Devotion #3: The Loving Tone
As we begin our lengthy study through the book of Romans, it would be helpful to see how others have viewed it. Romans has received much praise. Here are a few quotes from some influential fathers:
• Martin Luther - Romans “is really the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. We can never read it or ponder over it too much; for the more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes.”
• John Calvin - “When any one understands this Epistle, he has a passage opened to him to the understanding of the whole Scripture.”
• J. I. Packer - “All roads in the Bible lead to Romans, and all views afforded by the Bible are seen most clearly from Romans, and when the message of Romans gets into a person’s heart there is no telling what may happen.”
• John Piper - Romans is “the most important theological, Christian work ever written.”
Romans is clearly special. However, before we wrestle with concepts like predestination, sanctification, propitiation, justification, the Law, and the wrath of God, it is comforting to notice the tone of the letter. Paul writes from the heart.
Romans 1:8-11 records, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you.”
There are at least three key elements to this section of the introduction. First, Paul tells them he is thankful for them: “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you.” He is straightforward with the concept. It is a powerful phrase. Are there people you are thankful for? Have you told them? Has anyone ever told you they were thankful for you? How did it make you feel? It is a powerful statement. Paul is thankful for them!
Second, Paul says he prays for them: “Without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers.” Paul regularly prays for them. He loves them, so he prays for them. He prays for them, so he grows in love for them. It is a beautiful cycle.
Third, Paul says he wants to be with them: “For I long to see you.” We all have family and friends we look forward to seeing. Paul expresses this sentiment. He is excited to see them and watch them grow even more in the Lord.
As you read through the book of Romans, please accept the depth of material as from a loving friend. Listen to the tone from One who will do and has done everything for you. Feel His embrace as you grow in knowledge and faith.