Reflection on ROMANS Learning Experience

“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.