ROMANS - 12 Week Study
Study guide book with questions originally written by Jared C. Wilson;
J.I. Packer - theological addition; Dane C. Ortlund - series editor;
copyright date 2013; publisher Crossway.
This study was one I'd done recently in a women's Bible study group in church. The intent of this publication is for educational purposes; in which I will endeavor to answer the questions that were posed in the book.
Besides the questions; the book has chapter segments labeled " Gospel Glimpses", "Whole Bible Connections" and "Theological Soundings"; of which it also poses a segment of questions to these; in a section called "Personal Implications". I did answer the "personal implication" questions and they are included in this study, although the content of author's chapter segments have been omitted.
I did find most of the questions in this study interesting, as well as thought provoking; and thus the reason I decided to post this. The printing of the content of Jared C. Wilson's book, in regards to copy right laws; falls under "fair use" doctrine.
Week #1 Questions
(Overview)
Question # 1
How do you understand the contribution of Romans to Christian theology? From your current knowledge of Romans; what does Paul teach about God, humanity, sin, redemption and other doctrines?
The book of Romans is very full of good solid (although not necessarily easy) to understand truths. There's a lot there, particularly directed at people who have limited understanding of the culture the Old Testament set up.
I think Romans is very important from a gospel standpoint, as most of the world that the gospel would go into, would have little understanding of "Old Testament culture". Thus it was certainly a necessity that Romans had to be written.
As per what it teaches about God, humanity, sin, redemption, etc? It takes the theological concepts the Old Testament is relaying "in parabolic form" and "explains the parables" to a secular audience.
Question # 2
Some of Christianity's more "famous" Bible verses come from the book of Romans. Which are you familiar with?
Quoting Bible verses and remembering where exactly they are, has never been one of my stronger skills. I tend to remember stuff, but not know where it is. (Thus praise God for concordances!)
I've done several of my own studies in Romans, some of which were "topical" and others of which were connections to "other topical studies". So yeah, I probably know more verses out of Romans than I know that I know.
Question # 3
Romans contains some of the more provocative teachings of the Bible as well. Paul teaches on election and predestination for instance, as well as the way of salvation for the Jewish people and His plan for Israel in the future. What perplexes you about Romans? Are there any confusing parts in this letter that you would like to resolve as you begin this study.
As far as what "perplexes" me about Romans? There really isn't anything that I know taking the time to study, dissect and search out, won't give me at least some "pieces of the puzzle".
What I find more perplexing is the lack of careful attention to detail that people who have far more "formal theological education" than I do, seem to miss. A lot of people take for granted that what they've been taught, about even any subject in the Bible, is "the truth" and they don't take the time to research. Are these things so? It's not really that difficult of concept to realize the answer one is looking for, is in the Bible somewhere.
Now of course finding the answer can be a challenge, particularly if one doesn't know HOW to study; but the answers are there!
Next chapter - week #2