Introduction to Romans: New Life In Christ Jesus

Introduction to Romans:  New Life In Christ Jesus

Collin Leong.  September 18, 2025


A. Historical Summary

Romans isn’t just a letter—it’s a theological foundation. It has shaped Christian doctrine for centuries and continues to be a cornerstone for understanding grace, faith, and the righteousness of God,

1. Author: The Apostle Paul

  • Background: Formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, Paul was a devout Pharisee who persecuted Christians until a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). This moment transformed him into Christianity’s most prolific missionary and theologian.

  • Role: As “apostle to the Gentiles,” Paul’s mission was to spread the gospel beyond Jewish communities, emphasizing salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Audience: The Church in Rome

  • Composition: A mix of Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul had never visited this church, but he viewed them as spiritual kin. The Roman church was likely founded by Jewish Christians who had returned from Pentecost (Acts 2), and later expanded to include Gentiles.

  • Context: Rome was the epicenter of a vast empire, teeming with diverse cultures, languages, and religions. Roman gods, Greek philosophy, emperor worship, and imported cults coexisted.

  • Challenge: Claudius had expelled Jews from Rome (AD 49) due to unrest, likely over disputes about “Chrestus” (Christ). By the time of Paul’s writing, Jewish Christians were returning, finding a Gentile-led church. Tensions existed between Jewish and Gentile believers, especially regarding the law, customs, and identity. Paul writes to unify them under the gospel.

3. Date and Location of Writing

  • Date: Around AD 57–58

  • Location: Written from Corinth during Paul’s third missionary journey,

4. Purpose and Themes

  • Purpose:

    • To prepare for his upcoming visit to Rome

    • To use Rome as a launchpad for future missions to Spain (Romans 15:23–24)

    • To present a clear, systematic theology of the gospel

    • To encourage unity and spiritual maturity among believers

  • Themes:
    • Justification by Faith. Salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned by works (Romans 3:28)
    • Universal Sinfulness. All have sinned and need redemption (Romans 3:23)
    • Grace and Redemption. Christ’s death reconciles humanity to God (Romans 5:8–11)
    • Life in the Spirit. Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live transformed lives (Romans 8:1–2)
    • God’s Sovereignty. God’s plan includes both Jews and Gentiles, and His promises remain true (Romans 9–11)
    • Christian Ethics. Practical guidance for living out faith in community, humility, and love (Romans 12–15)

B. Key Messages

1. The Power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16)

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation…”

Message: The gospel isn’t just good advice—it’s divine power that transforms lives. 

Application: We can live boldly, knowing that faith in Christ is not weakness but strength. Share the gospel with confidence, not fear.

2. Universal Sinfulness (Romans 3:23)

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Message: No one is righteous on their own. We all need grace.

Application: This truth humbles us and levels the playing field. It reminds us to extend grace to others, knowing we’re all in need of mercy.

3. Justification by Faith (Romans 3:24; 5:1)

“Justified freely by His grace… through faith we have peace with God.” 

Message: We are made right with God not by works, but by trusting in Jesus. 

Application: Stop striving to earn God’s love. Rest in the assurance that you are accepted and loved because of Christ.

4. Grace Over Sin (Romans 5:20)

“Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” 

Message: God’s grace is greater than our worst failures. 

Application: Don’t let guilt define you. Receive grace—and extend it to others who feel unworthy.

5. New Life in Christ (Romans 6:4)

“We too may walk in newness of life. 

Message: Faith unites us with Christ’s death and resurrection. 

Application: Live like someone who’s been raised from the dead—free, purposeful, and transformed.

6. Freedom from Condemnation (Romans 8:1)

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Message: Guilt and shame don’t have the final word. Application: Walk in freedom. Let go of past mistakes and embrace your identity in Christ.

7. Life in the Spirit (Romans 8:5–14)

Message: The Spirit empowers us to live beyond the flesh. 

Application: Tune your heart to the Spirit’s voice. Make decisions rooted in love, wisdom, and spiritual discernment.

8. God’s Sovereign Plan (Romans 9–11)

Message: God is faithful to His promises—His plan includes both Jews and Gentiles. 

Application: Trust God’s timing and wisdom, even when life feels uncertain. His story is bigger than ours.

9. Transformed Living (Romans 12:1–2)

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 

Message: The gospel demands a response—a life of worship and renewal. 

