The book of Romans is gigantic. It is Paul’s theological thesis for the Christian faith. Many have written about it and argued about it. In some circles of Christian faith, it is the lens through which the rest of the Bible is understood. Given its importance and the potential for conflict, I’ve been reluctant to explore it on Lambchow, but here we go.
As we open the book of Romans, we will do so with an intentional question. What does this mean for me? It’s easy to read Romans as a theological (almost theoretical) textbook. What I intend to focus on is the application – the “what does this mean for me?” So, we will explore the giant themes of Romans with a view to applying them to ourselves.
Now, it is easy to twist that question into a relativistic view of scripture. We are not asking what this means to me. That question invites reading into scripture what is not there. No, we are seeking what the plain truth of Romans says, then reflecting on its application for us. What does this mean for me? With emphasis on “for.”
In a way, Paul’s desire is for application. In the opening verses (1-7), he introduces himself and welcomes the intended readers. In verses 8-10, he recounts what he had heard about them and his prayer for them. His desire is to directly encourage their faith. “For I want very much to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” (Romans 1:11–12, CSB) What we see in Romans is the message Paul intended to impart to encourage their faith and ours.
In verses 13-15, Paul talks about his audience, Gentiles of every stripe, from cultured Greeks to rough-hewn barbarians. Those wise and those foolish. And his desire to preach the Gospel to those in Rome.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16–17, CSB)
It is here that we encounter our first “what does this mean for me” reflection. Paul writes, I am not ashamed of the Gospel. He wanted to preach this message to the center of power and culture in his day. How do we view the Gospel in our age of strong opinions and cancel culture, where a wrong thought may sever connections? Am I ashamed of the Gospel? Do I feel it is less important or childish than the multitude of ideas shouted at us every day? Do I dare to bring it up in conversation or on social media?
The world is filled with advertising and advice to fix every problem (whether the solutions really work is another matter). The Gospel is God’s solution for mankind’s largest problem. It requires just one thing on our part – faith.
Before Paul dives headfirst into the depths of Romans, he reminds the readers that “the righteous will live by faith.” This is the key to Romans. The rest of the book answers the question – what does it mean to live by faith? I intend to bring that question closer, out of the theoretical ether, and to the grit and grime of everyday life.
- Romans Applied – Prevailing Grace - June 3, 2026
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- Romans Applied – Abundant Grace - May 27, 2026
