Book of Romans

The book of Romans, written by the apostle Paul, contains his magisterial treatise on the gospel message, focusing particularly on God’s righteousness and how we can obtain it. Every Christian should have a good understanding of the message of the Book of Romans, for this is the core truth of the Christian faith.

Or use the following index of eMeds in this series.

Let the Magisterial Begin – Romans 1:1

1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God… Magisterial, the greatest theological treatise every written, Paul’s crowning dissertation—these are just some of the descriptions of this great piece of...

Appointed of God – Romans 1:1 (cont.)

1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God… If ever there has been a man appointed by God from an early age (other than the incarnate Son of God), it was the apostle Paul. By his own testimony, God, who had...

Glory Promised – Romans 1:2-3

2 [the gospel of God] which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh … Promises are the building blocks of God’s plan of glory, of revealing Himself...

Centered Living – Romans 1:3-4

3 … concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, Messiah is the name Jews gave to...

Graced by God – Romans 1:5-6

5 … through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; Using the editorial “we,” Paul primarily refers to his own...

We, the Called of Christ – Romans 1:6-7a

6 … among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints… Turning to his readers, this inspired writer Paul identifies them as Gentiles, that is, non-Jews, reflecting his primary ministry target. But...

Ubiquitous Grace and Peace – Romans 1:7b

7 … Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Not just a superficial or perfunctory salutation, this extension of grace and peace to his readers begins every one of Paul’s letters. This was his signature greeting. We err by...

God is My Witness – Romans 1:8-10

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. 9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of...

Fellowship of Encouragement – Romans 1:11-12

11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. Whatever else we may say...

Eager to Serve – Romans 1:13-15

13 I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to...

Unashamed Gospel – Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man...

The Horror of Rejecting – Romans 1:18-19

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. Horrific in every...

What Can Be Known? – Romans 1:20-21

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor...

Professing Fools – Romans 1:22-23

22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Greatest of irony that it is, rejecting God is the...

So You Want to Sin? – Romans 1:24-25

24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed...

Illicit Sex – Romans 1:26-27

26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one...

He Is God, I Am Not – Romans 1:28-29

28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit,...

Enjoying Those Who Do – Romans 1:30-32

30 … slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are...

Self-Condemning Moralism – Romans 2:1-2

1 Therefore you have no excuse, every one of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such...

Gracious Warnings – Romans 2:3

3 But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? "Nope, won’t happen to me.” That is the folly of sin, the belief that somehow judgment will pass me...

Kindness and Wrath – Romans 2:4

4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Kindness mixed with wrath (1:18), how can that be? The world caricaturizes God as a cosmic killjoy, capricious...

Kindness and Wrath (cont.) – Romans 2:4

4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Do not underestimate the kindness of God. God is rich in every way. His glory is described as rich (Rom 9:23),...

Spiritual Inertia – Romans 2:5-6

5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to each person according to his deeds … Why in the world would anyone want...

Selfishness of Works Salvation – Romans 2:7-8

7 … to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. General principles abound in...

First But Not Only – Romans 2:9-10

9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Racial identity and cultural affinities...

God Is Not Racist – Romans 2:11-13

11 For there is no partiality with God. 12 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; 13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the...

Salvation By Law? – Romans 2:14-16

14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts...

Salvation By Law? (cont.) – Romans 2:14-16

14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts...

Religious Presumption – Romans 2:17-18

17 But if you bear the name “Jew” and rely upon the Law and boast in God, 18 and know His will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law … Jewishness saturated Paul’s life; that he was a Jew shaped his life to the core—but he...

Pride In the Cross-Hairs – Romans 2:19-20

19 … and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth … Spiritual blindness of the...

But For the Grace of God – Romans 2:21-22

21 … you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? Onslaught continues...

Blaspheme Not – Romans 2:23-24

23 You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? 24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” just as it is written. Put in the simplest terms, the Jews saw themselves as superior to Gentiles...

