Introduction to Romans Series

An Introduction to Romans Devotional

A couple of years ago now - unbelievable to even say - I approached the book of Proverbs with excitement and hesitancy. How could one spend a month in a book that was largely filled with wise sayings with little purpose or function in contemporary living? Sad to think that was my attitude, for in fact, the book of Proverbs opened up the treasure of the hope I have in Christ very richly.

Well, I've decided I want that again, which is why I have been reading and wrestling through the book of Romans, hoping that maybe I might be able to write yet another devotional that will help us understand some parts of each chapter of Romans. The aim is to write a new devotional on each chapter every week, which should take us through to around November - assuming I stay on track.

I am perhaps more daunted by this task than I ever was with Proverbs. I distinctly remember sitting on the porch at my best friend's house on Spring Break, trying to study the book of Romans. Maybe it was the two youngest kids, playing in the background, maybe I just struggle to study outside, but maybe it was the deep theological nature of the Book of Romans that I found hard to follow. I learned a good lesson that day:

Always get a good commentary!

The book of Romans, despite its outstanding clarity, is so complex. It seems that Paul trails down so-called "theological rabbit-holes" that sometimes I get lost myself. But, as my ESV Bible introductions clarifies, the Book of Romans is perhaps one of Paul's most systematically organized letters. It is incredibly well-written, it almost should receive an award itself. Its complexity of subject is communicated with such clarity that we are not confused by Paul, but enchanted by the mysteries of God's work of salvation. How could God love an unlovable sinner? is the question I find myself asking every day I read this marvelous book.

Nevertheless, just as I did with Proverbs, I intend also to do with Romans: focusing on what we can learn from that chapter in context with the rest of the book. The fact is, Paul, with amazing complexity, explores theological truths that abound in inferences and further truths. No doubt, I will seek to explore this as I continue through different chapters on this blog. However, perhaps starting small might be useful for all of us. My Mom told me once when I was daunted with my own ignorance and scripture's abundant truths. "Just take one thing away from what you read, that will help it stick with you".

Every day that I have approached Romans, I am astounded with what God, through His Spirit, has shown me to be true. My prayer has been that I do not approach it making it affirm what I believe, but allowing it - through the Holy Spirit - to shape what I believe. Scripture should not purely be evidence for our faith, but the foundation of our faith. Therefore, I will try to provide evidence for what I share in these devotionals, but may it be that evidence - those Scriptural truths - that show the truth. I hope that we will simply be grounded in the truths God reveals to us clearly. The Book of Romans is truth.

I hope this devotional series will be helpful for you, as we marvel together at the character of God, most brilliantly displayed in Paul's words to the Romans. God's mode of salvation and the mysteries of His plan to save are clearly explained by Paul, though mind-boggling and somewhat incomprehensible. I never will fully understand, and yet my role is to marvel.

All that to say, I am certainly unable to get everything right. And I must humble myself enough to know I could get this entirely wrong. But might I say, so could you? Scripture must be approached with humility. The aim is to be Biblically accurate, but I would love for us all to marvel at who God is and how he acts, to take a break from the self-focused culture we are surrounded by and ask the Lord to show us who He is. Ultimately, whether you agree with me or not, none of us can deny that we were created for the glory of God, and God brings everything to pass for His glory. Why not seek to understand what God reveals in Scripture, and glorify God where He remains elusive.

I am alive unto God, and from a most simple understanding of Paul's letter to the Romans, that is something to praise Him for. So, praise be unto God!