Romans Bible Study Notes

WORD OF LIFE STUDY GUIDES
By John Paul Miller
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that

needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
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WORD OF LIFE STUDY GUIDES
Pastor John Paul Miller
John Miller has been the Pastor of Calvary Chapel San Bernardino since
1972. He is married to Kristy and has four children. John's teaching is
always based on an exposition of the Biblical text with a clear outline and
application for daily living.
In The Grip of God’s Grace

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction 6
2
Outline 10
Introducing Paul to Rome - Romans 1:1-7 11
Paul’s Loving Heart - Romans 1: 8-13 19
The Good News - Romans 1:14-17 24
The Heathen without Excuse - Romans 1:18-23 29
The Heathen without Excuse (Pt. 2) - Romans 1:24-32 35
The Moral Man without Excuse - Romans 2:1-16 41
The Jew without Excuse - Romans 2:17-3:19 48
How God Saves Sinners - Romans 3:20-31 52
How God Saves Sinners (Pt. 2) - Romans 3:20-31 58
How God Saved Abraham - Romans 4:1-16 65
The Faith of Abraham - Romans 4:17-25 68
The Blessing of Our Justification - Romans 5:1-4 75
The Blessing of Our Justification (Part 2) - Romans 5:5-11 81
Grace Abounding - Romans 5:12-21 89
Shall We Continue in Sin? - Romans 6 95
Who Shall Deliver Me? - The Struggle of a Saved Soul - Romans 7 98
No Condemnation - Romans 8:1-4 103
Living on a New Level - Romans 8:5-13 112
Adopted into God’s Family - Romans 8:14-17 118
Groaning for Glory - Romans 8:18-22 124
Groaning for Glory (Pt. 2) - Romans 8:23-27 126
Groaning for Glory (Pt. 3) - Romans 8:26-27 132
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All Things Working Together For Good - Romans 8:28 136
A Golden Chain of God’s Purpose - Romans 8:29-30 142
A Hymn of Assurance - Romans 8:31-39 147
Election, Israel’s Past - Romans 9:1-13 152
Election, Israel’s Past (Pt. 2) - Romans 9:14-33 158
Rejection, Israel’s Present - Romans 10:1-21 164
Restoration, Israel’s Future - Romans 11:1-24 166
Our Great & Glorious God - Romans 11:25-36 169
A Call To Consecration - Romans 12:1-2 176
Thinking Rightly as Members of Christ’s Body - Romans 12:3-8 181
The Manifestation of Love - Romans 12:9-13 186
The Manifestation of Love (Pt. 2) - Romans 12:14-21 192
God’s Strange Servants - Romans 13:1-7 198
The Debt of Love - Romans 13:8-10 204
Understanding the Times - Romans 13:11-14 210
When Christians Disagree - Romans 14:1-12 216
When Christians Disagree (Pt. 2) - Romans 14:13-23 222
When Christians Disagree (Pt. 3) - Romans 15:1-13 226
A Benediction for a Blessed Life - Romans 15:13 232
Paul’s Marvelous Ministry - Romans 15:14-22 237
Paul’s Marvelous Ministry (Pt. 2) - Romans 15:23-33 243
Paul, a Lover of People - Romans 16:1-16 248
Paul’s Protective Heart - Romans 16:17-20 252
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Paul’s Hymn of Praise – Romans 16:22-27 260
Introduction
(Taken from the Blue Letter Bible)
Background and Setting
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The Epistle to the Romans was written to Christians residing in the city of Rome (1:7, 15).
Rome was the center of the Empire and was ethnically diverse. In the first century AD it had a
population of around one million people [1] in an area less than ten square miles. [2] Of this
large population, it is estimated that there was between 40,000 and 50,000 Jews in the city.
[3] The Jewish population dates back to the second century BC as part of the Diaspora. In AD
64 there was a large fire in Rome that led Nero to expulse the Jews. [4] This also resulted in
the first major persecution of the Church.
It is unclear how the church in Rome originally began. The best explanation is that the Romans
who were present at Pentecost (Acts 2:10-11) eventually made their way back to Rome and
started a church in one of the synagogues. However, there are also other explanations. "All
roads lead to Rome" was the popular saying that demonstrated the city's importance and
accessibility. It should not be surprising that there was already an established church before
Paul's arrival. People who may have heard the gospel in Asia, Greece, or elsewhere could have
traveled to Rome. In Romans 16 Paul greets several people, with the most notable of these
being Priscilla and Aquila. Both Aquila and Priscilla were in Rome until about AD 49 when
Claudius expelled all the Jews from the city (Acts 18:2). Paul met the couple when he came to
Corinth (ca. AD 51). They did further ministry in Ephesus (Acts 18:19) around ca. AD 53. From
there they went to Rome. It is likely that they were not the first ones to bring the gospel to
Rome. A church was probably already established as it is noted that Paul greets the church that
met in the their house (16:5).
Of course the city of Rome was predominately populated by Gentiles and so it is expected that
the church was comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers (cf. 1:6, 7:1). Paul addresses
both groups in this epistle.
Authorship
The letter itself claims Pauline authorship (1:1) and there has not been much controversy over
this. Early church tradition affirms Pauline authorship. According to Geisler and Nix, it was
either cited or alluded to by Clement of Rome (ca. AD 95-97), Polycarp (ca. 110-150), the
Didache (ca. 120-150), Justin Martyr (ca. 150-155), Tertullian (ca. 150-220), and Origen (ca.
185-254). [5] It has been named as authentic by Irenaeus (ca. 130-202), Clement of Alexandria
(ca. 150-215), Cyril of Jerusalem (ca. 315-386), Eusebius (ca. 325-340), Jerome (ca. 340-420),
and Augustine (ca. 400). And it was included in the canons of Marcion (ca. 140), Muratorian (ca.
170), Barococcio (ca. 206), Apostolic (ca. 300), Cheltenham (ca. 360), and Athanasius (367). [6]
Paul, the author of thirteen New Testament Epistles, was born as an Israelite in Tarsus of
Cilicia (Acts 22:3; Phil 3:5). The name that he went by was Saul. He studied under Gamaliel in
Jerusalem (Acts 22:3) and became a Pharisee (Phil 3:5). He was present at the stoning of
Stephen (Acts 7:58; 8:1) and became a persecuter of the church (Acts 8:1-3; Phil 3:6). While
seeking to have Christians bound, he was converted on the road to Damascus as Christ
appeared to him (Acts 9:1-9). He went into Damascus (Acts 9:10-19) then went to Arabia for
some time (Gal 1:17) before returning to Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-29; Gal 1:18). He met up with
Barnabas and ministered with him in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26). Then he began to go on various
missionary journeys to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. He was imprisoned in Rome on two
occasions and was martyred under Caesar Nero.
In 2 Cor 12:7 Paul refers to a "thorn in the flesh" which seems to be a reference to a physical
ailment of some kind. The direct or indirect result of this ailment appears to have affected
Paul's eyesight. Gal 4:15 states that the Galatian Christians would have given their own eyes to
Paul if it were possible. Paul even experienced difficulty recognizing the high priest in Acts 23.
As a result of these vision problems, Paul needed assistance in composing his letters, which
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necessitated the need for an amanuensis (i.e., a scribe). Paul had multiple amanuenses who
wrote for him—the one he utilized for this letter was Tertius (16:22).
Date and Location of Composition
Paul wrote the letter to the Romans from the city of Corinth, while he was on his third
missionary journey. At the time he was gathering an offering from the Gentile Christians for
the church in Jerusalem (15:25; Acts 24:17). This would place the letter's composition date at
ca. AD 56.
Paul mentions three people that help to identify the letter's composition with Corinth: Phoebe
(16:1), Gaius (16:23), and Erastus (16:23). He sent Phoebe of Cenchrea to the church in Rome
as the bearer of the epistle. With her being from Cenchrea, she would have had ties to Corinth
because Cenchrea is the port city for Corinth. There was a Gaius referenced in 1 Cor 1:14 as
one who lived in Corinth and many have identified him as the Titius Justus in Acts 18:7. Erastus
was the city's treasurer (or director of public works) and in Corinth an inscription was
discovered that refers to an Erastus as the city aedile (i.e., an official in charge of public
works, etc.), which some have corresponded to Paul's reference to him. [7]
Audience
The apostle identifies his recipients in 1:7 by saying: To all in Rome who are loved by God and
called to be saints. His intent was for the Christians in all of Rome to read the epistle. It also
seems that there were multiple churches in the Empire's capital because there is made mention
of an additional church in the home of Priscilla and Aquila (Rom 16:5).
Purpose
Paul was writing to a church that he had never visited and a casual reading of the epistle does
not convey the idea that he was dealing with situational issues (cf. the epistles to the
Corinthians). Here Paul wrote with regards to the big picture—laying down the doctrine of
soteriology. He wrote that they would know the gospel of Christ. He also wanted to inform the
church regarding his future plans because those plans would involve them. At the time of
writing the epistle, Paul was about to take the offering that he had collected from various
churches to the poverty stricken church in Jerusalem. After that, he intended on going to visit
the Roman church for a time to preach the Gospel to them. His subsequent plans were then to
go westward to preach the gospel in Spain.
Gunter Klein argued that the letter was written in order to address the need of an apostolic
foundation. Paul declares that he would not build on another man's foundation, yet at the same
time he informs the Romans that he is going to preach the gospel to them. In trying to
reconcile these two verses, Klein states that the lack of an apostolic foundation opens the door
for Paul to preach the gospel to the Romans while still being true to his own convictions. [8]
It was thought that Romans was a "carefully planned, doctrinal presentation of the Christian
faith," yet K?notes that such a view is untenable because the epistle is lacking in such key
elements of Pauline doctrine like eschatology, Christology, the Lord's Supper and, church
order. [9] Walt Russell contented that Romans was a letter of exhortation that treated the
issue of Jewish/Gentile relationships and that Paul was urging them to "participate fully in
God's present harvest of all peoples." [10] Still others have theorized that Romans was an
encyclical or general epistle.
Themes and Theology
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The greatest and most evident theme in the epistle is the subject of the gospel. Paul begins his
letter by stating that he was called to be an apostle for the gospel's sake (1:1). Paul's
dedication belonged to Christ and his gospel as he preached it with his whole heart (1:9). The
gospel is also portrayed as the power of God unto salvation—that is able to save those who
believe (1:16). This same gospel was not accepted by all the Israelites (10:16), yet graciously
(and fortunately) includes the gentiles as well (15:16).
God's righteousness is being revealed in this gospel from faith to faith (1:17). The only way this
righteousness may be accessed is through faith. Sola Fide—it is by faith alone. Man can never
make himself righteous, nor will a single ounce of merit do anything in regards to salvation
(Eph 2:8, 9). Paul adds to this and says that the one who is righteous by faith shall live (1:17).
And this is his gospel which he develops throughout Romans. In this letter Paul shows why it is
necessary to be justified by faith. Because of man's sin, man needs to be justified, and
therefore, as a result, (eternal) life will come. Matthew Black rendered it as follows: "'The just-
by-faith (in Christ) shall live (now and for ever)'—and the words, of course, mean enjoy fullness
of life, now and fore ever." [11] It has an eternal consequence—everlasting life: For the wages
of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (6:23).
Anders Nygren took note of Paul's systematic approach to the gospel in Romans and wrote the
following in his commentary: "Step by step, persistently and consistently, he hews his way
through the flood of thoughts which present themselves to him as he undertakes to explain the
meaning of God's work in Christ." [12]
Ultimately, the Epistle to the Romans is undoubtedly Pauline in its very essence. It is the
theologically richest of all his letters and has played an instrumental role in many great
movements of the Christian church.
[1] R. B. Edwards et al. "Rome: Overview" in Dictionary of New Testament Background. Ed by Craig
A. Evans & Stanley E Porter. IVP, 2000. page 1013.
[2] Charles Ludwig. Ludwig's Handbook of New Testament Rulers and Cities. Denver: Accent Books,
1983. p. 112.
[3] J. D. G. Dunn. "Romans, Letter to the" in Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. Ed by Gerald F.
Hawthorne. IVP, 1992. page 838.
[4] According to Suetonius (Claudius 25.4) the blame has been fixed on "Chrestus" whom many have
taken to be Christ: Iudaeos impulsore Chresto assidue tumultuantis Roma expulit.
[5] Norman L. Geisler and William E. Nix. A General Introduction to the Bible. (Chicago: Moody
Press, 1986). p. 294.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Douglas J. Moo. The Epistle to the Romans. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996).
pp. 935 f.
[8] G?Klein. "Paul's Purpose in Writing the Epistle to the Romans." In Karl Donfried. The Romans
Debate, Revised. (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1991). pp. 29-43.
[9] Werner Georg K? Introduction to the New Testament (Nashville: Abingdon Press, English
Translation of the 17th Edition, 1975) p. 312.
[10] Walter B. Russell III. "An Alternative Suggestion for the Purpose of Romans." Bibliotheca Sacra
145 (1980) 180.
[11] Matthew Black. Romans. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1973). p. 47.
[12] Anders Nygren. Commentary on Romans. (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1952). p. 27
Cite This Page:

