We want to be right in the eyes of the law of our land, of those we respect, of our loved ones, of those we work with. We strive to gain and then keep this right standing. But there is another, far better and more important righteousness. A righteousness which changes and liberates every aspect of our lives, and yet which none of us can earn or maintain ourselves. It s a righteousness from God. Romans 1 7 is all about that righteousness. It shows us why we don t have it, why we need it, and how we can receive it. It thrills us that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6 v 23). These seven studies will help you to understand one of the most-read, most written-about parts of the Bible. And, as they enable you to you unwrap God s precious gift of right standing with him, they ll transform your hearts, lives, identities and perspectives. For use with individuals or groups. Leader s Guide included.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For over twenty years he has led a diverse congregation of young professionals that has grown to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.
He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for faith in an urban culture. In over ten years they have helped to launch over 250 churches in 48 cities. More recently, Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 15 languages.
Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
I hate to be so hard on a book intended for studying the Bible, especially when it hasn't put forth some grossly heretical theory. However, this study guide meets virtually all of my pet-peeves for Scripture study.
1) It treats the reader like they are infantile, having very low-level engagement questions. i.e. "Should we go on sinning that grace may abound. What did Paul say as an answer to this question?" "Why do you think Paul refers to coveting as opposed to other commandments? (Remember he used to be focused on outward obedience of the law, how is this commandment different than outward obedience)?" "Have you ever done something wrong when you knew you shouldn't have? How did that make you feel?"
2) It does not address well the themes of the text, engaging very shallowly with the topics at hand.
3) Even coming from a "Presbyterian," it gets various side notes wrong about Baptism, has poor explanations for Paul's use of "law," and does not help the reader to understand the interpretive difficulties surrounding several portions of Romans (it admits that they are there, but seemingly does not address them).
Now, that is not to say that this study would not be useful. I believe it is organized well for a new believer - it presses hard the point that our righteousness is not our own, but from Christ. It explains terms such as sanctification, or even debt. However, I would not recommend this for study material for Christians with a few years on them.