Minimalist Study on the Book of Romans - Introduction

Join me in this simple #biblestudy on the Book of Romans. I recently re-read and studied Romans with fresh eyes and heart and I encourage you to do the same.

Apostle Paul writes a letter to the Romans whilst he is in the city of Corinth, a thriving bustling city at that time in Greece. Paul is specifically addressing the 'new' Christians in Rome which in the day consisted of both gentiles (predominantly) and Jews.

In this, the longest letter written in the Bible, Paul reveals to us that salvation is about grace alone and about faith in what Christ has done for us.

Paul’s primary theme in Romans is the basic gospel, God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jew and Gentile alike.

When we read the book of Romans we should keep the above primary theme in mind - it is the crux of understanding this easy to read, yet complex book of the Bible.

Why should we read the Book of Romans?

We should read the Book of Romans (like all other Books of the Bible) because of the life-changing truths it contains for us. We also read to gain Wisdom which allows us to understand life from God's perspective.

How to study the Book of Romans?

We study the Books of the Bible with effort and determination.

I have a very simple method which I use to study God's Word - after trying all methods that the world has tried to coax me into using, I found my own way works best for my lifestyle:

• Before I start a new Book of the Bible, I read up on it - why, where and when was it written - no major research, just enough background for me to understand the Book in context of the time it was written.

• My next step is to start reading and studying a chapter at a time (usually one per day or according to the YouBible app reading plan). I usually read the chapter only first thing in the morning on my iPad.

• Later in the morning and after work, I open my journalling Bible up and study with that and my iPad opened to one of the corresponding Commentaries on BlueLetterBible (BLB) app.

• I find breaking down the Chapter first into sections assists me in better understanding the content - I mark these sections in my Bible accordingly.

• Then, I go through the chapter verse by verse, referring to a Commentary and or looking up words etc using the BLB app.

• I also have a separate journal which I "scribble" in any of my thought's, marks of a righteous woman, any practical applications I can implement, or characteristics/promises of the LORD. This is no "pretty" "Instagrammable" journal, although I do use it to make notes for my IG feed and for my blog posts.

That is how I study God's Word in a nutshell.

What is the goal of reading Romans?

Simple really ..... to understand the Holy Spirit's message through the writings of Apostle Paul.

So what did you learn - test yourself?

1. The Book of Romans can be found in the _ _ _ Testament, after the Book of _ _ _ _ and before the Book of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

2. Romans is written to the C_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and J_ _ _ in R_ _ _ by the Apostle _ _ _ _

3. What is the main theme of Romans? ___________________________________________

4. From which city did Paul write the Book of Romans? C_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

5. True or False - Romans is the:

   1. shortest Book in the Bible

   2. longest Book in the Bible

Where to from here?

• Read these articles on the Book of Romans:

  • Biblica.com

  • Pathway to Victory

• Look at the interactive map of where Corinth and Rome were located in Paul's day.

• Read Romans 1 and check back in here on Monday for a Bible Study summary of the chapter and a test your knowledge session.

New to reading the Bible?

If you have never read through the Bible, can I encourage you to read one of the Gospels first, that is, Matthew, Mark, Luke or John and then read the Book of Romans.

Have a blessed week and see you here on Monday's.

Simplistic Grace.