Romans, to me, is a daunting book. Not only is it the best treatise of the gospel written, but it has potential obstacles that are easy to get high-centered on. One particularly helpful thought about it is to remember that it was written for a particular reason to a particular group of people. That will help us as we dive into the “chiefest part of the New Testament.”
With that in mind, here’s a list of questions that Romans answers (with Scriptural annotations):
– What is the gospel? 1:1–17
– Why does everyone need the gospel? 1:18–3:20
– What has gone wrong with the human race? 1:18–32
– Why is God angry with sin? 1:18–32
– What happens when people reject what they know about God? 1:18–32
– Are religious and moral people really sinners too? 2:1–3:20
– Does having the Bible or knowing God’s law make us right with God? 2:17–3:20
– Is anyone actually righteous before God? 3:9–20
– How can a guilty sinner be right with a holy God? 3:21–31
– How can God forgive sinners and still be just? 3:21–26
– What did Jesus’ death accomplish? 3:21–26; 5:6–11
– Are we saved by faith or by our works? 3:27–4:25
– What does Abraham teach us about saving faith? 4:1–25
– What changes when God justifies us? 5:1–11
– Why did sin and death spread to everyone? 5:12–21
– What does it mean to be “in Christ”? 5:12–6:11
– If salvation is by grace, why not just keep sinning? 6:1–23
– Can a Christian actually change? 6:1–23
– What is the Christian’s relationship to God’s law? 7:1–25
– Why do Christians still struggle with sin? 7:13–25
– How do we actually fight sin? 6:1–23; 8:1–17
– What does the Holy Spirit do in the life of a Christian? 8:1–27
– How can I know that I really belong to God? 8:14–17, 28–39
– Why do God’s children still suffer? 8:18–30
– Is God really working all things for our good? 8:28–30
– Can anything separate a Christian from the love of God? 8:31–39
– If Israel rejected her Messiah, did God’s promises fail? 9:1–11:36
– Why does God choose some and not others? 9:6–29
– How do God’s sovereignty and human responsibility fit together? 9:6–10:21
– What about people who have never heard the gospel? 10:8–17
– Why is preaching the gospel to others so important? 10:13–17
– Is God finished with Israel? 11:1–32
– Why should deep theology lead us to worship rather than pride? 11:33–36
– What does a life transformed by the gospel actually look like? 12:1–15:13
– What does it mean to offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices? 12:1–2
– How should Christians think about themselves? 12:3–8
– Why has God given spiritual gifts to Christians? 12:3–8
– What does genuine Christian love look like? 12:9–21
– How should Christians treat their enemies? 12:14–21
– How should Christians relate to governing authorities? 13:1–7
– What does it mean that love fulfills the law? 13:8–10
– How should knowing Christ is returning change the way we live now? 13:11–14
– How should Christians handle disagreements over matters the Bible doesn’t directly command or forbid? 14:1–15:7
– What should I do when another Christian’s conscience differs from mine? 14:1–23
– When should I be willing to give up my freedom for another Christian? 14:13–23
– How can Christians with very different backgrounds live together in unity? 14:1–15:13
– Why should we welcome one another? 15:1–7
– What is God’s purpose for bringing Jews and Gentiles together? 15:7–13
– Why should the church care about taking the gospel where Christ isn’t known? 15:14–33
– What does gospel partnership look like? 15:14–16:24
– Do ordinary Christians really matter in God’s mission? 16:1–16
– How should a church respond to people who cause division and teach contrary doctrine? 16:17–20
– Where is all of history ultimately headed? 16:25–27
– Who gets the glory for our salvation? God alone. 11:33–36; 16:25–27
Memorize with me:
As we study Romans, I’m picking out key verses to memorize. For the first few sermons, I’m memorizing Romans 1:16-17. I hope you’ll join me. Next, in Romans, I’ll memorize Romans 3:19-20, then 3:21-26.
Fast with me (and our elders):
On Wednesdays, Dave Quilla has encouraged our elders to fast and pray. It’s a great impulse. Would you join us? If you fast a meal or more, or if you simply target the church in your prayers, it would be well worth it. Pray for new souls to be saved, for revival in our souls, and for our Gospel Legacy Initiative. Our elders have a meeting this Thursday; we would love you to pray for us.
Upcoming Podcast:
Here’s a shameless plug for our podcast: CLF Conversations. You can get it wherever you get your podcasts. But the last few have been really good, and this coming Friday, we have a new one out about every person ministry. Dane Tornell joins us for a great conversation that will really encourage and challenge you.
Simplecast: https://feeds.simplecast.com/09oQEFgL
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clf-conversations/id1789024424
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mfjCJibCO6g2Bsv3oe0eg
Looking ahead:
This Sunday, we will study Romans 1:1-7. In this passage, we will see the gospel of God’s Son. As you pray for each Sunday, pray for anticipation, awakening of our souls to deeper understanding of the gospel, and for transformation.
Cheap Seats:
- I’m terrified of snakes, and if I ever had this happen, I’d collapse: https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/49585268/high-school-football-player-arkansas-finds-viper-helmet
- Since the White Sox are seriously hot right now and are playing very well, I thought this would be a good time to remind you that Pope Leo is a fan. And because he’s a fan, they did this: https://www.mlb.com/news/pope-leo-xiv-gifted-pope-hat-from-white-sox-giveaway
- Ok, there are baseball players, baseball athletes, and then there’s Elly De la Cruz: https://www.mlb.com/video/elly-de-la-cruz-s-102-mph-throw-home-vs-dodgers?partnerId=it-20260909-19780544-mlb-1-A&utm_id=it-20260909-19780544-mlb-1-A&lctg=234822312
- MLB playoffs, NFL season… It’s my favorite time of the sports year :)).
Christ is King!
In Christ,
Dave York