"The Epistle to the Romans," New Testament Introductions. The Blue Letter Bible. 1 Aug 2002. 21 May 2006.
<http://blueletterbible.org/study/intros/romans.html>.
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Romans 1:1-7 - "Introducing Paul to Rome"
Romans 1:1-7, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the
gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to
the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness,
by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for
obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of
Jesus Christ: 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.”
No one who truly knows the Bible and the history of the Church, would dispute
the claim that the Book of Romans is one of the most powerful and influential
books ever written.
It has been the tool used by God to bring about some of the most significant
conversions and revivals in the last 2000 years.
St. Augustine – The great theologian lived a worldly, sinful and, wanton
existence. Yet, while sitting dejected and under great conviction, he heard
a child, sitting across from him in a garden, reading from Romans 16 and
commenting as her read, “take up and read, take up and read!”. Thus,
Augustine opened the scroll sitting next to him, started reading Romans
and he was converted. His influence had become so great in the church
that Martin Luther, in reading and studying the works of St. Augustine
along with the Book of Romans, came to an understanding, that a man is
justified by faith, without the deeds of the law. That the just shall live by
faith! As he read Romans 1:16, 17, he too was converted. Out of his
continued studies of the Books of Romans and Galatians came the
‘Protestant Reformation’ (the greatest revival in the history of the Church).
And we today are the beneficiaries of his study of the Book of Romans.
The great John Wesley was converted through the Book of Romans. He
had come to America, returned, and wrote in his journal, “Went to America
to convert the Indians, but who shall convert me?” Being dejected and
empty he, later shared in his journal that he, was in a meeting with a
Moravian missionary at Aldersgate Street, in London. And as he sat at the
back of the chapel, someone was reading from the preface of Martin
Luther’s commentary on Romans. And he heard the message that day,
that the just shall live by faith! This caused him to write in his journal, “I felt
my heart strangely warm and I felt that I did believe and trust in Christ and
was saved from sin and death.” John Wesley went on to become one of
the greatest revival preachers and evangelists in the history of the Church
and was the founder of the Methodist Church. John Bunyan, the author
of Pilgrim’s Progress, written while he was imprisoned in Bedford prison,
was based upon the Book of Romans. This book has been used by God,
time and time again.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable! Yet there are some
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parts of the Bible that are more doctrinal and practical than others.
Romans is one of those books every Christian should understand.
Romans is the most systematic of all the epistles, it’s the first in the New
Testament because it’s foundational, it traces the story of salvation from
condemnation to justification to sanctification to glorification. It explains God’s
program for Jews and Gentiles and concludes with practical exhortations for the
outworking of God’s righteousness in the lives of believers.
The Book of Romans has:
1. A Theme – Romans 1:16,17

Romans 1:16, 17, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power
(GK: dunamis) of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and
also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
These two verses summarize the entire Book of Romans.
2. A Text – Habakkuk 2:4
Habakkuk 2:4, “… but the just shall live by his faith.”
This phrase so sparked Martin Luther’s heart that it ultimately led to

the Protestant Reformation.
3. A Purpose
a) to prepare for Paul’s visit to Rome
b) to explain the Gospel of Grace
The gospel message is so simple that a child can

understand and believe, yet deep and profound; so much so
that great theologians have not been able to plummet its
depth.
c) to answer questions about God’s plan’s for Israel.
Romans 9-11 – 9 = Israel’s Election
10 = Israel’s Rejection
11 = Israel’s Restoration
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d) to teach us our duties to other believers and the state.
4. A Outline
I. Chps 1-11 - Are Doctrinal
Sin – Salvation – Sanctification - Sovereignty
II. Chps 12-16 - are behavioral
Service
5. A Author – Paul (Romans 1:1)
6. A Time and Place - AD 57 from the city of Corinth, near the end of his
third missionary journey.
In the first seventeen verses of chapter one, we have Paul’s introduction.
The introduction has two parts:
1. Paul’s opening Salutation (vs. 1-7)
2. Paul’s Explanation (vs. 8-17)
Why he is writing
What he is writing about
Let’s now look at Paul’s opening Salutation in verses 1-7
It’s larger than usual (one sentence in the Greek)

It’s more theological
It’s more personal
In it we see Paul’s view of five things:
I. Paul’s view of Himself (vs. 1)
Romans 1:1, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto
the gospel of God,”
1. A Servant of Jesus Christ
Notice he didn’t introduce himself as:
• Paul the great theologian
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• Paul the great preacher
• Paul the great missionary
Paul introduces himself as the slave of Jesus Christ
Paul understood that he was bought (purchased)
Slave – Gk: doulos – a bond slave for life
It was voluntary – Acts 9:6, “… Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?
...”
A willful deliberate choice to be a slave.
He surrendered to Jesus!
Jesus won’t make you His slave!
Paul was a slave who chose, out of love, to live the rest of
his days for his master.
2. Called to be an Apostle
He was called, not self-appointed
An Apostle
What is it? – an ambassador, one sent out
What has God called you to be?
A husband, wife, parent, Sunday School Teacher . . .
Know your calling and be faithful.
3. Separated unto the Gospel
Three separations in the Bible of Paul’s life:

1. Gal 1:15 - “… who separated me from my mother's womb, …”
2. Acts 9 – separated him from the world
3. Acts 13:2 – “… Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work
whereunto I have called them.”
Paul was set apart by God to preach the Gospel of God.
II. Paul’s view of the Gospel (vs. 2-3)
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Romans 1:2-3, “(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David
Cardaccording to the flesh;”
1. It’s the Gospel of God (vs. 1) – Good News
Not of man!
2. It was promised in the Old Testament by the prophets (vs. 2)
For the Jew, it’s not new!
“If it’s true, it’s not new; if it’s new it’s not true!”
Its verbal – Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the
woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thyhead, and thou
shalt bruise his heel.”
The 1st Gospel message in the Bible
Habakkuk 2:4, “… but the just shall live by his faith.”
Isaiah 53
Seen in type – Noah’s Ark

Serpent of Brass
The Sacrificial System
3. It centered in Jesus (vs. 3)
So little preaching today centers on Jesus!
III. Paul’s view of Jesus (vs. 3-4)

Romans 1:3-4, “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed
of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power,
according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:”
1. His Name (vs. 3)
Son – (from all eternity)

Jesus – his name shall be called Jesus, God Saves (at Birth)
Christ – Anointed one (at His Baptism)
Lord – Phil 2:10 , “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of
things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”
2. His Humanity (vs. 3)
“… made of the seed of David according to the flesh;”
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3. His Deity (vs. 4)
Notice he was “declared” – Lit – horizon
Horizoned off, sectioned off; set apart as the Son of God
He wasn’t “made” the Son of God
He was “declared” – why? Because He always has been the Son of

God
He’s immutable, He doesn’t change!
How?
By His resurrection from the dead (vs. 4)
This declaration supports that Jesus is God!
When a Jehovah’s Witness knocks on your door ask them,

“who raised Jesus from the dead?”
They will answer, Jehovah God did.
Take them to John 2:18-19, “Then answered the Jews and said unto
him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these
things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and
in three days I will raise it up.”
Jesus raised Himself from the dead.
In Romans 8 you[ll also find that the Spirit and the Father
raised Him up too.
IV. Paul’s view of His Commission (vs. 5)

Romans 1:5, “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the
faith among all nations, for his name:”
How did Paul view his commission?
Largely, as a matter of Grace.
God’s Grace never stopped being amazing to Paul; as it should be to

us too.
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Amazing Grace
By John Newton
Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see.
His calling and commission was to “all nations”.
V. Paul’s view of His readers (vs. 6-7)

Romans 1:6-7, “Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 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.”
1. The called of Jesus Christ (vs. 6)
• called out of the world – like Jesus

• called together – fellowship, worship & study
• called forth – to preach Jesus
• called up – with Jesus at the Rapture
2. Beloved of God (vs. 7)

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
"The Love Of God"

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell
The guilty pair, bowed down with care
God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin
Could we with ink the ocean fil

And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whol
Though stretched from sky to sky
O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
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The saints' and angels' song
3. Called Saints (vs. 7)
You’re either a saint or you aint!
Grace and Peace (vs. 7)

“… Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This grace is “living grace” and the peace here is the peace of God which comes
only through Jesus Christ.
How do you view:
1. Yourself?
P.T. Forsyth – “The purpose of life is not to find your freedom but to
find your Master; for when you find your Master you find your
freedom.”
2. The Gospel?
3. Jesus?
4. Your Commission?
5. Your fellow Christians
Loved by God
Saints
Objects of His grace and peace
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Romans 1: 8-13 - "Paul’s Loving Heart"
Romans 1:8-13, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is
spoken of throughout the whole world. 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;
Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will
of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift,
to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the
mutual faith both of you and me. 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.”
Someone has fittingly said, “When God measures a man, he puts a tape around
his heart and not his head.”
Paul the Apostle was a man with a big heart.
In this section of scripture we find that Paul wanted his Roman readers to know
four things:
1. That he cared about them (vs. 9-13)

2. That he wanted to come to them
3. The reason why he hadn’t come to them
4. Why he wanted to come to them (vs. 11)
In doing this Paul opens his heart.
We get a revelation of his great love and see the marks of true Spiritual service.
People serve the Lord from many different motives:
• legalism – earn salvation

• fear – what God will do if they don’t
• prestige, esteem – to be seen of men
• position or power –
• peer-pressure – friends or family
Ephesians 6:6, “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the
will of God from the heart;”
What kind of a heart should we have in our service to God?
I. A Thankful Heart (vs. 8)

Romans 1:8, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is
spoken of throughout the whole world.”
Paul was a man with a thankful heart.
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In all of Paul’s letters he thanks God for them (except for Galatians).
Notice who Paul thanked – “my God” – not the Roman believers.
Paul was thankful because his focus was on God, not himself (he was in
prison)
Paul was thankful for God’s blessings – He saw God’s hand!
Paul was also thankful for God’s blessings in the lives of others – “for you
all,”
Notice what he’s thankful for:
Their faith (vs. 8) – by faith Paul is not referring to salvation faith but
preserving faith and trust that brings spiritual strength and growth.
“throughout the whole world.” – Paul uses a hyperbole here – “everywhere I

go I hear about your faith!”
Paul doesn’t mention the size of the church ‘budget’, ‘building’, or

‘programs’.
How do you evaluate a ‘church’ and it’s people?
My desire for us here at Calvary Chapel San Bernardino is that we believe

what God has told us (in the Bible) and seek to live by it.
II. A Servant’s Heart (vs. 9a)

Romans 1:9a, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his
Son, …”
The word ‘serve’ is always used in the New Testament of religious

service.The Greek word used in the Septuagint referred to the service of
the priests in the Temple, including the idea of worship.
It’s translated ‘worship’ in Philippians 3:3, “For we are the circumcision, which
worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in
theflesh.”
Our service should be done as an act of worship!
The New Living Translation reads this way, “I serve with all my heart”.
Notice that there is no distinction between sacred and secular service.
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Colossians 3:23-24, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily (with all your heart), as
tothe Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of
the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Is your service sincere, and wholehearted?
III. A Prayerful Heart (vs. 9b-10)

Romans 1:9b-10, “… that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by
the will of God to come unto you.”
Prayer and service must be intertwined – balance your service with

prayer!
Prayer must direct our service
Prayer makes our service effective
Prayer changes the one praying so that he or she becomes the kind of
person through whom God can accomplish His purpose.
Here are some important characteristics of Paul’s prayer life from the text:
1. It was constant (vs. 9 – “without ceasing”)

2. It was personal (vs. 9 – “I make mention of you”) – a prayer list
3. It was specific (vs. 10 – “I might have a prosperous journey”)
4. It was submissive (vs. 10 – “by the will of God”)
James 4:15, “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do
this, or that.”
IV. A Longing Heart (vs. 11-12)

Romans 1:11-12, “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift,
to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you
by the mutual faith both of you and me.”
We see Paul’s shepherds heart!
Why did Paul long to see them?
1. “impart unto you some spiritual gift, to them (vs. 11)
Why?
- Love
What?
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Gifts are given by the sovereign Spirit.
2. Why? - So they would be strong in the Lord (vs. 10)

Ephesians 4:11-14, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of
thesaints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of
God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of
Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”
R. Kent Hughes – “Paul is not sure what gift or gifts he might impart because he
has not been to Rome. He simply wishes to enhance their spirituality. Paul said
almost the same thing to the church in Corinth: “what I want is not your
possessions but you” (2 Corinthians 12:14). He is not in it for what he could do
for himself, but what he could do for them.
Paul’s spirit was for all practical purposes duplicated in the life of General Booth,
founder of the Salvation Army. Once when General Booth stood before Queen
Victoria and she asked what she might do for him, the rugged old man replied,
“Your Majesty, some people’s passion is money, and some people’s passion is
fame, but my passion has been men.”
3. to experience encouragement from them (vs. 12)
Christian fellowship
Paul was humble – he received younger believers
There is mutuality in ministry – Like 6:8, “Give and it shall be given …”
V. A Purposeful Heart (vs. 13)

