Romans

Theme 1 Humanity is sinful and unholy and in need of Christ’s salvation. Paul noted how society had rejected God’s truth as revealed in nature and was therefore punished. (1:18-20). Paul noted how tradition and ritual did not matter as salvation was a process of our heart. Those who obeyed the Lord out of love would be considered holy whether they were Jews or Gentiles. (2:27-29). Paul stated that it was through Christ’s righteousness that all people could be saved and be made right before God. ( 3:21-26). Paul noted how Abraham who was a good person was considered righteous through faith in God just as our righteousness comes from accepting and believing in Christ’s salvation through faith. (4:23-25).

Theme 2 When we accept Christ’s salvation, the Holy Spirit lives in us and we are empowered to live holy lives. Paul noted how God used the experiences we had in life to mold us into people who were holy and righteous. (5:15-21). In Romans 6 he stated that we were dead to our old nature and desires and given new life in Christ. ( 6:6-11). Paul stated that as followers of Christ we belonged to him and that we had the purpose of bearing fruit for God. ( 7:4-5). As people living a new life in Christ we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives set apart for Christ. (8:10-11). we are made like Christ and are part of his family. (8:29).

Theme 3 : The salvation God gave to humanity through Jesus Christ is available to all and as his followers we need to tell others about it. Paul stated that salvation was not based upon anything people did but on God’s mercy. ( 9:16). God’s plan is to make his followers vessels of his mercy who share the gospel with all people. (9:22-24). Salvation is given to all people without distinction. (10:12-13). Part of our witness is the offering of our lives to God as living sacrifices and through mediation on God’s word being changed by the Holy Spirit and being transformed into people who follow him. (Romans 12:1-2).

Theme 4 : The need to be a witness by our conduct, submission to authority and to do things which help those who are new in the Christian faith. Romans 13:1-2 command Christians to submit to the government which has been put in place by God. The main rule to obey is that of loving others and fulfilling the law. (13:8-10). Mature Christians are to refrain from practices which cause others to stumble in their faith. (14:19-20). Paul stated that those who were strong in the Christian faith were to encourage the weaker persons in their faith. (15:1).