Subject: why study Romans? |
Bible Note: Intro to my sermon on Romans Why study the book of Romans? Well, to begin with it is like when Sir Edmund Hillary was asked why did he climb Mt. Everest? His answer was, "Because it is there." Even better for us is that the study of the book of Romans has been the cause of every great revival in the history of the Christian church.(1) At home I have 6 different Bible studies that various organizations have prepared for group and individual study. Could it be that by these God is preparing His people for a revival in these last days and preparing His people for His soon coming by leading them to study the book of Romans? Secondly, it has been suggested that "the thorough study of the Epistle is really a theological education in itself. ... The more it is studied, ..., the more it will be seen that it is of the very highest value for Christian doctrine."(2) A third reason for studying the book of Romans is that "the more the spiritual life is allowed to ponder [these] words the stronger will be its fibre and force."(3) "[A] Christian life nourished on the Epistle to the Romans will never lack the three great [essentials for a Christ-like life]: clear perception, strong conviction, and definite usefulness."(4) Which we could all use, need, and want, right? If you want to get the maximum benefit from a study of the book of Romans it is suggested that you do several things. First, read the entire book through in one sitting in a revised edition. And then read it once a day for a month. "At first there is no need to try to study it deeply, but simply read it through with care and attention ... Gradually the mind will become accustomed to its teaching and gain a general impression of its contents and meaning."(5) Finally, and most importantly, it "should be studied with earnest prayer and personal trust. Intellectual attention alone is insufficient. ... Its deepest secrets will only be revealed to the heart that is willing to submit to its teaching and translate it into action."(6) We should determine within ourselves that we will "study it carefully and obediently" to read it "with diligence and attention."(7) And as has been said: "Access to the in[ner]most sanctuary of Holy Scripture is granted only to those who come to worship."(8) 1) Thomas, W. H. Griffith St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans. (Wm. B. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, MI: 1946): 25 [paraphrase of Godet]; Biblical Illustrator, S. G. Green, vii. 2) Thomas, 24-5. 3) Thomas, 25. 4) Thomas, 26. 5) ibid. 6) Thomas, 27; citing J. A. Beet St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, pg. 27. 7) Boice, James Montgomery Romans. Volume 1: Justification by Faith, Romans 1-4. (Baker Book: Grand Rapids, MI: 1991): 35; second quote is from Francis Bacon quoted by Boice, same page. 8) Thomas, 27; citing J. A. Beet St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, pg. 27. |