Illustrations from Romans
1310 illustrations referencing Romans
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 7:14-25
We read this passage as a vivid illustration of the tension between Law and Gospel that defines the Christian life. Paul expresses the struggle of the simul justus et peccator, as he is simultaneously justified by faith and yet bound by the old Adam. This passage exposes the reality of the bondage o
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 7:14-25
In the Reformed (Presbyterian) tradition, we read Romans 7:14-25 as an exploration of the ongoing struggle between the indwelling sin and the new life in Christ. This passage illustrates the already/not yet tension of sanctification, where the believer, though justified and renewed by sovereign grac
Traditional Lens Commentary: Romans 7:14-25
We read Romans 7:14-25 as a vivid portrayal of the internal struggle between the flesh and the Spirit in the life of a believer. Paul, under divine inspiration, describes the reality of indwelling sin in the life of Christians, emphasizing the tension between our sinful nature and our new identity i
Lessons from Wisdom - Story
In the dusty hills of ancient Israel, the people found themselves in turmoil, craving guidance. It was during this time that a woman named Deborah emerged, a judge and prophetess whose wisdom brought clarity where confusion reigned. Picture the scene:...
Thinking About Self-control - Commentary
Self-control often feels like a heavy burden we carry, but when we look at Romans 12:2, we find a liberating truth: βDo not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.β This scripture beckons...
Living Out Goodness - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, where Paul assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him," we are drawn to the profound truth that Godβs goodness is active in...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Romans 1:16-17
We read Romans 1:16-17 as a declaration of the gospel's power to bring deliverance and liberation, not only spiritually but also socially and politically. This passage affirms that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, which includes the oppressed and marginalized. W
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Romans 1:16-17
We read Romans 1:16-17 as an affirmation of the power of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, as the source of salvation for all who believe. In the Catholic tradition, this passage underscores the role of faith as both an initial acceptance of God's grace and a lived response through the sacr
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 1:16-17
We read Romans 1:16-17 as a definitive proclamation of the Gospel's power and a clear statement of justification by faith alone. The passage centers on the righteousness of God revealed in the Gospel, highlighting the core Lutheran belief that righteousness is not achieved by human effort but is a g
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 1:16-17
We read Romans 1:16-17 as a central declaration of the Gospel's power, rooted in God's sovereign initiative and the unfolding covenant of grace. This passage affirms that salvation is entirely of the Lord, revealed from faith to faith, emphasizing the monergistic nature of salvation. The righteousne
Traditional Lens Commentary: Romans 1:16-17
We read Romans 1:16-17 as a declaration of the power and centrality of the gospel of Christ. This passage emphasizes salvation by grace alone through faith alone, affirming justification by faith as the cornerstone of Christian doctrine. For us, Paul is explicitly stating that the gospel is the powe
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Romans 1:18-23
We read Romans 1:18-23 as a profound critique of idolatry that holds relevance for the systemic injustices faced by marginalized communities. In this passage, we see a God who reveals divine wrath against all ungodliness, particularly against those who suppress the truth. The truth of God's justice
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Romans 1:18-23
We read Romans 1:18-23 as an affirmation of the natural revelation of God through creation, which is consistent with our sacramental worldview. Through the lens of the Catechism, we understand this passage to assert that Godβs invisible attributes are clearly perceived in the world He created, invit
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 1:18-23
We read Romans 1:18-23 as a stark revelation of the Law, where God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. This passage shows the total depravity of humanity and our inability to know God rightly without His gracious revelation. It underscores the theology of the cross, as i
Understanding Faith - Commentary
When Paul urges us in Romans 12:2 to βbe transformed by the renewing of your mind,β he invites us into a profound, communal journey of faith. This transformation is not merely a passive experience; it is an active engagement with...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 1:18-23
We read Romans 1:18-23 as a declaration of God's righteous wrath against human ungodliness and unrighteousness, revealing the universal need for the Gospel. This passage underscores the doctrine of total depravity, highlighting humanity's suppression of truth and idolatry. Within the redemptive-hist
Traditional Lens Commentary: Romans 1:18-23
We read this passage as a clear declaration of God's righteous judgment against humanity's sinfulness. The apostle Paul, under divine inspiration, reveals the universal scope of human rebellion against God, as all have suppressed the truth in unrighteousness. By exchanging the glory of the immortal
Putting Into Practice: Salvation - Teaching Material
As we dwell on Romans 8:28, which tells us that "all things work together for good for those who love God," we find a profound assurance in the heart of our faith: Godβs unyielding commitment to our salvation and growth....
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Romans 16:1-2
We read this passage as a testament to the value and role of women in the early Church, specifically highlighting Phoebe as a 'deaconess' or servant of the Church at Cenchreae. The acknowledgment of her role underscores the sacramental nature of the Church's ministry, where different members contrib
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 16:1-2
In Romans 16:1-2, we read this passage as highlighting the role of Phoebe within the early Church, recognizing her as a deacon and a benefactor. Through the Lutheran Lens, we see this as a demonstration of vocation, where God calls individuals to serve in various capacities within the Church. We als
Living Out Patience - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, we are reminded that βall things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.β This profound scripture invites us to embrace patience in our...
A Story of Forgiveness - Story
Just a few years ago, I encountered a remarkable story of transformation through forgiveness that still stirs my heart today. A woman named Sarah, a member of our church, faced betrayal when her closest friend, whom she had nurtured through...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 16:1-2
We read Romans 16:1-2 as a testament to the unfolding nature of God's covenant faithfulness in the life of the early church. Phoebe is recognized as a servant (διάκονοΟ) of the church, which underscores the covenant community's service in the redemptive history. Her commendation by Paul is not just
Traditional Lens Commentary: Romans 16:1-2
We read Romans 16:1-2 as a commendation of Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae, highlighting the role of women in the early church without compromising biblical authority on church leadership. Paul instructs the Roman believers to welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, em