Romans 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.”
Paul’s view of ministry was that it was a quest for spiritual fruit?
The ministry is not an ends in it self, it is a means to an end.
Preaching - fruit
There are 3 categories of fruit:
1. attitude
2. action
3. addition
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What was the fruit Paul wanted?
Converts & spiritual growth!
Jesus said in John 15:16, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and
ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should
remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
Paul’s purpose in life was to bring forth much fruit.
What’s your purpose in life?
Spiritual fruit for His glory?
Remember the words of Jesus in, John 15:8, “Herein is my Father glorified, that
ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”
Review:
Paul was in the ministry for fruit!
The Marks of a Loving Heart
1. Thankful
2. Worshipful
3. Prayerful
4. Humbled
5. Purposeful
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Romans 1:14-17 - "The Good News"
Romans 1:14-17, “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise,
and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at
Rome also. For 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. For therein is
the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by
faith.”
The text I have just read is no doubt the most important in Paul’s letter to the
Romans and perhaps in all literature.
Why?
In it we find the theme of this epistle, and the essence of Christianity. It tells us
how a man or woman may become right with God. For we in our natural state,
are not right with God …
But the message of Romans is how we can be right with God.
Paul calls it “the gospel” (vs. 15, 16)
As we approach this text we find Paul making three strong personal statements
about his desire to preach this gospel.
I. Paul’s Burden (vs. 14)
Romans 1:14, ““I am debtor …”
In what way was Paul a debtor?
Paul was in debt because he had been saved, and he knew the good
news.
Illustration: most people go through life living as if the world owes them.
But as Christians, we have a debt to the whole world.
Notice in verse 14, the “Greeks (the wise) and the Barbarians (the
unwise).
To the Greeks there were only two kinds of people: Greeks, and
everybody else (Barbarians).
And to the Jews there were only two kinds of people: Jews and everybody
else (Gentiles).
In God’s mind there are only two kinds of people: the saved, and the lost!
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1 John 5:12, “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath
not life.”
Illustrations:
A house on fire!
We need to be ready to warn others when we see danger coming!
We owe the same debt to unbelievers!
The four leprous men in 2 Kings 7

Vance Havner – “The Gospel is not a secret to be hoarded but a story to be heralded.
Too many Christians are stuffing themselves with Gospel blessings, while millions have
never had a taste.”
I’m one beggar telling another where I found bread.
II. Paul’s Boldness (vs. 15)
Romans 1:15, “… I am ready” – Literally, eager!
Paul was eager to pay this debt.
How?
By Preaching the Gospel!
What exactly is the gospel?
Literally, it’s “Good News!”
It’s not ‘good views’

It’s not ‘a creed’ (a mental assent)
It’s not ‘a code of conduct’
It’s not a ceremony – baptism, communion, circumcision
What is the ‘Good News’?

1 Corinthians 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I
preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also
ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed
in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ
died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose
again the third day according to the scriptures:”
1. Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
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2. he was buried,
3. he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Paul was eager to preach not a plan, not a philosophy, but a

person.
III. Paul’s Belief (vs. 16-17)

Romans 1:16-17, “For 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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is
written, The just shall live by faith.”
It’s said that so many are ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
Why?
1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;
but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:23, “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock,
and unto the Greeks foolishness;”
Are you ashamed of the gospel, then you are ashamed of Jesus!
There are some things we should be ashamed of but not Jesus, not the
‘good news’
Why was Paul unashamed of the gospel?
1. Its Source – ‘God’ (vs. 16)
It’s God’s idea
Man can’t save himself – man’s way seems right in his own eyes
But God’s way is through Jesus – He’s the way, the truth, and the
life.
2. Its Nature – ‘Power’ (vs. 16)
Rome was into power but sinful and weak – Seneca = “a cesspool
of iniquity”
The gospel is the one message that has the power to change
men’s hearts.
Power – Greek = ‘dunamis’ – dynamite, dynamo, dynamic
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2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
God’s power changed my life!
3. Its Purpose – ‘Salvation’
What is it?
It’s deliverance from:
• sin – what is sin? – Missing the mark! We have all sinned

• sin’s past penalty
• sin’s present power
• sins future presence
• Also Satan, Self, The Second Death, Hell
You can be saved and know it today!
4. Its’ Scope – ‘Everyone’
The wise – Greek’s

1 Corinthians 1:18-25, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish
foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will
destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the
prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world?
hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of
God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching
to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after
wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the
Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than
men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
The unwise – Barbarian’s
- an un-educated
- ordinary people
Religious people – the Jew (vs. 16)
To everybody everywhere (also the Greeks)
Illustrations: Nicodemus (John 3)
The Demoniac of Gadara (Mark 5)

Zacchaeus (Luke 19)
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The Woman of Samaria (John 4)
5. Its Reception – ‘Believeth’ (vs. 16)
It’s not behave, it’s believe

What does it mean to believe? Its faith

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Faith is the hand of the heart.
We all exercise faith – (give examples)
6. Its Revelation – ‘God’s righteousness’ (vs. 17)
Literally it’s, a righteousness from God
Illustration – Paul in Philippians 3
It’s the only way for you to be right with God.
1. Sin - Realize
2. Cross - Believe
3. Receive
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Romans 1:18-23 - "The Heathen without Excuse"
Romans 1:18-23, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is
written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that
which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the
invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by
the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without
excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the
uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted
beasts, and creeping things.”
Paul has concluded his Introduction to Romans:
• His Salutation vs. 1-7

• His Personal Communication (vs. 8-15)
• His Transition to the Main Theme – The Gospel or Good News (vs. 16-
17)
As powerful as this gospel is, there is one thing that it cannot do; it cannot save
until a man sees himself a guilty, lost, and condemned sinner.
Having pronounced the Universal Gospel Paul now proceeds to show that there
is a universal need for that gospel.
• If God sent His Son, it’s because the world is lost in sin. Man’s need of
salvation is seen in the simple fact that there is a Saviour.
• If no one is drowning, why launch the life boats?
• If no one is sick, why send for the doctor.
• If no one is lost, why preach the gospel.
Before the good news, there was the bad news!
Today there is a weakness in much preaching today – lot’ of sermons on the

‘love of God’ but not on ‘the wrath of God’.
We now come to the first doctrinal section of Romans called: Condemnation –

the wrath of God revealed.
Before the righteousness of God is revealed in salvation (vs. 17) we see God’s
wrath revealed in condemnation (vs. 18)
Chap 1:18-3:20
In this section, the question that is asked is, “Is the world lost?”
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The answer is “yes”, all the world is guilty before God (3:19)
It’s not a very pretty picture but it’s important for us to understand.
Hear ye! Hear ye! Court is now in session.
The first group Paul calls into the court room is the pagan, or heathen gentiles.
We see that they are (vs. 20) “. . . that they are without excuse:”
Notice the two reasons the heathen are without excuse:
I. They knew God, but suppressed the Truth (vs. 18-20)

Romans 1:18-20, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in righteousness; Because that which
may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the
invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that
they are without excuse:”
Notice:
vs. 18 - hold the truth
vs. 19 - known of God is manifest
vs. 19 - God hath shewed
vs. 20 - clearly seen
vs. 20 - understood
vs. 21 - they knew God
So they clearly knew God but what does that mean?
Not redemption but revelation!
God has given every man a twofold revelation of Himself:
a) conscience (vs. 19) “…in them;”
b) creation (vs. 19) “…unto them.”
God’s wrath is revealed (vs. 18)
What is the wrath of God?
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It’s not an impulsive outburst of anger aimed capriciously at people who
God does not like.
Rather, it’s the settled, determined response of a righteous God against

sin.
God is holy and righteous, His wrath is his holy hostility to evil, His refusal
to condone it, or come to terms with it. But rather, it’s His just judgment
upon it.
Examples from Scripture:
1. Sodom & Gomorrah, The Flood

2. Sowing & reaping – the Natural law & the Moral law
3. at Calvary
4. Future wrath – the Book of Revelation
Notice verse 18, literally it is “being revealed”
How? – (vs. 24) God gives up!
Notice whom God’s wrath is against (vs. 18):
1. all righteousness – toward God

2. unrighteousness – toward man
Why? – Literally they “hold down” the truth
Or suppress the truth
Why? (vs. 19) Conscience
How? (vs. 20) Creation
People often ask, “what about the heathen in the jungle without the Bible?”
Answer (vs. 20) God’s general revelation in creation
It’s in the present tense – continuous
It’s Universal
Psalms 19:1-4, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament
sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night
sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not
heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end
of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,”
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Notice the two things about God which are known through
creation.
1. His Power – All Mighty
2. His Nature – God
The creation reveals the creator!
• The natural, the supernatural
• The visible, the invisible
They are without excuse!
There is no justification for atheism, agnosticism, or

skepticism.
There is no defense on judgment day!
II. They Glorified Him not as God (vs. 21-23) – Perverted the Truth
Romans 1:21-23, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart
was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the
glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to
birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”
Notice that man steps downward
1. Indifference (vs. 21), “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him
not as God, or New Living Translation: “… wouldn’t worship him as God”
2. Ingratitude (vs. 21), “… neither were thankful;”
3. Ignorance (vs. 21-22)
New Living Translation: “… they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was
like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused, claiming to be wise, they
instead became utter fools.”
“wise” – Literally – ‘sophos’
“fools” – Literally – morons
True wisdom starts with God. It’s a fear, or reverence for Him.
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George Washington Carver – “Mr. Creator, why did You make the peanut?” Many years
later, he shared that God led him back to his laboratory and worked with him to discover
some 300 marketable products from the peanut, including lard, mayonnaise, cheese,
shampoo, instant coffee, flour, soap, face powder, plastics, adhesives, axle grease, and
pickles. Likewise, from the sweet potato he made more than 100 discoveries, among
them starch, library paste, vinegar, shoe blacking, ink, and molasses. These new
products created a demand for peanuts and sweet potatoes. Economists and
agriculturalists agree that Carver contributed more than any other individual to rejuvenate
the Southern economy. Carver died in 1942 and was buried with the epitaph, “He could
have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in
being helpful to the world.”
4. Idolatry (vs. 23)
Notice a few of the 10 commandments: Exodus 20:3,4
Exodus 20:3-4,“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.Thou shalt not make unto
thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is
in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:”
Notice the folly of Idolatry

Evolutionists say religion developed in a process like this: When man was primitive (when
he had graduated from the ape tribe, lost his tail, quit climbing trees), he felt an impulse
to worship something, so he took a stick, carved out an image, and began to worship
that. That was the first step. As his intellectual powers grew, he began to make moral
distinctions, saying, “This is right, and that is wrong.” The next step in his reasoning
process was to realize that the rain and the seasons must come from one or more
superhuman beings and so he gave thanks to gods for their gifts. From that point he rose
to the conception of the true God and became a monotheist.
So man has not evolved upward in his understanding of God.
These ancient people took a path of seven steps downward:
1. They knew God, but refused to honor Him. “Knowing God, they glorified him
not as God.”
2. They were not thankful for God’s goodness to them. “Neither gave
thanks.”
3. They began speculating foolishly, “Because vain in their reasonings.”
4. Their minds became sensless and darkened. “Their senseless heart was
darkened.”
5. They thought they were wise. “Professing themselves to be wise.”
6. In reality, they had become very foolish. “They became fools.”
7. Instead of worshiping the eternal God, they preferred idols patterned
after mortal man. “They changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the
likeness of an image of corruptible man.”
How does a man get back to God?
He will not find his own way back!
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Jesus the greatest revelation of God said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no
man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
John 1:12-13, “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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of
the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
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Romans 1:24-32 - "The Heathen without Excuse (Pt. 2)"
Romans 1:24-32, “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their
own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God
into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for
ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did
change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving
the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men
working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error
which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave
them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with
all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy,
murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud,
boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding,
covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the
judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the
same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”
We now come to the first doctrinal section called CONDEMNATION (1:18-3:20)
In it we find Paul answering the question, is the world lost?
The answer, yes, all the world is guilty before God.
Paul makes it clear that the whole world of mankind is without excuse and is
deserving of God’s wrath.
Notice, verse 18 – The heathen:
They knew God, but suppressed the truth

They glorified Him not as God – they perverted the truth
The steps down:
1. Indifference (vs. 21)

