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 8:26-27) The Pilgrim's Prayer: The Holy Spirit and the Cries of God's Children
Main Point: Believers do not know how to perfectly pray for God’s will to be done in their lives. Therefore, the Holy Spirit . . .
I. Makes up for their finite understanding (v. 26a)
II. Conforms and articulates their deepest longings (v. 26b)
III. Always receives an answer from God (v. 27)
(Romans 8:28) Suffering and Sovereignty: God's Presence, Purpose, and Power in Our Pain
Main Point: Suffering believers have the assurance that God is working in the present for their ultimate good. Therefore, God’s providence . . .
I. Calls for sober reflection and study
II. Encompasses both pain and pleasure
III. Focuses his love peculiarly on believers
(Romans 8:29) The Purpose of Predestination: Our Joy and the Glory of Jesus Christ
Main Point: God’s sovereign decree to save the elect and glorify his Son is unstoppable. It includes a . . .
I. Specific People
II. Specific Plan
III. Specific Praise
(Romans 8:30) The Glad Shackles of the Golden Chain: Resting in God's Steadfast Promises
Main Point: For the believer, suffering and groaning in this life are not obstacles to God’s plan because . . .
I. Link 1: He Decrees Their Destiny
II. Link 2: He Opens Their Eyes
III. Link 3: He Pardons Their Guilt
IV. Link 4: He Secures Their Joy
(Romans 8:31-32) God For Us: Mocking Our Suffering with the Sure Promises of the Gospel
Main Point: The suffering of this life pales in comparison to what God has done for us in Christ. He has secured . . .
I. An Exhaustive Salvation (v. 31)
II. An Effective Salvation (v. 32a)
III. An Engulfing Salvation (v. 32b)
(Romans 8:33-34) Breaking the Serpent's Fangs: Our Accuser in the Court of the Gospel
Main Point: Believers need not fear the Day of Judgment because . . .
I. Their Judge Has Already Given a Verdict (v. 33)
II. Their Defense Attorney is the Evidence (v. 34)
III. Their Prosecutor is Silenced and Defeated
(Romans 8:35-37) Grinning Sheep: The Perplexing Joy of God's Children
Main Point: Even though we suffer tribulation and trials, our joy is unshakable. We must realize . . .
I. What Could Happen (v. 35)
II. What Does Happen (v. 36)
III. What Will Happen (v. 37)
(Romans 8:38-39) We Are Sure: Living by Faith in the Promises of God
Main Point: There is no conceivable threat that can thwart God’s promise to bring us home. We are assured by . . .
I. The Testimony of Other Believers (v. 38a)
II. The Nature of God Himself (v. 38b-39a)
III. The Quality of Christ’s Love (39b)