Blaspheme Not (cont.) – Romans 2:23-24

23 You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? 24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” just as it is written. David’s sin of adultery with Bathsheba and killing her husband Uriah has had...

A Sexual Sign – Romans 2:25

25 For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Circumcision was virtually synonymous with the Law of Moses, the two being closely intertwined. Paul refers...

A Religious Sign – Romans 2:25 (cont.)

25 For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Sex was not the issue so much for the Jews of Paul’s day. The sign of circumcision had become so much a...

Turning the Tables – Romans 2:26-27

26 So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and...

Being Inward and Outward – Romans 2:28-29

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but...

Advantage: Jews – Romans 3:1-2

1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God. Finally, the question: “If one can be a true Jew and have an inner attitude that allows him to...

Impugning God’s Faithfulness? – Romans 3:3-4

3 What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? 4 May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, “That You may be justified in Your words, And...

God True, Men Liars – Romans 3:3-4 (cont.)

3 What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? 4 May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, “That You may be justified in Your words, And...

In Human Terms – Romans 3:5-6

5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking in human terms.) 6 May it never be! For otherwise, how will God judge the world? Questions continue to...

In Human Terms (cont.) – Romans 3:5-6

5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking in human terms.) 6 May it never be! For otherwise, how will God judge the world? Paul’s argument...

Illogical Objections – Romans 3:7-8

7 But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come”? Their condemnation is just....

It Is Written – Romans 3:9-10

9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 10 as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one … Here’s the rub: contrary to long-held beliefs, the Jews are not better...

Spiritual Smugness Singled Out – Romans 3:11-12

11 There is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; 12 all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one.” Continuing through verse 18, Paul shows from a number of Old Testament...

Blatant Deception – Romans 3:13-14

13 “Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they keep deceiving,” “The poison of asps is under their lips”; 14 “whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness”… Obscure texts are not Paul’s choice to support his point that even the Jews have failed...

Darwinian Degradation – Romans 3:15-18

15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood, 16 Destruction and misery are in their paths, 17 And the path of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Staccato-like fashion—Paul in rapid fire laying out four more charges. The...

Fear of the Lord (cont.) – Romans 3:18

18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Drawing from Psalm 36, and in keeping with rabbinic custom, Paul quotes the first line to bring attention to the entire psalm. There the writer speaks of the “ungodly” and of the lovingkindness of the Lord:...

Fear of the Lord – Romans 3:18

18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” "The fear of God” carries a broad, comprehensive meaning and application. On the one hand, there is a terror in falling into the hands of an absolutely holy and righteous Judge. The famed colonial preacher...

Bare-knuckled Truth – Romans 3:19-20

19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through...

Another Kind of Righteousness – Romans 3:21

21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets … Four times in Romans, we find this phrase: “But now ….” (6:22, 7:6, 7:17). What a wonderful phrase; it signals a release from the...

No Coupon Value – Romans 3:22

22 … even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction … Righteousness and how to attain it is what the book of Romans is all about. The word and its related forms, “righteous,” “just” and...

Free Gift—No Redundancy – Romans 3:22b-24

22 … for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus … Equality—no discrimination by age, sex, sexual orientation, religion,...

Propitiation: A Good Word – Romans 3:25a

25 [Christ Jesus] whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith … Love of God was not only exercised, but it was done in an observable way. Eastern religions refer to Christianity as an “earthy” religion, in that it deals with the...

Just and Justifier – Romans 3:26b-27

25 … This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one...

Pointed to the Max – Romans 3:28

28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Pointed to the max, Paul doesn’t get any clearer than this. To our pluralistic, ecumenical, tolerant society, his succinct statement in one fell swoop, concluding two and a half...

One Justification – Romans 3:29-30

29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. The God we worship is the God over all of creation, and He...

Au Contraire – Romans 3:31

31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. Law was paramount for all good Jews. Whatever is true must be in accord with the teachings of Moses. Whatever Christianity teaches, it cannot contradict the...

