S2 Ep1128: A Deep-Dive into the Book of Romans: Dr. N.T. Wright
Nov 13, 2023
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Dr. N.T. Wright, an esteemed theologian, discusses his latest book on the book of Romans, exploring themes like Jesus, sin and salvation, suffering and hope, and resurrection. The podcast also delves into the significance of the Jew-Gentile issue, the tabernacle and temple as symbols of God's presence, and the atonement. The hosts emphasize the importance of new understanding and vocation in interpreting the Bible.
The church's vocation is to lament and bear the lament of the Spirit, reflecting the groaning of creation and participating in its redemption.
The church is called to be a working model of new creation, showing unity, love, and stewardship in God's creation.
Believers are called to be agents of God's purposes, actively participating in his work of redemption and contributing to his plan of new creation.
Deep dives
The Power of Lament and Groaning
In Romans 8, Paul explains that the church's vocation is to lament and bear the lament of the Spirit. As creation groans and waits for redemption, the Spirit helps believers in their prayer by interceding with groanings too deep for words. This participation in the groaning of creation is a central part of the church's role in the world.
The Church's Role in New Creation
Romans 8 emphasizes that the church is called to be the small working model of new creation. In this vocation, believers are to reflect God's stewardship and love in his creation. The church should reflect unity and love among different ethnicities, genders, and social statuses, serving as a sign of the new creation to the world.
The Trinity's Involvement in Suffering and Groaning
Paul highlights the involvement of the Trinity in the groaning and suffering of creation and believers. The Spirit helps believers in their intercession and groaning, reflecting the groaning of creation. God is actively working through the collaboration of believers in bringing about his purposes and putting all things right.
The Vocation of Believers
Romans 8 emphasizes that believers are called to be agents of God's purposes and participate in his work of redemption. Believers are to love God and participate in his putting right project for the world. The church's vocation is to lament, bear the pain of the world, and work for unity and holiness, contributing to God's overall plan of new creation.
The Divine Agency in Working All Things Together for Good
Romans 8 affirms that God, through believers who love him, works all things together for good. This points to the church's active involvement in God's purposes and the collaborative work with God in bringing about his plans.
N.T. Wright has held a variety of both academic and chaplaincy posts at Oxford, Cambridge, and McGill University, Montreal. He was Canon of Westminster in 2000, before serving as Bishop of Durham between 2003-2010. He is currently Research Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Early Christianity at St Mary’s College in the University of St Andrews and Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Professor Wright has written over 80 books including his recently released:Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul's Greatest Letter, which forms the basis for our conversation.