Thursday, August 03, 2006
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Monday, July 31, 2006
ROMANS SESSION 1
THE CREDENTIALS OF PAUL THE APOSTLE Part 1
Session 1a
Rom. 1:1 -7
Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Session 1a
Rom. 1:1 -7
Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Introduction
We embark on a study of what is perhaps the greatest Book of the New Testament. I know that is a big statement, however, Romans is, without question, the greatest theological work of the Apostle Paul. This book has been called "The Constitution Of Christianity"; "The Christian Manifesto"; and "The Cathedral Of The Christian Faith".
Without a doubt, this book has been responsible for more change in the church than any other.
It was this book that in September of 386 AD touched the heart of a North African native who was a professor in the city of Milan, Italy. As Augustine sat weeping in the garden of a friend while contemplating the wickedness of his life, he heard a child singing, "Tolle, lege. Tolle, lege." These words from Latin mean, "Take up and read. Take up and read."
Beside Augustine was an open scroll of the Book of Romans. He picked it up and read the first verses that caught his eyes. They were Rom. 13:13-14. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
These verse brought about the conversion of Augustine and he became, in the mind of many, one of the greatest theologians and leaders in the history of the church.
Beside Augustine was an open scroll of the Book of Romans. He picked it up and read the first verses that caught his eyes. They were Rom. 13:13-14. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
These verse brought about the conversion of Augustine and he became, in the mind of many, one of the greatest theologians and leaders in the history of the church.
1,000 years later, a Roman Catholic monk of the Augustinian Order named Martin Luther, who was a professor at the University of Wittenburg in Germany, was teaching his students the Book of Romans. As he studied the text, his heart was arrested by the theme of justification by faith, Rom. 1:17. The Holy Spirit used this verse to bring Luther to Christ and the Reformation to the world.
A few hundred years later, an ordained minister in the Church of England named John Wesley was preparing to take the Gospel to America as a missionary. However, even though Wesley was a preacher and was going to cross the Atlantic as a missionary, he was confused about the Gospel and was seeking a genuine conversion experience of his own. Then, one Wednesday evening, he attended a Bible Study in London. While there, he heard some of Luther's comments on Romans being read and this brought about his conversion to Christ. Then John, along with his brother Charles, would be the tools God would use to bring the great Wesleyan revivals to the world.
Over the next several months, as the Lord leads, I intend to teach through this great book verse by verse. As I do, we will find that a great many questions about God and what He has given us in Jesus will be answered. This is a Book that is impossible to exhaust. It will captivate the most brilliant of theological minds and will bring the humblest of God's servants to tears.
Romans was written by Paul the Apostle between 56 and 58 A.D. from the city of Corinth while Paul was on his third missionary journey. The Bible tells us that after Paul was saved, he spent 3 years in Arabia, (Gal. 1:17-18). 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
During this time he studies the Old Testament writings and how they speak of Jesus. When he returned to Jerusalem, he came with this great epistle burning in his heart.
Let's join Paul in these first 7 verses as he discusses his credentials with the members of the Church in Rome.
As Paul discusses himself and his ministry, he also sheds some light on our mission as we go through life. This is the longest introduction to any of the New Testament epistles. It is also the richest in theological content.
V. 1 THE FACTS ABOUT THE MESSENGER
A. His Condition –
As Paul begins his comments to the Roman Christians, he doesn't begin by boasting of his office. He begins by proclaiming himself to be a "servant." The word means a "bond slave." This calls to mind the "law of the bond slave" from the Old Testament. According to this law, a slave could refuse his freedom and could choose to remain with his master forever, (Ex. 21:1-6). Instead of exalting himself before the Romans, Paul chose to humble himself. This was the secret of Paul's greatness! Paul knew that like a slave, he had no personal rights. His life was dictated to him by the master. He was totally sold out to the will of God. There is no doubt that this is why the Lord used Paul so greatly!
(Ill. This is a lesson that the modern Christian needs to learn. We have so many who feel that they are in control of their lives and that they have the right to do as they please and make their own decisions. We need to remember that when we were saved by Jesus Christ, we became His bond servants! He bought us, and now He owns us completely - 1 Cor. 6:19-20.)
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
(Ill. This image of slavery was commonplace to Paul's readers. However, we don't understand it so well. Therefore, I would like to take a moment to share a few facts about slaves and slavery with you. As I do, I want you to let the Lord speak to your heart about your relationship with Jesus and about your own level of surrender to Him.
1. The slave was totally owned by the Master.
A few hundred years later, an ordained minister in the Church of England named John Wesley was preparing to take the Gospel to America as a missionary. However, even though Wesley was a preacher and was going to cross the Atlantic as a missionary, he was confused about the Gospel and was seeking a genuine conversion experience of his own. Then, one Wednesday evening, he attended a Bible Study in London. While there, he heard some of Luther's comments on Romans being read and this brought about his conversion to Christ. Then John, along with his brother Charles, would be the tools God would use to bring the great Wesleyan revivals to the world.
Over the next several months, as the Lord leads, I intend to teach through this great book verse by verse. As I do, we will find that a great many questions about God and what He has given us in Jesus will be answered. This is a Book that is impossible to exhaust. It will captivate the most brilliant of theological minds and will bring the humblest of God's servants to tears.
Romans was written by Paul the Apostle between 56 and 58 A.D. from the city of Corinth while Paul was on his third missionary journey. The Bible tells us that after Paul was saved, he spent 3 years in Arabia, (Gal. 1:17-18). 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
During this time he studies the Old Testament writings and how they speak of Jesus. When he returned to Jerusalem, he came with this great epistle burning in his heart.
Let's join Paul in these first 7 verses as he discusses his credentials with the members of the Church in Rome.
As Paul discusses himself and his ministry, he also sheds some light on our mission as we go through life. This is the longest introduction to any of the New Testament epistles. It is also the richest in theological content.
V. 1 THE FACTS ABOUT THE MESSENGER
A. His Condition –
As Paul begins his comments to the Roman Christians, he doesn't begin by boasting of his office. He begins by proclaiming himself to be a "servant." The word means a "bond slave." This calls to mind the "law of the bond slave" from the Old Testament. According to this law, a slave could refuse his freedom and could choose to remain with his master forever, (Ex. 21:1-6). Instead of exalting himself before the Romans, Paul chose to humble himself. This was the secret of Paul's greatness! Paul knew that like a slave, he had no personal rights. His life was dictated to him by the master. He was totally sold out to the will of God. There is no doubt that this is why the Lord used Paul so greatly!
(Ill. This is a lesson that the modern Christian needs to learn. We have so many who feel that they are in control of their lives and that they have the right to do as they please and make their own decisions. We need to remember that when we were saved by Jesus Christ, we became His bond servants! He bought us, and now He owns us completely - 1 Cor. 6:19-20.)
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
(Ill. This image of slavery was commonplace to Paul's readers. However, we don't understand it so well. Therefore, I would like to take a moment to share a few facts about slaves and slavery with you. As I do, I want you to let the Lord speak to your heart about your relationship with Jesus and about your own level of surrender to Him.
1. The slave was totally owned by the Master.
In the spiritual sense, Jesus saw the wretched condition we were in and He bought us unto Himself. He made us His possession, Rev. 5:9. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
2. The slave existed for his Master.
2. The slave existed for his Master.
He had no other reason for his existence. He had no rights of his own. The only rights he had were those of the Master.
3. The slave existed to serve his Master.
3. The slave existed to serve his Master.
He had no other purpose in life but to do what the Master wanted him to do. He was to be at the Master's disposal any hour of the day or night. This is how Paul felt. Does that describe your heart? Our lives should be lived for the glory of the Lord. We are to do His will totally, and without question! (Ill. Eph. 6:6) Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
4. Even the slave's will belonged exclusively to his Master.
4. Even the slave's will belonged exclusively to his Master.
He was allowed no will or no ambition outside that which his Master allowed him to have. In other words, there was to be a total surrender of every part of the slaves being to the will of the Master, (2 Cor. 10:5).
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
5. Note that when Paul mentions his Master, that it is none other than the Lord Jesus.
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
5. Note that when Paul mentions his Master, that it is none other than the Lord Jesus.
A slave's live, whether it was good or evil, depended upon the character of his Master. In the case of the believer, our Master is Jesus! Therefore instead of cringing and cowering in fear before this One we call Lord, we are servants who have been elevated to the status of priests and kings. Our is a position of honor before the Lord. We are perhaps the only slaves in history who are allowed to sit with their Master in His throne, Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
B. His Calling –
B. His Calling –
Not only was Paul a slave to a new Master, he was also an apostle. This word means an "ambassador". This word literally means a "sent one." He was a person sent out into another country as a representative of Heaven. Ambassadors usually carried with them all the authority of the country and the king which sent them. Paul was no exception. He was a representative of King Jesus and he operated under His Divine authority. When Paul spoke, he spoke for the Lord. When he acted, he acted as a representative of the throne of Heaven. His authority was the very authority of God Himself.