Application: Let your faith shape your choices, relationships, and values. Live intentionally and sacrificially.

10. Unity in Diversity (Romans 14–15)

Message: Don’t divide over disputable matters. Welcome one another. 

Application: Practice humility and grace in community. Celebrate differences while pursuing unity.


C. Framework

1. Grace and Grit: The Gospel Reclaims the World (Romans 1–2)

Paul doesn’t ease into his message—he launches a manifesto. The gospel is not advice; it’s an announcement. A righteousness from God is revealed, and the world is indicted. Grace enters like a lion, roaring against sin and self-righteousness alike.

Ch 1: Wrath and Revelation Creation speaks, but humanity plugs its ears. The truth is traded for lies, and the result is ruin. Yet amid the wreckage, Paul unveils a righteousness that doesn’t come from effort—it comes from faith. The gospel is power, not platitude.

Ch 2: Judgment and Justice No one escapes scrutiny—not the pagan, not the moralist, not the Jew. God’s judgment is impartial, and His justice is exacting. Hypocrisy is exposed, and the law becomes a mirror. The stage is set for a grace that levels all pretension.


2. Faith and Freedom: The Gospel Rewrites Identity (Romans 3–5)

The courtroom is silent. Every mouth is shut. But then—justification. Not earned, but given. Faith becomes the doorway, and Abraham becomes the prototype. Grace doesn’t just forgive; it redefines.

Ch 3: Silence and Salvation All have sinned. All fall short. But God intervenes. Righteousness is gifted, not achieved. The cross becomes the meeting place of justice and mercy. Boasting dies, and faith rises.

Ch 4: Promise and Proof Abraham believed, and it was counted as righteousness. Before law, before circumcision—faith was the foundation. The promise was never about performance; it was always about trust.

Ch 5: Peace and Power Justified by faith, we stand in grace. Adam brought death; Christ brings life. The gospel doesn’t just rescue—it reigns. Where sin increased, grace overflowed.


3. Death and Dominion: The Gospel Breaks Chains (Romans 6–8)

Grace doesn’t excuse sin—it empowers transformation. Baptism becomes burial. The law is dethroned. The Spirit enters, and a new creation begins. No condemnation. No separation. Just freedom.

Ch 6: Burial and Breakthrough Dead to sin, alive to God. Grace doesn’t enable rebellion—it demands allegiance. Slavery to righteousness becomes the new liberation.

Ch 7: Struggle and Surrender The law is good, but powerless. The flesh is weak, and war rages within. Paul cries out—not in defeat, but in longing. Deliverance is near.

Ch 8: Spirit and Security No condemnation. The Spirit leads, groans, and guarantees. Suffering is real, but glory is greater. Nothing can separate us—not death, not demons, not despair.


4. Covenant and Calling: The Gospel Honors the Story (Romans 9–11)

Israel’s story isn’t erased—it’s expanded. God’s promises stand, even when misunderstood. Mercy chooses, hardens, and restores. The grafting is painful, but the tree is alive.

Ch 9: Sovereignty and Surprise God chooses. Not by merit, not by lineage. The potter shapes, and the clay questions. Mercy is not tame—it’s wild and wise.

Ch 10: Proclamation and Pursuit Faith comes by hearing. The word goes out, but not all respond. Still, God stretches out His hands. The gospel chases the resistant.

Ch 11: Mystery and Mercy A remnant remains. Gentiles are grafted in. Israel will be restored. God’s plan is deeper than doctrine—it’s a drama of mercy.


5. Sacrifice and Service: The Gospel Transforms Community (Romans 12–16)

Theology becomes ethics. Mercy demands movement. Worship becomes lifestyle. The body becomes a mosaic of gifts. Love leads, and unity triumphs.

Ch 12: Renewal and Response Offer your body. Renew your mind. Live transformed. Grace becomes action, and gifts become service.

Ch 13: Authority and Allegiance Submit to rulers, but owe no one anything but love. The gospel doesn’t overthrow—it undergirds. Light is dawning; live ready.

Ch 14–15: Conscience and Community Don’t divide over disputable matters. Welcome one another. Christ bore reproach—so bear with the weak. Unity isn’t optional; it’s gospel-shaped.

Ch 16: Greetings and Glory Names matter. Stories matter. The gospel travels through relationships. And in the end, Paul erupts in praise: to the only wise God, be glory forever.



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