Introduction to Romans
Welcome to Romans!
“If we have gained a true understanding of this Epistle [Romans], we have an open door to all the most profound treasures of Scripture.”
On July 9, 1958 at 10:15pm, a gigantic earthquake registering a magnitude 7.8 caused a rockslide of roughly 40 million cubic yards in the Gilbert Inlet of Alaska. The result was a megatsunami, and the biggest wave ever recorded, measuring an incredible (and nightmarish) 524 metres.
In spiritual terms, this is Paul’s letter to the Romans. In its wake has come a massive wave of theological study and spiritual power rippling throughout church history to this very day. It has upended the world, transforming countless lives from the first day it was read until now.
After Easter season this year, we are going to be digging into the book of Romans. This is a serious undertaking, make no mistake. I like to think of it like this: at some point in your Christian walk, spending a good season studying and being shaped by this book church is a must. To get to the end never having grappled with it would be a great missed opportunity.
For our church, that time is now.
Studying Romans for Yourself
Reading Romans
To give you a good grounding in the book, commit to reading the book through a number of times. We have built this 30-day reading plan to help you get started.
Step 1: Pray
Pray that God will give you wisdom and insight as you study the letter of Romans.
Step 2: Read the entire book in just a few sittings, over a week.
“[Romans] is the true masterpiece of the New Testament, and the very purest Gospel, which is well worthy and deserving that a Christian man should no only learn it by heart, word for word, but also that he should daily deal with it as the daily bread of men’s souls. For it can never be too much or too well read or studied; and the more it is handled the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.”
Romans isn’t a short book, but it isn’t a tome either. It could be read in a single sitting if you have the stamina, but is certainly doable in 2-4 chunks. Have a go at reading it all in under a week in order to get a feel for its themes and feel. Yes, we will be breaking it apart verse by verse and seeking to understand its meaning over the coming months, but we shouldn’t do that without also reading it as a whole letter. While reading it, try take note of the big ideas, themes and words Paul keeps coming back to.
Step 3: Read again!
This time, read it and highlight the following words. Look at how they’re used and what they are adding:
#1 - In Christ: This is one of Paul’s favourite ways to speak about the followers of Jesus. Go looking for the phrase and see it everywhere!
#2 – The Righteousness of God: This phrase is central to understanding Romans. Paul is both referring to the righteousness that is intrinsic to God (that he always does what is just and right), but can also be grammatically understood as “righteousness FROM God”, which is likely its primary meaning in Romans. Although, in all probability, Paul means both.
#3 - Love: Love is a big theme in Romans - first God’s love for us and then our love for others.
“[Romans is] the most profound work in existence.”
#4 - Law: Keep and eye out for the term, “the Law”, and note how he speaks of it.
#5 – The Trinity: God, or the Father; Jesus, Christ, the Son & the Spirit, the Holy Spirit: Paul often mentions different members of the Trinity in different ways. Highlight each time you see one of the three members of the Trinity mentioned. How does he refer to the roles of God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit? This is a great thing to do in all of your bible reading, have your radars up for how the Trinity is presented here.
Step 4: Commit to reading the book
Through the series, commit to continuing to come back to the book. Read it often. Read it quickly. Read it slowly. But don’t leave it on the shelf. You might want to commit to reading the book five times through the duration of the series. You might want to attempt to memorize the entirety of chapter 8 by the end of the year. You might want to pick ten different memory verses to memorize.
Recommended Reading for Romans
“This epistle [Romans] is the principal and most excellent part of the New Testament, and most pure … gospel, and also a light and a way in unto the whole scripture …”
Sometimes when you travel to a strange and foreign country, it’s good to have a reliable guide to help you come to grips with what you’re seeing. So it is with the biblical texts. You might like to grab a copy of one (or all!) of these to help you in your exploration of Romans.
#1 Romans for You (Part 1 & 2) by Tim Keller
#2 The Gospel of God: Romans by R.C. Sproul
#3 Romans – The Bible Speaks Today series by John Stott
Online Introduction Courses
The Gospel Coalition, in conjunction with Crossway, have put together some great digital resources to serve as an introduction to the book. These are definitely worth a look!
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/knowing-bible-romans/#week-1-overview
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/study-romans-kruger/
Also, the Bible Project have a few great videos that will serve as helpful introductions:
Outline
I. Part One (1:1-17): Paul’s Thesis: The Good News (“the Gospel”) is That We Are Saved by Faith Alone
II. Part Two (1:18-5:21): Paul’s Case for Justification by Faith Alone
A. All Are Sinful (1:18-3:20)
B. God Justifies Us by Faith (3:21-5:21)
III. Part Three (6:1-11:36): Paul Answers Objections to Justification by Faith Alone
A. Does this mean I can live however I want? (6:1-23)
B. What does this mean about the role of God’s Law? (7:1-25)
C. Is this salvation certain? Can I lose it? (8:1-39)
D. What about the nation of Israel? (9:1-11:36)
IV. Part Four (12:1-15:13): Exhortation and Application
A. Spiritual Living (12:1-21)
B. Submission to Authorities (13:1-14)
C. Judging One Another (14:1-15:7)
V. Part Five (15:14-16:27): Personal Matters and Final Greetings
Final Encouragements
Let me encourage you in three ways:
Firstly, be prayful. Approaching Romans is both a little overwhelming and intimidating. Pray for your pastors as we preach and teach through Romans, and for all who sit under its message to be transformed by the precious gospel it proclaims.
“[Romans is] the cathedral of the Christian faith.”
Secondly, be expectant. God’s word has power, and the book of Romans has power. Realize that we are handling something both sacred and explosive when we open the pages of scripture. Remember to stay expectant, soft and open to the work of the Spirit as we work our way through Romans.
Finally, be humble. Romans is dense with gospel theology, but this teaching is not something to puff us up with knowledge but to humble us with gratitude. Beware the trap of theological arrogance and tribalism, the book of Romans itself would keep us from both sins properly understood.
Pastor Mike