Sermon Series: Romans (21 messages)
Sermon Series Idea
21 Sermons/Bible Studies from the Book of Romans
Dr. J. Mike Minnix
The sermon outlines, some with brief notes, provided here were never meant to be distributed for others to read or use. I prepared 35 sermons on Romans while studying the book many years ago. Some of the messages do not appear here since they are buried somewhere in my computer files, but I did locate 21 of the messages and they are listed below. If I discover the rest of them, I will add them to this document within PastorLife later on.
Please do not be critical of these feeble attempts to outline portions of Romans, since you are actually looking at the rough outlines I produced in the beginning of my study of the Book of Romans. Sometime after I prepared these studies, I added notes to some of them and then went on to develop full sermons from number of them. I trust the sermon ideas found within these outlines will benefit you as you prepare to preach and teach from the wonderful and inspirational letter to the Romans penned by the Apostle Paul.
The most developed of the outlines in this file are those on Romans 5, Romans 6 and Romans 8. I especially love Romans 8 and count it among my favorite chapters in the Bible. I have preached numerous sermons from the chapter, but what you see here are merely the outlines that I worked on years ago.
I love preachers, so it count it a joy to share PastorLife without costs to all who visit the site. I make no claim to scholarship in this document since these are studies done in the busy work of my pastoral life years ago. I want to be a help to those who preach God's Word, so I trust these simple efforts will be of some assistance to you.
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A Beginning Look
Sermon 1 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 1:2; 5-6
I. A Look At Paul
A. Saved
B. Servant
C. Sent
D. Separated
II. A Look At The World
A. The Need "all nations"
B. The Answer "the faith"
C. The Means "grace and apostleship"
D. The Effect "obedience"
III. A Look At Ourselves
A. Calling "we"
B. Commission "apostleship"
C. Commitment "to call"
The Gospel
Sermon 2 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 1:1-4; 16-17
I. The Foundation Of The Gospel
A. The Source of it - "God"
B. The Sustaining of it - "God...promised...in holy scripture"
C. The Sweetness of it - "The Good News - Gospel"
II. The Focus Of The Gospel
A. Names of Jesus
1. Jesus
2. Christ
3. Lord
B. Natures of Jesus
1. Human Nature
2. Divine Nature
III. The Force Of The Gospel
A. The Courage it Produces - "I am not ashamed"
B. The Conversion it Produces - "power ... unto salvation"
C. The Communication it Produces - "Righteousness of God revealed"
D. The Comfort it Produces - "The just shall live by faith"
Sin
Sermon 3 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 1:18-23
I. Revelation and Sin - Romans 1:18-20a
A. Two Subjects Compared:
1. Righteousness
2. Wrath
B. Two Sins Cataloged:
1. Ungodliness
2. Unrighteousness of Men
C. Two Senses Classified:
1. The Outward
2. The Inward
II. Deliberation And Sin - Romans 1:20b-21a
A. Doing Nothing
B. Doing Something
III. Graduation And Sin - Romans 1:21b-23
A. The Darkening Graduation
B. The Deepening Graduation
The Book of Hebrews presents the steps of evil as:
Distraction - (Neglect) Chapter 2
Rejection - Chapter 4
Rebellion - (Contempt) Chapter 10
Progression Of Sin
Sermon 4 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 1:24-32
I. Light Revealed - The Creator Romans 1:24-25
II. Light Rejected - The Change Romans 1:25-28
III. Light Removed - The Condemnation Romans 1:28b-32
Sins:
A. Wickedness
Evil - adikia - the opposite of justice or giving to God and man what they are due to receive. Selfishness rules in such a person.
B. Evil
Desire to harm - poneria - the active, deliberate will and act of hurting someone by our evil. Satan is called ho ponerias (the evil one).
C. Greed
Desire to get - pleonexia - this means to want more and more. It is the love of having. It desires money, honor, pleasure, everything and anything for self.
D. Depravity
Bad- kakia - This has been called the forerunner of all other sins.
E. Envy
Envy - phthonos - Barclay states that there is good and bad envy. Good envy see gifts that have been developed in another person and desires to work toward that same goal. Bad envy resents the other person having the gifts.
F. Murder
Hateful anger - phonos - Aqinas said, "Man regardeth the deed, but God seeth the intention."
G. Strife
Contention - eris - the result of envy and greed. The desire to have what another has leads to strife.
H. Deceit
Lieing - dolos - the act of debasing precious metals. That is like selling brass for gold.
I. Malice
Malignity - kakoetheia - this is the kind of nature that always thinks the worst of others. If you have a choice to put one of two colors on a persons actions, it is malice to automatically choose the worst.
J. Gossips and Slanderers
Speaking evil of people - psithuristes and katalalos - the first of these is one who whispers and the other concerns those who noise abroad malicious remarks about people.
K. God-haters
A person who hates God - theostugeis - this speaks of a man who hates God because he thinks that God stands between him and the pleasure of self he desires.
L. Heartless
One who does not have proper family affection - astorgos - storge is a Greek word for family love. This is the kind of love a mother has for her child, a daughter for her mother, etc. The letter "a" is added to show that this love is absent. A sign that God's wrath is on a nation is found in a society where natural love in a family setting is missing.
The External Compared To The Internal
Sermon 5 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 2:25-29
Paul discussed the danger of depending upon external marks of religion while not possessing internal marks of righteousness. He addressed the subject of the external as compared to the internal as it related to the Jews. If Paul were alive today, he could just as well discuss this subject as it relates to Baptists or any other Christian denomination. This is a subject of extreme importance since a person who depends upon a false security for salvation may in effect "feel" saved, but in "fact" may be lost.
