Study Questions for February 22, 2026

Study Questions for February 22, 2026

February 19th, 2026 by Reid Schultheis

The Greatest Letter Ever Written 

Read Romans 1:1-17; Acts 18:1-2; and the Heidelberg Catechism Question 1.

1. Reid notes that Romans is arguably the "greatest letter that’s ever been written in the history of the world". Why is it essential to understand the "subject line" and "sender" (the historical background) before trying to decipher the message of a biblical book?

2. Historical Context. In AD 49, Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from Rome, leaving Gentile Christians to run the church for five years. When the Jewish Christians returned, it led to "strife and animosity". How does this historical conflict help us understand why Paul emphasizes unity so strongly in this letter?

3. Identify the Purpose. Reid outlines three major purposes for Romans: Unity in the church, Evangelistic zeal for the world, and a Personal understanding of the gospel. Which of these three do you feel the greatest need for in your own life right now?

4. Breaking the Fourth Wall. Read Romans 1:6-7. Reid compares Paul’s writing to an actor "breaking the fourth wall" to look directly at the audience. How does it change your perspective to hear Paul pointing at you and saying, "You too are called to belong to Jesus Christ"?

5. Receive Romans Personally. To illustrate a personal connection, the sermon describes a family tradition of writing notes on "blank pieces of computer paper" rather than buying store-bought cards. How would your interaction with the Bible change if you viewed it as a personal note written specifically for your heart rather than just a doctrinal textbook?

6. Receive Romans Pastorally. Reid suggests we should expect to be "pastored" by this letter—which includes being comforted, challenged, and even receiving a "swift kick in the butt" when our hearts are out of whack. Are you currently in a season where you need more comfort or more correction?

7. Read Romans 1:16-17. These verses contain the "premise" of the entire letter: we are made right with God through faith alone. Reid makes the provocative statement that "the whole premise of the gospel is God’s not fair". Discuss how God being "not fair" (taking our punishment upon Himself) is actually the best news for us as sinners.

8. The Foundation of Happiness. Reflecting on his own time "in the pit" during college, Reid quotes John Calvin: "The foundation of our felicity (happiness) is the favor of God". Do you truly believe that God "smiles" over you because you are in Christ, or do you still feel you have to "jump through hoops" to earn His favor?

9. Read the Heidelberg Catechism Answer. "I am not my own, but belong—body and soul... to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ". How does the reality that you belong to Him provide more security than if you were in charge of your own life?

10. Close in Prayer: Thank God for the "Pax Christi"—the peace of Christ that frees us rather than oppressing us. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you walk this week with the confidence of someone who is "loved by God" and lives under His smile.

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Analogy for Understanding: Studying Romans without taking it personally is like reading someone else’s handwritten love letter found in a dusty attic; you might admire the prose, but you won't feel the passion. But when you realize the letter is addressed to you, it transforms from a historical document into a life-changing conversation.