In recent visits we have studied Romans 12:1-2 which is a transitional statement between what Paul taught in the first eleven chapters and the practical applications found in the remaining chapters of Romans. I would like to continue our study of Romans by doing a Focus and Amplify study of Romans 12.
Let me explain what is involved in a focus and amplify study approach. Do you ever miss seeing the forest because you are preoccupied with examining a tree? There is great danger in doing this in Bible study. Getting interested in a statement without considering its context often leads to misinterpretation and confusion. The focus and amplify approach to Bible study helps one get the bigger picture first, then see how each part fits into the whole.
Take the following steps in this approach: 1. Read the portion over a few times to grasp the main focus. 2. Read it over some more to identify main points or explanations which amplify the focus. 3. Study each section covered by a main point to find sub points which amplify each main point. 4. Write all this out in an outline and then determine some conclusions or applications based on the outline.
When I did this with Romans 12 I concluded that the last verse of the chapter is not only the key verse, it states what I would say is the focus of the chapter. Listen to verse 21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Actually the focus could be shortened to the last half of the verse: “Overcome evil with good.”
With this focus in mind read the chapter over again and reflect on how this focus is amplified.