I. The Mark Of The Flesh
A. The Emblem of Relationship
B. The Error of Religion
II. The Marks Of Faith
A. The Spirit - Romans 8:16
B. The Word - 1 Peter 1:23
C. The Life - 2 Corinthians 5:17
D. The Service - James 1:22
E. The Love - John 13:35
F. The Lip - 1 John 4:15
A man saw a boy once trying to eat a huge apple. The lad also had a couple large apples in his arms. The man said, "Too much apple, isn't it sonny?" The little boy said, with a mouthful of apple, "No mister, just not enough boy!"
There is not enough in us to justify us before God. We can only be saved by what God has done in Christ. This is an inward work, not simply an outward activity. We do not hang oranges on a tree in order to make it an orange tree; we get oranges when the nature of the tree produces them from the inside! A Christian is one who has received the nature of Christ and produces outward works as a result of that change.
The Verdict Is In - Guilty As Charged !
Sermon 6 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 3:9-20
Paul comes now to the conclusion of his discussion of the guilt of all people before God. He has taken some time and space to develop the idea of Universal Guilt. Jews, Gentiles, in fact all people in every generation are declared guilty (Romans 3:10). Even though he has mentioned the subject, he will not fully develop the Doctrine of Righteousness till he begins verse 21 of chapter 3. In our present lesson, which covers Romans 3:9-20, we will see the coup d' état of the idea of human righteousness apart from Christ.
There is one word which describes a person found guilty of a crime: Convicted. We are convicted cosmic criminals against God. Note three pieces of evidence which convict us.
I. Convicted Due To Our Ways
II. Convicted Due To God's Word
III. Convicted Due To Our Weakness
Conclusion
A. We are under sin by Imputation
B. We are under sin by Influence
C. We are under sin by Incarceration
The Grand Provision: Righteousness By Faith
Sermon 7 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 3:21-26
Note five revelations of righteousness which occur in this verses
I. The Manifestation Of This Provision - Romans 3:21
A. The Source of this Provided Righteousness
B. The Support for this Provided Righteousness
II. The Method Of This Provision - Romans 3:22
A. Simplicity
B. Singularity
III. The Magnitude Of This Provision - Romans 3:23
A. The Wickedness off All
B. The Weakness of All
IV. The Mercy Of This Provision - Romans 3:24-26
A. The Justified
B. The Justifier
To Boast Or Not To Boast
Sermon 8 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 3:27-31
Conceit and egotism are not strangers to any of us. The problem of pride is an all pervasive one. As the ant and the elephant walked across the hanging bridge, the ant remarked to the elephant, "Boy, don't we make this bridge shake!" A proud woodpecker was tapping away at a dead tree when the sky unexpectedly turned black and the thunder began to roll. Undaunted, he went right on working. Suddenly a bolt of lightning struck the old tree, splintering it into hundreds of pieces. Startled but unhurt, the haughty bird flew off, screeching to his feathered friends, "Hey everyone, look what I did!"
When it comes to salvation we can never screech, "Look what I did!" Paul was addressing this issue when he penned Romans 3:27-31. Let us look at three important thoughts.
I. Boasting Is Sinful
II. Boasting Is Senseless
III. Boasting Can Be Spiritual
A. Boasting In The Lord
B. Boasting In The Cross
C. Boasting In Weakness
D. Boasting In Sufferings
E. Boasting In The Hope Of The Glory Of God
Living On Credit
Sermon 9 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 4:1-8
We come now to the subject of believing faith. What is faith? Faith is a inner conviction regarding God's Word resulting in a commitment which leads to a change in conduct. Or, we could say it is an inward assurance leading to an outward action. Paul is going to show that salvation, far from being a result of human works, is the result of faith. In other words, it is a gift not a payment. Let us consider this under three headings.
I. The Great Example Of Faith - Romans 4:1-3
Paul is taking his pattern from the experience of Abraham as recorded in Genesis 15:1-6: After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir." Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars‑‑ if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
The word believe means to confirm. God said it and Abraham confirmed it! It was true whether Abraham believed it or not, but for it to be fruitful to Abraham it had to be confirmed by him!
II. The Grand Explanation Of Faith - Romans 4:4-5
Paul now turns to a contrast between faith and works. Works pays wages, but faith results in a gift. Look at Romans 6:23.
The word logizomai, which means credited or counted, appears eleven times in Romans chapter 4. It means to place to one's account. For example, if someone went into a shop and left a gift on your account, it would be credited against what you owe. If someone left a gift equal to all you owe and would ever buy, that would be a limitless credit to your account. In essence, that is what Jesus did for us at Calvary!
III. The Glorious Excellence Of Faith - Romans 4:6-8
Paul now turns to David as an example of the excellence of faith. He quotes from David as recorded in Psalm 32:1 and 2: A Psalm of David, a maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
God's mercy and grace is activated by faith. The three types of sin which we commit are removed as a gift from God. They are disobedience, deformity and deceit.
The excellence of faith is not a result of our action but our assurance that God's Word regarding His salvation is true. Action is a result of assurance.
The Results Of Faith
Sermon 10 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 5:1-11
In chapter four Paul told us that faith is necessary for salvation. In essence, we learned of The Requirement of Faith. Now we come to analyze The Results of Faith in Romans, chapter 5.
Paul has instructed us that justification comes through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. With this justification comes other blessings and benefits from God.
The story is told of an aged silver miner who spent all his life searching for silver in the mountains of the Old West. He had become so obsessed with his search that his wife and children had left him. When he died the handful of people who came to bury him found in his possessions a note instructing them to bury him under his cabin. As the earth was overturned a lustrous gray material began to appear. It became known as the largest silver vein in California history. The miner had been a millionaire all his life, but he had never been able to claim his wealth. The Bible says that we are spiritual billionaires because of Christ' death.