Credited to My Account – Romans 4:1-3

1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was...

Justification Without Good Deeds – Romans 4:4-5

4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, Justification by faith is not just a unique...

Justified Adulterer & Murderer – Romans 4:6-8

… 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take...

Religious Devotion Not Needed – Romans 4:9-10

9 Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” 10 How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised…...

Exclusive: NOT – Romans 4:11-12

… 11 and [Abraham] received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, 12 and...

Impossible for God – Romans 4:13

13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. Pursuing every angle in his theological response to the Jewish objector, Paul continues his emphasis on...

A Very Big Deal – Romans 4:14-15

14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; 15 for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation. Unrelenting, exhaustive, precisely drawn, carefully laid out—Paul’s...

Faith Anchored – Romans 4:16-17

16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of...

Hope Against Hope – Romans 4:18-19

18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was...

Not Taking Any Chances – Romans 4:20-21

… 20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Wavering in other areas of life, Abraham never...

By Faith, Not by Works – Romans 4:22

22Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness. Theological debate storms around this verse, residing at the center of the Protestant divide from Rome. The question is this: What does it mean to be “credited” as righteous? No small matter, as we...

Abraham, the Progenitor – Romans 4:23-25

23 Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions,...

Ergo, Peace – Romans 5:1

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ … Pivotal use of “therefore” occurs throughout Paul’s treatise on justification to signal the advance of his reasoning based on logical deduction. If one thing...

Welcome to Grace! – Romans 5:2

... 2 through whom [our Lord Jesus Christ] also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Doxology follows theology. All that has been said to this point leads us to join the...

Wait, There’s More! – Romans 5:3-4

3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope … And not only this”—there’s more. If we dare to think our justification with the...

Assured Hope – Romans 5:3-5a

3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope 5 and hope does not disappoint Not only do we exult in the hope of glory, we also...

No Arid Theology – Romans 5:5-8

… 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a...

Greater to the Lesser – Romans 5:9-10

9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His...

Bragging Rights – Romans 5:11

11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Three times in this chapter the apostle Paul exults. To exult means to boast (NIV) or to proclaim publically the greatness of...

The Man – Romans 5:11b-12a

11 … our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. 12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world … The agent of our reconciliation is our Lord Jesus Christ. The agent or cause of sin entering the world is...

Ripples to Swells – Romans 5:12

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned … Death is a reality of life—such an odd thing when you think about it. A person lives his or her entire life (whether...

Federal and Seminal Head – Romans 5:12 (cont.)

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned … Death is a mainstay in life, fallen as it is—and it all goes back to Adam. “Just as” signals that a comparison is...

Connected – Romans 5:13-14

… 13 for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come....

Overwhelming Grace – Romans 5:15-16

15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. 16 The gift is not like that which came...

Reign in Life by Grace – Romans 5:17-19

17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 So then as through one transgression there...

Increasing Sin and … – Romans 5:20-21

20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Why in the...

… and Abounding Grace – Romans 5:20-21 (cont.)

20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Grace...

Absurdity of the Criticisms – Romans 6:1-2a

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! Master of anticipation, the inspired apostle Paul verbalizes the instinctive question that arises in the reader’s mind. Indeed, the question seems a quite...

No Sin, No More – Romans 6:2b-3

2 … How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Paul now progresses in his response to the objectors who suggest that his teachings lead to a...

Free from Sin, Praise God – Romans 6:4-7

5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we...

Free and Secure Forever – Romans 6:8-9

8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. Coming to faith in Jesus Christ is like dying, but that is a...

Rugged Faith – Romans 6:10-11

10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Death in Christ is a singularity; life in Christ is an eternality....

Presenting … Your Members – Romans 6:12-13

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members...

Instruments of the Body – Romans 6:13b-14

13 … present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Presenting ourselves is a major theme of the book of...

Foot-shooting – Romans 6:15-16

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of...