2. Ingratitude (vs. 21) “…neither were thankful;…”
3. Ignorance (vs. 22)
4. Idolatry
Now, in verse 24, we find the results, “Wherefore…”
Man, who was made in God’s image now makes God into an image.
Verse 23 tells us that the first image man makes to exchange for God is that of
“… corruptible man, …”
They begin to sing, “Glory to man in the highest!”
What does God do?
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vs. 24 - God also gave them up
vs. 26 - God gave them up
vs. 28 - God gave them over
We see the wrath of God revealed.
I. God gave them up to depraved Hearts and Bodies (vs. 24-27)

Romans 1:24-27, “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts
of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed
the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the
Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile
affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against
nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in
their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and
receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”
In verse 24 we see God’s judgment on man’s idolatry was to give them

over to “… uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts,…”
The New Living Testament – “God abandoned them to do whatever shameful

thing their hearts desired. As a result they did vile and degrading things with each
others bodies.”
John R.W. Stott – “The history of the world confirms that idolatry tends to immorality. A
false image of God leads to a false understanding of sex.”
It’s Sexual Sin!
Paul doesn’t tell us what kind of sexual sin it was. But it’s most likely
heterosexual: fornication; adultery; lewdness; prostitution
It’s any sex outside of marriage.
Its God’s will for the Christian (1 Thess. 4)
But Paul does say (vs. 24) that this behavior degrades their bodies.
Illicit sex degrades a person’s humanness.
But sex in marriage, as God intended it, ennobles it.
Notice verse 25, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and
served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
n verses 26-27, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even
their women (lesbianism) did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust
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one toward another; men with men (homosexuality) working that which is unseemly,
and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”
Paul now specifies their sexual depravity as homosexuality.
Let me say first that: (1) they are humans but their behavior is sinful:
Genesis 18:20-19:38 - Sodom and Gomorrah
Leviticus 18:22, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is
abomination.”
Leviticus 20:13, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of
them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood
shall be upon them.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Know 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, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
1 Timothy 1:9-10, “Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for
the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For
whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for
liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound
doctrine;”
It’s not a sickness, its sin!
It’s not hate speech, it’s truth (love speech)
But praise God, there’s a cure for sin – some sickness’ have no cure!
Paul also makes clear that this sin is “against nature (vs. 26)
“…men, leaving the natural use…”
Don’t exchange the truth for the lie!
Don’t buy the lie, be guided by God’s word, His word is true. The truth will
set you free!
The natural use does not mean “my nature”, or, “what seems natural to
me”. It means God’s created order.
So to act against nature means to violate the order which God has
established.
What is God’s order?
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In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus said, “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye
not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And
said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife:
and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Tim Allan Gardner (Sacred Sex) - “Sex was created, inaugurated, and blessed by the
source of holiness, God Himself. Before sin entered the world, God gave sex as a
divinely unique and extraordinary gift to the original couple to share and enjoy with each
other, to celebrate their oneness. Sex is holy as well because it is in sex, in the full unity
of both male and female, that the image of God is represented.” This explains why Paul
taught that marriage should give a concrete display of the relationship between Christ
and the church. Sometimes we get the impression that when Paul wanted an illustration
of the relationship between husband and wife, it dawned on him that Christ and the
Church would be a great parallel. But deeper reflection leads to the conclusion that the
very purpose of marriage was to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church.”
Nancy Leigh DeMoss – “The attack on marriage we are witnessing on every front in our
society strikes at the heart of the character, the authority, and the redemptive plan of
God. With courage, conviction, and compassion, Dr. Erwin Lutzer explains why this is
such a critical battle and calls the church to fulfill its responsibility in this defining moment
in history.”
John R. W. Stott – “God created humankind male and female; God instituted marriage as
a heterosexual union; and what God has thus united, we have no liberty to separate. This
threefold action of God established that the only context which he intends for the ‘one
flesh’ experience is heterosexual monogamy, and that a homosexual partnership
(however loving and committed it may claim to be) is ‘against nature’ and can never be
regarded as a legitimate alternative to marriage.”
Notice at the end of verse 27 (KJV), “…receiving in themselves that recompence

of their error which was meet (right).”
The New Living Translation: “they suffered within themselves the penalty they
deserved.”
Is Paul speaking of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)?
No, Paul had never hear of AIDS, but perhaps some other sexually
transmitted disease.
The point is that sin does and will have consequences!
II. God gave them up to a depraved mind

Romans 1:28-32, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God
gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters,
haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to
parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
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implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit
such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that
do them.”
Notice the play on words in verse 28
What is a reprobate mind? It means tested and found to be no good.
It’s a mind that doesn’t work – what is good, it calls bad; and what is bad,
and it calls good.
In verses 29-31 Paul lists 21 sins (anti-social behavior)

“… all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of
envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God,
despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without
understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Notice in verse 29, “Being filled with...” – Controlled by
vs. 31 - “…Without understanding (senseless), covenantbreakers (faithless), without

natural affection (heartless), implacable, unmerciful (ruthless):”
2 Timothy 3:1-5, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For
men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers,
false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady,
highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness,
but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
They are without brains, honor, love or pity.
vs. 32 – “…but have pleasure in them that do them.”
The give hearty approval

Psalms 8:5 “For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, …”
Angels have spirits but no bodies
Animals have bodies but no spirits
Man has both body and a spirit!
Man can move upward toward spirit or downward toward the body.
We cannot sin “a little bit!”
All sin moves us downhill, individually, nationally, and culturally.
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How far?
No one can set the limit.
It is hopeless – But not for God!

Ephesians 2:4, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved
us,”
Illustration: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
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Romans 2:1-16 - "The Moral Man without Excuse"
Romans 2:1-16, “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for
wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same
things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which
commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things,
and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches
of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God
leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto
thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who
will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well
doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are
contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of
the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first,
and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have
sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall
be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of
the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the
things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew
the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their
thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall
judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”
************************
Romans 2:1, “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for
wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same
things.”
A father complained about the amount of time his family spent in front of the
television. His children watched cartoons and neglected schoolwork. His wife
preferred soap operas to housework, His solution! “As soon as the baseball
season’s over, I am going to pull the plug.”
How wicked sin looks on other people.
In chapter 1 of Romans Paul painted a picture of the deplorable condition of the

heathen.
Yet at the same time that Paul was talking about the heathen world, and their
descent into idolatry and immorality, he knew there was a class of men
selfrighteous – moralists) who would say “Amen” to his verdict of the guilty
condemned heathen, and yet we’re doing the same things!
Paul now calls the moral man into the court room to show him that he too is lost,
and guilty before God.
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F.F. Bruce – We know that there was another side to the pagan world of the first century than that
which Paul has portrayed in the preceding paragraphs. What about a man like Paul’s illustrious
contemporary Seneca, the Stoic moralist, the tutor of Nero? Seneca might have listened to Paul’s
indictment and said, ‘Yes, that is perfectly true of great masses of mankind, and I concur in the
judgment which you pass on them – but there are others , of course, like myself, who deplore
these tendencies as much as you do.’
Is the moral man a Gentile of Jew? – a Gentile
(vs. 1) “…O man, …”
We all know people that reject any idea that they are sinners.
• I’m a good person

• I’m not that bad
Remember that, whenever we point a finger at someone we have four fingers

also pointing back at us.
The key word in this section is the word ‘judgest’, ‘judgment’, or ‘judge’. It’s used
nine times in this text.
In verse one; man is on the throne judging.
In verse sixteen; God is on the throne judging man.
Paul points out that there are four reasons why the moral person is under
condemnation:
I. Moral people are condemned according to their own judgment (vs. 1)

Romans 2:1, “Therefore thou art inexcusable (apologia), O man, whosoever thou art
that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou
that judgest doest the same things.”
Paul is not saying it’s wrong to judge something as wrong.
What was wrong with their judgment?
It was hypocritical.
Why? (vs. 1) “…for thou that judgest doest the same things.”
Notice the following things:
1. The interesting contrast between Romans 1:32 and Romans 2:1:
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Romans 1:32, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit
such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in
them that do them.”
Romans 2:1, “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that
judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou
that judgest doest the same things.”
2. Old Testament Illustration: David & Nathan – “… ,Thou art the

man …”
2 Samuel 12:1-14, “And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and
said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The
rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: But the poor man had nothing, save
one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together
with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup,
and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveler unto
the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for
the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and
dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David's anger was greatly kindled
against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done
this thing shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this
thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus
saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out
of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into
thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too
little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. Wherefore hast
thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed
Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain
him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never
depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of
Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil
against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and
give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto
David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by
this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the
child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.”
3. How can they be moral and do the same things?
a) Sins of good standing – example: covetousness (1:29)
b) They don’t understand the nature and extent of sin.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

Matthew 5:21-22, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time,
Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the
judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother
without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever
shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but
whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”
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Matthew 5:27-28, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time,
Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever
looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with
her already in his heart.”
c) The self-righteous are blind to their own faults, and

judgmental of others.
Illustrations: John 8 – double standard
Matt 7:1-5 – first judge yourself
d) Like the heathen in chapter 1:21, “Because that, when they knew God,
they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in
their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
Knowing God, they glorified Him not as God.
Un-Godly – Romans 1:30, “Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud,

boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,”
The sin of omission
II. Moral people are condemned according to the truth (vs. 2-5)
Romans 2:2-5, “But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against
them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them
which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of
God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering;
not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy
hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of
wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;”
Psalms 96:13, “Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he
shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.”
We can be sure (vs. 2) – God’s judgment is according to literally, the

“TRUTH” – not man’s.
Why would men go on sinning (three words)
1. ‘thinkest’ (vs. 3)
2. ‘despisest’ (vs. 4)
God is good, he won’t judge

2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some
men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that
any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
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Illustrations: - God’s goodness leading to repentance – The
Prodigal Son.
3. ‘treasurest’ (vs. 5)
Picture putting money in the bank.
Contrast with Mathew 6:20, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal:”
The day? When? – The Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20)
Woodrow Kroll – After years of glossing over personal sin and guilt, the pride of moralists
will not allow them to have a change of mind (Greek, metanoia), which is repentance (vs.
5). Thus their pride and sinful hearts stockpile the wrath of God so that in the day of
wrath, the day of God’s righteous judgment, the Lord God will deal as justly with moral
people as He does with the immoral ones.
III. Moral people are condemned according to their works (vs. 6-10)
Romans 2:6-10, “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by
patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal
life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of
man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and
peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:”
Is Paul teaching we can be saved by doing good?
(vs. 7) “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour
and immortality, eternal life:”
(vs.10) “But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew
first, and also to the Gentile:”
No!
Romans 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be
justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
Romans 4:5, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that
justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
What is Paul saying?
The same as the James – works show true saving faith.
A tree is known by it’s fruit.
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The work of God: John 6:28-29, “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that
we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work
of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”
IV. Moral people are condemned without respect of persons (vs. 11-16)
Romans 2:11-16, “For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have
sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the
law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God,
but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the
law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law
unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their
conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else
excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus
Christ according to my gospel.”
1. (vs. 11) would shock the Jews – Jews in Hell!
People say:
• “my grandfather was a preacher.”

• “I’m a member of a church.”
• “I gave money to charity.”
2. Study (vs. 12-15)

Romans 2:12-15, “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish
without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law
shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by
nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law
unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts,
their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while
accusing or else excusing one another;)”
God will judge according to light!
Illustration:
Matthew 12:41, “The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this
generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of
Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.”
Matthew 11:21, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if
the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon,
they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”
Key – No one has ever lived up to the light he or she has.
3. (vs. 16)
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A. There is coming a day when God will judge
B. God’s judgment will include the hidden areas of our lives

Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and
sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing
asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The word of God is alive!
C. God’s judgment will take place through Jesus Christ
Illustration: Paul in Athens:

Acts 17:31, “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he
willjudge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath
ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he
hath raised him from the dead.”
D. God’s judgment is part of the gospel – Lit: “as my gospel

declares”
Illustration: The gospel only shines when seen against the

dark background of sin.
Woodrow Kroll – Being moral is insufficient to be righteous. These are not synonymous concepts.
Moral people may possess a heightened conscience and live in light of it, but God demands
righteousness not just morality, Since no one innately possesses such righteousness, God deals
with the moral and the immoral in the same way. Both fall short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). While
moralists may be better citizens, they are not better candidates for heaven. The human need for
righteousness permeates both blatant sinners and moralists.
A day of judgment is coming (Rev. 20)
It’s a good idea to “settle out of court”.
How?
John 3:16-21, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the
world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that
believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because
he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the
condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light,
because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh
to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light,
that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
John 3:36, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the
Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
47
Romans 2:17-3:19 - "The Jew without Excuse"
Romans 2:17-3:19, “Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy
boast of God, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being
instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light
of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the
form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another,
teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou
that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that
abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through
breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the
Gentiles through you, as it is written. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law:
but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the
uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for
circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee,
who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one
outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which
is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter;
whose praise is not of men, but of God. What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is
there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the
oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God
without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That
thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. But if
our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous
who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also
judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that
we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. What then? are we
better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they
are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that
understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they
are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is
an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their
lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is
no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith
to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may
become guilty before God.”
Paul calls unto the courtroom!
He calls the Jew (vs. 17, 28, 29 & 3:1)
The religious man is without excuse.
The Dangers of Religion

Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy
name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And
then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
I. The Law Cannot save The Jew (vs. 17-24)
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Romans 2:17-24, “Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest
thy boast of God, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more
excellent, being instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a
guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish,
a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that
preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not
commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou
commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law
dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles
through you, as it is written.”
The Law can’t justify us because we are sinners!

