by J. Aaron White
I blush to post this series of blogs. Men of much greater intellectual and spiritual stature than I have masterfully unpacked Paul's magnum opus, the Book of Romans. Yet I experienced the joy (and headache) of preaching through Romans for over four years to a local congregation. I realize that four years is a paltry attempt compared to the likes of Lloyd-Jones or Piper, but I tried nonetheless.
What follows is my attempt to help you, fellow preacher, bring your flock joyfully, soundly, and Christ-exaltingly through the Book of Romans. The sermon outlines provided are in no way meant to bind your conscience. If you feel that your exegesis is clearer and more faithful to the text, please use your own!
(Romans 5:1-4) - Unshakable Hope pt. 1: The Results of Justification in the Real World
Main Point: Since we have been justified by faith, we are presently assured of . . .
I. Peace with God (v. 1)
II. Life-sustaining grace (v. 2a)
III. Hope of glorification (v. 2b)
IV. Hope in sanctification (vv. 3-4)
(Romans 5:5-8) - Unshakable Hope pt. 2: God's Love for Us Confirmed by the Spirit and the Cross
Main Point: Seeing and savoring God’s love for us assures us that we will obtain what we hope for. Therefore, the gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to . . .
I. Face final judgment unashamed (v. 5)
II. See the magnitude of God’s love for us (v. 6)
III. Relish the depth of God’s love for us (vv. 7-8)
(Romans 5:9-11) - Unshakable Hope pt. 3: God's Work for Us and the Confidence to Face Judgment
Main Point: God’s willingness and ability to satisfy his own wrath against us and overcome our rebellion in the past assures us that he will complete the work in the end. Therefore . . .
I. God brings sinners to grace and saints to glory (vv. 9-10)
II. God’s greatest gift to sinners is the gift of God (v. 11)
(Romans 5:12-14) - The Realm of Hopelessness: Union with Adam and its Lethal Effects
Main Point: Since the Fall, all of humanity lives under one of two realms. Therefore . . .
I. In Adam, there is only death (v. 12)
II. In Adam, death reigns before and after the law (vv. 13-14)
III. In Christ, we have hope of sharing God’s glory
(Romans 5:15-17) - The Realm of Grace: Adam and Christ Contrasted
Main Point: The first Adam ushered in the realm of death; the Last Adam ushered in the realm of grace. Therefore, Christ’s achievement is . . .
I. Qualitatively Superior (v. 15)
II. Judicially Superior (v. 16)
III. Eschatologically Superior (v. 17)
(Romans 5:18-21) - Sin, Sovereignty, and the Supremacy of Christ
Main Point: God ordained the fall of Adam to display the glory of his grace through the Person and work of his Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, the universe marvels because of . . .
I. Sinners Pardoned (v. 18)
II. Sinners Clothed (v. 19)
III. Sinners Saved (v. 20)
IV. Sinners Kept (v. 21)
“That one single misdeed should be answered by judgment, this is perfectly understandable: that the accumulated sins and guilt of all the ages should
be answered by God’s free gift, this is the miracle of miracles,
utterly beyond human comprehension.”
(C.E.B. Cranfield, The Epistle to the Romans)