Sin of Self-Actualization – Romans 6:15-16 (cont.)

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of...

Theology of Gratitude – Romans 6:17-18

17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. Overwhelming gratitude bursts from the...

Willing Obedience – Romans 6:17-18 (cont.)

17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. So what is Paul all excited about in...

Yours to Choose – Romans 6:19

19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in...

Benefit of Sin—Not – Romans 6:20-21

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. Freedom from what seem to be repressive...

Benefit of Sin—Not (cont.) – Romans 6:20-21

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. For what will it profit a man if he gains...

Free at Last – Praise God – Romans 6:22-23

22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Martin Luther...

Brothers and Sisters – Romans 7:1-2a

1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? 2 For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living. This pericope (to borrow a term...

Of Christians and Law – Romans 7:1-2a (cont.)

1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? 2 For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living. The Law of Moses was deeply embedded in...

Free by Divorce – Romans 7:1-4

1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? 2 For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released...

The Law is So Yesterday – Romans 7:5-6

5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve...

Divine Logic for the Law – Romans 7:7-8

7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, taking opportunity...

Death as a Good Thing – Romans 7:8b-10

8 … for apart from the Law sin is dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; 10 and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; Wonderfully negative news, odd...

Sin Kills – Romans 7:11

… 11 for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. Kills—that’s what sin does! How foolish Adam and Eve were, and everyone else, to buy the line that acting outside of God’s design will be “good … a delight to...

Same Spirit as Jesus – Romans 8:11

11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Trinity saturates the New Testament, and here we have all three...

Show Sin to Be Sin – Romans 7:12-13

12 So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. 13 Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through...

Hatred of Holiness Efforts – Romans 7:14-15

14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Consternation in the Christian life...

Two Are Not Better Than One – Romans 7:16-17

16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. 17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. One thing you can say about the struggle for holiness is that it shows evidence...

Accurate Self-Diagnosis – Romans 7:18-19

18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. Scholars vigorously debate...

Accurate Self-Diagnosis (cont.) – Romans 7:20-21

20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. Accurate diagnosis must precede correct treatment. Paul...

Unwanted War – Romans 7:22-23

22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Paul’s insightful mind lays blame...

Who Will Save Me? – Romans 7:24

24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Wretched, miserable, distressed. Such is the lot of someone caught in the dilemma of trying to live up to the Law, yet honestly wrestling with his or her failure. Jesus taught us to...

Thanks a Million! – Romans 7:25

25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. Dilemma finally solved—and what a great solution it is. Knowing where this train of...

No Condemnation! – Romans 8:1

1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Now, no more condemnation! There is no better way to say it. Like the most beautiful, elegant piece of music, perfectly composed and expertly played, “[t]herefore there is now no...

No Condemnation! (cont.) – Romans 8:1

1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Universalism is the teaching that God will save everyone from condemnation. This is wrong on numerous fronts. First, it is only those who are “in Christ Jesus.” Those who are still...

Law of the Spirit – Romans 8:2-4

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin,...

Think! – Romans 8:5

5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Mind and behavior interconnect. In verse 4, the distinction is made between living “according to the...

Think Again! – Romans 8:6-7

6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in...

No Good Flesh – Romans 8:8

… 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Those living in the flesh cannot hope to please God, yet we Christians often fall back to fleshly living, just like non-believers. The word “flesh” here obviously does not mean the physical body, for all...

Not in the Flesh – Romans 8:9

9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. There’s a difference between being “in the flesh” (vs. 8) and having a “mind set on...

Dead and Alive – Romans 8:10

10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. Summary statement that it is, this verse is a bedrock of sanctification. Regardless of our daily experiences and struggles with sin, despite...

Same Spirit as Jesus – Romans 8:11

11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Trinity saturates the New Testament, and here we have all three...

Live or Die – Romans 8:12-13

12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans chapter...

Papa, Father – Romans 8:14-15

14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Justification once again...

Rock Solid Testimony – Romans 8:16-17

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Believers are described in various...