What are some of the benefits which we derive from the justification which comes by faith? The text reveals them to us.
I. We Have An Assurance That Produces Peace - Romans 5:1
The angels sang at Jesus birth, "Peace on earth, good will toward men (Luke 2:14)." The peace they sang about was not just peace between countries, or peace between persons, but peace between God and man. The Greek word is "irene." It is used over seventy-five times in the New Testament. Peace is a two-fold element.
First, it is something you Seal. This creates a condition. Jesus spoke of this example in Luke 14:31-33. A person who realizes it is futile to make war against a greater foe will sue for peace. He will seal the peace in order to save himself from destruction. Jesus said that salvation peace is like that! We have our peace sealed with God through faith in His Son, Jesus.
Second, peace is something you feel. This creates an emotion. Peace is a tranquil emotional state which is pleasant and serene. The person who has God's assurance of justification has no need of being frightened of death or the judgment. There is no need in such a person for guilt or shame. There is to be peace of heart and mind.
The first of the two elements of peace is fixed at ones salvation. The second of the two is changeable. You can lose the feeling of peace. God would have us to live in a state of constant peace with Him. See Philippians 4:4-13.
II. We Have An Access That Produces Position - Romans 5:2
This is a Gained position. The idea here is one of having obtained something. We "have" this position. Certainly we do not deserve to stand in the position of grace, but nonetheless it is ours through Christ.
This is a Glorious position. Why? Because we will be standing in this position of grace when we are brought to share in the glory of God!
III. We Have An Affirmation That Produces Progress - Romans 5:3-8
We see how God Loves us. God has affirmed us in the love that He showed to us. He loved us while we were yet sinners. He died for us when we were undeserving and powerless. He loved us and will always love us!
We see how God Leads us. Knowing that God has loved us so much that He gave His only Son for our salvation, we can now face life with all its "sufferings" with the awareness that difficult circumstances rightly encountered will lead to greater hope! This hope will do nothing but make us more appreciative of the love of God. It is a great cycle which continues to bring us closer to God and more into the image of His dear Son.
IV. We Have An Association That Produces Praise - Romans 5:9-11
A Reconciliation has been made which invokes praise from God's children. We have been reconciled to God. To be reconciled means to be reunited with God. Christ brought His Father and lost humanity together through His death on the cross.
I am reminded of an incident which occurred some years ago. A mother was dying. Some years before her son and husband had gotten into a violent argument. The son left saying he would never return. The father had said good riddance to the son. The mother called for the boy to come home and see her before she died.
The boy came into the room where his mother was still alive but was very close to death. He came up to her bed and took her hand. On the other side of the room was the father who was estranged from his son. He was holding the other hand of his wife and the boy's mother. She slowly began to pull their hands together. As their hands touched, the two men clasped hands. Quickly they walked to the end of the bed and with tears running down their faces they hugged each other. Then they turned to the dear mother and wife who had brought them back together only to find that their union was her last earthly act. She was dead!
Jesus died on the cross and met the righteous demands of a holy God. He took our sinful hands and put them in the hand of God and brought us together. We are reconciled to God. This produces praise.
A Reunion has been planned. On the great day of God's wrath, we will be saved. After all. God having given us all things will not withhold his greatest blessing from us. We will praise Him in the heavenly kingdom on that great and glorious day.
Sanctification Through Identification
Sermon 11 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 6:1-23
Let us rehearse what we have studied thus far:
i. Condemnation - all have sinned Romans 1:1- 3:30
ii. Salvation - all can be saved Romans 3:32—31
iii. Justification - all the saved are justified Romans 3:23-5:21
Now we come to the subject of Sanctification. Sanctification simply means to set something apart for special use. It has come to mean the total elimination and eradication of sin from the actions, words and thoughts of a believer. For sanctification to be viewed in this confined and narrow way is unfortunate. Though it does have to do with practice, the word in the truest sense has to do with position, as we shall see.
In the first five chapters of Romans we have seen what we were before Christ (condemned), what we have received through Christ (saved), and how we received what we received (justified); now we come to see who we are in Christ. Our subject for this lesson concerns whether it is of value for a believer to go on sinning after he is saved. Do not confuse this with the question of whether a believer goes on sinning after salvation. The very fact that Paul addressed this subject in this place tells us that sin has remained a problem for people after they were saved.
Since grace abounds to the degree that sin has been committed, the question arises as to whether more sin in the life of a believer would not be good because it would increase the measure of grace allocated in behalf of the sinner. This appears to be a strange inquiry, but in fact it is very important.
We have dealt with the fact that the Christian is judicially (in the eyes of God) fully righteous and justified. Why, then, should he not go on sinning freely? Paul was ready to confront this question as he penned the words found in chapter six of Romans.
I. The Origination Of Our Identification - Romans 6:1-10
A. Resting in His Death
B. Resurrected in His Life
Paul begins by discussing the fact that salvation is more than just a religious possession, it is a personal relationship. We are identified with Christ. Thus, he establishes the basis upon which we are to live holy lives. We are identifies with, eternally linked with, our Lord Jesus Christ.
How did this union between the believer and Christ originate? When we accepted Christ as our Savior, we were then and there identified with His death and with His resurrection. When Christ died, I died with Him at Calvary. When Christ rose, I rose with Him from the tomb. Glory to God! What a thought! What a reality! I am identified, in perfect union with Christ. Verse 10, of chapter 6, tells us that Christ died to sin. What does that mean? It does not meant that He died to the impulses of sin. He had resisted every sin! It means that he became sin for us, and died in our place. Thus, through our identification with Him, we too have died to sin! The penalty of sin has no claim on the risen Christ and has no claim on those who are in Christ.
