Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Romans

August 21, 2005

INTRODUCTION

For seventeen years I was a professor at the Grace Bible Institute and Graduate School in Long Beach, teaching just about every course on doctrine that the institute offered as well as Greek, Bible Survey and – my “sugar stick” – the book of Romans. I have preached through the book several times during my pastorates and each time through, have come more and more to appreciate the truths revealed. So come with me through this wonderful book as we dig deep into the treasures found here – and I promise you there will be no final exam – you will all get an “A’ in the course!

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF ROMANS

Today we are beginning a study in the epistle to the Romans. This promises to be a very productive study for all of us. I suggest that you read the pen pulpit every week and read ahead in Romans where I have suggested. I am foregoing a lengthy introduction of Romans in order that we may get involved in the meat of this great epistle. Introductory matters will surface as we get into our study. Romans is the most comprehensive treatment of God’s complete plan of salvation in Jesus Christ that we have in the Word of God! It describes in great detail man’s need for redemption, God’s gracious provision for all of mankind. He describes God’s plan for Israel, past, present and future. In some detail Paul covers the practical out-workings of our salvation in relation to the unbeliever, to Christian service, to government, to the weaker brother and to other Christians.

INTRODUCTION OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS (1:1-17)

The introduction of Romans is one of the longest introductions in New Testament literature. In these seventeen verses the apostle Paul unfolds significant truth about himself, the Gospel and the ones to whom he is writing – truth which we will enlarge upon as we move along. In the first seven verses he talks about his relationship to the Gospel, about God’s revelation of the Gospel and about the recipients of the Gospel. In verses 8-17 he discusses the characteristics of a true minister of God. The principles contained in the opening section are particularly relevant to all believers in the history of the church.

On the back of this sheet I have included a chart that I worked out several years back. This chart provides an overview of the book of Romans – although we will be pursuing a little different format in our weekly pen pulpits. Read ahead in chapter one of Romans for the next few weeks. God bless.

Love to you all,