A Good Anxiety – Romans 8:18-19

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. Reality is harsh, but hope...

From Frustration to Freedom – Romans 8:20-22

20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know...

Hope Despite Groaning – Romans 8:23-25

23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is...

The Groan That Is Heard – Romans 8:26-27

26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He...

A Good Perspective – Romans 8:28-30

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be...

Sovereign God Over All – Romans 8:28-30 (cont.)

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be...

Do We Really Believe It? – Romans 8:28-30 (cont.)

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be...

If God Is For Us – Romans 8:31-34

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect?...

Nothing! – Romans 8:35-36

35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be...

Nothing Can Separate Us – Romans 8:35-36 (cont.)

35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be...

Conquer to the Max – Romans 8:37

37But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. God’s love is powerful. How could we possibly fully understand that? Our concept of His love deepens when we go through our greatest trials. Like an athlete grows stronger by...

Absolute Eternal Security – Romans 8:38-39

38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in...

Absolute Eternal Security – Romans 8:38-39 (cont.)

38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in...

Asserted Truth – Romans 9:1-2

1 I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. Usually when someone says, “I am not lying,” this poses a humorous dilemma. If he is lying, he...

Wish I Were Accursed? – Romans 9:3

3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh … What passion and love Paul has for his ethnic people, the Jews! He would gladly come under God’s complete and absolute...

The Jewish God – Romans 9:4-5

4 [my kinsmen according to the flesh] who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according...

Spiritual DNA – Romans 9:6-8

6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; 7 nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “through Isaac your descendants will be named.” 8 That is, it is not the...

Trust When I Don’t Understand – Romans 9:9-13

9 For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; 11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done...

Injustice in God’s Choosing? – Romans 9:14-16

14 What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills...

Injustice in God’s Choosing? – Romans 9:14-16 (cont.)

14 What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills...

Into Theological Traffic – Romans 9:17-18

17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.” 18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. God’s...

The Potter’s Sovereign Hand – Romans 9:19-21

19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” 20 On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? 21 Or does not the...

Worst Case: Still Grace – Romans 9:22-23

22 What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? 23 And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared...

Mercy, Mercy Me – Romans 9:24

… 24 even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles. Keeping the Jewish question in mind, our passage points out that they are not the only chosen people of God. They had forgotten that their special status as God’s...

Doubly Merciful – Romans 9:25-26

25 As He says also in Hosea, “I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’ And her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’ ” 26 “And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are not My people,’ There they shall be called sons of the...

Remnant of Mercy – Romans 9:27-29

27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved; 28 for the Lord will execute His word on the earth, thoroughly and quickly.” 29 And just as Isaiah foretold,...

Unqualified Mercy – Romans 9:30-31

30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Irony of truth subverts religious...

An Offensive But Great Truth – Romans 9:32-33

32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 just as it is written, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, And he who believes in Him will not be...

What Turns Your Heart? – Romans 10:1

1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. What turns your heart with joy? What is your passion? What do you long for at the deepest levels of your being? For Paul, his heart beat with God’s, as he wrote, “the longing...

Zealous Fluff – Romans 10:2

2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. Zeal without knowledge—that characterizes so many passions in the world, especially religious passions. Paul’s assessment of the Jewish problem with unbelief...

Confused Righteousness – Romans 10:3

3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. Adam and Eve attempted their own righteousness when they “sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin...

Confused Righteousness (cont.) – Romans 10:3

3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. Humans so easily confuse symbolism with reality. It is not just the Jews who are guilty of this. Christendom through...

No Exceptionalism – Romans 10:4-5

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness. The end of human effort to gain righteousness by keeping...

Down to Our Level – Romans 10:6-8

6 But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), 7 or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” 8 But what does it say?...

Jesus is God – Romans 10:8b-9a

8 … the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord … Core message of the gospel, verses 9 and 10 have been used by millions as part of the so-called “Romans Road.” Taken together, these truths from this letter...

