Romans: The Gospel of Gods Righteousness
A thorough, chapter-by-chapter exposition of Paul's letter to the Romans - widely regarded as the fullest, most systematic presentation of the gospel in all of Scripture. This course walks through all sixteen chapters in genuine depth, examining Paul's argument as it actually unfolds: humanity's universal need for righteousness, justification by faith alone, the believer's new life in the Spirit, God's sovereign purposes for Israel, and the practical, transformed living that flows from the gospel.
Learning Objectives
- Trace Paul's sustained theological argument across all sixteen chapters of Romans
- Understand the doctrine of justification by faith as Paul himself develops it
- Understand Paul's teaching on sin, the law, and humanity's condition apart from Christ
- Understand Paul's teaching on sanctification and life in the Spirit
- Understand Paul's extended treatment of Israel's place in God's redemptive plan
- Apply Paul's practical instructions for Christian living found in Romans 12-16
Syllabus
Overview
This course walks through the entire letter to the Romans, chapter by chapter, tracing Paul's sustained argument from humanity's universal condemnation under sin, through justification by faith, sanctification and life in the Spirit, God's purposes for Israel, and the practical shape of transformed Christian living.
Reading Plan
Week 1: Introduction to Romans. Weeks 2-17: Romans chapters 1 through 16, one chapter per week. Week 18: Concluding synthesis of the whole letter.
Required Materials
A personal Bible in one of the following standard translations: ESV, NIV, NASB 1995, CSB, LSB, or NLT; a notebook for tracing Paul's argument chapter by chapter.
Grading & Completion
Assessment focuses on engagement with the text of Romans itself and demonstration of comprehension. Students complete weekly reading assignments and a short weekly quiz covering that week's chapter. A final exam covering the entire letter is available once every week has been passed.
Course Outcomes
- Upon completion, students will be able to explain Paul's argument in Romans chapter by chapter, in its own logical sequence
- Upon completion, students will be able to articulate the doctrine of justification by faith with biblical precision
- Upon completion, students will be able to explain how Romans 9-11 addresses Israel's place in God's plan
- Upon completion, students will be able to identify and explain key practical commands Paul gives in Romans 12-16
Weekly Lessons
- Wk 1 Introduction to Romans
- Wk 2 Romans 1: The Gospel Revealed, and Humanity's Guilt Exposed
- Wk 3 Romans 2: No One Is Exempt - The Moralist and the Jew Under Judgment
- Wk 4 Romans 3: The Universal Verdict, and the Righteousness of God Revealed
- Wk 5 Romans 4: Abraham, Justified by Faith Alone
- Wk 6 Romans 5: Peace with God, and Adam Contrasted with Christ
- Wk 7 Romans 6: Dead to Sin, Alive to God
- Wk 8 Romans 7: The Law, Sin, and the Believer's Inner Struggle
- Wk 9 Romans 8: No Condemnation, Life in the Spirit, and Unshakable Love
- Wk 10 Romans 9: God's Sovereign Choice and Israel's Place
- Wk 11 Romans 10: Righteousness by Faith, and the Word That Must Be Heard
- Wk 12 Romans 11: The Remnant, the Grafted Branches, and the Mystery of Israel
- Wk 13 Romans 12: Living Sacrifices, Spiritual Gifts, and Genuine Love
- Wk 14 Romans 13: Governing Authorities, Love's Fulfillment, and Living in the Light
- Wk 15 Romans 14: Disputable Matters and Genuine Christian Liberty
- Wk 16 Romans 15: Following Christ's Example, and Paul's Ministry Plans
- Wk 17 Romans 16: Personal Greetings and the Closing Doxology
- Wk 18 Concluding Synthesis: From Wrath to Worship
Midterm & Final Exams
Final Exam: Final Quiz 45 ptsThe Final Exam stays locked until every week above is passed.