In the first 11 chapters of Romans, we find Paul describing that all people fail to meet God's standard of righteousness, then he turns to God's solution of transferring to us the righteousness of Jesus Christ through the gift of faith. Then he reminds us that we are no longer under the power of sin or the condemnation of the Law. In chapter 8 we see the climax of the letter, as God's Holy Spirit sets us free in Jesus Christ from both sin and death. Finally, he addresses a major objection to his message. Why have most of the Jewish people rejected Jesus the Messiah?  

In this study as we focus on chapters 12-16, we see Paul moving primarily from theology to application, drawing out the effects the gospel should have on believers. Some themes include the expected spiritual transformation of Christians, including spiritual gifts. It is a transformation that will directly impact how we relate to government authorities, other Christians and even those who oppose us, with the guiding motivation being the love of Jesus Christ. Paul ends with his travel plans to Rome and greetings to and from other Christians, reminding us that these were real Christians who lived out the gospel in a difficult world, not very different than ours today.

‍