Romans 16
Well, we finished Romans, Congratulations. In this last chapter, Paul sent greetings and kind words to many people in Rome that he knew. It is interesting that even though Paul had never been to Rome, he knew so many people. Evidently, many people traveled there from the east. I thought we could do do a 30,000 ft flyover of Romans to see what Paul emphasized for these people that he cares so much for.
Chapter 1presents the theme of this book: “The Gospel is the power of God to salvation to all who believe.” Paul will then define this Gospel for the next 8 chapters.
Chapter 1:18-3:18. A very long section that drives home the painful fact that all humans, no matter their ethnic origin (Jews or gentiles), are condemned due to their sin. They are hopeless if God doesn’t step in.
Chapter 3:19-4:25. This section has one simple but profound truth taught: Justification before God is based on Faith in Jesus Christ, not based on the works of the Law of Moses. Paul offers proof is this fact with the life of Abraham. He was justified by faith 500 years before the Law was given. He is the Father of all who believe, whether they are Jewish or gentile.
Chapter 5. This chapter presents a mind-blowing truth; don’t miss it. It answers the question “how did God save me by faith and not works?” It is called “imputation.” Adam’s sin was imputed to me; I became a sinner because I was “in Adam.” My sin was imputed to Christ and he died on the cross for me due to His love for me. Then, the crescendo is this: Christ righteousness was imputed to me so that I might reign in life with him. This can all be wrapped up under the heading of the Grace of God. Now isn’t that beautiful?
Chapter 6. Since I died, was buried, and then was raised with Christ, I now have the power to live a new life. I must reckon myself dead to sin and alive to God. Paul instructs each of us to put off sinful behaviors and put on righteous behavior.
Romans 7. In spite of being made alive, there is still a battle that wages that we cannot ignore; the battle wages in our bodies and our minds. It can be overwhelming, especially when we choose to go back to the old way of life and allow sin to reign in us. Who will deliver us from this dead body?
Romans 8. One of the most glorious chapters in the Bible. It starts off with the declaration that You will never be condemned if you believe in Jesus Christ. The chapter ends with the glorious fact that God will never abandon you either. You are secure in His love that comes through Christ Jesus.
Romans 9-11. Paul spends a great deal of time to explain that God has not abandoned His people Israel. There is a time coming, after the fulness of the gentiles comes in, that the remnant of Israel will be saved. God is faithful to his promises to Israel.
Romans 12-15. Paul explains the manifold applications to our daily lives that flow from this glorious Gospel. While Salvation is by faith and not works, a genuine faith will result in a life that works; those works can be summed up with “love one another.”
Well, that is the book of Romans in a nutshell, I hope you were edified by reading this book with me. We now move on to Matthew.