II. The Application Of Our Identification - Romans 6:11-14
A. Counting the Old Man Out
B. Counting the New Man In
Verse 11 commences a new thought. We are identified with Christ and are in perfect union with Him, but what difference does that make in our behavior? Here we come to the application of our identification. We must do something. We can not do anything before we are saved, but through Christ we can do all things after we are saved (Philippians 4:13). What are we to do?
We are to die or at least to count or reckon ourselves dead. This means that we are to consider ourselves dead to sin since we died with Christ at Calvary. Then, we are to count or reckon ourselves alive to God. We must do this daily!!! (Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.) This is not a matter of trying but rather the business of submitting! Note how Paul speaks of it in Romans 6:13 and 14.
Remember that to count is simply to agree with God that what He says He has done and will do are true and tenable.
III. The Emancipation Of Our Identification - Romans 6:15-22
A. The Old Master - Sin, Resulting in Loss
B. The New Master - Savior, Resulting In Life
Beginning in verse 15, Paul turns his attention to the subjects of slavery and freedom as they relate to sin and holiness. Thus far he has addressed the issue of sanctification, or holy living, from the basis of life and death. We died with Christ, therefore we live through his resurrection. Now he treats the subject in a new and different way. He does still speak of death, but he links death with slavery and freedom.
A slave who is dead is no longer responsible to his former master. The former master would quickly put the deceased out of his sight since the slave is no longer of value. Paul is saying that we have died to our old master - sin! We have been raised to serve a new master - Christ! Certainly we do not want to go back to our old master. All we could hope for serving that former ruler was death. Now we have a new sovereign who has given us life, holy and eternal.
IV. The Consolidation Of Our Identification - Romans 6:23
Paul now consolidates all his thoughts into one great sentence. This verse is well-known, but usually the context in which it appears is forgotten. Paul contrasts the old master and old life with the New Master and new life.
A. Wages vs. Gift
B. Sin vs. God
C. Death vs. Life
Why would we want wages when we have a gift greater that all the other treasures of heaven? Why would we want sin when we have God? Why would we go back to death (as if a Christian could) when we now have life in Jesus Christ?
Paul consolidates his argument with this final sentence. The essence of his argument is that the true believer will not want to go back to sin as a way of life. The saint may sin, but he cannot become a slave to sin again! Why not? Because he has died with Christ, risen with Christ and is alive in Christ. Sanctification does not mean that a Christian cannot sin, it does mean that a Christian will never rejoice in sin nor remain in the practice of sin!
The Weakness Of The Law
Sermon 12 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Scripture: Romans 7:1-25
Paul now deals with the law and how it relates to a believer in Christ. He has explained already that the Christian is in perfect union with Christ. One does not serve in order to be saved, one is saved in order to serve!
In chapter 7 of Romans, we discover three important factors regarding the law. These considerations are presented by Paul to make sure we understand the nature of our salvation.
I. The Control Factor - Romans 7:1-6
A. The Illustration - A Marriage Ended in Death
B. The Application - A Marriage Begun in Life
II. The Corruption Factor - Romans 7:7-13
A. The Law is for Revelation
B. The Law is for Condemnation
C. The Law is for Education
III. The Conversion Factor - Romans 7:14-25
A. The Law Cannot Change My Ways (14)
B. The Law Cannot Change My Will (18)
C. The Law Cannot Change My War (21
The Law is not the problem, the problem is my sinful nature! I must have something other than the law in order to overcome my flesh. That something other is my union with Christ. That is the thrust of Paul's message in Romans, chapter 7.
Fear - James 2:10 - Faith
Fetters - vs. 1 - Freedom
Frost - vs. 5 - Fruit
Famine - dead fruit - Feast
Formality - vs. 6 - Fervor
Failure - 7-14 - Favor
More Than Conquerors
Sermon 13 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 8:1-39
When we reach chapter 8 in Romans, we have arrived at the mountain peak of all that Paul is teaching in this great volume. Each chapter has raised us up to more lofty heights than the one before. Now we stand on the summit with our hearts and minds in the heavenlies to contemplate five fabulous facts about the life of faith which Paul first introduced in Romans 1:16. The glorious quintet under consideration concerns our being more than conquerors through Christ our Lord.
I. The Emancipation From Condemnation - Romans 8:1-4
A. A Present Possession ... vs. 1a
Salvation and freedom from the condemnation of sin are not benefits which we will one day receive; we are now fully in possession of them. Heaven we must wait to receive; the new body we have been promised we must wait to receive; crowns and rewards we must wait to receive; but, salvation is ours now.
B. A Prescribed Position ... vs. 1b
Of course there is a position which is required before a person actually has this freedom from condemnation. A person must be "in Christ" (1:1). Remember that union with Christ is the key element to eternal life!
C. A Provided Protection ... vss. 2-4
When we are in Christ, we are free from the law of sin and death. We have been given protection from ever coming under the doom of these twin, deadly enemies of our souls. "Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, I am free at last!"
The great preacher of another generation, Harry Ironside, pointed out that the first four verses of Romans 8 presents a perfect outline for Romans, chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8. The first verse of Romans 8 is synonymous with Romans, chapter 5. The second verse of Romans 8 correlates to Romans, chapter 6. Verse 3 relates to chapter 7. Verse 4 introduces Romans, chapter 8. Ironside believed that Paul was summarizing what he had previously written regarding justification and sanctification before moving on the subject of glorification. We cannot know for sure that this was Paul's plan but certainly in seems like a plausible and credible idea.
