This is for You ~ Review of Timothy Keller's "Romans 1-7 for You"

This is for you to READ…FEED…LEAD

Romans 1-7 for You is a new Bible study by Dr. Timothy Keller, pastor and prolific author.  Keller walks his readers through the first half of the Book of Romans–the first seven chapters.  His focus is to open the Scriptures and help you, the reader, get a grip on its meaning by showing you how it transforms your heart and life. Keller’s intended audience is broad.  He writes for any age group and any stage of belief- from seeking to new believer and from mature believer to advanced Bible scholar.

There are several important features to mention about this study that are unique from any other I have seen.  First, it is a hard cover study (unless you go for the kindle version). At first, I was not sure this was an important detail, but as I continued the study, I realized this was likely going to be a book I would go back and use as a reference for future study. Second, each chapter (12 in all) is broken down into two parts.  So in theory, anyone could pick this book up and in roughly 15-30 minutes read a portion of scripture and study it thoroughly, or complete both parts for a longer study time. Finally, and this is not so unique as an important addition, there are questions at the end of each section for further refection and/or discussion.

Romans 1-7 for You is the latest in the God’s Word for You series.  If you haven’t heard much about it yet it is likely because it is relatively new.  Keller is the only author that has published so far. His other books in the series, Judges for You and Galatians for You came out just last year. In the next several years, a number of other authors will be releasing other titles in this series.

Bottom Line

This is my first interaction with the God’s Word for You series published by The Good Book Company.  I have always been impressed by the titles they publish, but I really liked this study.  I found it to be readable, practical and easily applicable to daily life.  Romans is a book that is rich in value for all Christians. Keller has written a study that guides his reader through the important considerations of each verse. He does this much like an effective tour guide would point out the highlights for all those on the trip, rather than just a select few in the group. His method of breaking down the structure of Romans and use of illustrations is highly effective in helping you see new meaning in familiar passages.  I think men and women, seeker to mature believer would be blessed by this book, and pastors and Bible teachers would love using this study as a resource for their Sunday School class or small group. Youth and maybe some mature pre-teens would also enjoy this study.

Keller’s study Romans 1-7 for You is truly a gift to its readers that points to Christ as the Author of our story. The only unfortunate thing about this study is that I have to wait until Spring 2015 for the second half of the study– Romans 8-14.  Oh well! I guess I will have to pick up his Galatians or Judges study … or grab Tim Chester’s Titus or 1 Samuel studies in the series coming later this year!  Bottom line– I think it will be worth the wait! I give Romans 1-7 for You  five of five stars.

The book of Romans is one that changes the world, by changing people.  My prayer is that it will help you in your understanding of the gospel message, or your experience of the gospel life. ~Timothy Keller

Trailer: Dr. Timothy Keller on Romans 1-7 for You

About the Book

Join Dr. Timothy Keller as he opens up the first half of the book of Romans. Written for people of every age and stage, from enquirers to new believers to pastors and teachers, this flexible resource is for you to: READ: As a guide to this wonderful letter, helping you appreciate the great gift of righteousness with God. FEED: As a daily devotional to help you grow in Christ as you read and meditate on this portion of God s word. LEAD: As notes to aid you in explaining, illustrating and applying Romans 1 7 as you preach or lead a Bible study. Whoever you are, and however you use it, this is… Romans 1-7 For You.
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: The Good Book Company (February 4, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1908762918
ISBN-13: 978-1908762917
Retail Price: $22.99

Available for less at these retailers:

Amazon

The Good Book Company

About the Author

TIMOTHY KELLER was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He was first a pastor in Hopewell, Virginia. In 1989 he started Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan with his wife, Kathy, and their three sons. Today, Redeemer has more than five thousand regular attendees at five services, a host of daughter churches, and is planting churches in large cities throughout the world. He is the author of COUNTERFEIT GODS, THE PRODIGAL GOD, and the New York Times bestseller THE REASON FOR GOD.

 

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this title from Shaun Tabatt at Cross-Focused Reviews and The Good Book Company for an honest review if this title.