(Ill. What does all this mean for us?
1. It is worthy of note that Paul was what he was by the will of God. Notice that he had been "Called". Paul did not just decide to go into the ministry, nor did friends and family persuade him that it was what he should do. he was placed in the ministry by the sovereign will of Almighty God, (1 Tim. 1:12-14). Paul became what he did by the grace of God that was operating in his life, (1 Cor. 15:10). Just as God picked and placed Paul, He also does the same for you and I. He places us in His kingdom work when and where it pleases Him, (1 Cor. 12:11,18).
2. If He could take his worst enemy, (1 Tim. 1:15), and make him His greatest messenger, then God can and will use your life for His glory if you will yield to Him. Never let the Devil or any person tell you that God cannot and will not use your life for His glory. He saved you by His grace and He wants to use you to bring others unto Him. He has a place of service for you and He will place you there if you will yield to Him.
3. While we do not hold the office of Apostle, we are the ambassadors of Heaven. God has commissioned us to be His spokespersons to a lost and dying world. In fact, the Bible plainly tells us that we are the very words of God written to speak to the peoples of the world, (2 Cor. 3:2-3). When the world sees you and I , lets ever let them see a people who are sold out and committed to the will of God in the world. They need to see people who are living like they are indeed the representatives of Heaven, Phi 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Like salt in a bland world, we should flavor our lives with the glory of God and create a thirst in others for the things of God, (Matt. 5:13-16.)
C. His Commission –
Paul's next statement tells us that he had been "separated" unto the Gospel of God. There are some great blessings contained in this little phrase.
1. Separated -
This word has the idea of being "set apart." Paul is telling us that his life has been set apart for the glory of God and for the Lord Jesus Christ. This literally means that nothing else mattered to Paul but the things that mattered to God.
(Ill. People are concerned with being separated from the world. They will tell you that you have to stop doing this thing or the other thing to be perfectly separated. Their whole life revolves around what they can and cannot do. I personally believe that people like this are missing the boat. Our job is not to separate from the world, it is to separate unto Christ. If we are separated unto Jesus, then we are automatically separated from the world.
If I am living in one area, then it is impossible for me to dwell in another! So, if I really want to be separate from the world, and I think that is what God wants,( 2 Cor. 6:17), then the secret lies in totally devoting my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. If I live to please Him, I will have no trouble with the world!)
The word translated "separated" is the same word from which we get our word "horizon." The sense of this word is literally "off-horizoned". It tells us that Paul's horizons had changed. Before, he was headed toward a religious hell, living a life of legalism and rebellion against Christ. Now, his life has been changed and he is headed towards a new horizon. His is a radically different life.
(Ill. So it is with every child of God who is in the world today. We have been changed forever! We are headed toward a new horizon. Before, our destiny was an eternity in Hell. Now, we have been saved and are headed to Heaven to be with the Lord forever. Before, our lives were filled with sin and rebellion. Now, we have been called out as ambassadors of the kingdom of Heaven. The very representatives of God in the world today.)
(Ill. People are concerned with being separated from the world. They will tell you that you have to stop doing this thing or the other thing to be perfectly separated. Their whole life revolves around what they can and cannot do. I personally believe that people like this are missing the boat. Our job is not to separate from the world, it is to separate unto Christ. If we are separated unto Jesus, then we are automatically separated from the world.
If I am living in one area, then it is impossible for me to dwell in another! So, if I really want to be separate from the world, and I think that is what God wants,( 2 Cor. 6:17), then the secret lies in totally devoting my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. If I live to please Him, I will have no trouble with the world!)
The word translated "separated" is the same word from which we get our word "horizon." The sense of this word is literally "off-horizoned". It tells us that Paul's horizons had changed. Before, he was headed toward a religious hell, living a life of legalism and rebellion against Christ. Now, his life has been changed and he is headed towards a new horizon. His is a radically different life.
(Ill. So it is with every child of God who is in the world today. We have been changed forever! We are headed toward a new horizon. Before, our destiny was an eternity in Hell. Now, we have been saved and are headed to Heaven to be with the Lord forever. Before, our lives were filled with sin and rebellion. Now, we have been called out as ambassadors of the kingdom of Heaven. The very representatives of God in the world today.)
Paul then tells us that he has been separated to the "Gospel of God." His commission is that of carrying the "good news" of Jesus to a world trapped in sin and lostness. This Gospel is a special message.
Notice this:
A) It is the Gospel of God –
This message did not originate in the mind of man. It came from the heart of God. The plan that would culminate with Jesus dying on the cross and then rising from the dead was and is God's plan. It was devised long before man ever stood on the earth, (Rev. 13:8). Had man developed the plan of salvation, it surely would have included works and religious rituals. People love that sort of thing. Man would have fixed it so that he got a little of the credit. God, on the other hand, fixed it so that lost sinners could come to Him freely, in faith and receive eternal salvation by the grace o God, (Eph. 2:8-9). Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
b. It is a Gospel born in the heart of God –
Why would God want to go to such great lengths to save the world and get His message to the world? The answer is that God is love, (1 John 4:8) and that He does not want to see a single sinner die without Him, (2 Pet. 3:9). His love is so great that He will stop at nothing to get the message out. He will even use people like you and me.
(Ill. Just consider for a moment those people that God calls into the ministry!)
(Ill. This kind of love is illustrated by an old story from France.
It seems that there was a young Frenchman who was loved very deeply by his mother. However, when this young man reached adulthood, he fell in love with a very wicked young woman who was able to gain his total devotion. When the young man's mother tried to turn her son away from this wicked and ungodly relationship, the young woman became extremely angry. She told her lover that if he really loved her, he would prove it by going to his mother's home, killing her and returning with her heart to prove that he had done the deed. This young man resisted, but his girlfriend continued to pressure him, until one night in a drunken stupor he went to his mother's home, killed her and cut out her heart. As he returned to his girlfriend's home. As he entered the door, he stumbles and fell to the floor. When he did, the heart is said to have cried out, "Son, are you hurt?")
(Isn't that how things are between God and man? He created us, He loves us and yet man rises up in rebellion against God, ultimately participating in God's death at Calvary. Even with all this against us, God still sees our hurt condition and reaches out to make things right between us and Himself. When we have done our best to keep the Lord out of our lives, He still reminds us of His love and calls us to come unto Him. His Gospel certainly is the Good News!)
c. It is the only Gospel that will save the lost -
God only knows of one plan that will save the lost soul - Acts 16:3; Acts 4:12; John 3:16.
d. We are the messengers of this Gospel in this present day –
Just as Paul was separated in the 1st Century to carry the Gospel to the lost then, we are called to do the same in this day. The message is juts as precious and the need just as great. Our duty is to submit to the Lord's will for our lives and be His ambassadors in the world. How are we doing in getting the Gospel out?
Conclusion
As I bring this first message from Romans to a close, we haven't covered much territory from the standpoint of verses covered. However, I think you will agree with me that the things that have been said are of immense eternal and practical value. Paul considered himself to be a slave to Jesus, an ambassador of God and a proclaimer of the good news of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Did you know that God holds the same expectation for you and I ? His will is that we go forth into this world with His message, as His representatives in His Name and power and that we tell His Good News to those who are perishing. When we lay ourselves alongside of the great Apostle, how do we measure up? Is there more we can do? Are we surrendered to the level we should be?
Review
Notice this:
A) It is the Gospel of God –
This message did not originate in the mind of man. It came from the heart of God. The plan that would culminate with Jesus dying on the cross and then rising from the dead was and is God's plan. It was devised long before man ever stood on the earth, (Rev. 13:8). Had man developed the plan of salvation, it surely would have included works and religious rituals. People love that sort of thing. Man would have fixed it so that he got a little of the credit. God, on the other hand, fixed it so that lost sinners could come to Him freely, in faith and receive eternal salvation by the grace o God, (Eph. 2:8-9). Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
b. It is a Gospel born in the heart of God –
Why would God want to go to such great lengths to save the world and get His message to the world? The answer is that God is love, (1 John 4:8) and that He does not want to see a single sinner die without Him, (2 Pet. 3:9). His love is so great that He will stop at nothing to get the message out. He will even use people like you and me.
(Ill. Just consider for a moment those people that God calls into the ministry!)
(Ill. This kind of love is illustrated by an old story from France.
It seems that there was a young Frenchman who was loved very deeply by his mother. However, when this young man reached adulthood, he fell in love with a very wicked young woman who was able to gain his total devotion. When the young man's mother tried to turn her son away from this wicked and ungodly relationship, the young woman became extremely angry. She told her lover that if he really loved her, he would prove it by going to his mother's home, killing her and returning with her heart to prove that he had done the deed. This young man resisted, but his girlfriend continued to pressure him, until one night in a drunken stupor he went to his mother's home, killed her and cut out her heart. As he returned to his girlfriend's home. As he entered the door, he stumbles and fell to the floor. When he did, the heart is said to have cried out, "Son, are you hurt?")
