There is a short introduction available for the book of Romans. You can read it here.
Introduction - Romans 1:1-7
Understand It
- How did Paul introduce and identify himself to the Romans? (1:1)
- What did Paul and others receive as a calling for their lives? (1:5)
- What kind of greeting did Paul send to his audience? (1:7)
Apply It
- To what friend could you explain God’s love and your response to His plan of salvation? How?
Paul's Longing to Visit Rome - Romans 1:8-17
Understand It
- What kind of concern did Paul have for his audience? (1:9-10)
- What happened to Paul’s plans to visit the church in Rome? (1:10-13)
- Who would benefit from Paul’s visit? (1:12)
Apply It
- What can you do this week to help a person for whom you are concerned?
God's Wrath Against Mankind - Romans 1:18-32
Understand It
- What is God’s response to the people who ignore and disobey Him? (1:18)
- What makes all people accountable to God? (1:20)
- How does God respond to people who ignore and deny Him? (1:24, 26)
Apply It
- Who among your friends is caught in this trap of rejecting God and needs your prayers of intercession this week?
God's Righteous Judgment - Romans 2:1-16
Understand It
- If God is judging others for their sins, what will He do to us? (2:2-3)
- On what basis will God render His judgments? (2:5-8)
- How will those who know God’s law be treated compared to those who never heard God’s law? (2:12-15)
Apply It
- Whom have you judged in a manner not pleasing to God? How can you seek forgiveness?
The Jews and the Law - Romans 2:17-29
Understand It
- Of what did Paul accuse the Jews? (2:21-24)
- How did Paul redefine what it means to be a Jew? (2:28-29)
- What is more important than knowing God’s written law? (2:29)
Apply It
- In which of your present situations should you be more concerned about pleasing God than pleasing other people?
God's Faithfulness - Romans 3:1-8
Understand It
- How does failure to be true to God reflect on the character of God? (3:3-4)
- What was Paul’s response to the charge that God is unjust in judging us? (3:5)
- How is God’s character affected by the level of our sinfulness? (3:7)
Apply It
- What step or action can you take this week to keep you from taking God’s grace for granted?
No One Is Righteous - Romans 3:9-20
Understand It
- How are Jews and Gentiles alike? (3:9)
- What is human nature? (3:12)
- What are the characteristics of people who stand condemned before God? (3:13-18)
Apply It
- What "laws" do you need to put aside in your life in favor of the true righteousness God offers?
Righteousness Through Faith - Romans 3:21-31
Understand It
- How does a person obtain righteousness? (3:22)
- What is the cost or price of justification with God? (3:24)
- How does providing Christ Jesus as a sacrifice demonstrate the justice of God? (3:25-26)
Apply It
- In what areas are you still boasting about your own abilities? How can you submit those areas to God’s control?
