GOD'S PLAN FOR MAN'S RIGHTEOUSNESS

(A study of the book of Romans)

Presented on KSIM radio (1400) Monday – Friday at 10:15 AM Beginning the week of February 2, 1976

SHADY ACRES CHURCH OF CHRIST

1440 Ables Road, Sikeston, Missouri

Prepared and presented by: Manly Luscombe
 

Based on Romans at a Glance by Roy Deaver

OUTLINE
 

INTRODUCTION (1:1-17)

1. The salutation (1-7)

2. Paul's attitude toward those addressed (8-15)

3. The theme (16-17)

DISCUSSION (1:18 – 15:13)

1. The doctrinal part of the book (1:18-11:36)

   1. The Gospel of Christ - -

      1. The NEED for it (1:18-3:20)

      2. The FACT of it (3:21-31)

      3. The NATURE of it (ch. 4)

      4. The BLESSINGS of it (ch. 5)

      5. The OBLIGATION of it (ch. 6)

      6. The GOVERNING FACTOR of it (chs. 7-8)

         1. Not the Mosaic law (ch. 7)

         2. But the law of the Spirit (ch. 8)

      7. The CONDITION of Israel in rejecting it (chs. 9-11)

2. The practical part of the book (12:1 – 15:13)

   1. The Gospel of Christ, its APPLICATION

      1. In basic attitudes (12:1-3)

      2. In personal functions (12:3-8)

      3. In everyday personal living (12:9-21)

      4. In relationship to civil authorities (13:1-7)

      5. In concern for one another (13:8-10)

      6. In the Christian's walk (13:11-14)

      7. In matters of indifference (14:1-15:3)

      8. In consideration of Christ (15:3-12)

      9. In providing hope (15:13)

3. CONCLUSION (15:14-16:27) In this we have - -

   1. Persuasion (15:14)

   2. Remembrance (15:15-16)

   3. The Gentiles (15:16-24)

   4. Ministering to the saints (15:25-27)

   5. Personal plans and hopes (15:28-29)

   6. Request for prayers (15:30-33)

   7. Commendation of Phoebe (16:1-2)

   8. Salutations (16:3-16)

   9. Warning (16:17-20)

   10. Greetings (16:21-24)

   11. Doxology (16:25-27)

CHAPTER ONE AT A GLANCE

In this chapter Paul - -

1. Extends the salutation

   1. Identifies the source of the letter – 1-6

   2. Specifies those addressed – 7

   3. Expresses the salutatory prayer – 7

2. Mentions his prayers for those addressed – 9

3. Expresses his long-standing desire to visit Rome – 10-13

4. Explains his obligation to them – 14-15

5. Announces the theme of the letter – 16-17

6. Emphasizes the inexcusableness of the Gentiles – 18-23

7. Discusses the Gentiles' uncleanness – 24-25

8. Discusses the Gentiles' vile passions – 26-27

9. Discusses the Gentiles' reprobate mind – 28-32

CHAPTER TWO AT A GLANCE

In this chapter, with reference to the Jews, Paul - -

1. Says that the “Jew” was without excuse and self-condemned – 1

2. Mentions the nature of God's judgment – 2

3. Refers to a possible erroneous Jewish conception of the judgment – 3

4. Refers to a second possible erroneous conception of the judgment – 4

5. Discusses the actual condition of the Jews – 5

6. Discusses God's final judgment – 6-10

7. Explains the standard of God't final judgment – 11-12

8. Discusses the hypocritical attitude and conduct of the Jews – 13-15

9. Emphasized that it was the keeping of the law which counted – 16-27

10. Explains who is a real Jew, and what real circumcision is – 28-29

CHAPTER THREE AT A GLANCE

In this chapter, Paul - -

1. Disposes of four Jewish objection questions

   1. Is there any advantage in being a Jew? – 1-2

   2. Will Jewish unfaithfulness cause God to fail to keep His promise? – 3-4

   3. Could God be just in punishing that which occasions evidence of His greatness? – 5-8

   4. Are Jews any better the Gentiles? – 9-20

2. Discusses God's plan for Man's righteousness – that it - -

   1. Has now been manifested – 21

   2. Is apart from the law – 21

   3. Was witnessed by the law – 21

   4. Was witnessed by the prophets – 21

   5. Involved faith in Jesus – 22

   6. Is for all them that believe – 22-23

   7. Is free – 24

   8. Is by God's grace – 24

