Series Details
Romans is Paul’s greatest literary achievement—his magnum opus. It is the constitution of the Christian faith, providing theology and guidance for Christians of all generations.
In this engaging series on Romans, Pastor Chuck Swindoll teaches on key Christian doctrines and Christian living. You won’t want to miss his encouragement and exhortation.
Dive deep into Romans and “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2).
The book of Romans is Paul’s magnum opus—the definitive constitution of the Christian faith. In this second volume of the series, Chuck Swindoll guides us through the final eight chapters of this foundational book. We move from the complex theological questions regarding Israel’s future and God’s elective purposes into the intensely practical applications of what it means to live as a “living sacrifice.” This series provides essential doctrine for the mind and practical guidance for a life transformed by the power of a renewed mind.
Three Faces of God
Sermon Summary In Romans 9–11, Paul addresses difficult questions regarding God’s relationship with the Jewish people. This opening message explores the “three faces” of God revealed in these chapters: His sovereignty, His justice, and His unwavering faithfulness. We learn that while God’s ways are often beyond our full understanding, we can rest in the certainty that He is always consistent with His character and His promises.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Sovereignty of God: Recognizing God’s right to rule and choose according to His purposes.
- God’s Faithfulness: Understanding that God has not abandoned His covenant people.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Romans 9–11
Straight Talk about Predestination
Sermon Summary Predestination is one of the most debated topics in theology. Chuck provides “straight talk” on this difficult subject, moving past academic arguments to the heart of what Paul is teaching. We explore the mystery of divine election and why it should lead a believer to deep humility and worship rather than confusion or pride.
Key Facts & Themes
- Divine Election: The biblical reality of God’s proactive choice in salvation.
- Humility in Mystery: Approaching the “deep things of God” with a posture of worship.
Straight Talk about Responsibility
Sermon Summary While God is sovereign, man is responsible. This message provides the necessary balance to the doctrine of election. Chuck discusses the human responsibility to hear and respond to the Gospel. We see that God’s sovereignty does not negate our duty to believe, nor does it diminish the urgency of the Great Commission to share the Good News with all.
Key Facts & Themes
- Human Volition: The necessity of a personal response to Christ.
- The Urgency of Witness: Why the doctrine of sovereignty fuels, rather than hinders, evangelism.
The Jews: Forgotten or Set Aside?
Sermon Summary Has God finished His plan for Israel? Paul addresses this directly in Romans 11. Chuck explains the distinction between being “forgotten” and being temporarily “set aside” so that the Gospel could go to the Gentiles. We learn about the “grafting in” of the Gentiles and the future restoration of Israel, highlighting God’s master plan for all humanity.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Future of Israel: God’s ongoing commitment to the descendants of Abraham.
- Grafted In: The relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers in the church.
Unsearchable, Unfathomable, and Unmatched!
Sermon Summary Paul concludes his deep theological journey with a magnificent doxology. This message focuses on the limitlessness of God’s wisdom and knowledge. When we reach the end of our ability to explain the “whys” of God, our only proper response is to fall down in praise of the One who is truly unsearchable and unmatched.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Majesty of God: Acknowledging the vast difference between the Creator and the created.
- A Doxology of Praise: Why theology must always result in doxology.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Romans 11:33–36
A Compelling Commitment
Sermon Summary Romans 12 marks a shift from “what we believe” to “how we live.” This message focuses on the famous call to present our bodies as a “living sacrifice.” Chuck discusses the “mercies of God” as the primary motivation for a total and compelling commitment to the Lord.
Key Facts & Themes
- Living Sacrifice: The total surrender of our lives as our reasonable act of worship.
- Non-Conformity: Why the believer must resist the “mold” of the world.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Romans 12:1–2
How a Renewed Mind Thinks
Sermon Summary Transformation happens through the “renewal of the mind.” In this message, Chuck explores the practical results of a renewed mind—specifically in how we view ourselves and our role in the Body of Christ. We learn to trade a “high” view of ourselves for a “sober” view that recognizes our dependence on God and others.
Key Facts & Themes
- Mental Transformation: How changing our thinking leads to a changed life.
- Spiritual Gifts: Recognizing that we are members of one body with different functions.
Christianity 101
Sermon Summary What does love look like in action? This message is a primer on the basic “hallmarks” of Christian conduct. Chuck walks through Paul’s list of practical behaviors—from hating what is evil to being fervent in spirit—offering a clear picture of what a healthy Christian life looks like on a daily basis.
Key Facts & Themes
- Authentic Love: Moving beyond words to sincere, brotherly affection.
- Practical Godliness: A checklist for spiritual health and relational integrity.
Doing Right When You’ve Been Done Wrong
Sermon Summary The ultimate test of our faith is how we respond to injury. Chuck provides biblical guidance on handling mistreatment and persecution. We learn the power of “overcoming evil with good” and why vengeance belongs to the Lord alone.
Key Facts & Themes
- Forgiveness in Action: Responding to enemies with grace.
- Divine Justice: Releasing the right to “get even” into God’s hands.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Romans 12:14–21
How to Be a Godly Rebel
Sermon Summary How should a Christian relate to civil authority? This message explores the tension of being a citizen of heaven living under earthly governments. Chuck discusses the mandate for submissiveness to authority and the rare occasions where a “godly rebellion” is required by the higher law of God.
