Word of the Week: Gold mine
After my sermon yesterday, a friend from church gave me some gentle ribbing. He pointed out how much of Romans 8:1-14 I MISSED in concentrating on the last few verses. Honestly Romans 8 has five to ten good sermons in it, and we have done a short survey this time out. Some years ago, we preached very slowly through Romans 8, and we may need to do it again someday.
There is gold in Romans in general, and in chapter 8 in particular - gold meaning something that can refresh and bring life to you as you read it, ponder it, pray for understanding, and grasp it. My friend asked for some reference materials, so I’ll give you some commentaries that are worth having and reading over as you study. Here are some ideas:
The Gospel of God: Romans by RC Sproul. Dr. Sproul’s commentary is very helpful and is short and to the point. Any good reader should be able to understand what he is saying.
The Message of Romans by John Stott. This “message” series of commentaries is designed for interested nonprofessionals and is written by one of the truly great leaders of Christianity in the 20th century. This also is very readable and useful.
Epistle to the Romans by John Murray. While this commentary might slightly more in depth and use a few words you need to Google, Dr. Murray’s depth of insight and warmth are wonderful.
Get any one of these and you can start mining for gold. You could read through Romans several times in 2018 and use these tools, and a good study Bible such as the ESV Study Bible to help you grow in Lord. You’ll be glad you did!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Don