II. Circumcision Cannot Save The Jew (vs. 25-29)

Romans 2:25-29, “For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou
be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the
uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be
counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil
the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For
he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward
in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the
heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
John 3 – Nicodemus (Ye must be born again.)
Philippians 3 – Paul
III. Argument Cannot Save The Jew (3:1-9)
Romans 3:1-9, “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of
circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the
oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith
of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is
written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when
thou art judged. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what
shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid:
for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded
through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as
we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that
good may come? whose damnation is just. What then? are we better than they? No, in
no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under
sin;”
IV. The Whole World Guilty (3:10-19)

Romans 3:10-19, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none
that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the
49
way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not
one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the
poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their
feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of
peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know
that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that
every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”
Paul closes the condemnation section in the courtroom.
1. The Charge (vs. 9)
All under sin!
Under its penalty and power
2. The Indictment (vs. 10-18)
Notice in verse ten the words, “as it is written”.
a. None righteous (vs. 10)

b. None understand (vs. 11)
c. None seek God (vs. 11)
d. All turned aside (vs. 12)
e. Unprofitable (vs. 12)
f. None does good (vs. 12)
g. Graveyard throats (vs. 13)
h. Deceitful tongues (vs. 13)
i. Poisonous lips (vs. 13)
j. Cursing mouths (vs. 14)
k. Swift feet (vs. 15)
l. Destruction (vs. 16)
m. Peace unknown (vs. 17)
n. No fear of God (vs. 18)
Character & Conduct – total depravity!
3. The Defense (vs. 19)

every mouth may be stopped,
No defense before God
4. The Verdict (vs. 19)
Guilty before God!
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a. the heathen
b. the moral man
c. the Jew
All are under sin (3:9)

Every mouth stopped (3:19)
All the world guilty
The Good News:

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Romans 3:20-31 - "How God Saves Sinners"
Romans 3:20-31, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his
sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the
law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of
God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no
difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by
his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a
propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins
that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his
righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where
is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore
we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the
Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which
shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make
void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
All human beings, of every race and rank, of every creed and culture, Jews and
Gentiles, the immoral and the moral, the religious and the irreligious, are without
any exception sinful, guilty, inexcusable and speechless before God.
Paul’s description of the terrible human predicament in Romans 1:18-3:19, left no

ray of light, no flicker of hope, no prospect of rescue!
Romans 3:19, “… every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before
God.”
You might sat that this presents a dilemma for both God and man from the
human point of view.
How can we as sinful beings ever be made righteous in the sight of God? Divine
justice demands the condemnation of mankind, yet divine love wants to save the
guilty human race.
The answer to the question, “how does God save sinners?” is found in the next
main division of Romans, called “Salvation” – the righteousness of God revealed
(Romans 3:21-8:39).
The answer: In Christ Jesus! See Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation
to them which are in Christ Jesus, …”
Contrast:
Romans 1:16-18, “For 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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is
written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness;”
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Romans 3:21, “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets;”
From God’s wrath to God’s righteousness.
Paul takes out a new brush; “But now”
The very heart of Romans
The Good News of how God Saves Sinners!

Alva J. McClain – If you could have just six verses out of the Bible, and all the rest be
taken away, I would select Romans 3:21-26, all of God’s gospel is there, and in a way its
found nowhere else in the word of God.”
Donald Grey Barnhouse – I am convinced today, after these many years of Bible study,
that these verses are the most important in the Bible.
How does God save sinners?
5 Ways:
1. Absolutely apart from the Law (vs. 20-21)

Romans 3:20-21, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God
without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;”
A) No one can be justified by keeping the Law (vs. 20)
What does the word “justified” mean?
It’s a key word – used also in vs. 24, 26, 28 & 30
It’s a legal or forensic term, belonging to the law

courts. It’s the opposite of condemnation. Both are the
pronouncements of a judge.
It’s not the same as ‘pardon’, it’s negative.
Justification is the act of God whereby He declares the

believing sinner righteous in Christ on the basis of the
finished work of Christ on the cross.
Don’t confuse ‘justification’ and ‘sanctification’.
You can’t be justified by Law keeping.
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B) The purpose of the Law is to terrify, not to justify (vs. 20b)
Illustration – Romans 3:31, “Do we then make void the law through
faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
C) “But Now!” – there is a righteousness of God apart from the law.
It is seen in the Old Testament
1. By the Law – types – the sacrificial system
2. By the Prophets – Isaiah 53
Also Romans 4:1-8 Abraham & David Illustrated.
2. Through faith in Jesus Christ (vs. 22-23)

Romans 3:22-23, “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto
all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and
come short of the glory of God;”
Three times in this paragraph Paul underlines the necessity of faith

(vs. 22, 25, & 26)
The New Living Translation – “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus
Christ, and this is true for everyone who believes no matter who we are.”
The only way to be justified before God and have the righteousness of
God is through faith.
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Faith alone! – What about James?
Faith is not a work – it is utter reliance upon the living Lord Jesus.
Jesus Christ is the object of saving faith.

John Wesley – “… did trust in Christ, in Christ alone, for salvation.”
This righteousness is unto all, and upon all that believe (vs. 22)
Why?
Because all have sinned! (vs. 23)
Every person is saved the same way – by faith
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– it’s available to everyone.
Faith is the eye that looks to him, the hand that receives his free gift,
the mouth that drinks the living water, faiths only function is to receive
what grace offers.
Have you?
3. By Grace (vs. 24)

Romans 3:24, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that
is in Christ Jesus:”
The source of our justification is God and His grace.
Only the Bible teaches that God saves sinners solely by His grace,
through faith.
What is Grace? – simply stated, grace is unmerited favor. It is

undeserved on the part of the recipient.
God’s amazing Grace!
Salvation from beginning to end belongs to the initiative of God the

father.
When God who is love acts towards us it becomes grace and mercy.
Grace is God loving, God stooping, God coming to the rescue, God
giving Himself generously in and through Jesus Christ.
Notice in verse 24 the word, “freely” – Literally, it’s without a cause.
Why would God want to save sinners?
1. To demonstrate His love – John 3:16

2. To display His grace – Ephesians 2:7
3. To make us His ‘workmanship’ – Ephesians 2:10
We are trophies of His grace.
“all to the praise of the glory of His grace.”
We must never presume on the Grace of God,
The Grace of God received changes one’s life.
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The gospel is the good news of God’s Grace.
4. At great cost to God (vs. 24b-25)

Romans 3:24b-25, “…through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath
set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness
for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
The ground of our justification: Christ and His Cross.
If God saves sinners freely by His grace, on what ground does He

do so? How can the righteous God declare the unrighteous to be
righteous without either compromising His righteousness or
condoning their unrighteousness?
God’s answer is the Cross!
The key words of the Cross are:
1. Redemption (vs. 24)
It’s in Christ Jesus.
2. Propitiation (vs. 25)
In the pagan perspective, human beings try to placate their bad-

tempered deities with their own paltry offerings. According to the Christian
revelation, God’s own great love propitiated his own holy wrath through
the gift of his own dear Son, who took our place, bore our sin and died our
death. Thus God himself gave himself to save us from himself.
This is the righteous basis on which the righteous God can ‘righteous’ the
unrighteous without compromising his righteousness.
5. In Perfect Justice (vs. 26)

Romans 3:26, “To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just,
and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
Three Questions:
1. Where is boasting? - (vs. 27-28)

Romans 3:27-28, “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by
the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of
the law.”
2. Is God the God of the Jews only? (vs. 29-30)
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Romans 3:29-30, “Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the
Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and
uncircumcision through faith.”
3. Do we nullify the Law through faith? (vs. 31)

Romans 3:31, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the
law.”
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Romans 3:20-31 - "How God Saves Sinners (Pt. 2)"
Romans 3:20-31, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his
ight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law
is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God
which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no
difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by
his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a
propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins
that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his
righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where
is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore
we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the
Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which
shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make
void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
The answer to this question is the subject of our text here in Romans.
It’s the most important question we could ever ask – it’s man’s greatest need.
How does God Save Sinners?
First, we are all sinners (Romans 1:18-3:19)
The answer: 1. Absolutely apart from the law (vs. 20-21)

2. Through faith in Jesus Christ (vs. 22-23)
3. By Grace (vs. 24a) – “freely” without a cause
The source of our justification is faith.
Grace alone, through faith alone.
We now move on to the Ground of our Salvation, or justification.
It’s in Christ and His cross.
The Ground of our Salvation is the cross of Jesus Christ.
Sinful man can’t be saved apart from the cross (it’s not just love & grace!)
Lyric’s of an old song: “If you want to get to heaven, you can’t go around the
cross.”
The danger of Christianity without the cross:
The cross is central and essential to the gospel.
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Sir John Bowring, in 1825, shipwrecked on the south China Sea in the harbor of Macao. Said: “In
the cross of Christ I glory towering o’er the wrecks of time; All the light of sacred story gathers
round its head sublime.”
I. At a Great Cost (vs. 24b-25a)

Romans 3:24b-25a, “…through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath
set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood,…”
Our salvation is by grace through faith, but it’s not cheap, it cost God the
father, the life of the son.
It’s through the cross that a righteous God can justify or (declare
righteous) the unrighteousness or condoning their unrighteousness.
The cross is the “Great Wisdom of God.
It’s how God justifies the unjust.
There are two key words in understanding the cross:
1. Redemption (vs. 24) - “…through the redemption that is in Christ

Jesus:…”
Redemption is a commercial term borrowed from the

marketplace, as justification is a legal term borrowed from the
law court.
In the Old Testament it was used of slaves who were purchased

in order to be set free. It was also used in describing Israel who
was redeemed from captivity in Egypt (the Passover was a
type…).
For us it speaks of us being bought by Christ’s blood and set

free.
Free from the bondage of:
1. Sin – (it’s guilt & penalty)

Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this
present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious
appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave
himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
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works.”
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It
teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live
self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait
for the blessed hope __ the glorious appearing of our great God and
Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all
wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,
eager to do what is good.
2. The Law
Galatians 3:13, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the
law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every
one that hangeth on a tree:”
Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God
sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To
redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the
adoption of sons.”
3. Bodies of Sin
Ephesians 4:30, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye
are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
There is coming a day of redemption.
When?
Romans 8:23, “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have
the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within
ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our
body.”
Glorification at the Rapture.
2. Propitiation (vs. 25a)
The cross of Jesus Christ is a redemption of sinners, but it’s

also a propitiation of God’s righteousness & warmth,
What does Propitiation mean?
It’s not the same as used by pagans.

John R. W. Stott – In the pagan perspective, human beings try to please their bad-
tempered deities with their own paltry offerings. According to the Christian revelation.
a) It’s Nature - John R. W. Stott – God’s own great love propitiated his own holy wrath
through the gift of his own dear Son, who took our place, bore our sins and died our
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death. Thus God himself gave himself to save us from himself.
It’s the death of Christ for God the father to satisfy the
demands of His holy righteous law.
b) The Need – It is necessary because God’s law was

broken and His righteousness demands it.
c) The Author – The author is God not man!
a. We cannot satisfy the demands of God’s law.

b. God in His undeserved love has done for us what
we could never do by ourselves.
1 John 4:10, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved
us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
1 John 2:2, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours
only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
d) The Price – Blood (vs. 25)
There Is a Fountain Filled With Blood
There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s

veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;

And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
Be saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more;
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save,

When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave, lies silent in the grave;
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, unworthy though I be,

For me a blood bought free reward, a golden harp for me!
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’Tis strung and tuned for endless years, and formed by power
divine,
To sound in God the Father’s ears no other name but Thine.
William Cowper, 1772

3. In Perfect Justice (vs. 25b-26)
Romans 3:24b-26, “… to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are
past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:
that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
The cross is “redemption” of sinners, a ‘propitiation” of God’s

wrath. But now also a “declaration” of His justice.
Old Testament – God’s righteousness forbearance (vs. 25b)
New Testament – God is just in justification

John R. W. Stott – “The cross is the righteous basis on which the righteous without
compromising his righteousness.”
In saving sinners through the cross God has:
• redeemed His people

• propitiated His wrath
• declared His righteousness
What should our response be?
Wonder and Worship! – at His wisdom, holiness, love, and

mercy.
All this should humble our hard hearts.
4. Paul’s Defense of God’s Salvation (vs. 27-31)

Romans 3:27-31, “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay:
but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without
the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles?
Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by
faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith?
God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
By anticipating three questions:
1. Where then is boasting? (vs. 27-28)
Boasting is the outward verbal expression of pride

(Satan & Sin)
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No Christian can boast – Salvation I a gift of God’s
Grace
The ugliest sin among Christians is self-righteousness
Think of what heaven would be like?
Illustration: Paul boasted in his self-righteousness days (Philippians

3). But after his conversion he said, “God forbid that I should glory, save
in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me,
and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14)
We should only boast in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31)
Praising, not boasting!

