For this study we have chosen to follow the outline developed by Warren Wiersbe in the
Bible Exposition Commentary.  Among the outlines we researched, most do choose
the Righteousness of God as the key organizing topic.  Some will state that the main
topic is "the Gospel" but will still indicate that the Righteousness of God is key to
that theme.

ROMANS

OUTLINE

Key theme: The righteousness of God

Key verse: Rom 1:17

I. INTRODUCTION - 1:1-17

II. SIN - RIGHTEOUSNESS DEMANDED - 1:18-3:20

  • A. The Gentiles guilty - 1:18-32
  • B. The Jews guilty - 2:1-3:8
  • C. The whole world guilty - 3:9-20

    • III. SALVATION - RIGHTEOUSNESS DECLARED - 3:21-5:21

  • A. Justification stated - 3:21-31
  • B. Justification illustrated in Abraham - 4
  • C. Justification explained in Adam - 5

    • IV. SANCTIFICATION - RIGHTEOUSNESS DEFENDED - chapters 6-8

  • A. Victory - the flesh - 6
  • B. Liberty - the Law - 7
  • C. Security - the Spirit - 8

    • V. SOVEREIGNTY - RIGHTEOUSNESS DECLINED - chapters 9-11

  • A. Israel's past riches - 9
  • B. Israel's present rejection - 10
  • C. Israel's future restoration - 11

    • VI. SERVICE - RIGHTEOUSNESS DEMONSTRATED - 12:1-15:7

  • A. In the church body - 12
  • B. In society - 13
  • C. Toward the weaker believer - 14:1-15:7

    • VII. CONCLUSION - 15:8-16:27

    (from The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)