BIBLE BOOK GUIDE
Romans
16 chapters
God's righteousness is revealed in the gospel, justifying sinners by faith in Jesus Christ and transforming them into a holy new life.
Romans
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Why this book was written
Written before visiting Jerusalem, Paul wrote to formalize the gospel for the Roman church: human sinfulness, the equal need of Jews and Gentiles, justification by faith, sanctification by the Spirit, and God's ultimate plan for Israel and the nations. He also hoped to strengthen the believers and gain their support for his mission to Spain.
Structure
- 1–4Sin and God's Wrath
- 5–8Justification by Faith and New Life
- 9–11God's Sovereignty and Israel's Salvation
- 12–14Holy Living in Christ
- 15–16Conclusion, Greetings, and Mission
Major themes
Justification by Faith
Paul argues all are under sin, but through Christ's obedience and atoning sacrifice, believers are counted righteous by faith (Rom 1:17; 3:21-26; 5:1).
Universal Sin and the Fall
Both Gentiles (1:18-32) and those under the Law (2:1-3:20) are bound by sin; none can be saved by their own works.
New Life and Sanctification in Christ
United with Christ in death and resurrection, believers are freed from slavery to sin and transformed by the Spirit to live in righteousness and love (chs. 6, 8, 12).
The Spirit and Sonship
The Spirit testifies that we are God's children, and we share in both Christ's sufferings and His future glory (Rom 8:14-17, 26-30).
God's Sovereign Plan for Israel and the Gentiles
The gospel comes to the Jews first and also to the Gentiles; Israel's hardening is partial and temporary, and God's mercy will reach the full number of the saved (chs. 9-11).
Practical Christian Living in the World
In view of God's mercies, believers present themselves as living sacrifices, serve one another in love, submit to authority, and overcome evil (chs. 12-15).
How it points to Christ
Romans exalts Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord of sinners: His righteousness is credited to believers (3:21-26), His death and resurrection reconcile us to God (5:6-11), and His return is the believer's hope of full redemption (8:31-39). Christ is both the Messiah of Israel and the Lord of the Gentiles; through Him the gospel reveals God's righteousness and mercy.
Key verses
- 1:16–17Paul declares the gospel as God's power, revealing the righteousness by faith.
- 3:23–24All have sinned and are justified freely by grace through redemption in Christ.
- 5:1–2Justified by faith, we have peace with God and hope in His glory.
- 6:23The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ.
- 8:1No condemnation in Christ assures believers of freedom from guilt.
- 8:28–29All things work together for good, conforming us to Christ's image.
- 10:9–10Confessing Christ as Lord and believing in the resurrection brings salvation.
- 12:1–2Present yourselves as living sacrifices, transformed by renewed minds.
Reflections on Romans
People in this book
Questions for reflection
- ·Romans 1:17 says "the righteous shall live by faith." What area of your life today most needs to be held by faith rather than by sight?
- ·In chapter 6, Paul says we are dead to sin. Are there habits or attitudes where you are still letting sin reign? Ask the Spirit to reveal them and help you let go.
- ·Romans 8:28-30 describes God's unbroken chain: foreknown, called, justified, glorified. How does this picture comfort you in present weakness or confusion?
- ·Paul weeps for Israel in chapters 9-11. How urgent is your prayer and witness for those who have not yet heard the gospel?
- ·Romans 12:1-2 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices. How does this self-offering look in your daily work, family, and church life?
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Chapter 14
1But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.
2 One man hath faith to eat all things: but he that is weak eateth herbs.
3Let not him that eateth set at nought him that eateth not; and let not him that eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
4Who art thou that judgest the servant of another? to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand; for the Lord hath power to make him stand.
5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.
6He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, unto the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
7For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself.
8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
9For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
10But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or thou again, why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God.
11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, And every tongue shall confess to God.
12So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock in his brother's way, or an occasion of falling.
14I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: save that to him who accounteth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15For if because of meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no longer in love. Destroy not with thy meat him for whom Christ died.
16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
18For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.
19So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.
20Overthrow not for meat's sake the work of God. All things indeed are clean; howbeit it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
21It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother stumbleth.
22The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth.
23But he that doubteth is condemned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; and whatsoever is not of faith is sin.