   9. Involves the righteousness made possible through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus – 24

3. Discusses the Christ, involved in this plan, as the propitiatory sacrifice - -

   1. To this end God set him forth – 25

   2. He is our propitiation through faith – 25

   3. He is our propitiation by means of his blood – 25

   4. He established God's righteousness in passing over the sins done before – 25

   5. He establishes that God is just, and the justifier of his that has faith in Jesus – 26

   6. He excludes glorying on the part of those who accept His sacrifice – 27

4. Sets forth a wonderful conclusion - -

   1. Conclusion of the argument begun in 1:16 – 28

   2. Justification is possible – 28

   3. Justification is based upon faith – 28

   4. Justification is not base on works of law – 28

   5. God's plan is for both Jew and Gentile – 29

   6. God's plan actually establishes law – 30-31

CHAPTER FOUR AT A GLANCE

In this chapter Paul - -

1. Cites Abraham as an illustration of the principle of justification based on faith – 1-8

   1. He raises an introductory question about the mean's of Abraham's faith – 1

   2. Then he shows that Abraham was justified based on faith – not on law – as proved by the following:

      1. He had nothing in which to glory – 2

      2. The scripture teaches so – 3

      3. Works of the law rule out grace – 4-5

      4. David taught the same – 6-8

2. Shows that this principle applies with equal force to both Jews and Gentiles

   1. Raises a question regarding the scope of the blessing referred to in David's statement – 9

   2. Makes a reference to the basic fact under consideration – Abraham's faith – 9

   3. Discusses the time element involved in Abraham's faith – that it was before circumcision – 10

   4. Shows the designed consequences of this fact – 11-12

3. Emphasizes that from the first God intended that the Abrahamic promise be fulfilled through faith – not through law – 13-17

   1. States this fact plainly – 13

   2. Shows that the idea of fulfillment by law would nullify the promise – 14

   3. Stresses the consequences of the law – 15

   4. Emphasizes that the promise is -

      1. Of faith – 16

      2. According to grace – 16

      3. For all who believe – 16-17

4. Discusses Abraham's marvelous faith – 18-21

   1. In hope against hope he steadfastly believed that he would become a father of many nations – 18

   2. Consideration of his own physical condition did not weaken his faith – 19

   3. Consideration of Sarah's physical condition did not weaken his faith – 19

   4. He - -

      1. Looked to the promise – 20

      2. Wavered not through unbelief – 20

      3. Waxed strong through faith – 20

      4. Gave glory to God – 20

      5. Was fully assured that God was able to do what he had promised – 21

5. Shows that the statement about Abraham's faith applies to all who believed

   1. States this face plainly – 23-24

   2. Refers to Jesus our Lord – that

      1. God raised Him from the dead – 24

      2. He was delivered for our trespasses – 25

      3. He was raised for our justification – 25

CHAPTER FIVE AT A GLANCE

In this chapter, with particular reference to blessings of justification, Paul - -

1. Refers to the fact of justification by faith – 1

2. States that we have peace with god – 1

3. Mentions that we stand in grace – 2

4. States that we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God – 2

5. Emphasizes that we rejoice even in tribulation – 3

6. Discusses our wonderful hope – 4-5

7. Emphasized that the justified have the greater love of God – 6-9

8. States that we rejoice in God through Jesus Christ – 10-11

9. Mentions that the justified have reconciliation – 10

10. Explains in detail that the death of Christ far more than overcomes the effects of the sin of Adam. In this Paul says - -

