A six-week walk through Paul's letter to the Romans, with a focus on chapters 1, 5, 8, and 12.
Romans is the closest Paul ever comes to a systematic theology. But it is not a textbook. It is a pastoral letter to a church he has not yet met, written to ground them in the gospel he is about to bring to Spain.
Week 1 — Romans 1: The gospel announced
The good news is for all peoples. The wrath of God is real. The world has exchanged the truth for a lie. We are introduced to the problem so that we will hear the solution.
Week 2 — Romans 5: The gospel applied
Justified by faith. Peace with God. Adam and Christ. The sweep of redemption from one man's fall to one man's obedience. "Where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more."
Week 3 — Romans 8: The gospel's confidence
No condemnation. The Spirit at work. Adoption. The groaning of creation. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" One of the great chapters in all scripture.
Week 4 — Romans 12: The gospel as a way of life
"Therefore, brothers and sisters" — what we have received now becomes how we live. Living sacrifices. Renewed minds. The body. Love that is genuine. Hospitality. Forgiveness.
Week 5 — Romans 8 again, slowly
The chapter is too rich for one week. Return.
Week 6 — Romans 12 again, applied
Pick three concrete areas of your life and apply Romans 12 to each. Where will the renewal of your mind start this week?
Reflection questions
- What does the gospel mean to you, in your own words, after this study?
- Where has your gospel been smaller than Paul's?
- What does it mean for you, this month, to "present your body as a living sacrifice"?