2. Is God the God of the Jews only? (vs. 29-30)
No nation or race, no church has a monopoly on God.
There’s only one God, who saves all people of every

nation the same way.
3. Do we then nullify the law through faith? (vs. 31)
We are not against the law – “antinomianism”.
The miracle of Justification:
1. God provides a righteousness apart from the law.

2. Righteousness comes through faith.
3. By God’s Grace.
4. Made possible by the cross.
5. Were God’s wisdom and justice is seen.
6. It excludes boasting but in Christ alone.
7. It excludes discrimination.
8. It upholds the law.
2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be
made the righteousness of God in him”.
All that we are and have done became Christ’s, and all that he is and has done,
became ours.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Isaac Watts 1824
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In Loving-Kindness Jesus Came
In lovingkindness Jesus came

My soul in mercy to reclaim,
And from the depths of sin and shame
Through grace He lifted me.
From sinking sand He lifted me,

With tender hand He lifted me,
From shades of night to plains of light,
O praise His Name, He lifted me!
He sought me long before I heard,

Before my sinful heart was stirred,
But when I took Him at His word,
Through grace, He lifted me.
His brow was pierced with many a thorn,

His hands by cruel nails were torn,
When from my guilt and grief, forlorn,
In love He lifted me.
Charles H. Gabriel 1905
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Romans 4:1-16 - "How God Saved Abraham"
A preacher, long-departed from the truth of the gospel, told the following story to
summarize the faith he taught. It seems that a frog one day fell into a pail of milk,
and though he tried every conceivable way to jump out, he always failed. The
sides were too high, and because he was floating in the milk he could not get
enough leverage for the needed leap. So he did the only thing he could do. He
paddled and paddled and paddled some more. And oila! – his paddling had
churned a pad of butter from which he was able to launch himself to freedom.
The preacher’s message was: “Just keep paddling, keep on working, keep on
doing your best, and you will make it.”
Romans 4:1-16, “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh,
hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before
God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for
righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But
to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted
for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God
imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Cometh
this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say
that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he
was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he
received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet
being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not
circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of
circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of
that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise,
that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law,
but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made
void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law
is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the
promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also
which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,”
Sadly, this is the popular view of the ‘man of the street’, despite the fact the
‘Amazing Grace’ is our favorite hymn.
Most people think that if you do your best you will somehow make it to Heaven.
Modern man is deeply hostile to the concept of justification by faith alone through
God’s grace alone, through Christ alone.
Yet that is exactly what the Bible teaches!
Review of our study in Romans (Background & setting)
1. Condemnation – 1:18-3:19 – The need of salvation.

2. Salvation – 3:20-26 – Salvation explained
3. Justification by faith defended 3:27-31:
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a) Boasting (vs. 27-28)
b) Jews only? (vs. 29-30)
c) Void law? (vs. 31)
Today we look at Justification by faith alone illustrated – Chapter 4
How does Paul illustrate justification by faith?
By using Abraham the father of their nation.
Why? In the mind of the Jew, there was no one more righteous than Abraham.
“The friend of God”
Paul makes four assertions about Abrahams justification:
1. By faith, not Works (vs. 1-8)

2. By faith not Rites (vs. 9-12)
3. By faith not Law (vs. 13-16)
4. By faith in God’s Promise (vs. 17-25)
Abraham is a prototype of all saved people.
Notice the first three points Paul makes.
Develop the three questions asked at the end of chapter 3.

Romans 3:21, “… being witnessed by the law and the prophets;”
Chapter 4 is justification by faith illustrated in the life of Abraham.
Justification by faith is no novelty, its seen clearly in Old Testament history.
I. By faith not Works (vs. 1-8)

Romans 4:1-8, “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining
to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath
whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham
believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that
worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that
worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is
counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of
the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying,
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”
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II. By faith not Rites (vs. 9-12)
Romans 4:9-12, “Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or
upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham
for Righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or
inuncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received
the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had
yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe,
though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto
them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the
circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father
Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.”
III. By faith not Law (vs. 13-16)

Romans 4:13-16, “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world,
was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the
righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made
void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath:
for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it
might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not
to that only which is of thelaw, but to that also which is of the faith of
Abraham; who is the father of us all,”
IV. By faith in God’s Promise (vs. 17-25)

Romans 4:17-25, “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many
nations,)before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead,
and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope
believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according
to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith,
he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred
years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the
promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to
perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was
not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to
whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord
from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for
our justification.”
Abraham was saved by faith.
Do you believe in God and trust His promises as Abraham did?
1. He believed God’s promise

2. He believed on the basis of the word of God
3. He believed in spite of adverse circumstances
4. He believed that God was able to do what He promised
5. He acted on that confidence
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Romans 4:17-25 - "The Faith of Abraham"
Romans 4:17-25, “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him
whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not
as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of
many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in
faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old,
neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through
unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he
had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for
righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for
us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from
the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
One of my favorite books around our house is the Guinness Book of World
Records. Now and then I like reading it to stock up on trivia. How much did the
heaviest man weigh? (1,069 pounds.) How tall was the tallest man of modern
times? (8’ 11”, He wore a size 37AA shoe.) What is the world’s record for bearing
children? (Sixty-nine. The record was set by a Russian peasant woman who
achieved great honor in her country. She had eight sets of twins, seven sets of
triplets, and four sets of quads.)There is an error in the esteemed Guinness Book
because it states that the oldest mother on record gave birth in October 1956 at
the age of fifty-seven, thus setting the world record. However, this is entirely
wrong!
The last part of Romans 4 focuses on the true story of the oldest mother and the
wonderful world-changing implications of that birth.
Paul is using the Old Testament story as a masterful argument for justification by
faith.
Using father Abraham, Paul shows us that he was justified by faith alone
(Romans 3:28)
In our last study (Chp 4:1-16) we saw how God saved Abraham:
1. By faith not works (vs. 1-8)

2. By faith not rites (vs. 9-12)
3. By faith not law (vs. 13-16)
Today we look at “by faith in God’s promise” (vs. 17-25)
We see the nature of true faith.
If we are saved by faith, what is faith?
Many people are confused when it comes to understanding faith:
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• Some think faith is nothing but a mental assent to a fact that if you
believe a thing is true, then you are exercising faith.
• Others believe that faith is a feeling – a feeling of confidence.
• Still others think that faith is actually a type of self-deception that is
believing what you know is not true.
• But none of these are Biblical views of true faith.
Biblical faith is “trust” in a trustworthy God – trusting His Word and committing to
it.
It’s not blind – it see’s clearly!
David Reed - “Faith is not a leap in the dark; it is a leap out of darkness into the light.”
Faith is not believing in spite of obedience, it’s obeying in spite of consequence.
As we consider together the example of Abraham’s faith lets note four facts of his
faith.
I. The Object of Abraham’s faith (vs. 17)
Romans 4:17, “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before
him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things
which be not as though they were.”
The most important thing about true faith is its object.
What is to be the object of our faith or trust?
God and His promises (found in the Word of God)
In verse 17, Paul takes us back to the Book of Genesis
Genesis 17:5, “… for a father of many nations have I made thee.”
Genesis 17:1-8, “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD
appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before
me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee,
and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked
with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt
be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called
Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I
made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of
thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant
between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an
everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I
will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a
stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be
their God.”
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They both laughed
Genesis 17:17, Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his
heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall
Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? “”
Genesis 18:11-15, “Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age;
and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah
laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my
lord being old also? And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah
laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too
hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to
the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Then Sarah denied, saying, I
laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.”
Abraham’s faith was in God and His promise – our focus should be
God.
Getting to know God better.
How? – His Word
What kind of God did Abraham put his faith in?
1. The God of Resurrection Power!
(vs.17) “…whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the

dead,…”
2. The God of Creation Power
Sarah laughed – Genesis 18:14, “…? Is any thing too hard for
the LORD?”
How big is your God? – See vs. 21, “But my covenant will I
establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time
in the next year.”
II. The Obstacles to Abraham’s faith (vs. 18-20)
Romans 4:18-20, “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the
father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And
being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about
an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at
the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;”
Whenever we are called to exercise faith there will be obstacles.
The New Living Translation renders verse 18 this way, “Even when there was
no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping – believing that he would become the father
of many nations.”
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This is where some would say faith is un-reasonable, or irrational. It’s a
synonym for superstition.
Faith is not blind it sees all the obstacles.
What are the Obstacles?
(vs. 19) His and Sarah’s bodies
FB Meyer-“You never test the resources of God until you attempt the impossible.”
What are the Obstacles to your faith?
Don’t deny them, and don’t focus on them either, focus on God and
His promises (vs. 20)
God specializes in the impossible.
There are no impossibilities when God is in the equation.
1. Abraham’s faith was based on the bare words of God, and

nothing else whatsoever.
2. His faith was in spite of strong circumstances to the contrary.
III. The Objectives of Abraham’s faith (vs. 20b-22)
Romans 4:20b-22, “…but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully
persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it
was imputed to him for righteousness.”
1. To be made strong through faith (vs. 20b)
Illustration: Noah, Moses, Joshua, Rahab
Hebrews:11:32-40, “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to
tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also,
and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms,
wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness
were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the
aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were
tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better
resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea,
moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn
asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in
sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the
world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in
dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report
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through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better
thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”\
If you are weak and defeated today its most likely because you’re
walking by sight, or feelings, or looking at peoples; or
circumstances.
Living by faith makes you strong
“Faith came singing into my room,

And other guests took flight;
Fear and anxiety, grief and gloom
Sped out into the night.
I wondered that such peace could be,
But faith said gently, “Don’t you see?
They really cannot live with me.”
---Elizabeth Cheney
2. To bring glory to God (vs. 20)
Faith is the only way for us to please or glorify God!
Unbelief robs God of glory!
Anyone can sing in the sunshine.
Faith grows us, making us strong.
Faith glorifies God.
3. But faith also grounds us (vs. 21) “fully persuaded”.
Abraham grounded his faith in God’s faithfulness. And so should

we, above all whenever we find ourselves to be weak, fearful, or
anxious. A. W. Tozer wrote wisely, “The tempted, the anxious, the
fearful, the discouraged may all find new hope and good cheer in
the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is faithful. … The hard-
pressed son’s of the covenant may be sure that he will never
remove his loving-kindness from them nor suffer his faithfulness to
fail.”
God is able to perform!
4. Lastly faith (vs. 22) brings to us righteousness.
IV. The Application of Abraham’s faith (vs. 23-25)
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Romans 4:23-25, “Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to
him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up
Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised
again for our justification.”
What do we learn from Romans 4?
1. To live by faith
Outlook try the uplook (like Job)
By Faith, Not Sight
Sometimes I’m sad, I know not why,

My heart is so distressed,
It seems the burdens of this world
Have settled on my heart.
And yet I know . . . I know that God
Who doeth all things right
Will lead me thru to understand
To walk by faith . . . not sight.
And though I may not see the way
He’s planned for me to go,
The way seems dark to me just now
But oh, I’m sure He knows!
Today He guides my feeble step
Tomorrow’s in His right,
He has asked me never to fear
But walk by faith . . . not sight.
Some day the mists will roll away.
The sun will shine again,
I’ll see the beauty in the flowers
I’ll hear the bird’s refrain.
And then I’ll know my Father’s hand
Has led the way to light,
Because I placed my hand in His
And walked by faith . . . not sight.
----Ruth A. Morgan
2. That God saves us the same way as He saved Abraham
By Faith – Not works

Not rites
Not law
By faith in God’s Promises
It’s a fact of history.
Key words:
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1) faith-believe – 26 times
2) impute – 11 times
3) justified or righteous – 11
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Romans 5:1-4 - "The Blessing of Our Justification"
Romans 5:1-4, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and
rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing
that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:.”
Paul has made it very clear at this point, in his letter to the Romans, that God
saves, or justifies the ungodly by faith; not by works; not by rites; not by the law.
But by Faith!
The question that now needs to be asked is this:
A) What are the results, benefits, or blessings of being justified by faith?

