Book of Romans: God's Big Picture

Life Lessons

by Max Lucado, Livingstone Corporation

Revised and updated, the Lucado Life Lessons series takes the participant on a journey through the Bible, book by book. Inquisitive questions, "Keys to the Text" feature, and new material compose this useful and concise tool from renowned Bible teacher and pastor Max Lucado.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Faith, Theology

118 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 1996

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Amanda Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overall. Did not like that portions of Romans were skipped over, though. This was done to fit the book of Romans into a 12-chapter study (though as other study books show, cutting out portions is not necessary to keep the chapters limited to 12). You end up missing context, so I definitely reccomend reading the missing portions of Scripture as you go through this book instead of only reading the portions covered by Lucado.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, easy to use guide to Romans. It's meant for group study, but I completed it on my own. I liked the format:
Reflection -what to consider as you read Romans
Situation -the history behind the message
Observation -the passage to be read printed in NIV and NKJV.
Questions for exploration of the passages
An insightful story to illustrate the point
More questions to get personal and respond to the message
Life lessons, a devotional prayer, a place to journal, and suggestions on further reading

The questions about the passages were helpful and sometimes deep. I could answer most of them from the scriptures presented, but some were meant for group discussions. An example would be why people think the Jews were replaced by Christians? The passages in Romans 11 say that Gentiles were brought into the covenant to provoke the Jews to jealousy and that believing Jews would be grafted back in just like unbelieving Gentiles would be taken out.

The final story about candles in the darkness not wanting to shine was an interesting illustration of what keeps people from sharing the good news. The Henry Drummond quote on PGS 31-32 also made me think about how love and respect for someone open the door to educative fellowship.

I liked this guide, but it is meant for groups.

[Carrie London · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a deep dive into the book of Romans and guided reflection on how it applies to your life, then this is the book you need. Max Lucado’s Life Lessons from Romans offers a thoughtful blend of biblical insight, practical application, and gentle encouragement that makes one of Scripture’s most complex books feel accessible and deeply personal.

Lucado has a gift for breaking down big theological ideas without watering them down. Each chapter provides helpful context, clear explanations, and reflection questions that genuinely prompt you to pause and consider how Paul’s words intersect with your daily life. The layout is easy to follow, and the combination of commentary, Scripture, and guided study makes it ideal for both individual reading and small‑group discussion.

What stands out most is the tone—warm, steady, and rooted in grace. Lucado doesn’t just teach; he invites you to experience the message. Romans can feel intimidating, but this study turns it into a journey of encouragement and spiritual clarity.

Whether you’re new to Bible study or looking to go deeper, this book is a rich, uplifting resource that brings the heart of Romans to life. A truly worthwhile read.

[Andrea Renfrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Lucado studies are great for family bible study. It gives us a succinct way to address biblical principles with our ten year old. Each lesson takes about thirty minutes to read and discuss. We look forward to using more of them for future family bible time.

[DL (Donna) Rudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent teaching, easy to follow for any level of Bible knowledge.
If you are a beginner reader of the Bible, grab the workbook too; it's such. good guide to learning the Word of God. Max is an excellent teacher!

[Tara Leitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first study by Max Lucado and it was so good! I really like that Lucado brings in great application questions, examples, and context to the studies each week. Walked through this with my discipleship group and have since ordered a new study by Lucado that I’m already going through!

[Cmadler · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't like the way Lucado picked out excerpts from Romans instead of addressing it all, in context. The discussion questions were mostly just OK, a lot of them were just at the level of "find this item in the scriptural excerpt".

[James Dakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good group or personal study

I read this book by myself, but can certainly see its benefits for group study as well. Many good questions and points for discussion are brought up at the end of every lesson.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book my Max Lucado. Written with humor, wisdom and heart after God. Reading a chapter a day, as my daily devolution.

[Darci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did this book as part of a group study and enjoyed it! The workbook style worked well for me. The stories and added quotes from Max Lucado brought the subject to life.

[Kushal Hamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this for our weekly Bible Study for seniors. I found the language of Romans more difficult to read than the other Epistles. WE had some very good discussions and I learned a lot.

[Eric]

Great multi-week study book for our Sunday School bible study.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for Sunday School class. It's enh. Not enough "meat" for quality discussion.

[Rick Farlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this in a Chirp Audiobook, which Max Lucado narrated. It’s entertaining and engaging, but not a deep dive into the book of Romans.

[Angela Elder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that the verses were included in the study with 2 different translations. Also includes inspirational sections in each chapter by well known authors. Good questions as well.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

My men's Bible study group just got done going through Romans and we used the guide by Max Lucado to help facilitate discussions. I found the questions set out in each section too difficult and the study too obtuse. The questions and stories which applied the readings weren't very helpful. If you are looking for something that will help in understanding the readings this is not it.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado does a great job walking through Romans while keeping close to the text without bringing too much of our modern cultural limitations into the teaching or interpretations. I really appreciate that he keeps things biblical and surrounds the text with well thought out questions and conversation starters. Grateful for his ministry.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for a bible study working through the biblical teachings of Romans. Lots of great takeaways here and very solid theology.

[Jeff Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

did this in a bible study
Lucado always does a great job