    1. Sin entered the world – 12

    2. The gift is in contrast to the trespass – 15

    3. Justification is possible – 17

    4. The law made sin clear – grace brought righteousness – 21

CHAPTER SIX AT A GLANCE

In this chapter, and with particular reference to the obligation to live righteously, Paul - -

1. Emphasizes that the justified are not to continue to live in sin – 1-2

2. Explains why this is so – 3

3. Deal with the possibility that those addressed might not understand that in baptism they died to sin – 4

4. Explains in detail that the full significance of baptism makes clear the obligation to live righteously – 5-8

5. Stresses that Christians are not to allow themselves to be under the control or dominion of sin – 9-10

6. Shows that the fact of grace does not mean more sin, more grace – but, rather that the justified are obligated to be servants of righteousness – 11-23

   1. You are servants to whom you obey – 16

   2. You have become servants of righteousness – 17-18

   3. Therefore, live righteous lives – 19-29

   4. Enjoy the fruit of righteousness – 21-23

CHAPTER SEVEN AT A GLANCE

In this chapter, and especially in preparation for emphasizing the obligation to be governed by the Spirit, Paul discusses in minute detail the Mosaic law.

1. That those once under the law had been delivered from it – 1-6

   1. He states that law has dominion over a man while he lives – 1

   2. He mentions that a wife is bound to her husband only while the husband lives – 2

   3. He states that a woman is free to form another marriage after the death of her husband – 3

   4. he makes application of this illustration – 4

   5. He makes special reference to the kind of life lived under the law- 5

   6. He makes special reference to the kind of life lived under Christ – 6

2. that it was not the law, but sin, which produced spiritual death

   1. Paul raises a question – 13

   2. He answers the question – 13

   3. He explains what produced the death – 13

   4. He illustrates the power of sin, and the law's relationship to it – 14-17

   5. He refers to the condition of man under the law – 18-23

3. That there has to be some other means of deliverance

   1. Paul refers to the need for deliverance – 24

   2. He implies the very nature of the means of deliverance – 25

CHAPTER EIGHT AT A GLANCE

Reverting to the thought in 7:6, and having discussed the nature, consequences and the end of the Mosaic law – Paul stresses the obligation to be governed by the Spirit.

1. Stated that there is not condemnation to certain ones – 1

2. Explains why this is so – 2

3. Emphasizes that what the Mosaic law required but could not produce is realized in those who walk after the Spirit – 3-4

4. Contrasts the mind of the flesh and the mind of the spirit and thus emphasizes the importance of walking according to the Spirit – 5-8

5. Discusses the blessings which come from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit – 9-11

6. Stresses that we are debtors to live according to the Spirit – 12-13

7. Emphasizes that those who are led by the Spirit are children of God – 14-17

8. Cites the hope of glory as the factor of encouragement in suffering – 18-25

9. Stresses that our spirit helps our prayers – 26-27

10. Emphasizes that nothing can prevent God's working all things together – 28-39

CHAPTER NINE AT A GLANCE

In this chapter Paul begins the discussion regarding the condition of the Jews in view of their rejection of Christ and His gospel. This discussion continues through chapter 11. Paul - -

1. Refers to his own sorrow – 1-2

2. Explains the reason for the sorrow – the condition of the Jews – 3

3. Discusses the wonderful blessings particular to the Jews – 4-6

4. States that their condition does not mean that God's word has failed in any way – 6

5. Explains why this is so – 6-13

6. Emphasizes that the condition of fleshly Israel does not mean that God is unrighteous – 14-18

7. Stresses that the Jews have no right to question God's dealings – 19-24

8. Explains that even the prophets had talked of salvation of spiritual Israel – 25-29

9. States the conclusion necessary from these facts, and explains what had happened – 30-33

CHAPTER TEN AT A GLANCE

In this chapter Paul continues consideration of the condition of the Jews in view of their rejection of the Christ and His gospel. He emphasizes especially that their condition does not mean that their salvation was impossible and does not mean that they did not have ample opportunity to obey. Paul - -

