1. Paul’s Gospel © John Stevenson, 2010

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

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Prologue Life by faith DoctrinePracticalEpilogue Service by faith 1:11:1712:115:4 Obedienc e of Faith (1:5) Obedience of Faith (16:26) Righteousness of God Revealed

8. 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)

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

10. 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)

11. 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) The Righteousness of God is revealed…

12. 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. What about Israel? How can we see God as righteous when His own chosen people do not believe and receive His promises?

13. Chapters 1-11 Doctrinal Chapters 12-16 Practical So What? 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

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

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

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

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

18. Opening Chapter I often planned to come to you, but was hindered (1:13) Closing Chapters I have often been hindered from coming to you (15:22) I long to see you… that I may be encouraged with you (1:11-12) I hope to see you in passing, and be helped on 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)

19. Break into Groups of 2-3 Based on the Epistle to the Romans…. Group 1: Who are we apart from Christ? Group 2: Who are we in Christ?