NGH BIBLE STUDY – ROMANS – OUTLINE #1
Outline #1: Introduction & Overview
The epistle to the Romans as a whole is widely considered as presenting the clearest and most systematic explanation of the gospel in the New Testament. We might consider Rm 1:16-17 as Paul’s thesis statement for his treatise of the gospel: ..it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Paul then proceeds to demonstrate the universal problem of sin, that all are guilty before God. He then explains God’s provision of righteousness through faith in Christ, apart from the works of the law. From there, the epistle outlines the believer’s new life through sanctification, God’s sovereign purposes for Israel and the nations, and the practical outworking of the gospel in the believer’s daily life. Ultimately, Romans expounds the power of the gospel to justify, transform and unite those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.
Background & Context
Romans was written by the Apostle Paul near the end of his 3rd missionary journey, likely around A.D. 56-58 from Corinth. Paul was preparing to travel to Jerusalem with a financial gift from assemblies in Macedonia and Achaia (Rm 15:25-26). The letter was probably carried to Rome by Phoebe, a sister from the church in Cenchrea, whom Paul commends to the church in Rome near the end of the letter. Unlike most of Paul’s other letters, Romans was written to a church that he had not yet visited. The assembly in Rome likely came into being as a result of the gospel being carried back by Jews and proselytes who had been in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (see Ac 2:10). Over time, it seems that the mix of Jewish and Gentile believers in the church created some tension around the role of the law and Jewish privilege and customs.
Outline of the Book
We have planned for 36 Bible studies in total (including an introductory/overview and a review/recap study) to cover the book of Romans. Our intention will be to move at a good pace while covering the salient points of each passage.
A. Prologue – Rm 1:1-1:17 (BR2)
B. The Proof of Man’s Sin – Rm 1:18-3:20 (BR3-6)
C. The Principles of God’s Salvation – Rm 3:21-5:21 (BR7-11)
D. The Process of the Believer’s Sanctification – Rm 6:1-8:39 (BR12-18)
E. The Purposes of God’s Sovereignty – Rm 9:1-11:36 (BR19-25)
F. The Practice of the Believer’s Service – Rm 12:1-15:13 (BR26-32)
G. Paul’s Personal Shepherding – Rm 15:14-16:27 (BR 33-35)
NGH BIBLE STUDY – ROMANS – OUTLINE #1
Purpose & Major Themes
Paul wrote the epistle to the Romans for several key reasons:
1) to present a clear, systematic exposition of the gospel;
2) to encourage unity among Jewish & Gentile believers in the church at Rome;
3) to clarify God’s plan for Israel (Rm 9-11);
4) to prepare the assembly for his intended future visit and the possible expansion of missionary work beyond Rome to the west.
The major themes of the book flow largely from the main sections of the outline.
● The universal condemnation of sin
● Justification by faith
● Sanctification and the transforming power of new life in Christ
● God’s grace displayed in His sovereign plan of redemption
● The power of the gospel seen in practical ways
● The glory and wisdom of God
Questions for discussion
1. How does Romans teach us that a clear understanding of the dark background of sin is a crucial prerequisite to a Scriptural presentation of the light of the gospel?
2. Why do you think that such a thorough explanation of the gospel was written to an already established church of believers?
3. How might we define the gospel, based on how it is expounded in the book of Romans?
4. How might the study of the book of Romans help us in our communication of the gospel – both privately and publicly?
5. While Romans is rightly considered a theological masterpiece, outlining the major doctrines of salvation, like so many other NT epistles, the doctrine presented first is followed up by practical exhortations. Why is it important to connect doctrine with practice when studying the Scriptures?