L 103 – Romans CS

Part 1: The Problem – Condemnation (Lessons 1–5)

• Focus: Romans 1–3:20.
• Summary: Speer establishes that the entire world is “guilty before God.” He details how the Gentiles fell into idolatry and immorality, and how the Jews, despite having the Law, failed to keep it. The conclusion is that no one can be justified by their own merit or law-keeping.

Part 2: The Solution – Justification (Lessons 6–9)

• Focus: Romans 3:21–5:21.
• Summary: This section explores the “heart of the Gospel.” Speer explains that righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. He uses Abraham as the primary example of someone justified by faith before the Law existed, proving that peace with God comes through Christ’s sacrifice, not human effort.

Part 3: The New Life – Sanctification (Lessons 10–16)

• Focus: Romans 6–8.
• Summary: These lessons address how a believer lives after being justified.
  • Chapter 6: Explores baptism as a death to the old self and a resurrection to a new life.
  • Chapter 7: Discusses the internal struggle between the “flesh” and the desire to do good.
  • Chapter 8: Highlights the role of the Holy Spirit, our adoption as God’s children, and the ultimate assurance that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Part 4: The Mystery – Israel’s Status (Lessons 17–19)

• Focus: Romans 9–11.
• Summary: Paul takes a “parenthesis” to discuss the Jewish people. Speer explains God’s sovereign choice in history, Israel’s rejection of Jesus as the “stumbling stone,” and the concept of the “Remnant.” He uses the Olive Tree metaphor to show how Gentiles were grafted in and how God still desires to save the Jews.

Part 5: Practical Application – Living Sacrifices (Lessons 20–22)

• Focus: Romans 12–13.
• Summary: The study shifts from “doctrine” to “doing.” Speer emphasizes presenting our bodies as “living sacrifices” and using our unique spiritual gifts to serve the church. He also covers the believer’s responsibility to submit to governing authorities and the “continuing debt” to love one another.

Part 6: The Goal – Unity and Doxology (Lessons 23–25)

• Focus: Romans 14–16.
• Summary: Speer identifies the heart of the Roman church’s conflict: disunity between “Strong” and “Weak” believers over food and sacred days. Paul’s solution is mutual acceptance and “edification” (building up). The series concludes with a warning against those who cause divisions and a final song of praise (doxology) to the God who establishes us.

Theme Verse for Summary: > “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)