(Isn't that how things are between God and man? He created us, He loves us and yet man rises up in rebellion against God, ultimately participating in God's death at Calvary. Even with all this against us, God still sees our hurt condition and reaches out to make things right between us and Himself. When we have done our best to keep the Lord out of our lives, He still reminds us of His love and calls us to come unto Him. His Gospel certainly is the Good News!)
c. It is the only Gospel that will save the lost -
God only knows of one plan that will save the lost soul - Acts 16:3; Acts 4:12; John 3:16.
d. We are the messengers of this Gospel in this present day –
Just as Paul was separated in the 1st Century to carry the Gospel to the lost then, we are called to do the same in this day. The message is juts as precious and the need just as great. Our duty is to submit to the Lord's will for our lives and be His ambassadors in the world. How are we doing in getting the Gospel out?
Conclusion
As I bring this first message from Romans to a close, we haven't covered much territory from the standpoint of verses covered. However, I think you will agree with me that the things that have been said are of immense eternal and practical value. Paul considered himself to be a slave to Jesus, an ambassador of God and a proclaimer of the good news of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Did you know that God holds the same expectation for you and I ? His will is that we go forth into this world with His message, as His representatives in His Name and power and that we tell His Good News to those who are perishing. When we lay ourselves alongside of the great Apostle, how do we measure up? Is there more we can do? Are we surrendered to the level we should be?
Review
- This book has been called "_______._________and ____________."
- Define "Tolle,lege,Tolle,lege
- Who was Augustine?
- Romans was written by Paul the Apostle between 56 and 58 A.D. from the city of Corinth while Paul was on his third missionary journey. True False
- What does the word servant mean?
- What does the word apostle mean?
- If God could take His worst enemy,(1Tim. 1:15), and make him His greatest messenger can God use you and I? Yes No
- What was the Apostle's message centered in?
- The Old Testament is filled with types and symbles that point to the coming Savior. Name some of them. 1)______2)______3)_____4)________
- While Jesus walked this earth, He was not a divine man;neither was He a human god. Jesus was the God-man. True False
- Paul takes three titles of the Lord and piles them one upon the other to tell us more about Him. Name them and explain what each is.
- What does Paul say about the people that he is writting to?
THE CREDENTIALS OF PAUL THE APOSTLE – PART 2
Session 1b
Rom. 1:1-7
Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Rom 1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Rom 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
Rom 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Rom 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
Rom 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Rom 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Introduction
As we begun our study of the Book of Romans, in verse 1 the Apostle Paul introduced himself to the Roman saints. He had never met these people and he wanted to let them know that he was on the up and up. It seems that in those days, there were some people running around claiming to be servants of the Lord when actually they were out for financial gain. Sounds like today doesn't it? After Paul introduces himself personally by sharing some facts about the messenger, he moves on to his message.
This is the foundation for the Book of Romans. It is a Book about the essential elements of Christianity.
Beginning with the Gospel and moving into the deeper truths of the Christian faith, Paul shares the mind of God with the Roman Christians. As we travel through the great Book, we too are going to encounter truths that will be life changing.
In verse 1, we talked about The Credentials of Paul the Apostle as we discussed Some Facts About The Messenger. We learned that he was a servant, and that he was also an ambassador. We also learned that Paul had been set apart to carry the Gospel of God to a lost world. In that one verse, we learned a great deal about the Apostle. I would like to continue speaking about Paul's Credentials as we look into verse 2 and beyond.
I. V. 1 THE FACTS ABOUT THE MESSENGER
II. V. 2-5 THE FOUNDATION OF PAUL'S MESSAGE
(As we look at these verses, we are going to see that the Apostle's message was centered in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.)
A. V. 2 Jesus Is The Promised One -
The Gospel that involves the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus was not an afterthought with God. He had been declaring that His Son would come and that He would die for the sins of humanity. The Gospel was not a new thing, but it was something that was older than man himself, Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
1. The Old Testament Scriptures speak of the Lord - John 5:39.
2. The sacrifice of the Messiah is plainly foretold in the Old Testament - Isa. 53:1-12.
3. The Old Testament is filled with types and symbols that point to the coming Savior –
Note especially, Adam, the Ark, the Manna, the Tabernacle, the Sacrificial system, etc. All of these things pointed ahead to the One who was to come. (Ill. Every little lamb that was killed in sacrifice gave testimony to the One who was coming later. Jesus was the promised One.)
B. V. 3-4 Jesus Is The Powerful One –
Ill. These verses tell us that the Gospel is far more than just a recollection of Old Testament prophecies. It is far more than that. The Gospel is about a Person named Jesus Christ. These verses say a lot about His power and His position.
1. His Position
- (Ill. Son of God) - Jesus Christ was no ordinary man. He was in fact the very Son of God. I don't understand the mechanics of it, but God the Father took a virgin called Mary and caused her to conceive without the benefit of a human partner. Luke 1:35. The child she carried in her womb was none other than the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Lord Jesus. I think that one of the greatest mysteries of all time is how God could robe Himself in human flesh, yet this is exactly what He did, Phil. 2:5-8. Phi 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:Phi 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Phi 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Phi 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
While Jesus walked this earth, He was not a divine man, neither was He a human god. Jesus was the God-man. He was 100% both at the same time. That is a mystery that our mortal, finite minds could never hope to unravel.
(Ill. Perhaps a deeper look at Phil. 2:5-8 is in order here. There are several words in these verses that demand our attention and our understanding concerning Who Jesus really is.
A. V. 6 - The Bible says that Jesus was in the "form" of God. This word refers to the very essence of His being. One could not be in the form of God and not be God, for God is a Spirit. Jesus was in every essence God! However, verse 7 says that Jesus "took upon Himself the "form" of a servant." Very same word! Jesus became in every essence a servant. However, it is worthy to note the word "being" in verse 6. This verb is in the present participle. It means that Jesus continued in the "form" of God. That is while He became a man in every way, He also remained God. He was very literally the God-man.
B. V. 7 - In this verse, the word "likeness" is used. This word means "resemblance". While Jesus remained God inwardly, outwardly, He had every attribute of humanity, except for a sinful nature. Had any of us seen Jesus when He walked this earth, we would not have known Him, by appearance, from any other human - Isa. 53:2. Isa 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
C. V. 8 - This verse tells us that Jesus was found in the "fashion" of mankind. This word refers to His physical form. Paul is saying that Jesus Christ was a very real man. Some were saying in that day that Jesus was merely a spirit and that He had no flesh. However, Paul tells us that He literally became a man so that He could give His life in death for the sins of the world. It would have been impossible to nail a spirit to a cross!
D. The conclusion then is an easy one to reach, Jesus Christ is the very Son of God.
2. His Person –
Paul takes three titles of the Lord and piles them one upon the other to tell us more about Him.
A. He is Jesus - This is His human Name. The title of His humiliation. (It is interesting to note that demons always referred to Jesus Christ by this name alone.)
B. He is Christ - The words means "the Anointed". This name is His official title. It portrays Him as Prophet, Deut. 18:15-19; Priest, Psa. 110:4; and King, 2 Sam. 7:12-13. In Jesus Christ is found the One who had been promised before the foundation of the world. He is the Messiah and He is Savior of the world.
C. He is Lord - The third title mentioned by Paul is that of Lord. This is the title of His exaltation. This word reminds us that He is the victor over death and the grave and that He is the resurrected and exalted One. He is to be honored, feared, obeyed and served. He is Lord, Acts 2:36.
3. His Pedigree –
While Jesus walked this earth, He was not a divine man, neither was He a human god. Jesus was the God-man. He was 100% both at the same time. That is a mystery that our mortal, finite minds could never hope to unravel.
(Ill. Perhaps a deeper look at Phil. 2:5-8 is in order here. There are several words in these verses that demand our attention and our understanding concerning Who Jesus really is.
A. V. 6 - The Bible says that Jesus was in the "form" of God. This word refers to the very essence of His being. One could not be in the form of God and not be God, for God is a Spirit. Jesus was in every essence God! However, verse 7 says that Jesus "took upon Himself the "form" of a servant." Very same word! Jesus became in every essence a servant. However, it is worthy to note the word "being" in verse 6. This verb is in the present participle. It means that Jesus continued in the "form" of God. That is while He became a man in every way, He also remained God. He was very literally the God-man.