B) Can we be sure that it will last?
Paul answers these questions by explaining two basic truths:
• The blessings of our justification (5:1-11)

• The basis for our justification (5:12-21)
We look first at justifications blessing (Romans 5:1-11)
These verses are remarkable for several reasons:
1. They are hymn-like in their exalted language. Paul states the believers
blessings in a chain of confident assertions.
2. Understanding them will deepen your joy, they are contagious with
optimism.
3. Paul’s words now switch to the first person plural; this is his experience
along with all true believers.
Notice:
(vs. 1) we have
(vs. 2) we have
(vs. 2) we stand
In verse one we find the word, “therefore” – Romans is a book of logic, therefore
we have there fore’s (Romans 4:25-5:1)
(vs. 1) Literally, Therefore having been justified by faith is an aorist participle in Greek.
The time of action is in the past. The voice is passive. So what Paul is saying is
that at some point in the past, without our help, God justified us. He declared us
righteous and began to treat us as righteous.
Then, he lists the blessings, “we have”:
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1. Peace with God (vs. 1)
Romans 5:1, “…we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
a. It’s a military metaphor

b. Before we are justified we are at war with God (Romans 5:10; 8:7)
c. Colossians 1:20, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him
to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth,
or things in heaven.”
d. We must surrender – stop fighting, stop running, stop hiding from God.
e. The moment we do surrender we are justified and reconciled.
f. We have (vs. 1) – so it’s a present possession. It’s not “let us have, it’s,
”we have!”
g. It’s peace with God, not the peace of God.
The peace with God is an objective fact!
The peace of God is a subjective experience.
Philippians 4:7, “… the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
h. Peace with God must come first before you can experience the peace
of God.
i. Its only through our Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 1) – He’s the only mediator!
2. We have Access to God (vs. 2)
Romans 5:2, “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,
…”
• The unsaved person not only is at war with God, they have no open
access to God because then have no standing before Him!
• The justified person has both peace with God and open access to
Him through Jesus Christ.
When Jesus died the veil was rent in two!
a) It’s direct access – through Jesus Christ
I can’t get into the white house with out and invitation and
escort.
b) It’s intimate – ‘Abba Father’ – adoption as sons!
c) It’s continuous access – anytime, anyplace
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d) It’s by faith into this grace
e) It’s wherein we stand
We stand before God by grace
Standing in grace brings peace.
3. We have the joyful hope of heaven (vs. 2)
Romans 5:2, “… and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
This is something the unsaved person does not have – they have a false
hope.
Christians have the hope of heaven!
‘Hope’, in the New Testament means it’s sure – we rejoice – it’s to boast in
the sense of jubilation.
Before salvation we fell short of God’s glory but now, we rejoice in it.
The world has no hope beyond the grave, but we rejoice in our coming
glory.
Romans 8:29-30, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be

conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom
he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also
glorified.”
Everything that now keeps us from being what God wants us to be will be
gone forever – the land of no mores.
Colossians 3
Not just a future destination, it’s a present motivation.
4. We rejoice in tribulations (vs. 3-4)
Romans 5:3-4, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that
tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”
To rejoice in something as positive as heaven seems quite natural, but to

exalt in tribulation, that would have to be supernatural.
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It’s something the natural man can not do!
Justification is not just for, ‘pie in the sky, in the sweet by and by – it’s for
living now!
Christians can rejoice in suffering!
How?
The key is: by knowing (vs. 3)
James 1:2-3, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
It’s knowing that our trials are working for us not against us.
God desires to use suffering in our lives to develop Christian

character.
Know this:
1. Tribulations worketh – God is working
It’s pressure
2. Worketh – Patience – it’s fortitude or perseverance. It’s

brave endurance.
You are able to handle life’s problems
What life does to you depends upon what life finds in

you.
3. Patience worketh ‘experience’ – it’s tested, or proven

character.
God uses trials to mature us.
To develop ‘Christ-like character’
The word ‘tribulation’ is from the Latin word, ‘tribulum’, a

heavy piece of timber with spikes on it used for threshing
grain.
God uses it to separate the wheat from the chaff in our

lives.
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Proven character - put to the test, found to be true
A 9 year old boy when asked what he wanted to be when

he had grown up answered, ‘I want to be a returned
missionary’.
It’s God making us veterans.
4. Proven Character works ‘hope’ (vs. 4)
It’s a cycle!
At the moment of our justification we receive:

1. peace with God
2. access to God – standing in grace
3. joyful hope of heaven
4. rejoicing in tribulations because it’s working to make
us more like Jesus.
I know I am saved and going to heaven!
R. Kent Hughes – Ask – ‘Are we experiencing this incredible exultation – this

triumphant jubilation? Paul beautifully modeled it, as we see in 2 Corinthians 12:9
when he used exactly the same word saying, “Therefore I will boast all the more
gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” We exult in
suffering because it is the path to spiritual maturity and glory. The great saints of
God all agree. Ask Abraham and he will direct your attention to the sacrifice on
Mount Moriah. Ask Jacob and he will point you to his stone pillow. Ask Joseph and
he will tell you about the dungeon. Ask Moses and he will remind you of his trial
with Pharaoh. David will tell you his songs came in the night. Peter will speak of his
denial, John of Patmos, and Jesus of the cross. Blessings are poured out in bitter
cups.
I Thank God for the Bitter Things
I thank God for the bitter things,

they’ve been a friend to grace,
They’ve driven me from the path of ease
to storm the secret place
I’m thankful for the friends who failed

to fill my hearts deep need,
They’ve driven me to the Saviors feet
upon His love to feed.
I’m thankful to through all life’s way

that none can satisfy,
And so I found in God alone
my full and rich supply
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For the Justified we have:
1. Peace of God (vs. 1)

2. Grace of God (vs. 2)
3. Glory of God (vs. 2)
4. The work of God (vs. 3-4)
5. The love of God (vs. 5) – from the Spirit of God to make the child of
God more like the Son of God.
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Romans 5:5-11 - "The Blessing of Our Justification (Part 2)"
Romans 5:1-4, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and
rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing
that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:.”
In Romans 3:28 we find that, “…a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the
law.”.
Two Questions:
1. What are the benefits, or blessings, of being justified?

2. Can we be sure that it will last?
In Romans 5:1 we read, “…being justified by faith, we have…”
The believer’s benefit package:
1. Peace with God (vs. 1)

2. Access to God’s Grace (vs. 2)
3. Rejoice in the Hope of the Glory of God (vs. 2)
4. Rejoice in our tribulations (vs. 3-4)
How do we know that this joy will not someday dissolve into delusion, or that it’s
not just all a pipe dream?
The answer is found in our next three blessings:
I. God’s love poured out into our hearts (vs. 5-8)
Romans 5:5-8, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad
in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without
strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will
one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God
commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for
us.”
As Christians we can rejoice in tribulations!
How?
By ‘knowing’ (vs. 3-4)
1. That tribulation worketh brave endurance

2. That brave endurance worketh proven character
3. That proven character worketh hope
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Hope will not disappoint us!
Have you ever had hope disappoint you?
As believers, our hope is sure – no false hope
How do we know?
It’s grounded in the unbounded Love of God – He will see us safely home
to heaven.
How can we be sure that God loves us?
First, (vs. 5) “…the love (Agape) of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Ghost which is given unto us.”
This is the first mention of the ‘love of God’ and ‘Spirit of God’ in
Romans.
Lessons about the Holy Spirit:
1. Who is the Holy Spirit?

2. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to all believers
3. The Holy Spirit was given to us at the moment of our justification
(has been and continues to be in the aorist tense)
He regenerates us
He indwells us
He seals us
He baptizes us
He teaches us
He fills us
4. Having been given to us, one of the Holy Spirits distinctive

ministries is to pour God’s love into our hearts.
It’s God’s love for us.
‘poured out’ – a metaphor of a cloudburst – it’s subjective.
Romans 8:16-17, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we
are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and
joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be
also glorified together.”
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The Second way we can be sure that God loves us is the objective fact of
Christ’s death on the cross (vs. 6-8).
Romans 5:6-8, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ
died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet
peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God
commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us.”
Paul has already shown us that God’s righteousness was demonstrated at

the cross.
Romans 3:25, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in
his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God;”
He sees the cross as a demonstration, or better proof of God’s love (vs. 8)
The essence of loving is giving.
John 3:16, “…For God so loved … that he gave…”
Galatians 2:20, “…Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Remember also that the degree of love is measured partly by the

costliness of the gift to the giver, and partly by, the worthiness or
unworthiness of the beneficiary.
The more the gift cost the giver, and the less the recipient deserves it, the
greater the love is seen to be.
Measured by these standards, God’s love in Christ is absolutely unique.
For in sending his son to die for sinners, God was giving everything, his
very self, to those who deserved nothing from him except judgment.
The costliness of the gift – ‘The Son of God!’
Also, notice what Paul says about the recipients - for whom did God give
his only son to die for?
1. The powerless (vs. 6) – “For when we were yet without strength, in due time
Christ died for the ungodly.”
• it means that we were helpless to save or recuse ourselves.

• It an ‘unconditional impossibility’ contrast with a conditional
impossibility.
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2. The ungodly (vs. 6) – “…in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”.
We were unlike God, and rebellious toward Him. We did not want
God ruling over us. We wanted to be free to do as we please.
3. Sinners (vs. 8) – describes those who have fallen short of God’s

standards.
Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
4. Enemies (vs. 10)
• we were at war with God

• we cherished a deep hostility to God
• we would attack him and destroy him if we could.
Illustration: the crucifixion of Jesus.
It’s against this dark background of man’s unworthiness that we see

and truly appreciate the brightness of God’s great love.
1. if we think we deserve God’s love we won’t fully

appreciate it.
2. If we think we deserve God’s love we will never be really
secure in it.
God’s love is:
1. Unconditional (vs. 6)
2. Incomparable (vs. 7-8)
The fine devotional publication Daily Bread has related

the following story:
During the Revolutionary War there was a faithful preacher of the

gospel by the name of Peter Miller. He lived near a fellow who hated
him intensely for his Christian life and testimony. In fact, this man
violently opposed him and ridiculed his followers. One day the
unbeliever was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death.
Hearing about this, Peter Miller set out on foot to intercede for the
man’s life before George Washington. The General listened to the
minister’s earnest plea, but told him he didn’t feel he should pardon
his friend. “My friend! He is not my friend,” answered Miller. “In fact,
he’s my worst living enemy.” “What!” said Washington. “You have
walked 60 miles to save the life of your enemy? That, in my
judgment, plus the matter in a different light. I will grant your
request.” With pardon in hand, Miller hastened to the place where his
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neighbor was to be executed, and arrived just as the prisoner was
walking to the scaffold. When the traitor saw Miller, he exclaimed,
“Old Peter Miller has come to have his revenge by watching me
hang!” But he was astonished as he watched the minister step out of
the crowd and produce the pardon which spared his life.
How much greater is God’s love for us seen at the cross.
How can we doubt the love of God?
Objectively in history, God has proved His love.
Subjectively in experience, He has poured out His love into our

hearts b the Holy Spirit.
Someone once tried to express the greatness of God’s love by

printing on a little card a special arrangement of John 3:16, with
certain descriptive phrases added. The twelve parts of the verse
were arraigned down one side of the card, and the added phrases
were printed across from them. It went like this:
God the greatest Lover

So loved the greatest degree
the world the greatest company
that he gave the greatest act
his only begotten Son the greatest gift
that whosoever the greatest opportunity
believeth the greatest simplicity
in him the greatest attraction
should not perish the greatest promise
but the greatest difference
have the greatest certainty
everlasting life the greatest possession
II. Saved from the wrath of God (vs. 9-10)
Romans 5:9-10, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved
from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by
the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”
Paul’s sound logic – ‘much more’
Jesus used it in Matthew 7:11, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good
things to them that ask him?”
What does Paul now mean by ‘saved from wrath?’
Here in verses 9 & 10, Paul has the future salvation in mind.
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1st Negatively – ‘saved from wrath’ (vs. 9)
2nd Positively – ‘saved by his life’ (vs. 10)
It’s His work now in heaven for us
Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the

uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make
intercession for them.”
N.A.S.B. – ‘able to save forever’
N.L.T. – ‘He is able once and forever to save’.
Our salvation is sure – much more!
III. Rejoicing in God (vs. 11)
Romans 5:11, “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom we have now received the atonement.”
• we have peace with God

