revealed himself to them, so the wrath of God is being visited on all sinners–even Gentiles (18-20).
B. Knowing God, they refused to glorify Him and turned to idols (21 23).
C. God gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts (24-25; cf. Eph. 2:3).
D. God gave them over to shameful lusts ( 26-27).
E. God gave them up to depraved minds (28-32).
CONCLUSION: Paul wrote “Romans” to assure sinners, both Gentiles and Jews alike, that the only righteousness we can have is through Jesus Christ.
© 2004, Dr. Wm. T. (Bill) Lambert
Professor Emeritus – NT Literature and Interpretation
College of Bible and Religion
Harding University