B. V. 7 - In this verse, the word "likeness" is used. This word means "resemblance". While Jesus remained God inwardly, outwardly, He had every attribute of humanity, except for a sinful nature. Had any of us seen Jesus when He walked this earth, we would not have known Him, by appearance, from any other human - Isa. 53:2. Isa 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
C. V. 8 - This verse tells us that Jesus was found in the "fashion" of mankind. This word refers to His physical form. Paul is saying that Jesus Christ was a very real man. Some were saying in that day that Jesus was merely a spirit and that He had no flesh. However, Paul tells us that He literally became a man so that He could give His life in death for the sins of the world. It would have been impossible to nail a spirit to a cross!
D. The conclusion then is an easy one to reach, Jesus Christ is the very Son of God.
2. His Person –
Paul takes three titles of the Lord and piles them one upon the other to tell us more about Him.
A. He is Jesus - This is His human Name. The title of His humiliation. (It is interesting to note that demons always referred to Jesus Christ by this name alone.)
B. He is Christ - The words means "the Anointed". This name is His official title. It portrays Him as Prophet, Deut. 18:15-19; Priest, Psa. 110:4; and King, 2 Sam. 7:12-13. In Jesus Christ is found the One who had been promised before the foundation of the world. He is the Messiah and He is Savior of the world.
C. He is Lord - The third title mentioned by Paul is that of Lord. This is the title of His exaltation. This word reminds us that He is the victor over death and the grave and that He is the resurrected and exalted One. He is to be honored, feared, obeyed and served. He is Lord, Acts 2:36.
3. His Pedigree –
The last portion of verse 3 and all of verse 4 tell us about this man named Jesus. In these verses we are given His pedigree. Paul gives us, in these verses, the credentials of the Lord Jesus.
A. His Human Credentials -
Paul tells us that He came from the kingly line of David. As such, Jesus is qualified to sit upon the throne as the King of the Jews. When the Bible says that He was made, it literally means to "become." Jesus is God, yet He became a man so that He might live among us and die for us. He walked as we walk, He suffered as we suffer, He bled as we bleed. Therefore, since He is a man, and has lived as a man, He is more than qualified to aid us in our times of difficulty - Heb. 4:15.
B. His Heavenly Credentials - While Paul says that Jesus was the son of David, that is, a man, he also tells us that there is proof that Jesus is the Son of God. There are 2 proofs given in verse 4 that declare His Heavenly Credentials
1. His Righteousness -
B. His Heavenly Credentials - While Paul says that Jesus was the son of David, that is, a man, he also tells us that there is proof that Jesus is the Son of God. There are 2 proofs given in verse 4 that declare His Heavenly Credentials
1. His Righteousness -
The very fact that Jesus was born without sin, that He lived without sin and that He died without sin proves that He was heavenly in His origin. (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; Heb. 7:26; 1 Pet. 1:19; 1 Pet. 2:22.)
(Ill. Jesus lived His life as a man by doing what we are expected to do: He yielded totally to the "Spirit" of holiness. Everything Jesus did, He did as a Spirit filled man. He lived a righteous life by the power of the Holy Ghost, and we can too, if we will yield to God. Will you ever be sinless in this flesh? Probably not! But, if you yield to the Spirit as you should, then you will certainly sin less, 1 Cor. 10:13.) 1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2. His Resurrection -
(Ill. Jesus lived His life as a man by doing what we are expected to do: He yielded totally to the "Spirit" of holiness. Everything Jesus did, He did as a Spirit filled man. He lived a righteous life by the power of the Holy Ghost, and we can too, if we will yield to God. Will you ever be sinless in this flesh? Probably not! But, if you yield to the Spirit as you should, then you will certainly sin less, 1 Cor. 10:13.) 1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2. His Resurrection -
Just as His righteous life proved His heavenly origin, so too does His resurrection from the dead. You see, death could never hold Jesus! He was perfectly holy and only submitted to death for our sakes, John 10:18. All others who have ever lived and died are gone from this earth forever, but not Jesus! He died and conquered death so that those who follow Him might enjoy eternal life!
(Ill. Before we move on, I would like to spend just a few more minutes on the duality of Christ's nature. While He was here on earth, there were certain instances when His dual nature is on display. Allow me to share 3 with you.
1. Matt. 17:24-27 - In this passage, Peter comes to Jesus because some are asking whether Jesus was going to pay His taxes or not. Now, nothing is more human that paying taxes. Nowadays, we are taxed to death. Jesus responds to Peter by telling Him that Kings are exempt from taxes, but to avoid offending anyone, He will pay His taxes. However, His method of getting the money proved His deity. He sends Peter to go to the lake and cast in his hook. He tells Peter that he will find the money for the tribute in the fishes mouth. Think about it! Jesus is saying, "Go to the lake that I created. I know that one of my creatures has dropped a coin into my lake. My law of gravity caused it to sink into my water and I commanded one of my fish to take that coin into its mouth and not swallow it. When you cast in your hook, I will command my fish to take it. When you land the fish, the money will be in its mouth and you can pay our taxes to other people that I created who work for a government that I allow to rule."
2. Mark 4:35-41 - After one of the toughest days of His ministry, Jesus enters a ship with His men to pass over to the other side of the lake. When He gets in the boat, Jesus appears very human. He is literally exhausted and He falls asleep in the rear of the ship. While He sleeps, a storm descends upon the little boat. The disciples, who are seasoned boatmen, a afraid of the storm and fear that they will die. They awaken Jesus and He gets up and speaks to the storm and says, "Peace, be still." When He does, the storm stops in obedience to its Creator.
3. Luke 23:39-43 - In this passage, Jesus has been nailed to the cross and He is doing a very human thing; He is bleeding and dying. However, one of the thieves that were crucified with Him turns to Jesus and asks for salvation. Jesus does something that is very divine. He saves the man and promises Him a home in paradise when he dies. If nothing else tells us that Jesus Christ was both God and man at the same time, then these passages ought to clear that up forever. He proved His identity and His deity countless times throughout His life. Our duty is to learn to take the Bible at face value and believe what it says about our Lord.
C. V. 5 He Is The Performing One -
(Ill. Before we move on, I would like to spend just a few more minutes on the duality of Christ's nature. While He was here on earth, there were certain instances when His dual nature is on display. Allow me to share 3 with you.
1. Matt. 17:24-27 - In this passage, Peter comes to Jesus because some are asking whether Jesus was going to pay His taxes or not. Now, nothing is more human that paying taxes. Nowadays, we are taxed to death. Jesus responds to Peter by telling Him that Kings are exempt from taxes, but to avoid offending anyone, He will pay His taxes. However, His method of getting the money proved His deity. He sends Peter to go to the lake and cast in his hook. He tells Peter that he will find the money for the tribute in the fishes mouth. Think about it! Jesus is saying, "Go to the lake that I created. I know that one of my creatures has dropped a coin into my lake. My law of gravity caused it to sink into my water and I commanded one of my fish to take that coin into its mouth and not swallow it. When you cast in your hook, I will command my fish to take it. When you land the fish, the money will be in its mouth and you can pay our taxes to other people that I created who work for a government that I allow to rule."
2. Mark 4:35-41 - After one of the toughest days of His ministry, Jesus enters a ship with His men to pass over to the other side of the lake. When He gets in the boat, Jesus appears very human. He is literally exhausted and He falls asleep in the rear of the ship. While He sleeps, a storm descends upon the little boat. The disciples, who are seasoned boatmen, a afraid of the storm and fear that they will die. They awaken Jesus and He gets up and speaks to the storm and says, "Peace, be still." When He does, the storm stops in obedience to its Creator.
3. Luke 23:39-43 - In this passage, Jesus has been nailed to the cross and He is doing a very human thing; He is bleeding and dying. However, one of the thieves that were crucified with Him turns to Jesus and asks for salvation. Jesus does something that is very divine. He saves the man and promises Him a home in paradise when he dies. If nothing else tells us that Jesus Christ was both God and man at the same time, then these passages ought to clear that up forever. He proved His identity and His deity countless times throughout His life. Our duty is to learn to take the Bible at face value and believe what it says about our Lord.
C. V. 5 He Is The Performing One -
Paul wants to share one more thought about the Lord Jesus before He moves on. He tells us that we have received several things from the Lord Jesus. Note the word "we" in verse 5.
1. We Have Received Grace -
1. We Have Received Grace -
Grace is the unmerited love and favor of the Lord Jesus Christ for sinners. Through grace we are saved, Eph. 2:8-9, kept, and cared for. It is by grace that we understand the promise of an eternity with Jesus in Heaven.
2. We Have Received Gifts - Paul says that we have received apostleship. That is, we have been gifted to work in the Lord's service. We have been drafted for His mission - Acts 1:8. We have all been sent out to be witnesses for the glory of the Lord.
I. The Facts About The Messenger
2. We Have Received Gifts - Paul says that we have received apostleship. That is, we have been gifted to work in the Lord's service. We have been drafted for His mission - Acts 1:8. We have all been sent out to be witnesses for the glory of the Lord.