Jesus is God (cont.) – Romans 10:8b-9a

8 … the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord … Deity of Christ is so central, yet so controversial, that we must spend more time contemplating this. Some claim that Paul’s use of “Lord” simply employs the...

I Believe in the Resurrection – Romans 10:9b

9 … and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved … Belief in the resurrection also is required for salvation. If Jesus hadn’t been raised from the dead, there is no Gospel message. Why? Because it was through the...

Confession and Faith – Romans 10:10

… 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Belief and confession are God’s instruments to bring about salvation in a person’s life. In philosophical terms, they are the...

Invitation to All – Romans 10:11-13

11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the...

Whoever Will – Romans 10:13

… 13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Calling on God reflects the ideal heart and mindset of one who understands his place with his Creator. It is the most human, creaturely thing a person can do. We are derivative, not...

Beautiful Feet – Romans 10:14-15

14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the...

Share the Word of God – Romans 10:16-17

16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. The Word of God is central to the Christian mission. The Creator spoke the cosmos into...

A Personal Testimony – Romans 10:16-17 (cont.)

16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Personal testimony—might I be permitted to share personal evidence that faith comes from...

But They Have Heard – Romans 10:18-21

18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” 19 But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous...

God Knows the Faithful – Romans 11:1-4

1 I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the...

The Remnant – Romans 11:5-6

5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. Groundwork was laid in Romans 9:27-28,...

Double Pre-Destination? – Romans 11:7-10

7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; 8 just as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, Down to this very day.” 9 And David...

Double Pre-Destination? (cont.) – Romans 11:7-10

7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; 8 just as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, Down to this very day.” 9 And David...

What’s Up With Israel? – Romans 11:11-12

11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. 12 Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the...

Arrogance or Passion? – Romans 11:13-14

13 But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them. Passion drove Paul, not arrogance. When he wrote of...

Planned Reciprocity – Romans 11:15

15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? Reciprocity is in God’s plan to reach the world. As originally presented, God promised to reach the world through Abraham and his descendants...

A Lumpy Salvation – Romans 11:16

16 If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. Metaphors are common in Scripture. Paul employs two of them now in order to explain Israel’s future in relation to the Gospel. A metaphor clarifies a...

A Lumpy Salvation – Romans 11:17-18

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is...

Broken or Spared? – Romans 11:19-21

19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not...

No Place for Arrogance – Romans 11:22-24

22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in,...

Don’t Bet Against Israel – Romans 11:25-27

25 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26 and so all Israel will be saved; just...

Down But Not Out – Romans 11:25-27 (cont.)

25 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26 and so all Israel will be saved; just...

Beloved Enemies – Romans 11:28-29

28 From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. The people of Israel are at the same time both...

Does God Keep His Word? – Romans 11:29

…29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. I promise you.” “Believe me.” “Take my word for it.” “You can count on me.” How often do these words gush forth with no more weight than the breath with which they are uttered? The psalm writer, in...

The Need to Say “I” – Romans 11:30-31

30 For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. Vice versa: Just as it has...

Of Disobedience and Mercy – Romans 11:32

32 For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. Curious, to say the least, confounding to say the most. Theologians debate, fools mock, sluggards yawn—but the spiritually faithful and wise appreciate. Chapters 9-11 can be...

From Theology to Praise – Romans 11:33-35

33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? 35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be...

Doxology in the Highest – Romans 11:36

36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Doxology” is the theological term for the praise of God. The first part of the word comes from the Greek “doxa,” which means “praise,” and the second part from...

Pleasing God 101 – Romans 12:1 (cont.)

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Our bodies are the sacrifice, but what does that mean? Reflecting back in the book, we...

Ongoing Sacrificial Life – Romans 12:1

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Therefore”—the most classic of biblical segues, this transition from what is the...

To Conform or Not – Romans 12:2

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. The second thing to which God calls us is complete conformity to His will....