II. The Obligation of Sanctification - Romans 8:5-17
Before going on to the subject of glorification in Romans 8, Paul addresses the subject of sanctification one more time. He speaks here of the duty we have to conduct our lives in the realm of the Spirit. Look closely at verse 12. One might ask if there is really a difference between grace and the law, if indeed grace has obligations. The answer is that there is a great deal of dissimilarity between the two. Grace bestows before it demands. The law demands before it bestows. Grace gives and then asks for a return. The law asks for a return when you have nothing to give. Grace enables us to meet the requirement before the obligation. The law demands the obligation to the requirement even though we have no means to meet it. Therein lies all the difference between the two. In the flesh we see our impotency to cooperate with the law; in the Spirit we see the potency of grace to operate in the Spirit! In other words, we go on because we look up!
A. The Sentenced Person ... You Do Not Have The Spirit
Without the Spirit a person is sentenced to death. There is no life with God apart from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
B. The Saved Person ... You Have The Spirit
Every saved person has the Holy Spirit living within. The Holy Spirit is the life of God in the believer.
C. The Sanctified Person ... The Spirit Has You
The Christian is never fully living for God until the Spirit of God has control, full control, of that believer. A preacher was once talking with another and was being critical of the ministry of Dwight L. Moody. While speaking critically of the great man of God he said, "Dwight L. Moody does not have a monopoly on the Holy Spirit." The man listening to this criticism wisely answered, "You're right, Mr. Moody does not have a monopoly on the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on Dwight L. Moody. Therein lies the secret of the sanctified life. It is a life submitted to Christ.
More is said about the Holy Spirit in Romans 8 than any other chapter in the Bible. Note the following thoughts found in this chapter related to the Holy Spirit.
Possessions of the Spirit
The Law of the Spirit 8:2
The Desires of the Spirit 8:5
The Firstfruits of the Spirit 8:23
The Mind of the Spirit 8:27
Prepositions of the Spirit
After (according to) the Spirit 8:4
By the Spirit 8:9
Through the Spirit 8:13
Presentations of the Spirit
Spirit of Life 8:2
Spirit of God 8:9, 14
Spirit of Christ 8:9
Spirit of Sonship 8:15
Practices of the Spirit
Sets us Free 8:2
Guides us On 8:5, 14
Controls us Mentally 8:6
Gives us Life 8:9-11
Makes us Sons 8:15
Grants us Confirmation 8:16
Helps us Pray 8:26
III. The Anticipation For Glorification - Romans 8:18-27
A. The Groaning of Creation ... vs. 21
B. The Groaning of Christians ... vs. 23
C. The Groaning of the Comforter ... vss. 26, 27
IV. The Explanation Of Predestination - Romans 8:28-30
A. Predestined For Calling
1. A Predestined Plan for Salvation
2. A Predestined Purpose for Saints
B. Predestined For Conformity
1. Conformed to His Righteousness
2. Conformed to His Resurrection
C. Predestined For Crowning
1. Our Crown in Justification
(a) Justification is of God Romans 8:33
(b) Justification is through the Holy Spirit John 3:6
(c) Justification is by faith Romans 5:1
(d) Justification is through the blood Romans 5:9
(e) Justification is for eternity Titus 3:7
2. Our Crown in Glorification
We must put in perspective the doctrine of predestination so that we do not misunderstand it. Note the words used in Romans 8:29 and 30 when they are listed in order.
Foreknew
Predestined
Called
Justified
Glorified
To get these words out of order is to turn this doctrine on its head! God foreknew and then He predestined. This tells us clearly that God never predestined anyone to go to hell or to heaven. It clearly shows that God foreknew those who would be saved and thus predestined them to be called, justified when they answered that call and then glorified in His Son! What a mighty God we serve!
V. The Inspiration Of Preservation - Romans 8:31-39
A. God the Father is For Us
B. God the Son is With Us
C. God the Spirit is In us
There are seven no's in Romans 8
1. No Condemnation to Death Romans 8:1
2. No Obligation to Demand Romans 8:12
3. No Intimidation to Depress Romans 8:15
4. No Limitation to Dismay Romans 8:26-27
5. No Frustration to Discourage Romans 8:28
6. No Accusation to Defeat Romans 8:31-34
7. No Separation to Divide Romans 8:35-39
In Justification we are Sons. Galatians 3:26
In Sanctification we are Saints. 1 Corinthians 1:2
In Glorification we are Sharers. Romans 8:17, 18
In Justification we see a backward look.
In Sanctification we see an inward look
In Glorification we see a forward look.
In Justification we have Christ's work in us.
In Sanctification we have the Spirit's work through us.
In Glorification we have the Father's work for us.
Look at Philippians 1:6
He began a good work ..... Justification
Will perform it .......... Sanctification
Till the day of Christ .... Glorification!
Wearing the Family Robe - Righteousness - Justification!
Bearing the Family Resemblance - Likeness - Sanctification!
Sharing the Family Resources - Greatness - Glorification!
NOW AREN'T YOU GLAD THAT YOU ARE SAVED!!!
God Is Not To Blame
Sermon 14 in Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 10:1-21
We are living in a day when few people are willing to accept personal responsibility for their actions. This is not really unusual behavior. The only difference today is the extent to which people have gone to excuse themselves from accountability for their performance. Actually, this trait has been around from the beginning when Adam blamed Eve for his sin and Eve blamed the serpent for her sin!
Paul addresses this subject in a specific way in Romans 10. Here he is dealing with the excuses which the Jews put forth for their lack of salvation. Though Romans, chapter 10, relates directly to the Jews, the passage contains principles which apply to all people who are lost.
Why are unsaved people in an lost state? Note with me what Paul says about this subject.