I. The Facts About The Messenger
II.The Foundation Of His Message
III. V. 6-7 THE FOCUS OF HIS MINISTRY
(Ill. In the last two verses of this passage, Paul turns his attention to the people to which he is writing. He tells them three great things that need to be noted because what was true of them is also true of us.)
A. V. 6 They Are Called To Be Saved -
(Ill. In the last two verses of this passage, Paul turns his attention to the people to which he is writing. He tells them three great things that need to be noted because what was true of them is also true of us.)
A. V. 6 They Are Called To Be Saved -
Paul reminds them that they share with him one of the greatest honors ever to be bestowed upon any person. They have received the sovereign call of God to be saved. Man in his natural state is dead to God and to the voice of God, Eph. 2:1. However, when he is quickened by the Holy Spirit, he can hear the call of God for salvation. No man can be saved when a where he chooses, but only when the Lord calls him to come, John 6:44.
(Ill. The glories of salvation:
1. Sin Taken Away - John 1:29; Col. 2:13-14; Psa. 103:12
2. Claimed by God - 1 John 3:1-2
3. Declared righteous by God - 1 Cor. 6:9-11
4. Brought nigh to God - Eph. 2:13
5. There are dozens more benefits that could be named right here, but these will suffice to let us see that salvation is a special gift from the Lord.)
B. V. 7a They Are Called To Be Sons –
(Ill. The glories of salvation:
1. Sin Taken Away - John 1:29; Col. 2:13-14; Psa. 103:12
2. Claimed by God - 1 John 3:1-2
3. Declared righteous by God - 1 Cor. 6:9-11
4. Brought nigh to God - Eph. 2:13
5. There are dozens more benefits that could be named right here, but these will suffice to let us see that salvation is a special gift from the Lord.)
B. V. 7a They Are Called To Be Sons –
Note that Paul says they are "beloved of God." Now, it is a known fact that God loves all men, saint and sinner alike, John 3:16. What does the Apostle mean when he says that the redeemed are "beloved of God"? I think he means the same thing we mean when we talk of love. By the grace of God, it is possible to love all men. However, there are 3 people who are a whole lot closer to my heart than anyone else. I love all men, but those in my family are beloved to me. Do you see the difference? God loves all men, but the saints have a special place in the heart of God that no other people on the earth can share.
C. V. 7b They Are Called To Be Saints –
These Roman Christians were also called to be "saints". That is, they were called to live lives that were separated and sold out for the Lord. They were to be different from the pagans who lived all around them. They were to be light in a dark world, Matt. 5:16. God still holds the same expectation for you and me. His plan for our lives is that we become different than others who live around us. He does not want His children to live like the world, but He wants us to live like Him. That is why He tells us that we become new creatures when we come to Him, 2 Cor. 5:17, and that our walk should match His as we go through the world, 1 John 2:6. You see, the word "saint" means "holy, set apart, sanctified." It carries the idea of being totally set apart and dedicated to the Lord's service. That is what God expects from each of us. He did not save our souls for us to serve the devil, the world or the flesh. He saved us that we might be vessels of honor unto Him as we pass through this wicked, sin cursed world. Are we living like saints?
Conclusion :
As Paul concludes his introductory remarks he finishes by bestowing a blessing upon the Romans. It is a prayer that they might be the partakers of peace and grace.
WHAT EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE
Session 1c
Rom. 1:8-15
Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Rom 1:10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
Rom 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
Rom 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Introduction:
In my life, I have been blessed by the Lord to have been in the company of some great men of God. Men, who by the lives they have lived, the message they have preached and the motives from which they served the Lord have made an indelible impression on my life. In fact, I can honestly say that I have learned more from great men of God than from any class I have taken, book I have read or paper I have written. I appreciate those who have lived Jesus in front of me and have demonstrated to me the truth that regardless of what we do, our motives should always be pure. I believe the Apostle was this kind of a man. Surely, a man with his great influence and power in the early church faced temptation to do things from an improper motive. However, I can find no record of Paul misusing his authority or influence for personal gain, or any other impure motive. Actually, every time I read about this great man of God, I ma reminded again that Paul was the living example to us all of what a genuine Christian should be.
In the first 7 verses of this chapter, Paul introduces himself to the believers in Rome. He tells them about himself, the messenger, and about his message, the Gospel of grace. Now, Paul turns the spotlight upon himself in a very real way. He shares with these people, whom he has never met, the motives behind the letter he is sending. In these 8 verses, the Apostle Paul reveals 9 traits of genuine Christian character that tell us in no uncertain terms What Every Christian Should Be. My duty is to share them with you. As I do, please allow the Word of the Lord to speak to your heart. Tonight, for these few minutes that we have together, let's place ourselves alongside the great Apostle and see how we measure up.
I. V. 8 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE THANKFUL
As Paul begins writing to the Romans about his motives, he tells them that he is thankful for them. There is none of the envy that would mark a lesser man. You see, Paul did not found this church. It had been founded by another. Many men would have been jealous of the blessings that the Romans were enjoying. Notice that these people were the talk of the entire world. Everywhere Paul traveled, the people were talking about those Roman believers. Instead of being jealous, Paul was thankful! He could praise the Lord whether it was part of his ministry or not!
Every one of us could learn a lesson from this. I think that God would have His children to be a thankful people. In fact, I know that a thankful spirit is the Lord's will for every single one of us, 1 Thes. 5:18! Ill. We would all do well to learn to be more thankful for the Lord's blessings in our lives!
Many Christians are not very thankful this evening. How does one go about cultivating a thankful spirit? I think the real answer lies in placing Jesus Christ at the center of all you do. If you make Him your sufficiency, then you will always be satisfied. If, on the other hand, it takes material and physical blessings to make you thankful, then you are likely to be depressed and defeated. The secret lies in being satisfied with Jesus, (Ill. Paul - Phil. 4:10-13; 1 Tim. 6:6-9; Heb. 13:5)
There is another application here that I would like to mention before I move on to the next truth. I believe that every Christian and every church should have the same testimony that these Roman Christians had. These people were known everywhere for their solid faith and lifestyles. The same should be true of every Church and every individual as well. Whether we are at home, on the job, at the market, or anywhere, there should be that testimony that marks us as belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ.
II. V. 9a EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE COMMITTED
(Ill. A few I know really ought to be committed, but that is a different sermon!)
Paul now tells the Romans that he is totally committed to the Lord. Every word he uttered, every thing he wrote, everywhere he went, Paul was a living witness to total surrender. (Ill. This certainly explains the reason behind Paul's great success. When nothing else matters in your life but what matters to the Lord, His work will get done!)
I don't know where this message finds you, but I know that this is an area where I can always find room to work. Notice the word "serve". It is the same word that is translated "worship" in other parts of the New Testament. It is my opinion that there is no greater form of worship that can be rendered unto the Lord than pure, heart felt service and devotion to the Lord.
III. v. 9b EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE PRAYERFUL
The Apostle's ministry was primarily that of preaching the Gospel, v. 9a. However, he had a secondary ministry that was just as vital as the first. Paul had a ministry of prayer. That is, he made prayer a priority and the Roman believers were never taken off Paul's prayer list. Now, there is no record of what he prayed for on their behalf, but we can probably find the answer to that question in the prayers he prayed for other believers. Notice these references, Eph. 3:14-19; Phil. 1:9-11; Col. 1:9-11. Paul was a man of prayer. His praying wasn't selfish, but rather it was always spiritual and it was on behalf of others instead of himself.
What a lesson for the church! How much of our praying is selfish in nature? "Lord, help me", "Lord, bless me and my family", "Lord, meet my need", these, and other prayers like them are real examples of how we are guilty of praying most of the time. However, I think the Lord would have us to be engaged in a ministry on intercessory prayer. That is, I think God wants His children to be under a prayer burden for others, Gal. 6:2, Rom. 15:1. God would have you and me involved in a prayer ministry touches the lives of others, Eph. 6:18.
IV. V. 10 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE SURRENDERED
Paul didn't stop with prayer for others, but he also prayed that he might be the instrument of God in answering that prayer. His desire was to travel to Rome, but Paul was willing to surrender his will to the will of the Lord. This was repeated at other points in the ministry of Paul, Acts 16:6-7. It seems to me that the Apostle was willing to lay aside his own plans so that he might know and do the will of the Lord.
I have already touched on the matter of surrender, but this is the Lord's will for every Christian this evening! He wants us to be willing to place His will ahead of our own. (Ill. I know for a fact that the Lord will come into your life and will change your agenda.
A heart like Paul's is a heart that he Lord can use for His glory, because it is a heart like the one Jesus had. A heart that knows no higher goal than pleasing the Father at all times, John 4:34; John 8:29. God give us all a heart like that! Imagine what the Lord could do with a church filled with people who were totally sold out to the will of God ahead of everything!
