Romans: The Christian’s Constitution, Volume 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.

Message 1: Three Faces of God

• Summary: This message explores the complex theological landscape of Romans 9, focusing on the character of God in relation to His people. Pastor Chuck Swindoll highlights three specific “faces” or attributes: God’s absolute sovereignty, His perfect justice, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises.
• Key Facts: Sovereignty is the “cushion” for the heart in times of crisis; God has the right to rule and choose according to His purposes.
• Scripture References: Romans 9:1–33; Psalm 115:3.

Message 2: Straight Talk about Predestination

• Summary: Paul dives into the deep mystery of divine election. This overview clarifies that predestination begins with God’s sovereign choice, upholds His perfect character, and follows a consistent plan that is not based on human merit but on His mercy.
• Key Facts: Predestination is intended to lead to praise, not pride; God’s choice is always consistent with His righteousness.
• Scripture References: Romans 9:6–24.

Message 3: Straight Talk about Responsibility

• Summary: Balancing the doctrine of sovereignty, this message focuses on human volition. While God is sovereign, man is responsible to hear and respond to the Gospel. It underscores that sovereignty does not diminish the urgency of the Great Commission.
• Key Facts: God is not responsible for a person’s lost condition—the individual is; human responsibility and divine sovereignty are “twin truths” that meet in the mind of God.
• Scripture References: Romans 10:1–21.

Message 4: The Jews: Forgotten or Set Aside?

• Summary: Paul addresses whether God has permanently rejected Israel. The overview explains the distinction between being “forgotten” and being temporarily “set aside” to allow the Gospel to reach the Gentiles, eventually leading to a future restoration of the Jewish people.
• Key Facts: God always works through a “remnant”; Israel’s temporary hardening has resulted in riches for the world.
• Scripture References: Romans 11:1–15.

Message 5: Unsearchable, Unfathomable, and Unmatched!

• Summary: Concluding the theological section of Romans, this message is a magnificent doxology. It explores the limitlessness of God’s wisdom and knowledge, arguing that when human explanation fails, the only proper response is worship.
• Key Facts: God’s ways are unsearchable (beyond tracing) and His mind is unfathomable (beyond depth).
• Scripture References: Romans 11:33–36.

Message 6: A Compelling Commitment

• Summary: Shifting to practical application, this sermon defines what it means to be a “living sacrifice.” It calls for a total surrender of the body and a refusal to be molded by the current world system.
• Key Facts: Consecration is a radical separation from a secular worldview; true worship is an everyday, physical commitment.
• Scripture References: Romans 12:1.

Message 7: How a Renewed Mind Thinks

• Summary: Transformation begins internally through the “renewal of the mind.” This message discusses the practical results of a renewed mind—specifically, developing a sober, humble self-assessment and recognizing one’s unique role within the Body of Christ.
• Key Facts: We must trade a “high” view of ourselves for a “sober” view; spiritual gifts are given for the benefit of the community, not the individual.
• Scripture References: Romans 12:2–8.

Message 8: Christianity 101

• Summary: This overview covers the basic “hallmarks” of Christian conduct. It provides a list of daily behaviors—from hating evil to being fervent in spirit—that characterize a healthy, transformed life.
• Key Facts: Genuine love must be without hypocrisy; we are called to be “on fire” for the Lord while serving others.
• Scripture References: Romans 12:9–13.

Message 9: Doing Right When You’ve Been Done Wrong

• Summary: The ultimate test of faith is how a believer responds to injury. This message provides biblical guidance on handling mistreatment by “overcoming evil with good” and releasing the right to vengeance into God’s hands.
• Key Facts: Vengeance belongs to the Lord alone; responding with grace “heaps burning coals” of conviction on an enemy’s head.
• Scripture References: Romans 12:14–21.

Message 10: How to Be a Godly Rebel

• Summary: This sermon explores the tension of being a citizen of heaven under earthly governments. It discusses the mandate for submissiveness to authority while identifying the rare occasions where “godly rebellion” is required by God’s higher law.
• Key Facts: All authority is established by God; Christians should be the best possible citizens unless commanded to disobey God.
• Scripture References: Romans 13:1–7.

