“Why
are you here to study the Book of Romans?” This pertinent question at the
presentation on the outset begged for an appropriate personal response. It was
a timely reminder to search my heart - besides it being one of the requirements
of the course, as everyone knows. I asked myself for not only the purpose but
my expectation of the course. To my surprise I found that truly, if I was able
to meet God through this study, to discover what He wants to teach me, wouldn’t
it be so wonderful? So, as the course began to unfold, God was faithful to
answer my prayer. Importantly, He gave me the confidence of the assurance of
His love in Rom 8:31-39, in that nothing will be able to separate me from His
love, even if I were to go through trial or tribulation. For me, it added a new
dimension of God’s love, for when I am assured of God’s love, only then will I not
be afraid for He will be there for me through trials, and His strength and
grace will be sufficient for me.
Without a doubt, throughout
the lectures, there were indeed instances of useful learning points or gems to
take away as well. I especially found Structural Diagramming and the Online
Study Tools extremely useful to help me grasp and understand the content of
Romans better. Knowing the verbs and conditionals helped me to be better able
to determine the key ideas of the chapter and verse at hand. It also helped me
to better structure the outline of Bible verses for sharing or teaching later, in
my ministry. For as I prepare, I am able to check the meaning of actual words in
Greek as they appear in the verses just by using the Online tool for word study.
These tools I feel are pertinent in the study of the Bible. I was also reminded
of the danger of ‘exegetical fallacy’ where we use our modern day mind to
interpret the Bible without thoroughly examining the historical context and
setting, word and origin. Now I am greatly challenged to exercise caution, to examine
passages of Scripture painstakingly, using all these tools before coming to any
conclusion, even to the extent of retranslating the verses in my own words.
In my interaction with
the varied materials sourced for the study of Romans, this particular article
caught my attetntion. It is entitled “Interpretation”
taken from A Journal of Bible and
Theology, October, 2003, written by Michael Barram. He pointed out a pertinent
idea from v 19 – that of ‘feeding our enemies’ and ‘not avenging yourselves’
and ‘bless those who persecute’ in v14. The writer questions the implication of
this command in today’s world, fraught with global terrorism and political
upheaval, which he says that Paul cannot possibly understand! The writer feels
that it is too ‘idealistic’ – what more after 9/11, it is totally impossible!
Well, this statement gave me much to reflect on as I continue to grapple with
the concepts and commands in the study of Romans. As such, I am continually being
challenged. Even as I disagree with the writer’s view, I am sure that to
forgive and love our enemies is possible only with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Another area that
seems to trouble me still is from Rom 12:1-21. I used to take Paul’s
exhortations for Christian living ever so lightly. True, I can say that I did
my best to love my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ and in the larger
community - that was all. Now I begin to question my attitude towards them, and
more significantly, have I done enough within my capability? Have I been
unkind, selfish, putting my interest above theirs, and only being interested
when there is a benefit in it. With excuses like time, family, work, commitments,
I must confess that I have fallen short! It only leaves me to repent and to ask
God how I can show genuine and sincere love to all to apply well the
exhortations of Paul in daily life, toward family, friends, colleagues,
course-mates and strangers too. Romans has changed the perspective of my past
response and attitude to fellow Christians to a more positive one.
Right from the start
of the course, emphasis was put on collaboration and community – so the need to
form groups. I was full of anticipation regarding this. However, to my pleasant
surprise, my group comprised the most hardworking and ‘gung-ho’ go-getters I
have ever met. At the word ‘Go’ they sped off, like the bullet train of Japan -
scanning materials for reading; sending email after email, and even posting on
the social forum before the first lesson! Wow! I have never worked with such a
great bunch of positive and enthusiastic students before. I am truly blessed by
the good interaction, warmth and support, consideration and genuine love shown within
the group. Indeed this is true love in action! Working in groups is a good
opportunity for me to learn to put Romans 12 into practice. All said and done, I
have thoroughly enjoyed the course with Rev Casey. Thank you and God bless.
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