V. 11 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE USABLE
As Paul continues to reveal his heart to the Roman Christians, he tells them why he wishes to come to Rome. He wants to share with them the gifts that God has given him. It is as if Paul is telling the Romans, "God has blessed me with some special things. I want to come to Rome and share them with you so that you might grow in the things of the Lord." It tells us in no uncertain terms that Paul wanted to be usable to the Lord in His work.
Paul isn't referring to the actual gifts of the Spirit, because they are given only by the Spirit of God. Neither is he referring to the gift of salvation that can only come by faith in Jesus. What Paul is saying is that he is willing to come to them and be used of the Lord as the Lord sees fit. It is as if the Apostle is willing to be used by the Lord in any fashion if it will just help the Romans. In other words, Paul isn't saying that he wants to go there and take over. He just wants to go to Rome and be used of the Lord to be a blessing to someone.
May I say that is a lofty goal and it is one that every Christian should try to achieve. There is a great need today for people in the church and community who are not primarily interested in their own agenda, but who's main goal is just to be usable to the Lord. All they want is to be a blessing to those around them.
VI. V. 12 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE HUMBLE
Not only does the Apostle desire to be a blessing to the Romans, but he knows that they will be a blessing to him a well. Notice that with this man, it isn't all about him. He is just as aware that they have things to share with him also.It is a shame when people get to the place where they think they have "arrived", and that they cannot be helped by others who aren't as mature in the Lord, as educated or as experienced as they themselves are. All of us need to be reminded quiet often that we all have plenty of growing to do. Even Paul felt this when he wrote to the Philippian church, Phil. 3:12-14. He knew that he had not attained perfection and that he needed those around him to get the work done. To everyone who thinks they are standing on their own, you aren't! 1 Cor. 10:12! Ill. God pity the person who thinks they are an island. Before the great missionary to India William Carey boarded the ship to sail, he was asked by some close friends if this was what he really wanted to do. His reply shows the humility of his heart. Carey said, "I will go down into the pit itself, if you will hold the rope."
VII. V. 13 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE FRUITFUL
Paul reminds them that he is interested in glorifying the Lord. He has been used of the Lord to bear fruit all over the known world. Paul says that he would like to travel to Rome so that he can get some fruit there also. His desire is not to build up himself, rather it is to glorify the Lord!
When the Scriptures speak of spiritual fruit, there are usually one of three things in mind.
First, there is the idea of Attitudes that should be present in the life of every Christian. These attitudes are represented by the 9-fold description of the fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5:22-23.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
A second idea is that of Activity. When a believer lives for the Lord, there will be activity in that life and fruit will be borne for the glory of the Lord.
Three ways activity translates into fruit are these:
1.) Holy living - Rom. 6:22 2.)
2.) Praise - Heb. 13:15 3.)
3.) Giving - Phil. 4:16-17.
4.)
There is a third way fruit is manifested in the life of the believer and that is in the area of Addition. This refers to the addition of souls into the Kingdom of Heaven, Acts 16:5. This is the fruit that Paul was after. He wanted to go to Rome and win some to Jesus for the glory of the Lord. Did Paul see that fruit? Well, years later when he wrote to the Philippians from Rome, Paul was able to praise God for fruit even among the members of "Ceasar's household", Phil. 4:22.
Whether the fruit you bear for the Lord is manifested in your attitudes, your activity, or in the addition of souls to the Kingdom of Heaven, you need to know that you fruit glorifies God like nothing else can, John 15:8. How does the Christian go about bearing fruit? John 15:1-8, simply by abiding in the Vine.
VIII. V. 14 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE OBLIGATED
As Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, he that he felt a deep debt to those who needed the hear the Gospel message. This debt Paul felt is seen in every area of his ministry. In regard to the lost, Paul had this to say, Rom. 10:1; Rom. 9:3. This is a man who is driven. How else could he endure the things he had endured for the cause of Christ? 2 Cor. 11:24-28. Why did Paul do these things? Because he felt that he was a debtor to every lost person in the world. He felt a great need to share the Gospel message with them.
May I remind you this evening that you and I are indebted as well? We aren't in debt to God, for the gift of salvation we were given was a perfectly free gift. We are, however, indebted to those who are perishing about us. We hold in our hands the answer to the problem of sin for them. We hold in our hands the remedy for the disease that is killing them. Every believer in this room tonight needs to remember that we owe a debt to every person who lives around us, Mark 16:15.
How do I discharge this debt? The only way is for me to tell the world about the Savior. Can I? Yes, if I am saved,
Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
IX. V. 15 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE EAGER
As Paul closed this section, he tells the Romans that he is "ready" to go to Rome to preach. The word "ready" means "eager". Paul is saying, "I can't wait until I get to Rome so that I can preach the Gospel there also." In other words, Paul is excited about his call and his commission. He is an excited Christian!
C. Would you describe your life as one lived in eager anticipation of doing the Lord's will?
That word "eager" also implies a sense of urgency. Paul knows that he only has a limited time to carry out the Lord's work in his life. He also knows that those who need to hear the Gospel are running out of time. Paul is saying that he must get to Rome so that he can preach the soul saving Gospel to those held in sin's captivity.
We too, need that same sense of urgency about our service for the Lord. We need to realize that one day soon our lives will end. Then, it will be too late to work for the Lord. Then it will be too late to bear fruit for His glory. If we are to work, then we must do it now, for this is the only time we have. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, John 4:35; John 9:4.
Joh 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
GOSPEL WORTH SHARING
Session 1d
Rom. 1:16-17
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Introduction
After introducing the Messenger, the Message and his own Motives in the first 15 verses of this book, the Apostle Paul turns the spotlight on the Gospel that he is going to be writing about.
In these 2 verses, we are given one of the greatest summaries of the Gospel ever written by man. For it is in these verses that we can see a clear declaration of God's power and purpose in the Gospel message.
Paul's statements about the Gospel begin in a strange fashion. Out of the blue he tells us that he is not "ashamed of the Gospel." In our day, this sounds kind of awkward. Why should he be ashamed?
Perhaps a little understanding of that culture will help us to understand why some might have been ashamed of preaching the message that Paul had been given.
There are at least 4 reasons why some would have been ashamed.
1. Because of the moral condition of that day.
Nero was the Emperor of Rome. He was a wicked, degenerate man. The city of Rome was a cesspool of sin and wicked living. The Gospel Paul preached was adversely opposed to everything Rome was.
2. Because Paul was a Jew.
Jews were considered by many to be a sub-human race. They were fit for nothing but to be despised, mistreated, and enslaved. Ordinary Jews would have been tempted to shy away from non-Jews.
3. Because the Gospel Paul was preaching was almost unbelievable.
In the first 7 verses of this chapter, Paul introduces himself to the believers in Rome. He tells them about himself, the messenger, and about his message, the Gospel of grace. Now, Paul turns the spotlight upon himself in a very real way. He shares with these people, whom he has never met, the motives behind the letter he is sending. In these 8 verses, the Apostle Paul reveals 9 traits of genuine Christian character that tell us in no uncertain terms What Every Christian Should Be. My duty is to share them with you. As I do, please allow the Word of the Lord to speak to your heart. Tonight, for these few minutes that we have together, let's place ourselves alongside the great Apostle and see how we measure up.
I. V. 8 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE THANKFUL
As Paul begins writing to the Romans about his motives, he tells them that he is thankful for them. There is none of the envy that would mark a lesser man. You see, Paul did not found this church. It had been founded by another. Many men would have been jealous of the blessings that the Romans were enjoying. Notice that these people were the talk of the entire world. Everywhere Paul traveled, the people were talking about those Roman believers. Instead of being jealous, Paul was thankful! He could praise the Lord whether it was part of his ministry or not!
Every one of us could learn a lesson from this. I think that God would have His children to be a thankful people. In fact, I know that a thankful spirit is the Lord's will for every single one of us, 1 Thes. 5:18! Ill. We would all do well to learn to be more thankful for the Lord's blessings in our lives!
Many Christians are not very thankful this evening. How does one go about cultivating a thankful spirit? I think the real answer lies in placing Jesus Christ at the center of all you do. If you make Him your sufficiency, then you will always be satisfied. If, on the other hand, it takes material and physical blessings to make you thankful, then you are likely to be depressed and defeated. The secret lies in being satisfied with Jesus, (Ill. Paul - Phil. 4:10-13; 1 Tim. 6:6-9; Heb. 13:5)
There is another application here that I would like to mention before I move on to the next truth. I believe that every Christian and every church should have the same testimony that these Roman Christians had. These people were known everywhere for their solid faith and lifestyles. The same should be true of every Church and every individual as well. Whether we are at home, on the job, at the market, or anywhere, there should be that testimony that marks us as belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ.
II. V. 9a EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE COMMITTED
(Ill. A few I know really ought to be committed, but that is a different sermon!)
Paul now tells the Romans that he is totally committed to the Lord. Every word he uttered, every thing he wrote, everywhere he went, Paul was a living witness to total surrender. (Ill. This certainly explains the reason behind Paul's great success. When nothing else matters in your life but what matters to the Lord, His work will get done!)
