More Than Revolutionary: Why Study the Book of Romans

Revolutions: there have been some very successful ones in history. One of the best known was the American Revolution of 1775-1781. Less known but very successful was in Asia Minor during the 1920s, which transformed the decrepit, decadent Ottoman Empire into a secular, modern, dynamic, western-leaning, European orientated Republic of Turkey. This was made possible courtesy of the legendary Ataturk. Yet no revolution has had the impact of the one that comes from the Book of Romans.

The Bible in general and Romans in particular has changed individuals, nations, civilisations, and history. For example, a German monk was struggling with his sin issues and, despite his best religious efforts, he just could not break overcome. With the Word of God in front of him, his eyes fell onto Romans 1:17 ‘The just shall live by faith.’ The words leapt out of the page and he was set free. The monk was Martin Luther and he went on to be a key leader in the Protestant Reformation.

Two centuries later, a young Anglican missionary & minister was listening to the Preface of Luther’s German Bible at a Moravian meeting at Aldersgate Street, London, in 1738. He was so impacted that he wrote ‘… about a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

The man in question was John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, who was raised up by God to lead what became known as the Wesleyan revival. It has been said that without this revival, Britain would have faced a similar blood-soaked revolution like France.

Consider these quotes:

‘The chief book in the New Testament and the purest gospel’ - Martin LUTHER

‘Romans is Paul’s magnum opus’ -- Scottish NT professor A.M. Hunter

‘Unquestionably the most important letter ever written’ -- John KNOX, a modern US professor

Yes, all this and more was spawned by the Book of Romans, which is. more than revolutionary.

Romans is the great doctrinal book of the New Testament. It explains in a deep and practical way the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus and how it impacts you today. Despite its strong theological stance, it has been estimated that the Romans is 50% practical. Those who master this book will be able to live a new and revived life.

You need to study this revolutionary book. Here’s some of the things you will learn:

1.         Why both Jew and Gentile, despite differences, are in the same sinking ship of sin and death;

2.         The meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; how it applies to our lives today, and why we can receive forgiveness of sins and deliverance from a sin dominated self-life through Him;

3.         How Israel fits into God’s plan for world redemption; it has the most unexpected of outcomes;

4.         This theological book is immensely practical as well. Learn about living the kind of life - the Spirit-filled life as described in Chapter 8 - that God will honour.

What makes Romans special? Here are some of its distinctive:

•  Romans is the most theological and systematic book of the New Testament;

•  Paul uses the question and answer approach;

•  The Old Testament is quoted frequently;

•  God’s righteousness and our sinfulness is given great prominence;

•  Spirit-filled living is greatly emphasised in Romans 8;

•  Israelology or ‘Doctrine and Study of Israel’ is the topic of 3 chapters (9-11). Since ‘Israel’ is mentioned 2,566 times in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, we need some New Testament insight. In Romans, you’ll get it - with surprises.

The Book of Romans has the amazing ability to bring conviction of sin, confession to salvation, comfort of the Spirit, and consecration unto sanctification. It will give you a greater appreciation of what Christ has done for you and also put you on a firm foundation to live a powerful, victorious, overcoming Christian life.

Yes, the Book of Romans is more than revolutionary — it is transformational. Begin to study its timeless pages and let it start transforming you today.

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Outline of Romans

I.   Introduction                     (1:1-17)

II.                 Condemnation & Righteousness

A.  Gentiles are sinners                   (1:18-32)

B.  Jews are sinners                          (2:1-3:8)

C.  Conclusions: All are sinners (3:9-20)

III.              Justification: God’s Righteousness Imparted to Us (3:21-5:21)

A.  Righteousness describe (3:21-31)

B.   Righteousness illustrated through Abraham (4:1-25)

C.  Righteousness’ Benefits (5:1-11)

D.  Righteousness vs. Condemnation (5:12-21)

IV.              Sanctification: God’s Righteousness in Action (6:1-8:39)

A.  Sanctification and sin (6:1-23)

B.   Sanctification and the law (7:1-25)

C.  Sanctification and the Spirit (8:1-39)

V.                 God and Israel - Righteousness Vindicated (9:1-11:36)

A.  Israel: Election (9:1-29)

B.   Israel: Rejection (10:1-21)

C.  Israel: Restoration (11:1-36)

VI.              Practical Section: God’s Righteousness at Work (12:1-16:27)

VII.           God’s Righteousness & Christian Duty (12:1-13:14)

VIII.        God’s Righteousness & Christian liberty (14:1-15:13)

IX.               Conclusion (15:14-1627)

A.  Purpose of the Epistle  (15:14-21)

B.   Paul’s travel plans (15:22-33)

 Paul’s greetings and