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 4:1-8) - Father Abraham pt. 1: By Faith, Not by Works
Main Point: God has always declared sinners to be righteous on the basis of faith, not works. Therefore...
I. Abraham affirms Paul's gospel (vv. 1-3)
II. God is gracious, not obliged (vv. 4-5)
III. David also delighted in grace (vv. 6-8)
(Romans 4:9-12) - Father Abraham pt. 2: By Faith, Not by Circumcision
Main Point: The glorious doctrine of justification by faith has far-reaching implications for our lives. Therefore...
I. We are first called to trust (vv. 9-10)
II. We are then called to obey (v. 11a)
III. We are also called to go (vv. 11b-12)
(Romans 4:13-15) - Father Abraham pt. 3: Faith Secures the Promise but the Law Brings Wrath
Main Point: Faith in Jesus Christ makes you a true Jew and an heir of the promise to Abraham. Therefore...
I. The promise is fulfilled in Christ (v. 13)
II. The promise is received by faith (v. 14)
III. The promise is forfeited by law (v. 15)
(Romans 4:16-17) - Father Abraham pt. 4: By Grace, Through Faith
Main Point: Like Abraham, our faith rests in God alone since...
I. God gives grace (v. 16a)
II. God gives faith (vv. 16b-17a)
III. God gives life (v. 17b)
(Romans 4:18-22) - Father Abraham pt. 5: Frailty, Faith, and Taking God at His Word
Main Point: Abraham's faith was anchored in the promises of Almighty God. Therefore, saving faith is...
I. Hopeful (v. 18)
II. Defiant (v. 19)
III. Empowered (vv. 20-21)
IV. Answered (v. 22)
(Romans 4:23-25) - Father Abraham pt. 6: Heirs of Grace Since Jesus Paid it All
Main Point: Unlike Abraham, the object of our faith has been gloriously revealed in
the Person and work of Jesus Christ. Therefore...
I. We see his glory in all of Scripture (vv. 23-24a)
II. We relish his grace by personal faith (v. 24b)
III. We marvel at the scandal of substitutionary atonement (v. 25a)
IV. We revel in the reality of a living Savior (v. 25b)
"We shall bring our Lord most glory if we get from him much grace. If I have much faith, so that I can take God at his Word...I shall greatly honor my Lord and King."
(Charles H. Spurgeon)
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