Romans is not just a theological treatise; it’s a pastoral letter to people Paul cares about. We see that in Romans 16. Those named are many of the unknown heroes that God used to spread the Gospel and build the church in and around Rome. The apostle ends his letter by reminding us that God will strengthen us to be the kind of people that make a difference and glorify Him. People are important. God is ultimate.

Some people are lovers and others are doers. The Scriptures call us to love one another in unity, while also calling us on mission to the world. Paul addresses both in Romans 15. Disunity impedes mission and mission builds unity. To grow in both we need scripture, prayer, and the refreshment of one another.

Diversity in thought among believers can be a beautiful thing, but it can also cause friction. Pursue Christian unity in the midst of Christian liberty by focusing on the common goal.

The Protestant Reformers taught and emphasized that believers are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, based upon scripture alone - all for the glory of God alone. God’s glory is supreme. That’s the teaching of the Bible and the focus of Paul’s doxology at the end of Romans 11. It’s not about us; it’s all about God.

We overcome evil not primarily by relying on the government, or instituting a new “Christian government”, but by humbly submitting to authorities whenever our conscience and God’s Word allows, and more importantly, by little acts of love for our neighbors and living in the light of Jesus. Only His coming Kingdom will bring the justice and peace we desire.

Christian love is the greatest apologetic for the Christian Faith. The church is not a commodity, but a community, a new family. Don’t just attend her, give yourself to her - love and participate in her life.

Paul emphasizes two indispensable ingredients for personal transformation - renewal of our minds and relationships with other members of the Body. What we put into our minds and the people with whom we surround ourselves will largely determine the kind of people we will become.

In Romans 9, we learned of God's sovereign role in salvation through the doctrine of election. In Romans 10, we learned of mankind's responsibility to trust Christ alone for salvation. Where does that leave Israel? In Romans 11, we learn that God's hardening of Israel is neither total nor permanent, but Israel too shall receive God's mercy, and you have a part in it!

The Gospel doesn’t terminate on us. We are called to be conduits for the Good News to our neighbors and the nations. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. And everyone who is saved will call on the Lord to save others. Often, one of the biggest hurdles to faith is not rebellion, but religion; not immorality but morality.

Situated between Paul’s reminder of the enduring love of Christ (chapter 8) and our human responsibility for faith and preaching (chapter 10), comes an emphasis in Romans upon God’s sovereignty in salvation (chapter 9). Because of sin, no one is owed mercy from God. Mercy is God’s choice. While this cuts against our individualistic and democratic sensibilities, it properly places the glory of salvation in God’s hands rather than ours.