I. A Failure Exposed - Romans 10:1-4
Paul begins by revealing the reason the Jews have failed to be saved. We note in verse 1 that Paul has deep compassion for his lost "brothers" (meaning his "brothers" in the flesh, or fellow Jews).
A. They Failed to be Saved (1)
Here is an important passage of Scripture. Are Jews lost or are they saved? Some say that Jews do not need to accept Christ for they are God's chosen people. Actually, Jesus told the Jews when He was on the earth that they must repent or perish. Here Paul points out without question that Jews without Jesus are lost! This is a good verse to remember when someone asks you the question regarding the salvation of the Jews.
B. They Failed to be Submissive (2-4)
But why are they lost? Because the only righteousness that is available for salvation is found in Christ (see vs. 4)! The Jews who were lost in Paul's day were ignorant of this fact according to the Scripture. Here again is an important fact: Ignorance is no excuse before the Lord!
The Jews were very zealous for the law. Note yet another important principle: Zeal is no excuse for lacking true salvation! Do you see here how Paul is answering questions that are still prevalent today?
The greatest weakness for Jews and for all lost people is that they are unwilling to submit to the Lordship of Jesus and thus to receive His saving grace!
II. A Faith Expounded - Romans10: 5-13
Paul moves on to expound upon saving faith. He shows that the means of salvation is simply glorious and gloriously simple.
A. The Proximity of Faith (5-8a)
Faith is very near! The Jews were so close and yet so far away. I know you have seen many people of all races and backgrounds who were just like this. People do not realize that faith to believe and receive Jesus is nearer than the hand at the end of their right arm.
B. The Intimacy of Faith (8b)
This faith is already in the mouth of the unbeliever! The word of faith which springs forth in the heart must be pronounced upon the lips.
C. The Simplicity of Faith (8c-10)
How does one come to faith in Jesus? It is preached into them! Wow, faith is not something one must work up, it is something God pours in!!! By accepting the Word of God in one's heart and calling upon God with one's lips, salvation is inaugurated.
D. The Certainty of Faith (11-13)
When one truly believes, he or she is truly saved! God promises to save when we profess to submit. God never breaks His word, so we have a divine guarantee.
III. A Faithfulness Exhibited - Romans 10:14-21
Remember our first premise regarding this chapter? This is about the lost Jews. Paul has shown that the Jews depended upon personal zeal rather than personal faith. The Jews did not understand that faith was so near to them, so simple and so eternally powerful. Paul goes on to cap off his argument stating without debate that God is not to blame for the lost being in their condemned state.
A. The Faithfulness of God to Speak (14-20)
One might claim that people cannot be responsible since they cannot believe what they have not heard. Paul shows that God has spoken clearly on this matter. In fact, he argues that God has spoken so clearly that the Gentiles who did not have all the advantages of the Jews have understood the message and accepted it! God has been faithful to speak, even in the Old Testament. The Jews, like most of humanity in every generation, have not been listening.
B. The Faithfulness of God to Seek (21)
Paul reveals that God has been patient and long-suffering with the Jewish people. "All day long" He has held out his hands. Paul is seeking to show how loudly and lovingly God has called to His people, but they would not hear His voice.
God is not to blame for the lost condition of the Jew or the Gentile. He did all heaven could do to see that the lost be saved. The lost must listen, have the word implanted in their hearts, bring it to their lips, call upon the Lord and be saved. This is God's way, there is no other way!
Note in verses 14 and 15 what might be called the Ladder of Liberty:
Pardon denotes Prayer - "calls on the Lord will be saved"
Prayer denotes Persuasion - "whom they have not believed"
Persuasion denotes Proclamation - "whom they have not heard"
Proclamation denotes Partnership - "Except they be sent"
Partnership denotes Plan - "bring the good news"
Plan denotes Problem - "not all obeyed the gospel"
There Is A Remnant
Sermon 15 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Scripture: Romans 11:1-24
Are the Jews saved by virtue of their race or religion? Some hold that they are, while others adamantly state that they are lost because they crucified Jesus. Actually, neither is correct. Paul solves this dilemma in Romans, chapter 11. This lesson teaches a truth God considered serious enough to occupy some space in His Word. Also, we learn from Romans 11 the proper attitude of the Christian toward the Jewish people.
I. A Saved Remnant - Romans 11:1-6
One of the basic teachings of the Scripture regarding the Jews is that of the remnant. A remnant is a fragment or piece of something that remains when the larger portion has been destroyed or lost.
A. The Past Example 11:1-4
God had a remnant in the past, even when times were very wicked and the people as a whole were in rebellion. You will recall Ezekiel, Daniel, and the three Hebrew Children who were faithful during the days of the captivity. The Lord had Ezra and Nehemiah following the captivity. As the New Testament Age approached, the Lord had Zechariah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Simeon and Anna. The Lord has always had His remnant.
B. The Present Example 11:5
Many completed Jews give testimony to their faith in Jesus Christ in our day. Jews For Jesus is an organization made up of saved Jews who work for the salvation of their brethren in the flesh. In Israel it is illegal for a non-native to witness to a Jew about Christ unless the Jew introduces the subject and seeks information. Missionaries in Israel have a difficult time sharing their faith. Why are the Jewish people so afraid of Christianity? They have witnessed the power of the gospel and are terrified with the thought that great numbers of their people might suddenly turn to faith in Christ. Even under these conditions, many Jews are coming to Christ. God has a remnant today.
C. The Prospective Example 11:6
In Revelation 7 we read of the 144,000 Jews who will be saved during the Tribulation Period. The Tribulation Period is a seven year period following the rapture of the saints. Tribulation simply means a time of terrible suffering and upheaval on the earth. During this time 144,000 Jews will place their faith in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. They will be persecuted but will go across the earth as gospel missionaries telling people everywhere about Jesus. They will die for their faith. God will have a remnant!