I don't know where this message finds you, but I know that this is an area where I can always find room to work. Notice the word "serve". It is the same word that is translated "worship" in other parts of the New Testament. It is my opinion that there is no greater form of worship that can be rendered unto the Lord than pure, heart felt service and devotion to the Lord.
III. v. 9b EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE PRAYERFUL
The Apostle's ministry was primarily that of preaching the Gospel, v. 9a. However, he had a secondary ministry that was just as vital as the first. Paul had a ministry of prayer. That is, he made prayer a priority and the Roman believers were never taken off Paul's prayer list. Now, there is no record of what he prayed for on their behalf, but we can probably find the answer to that question in the prayers he prayed for other believers. Notice these references, Eph. 3:14-19; Phil. 1:9-11; Col. 1:9-11. Paul was a man of prayer. His praying wasn't selfish, but rather it was always spiritual and it was on behalf of others instead of himself.
What a lesson for the church! How much of our praying is selfish in nature? "Lord, help me", "Lord, bless me and my family", "Lord, meet my need", these, and other prayers like them are real examples of how we are guilty of praying most of the time. However, I think the Lord would have us to be engaged in a ministry on intercessory prayer. That is, I think God wants His children to be under a prayer burden for others, Gal. 6:2, Rom. 15:1. God would have you and me involved in a prayer ministry touches the lives of others, Eph. 6:18.
IV. V. 10 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE SURRENDERED
Paul didn't stop with prayer for others, but he also prayed that he might be the instrument of God in answering that prayer. His desire was to travel to Rome, but Paul was willing to surrender his will to the will of the Lord. This was repeated at other points in the ministry of Paul, Acts 16:6-7. It seems to me that the Apostle was willing to lay aside his own plans so that he might know and do the will of the Lord.
I have already touched on the matter of surrender, but this is the Lord's will for every Christian this evening! He wants us to be willing to place His will ahead of our own. (Ill. I know for a fact that the Lord will come into your life and will change your agenda.
A heart like Paul's is a heart that he Lord can use for His glory, because it is a heart like the one Jesus had. A heart that knows no higher goal than pleasing the Father at all times, John 4:34; John 8:29. God give us all a heart like that! Imagine what the Lord could do with a church filled with people who were totally sold out to the will of God ahead of everything!
V. 11 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE USABLE
As Paul continues to reveal his heart to the Roman Christians, he tells them why he wishes to come to Rome. He wants to share with them the gifts that God has given him. It is as if Paul is telling the Romans, "God has blessed me with some special things. I want to come to Rome and share them with you so that you might grow in the things of the Lord." It tells us in no uncertain terms that Paul wanted to be usable to the Lord in His work.
Paul isn't referring to the actual gifts of the Spirit, because they are given only by the Spirit of God. Neither is he referring to the gift of salvation that can only come by faith in Jesus. What Paul is saying is that he is willing to come to them and be used of the Lord as the Lord sees fit. It is as if the Apostle is willing to be used by the Lord in any fashion if it will just help the Romans. In other words, Paul isn't saying that he wants to go there and take over. He just wants to go to Rome and be used of the Lord to be a blessing to someone.
May I say that is a lofty goal and it is one that every Christian should try to achieve. There is a great need today for people in the church and community who are not primarily interested in their own agenda, but who's main goal is just to be usable to the Lord. All they want is to be a blessing to those around them.
VI. V. 12 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE HUMBLE
Not only does the Apostle desire to be a blessing to the Romans, but he knows that they will be a blessing to him a well. Notice that with this man, it isn't all about him. He is just as aware that they have things to share with him also.It is a shame when people get to the place where they think they have "arrived", and that they cannot be helped by others who aren't as mature in the Lord, as educated or as experienced as they themselves are. All of us need to be reminded quiet often that we all have plenty of growing to do. Even Paul felt this when he wrote to the Philippian church, Phil. 3:12-14. He knew that he had not attained perfection and that he needed those around him to get the work done. To everyone who thinks they are standing on their own, you aren't! 1 Cor. 10:12! Ill. God pity the person who thinks they are an island. Before the great missionary to India William Carey boarded the ship to sail, he was asked by some close friends if this was what he really wanted to do. His reply shows the humility of his heart. Carey said, "I will go down into the pit itself, if you will hold the rope."
VII. V. 13 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE FRUITFUL
Paul reminds them that he is interested in glorifying the Lord. He has been used of the Lord to bear fruit all over the known world. Paul says that he would like to travel to Rome so that he can get some fruit there also. His desire is not to build up himself, rather it is to glorify the Lord!
When the Scriptures speak of spiritual fruit, there are usually one of three things in mind.
First, there is the idea of Attitudes that should be present in the life of every Christian. These attitudes are represented by the 9-fold description of the fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5:22-23.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
A second idea is that of Activity. When a believer lives for the Lord, there will be activity in that life and fruit will be borne for the glory of the Lord.
Three ways activity translates into fruit are these:
1.) Holy living - Rom. 6:22 2.)
2.) Praise - Heb. 13:15 3.)
3.) Giving - Phil. 4:16-17.
4.)
There is a third way fruit is manifested in the life of the believer and that is in the area of Addition. This refers to the addition of souls into the Kingdom of Heaven, Acts 16:5. This is the fruit that Paul was after. He wanted to go to Rome and win some to Jesus for the glory of the Lord. Did Paul see that fruit? Well, years later when he wrote to the Philippians from Rome, Paul was able to praise God for fruit even among the members of "Ceasar's household", Phil. 4:22.
Whether the fruit you bear for the Lord is manifested in your attitudes, your activity, or in the addition of souls to the Kingdom of Heaven, you need to know that you fruit glorifies God like nothing else can, John 15:8. How does the Christian go about bearing fruit? John 15:1-8, simply by abiding in the Vine.
VIII. V. 14 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE OBLIGATED
As Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, he that he felt a deep debt to those who needed the hear the Gospel message. This debt Paul felt is seen in every area of his ministry. In regard to the lost, Paul had this to say, Rom. 10:1; Rom. 9:3. This is a man who is driven. How else could he endure the things he had endured for the cause of Christ? 2 Cor. 11:24-28. Why did Paul do these things? Because he felt that he was a debtor to every lost person in the world. He felt a great need to share the Gospel message with them.
May I remind you this evening that you and I are indebted as well? We aren't in debt to God, for the gift of salvation we were given was a perfectly free gift. We are, however, indebted to those who are perishing about us. We hold in our hands the answer to the problem of sin for them. We hold in our hands the remedy for the disease that is killing them. Every believer in this room tonight needs to remember that we owe a debt to every person who lives around us, Mark 16:15.
How do I discharge this debt? The only way is for me to tell the world about the Savior. Can I? Yes, if I am saved,
Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
IX. V. 15 EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE EAGER
As Paul closed this section, he tells the Romans that he is "ready" to go to Rome to preach. The word "ready" means "eager". Paul is saying, "I can't wait until I get to Rome so that I can preach the Gospel there also." In other words, Paul is excited about his call and his commission. He is an excited Christian!
C. Would you describe your life as one lived in eager anticipation of doing the Lord's will?
That word "eager" also implies a sense of urgency. Paul knows that he only has a limited time to carry out the Lord's work in his life. He also knows that those who need to hear the Gospel are running out of time. Paul is saying that he must get to Rome so that he can preach the soul saving Gospel to those held in sin's captivity.
We too, need that same sense of urgency about our service for the Lord. We need to realize that one day soon our lives will end. Then, it will be too late to work for the Lord. Then it will be too late to bear fruit for His glory. If we are to work, then we must do it now, for this is the only time we have. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, John 4:35; John 9:4.
Joh 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
GOSPEL WORTH SHARING
Session 1d
Rom. 1:16-17
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Introduction
After introducing the Messenger, the Message and his own Motives in the first 15 verses of this book, the Apostle Paul turns the spotlight on the Gospel that he is going to be writing about.
In these 2 verses, we are given one of the greatest summaries of the Gospel ever written by man. For it is in these verses that we can see a clear declaration of God's power and purpose in the Gospel message.
Paul's statements about the Gospel begin in a strange fashion. Out of the blue he tells us that he is not "ashamed of the Gospel." In our day, this sounds kind of awkward. Why should he be ashamed?
Perhaps a little understanding of that culture will help us to understand why some might have been ashamed of preaching the message that Paul had been given.
There are at least 4 reasons why some would have been ashamed.
1. Because of the moral condition of that day.
Nero was the Emperor of Rome. He was a wicked, degenerate man. The city of Rome was a cesspool of sin and wicked living. The Gospel Paul preached was adversely opposed to everything Rome was.