1. Expresses his anxiety with reference to Israel's salvation – 1

2. Makes reference to their particular problem – 2

3. Explains their problem and cites the consequences of it – 3

4. mentions how Christ is related to the law, and to God's plan for righteousness – 4

5. Shows that even Moses explained the righteousness by the law demanded perfect obedience – 5

6. Discusses God's plan for righteousness - - that

   1. It is of faith – 6

   2. It does not demand the personal presence of Christ – 6-7

   3. It depends on the word – 8

   4. It is attainable – 8

   5. It demands confession of Christ – 9

   6. It demands faith in Christ – 10

7. States that this plan for righteousness is based on faith in Jesus

   1. Was foretold by Isaiah the prophet – 11

   2. Is for all who believe, because all need it – 12

   3. Requires calling on the name of the Lord – 13

8. Discusses what is involved in calling on the name of the Lord

   1. That it precedes and is essential to salvation – 13

   2. That it is preceded by faith – 14

   3. That faith is preceded by hearing – 14

   4. That hearing is preceded by preaching – 14

   5. That preaching is preceded by sending – 15

   6. That preaching is important and essential – 15

   7. That the order therefore is: sending, preaching, hearing, faith, calling, salvation

9. States that not all the Israelites obeyed the gospel message – 16

10. Mentions that this failure to obey was foretold by Isaiah – 16

11. States a necessary conclusion from Isaiah's statement – 17

12. Emphasizes that Israel heard the gospel message, but failed to understand (know) the significance of it. They failed to recognize that it was for them as well as for the Gentiles – 18-21

CHAPTER ELEVEN AT A GLANCE

In this chapter Paul concludes consideration of the condition of the Jews in view of their rejection of Christ and His gospel. He emphasizes that Israel's condition does not mean that God had cast off His people, that Israel's fall does not mean their salvation is impossible, the mystery regarding the Jews, and the magnificent wisdom of God. Paul - -

1. Asks the question, Did God cast off His people? - 1

2. Answers the question – 1

3. Refers to himself as an illustration if his answer – 1

4. States the necessary conclusion from the from the facts given – 2

5. Cites Elijah's plea and God's response as an illustration – 2-4

6. Makes application of the illustration – 5

7. States how the remnant was saved – 6

8. States another conclusion from the facts given – 7

9. Discusses the hardening of Israel – 8-10

10. Discusses the fact of Israel's fall, and the significance of it – 11-12

11. Refers to his relationship to the Gentiles – 13

12. Emphasizes that it is possible for Israel to be saved – that

    1. Receiving them would be life from the dead – 15

    2. Israel is holy – 16

    3. Gentiles should not glory in their condition – 18-19

    4. Faith is essential – 20

    5. It is possible for Gentiles to be broken off – 21

    6. God is good and severe – 22

    7. Israel can be saved – 23

13. Discusses the mystery of Israel – that

    1. A hardness in part had befallen Israel – 25

    2. Fulness of Genitles came in – 25

    3. SO all Israel shall be saved – 26

14. Stresses again that Israel can be saved – 26-32

15. Emphasizes the magnificent wisdom of God – 33-36

CHAPTER TWELVE AT A GLANCE

In this chapter Paul begins the discussion of the practical application of the gospel in the life of the Christian. This discussion continues through 15:13. Paul - -

1. Begs brethren to present their bodies as living sacrifices – 1

2. Admonishes them to not conform to this world – 2

3. Discusses the means and designed consequences of the transformation – 3

4. Instructs that each one think soberly – 3

5. Explains that we have different offices – 4-8

6. Admonishes with reference to a variety of subjects involved in the Christian's life - - love, evil, good, brethren's attitidue toward brethren, zeal and service, hope, tribulation, prayer, benevolence, hospitality, persecutors, consideration for others, partiality, humility, arrogance, retaliation, being honorable, striving for peace, vengeance, dealing with one's enemy, proper response to evil. - 9-21

