THE ROMAN ROAD TO CHRIST
The Book of Romans
God's Soul-Winner’s Resource
Note: The best way to use this is to learn the outline, mark the passages in your Bible and teach directly from that.
INTRODUCTION (1:1-13)
Soul winning begins with a soul winner.
To win souls, there are four concepts that must take root.
Rom. 1:14. "I am a debtor. . ."
Rom. 1:15. "I am ready"
Rom. 1:16. "I am not ashamed. . ."
Rom. 1:16. Recognize the gospel is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes…”
A SOUL WINNER MUST GO
Matt. 28:19-20. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Mark. 16:15-16. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Matt. 24:14. The gospel must be preached in all nations and then shall the end come.
Romans 10:14-15 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
The most difficult door to get through is your own!
A. THE PROBLEM PRESENTED (1:18-32)
The wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness. (1:18)
1. Source of the problem.
a. God manifested himself to man (1:19-20)
b. But, man rejected God (1:21-23)
2. God's response
a. He gave them up to dishonor their bodies (1:24-25)
b. He gave them up to vile affections (1:26-27)
c. He gave them up to a reprobate mind (1:28)
3. Man’s mess.
a. Problems listed (1:29-31)
b. God's judgment is not only against those who do such things but those who approve of them. (1:32)
1. We are all part of the problem--not just "they." (2:1-10)
2. God is no respecter of persons. (2:11-29)
3. Initial objections
a. What about our religious relatives?
-God blesses those who serve Him as He sees fit. Each is responsible for himself to God. (3:1-2)
-Failure of some to believe does not void the word of God. (3:3)
-God will be right even if every man is wrong. (3:4)
b. Isn’t it unjust for God to judge and bring wrath upon people? (3:5-6)
Answer: God must judge the world.
c. Are we maintaining that God's goodness frees us to do as we please? (3:7-8)
Answer: Not at all. That slanderously distorts the grace of God.
Conclusion: There is none righteous, no not one. All have sinned and fallen short. (3:9-18)
1. Justification is by grace through faith (3:21-26)
John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Not by our good works.
Titus 3:5 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit;
2. Abraham’s example shows that faith is counted for righteousness. (4:1-5, 22-25)
D. BENEFITS RECEIVED: Reassurance in Christ
1. Justification by faith results in peace with God --wrath removed (5:1)
2. Access to God results in rejoicing in hope of Glory of God (5:2)
3. Even in tribulations we glory (5:3-4)
Tribulations > patience > experience > hope
4. Hope with God will not be disappointed (5:5-11)
a. The love of God is shed in our hearts through the Holy Spirit (5:5)
b. If Christ died for us when we were yet sinners much more may we be reassured now that we have been reconciled. (5:5-11)
Adam’s sin brought death upon all of his seed, so also Christ's death brings salvation to all in him.
Not at all. Salvation by faith is not a license to sin. When we were baptized into Christ we were baptized into his death. The old man is dead and therefore must not continue in sin.
Romans 6:17...ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
When God speaks of “faith,” He means a faith that lives – one that does not only believe but also obeys. (cf. James 2:14-18; Luke 6:46 ; John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 1John 2:3)
1. The change in baptism
Rom. 6:3 We are baptized into Christ (cf. 1Cor. 12:13)
Galatians 3:27-29 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
2Cor 5:17 If any man is in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away, all things have become new
Rom 8:1 There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus
Rom 6:3-4 We are baptized into his death (cf. Col. 2:12-13)
Rom 6:4 We “rise to walk in newness of life (cf. Col. 2:12-13; John 3:5; 2Cor. 5:17)
Rom 6:7 We are freed from sin (cf. Acts 2:38; 22:16)
Rom 8:9-16, 26 -27 We receive the Holy Spirit to help us (cf. Acts 2:38; 1Cor. 12:13; John 3:5; 1John 5:8; Eph. 1:13-14; Titus 3:5)
2. Baptism is a burial – (Rom. 6:4-5; Col. 2:12-13; --in water, Acts 8:36-38; Heb. 10:22; Mark 1:9-10; John 3:23 )
3. Baptism is for believers – not infants. (Rom. 10:9-10; Heb. 8:8-13; Acts 2:38; 8:37; Mark 16:16)
4. Baptism is a commitment to live a new life. We must truly repent from sin. Jesus must be Lord of our lives. (Rom. 6:4, 7-23; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30)
a. The Holy Spirit helps us (8:1-27)
b. God planned for our salvation. (8:28-33)
c. Christ died for us (8:31-34)
Conclusion: We are more than conquerors through Him! (8:37-39)
This is the favorite stronghold of Calvinism – unconditional predestination and unconditional grace—However, chapter 11 clearly shows that eternal destiny is not unalterably fixed. (Rom. 11:17-24) Compare also Rom. 5:18 ; 2 Pet. 1:10; 3:9; Rev. 22: 17; Titus 2:11; 2 Cor. 5:14; Acts 2:40; 17:30.
