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The Book of Romans

The Book of Romans

The Smart Guide to the Bible Series

Gib Martin

Larry Richards, General Editor

Nelson Books

A Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers

Since 1798

www.thomasnelson.com

The Book of Romans

The Smart Guide to the Bible series Copyright 2007 by GRQ, Inc.

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotation in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Published by Nelson Reference, a Division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee 37214.

Originally published by Starburst Publishers under the title Romans: Gods Word for the Biblically-Inept. Now revised and updated.

Scripture quotations are taken from The New King James Version ( NKJV ), copyright 1979, 1980, 1982, 1992, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers.

To the best of its ability, GRQ, Inc., has strived to find the source of all material. If there has been an oversight, please contact us, and we will make any correction deemed necessary in future printings. We also declare that to the best of our knowledge all material (quoted or not) contained herein is accurate, and we shall not be held liable for the same.

General Editor: Larry Richards
Managing Editor: Lila Empson
Associate Editor: W. Mark Whitlock
Scripture Editor: Deborah Wiseman
Assistant Editor: Amy Clark
Design: Diane Whisner

ISBN 1-4185-0992-2

Printed in the United States of America 06 07 08 09 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Welcome to RomansThe Smart Guide to the Bible. This volume is part of a series that takes the Bible as it isthe Word of Godand makes it both entertaining and enlightening. If you want learning to be an adventure, youll appreciate this approach to study. If you have a thirst for the truth, youve just found a cool drink. If youve been looking for a way to enrich your knowledge of Gods Word, studying the apostle Pauls letter to the Romans is a great way to start.

To Gain Your Confidence

RomansThe Smart Guide to the Bible keeps Gods Word clear and simple and at the same time accurate, thorough, and interesting. It will take us to new spiritual heights in our journey with God. In the thin air of the climb, ones spiritual vision is sharpened, and at the summit we can see more clearly what it means to be a follower of Jesus. So strap on your climbing gear and get ready for this delightful adventure into Gods truth!

Why Study Romans?

Romans is a book that helps us understand who God is and who we are in relation to God. If we have a right understanding of these two things, we will know better how to live in such a way that pleases God, brings us fulfillment, and makes a difference in the world around us.

How to Study Romans

Pauls Letter to the Romans is widely recognized by every class of people, common folk and scholar alike, as the single most influential document within the Scriptures. This book effectively speaks to all the key issues of the Christian faith as pertaining to the Gospel; it presents the whole counsel of God.

In carrying out this remarkable mission, we are also given a demanding presentation of Paul the apostle. In an unquestionable way, we hear the voice of Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, and simultaneously we are confronted with the voice of the Holy Spirit. Paul is a premier theologian, and when we take time to listen carefully to the wisdom he brings to this writing, we are enriched spiritually and intellectually.

As you begin this study in Romans, you will become increasingly aware that this is a great theological treatise that carefully explains the dynamic nature of Gods righteousness as it is revealed in the person and the purpose of Jesus. Humankind is in need of righteousness if we are to be able to fellowship with our Creator God. Paul carefully explains that neither Jew nor Gentile is righteous; so God acted in Christ Jesus, providing righteousness as a gift to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I would like to suggest, even recommend, an approach to your study of this extraordinary writing, an approach to the study of Scripture that has helped many whom I have mentored over the years:

1. Get acquainted with the apostle Paul, the author of this book. His insights, his unique ability to express truth in understandable ways, will encourage your heart and equip you for your ministry.

2. Familiarize yourself with Pauls other letters: 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews.

3. Read through Romans at least once before you begin your study in RomansThe Smart Guide to the Bible.

4. Take time to pray. Invited the Holy Spirit to be your teacher and guide. Jesus taught that the Spirit will guide you into all truth (John 16:13 NKJV ). What a great promise!

5. If possible, develop the habit of journal writing. This helps us remember the truth that the Spirit is bringing to light. A few journaling techniques that I have found helpful:

6. Write out questions that come to mind as you read and study. For example: the meaning of words with which you are becoming familiar; names of people and places you might want to study in your research later on.

7. When you discover an answer to a question you have been pondering or discussing with a friend, write it down

8. When the Holy Spirit addresses a personal need, take time to note it and write down this new insight; then take a moment to thank God for speaking his will into your heart and mind.

9. Be creative! When something you read inspires you, take a moment to write a prayer or a poem. A letter to a special friendsharing your adventure in Gods Wordis a thoughtful way of sharing Gods grace with others. Remember, God sent this letter you are studying to the church as a gift of his love.

How to Use RomansThe Smart Guide to the Bible

Sit down with this book and your Bible.

Start the book at chapter 1.

As you work through each chapter, read the accompanying verses in your Bible.

Use the sidebars loaded with icons and helpful information to give you a knowledge boost.

Answer the Study Questions and review with the Chapter Wrap-Up.

Then go on to the next chapter. Its simple!

One Final Tip

Knowledge of the Bible is not meant to be an end in itself. God wants us to know his Word, but he also wants us to know him. In the same way, Paul wanted his readers to understand what he said, but he also wanted them to have a personal relationship with his Lord.

God, who gave us the Bible, is present with us when we read it. As you read Romans, ask him to help you understand his Word. Ask him to show you his wonderful grace and to help you put your faith in him. Youll be surprised and delighted as he answers your prayer. The Bible will enrich your life!

A Word About Words

There are several interchangeable terms in this book: Scripture, Scriptures, Word, Word of God, and Gods Word. All of these mean the same thing and come under the broad heading of the Bible. The Bible is divided into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Throughout this commentary I use the terms Old Covenant and Old Testament to mean the same thing, and I use New Covenant and New Testament to mean the same thing as well. The word LORD in the Old Testament refers to Yahweh, God, whereas in the New Testament it refers to Gods Son, Jesus Christ.

About the Author

The Reverend Gib Martin grew up in a family of twelve children in the township of Leroy in northeast Ohio. After he finished college and completed his military obligation, Gib was converted to faith in Jesus Christ. He studied Bible and theology for four years in Dallas and was with the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley for three years. For forty-three years he has been pastor-teacher of the Trinity Church in Seattle. His gifts have led him into a ministry of discipleship, counseling, and mentoring in the States and in a number of other countries. He served eight years with Arrow Leadership Ministry International, twenty-five years on the Board of Missions to Unreached Peoples, and is past NW regional chairman of the Billy Graham Phone Centers. Gib and his wife, Linda, have three daughters, three sons-in-law, and six grandchildren.