Pauls Gospel Week One Week Two Week Three

Paul’s Gospel

Week One Week Two Week Three Early years Church planter & overseer Paul’s Gospel Corinth Epistle to the Romans Galatia Week Four Week Five

What is the “big idea” in the Epistle to the Romans?

The Epistle to the Romans • The first seven chapters are characterized by an argumentative style as seen by the repeated expression: “What shall we say then? ” • Romans 4: 1 • Romans 6: 1 • Romans 7: 7 • Romans 8: 31 • Romans 9: 14 • Romans 9: 30

The Epistle to the Romans • The first seven chapters are characterized by an argumentative style as seen by the repeated expression: “What shall we say then? ” • The most doctrinal and the most systematic of all of Paul’s writings.

The Epistle to the Romans • The first seven chapters are characterized by an argumentative style as seen by the repeated expression: “What shall we say then? ” • The most doctrinal and the most systematic of all of Paul’s writings. • This is the only one of Paul’s epistles written to an audience with whom he had not previously met.

1: 17 12: 1 Doctrine Prologue Life by faith Obedience of Faith (1: 5) 15: 4 Practical Epilogue Service by faith Righteousness of God Revealed Obedience of Faith (16: 26)

I am not ashamed of the gospel… • • It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes In it the righteousness of God is revealed How is the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel? • • In the wrath of God toward those who sin (Romans 1 -3) In the grace of God toward those who believe (Romans 4 -8)

The Righteousness of God is revealed… • • • In judging the pagans who rejected Him (Chapter 1) In judging the Jews who disobeyed Him (Chapter 2) In judging all men who have sinned against Him (Chapter 3)

The Righteousness of God is revealed… • • In reckoning men as righteous by crediting them with the righteousness of Christ (Chapter 4) In declaring men to be righteous on the basis of the reckoning described in the previous chapter (Chapter 5)

The Righteousness of God is revealed… What about sin? – Can we continue to live in sin? (6) – What about the sin that is still in our lives? (7) • In adopting us as His children (Chapter 8)

What about Israel? How can we see God as righteous when His own chosen people do not believe and receive His promises? • • • Not all Israel is Israel. God is sovereign and able to chose whom He wills. Salvation is offered to all who believe. Israel’s unbelief has resulted in blessings to the Gentiles. All Israel will be saved.

Chapters 1 -11 Doctrinal Chapters 12 -16 So What? Practical I Urge you… • To present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice • Do not be conformed to this world • Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

Believing the Gospel Renewal of your mind Love for… God One another The world

Romans 12 Romans 13 Personal responsibility Government responsibility Offer your bodies as a holy Be in subjection to the and living sacrifice (12: 2) governing authorities (13: 1) Never pay back evil for evil Government does not (12: 17) bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, "Vengeance is Mine, I will an avenger who brings repay, " says the Lord wrath upon the one who (12: 19) practices evil. (13: 4) Do not be overcome by Rulers are not a cause of evil, but overcome evil with fear for good behavior, but good (12: 21) for evil (12: 3)

What about when the government is involved in evil? • Obey the laws that do not specifically contradict God’s law • Speak out against injustice • Do righteousness • Do what we can to be an influence for good

Romans 14: 1 -12 Romans 14: 13 -23 Romans 15: 1 -13 Don’t judge others Don’t cause others to stumble Don’t just please yourself

Opening Chapter Closing Chapters I often planned to come to I have often been you, but was hindered from coming to (1: 13) you (15: 22) I long to see you… that I I hope to see you in may be encouraged with passing, and be helped on you (1: 11 -12) my way… (15: 24) Your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world (1: 8) The report of your obedience has reached to all (16: 19) To bring about the obedience of faith to all the Gentiles (1: 5) …made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith (16: 26)