ROMANS:

ROMANS: Encountering the Gospel’s Power

By John Stott with

Carol Nystrom

InterVarsity Press

©1998

112 pp.

       “Romans is a kind of Christian manifesto of freedom through Jesus Christ.” This is the first sentence of Stott’s Introduction to this Bible study, and it sets the tone for the entire book. A manifesto is “a written statement that describes the policies, goals, and opinions of a person or group.” I had never looked at Romans in that light before but after working my way through this study, I can see how Paul covers all the bases.

        For instance, Paul’s first six verses tell us that the message is from God, it was promised long ago, it concerns Jesus and His resurrection, and it comes to Jews and Gentiles.

        Stott’s second chapter talks about “A Downward Spiral”. Mankind has become godless and wicked. Until we see our sin, we’re not ready to hear about justification. Other chapters (not corresponding with the chapter numbers of the book of Romans itself) look at “Misplaced Confidence”, “Forgive Us Our Debts”, “Peace with God”, “Battling Sin”, “Understanding God’s Purposes”, “God’s Grief”, and “Unity, Liberty & Charity”, among others.

        Stott’s progression through the basics of the gospel is very clear, and wonderful to experience. His comments are a joy to read and his questions for study are exceptionally perceptive. For instance, in the chapter “God’s Grief”, he asks, “Make a mental review of what you have said and done in the last week. In what ways have you confessed that Jesus is your Lord?”

        Two more questions—The chapter on “God’s Fairness”, asks, “How might God’s judgment be a kindness?” and later, “What can we do to cultivate a healthy conscience?” Good questions for thought and action, not just questions of fact.

        I first came across Stott’s Bible studies in Jesus Christ: Teacher, Servant & Savior. After working my way through it twice now, I recommend it first, before Romans. You’ll worship Jesus all over again. You’ll learn more about Him than you could imagine possible. Then you’re ready for Romans, because it shows where you’ve come from, how to live now, and where you’re going.

        John Stott is a man very much worth reading. Many years ago I enjoyed Your Mind Matters, hardly more than a tract. Recently, I’ve worked my way through The Cross of Christ, 350 pages of fine print. And in between is Why I Am a Christian. Stott was a deep thinker, with a very broad base of historical and theological knowledge; above all he was a devout and conscientious Christian. He will make your appreciation for Christ grow like no author before him.

Five Words:

“The most important advice you will ever hear!”

        Recently while I was in the grocery store, I walked up to the Deli Counter. I stood there beside a large man, as I was waiting for my turn. The server behind the counter was a young girl in a white apron. She did not even notice me, because she was deep in conversation with the gentleman. They were mid conversation, and she was telling him that she was now a diabetic. “I always keep a few candies in my apron pocket,” she said, “that way if I don’t feel well, I take one and it gives me enough sugar so I don’t pass out.” He seemed to know a lot about the condition, and the conversation became quite long and deep and involved.

        I suppose I shifted rather impatiently, because I was waiting to finish shopping. They both became aware of my eavesdropping, and she attempted to wrap up his purchase, and the conversation. However, just as he seemed to be leaving he leaned over the counter, made eye contact with her, and said, “And now I am going to tell you the most important thing you will ever hear in your entire life!” I wondered, “What could this possibly be?”  I was overjoyed as I heard him tell her, “True life is in Jesus!” 

        He smiled at us both and said, “That is my five-word sermon,” and he left. But not before I smiled back at him and said, “Amen.”

Joy Wilson