As a teacher, I often used techniques to help my students remember what they needed for the assessments that were coming up. We would use mnemonics or systems and tricks that make information more memorable. Many times, we used this system by remembering a phrase where the first letter of each word in the phrase is also the first letter of each word in the list or order. Also, these tricks can just be a word or name that will help you recall the information. It is now time for a pop quiz! The answers will be at the end of the lesson. No cheating, and keep your eyes on your own paper.
1. Math: What is the order or list that this phrase means: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally?
2. Science: What is the order or list for this name: ROY-G-BIV?
3. Michigan History: What is the order or list for the word: H.O.M.E.S.?
When I was growing up, we were taught the Romans Road as a memory device to help us reach others with the truth of Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 3:15, we read, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” We wanted to be prepared, but we would often get nervous about remembering which verses explained salvation in Christ, help each person understand their condition, understand who Christ is, or what would be required of us as a price for our sins. However, we knew we would need to do this with “gentleness and respect.” We were taught the truths of God’s Scripture through a memory device called the Romans Road. It really is an easy method for explaining to others why we need salvation in Christ.
4. Can you think of any other memory devices that are used to store God’s Word in your heart? What are they? (Hint: Songs)
5. Do you consider “gentleness and respect” when you are trying to reach an individual for Christ? Why or why not?
The first verse helps us to explain our situation or our condition because many do not believe that there is a need for Christ’s intervention in their eternal life. Romans 3:23 reads, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This is a pretty important first and easy step. I would ask people, “Do you believe that we all do things that would be considered bad, and are these wrong things considered a sin?” Then, I would turn them to Romans 3:23 and make sure that they pick up on the idea that we all sin and that sin falls short of God’s standard.
6. Why do people struggle with this concept? Please share.
The second verse of the Romans Road will make it clear and teach us about the consequences of sin or the wrongs that we do in our lives. However, this same verse will begin the understanding of the gift that Jesus gives to us. Romans 6:23 reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I often get the opportunity to explain “wages” to children. I let them know when they work, they will make money, which is called their wages. You deserve your wages for your work. In this passage, the wages for our sin is called death. So, if you work, does your boss give you a gift, or do they give you your wages? Wages is the answer, but God gives you the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus.
7. Do you think the concept of wages and gift is a helpful way to explain this concept? Why or why not?
The third verse that I use when speaking to someone from the Romans Road is Romans 5:8, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Not only is Jesus giving us a gift, but we must know what Christ did. Jesus Christ died for us! He paid the price for the consequences of our sins. This shows us how much He loves us and that love was given even when we were still sinners. How beautiful a love He demonstrates to us.
8. For this verse, I sometimes use the concept of Christ’s blood being given on the cross as He died for us. Would there be another verse that you use to back up this stop on the Romans Road?
The fourth verse on the Romans Road is Romans 10:9, “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:13 adds, “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” This is an exciting stop on the Romans Road. Because Jesus died as a payment for my sins, I can have the free gift of salvation by confessing that Jesus’ death is what I trust in for my salvation. I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, and through this, I am saved from what is required, which is death.
9. Would you think it would be beneficial to introduce the concept of Hell in the Romans Road? What verse would you include?
The last stop for me on the Romans Road speaks to the outcome of our new position with Christ. Romans 5:1 reads, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are now justified, which means that we do not owe any wages. We have peace with God because, without Jesus, we are enemies of God. This all comes about because Jesus Christ died for our sins and made us children of God.
10. What are some verses that you would use that describe us as enemies of God or children of God?
11. Were there other verses that you were taught to use on the Romans Road?