Key Facts & Themes
- Civil Obedience: The believer’s role in society and government.
- The Limits of Authority: Recognizing when we must obey God rather than men.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Romans 13:1–7
Legal Tender and Loving Care
Sermon Summary “Owe no one anything except to love one another.” This message focuses on our financial and relational debts. Chuck discusses the freedom found in living within our means and the ongoing “debt” of love we owe to our neighbors as a fulfillment of the Law.
Key Facts & Themes
- Relational Debt: The perpetual obligation of love.
- Financial Integrity: Why our handling of money is a spiritual issue.
Wake Up and Get Dressed!
Sermon Summary Paul uses the imagery of night and day to urge believers to a life of urgency and purity. This message is a call to “wake up” to the reality of Christ’s return and to “put on the armor of light.” Chuck emphasizes the importance of living with our eyes on the eternal horizon.
Key Facts & Themes
- Spiritual Urgency: Recognizing that our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
- Putting on Christ: Choosing the “clothing” of righteousness over the “deeds of darkness.”
Putting Grace into Action
Sermon Summary The church is often divided over “doubtful things”—matters of opinion rather than core doctrine. This message provides a blueprint for how “strong” and “weak” believers can live together in harmony. We learn the importance of not judging others in areas where God has given liberty.
Key Facts & Themes
- Christian Liberty: Navigating areas of personal conviction with grace.
- Avoiding Judgment: Why we must not look down on or condemn our brothers in non-essential matters.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Romans 14:1–12
Liberty on a Tightrope
Sermon Summary While we have liberty, we also have a responsibility to our brothers. This message explores the “tightrope” of Christian freedom—balancing our rights with our love for others. Chuck teaches us that true liberty is the freedom to lay down our rights so as not to cause another to stumble.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Law of Love: Prioritizing the spiritual health of others over our personal freedom.
- Avoiding Offense: Being willing to limit our liberty for the sake of the weaker brother.
We Are One . . . or Are We?
Sermon Summary Unity is the goal of the church, but it requires intentional effort. Chuck discusses the necessity of “bearing with” one another and seeking to please our neighbors for their good. We see that Christ is the ultimate model of a servant who did not please Himself, providing the power for our own unity.
Key Facts & Themes
- Pursuing Unity: The active work of maintaining the bond of peace.
- Christlike Servanthood: Following the example of the One who bore our infirmities.
Encouraging Words of Affirmation
Sermon Summary Paul takes a moment to affirm the Roman believers for their goodness and knowledge. This message highlights the power of encouragement in the Christian life. Chuck reminds us that while correction is necessary, affirmation is the fuel that keeps a healthy church moving forward.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Power of Encouragement: Why verbal affirmation is essential for spiritual growth.
- Recognizing God’s Work: Seeing and celebrating the “goodness” in our fellow believers.
Preaching and Traveling with Paul
Sermon Summary In this message, we get a glimpse into Paul’s heart for missions. Chuck explores Paul’s ambition to preach where Christ was not known and his desire for the Roman church to partner with him. We learn the importance of having a global perspective on the Gospel.
Key Facts & Themes
- Missionary Ambition: The drive to reach the unreached with the Good News.
- Partnership in the Gospel: How local churches can support global missions.
Praying with Your Whole Heart
Sermon Summary Paul asks the Romans to “strive together” with him in prayer. This message explores the nature of fervent, wholehearted prayer. Chuck discusses how prayer is a form of spiritual “wrestling” and a vital part of supporting the work of God around the world.
Key Facts & Themes
- Fervent Intercession: The power of collective, passionate prayer.
- The Battle of Prayer: Understanding prayer as an active part of spiritual warfare.
Love and Kisses
Sermon Summary Romans 16 is often skimmed because it is a list of names, but every name represents a person Paul loved and valued. This message focuses on the warmth and intimacy of the early church. Chuck reminds us that the “constitution” of our faith ends with personal connections, highlighting the importance of deep, godly friendships.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Value of Individuals: Recognizing the unique contributions of diverse members in the church.
- Christian Affection: The role of warmth and “love” in the community of faith.
Boars in God’s Vineyard
Sermon Summary Even in his final greetings, Paul offers a stern warning against those who cause divisions and create obstacles. Chuck discusses how to identify and avoid those who “serve their own appetites” rather than the Lord. We learn the necessity of being “wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”
Key Facts & Themes
- Identifying Falsehood: The importance of discernment in protecting the church.
- Guarding Unity: Recognizing the danger of those who create unnecessary divisions.
Putting Down Evil, Lifting Up Friends
Sermon Summary As the letter nears its end, Paul focuses on the ultimate defeat of Satan and the exaltation of his coworkers. This message explores the promise that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” and the encouragement Paul draws from his circle of friends.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Defeat of Evil: The certainty of God’s final victory over the enemy.
- The Importance of Friends: Finding strength in our spiritual community.
To God, Alone, Be the Glory Forever
Sermon Summary The series concludes with Paul’s final, magnificent doxology. This message summarizes the “glorious news” of Romans: that God is able to establish us according to the Gospel. Chuck leaves us with the ultimate goal of all theology and all living—that God alone receives the glory forever and ever.
Key Facts & Themes
- Soli Deo Gloria: The overarching purpose of the Christian life.
- Establishment in the Gospel: Trusting in God’s power to hold us fast.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Romans 16:25–27