No Drunken Self-Opinion – Romans 12:3

3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Grace extends not just for salvation, but...

A Manicured Christian? – Romans 12:4-5

4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. The first place, interestingly, for living out the sacrificial,...

Exercising Your Gift? – Romans 12:6-8

6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in...

Transformed Character – Romans 12:9-10

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor … The committed Christian life based on the solid doctrine of justification manifests itself...

Transformed Character (cont.) – Romans 12:11-13

… 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Christian living on spiritual steroids is the...

Humanity in our Witness – Romans 12:14-15

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Committed Christian living is comprehensive, and love draws a large circle. We are called upon to interact with all kinds of people at...

You’re So Vain – Romans 12:16

16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Swinging back to the thought of verse 3 (“…I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he...

The Hardest Thing to Do – Romans 12:17-18

17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. The righteous man shall live by faith” (Rom 1:17b)—this challenge, which is fleshed out in...

“Let Me Handle This” – Romans 12:19-20

19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will...

Beyond Injustices – Romans 12:21

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Doormats we are not to be. In our battle with evil and evil people who do evil things to us, we simply have a different set of weapons than the natural world has. We don’t need the uselessness of...

Christians and Government – Romans 13:1-2

1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed...

Christians & Government (cont.) – Romans 13:1-2

1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed...

Respect Your Government – Romans 13:3-4a

3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid…...

Capital Punishment? – Romans 13:4b

4 … for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Capital punishment: is this a legitimate form of punishment from a Christian perspective? For some this is a slam-dunk...

What Motivates You? – Romans 13:5-6

5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very Fear of punishment is one reason for obeying...

Love and Taxes – Romans 13:7-8

7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Taxation—the bane or privilege...

Love Beyond Myself – Romans 13:9-10

9 For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a...

Today Is the First Day – Romans 13:11-12

11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the...

Christian Threads – Romans 13:13-14

13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. Deeds of...

Don’t Judge Me – Romans 14:1

1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. Connecting to the strife referred to in Romans 13:13, we turn to one of the primary culprits for conflict between Christians: judging one another. One...

Christian Meat-Eaters – Romans 14:2-4

2 One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. 4...

The Lord’s Day Controversy – Romans 14:5-6

5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he...

Lordship of Christ – Romans 14:7-9

7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might...

Lordship Applied – Romans 14:10

10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. While living fully for the Lord applies to every aspect of our lives, it especially comes to bear in...

Yes, There Will Be Judgment – Romans 14:10b-12

10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall...

No Stumbling Block for You – Romans 14:13

13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. Righteousness and justification being worthy of serious and extended treatment, we find it surprising the amount of...

Destroy Another’s Conscience – Romans 14:14-15

14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy...

Striving Prayer – Romans 15:30

30 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, Urgency describes the apostle Paul’s heart. Three times in the last six chapters of his letter to the Romans he...

What’s Wrong with Baseball? – Romans 14:14-15 (cont.)

14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy...

Aggravating Freedom – Romans 14:16-17

16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Strong-in-the-faith Christianity is the focus of this passage’s...

Grasping for Freedom – Romans 14:18-19

18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. What about our freedom in Christ to enjoy His blessings? Do we let the...

Freedom Restricted – Romans 14:20-21

20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. 21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. Three...

Freedom Enjoyed – Romans 14:22

22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. What, then, is the value of having a mature and insightful understanding of our freedoms in Christ? What good is it that we no...

Freedom Cannot Be Faithless – Romans 14:23

23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. Surprising is the amount of space the apostle Paul has given to the issue of handling our new freedoms from religious restrictions. The...

To the Spiritually Strong – Romans 15:1-2

1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. Spiritual strength in the matter of the gray areas refers to a Christian’s...

Overcoming Selfishness – Romans 15:3

3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” Supreme pattern of Christ, His example compels all of our behavior. How can we begin to review what He has done, how He sacrificed for...

Learning from the Old-Timers – Romans 15:4

4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Some have written off the Old Testament (that which “was written in earlier times”) as...