Message 11: Legal Tender and Loving Care

• Summary: Focusing on financial and relational debts, this message discusses the freedom found in living within one’s means and the “ongoing debt” of love that every believer owes to their neighbor.
• Key Facts: Love is the fulfillment of the Law; the only debt a Christian should never fully pay off is the debt to love others.
• Scripture References: Romans 13:8–10.

Message 12: Wake Up and Get Dressed!

• Summary: Paul uses the imagery of night and day to urge believers toward spiritual urgency. This message is a call to “wake up” to the reality of Christ’s return and to “put on” the character of Christ like a garment.
• Key Facts: Salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; “putting on Christ” means making no provision for the flesh.
• Scripture References: Romans 13:11–14.

Message 13: Putting Grace into Action

• Summary: The church is often divided over “doubtful things”—matters of opinion rather than core doctrine. This overview provides a blueprint for how “strong” and “weak” believers can live in harmony without judgmentalism.
• Key Facts: We are not to judge another’s servant; each person must be fully convinced in their own mind before God.
• Scripture References: Romans 14:1–12.

Message 14: Liberty on a Tightrope

• Summary: This sermon explores the “tightrope” of Christian freedom—balancing personal rights with love for others. It teaches that true liberty includes the freedom to lay down one’s rights to keep a brother from stumbling.
• Key Facts: The Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy; love prioritizes a brother’s spiritual health over personal preference.
• Scripture References: Romans 14:13–23.

Message 15: We Are One . . . or Are We?

• Summary: Unity requires intentional effort and Christlike servanthood. This message highlights the necessity of “bearing with” the failings of others and seeking to please neighbors for their ultimate good.
• Key Facts: Christ is the ultimate model of a servant who did not please Himself; unity brings glory to God.
• Scripture References: Romans 15:1–13.

Message 16: Encouraging Words of Affirmation

• Summary: Paul takes a moment to affirm the Roman believers for their goodness and knowledge. This overview discusses the power of verbal affirmation as “fuel” for the church’s growth.
• Key Facts: Affirmation is just as necessary as correction; seeing and celebrating the “goodness” in others strengthens the Body.
• Scripture References: Romans 15:14–16.

Message 17: Preaching and Traveling with Paul

• Summary: This message follows Paul’s missionary heart and his desire to preach where Christ was not yet known. It explores the practicalities of ministry, including planning, travel, and the ambition to reach the unreached.
• Key Facts: Paul’s ambition was to lay foundations, not build on another’s work; spiritual ministry often involves practical logistics.
• Scripture References: Romans 15:17–29.

Message 18: Praying with Your Whole Heart

• Summary: Paul asks the Romans for prayer, revealing his own vulnerability. This overview focuses on the power of specific, agonizing prayer and the necessity of “striving together” in the spiritual battle.
• Key Facts: Prayer is a form of spiritual “labor” or “striving”; specific prayers receive specific answers.
• Scripture References: Romans 15:30–33.

Message 19: Love and Kisses

• Summary: Romans 16 is a list of personal greetings that reveals the warmth of the early church. This message focuses on the importance of personal connections, mentioning Phoebe, Prisca, and Aquila as examples of valued coworkers.
• Key Facts: Every name in Scripture represents a person valued by God; a “sacred kiss” symbolized the deep familial bond of believers.
• Scripture References: Romans 16:1–16.

Message 20: Boars in God’s Vineyard

• Summary: Even in a loving community, there are those who cause dissension. This message provides a warning to “watch out” for those who create obstacles contrary to sound doctrine.
• Key Facts: We are to be “wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil”; God will soon crush Satan under our feet.
• Scripture References: Romans 16:17–20.

Message 21: Putting Down Evil, Lifting Up Friends

• Summary: Paul concludes by acknowledging his companions in Corinth. This overview highlights the balance between standing firm against spiritual evil and finding strength in a community of godly friends.
• Key Facts: Spiritual warfare requires both the grace of God and the support of the saints; the “God of peace” provides the victory.
• Scripture References: Romans 16:20–24.

Message 22: To God, Alone, Be the Glory Forever

• Summary: The final message of the series focuses on Paul’s concluding doxology. It reflects on the “mystery” now revealed in Christ and gives all glory to the “only wise God.”
• Key Facts: The Gospel is able to “establish” the believer; all theology ends in the praise of God’s glory.
• Scripture References: Romans 16:25–27.