II. A Severed Relationship - Romans 11:7-10
In this passage we see how God created a stupor among the Jews, giving them eyes so they could not see and ears so that they could not hear. Moses, Isaiah and David are quoted as references by Paul. God is sovereign. He is God! He can do with us as He pleases. Yet, in His mercy He has given us an opportunity to experience His grace and mercy. When that grace is rejected, God can and does use our lives in a way which fulfills His purpose. This is the case in the passage before us.
Understand again that election is not a fixed destiny without the action of the person. God does not elect some people to heaven and some to hell. Look at 2 Peter 1:10: "Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your
calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will
never fall." Why should we make our election sure if it is a settled matter? Election is for all those who choose Jesus, who is God's elected manner of salvation!
In Isaiah 6:9 we read, "He said, "Go and tell this people: "'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'" Jesus spoke of this passage in Matthew 13:14 saying, "In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.'"
Stephen spoke of this same passage before he was stoned to death, "You stiff‑necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!"
Note that Jesus and Stephen spoke of the Jews as having resisted the Holy Spirit themselves. When Paul states that God gave them ears and eyes that were unresponsive to the gospel, this is just a manner of speech. It means in essence that God allowed them to exercise free will in the matter of rejection. He did not, nor does He, overpower a person's free will in the matter of salvation. However, once a person had chosen his destiny, God has the right and exerts the right to direct the actions of that person when His ultimate aim and purpose demands it!
III. A Supreme Revelation - Romans 11:11-12
The Lord now reveals through Paul that the Jews have not fallen forever. Wisely, God has cast off the larger body of the Jews for a time so that many might come to the gospel. In essence, the rejection of Jesus by the Jews resulted in Jesus' death on the cross. Christ Himself said in John 12:32,
"I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me." He referred to the cross. Rejected by the Jewish nation, and sent to the cross, he became the Savior of all mankind, Gentiles as well as Jews. The rejection of Jesus and the gospel quickened the pace of the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles as recorded in Acts 8:4 and 13:46.
A perfect picture of God's mercy provoking jealousy is seen in the story of the prodigal son as recorded in Luke 15:28. The elder brother, in the parable of the Prodigal Son, was filled with jealousy when he saw the younger son accepted by the father.
Thus, God reveals that the rejection was a free choice of the Jews, but that it was divinely used to spread God's love to the Gentiles and Jews. God took that which was disobedient and turned it into obedience. He took the death of Christ and turned it into life for all who would believe upon Him. This is not to say that God did this as an afterthought. This was God's plan from the foundation of the world. That is the meaning of election.
IV. A Solemn Reminder - Romans 11:13-25
A. To The Gentiles
We are duly warned not to take an attitude of superiority or hostility towards the Jews. We must be careful to pray for the peace of Jerusalem as recorded in Psalm 122:6.
"Say not a Christian e'er would persecute a Jew
A Gentile might, but not a Christian true.
Pilate and Roman guard that folly tried,
And with that great Jew's death an Empire died.
When Christians gather in a Cathedral, Church or hall
Hearts turn towards One - the name of Jesus call.
You cannot persecute - what ever else you do,
The race who gave Him - Jesus was a Jew." Written by: Dr. Will H. Houghton
B. To The Jews
As the Gentiles are ever in danger of losing the opportunity to be saved, the Jews are ever in opportunity to be grafted into the Church, the True Vine, even Jesus Christ.
What is the basic message here?
1. God's Wisdom
God is not defeated by rejection of His Son. In fact, in this rejection, God has established salvation. Our all-wise God is never defeated or confused, even by the actions of stupid and ignorant people like ourselves.
2. God's Ways
God is loving, even to those who reject Him. He is not angry forever. He has had a remnant who put faith in Him in every generation, proving that the door to a relationship with Him has always been open. God's way is one of love and opportunity.
3. God's Warning
God is not to be trifled with. One must not take God's love for granted or play games with the Almighty. Such action results in unhappy consequences. When a person or a people are enjoying the blessings of God, they must not become proud or arrogant. We must be like our Savior who was humble, loving and obedient to the Heavenly Father.
From Doctrine To Duty
Sermon 16 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 12:1-8
Throughout the first eleven chapters of Romans Paul deals with beliefs, then when he arrives at chapter 12 he turns our attention to behavior. Believing the correct doctrines is never the full intent of Bible teaching. The end result of all true study of the Scripture should be obedience to God. That allegiance may be seen in a simple act of faith and trust. Our submission to God may be evidenced by our acting upon some principle or command. In the end, all truth should lead us into proper practice.
Paul calls all believers to three important applications of God's truth. Each of the appeals is based upon the mercy of God extended to us. We always remember that the theme of Romans is that the just shall live by faith, and that in contrast to trying to live by works. So good deeds do not grow out of our goodness, but result from God's grace.
I. Consecration - Romans 12:1-2
A. The Appeal to Consecration Romans 12:1-2
The work from not for salvation!
We appropriate salvation, but we apply consecration.
B. The Act of Consecration
It is Voluntary.
It is Personal.
It is Sacrificial.
C. The Argument for Consecration
It is not unreasonable, it is reasonable.
