We are doing a series in the book of Romans starting in the fall of 2025. Here is an overview of this preaching series with key theological themes, a breakdown of the texts, and additional resources.
Series Title — The Glorious Gospel
Text — The book of Romans
Summary — This letter was written in A.D. 57 by the Apostle Paul while he was staying for three months in the city of Corinth (cf. Acts 20:3). It was written near the end of Paul’s life as he was setting his sights on expanding his missionary work into Spain (Romans 15:24, 28). Paul hoped to visit the church in Rome on his way to the western Roman Empire.
This letter is the most densely-packed theological exposition of Paul’s understanding of the gospel. It was written to help the Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome unite together under the same salvation by grace that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. This letter has been foundational throughout church history as the best explanation of the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Martin Luther called it “the purest gospel”.
The letter to the Romans is both theologically rich and practically applicable. Through this inspired letter, you will discover the most precious truths about Christ and you will be convicted to live in the freedom of the gospel everyday.
Key Theological Themes
Defining “the gospel” (1:1-17) — Gospel means “good news”. It can be summarized as a “who” and a “what”. The “who” of the gospel is Jesus Christ himself (1:1-7). The “what” of the gospel is the power of God to save and the righteousness of God revealed through the saving work of Jesus Christ to be received by faith (1:16-17).
The universal problem of sin (1:18-3:20) — Humanity was been in a downward spiral of sin and idolatry (1:18-32). Not even God’s chosen people Israel are exempt from the corruption of sin in the human heart (2:1-3:8). No one is righteous, not even one (3:9).
Justification through faith alone in Christ alone (3:21-4:25) — To be “justified” is the universal human longing. We need to be accepted and to be made right with our Creator. The good news is that we can be justified by trusting in Jesus Christ’s saving work on our behalf (3:21-31). To be “justified” is to have a new status (right with God), a new family (included in God’s people), and a new future (transformed life forevermore). It has always come through faith in God and His saving power (4:1-25).
New humanity through Christ (5:1-8:39) — We peace with God and hope for the future (5:1-11). We are sharers in the new humanity through a New Adam, Jesus Christ (5:12-21). We no longer are enslaved to the law, but we now can obey out of love and see deeper transformation because the power of sin and death has been broken (6:1-7:24). We have life through the Holy Spirit’s power, and hope for the future restoration of all of creation (8:1-39).
How do we view Israel? (9:1-11:36) — Paul is in anguish over the many Jews who do not accept Jesus as their Messiah (9:1-5). He asserts that the hardness of the hearts of many Jews, as well as the inclusion of the Gentiles into the family of God, is God’s sovereign choice (9:6-10:8). Jesus Christ is still the only way to salvation (10:9-13), therefore many Jews are now cut off from the promises to Abraham because of their lack of faith. But God will do right and somehow redeem a remnant of Israel (11:1-36).
Christian living in light of the gospel (12:1-16:27) — Paul emphasizes “transformation” in your inner being (12:1-2). This results in humble service in the Body of Christ (12:3-21), civic engagement that balances submission to governing authorities with commitment to God’s moral standards (13:1-7), the radical call to love others sacrificially as the fulfillment of the law (13:8-14), and a willingness to follow Christ alongside others with grace and mutual care (14:1-15:13).
Overview with Sermon Texts and Titles
Romans 1:1-7 — The Gospel of Promise
Romans 1:8-15 — Mutual Encouragement
Romans 1:16-17 — A Righteousness that is by Faith
Romans 1:18-20 — Without Excuse
Romans 1:21-32 — Consequences of Sin
Romans 2:1-4 — The Danger of Self-Righteousness
Romans 2:5-16 — Divine Justice
Romans 2:17-29 — God Looks at the Heart
Romans 3:1-8 — God is Faithful and Just
Romans 3:9-20 — No One is Declared Righteous by Works
Romans 3:21-31 — Righteousness Given Through Faith
Romans 4:1-12 — Abraham: The Man of Faith
Romans 4:13-25 — The True Offspring of Abraham
Romans 5:1-8 — Hope in the Midst of Suffering
Romans 5:9-11 — While We Were Still Sinners
Romans 5:12-19 — The New Adam
Romans 5:20-6:14 — Buried and Risen with Christ!
Romans 6:15-23 — Earning or Gift?
Romans 7:1-6 — The New Way of the Spirit
Romans 7:7-25 — Another Law at Work Within Me
Romans 8:1-17 — Flesh vs. Spirit
Romans 8:18-25 — Creation is Groaning
Romans 8:26-30 — The Spirit’s Intercession
Romans 8:31-39 — Who Can Be Against Us?
Romans 9:1-29 — God’s Sovereignty in Election
Romans 9:30-10:21 — Salvation Only Through Christ
Romans 11:1-10 — A Remnant Chosen By Grace
Romans 11:11-24 — God’s Kindness to the Ingrafted Branches
Romans 11:25-36 — Mercy For Sinners
Romans 12:1-2 — Gospel Renewal
Romans 12:3-8 — Renewing the Body of Christ
Romans 12:9-21 — Renewing Relationships
Romans 13:1-7 — Renewing Civic Engagement
Romans 13:8-14 — Renewing Discipleship
Romans 14:1-18 — Renewing a Kingdom Focus
Romans 14:19-15:13 — Renewing Priorities that Glorify God
Romans 15:14-22 — Renewing Gospel-Centered Ministry
Romans 15:23-33 — Renewing Prayer
Romans 16:1-16 — Renewing Gospel Partnerships
Romans 16:17-20 — Renewing Discernment
Romans 16:21-27 — Gospel Farewell
Recommended Resources
Books
Douglas J. Moo — A Theology of Paul and His Letters
Christopher Ash — Teaching Romans (2 vols.)
Tim Keller — Romans For You (2 vols.)
Videos
Bible Project — Book of Romans: Part 1 — https://bibleproject.com/videos/romans-1-4/
Bible Project — Book of Romans: Part 2 — https://bibleproject.com/videos/romans-5-16/
Further Study
Free Online Bible Courses on the book of Romans — https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/introduction-to-romans/