1. A letter to the local churches in the city of Rome
2. A letter for Christians about the Gospel
3. A letter that follows a clear plan and purpose

An Outline of Romans

Introduction 1:1-17

I. The reason for the Gospel: universal guilt (1:18-3:20)
     A. Every Gentile is guilty 1:18-32
     B. Every “good person” (or, moralist) is guilty 2:1-16
     C. Every Jew is guilty 2:17-3:8
     D. Every person ever is guilty 3:9-20

II. The heart of the Gospel: justification by faith (3:21-4.25)
     A. The “righteousness of God” is explained 3:21-31
     B. Justification by grace through faith is illustrated in the Old Testament 4:1-25    

III. The benefits of the Gospel: freedom and confidence (5:1-8:39)
     A. Relational peace with God (including access to Him, hope in Him, joy because of Him, love for Him) 5:1-11
     B. We gain a new representative before God (Goodbye Adam, Hello Jesus) 5:12-21
     C. Release from enslavement to sin 6:1-23
     D. Freedom from bondage to the Law 7:1-25
     E. Assurance of persevering life in the Holy Spirit 8:1-39

IV. The problem created by the Gospel: Israel’s destiny (9:1-11:36)
     A. Stating the problem: how can God’s promises be trusted when you look at Israel’s current unbelief? 9:1-5
     B. Solving the problem by unpacking what election means 9:6-29 

     C. Solving the problem by understanding the free offer of the Gospel 9:30-10-21
     D. Solving the problem by considering a remnant theology 11:1-10
     E. Saving the problem by grasping how the promises to Israel will be answered in the future 11:11-36

V. The life changing power of the Gospel: real love (12:1-15:13)
     A. Christians devote themselves fully to God in love 12:1-2
     B. Christians live in order to lovingly serve others 12:3-8
     C. Christians walk in the church and this world with an authentic love 12:9-21
     D. Christians lovingly submit to their governing authorities 13:1-7
     E. Christians fulfill the law with love 13:8-14
     F. Christians die to their preferences in order to love one another 14:1-15:13

Conclusion 15:14-16:23