Message: “Study of Romans Part 1” from Joe Summers

Examination of Romans Part 1 Lesson Objectives Objective: To understand the key themes and theological foundations of the Book of Romans, emphasizing the universality of sin, justification by faith, sanctification, and practical Christian living. Most importantly is to understand why New Christians perhaps should read the Book of Romans second after reading Gospel of John. Scripture Romans 1:16-17 (NIV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" Part 1: The Epistle to the Romans 1. Context and Overview - Authorship: Pauline authorship traditionally accepted. - Audience: Diverse Roman church comprising Jews and Gentiles. Written: It was likely written around AD 57 from Corinth - Purpose: To present a systematic exposition of the gospel and address Jewish and Gentile relations. Definitions Definitions of Justification and Sanctification Justification: Justification is a legal term used in the Bible to describe the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. It is an instantaneous event that occurs at the moment of salvation. Justification is not about becoming righteous in practice, but being declared righteous by God. This righteousness is imputed to the believer, meaning it is credited to their account, not because of any works they have done, but because of the finished work of Christ on the cross. Key Aspects of Justification: -Legal Declaration: God declares the sinner to be righteous. -Based on Faith: It is through faith in Jesus Christ, not through works (Romans 3:28). Imputed Righteousness: The righteousness of Christ is credited to the believer (2 Corinthians 5:21). Instantaneous Event: Occurs at the moment of faith in Christ (Romans 5:1). Romans 3:28 (NIV): "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law." Sanctification: Sanctification is the process by which a believer is made holy, set apart for God’s purposes, and progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ. It is a continuous, lifelong process that begins at salvation and continues until glorification. Unlike justification, which is a one-time legal declaration, sanctification involves the believer’s active participation in spiritual growth and obedience to God. Key Aspects of Sanctification: Progressive Process: It is an ongoing transformation (Philippians 1:6). Holiness and Growth: Involves becoming more like Christ in character and behavior (2 Corinthians 3:18). Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in sanctifying the believer (Galatians 5:22-23). Active Participation: Believers are called to pursue holiness and obedience (1 Peter 1:15-16). 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV): "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." Definition Summary: Justification is God’s act of declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Christ, based on Christ’s righteousness, and is an instantaneous event. Sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy, involving the believer’s cooperation with the Holy Spirit to grow in Christ likeness and obedience to God. 2. Key Themes and Theology Justification by Faith: Romans 3:21-28, emphasizing faith over the Law for righteousness. Romans 3:21-28 is a key passage in understanding the concept of justification by faith. 1. Romans 3:21-22 - "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." This verse establishes that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the law. This concept is supported by the testimony of the Law and the Prophets, indicating that this was God's plan all along. 2. Romans 3:23 - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," This verse reminds us that all people, regardless of their efforts to keep the law, fall short of God's glory because of sin. This highlights the need for justification through faith rather than works of the law. 3. Romans 3:24 - "and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Justification, being made right with God, is a free gift of God's grace. It is not earned through keeping the law but is received through faith in Jesus Christ, who redeemed us through his sacrifice. 4. Romans 3:25-26 - "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith... he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." These verses explain that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the means by which God provided atonement for sin. This atonement is received by faith, demonstrating God's righteousness in justifying those who have faith in Jesus. 5. Romans 3:27-28 - "Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law." These verses emphasize that boasting is excluded because justification is based on faith, not on works of the law. Paul argues that no one can boast about their righteousness before God because it is through faith in Jesus, not their own efforts, that they are justified. In summary, Romans 3:21-28 teaches that righteousness and justification before God come through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the works of the law. This highlights the central importance of faith in the Christian understanding of salvation.

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