1. BOOK OF ROMANS The Power of God for Salvation

2. Some Observations I believe Romans is the Magna Carta of Protestantism (and we are considered a part of that whether we like it or not). Sadly, and I believe, unintentionally, the interpretations to often, in my opinion, lead to a lessening of our King’s power, as did the original Magna Carta. Now, many pastors and preachers are much more familiar with Romans than they are the Gospels.

3. Some Observations Thus, Jesus is interpreted through an interpretation of Paul’s views rather than Paul’s views being interpreted through the eyes of Jesus. Jesus is THE truth. We become a new creation because we see the world through his eyes. I fear that modern interpretations of Romans are more self-serving than they are Christ-serving.

4. Some Observations They often appear to me as the musings of spoiled brats who feel entitled because of coddling, doting parents who spoiled them. Rather than those of broken, humble children who feel the deepest gratitude for what Christ accomplished. I think I understand where it comes from, and none of us are immune to doctrinal drifting. But, I still resist much of what is said about Romans and more than that the spirit in which it is often said.

5. Some Observations Paul said to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 11:3-4): But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

6. Some Observations Paul also said to the Colossians (Col. 2:8): See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

7. Some Observations I believe that through the over-emphasis and over- analysis of Romans, true discipleship and deep devotion is too-often skipped in favor of a shallow “lucky-me” mentality by the masses and an arrogant “look-how-knowledgeable-and-spiritual-I-am” mentality by those who learn it in seminary.

8. Some Thoughts on Romans It is clearly one of the most beautiful books every written about Christ. It gives us deep insight into what Christ’s life and sacrifice means to us. It is a humbling statement of our hopelessness and his (and his only) sufficiency. It is a heart-wrenching invitation by God to simply trust the loving grace and goodness of Him whose true character is shrouded over by the dark and ugly image of the Deceiver, who has inserted himself as the true “god-image”, one that is prideful, arrogant, controlling, unforgiving, and devious.

9. Some Thoughts on Romans Too many interpretations of Romans seem to emanate from a priori (“prior to”) thinking. Thus interpretations and meanings are imposed on texts and the gospels and all other scriptures are interpreted in view of these, leading to great contradictions and the ignoring of key truths.

10. A Priori Thinking Jesus and His Kingdom Wisdom Books Prophets Pentateuch Acts Gospels Revelations Epistles Romans (and Related Texts)

11. A Posteriori Thinking (“Posterior to It”) Jesus and His Kingdom Revelations Epistles Acts Gospel of John Matthew, Mark and Luke Wisdom Literature Prophets Leviticus-Deuteronomy Genesis

12. Part 1, Chapters 1-11 1. The Problem: The whole world is lost a) Gentiles lost, 1:18-2:7 b) Jews condemned also, 2:8-3:20 c) All mankind is lost because of sin, 3:23 2. The Answer: Justification by Faith in Christ 1. Abraham’s example, 4:1-25 2. Justification by faith in Christ, 5:1-11 3. Two men; two trees, 5:12-21

13. Part 1, Chapters 1-11 3.The Application: Rebirth in Christ, 6:1-23 4. The First Issue: What About the Law?, 7:1-24 5. The Solution: Christ!, 8:1-39 6. The Second Issue: What About Israel?, 9-11 7. The Solution: God’s Sovereignty, 11:33-36

14. Part 2, Chapters 12-16 1. The Result: Christian Worship and Service, 12 a) Sacrificing Self, 12:1-2 b) Offering Gifts, 12:3-8 c) Loving One Another, 12:9-21 d) Dealing with Authorities and Outsiders, 13 e) Dealing with the Weak in Faith, 14-15:7 2. The Conclusion: Thanksgiving, 15:7-16 a) Praise and Thanksgiving, 15:8-13 b) Resolution about Church and Self, 15:14-22 c) Plans, 15:23-33 d) Personal Greetings, etc., 16

15. Theme and Purpose Rom. 1:16-17 – 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

16. Theme and Purpose Paul’s attitude: Not ashamed of gospel Paul’s conviction: 1. The gospel is the power of God for salvation 2. The gospel is for everyone who believes—Jews and Gentiles 3. The gospel reveals God’s righteousness 4. God’s righteousness is one of faith 5. Faith is a life—from first to last—live by faith

17. Conclusion 1. Romans is a misused book 2. Romans is an essential book for understanding the gospel 3. Romans explains the gospel more fully