Some of Paul’s epistles may be neatly divided into two thematic parts: the first being, a profound theological principle often permeated with weighty doctrines of the Christian faith and the second being, the life-altering practical applications of these truths. Romans is a classic example of this pattern (as is Ephesians). The letter to Rome is the only one of Paul’s thirteen letters in which neither he, nor one of his immediate associates (e.g., Epaphras and the Colossians letter) established the church. So, since neither Paul nor one of his personally trained associates never actually preached in Rome, it is, then, not surprising that this missive is the most thorough and extensive explanation of the gospel of all his correspondences. With respect to the purity of the gospel, Paul makes no assumptions that the Roman church has a full understanding of the gospel. Thus, the letter to Rome clearly exposits Habakuk 2.4 “The righteous shall live by faith” (or by their faith the righteous shall live). Many great Bible scholars and theologians through the centuries have emphasized the importance of “Paul’s gospel.” Martin Luther said of it: every Christian should be required to memorize Romans word for word. In the following sermons I am considering Paul’s emphasis on the application of the gospel (chapters 12.1-15.13). As with the cohesive opening chapters (1-11) that focus on Justification by faith alone, so, too, the closing section hangs together as a unit. One cannot hope to cover the whole of it in so short a treatise, but these few messages and notes may wet your appetite for something more. Of all the things that Paul might have said by way of applying the truth of the gospel, it is not insignificant that he emphasized love and unity in the body of Christ as the preeminent mark of the true church (John 13.34-35).
There are many fine commentaries on Romans, but one that is, perhaps, not as well know as others but very much worth the reading is, “The Righteousness of God” by Adolf Schlatter. Happily, his works have recently been translated into English. As a theologically conservative German theologian who was an academic contemporary and associate of the liberal Adolf Von Harnack he is easily overlooked by the evangelical community. If you should attempt to read Schlatter, be forewarned he is someone who ought to be digested slowly. If you want something more traditional, I found Moo and Schreiner to be good reads. Ray Ortlund’s “A Passion for God” is an excellent devotional look at Romans.
There are many fine commentaries on Romans, but one that is, perhaps, not as well know as others but very much worth the reading is, “The Righteousness of God” by Adolf Schlatter. Happily, his works have recently been translated into English. As a theologically conservative German theologian who was an academic contemporary and associate of the liberal Adolf Von Harnack he is easily overlooked by the evangelical community. If you should attempt to read Schlatter, be forewarned he is someone who ought to be digested slowly. If you want something more traditional, I found Moo and Schreiner to be good reads. Ray Ortlund’s “A Passion for God” is an excellent devotional look at Romans.