Unity, Not Sameness – Romans 15:5-6

5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Applying the OT...

Accept without Condoning – Romans 15:7

7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. We cannot be reminded enough about how we are to treat our fellow Christians. Accepting one another is not optional; we are not free to pick and choose which Christians we...

Resolved to Serve – Romans 15:8-9a

8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy… With Christ as the supreme example, Paul further elucidates our...

Golden Gentile Thread – Romans 15:9-12

… 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Your name.” 10 Again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord all you...

Hope of Fellowship – Romans 15:13

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Breaking out in benediction is something Paul does frequently, taking his teaching beyond the transference of...

A Convincing Fullness – Romans 15:14

14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. Odd statement it seems, for Paul to speak of his readers’ goodness. Earlier he had...

Identity Change in Christ – Romans 15:15-16

15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the...

Bragging on Jesus – Romans 15:17-19

17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. 18 For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the...

Righteously Motivated – Romans 15:20-21

20 And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; 21 but as it is written, “They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard shall understand.” With the...

Assisting in Service – Romans 15:22-25

22 For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23 but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you 24 whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be...

Paul’s Fundraising – Romans 15:26

… 25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. The bane of Christian ministry—fundraising! Usually in today’s evangelical climate,...

Godly Giving – Romans 15:27

27 Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. Twice Paul cites the believers in Macedonia and Achaia as being...

Fullness of Blessing – Romans 15:28-29

28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. Committed to taking the Gospel to the ends...

Striving Prayer – Romans 15:30

30 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, Urgency describes the apostle Paul’s heart. Three times in the last six chapters of his letter to the Romans he...

Specific Prayer – Romans 15:31-32

… 31 that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; 32 so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. Lofty prayers exalting...

Amen and Amen! – Romans 15:33

33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. The end of Paul’s letter, so it seems—what he has to teach the Romans by letter is now finished. What follows is a long list of personal notes and greetings, and a few related afterthoughts. But lest we too...

A Worthy Servant – Romans 16:1-2

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a...

Worthy Teachers – Romans 16:3-5a

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. Prisca and Aquila are second...

Worthy Teachers – Romans 16:3-5a (cont)

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. The last we hear of Prisca and...

Worthy Kinsmen – Romans 16:7 (cont)

7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Skipping over verse 5b and 6 for a moment, we now look at another two noteworthy individuals, Andronicus and Junias,...

Honorable Mention – Romans 16:5b-15

5b Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you … 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, the...

Interconnected Love – Romans 16:16

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. Fellowship within a church and fellowship between churches commands a place in Paul’s magisterial opus on righteousness. Make no mistake: while the first 11 chapters of Romans...

Keeping Alert – Romans 16:17-18

17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth...

Obedience Commended – Romans 16:19-20

19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with...

Warm Greetings – Romans 16:21-23

21 Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. 22 I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and...

Confidence Nevertheless – Romans 16:24

[24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.] What could be more signature of Paul’s writings than ending (at least close to the end) with an invocation of the “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ”? See all of his letters (1 Cor 16:23, 2 Cor...

Doxology Part 1 – Romans 16:25

25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past … Doxology means “a word of glory” coming from two Greek words:...

Doxology Part 2 – Romans 16:25a-26

25a … according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading...

Doxology Part 3 – Romans 16:27

… 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen. This is what it is all about, “the glory of the only wise God, through Jesus Christ.” The ultimate purpose of our humanity, the consummate fulfillment of our image-bearing...

Summary of Justification – Book of Romans

The book of Romans is about the doctrine of justification, how it relates to understanding our relationship to God and how it impacts our living in the world. The key passage can be identified as: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of...

The Roman Road – Book of Romans

The doctrine of justification is a deep subject and the object of study that has engaged the greatest minds of the church. Of course, it mesmerized the apostle Paul, as we have seen in this study of Romans. The 4th century theologian Augustine, who in his...