CHAPTER THIRTEEN AT A GLANCE

This chapter continues the discussion of the practical application of the gospel in the life of the Christian. In this chapter, Paul discusses the Christian's relation to the civil powers, discusses God's law on living the life of a Christian, and admonishes the brethren to sonsider the time. Paul - -

1. Instructs Christians to be in subjection to the higher powers – 1

2. Gives an explanatory reason for this obligation – 2

3. States a necessary conclusion from the facts given – 2

4. Shows the proper mission of civil powers – 3

5. Shows how to be unafraid of the civil government – 4

6. The evil doer should be afraid – 5

7. Emphasizes again the mission of civil government – 6

8. Re-emphasizes the Christian's obligation to pay taxes, to respect the civil authorities – 7

9. Emphasizes the Christian's obligation to love one another – 8

10. Shows how love is related to God's law – 9-10

11. States that it is time to wake up – 11-12

12. Explains what is involved in waking up -13-14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN AT A GLANCE

Chapter 14 continues the discussion of practical Christianity. It shows specifically the attitude brethren should have toward others, even when there are conflicting opinions. This chapter discusses brotherly respect for the conviction of others and brotherly love in matters of indifference. Paul - -

1. Sets forth an obligation with reference to the weak – 1

2. Gives an illustration of the attitudes of the strong and weak – 2

3. Emphasizes the attitude which the strong and weak should have toward each other - 3

4. Explains why these brethren should not judge each other – 4

5. Gives another illustration of the attitudes of the strong and weak – 5

6. Stresses that both weak and strong were sincere and conscientious – 6

7. Gives additional proof that Christians belong to the Lord – 7-9

8. Emphasizes that all will be judged – 10-12

9. Emphasizes the right kind of Christian judging of other brethren – 13

10. States that now meat is unclean of itself, but are unclean to those who think so – 14

11. Explains that there is a restriction to Christian liberty – 15

12. Shows that this restriction on liberty grows out of the nature of the kingdom – 16-17

13. Stresses obligation which grows out of the nature of the kingdom – 18-19

14. Repeats the thought that nothing is unclean – 20

15. Repeats the restriction on Christian liberty – 21-22

16. Stresses that one must not violate his own conscience – 23

CHAPTER FIFTEEN AT A GLANCE

In 15:1-13 Paul deal with an exhortation which would be the natural outgrowth of brotherly consideration and brotherly love – an exhortation to unity among brethren. The exhortation relates especially to the need for unity among Jewish and Gentile brethren. In verses 14-23 Paul makes reference to several personal matters – his work among the Gentiles, his work with the great contribution, and his need for their prayers. In these verses Paul - -

1. Stresses that Christians are to work to please others – 1-3

2. Mentions that the Old Testament Scriptures enhance our hope – 4

3. Prays that God will help the brethren to be united – 5-7

4. Emphasizes that through Christ Jews and Gentiles have hope – 8-12

5. Prays that the brethren addressed might abound in hope – 13

6. Discusses his persuasion with regard to the brethren – 14

7. Explains why he has written – 15

8. Emphasizes his special ministry among the Gentiles – 16-21

9. Mentions his desire to visit Rome – 22-24

10. Mentions the present plans to go to Jerusalem with the contribution for the poor among the saints – 25-29

11. Requests the brethren to pray for him – 30

12. Prays for God's peace to be with them – 31-33

CHAPTER SIXTEEN AT A GLANCE

Chapter 16 is the final portion of the “conclusion.” In this chapter Paul - -

1. Warmly commends Phoebe – 1

2. Asks the brethren at Rome to extend greetings to certain ones who he specifies – 3-16

3. Warns with regard to trouble makers – 17-20

4. Sends greetings from those with him – 21-24

5. Extends the concluding doxology – 25-27