As we begin this letter of Paul to the Roman believers, we see that God is angered by mankind’s sin.
Romans 2
God’s people aren’t supposed to turn into themselves and look down their noses at the sins and shortcomings of those who don’t know God.
Romans 3
The law cannot save anyone, because no one can keep it. Only faith in Jesus can save us and give us God’s righteousness. Consequently, none of has anything about which we can boast.
Romans 4
It isn’t through our efforts that we gain God’s righteousness, but because of God’s sovereign declaration based on our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
Romans 5
God made the way for us to have peace with Him before He even made mankind. And if He can love His enemies this much, how much more will He bless His children?
Romans 6
It’s a undeniable fact that the follower of Jesus Christ has died to sin and shouldn’t even be associated with sin. It’s up to each believer to accept and come to grips with this reality so that they can live a victorious Christian life.
Romans 7
Like a person whose spouse dies, the believer’s death to sin releases them from their former obligations to the law. For many Christians, however, they continue to be frustrated by trying to please their old spouse, the law, instead of pleasing the one who saved them, Jesus Christ.
Romans 8
There is nothing that will ever separate the true believer in Jesus Christ from the love of God, and the Holy Spirit stands as our proof of this fact.
Romans 9
Paul’s desire to see Israel come to faith in Jesus is front and center, yet he realizes that spiritual Israel is all those who do believe in Jesus for their salvation.
Romans 10
Mankind tries so hard to please God and get to heaven by its own efforts, when the only way God approves is through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Romans 11
God isn’t done with Israel, and Gentiles need to make sure we don’t fall into the same trap of complacency and religion that Jesus Himself railed against.
Romans 12
Paul explains that the normal Christian life is to be surrendered daily to God’s will and the Spirit’s leading in our lives. The way to develop this life is through reading the Scriptures and nurturing an intimate prayer life.
Romans 13
Paul explains that Christians are to be good citizens, obeying and respecting our leaders, being good neighbors, and living exemplary lives.
Romans 14
As long as fellow believers are acting in a way that brings honor to our Lord, we have no business giving them a hard time about their preferences.
Romans 15
As Paul begins to wrap up his letter, he encourages more mature believers to put up with the shortcomings of newer believers. In so doing, we foster unity in the church. This doesn’t mean we ever excuse sin, but that we give new followers of Christ some room to work out their salvation.
Romans 16
Paul sends greetings to and from a number of fellow believers. He also encourages both his readers and us to ignore the teachings of false teachers, allowing God to deal with them.