2. Because Paul was a Jew.
Jews were considered by many to be a sub-human race. They were fit for nothing but to be despised, mistreated, and enslaved. Ordinary Jews would have been tempted to shy away from non-Jews.
3. Because the Gospel Paul was preaching was almost unbelievable.
Think of it, the Savior Paul was preaching was a male member of the despised Jewish race, He was said to be the Savior of man, He claimed to be the Son of God, even God Himself, yet He claimed to be a man. His death was different than other men in that He died on a Roman cross, a symbol of shame, but in dying this death, He was said to have died for all men. And, if that wasn't enough, this man was said to have risen from the dead the third day after His death. To many people, the claims of the Gospel were just too bizarre to believe. (Ill. Things haven't changed much - 1 Cor. 1:18.)
18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
4. Because everywhere Paul went preaching the cross, he was ridiculed, cast out, imprisoned, or treated cruelly.
Many would not have been able to endure the shame of the cross.
With all these things in mind, it is easy to see why Paul would want to be clear about his commitment to the Gospel message. He would want these people to know that they were hearing from a man who believed his message and was willing to pay the price to share it.
Now that we know why some would have been ashamed, why wasn't Paul? After all, many in our day are ashamed of the Gospel message! What did he know that made him keep on going for God? What was it about the Gospel that invigorated the Apostle and kept driving him around the world preaching the same hated message?
I. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL
Paul tells us that the Gospel is the "power of God". The word "power" comes from a word that refers to the "might, energy, force and strength that dwell within God."
God could have revealed His power against sin in any way that He chose. He could have wiped men from the face of the earth. He could have done anything that He wanted, because He is the all-powerful God. He can do anything! Therefore, it is a blessing to notice that when the Lord moved to do something about sin, He exercised His power in sending men the Gospel of grace.
(Ill. nowhere is the power of God so visible as it is in the Gospel of Christ! Think about it! When God takes a lost sinner and saves him by His grace and makes him a new creature, that is a powerful thing. God could have sent us all to Hell, but He instead chose to send us His love wrapped up in His Son, the Lord Jesus. I thank the Lord that He loved us first
- 1 John 4:19.)
19We love him, because he first loved us.
Notice that Paul's message is the "gospel of Christ." Make no mistake about it, there are many different gospels being preached in our day.
· There is the Gospel of religion that says, "Turn over a new leaf."
· There is the gospel of materialism that says, "Your worth is determined by what you have. Gain is the goal of life."
· There is the Gospel of liberalism that says "I'm OK and you're OK. God accepts us like we are and will take us to Heaven if Heaven really exists."
· There is the Gospel of society that says, "Do as you please for life is short."
Paul's message, on the other hand, says, "You are a sinner, and if you die in your sins, you will go the Hell. However, God loves you and sent His Son, the Lord Jesus into the world. Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead. If you will place your faith in Him, then you can and will be eternally saved."
I. The Power Of The Gospel
II. THE PURPOSE OF THE GOSPEL
Why did God go to such lengths for men? Why did He give up His Son to die on the cross for the sins of humanity? The primary answer is simply that He loves us. However there is more to it than that.
God's plan and God's purpose in giving the Gospel message is "salvation."
The word "salvation" is a very important word. It means, "safety, preservation, deliverance." It carries the idea of "being rescued from all harm and danger." God's desire in saving sinners is to forever deliver them from spiritual death, spiritual defilement, spiritual deception and spiritual destruction. Lest we forget, the end of all sinners, outside the Lord Jesus, is the fire of Hell. God purpose in giving the Gospel is to change man's destination in eternity and his life here on earth as well.
The primary purpose of the Gospel message is the salvation of the lost. I don't know about you all, but I truly enjoy being saved! I am grateful to the Lord that He gave us a salvation that we do not have to worry about. It is good for as long as He lives!
I. The Power Of The Gospel
II. The Purpose Of The Gospel
III. THE PLAN OF THE GOSPEL
Verse 16 tells us in no uncertain terms exactly how this Gospel message of salvation is activated. Notice that it is "to every one that believeth."
This makes it perfectly clear that biblical salvation does not involve complicated religious rituals or ornate and elaborate religious exercises. Salvation is the product of faith and faith alone! (Ill. Eph. 2:8-9;
8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
This is the point where many people stumble. People like to do things for themselves. They like to feel that they have a part of everything in their lives. However, in the matter of salvation, the sinner can have no part. It is all God, all the way. Salvation comes to the person who is willing to simply receive the message of Christ be faith,
John 6:47; 47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
John 3:16;
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 5:24;
24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Acts. 16:31.
31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
I am thankful that the Lord kept His Gospel inexpensive and easy to understand! My question for you is this, "What are you trusting in ?"
I. The Power Of The Gospel
II. The Purpose Of The Gospel
III. The Plan Of The Gospel
IV. THE PLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL
This great, saving Gospel message is for every single person in the world! No one is beyond the reach of the Gospel of grace. Notice these words from our Savior:
Rev. 22:17;
17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water John 6:37.
37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
The pledge of the Gospel is that any one who hears the message and needs the cure can be saved by God's precious grace!
Many have labored over the term "to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
This shouldn't bother us! God didn't give the Gospel to the Jew first in reference to priority. He gave the Gospel to the Jew first in reference to time. He had been dealing with the Jewish people for thousands of years, and when He sent His Son into the world to be the Messiah of the Jewish people, they rejected Him,
John 1:11.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Now, the Lord has turned to the Gentile peoples of the world to offer them salvation as well,
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Therefore, salvation is available to every person on the face of God's earth.
These verses make it clear that salvation is for anyone regardless of their race, their social standing, their education, their ability, their wickedness, etc. There is nothing which can prevent anyone who wants to be saved from being saved. The pledge of the Gospel is for every man, everywhere! Thank God that it is so!
(Ill. If there had been restrictions on salvation, then I surely would have been left out! I am glad that it is free, by faith and absolutely foolproof!)
I. The Power Of The Gospel
II. The Purpose Of The Gospel
III. The Plan Of The Gospel
IV. The Pledge Of The Gospel
V. THE PRODUCT OF THE GOSPEL
Rev. 22:17;
17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water John 6:37.
37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
The pledge of the Gospel is that any one who hears the message and needs the cure can be saved by God's precious grace!
Many have labored over the term "to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
This shouldn't bother us! God didn't give the Gospel to the Jew first in reference to priority. He gave the Gospel to the Jew first in reference to time. He had been dealing with the Jewish people for thousands of years, and when He sent His Son into the world to be the Messiah of the Jewish people, they rejected Him,
John 1:11.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Now, the Lord has turned to the Gentile peoples of the world to offer them salvation as well,
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Therefore, salvation is available to every person on the face of God's earth.
These verses make it clear that salvation is for anyone regardless of their race, their social standing, their education, their ability, their wickedness, etc. There is nothing which can prevent anyone who wants to be saved from being saved. The pledge of the Gospel is for every man, everywhere! Thank God that it is so!
(Ill. If there had been restrictions on salvation, then I surely would have been left out! I am glad that it is free, by faith and absolutely foolproof!)
I. The Power Of The Gospel
II. The Purpose Of The Gospel
III. The Plan Of The Gospel
IV. The Pledge Of The Gospel
V. THE PRODUCT OF THE GOSPEL
The product of the Gospel in the life of the believer is "righteousness." You see, man has 2 great problems.
1.) He thinks he is righteous and is therefore acceptable to the Lord.
2.) He is absolutely wrong about #1!
Man is not righteous, and cannot produce righteousness by self-will, or his own works.
However, when faith is placed in the Gospel message and Jesus is believed on in the heart, God takes the sinners and declares him to be righteous. What man cannot do by effort, God does by His power,
1 Cor. 6:9-11
9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Rom. 8:33.
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Simply stated, everything man looks for in religion: peace with God, acceptance by God, a right relationship with God, etc, are all given to the believer when he receives the Gospel message. That is a message worth sharing!
What does the phrase "from faith to faith" mean? It simply refers to the fact that the believer's life is to be one of faith in God, and as life is lived in faith, the righteousness of God is revealed in the believer's life from "beginning faith" to "ending faith." As this verse concludes, faith is to be the way of life for the child of God.
Conclusion
We have been given a Gospel worth believing and one that is worth sharing.
The questions as we bring these thoughts together are these:
· Are you trusting in the Gospel of Christ for salvation?
· Are you sharing the Gospel like Paul did?
· Are you ashamed of the Gospel of Christ?
The same message that was able to save then, can save now. The same power that worked in Paul's day is working in our day. All we need to do to see the Gospel work in power is to believe it and to share. When we do these, God will do the rest!
Review
- After introducing the Messenger, The Message and his own Motives in the first 15 verses of his book, the apostle Paul turns the spotlight on what?
- In these 2 verses, we are given one of the greatest summaries of the Gospel ever written by man. True False
- Who was the emperor of Rome during this time?
- The word "salvation"means.
