Opening Up Romans
Paul's letter to the Romans has been called the greatest theological document ever written — the letter that converted Augustine, ignited Luther, and warmed Wesley's heart. In this ongoing expository preaching series at Oceanside United Reformed Church in Carlsbad, in North County San Diego, Dr. Daniel R. Hyde opens up Romans verse by verse, from Paul's gospel greeting to the glory of God's grace for sinners.
Romans 1
Paul: Servant of the Gospel (Romans 1:1) · July 27, 2025
Who was Paul, and why does Romans 1:1 matter? See how the persecutor-turned-preacher's opening words proclaim God's grace: God saves sinners.
What is the Gospel? (Romans 1:2–4) · August 3, 2025
What is the gospel? A sermon on Romans 1:2–4: God's message to the world, promised by the prophets, about his Son—Jesus himself is the gospel.
Preaching Like an Apostle (Romans 1:5–6) · August 10, 2025
Why preach? Romans 1:5–6 shows preaching is Christ's gift to the world — calling all nations to the obedience of faith, for the glory of his name.
The Christian’s Crown (Romans 1:6–7) · August 17, 2025
What titles are engraved on the Christian's crown? Romans 1:6–7: belonging to Christ, loved by God, called to be saints, given grace and peace.
A Model of Grateful Prayer (Romans 1:8) · August 24, 2025
How did the gospel reach Rome before any apostle did? Romans 1:8 models grateful prayer for the power of the gospel — faith proclaimed worldwide.
The Heart in the Ministry (Romans 1:9–13) · August 31, 2025
If God is sovereign, why pray? See how Paul's decade of prayers to reach Rome in Romans 1:9–13 shows that God ordains the means as well as the end.
Indebted to the Gospel (Romans 1:14–15) · September 7, 2025
What did Paul mean, "I am under obligation"? See how Romans 1:14–15 turns grace received into grace entrusted: indebted to the gospel, and eager to preach it.
I Am Not Ashamed (Romans 1:16) · September 14, 2025
How can you be bold in a hostile age? See how Romans 1:16 answers our shame with God's power: the gospel still saves everyone who believes, Jew and Greek.
The Gospel or Gimmicks? (Romans 1:16) · September 28, 2025
What is a church's target demographic? See how Romans 1:16 makes a gospel church preaching, confident, and welcoming, and answers in one word: sinners.
The Power Behind Gospel Preaching (Romans 1:17) · October 5, 2025
Why did Luther hate the phrase "the righteousness of God"? See how Romans 1:17 turned his hatred into paradise: righteousness God gives, not demands.
One Nation, Under Wrath (Romans 1:18–23) · October 12, 2025
Does God judge whole nations, or only individuals? See how Romans 1:18–23 makes wrath a present reality, not just a future one: one nation, under wrath.
Has God Given Up on Us? (Romans 1:18–32) · October 19, 2025
Has God given up on us? See how Romans 1:18–32 answers the threefold "God gave them up" at the cross: wrath satisfied, righteousness given to sinners.
What is a Successful Church? (Romans 1:1–32) · October 26, 2025
What makes a church successful? See how Romans 1 measures faithfulness, not flash: success is not how high a church climbs but how low it kneels.
Romans 2
No Excuse, No Escape (Romans 2:1–3) · November 2, 2025
Can good, religious people escape God's judgment? See how Romans 2:1–3 turns the finger back on the judge: no excuse, no escape—so flee to Christ.
Contempt for Kindness (Romans 2:4–5) · November 9, 2025
Why does God delay judgment? See how Romans 2:4–5 shows his kindness is meant to lead you to repentance: don't confuse patience for permission.
The Day of Wrath (Romans 2:5–11) · November 16, 2025
If we're justified by faith, why are we judged by works? See how Romans 2:5–11 answers: works aren't the price, but the proof of eternal life.
Justification and Judgment (Romans 2:6–11) · November 23, 2025
Do Paul and James contradict each other on faith and works? See how Romans 2:6–11 answers: Christ's works justify sinners; our works justify faith.
The Courtroom in Our Hearts (Romans 2:12–16) · November 30, 2025
What about those who never heard the gospel? See how Romans 2:12–16 answers: creation and conscience reveal enough truth to condemn, not enough to save.
Pride and Prejudice in the Human Heart (Romans 2:17–24) · December 7, 2025
What does the Bible say about spiritual pride? See how Romans 2:17–24 exposes religious boasting: our privileges are meant to humble us, not harden us.
Resting in Rite Righteousness (Romans 2:25–29) · December 14, 2025
Does baptism save you? See how Romans 2:25–29 answers through circumcision: the sign is not the substance, and the rite is not the righteousness.