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 8:1-4) Freed to Follow: The Liberating Power of the Indwelling Spirit
Main Point: The New Covenant promise to liberate God’s people from sin is now being realized through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Therefore, we must understand . . .
I. The Thesis: The Spirit Liberates Us from Sin’s Dominance (vv. 1-2)
II. The Necessity: Unrighteous Humans Cannot Obey the Law (v. 3a)
III. The Solution: Penal Substitutionary Atonement (v. 3b)
IV. The Purpose: To Bring About the Obedience of Faith (v. 4)
(Romans 8:5-8) Signs of Life: What Our Mindset Says About Our Soul
Main Point: Our mindset reveals our nature. Therefore, we must see the . . .
I. Reality – What we treasure reveals our heart (v. 5)
II. Results – God is either our treasure or our judge (v. 6)
III. Response – Displeasure and wrath await those in the flesh (vv. 7-8)
(Romans 8:9) In the Spirit: The Role of the Holy Spirit and the Believer's Security
Main Point: Assurance of salvation is directly linked to the Person and presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit since . . .
I. His Presence Confirms Our Adoption (9a)
II. His Absence Confirms Our Need (9b)
(Romans 8:10-11) Safe and Sound: The Spirit's Comfort in Uncomfortable Bodies
Main Point: Believers live in the tension of the already/not yet. Therefore . . .
I. We are now free from sin’s power (v. 10)
II. We will be free from sin’s presence (v. 11)
III. We are called to joyful sobriety in the overlap of the ages
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