D. The Attitude in Consecration
There are two attitudes listed in this text:
1. The Negative Attitude
2. The Positive Attitude
E. The Achievement of Consecration
II. Evaluation - Romans 12:3
A. We are Not to practice Self-elevation
B. We are Not to practice Self-depreciation
C. We Are to practice Sober-evaluation
III. Association - Romans 12:4-5
A. In the Body of Christ there is to be Unity vs. 4.
B. In the Body of Christ there is to be Diversity vs 4b-5a.
C. In the Body of Christ there is to be Mutuality vs 5b.
IV. Participation - Romans 12:6-8
A. The Gift of Prophesy
B. The Gift of Service
C. The Gift of Teaching
D. The Gift of Encouragement
E. The Gift of Contributing
F. The Gift of Leadership
G. The Gift of Mercy
A Debt To Be Met
Sermon 17 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 13:8-14
The essence of this text is the call to love. Some have missused this passage as a way to teach the prohibition of financial indebtedness in the life of a Christian. Being free of financial bondage is a Christian principle, but these verses do not teach that precept. The text under consideration teaches us that there is a debt to be met. The debt in question is a debt of love. Note three components for reflection as we deliberate upon this Scripture before us.
I. Pay up In Love - Romans 13:7-10
Our Action
The Practice Of Love
II. Wake up To Love - Romans 13:11-12
Our Attentiveness
The Perception Of Love
III. Dress up For Love - Romans 13:13-14
Our Adornment
The Power Of Love
Be Kind, One To Another
Sermon 18 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 14:1-23
Church divisions have been a blight on the churches across our land. When the world sees Christian people fighting and struggling for power within the church, they conclude that Christianity does not make a difference in our lives after all. Satan certainly knows that a house divided cannot stand and he does what he can to create discord among God's people. Paul tells us in Romans 14 how to react to each other in a way which fosters respect for each other and a positive witness to our world.
I. The Reception We Extend - Romans 14:1-9
A. Example #1 … The Dining Issue 1-4
B. Example #2 … The Day Issue 5-6
C. Example #3 … The Divine Issue 7-9
II. The Responsibility We Experience - Romans 14:10-13a
A. Example #1 … Judging Others 10a
B. Example #2 … Judging Ourselves 10b- 12a
C. Example #3 … Judging Overcome 12b-13a
III. The Resolve We Exhibit - Romans 14:13b-23
A. Example #1 … Peace 13b-19a
B. Example #2 … Promotion 19b
C. Example #3 … Progress 19c-23
A Win-Win Situation
Sermon 19 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 15:1-13
Win-lose? Lose-Win? Lose-Lose? Win-Win? Each of the aforementioned phrases describes a way of viewing our experiences with others. Only the later can be called Christ-like. Paul reveals that he himself operated with a Win-Win attitude and admonished us to do likewise. As we study Romans 15:1-13, we shall come to understand the divine principle of Win-Win.
I. The Exhortation That Appears To Be Lose-Win - Romans 15:1-2
A. Bearing the Weak 1
B. Building up the Weak 2
II. The Examination That Appears To Be Lose-Lose - Romans 15:3-4
A. The Example of the Savior 3
B. The Example of the Scriptures 4
III. The Exaltation That Is Actually Win-Win - Romans 15:5-13
A. The Praise 5-7
B. The Promises 8
C. The Proclamation 9-12
D. The Peace 13
Some Secrets Of Successful Servants
Sermon 20 in a Series of 21 Sermons
Romans 15:14-22
As we near the end of the Book of Romans, we see a revelation of Paul's nature in the words he penned. Paul was an outstanding servant of Christ. Nothing stopped him from going forward with the gospel. Slander, misunderstanding, imprisonment, beatings, and trials of various kinds befell the Apostle, but he was never dissuaded from his fervor and faithfulness. By looking at a few verses found in chapter 15, we can discern some characteristics that ought to mark every believer. Certainly if they were present in more of us in the modern church, we would be having a greater impact on our world today. Each of the elements revealed by our text can be called a practice rather that just a principle in Paul's life. Naturally, these practices were based on precepts which Paul had learned from Christ and from the Scriptures.
I. Practice Encouragement - Romans 15:14
II. Practice Exhortation - Romans 15:15
III. Practice Evangelism - Romans 15:16
IV. Practice Exaltation - Romans 15:17-18
V. Practice Empowerment - Romans 15:19a
VI. Practice Enthusiasm - Romans 15:19b-20a
VII. Practice Employment and Endurance - Romans 15:20b-22
If we will apply these strategies to our Christian life today, we can have the same result Paul had in his day. Everywhere Paul went people got saved, churches were begun and people were discipled as servants of Christ. No age has ever needed this kind of radical Christianity more than our own.
The Final Chapter
Sermon 21 in a Series of 21 Sermons
We come now to the last chapter in the Book of Romans. Paul closed his letter with an interesting menagerie of names. He is sharing some arresting insights into the character of early church members. He describes for us three types of individuals in the church at Rome, as well as understanding of fellow-believers who were his helpers in the work of the ministry. We might say that these three types of members still exist in the church today. You may even be able to think of someone who fits the descriptions we are going to examine as we close our look at Romans. But, more importantly, you and I should ask what type of member we are in the Body of Christ.
I. Christians To Greet - Romans 16:1-16
A. Note the Women Mentioned (Vss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 15)
B. Note the House Church Mentioned (5)
C. Note the First Christian Mentioned (5)
D. Note the "in the Lord" Mentioned (11)
E. Note the "mother to me" Mentioned (13)
II. Christians That Grate - Romans 16:17-20
A. Those who Divide the Body (17a)
B. Those who Defile the Book (17b)
C. Those who Deceive the Believers (18-20)
III. Christians Who Are Great - Romans 16:21-27
A. These are the ones you Send For (21)
2 Timothy 2:9-21
B. These are the ones you Stay With (22-23)
1 Corinthians 1:14
C. These are the ones that Cause Shouts of Praise God (24-27)