1. God has the right to save whoever he wills. (chapter 9)
a. Election is based on God’s promise--
1) Not family relationships (9:1-9)
2) Not on priority of birth or goodness (9:10-13)
b. Does extending grace make God unrighteous? God forbid (9:14)
1) He told Moses that he would have mercy on whoever he pleased (9:15-18)
2) The potter has the right to show mercy to vessels worthy of destruction (9:19-33)
2. God’s righteousness is shown in all He did to save Israel. (Chapter 10)
Rom 10: 9 If you will confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and will believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved: 10 for with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be put to shame. 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: 13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
THE CHALLENGE OF THE ROMAN ROAD
Three simple questions:
a. Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) promised in the scriptures? (Acts 8:36-37)
b. Are you willing for Him to be Lord of your life? (Acts 22:16 )
c. Are you ready to be baptized into Christ? (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 8:1; Acts 2:38 ; 1 Pet. 3:20-21)
If they are not ready, gently ask why, and how you can be of help. Ask questions and offer possible solutions but DO NOT attempt to pressure them. Ask WHEN they may be ready.
These questions are only suggestions. They may be worded differently, depending on the person and circumstances.
3. God’s love is shown by his invitation remaining open (Rom 11)
Romans 11:22-23 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be gaffed in: for God is able to graft them in again.
Revelation 22:17 17 And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
B. Responsibilities to governing authorities and fellow man (Romans 13)
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
A.R.J. final comments
Some years back I was working out front of the church. I had read the book, Evangelism Explosion by Kennedy and was impressed by the idea of some clear simple way of presenting the Gospel to bring people to Christ in one sitting. However, I felt the book was a bit “canned.” It cited a lot of scriptures which had to be memorized and put together in an arbitrary order not naturally found in scripture. Some of the presentation seemed to be tricky questions to catch the prospect by surprise based on false assumptions. Further, some very important concepts were omitted.
As I worked, a big burly Irish-looking fellow I had never seen before walked up and asked what time the mail came. We continued to chat and somehow started talking about the serious problems in the world that seemed to be out of control.
I mentioned that I had a book that explained a lot of the problems and asked if he would like to see it. He said he would and I went in and got my Bible. I turned to the list of problems and their causes cited in the first chapter of Romans. As he listened I wondered just how far my impromptu session could be taken.
He was impressed at how chapter one so clearly set forth the problems we see in the world. I told him that really impressed me when I read it, but then I went on to the second chapter. It was no longer what “they” have done to the world but suddenly the finger was pointed at me. I am a part of the problem. I am without excuse because I have done the same things.
Chapter three goes on to answer objections and says there is none righteous—no not one. That is sobering.
But it then shows that God has a solution—salvation by grace, imputed righteousness through faith in the sacrifice of Christ. I continued on through Romans, teaching him about faith, repentance and baptism to the tenth chapter where I asked if he had accepted Jesus as Lord of his life. He said he had not. I asked if he would like to do so. He said he would. I told him that the baptistery was filled with water and asked if he was ready to make that commitment now. He said he was. I took him that same hour and baptized him into Christ-and he went on his way rejoicing.
Romans is God’s plan of personal evangelism made plain. No man can make anything better.
Romans 1:16-17 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.