• we have access to God
• we have the hope of the glory of God
• we have joy in tribulation because the love of God is poured out
into our hearts.
• now we rejoice or exalt in God
Contrast this with our state before our justification.
We have reconciliation.
Exaltation!
The first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism asks the

following question:
What is the chief end of man?
Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.
What exactly shall we rejoice in if we are to rejoice in God?
From this passage we can rejoice in:
1. God’s Wisdom at the cross
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In how He saves sinners
Romans 11:33, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and
knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways
past finding out!”
God’s wisdom in the way suffering works for our good and His
glory.
2. God’s Grace at the cross
God’s
Riches
At
Christ’s
Expense
- to the undeserving
3. God’s Power at the cross
Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between
thy seed and her seed; it (He) shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his
heel.”
its triumph
4. God’s Love (vs. 8)
From our study of this text it is clear that the mark of the justified believer is joy.
Joy in the hope of heaven (vs. 2)
Joy in our tribulations (vs. 3)
And above all, joy in God Himself (vs. 11)
John R.W. Stott – Christian exultation in God begins with the shamefaced recognition that we
have no claim on him at all, continues with wondering worship that while we were still sinners and
enemies Christ died for us, and ends with the humble confidence that he will complete the work
he has begun. So to exult in God is to rejoice not in our privileges but in his mercies, not in our
possession of him but in his of us.
In spite of our knowledge that for Christians people all boasting is excluded (3:27), we
nevertheless boast or rejoice in our hope of sharing God’s glory (2), in our tribulations (3) and
above all in God himself (11). This exulting is through our Lord Jesus Christ, because it is
through him that we have now received (‘the’ or ‘our’) reconciliation (11).
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It seems clear from this paragraph, then, that the major mark of justified believers is joy,
especially joy in God himself. We should be the most positive people in the world. For the new
community of Jesus Christ is characterized not by a self-centered triumphalism but by a God-
centered worship.
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Romans 5:12-21 - "Grace Abounding"
It is universally agreed that the passage before us is one of the greatest

theological sections in the entire Bible.
Romans 5:12-21, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and
so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world:
but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses,
even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the
figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through
the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is
by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so
is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many
offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they
which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one,
Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to
condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto
justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the
obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence
might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned
unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ
our Lord..”
Romans 5:12-21, summarizes the theology of the preceding chapters about sin,
condemnation and the lost ness of man; about justification – how God saves or
rescues man.
How does Paul summarize these two opposites? Condemnation and

Justification?
He shows us that all of humanity is either in Adam, under condemnation, or in

Christ, justified. Paul points out that our justification in Christ goes just as deep
and is really far greater than our condemnation in Adam.
In verses 1-11, Paul answered the question: What are the blessings of our
justification.
• Peace with God (vs. 1)

• Access to God (vs. 2)
• Rejoice in the Hope of the Glory of God (vs. 2)
• Rejoicing in our tribulations (vs. 3-4)
• The love of God poured into our hearts (vs. 5-8)
• Saved from the wrath of God (vs. 9-10)
• Rejoicing in God. (vs. 11)
There’s a second question that needs to be answered – can we be sure that

justification will last?
The answer is yes! Because its based on my union with Christ.
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The Scottish pastor and theologian James S. Stewart called union with Christ “the heart of Paul’s
religion,” adding that “this more than any other conception --- more than justification, more than
sanctification, more even than reconciliation --- is the key which unlocks the secrets of his soul.”
John Murray went even further, saying, “Union with Christ is the central truth of the whole doctrine
of salvation.”
James S. Stewart, A Man in Christ: The Vital Elements of St. Paul’s Religion (New York: Harper
and Brothers, n.d.). p. 147
John Murray, Religion Accomplished and Applied (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1955), p/ 170.
Yet the biblical teaching on the believer’s union with Christ, and the believers
position in Christ is widely neglected by many.
Why?
It’s to hard to understand – but its very important and it’s clearly taught in
scripture.
The Bible teaches that at the moment you were justified, you were also united to
Christ in a mystical union.
Illustrations from Scripture:
• The persons of the Godhead

• The two natures of Christ
• Marriage – a picture of Christ and the church
Ephesians 5:31, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and
shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.”
In this passage Paul says that the entire human race is either in Adam or in
Christ.
The text divides into three short paragraphs, in each Adam and Christ are related
to each other, although with significant differences.
I. Adam and Christ are introduced (vs. 12-14)
Romans 5:12-14, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by
sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin
was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death
reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude
of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.”
In theses verses we see man’s ruin.
We see how sin entered the world.
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How?
1. Sin entered the human family through one man. (VS. 12)
It’s Adam – he was a real person in history
Where did evil come from? - Adam’s son of obedience
The reasons for all our problems
2. Death then entered the world through sin (vs. 2)
death – an unwelcome parasite

both – physical and spiritual
death is the penalty for sin
it’s man’s great enemy.
3. Death came to all men (or mankind) because all sinned.
You say, “But that’s not fair, why should we be punished for Adam’s
sin?
Young children that haven’t sinned – die – that’s not fair either.
Notice that verse two tells us the, “all have sinned.”
It’s a concept that’s foreign to the mindset of western individualism, but its
seen clearly in scripture.
Hebrews:7:1-4, “For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high
God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed
him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by
interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which
is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having
neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God;
abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom
even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.”
– Abrahams paid tithes to Melchisedec
Romans 6:3-4, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by
baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the
glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Romans 6:13-14, “(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when
there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that
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had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him
that was to come.”
Adam’s imputation of sin!
Was Adam a “type” of Christ?
Like Adam, Christ is the head of a whole new humanity.
II. Adam and Christ are contrasted (vs. 15-17)
Romans 5:15-17, “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the
offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace,
which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one
that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free
gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned
by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of
righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”
Notice the contrast:
(vs. 15) – Adam’s sin – Christ free gift – the cross
We gain “much more” in Christ than we ever lost in Adam.
Ray Stedman – The sin of Adam brought death --- decaying degenerative force. But
grace brought a far more dynamic power --- life. It not only did away with death, but
restored what had been destroyed. Moreover, “the trespass of Adam brought death once,
the sacrifice and death of Jesus brings life a thousand times.”
The nature of their actions was different.
The effect of their actions was different (vs. 16)
Adam brought condemnation
Christ brought justification
(vs. 17) If death reigned through Adam,… “much more” they which receive abundance
of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Notice three key words:
1. One – used 11 times (identification with Adam or Christ)

2. Reign – used 5 times – two kingdoms
3. Much More – used 5 times – mankind’s rescue.
III. Adam and Christ are compared (vs. 18-21)
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Romans 5:18-21, “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to
condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men
unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners,
so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered,
that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more
abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through
righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”
A. The immediate results of Adams sin – judgment and

condemnation.
The immediate results of Christ’s righteousness (the cross) the free

gift of justification and life.
Will all men be saved?
No, notice verse 17, “…receive abundance of grace…”
B. The nature of the two actions (vs. 19)
Adams – disobedience (Genesis 2 – Paradise lost!)
Christ - Obedience (the cross)
Praise God that Jesus obeyed – Paradise found
Warren W. Wiersbe – Adam was tested in a garden, surrounded by beauty and

love; Jesus was tempted in a wilderness, and He died on a cruel cross
surrounded by hatred and ugliness. Adam was a thief. And was cast out of
Paradise” (Luke 23;43). The Old Testament is “the book of the generations of
Adam” (Gen. 5:1) and it ends with “a curse” (Mal. 4:6). The New Testament is
“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ” (Matt. 1:1) and it ends with “no more
curse” (Rev. 22:3).
What does Paul mean by, “…disobedience many were made sinners, so by
the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” (vs. 19)
It’s declared or legally constituted.
It’s the ground of being placed in the category of sinners or

righteous,
C. The purpose of the law (vs. 20)
Galatians 3:24, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto
Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
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The law is not designed to make you righteous
God made ample provision for the increase of sin.
The law turns sin into transgression.
By the increase of Grace
Romans 5:20, “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might
abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (or
overflow):”
God’s Abounding Grace
the greatness of our “ruin”

the greatness of our “rescue”
the greatness of our “reign” (vs. 21)
In and through Christ we reign in life by God’s grace.
John R. W. Stott, “Nothing could sum up better the blessing of being in

Christ than the expression ‘the reign of grace’. For grace forgives sin
through the cross, and bestows on the sinner both righteousness and
eternal life. Grace satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry with good
things. Grace sanctifies sinners, shaping them into the image of Christ.
Grace perseveres. --- And one day grace will destroy death and
consummate the kingdom. So when we are destroyed death and
consummate the kingdom. So when we are convinced that ‘grace reigns’,
we will remember that God’s throne is a ‘throne of grace’ and will come to
it boldly to receive mercy and to find grace for every need. And all this is
through Jesus Christ our Lord, that is through his death and resurrection”
Are you in Adam, or, in Christ?
You cannot help being , ‘in Adam., for this came by your first birth over
which you had no control. But you can help staying “in Adam,” for you
can experience a second birth --- a new birth from above that will put
you ’in Christ.” This is why Jesus said, “Ye must be born again, (John
3:7)
How?
What must I do?
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Romans 6 - "Shall We Continue in Sin?"
We come to a new division in the Book of Romans – Chapters 6-7
Sanctification - made holy in Christ (chaps. 6 and 7)
Sanctification, what is it? It starts the moment you are saved, and ends in
glorification.
It’s goal is likeness to Jesus
When God conforms us to the image of His Son He does not deform us from
ourselves.
Here’s the contrast between Romans 5-6
• Chapter 5 – Imputation
• Chapter 6 – Impartation
Preach grace, and practice law – the old nature knows no law, but the new
nature needs no law.
God does more than declare us righteous – He want’s to make us righteous
I. Know (vs. 3-10)
Romans 6:3-10, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ
were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into
death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even
so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the
likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this,
that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that
henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be
dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ
being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For
in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.”
Christian living depends upon Christian learning; duty is always founded

upon doctrine.
If Satan can keep a Christian ignorant, He can keep him impotent.
We don’t crucify the flesh, it already happened at Calvary.
II. Reckon – “it’s to put to one’s account” (vs. 11-12)
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Romans 6:11-12, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but
alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your
mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”
Notice it’s in the present tense – ‘count and keep on counting” – it’s a
present imperative.
What does it mean?
It’s allowing God to make true, in my life, what I read in His Word!
Illustration: How many cross’ when Jesus died?
How to you know?
• Know – the mind

• Reckon – the heart
III. Yield – it’s to place at one’s disposal (vs. 13-23)
Romans 6:13-23, “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness

unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and
your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have
dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we
sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that
to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey;
whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked,
that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of
doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the
servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of
your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to
iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto
holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What
fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those
things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye
have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is
death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service.”
Shall we continue in sin?
No!
1. You cannot – because you are united to Christ.

2. You need not –because sins dominion has been broken by grace.
3. You must not – because it would bring sin again as your master.
4. You had – better not, for it would end in disaster (vs. 23)
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(vs. 23) its context for Christians
Illustration: Samson (Judges 13-16)
• KNOW
• RECKON
• YIELD
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Romans 7 - "Who Shall Deliver Me? - The Struggle of a Saved Soul"
Romans 7:24, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”
Two Extremes - There’s something about human nature that makes us want to
go to extremes. As Christians we are no immune from the dangers of in-balance.
1. Since we are saved by grace, some would say, we are free to live
as we please!
This is the extreme of license
2. But then others say, we are saved by grace, but we must keep the
law, if we are to please God.
This is the extreme of legalism
In chapter 6, Paul dwelt with the problem of license. He told us how to stop doing
bad things.
In chapter 7, he now dwells with the problem of legalism. He tells us how not to
do good things.
Chapter 7 is how not to be sanctified.
Paul makes it clear the Christian is not sanctified by the keeping of the law.
We are not to be libertines, or legalists, but rather, law-fulfilling free people

preserving the balance of rejoicing in our freedom from the law for justification
and sanctification, and in our freedom to fulfill it.
We are to delight in the law as the revelation of God’s will (7:22). But, we must
recognize that the power to fulfill it is not in the law, but in the Spirit.
John R.W. Stott –
• Legalist’s - fear the law and are in bondage to it.
• Libertine’s – hate the law and repudiate it.
• Law-fulfilling free people – love the law and fulfill it through the power of the Holy Spirit.
To free us from legalism, Paul shows us what the believer’s relationship is to the
law:
The law cannot make us holy!
Our Relationship to the Law:
I. We are released from the Law (vs. 1-6)
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Romans 7:1-6, “Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how
that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath
an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the
husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband. So then if, while [her]
husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but
if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though
she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to
the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him
who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we
were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our
members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that
being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not
[in] the oldness of the letter.”
A. The first thing Paul does is lay down the principle (vs. 1)
B. Paul uses a marriage metaphor (vs. 2-3)
C. Paul makes the application (vs. 4-6)
Romans 6:4-6 (NLT), “(So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You
died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are
united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can
produce a harvest of good deeds for God.) When we were controlled by our old
nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil
desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we
have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive
to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter
of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.”
we died to the law (vs. 4)
we are delivered from the law (vs. 6)
R. Kent Hughes – The result of the dissolution of our marriage to the Law
is “that we serve in the new way of the Spirit.” Instead of despair, there is
joy! Instead of bondage, there is freedom! Instead of death, there is life!
We no longer belong to the Law, but to Christ.
Lyrics: “…free from the law O happy condition,

Jesus has died and there is remission.”
II. Paul defends the Law’s purpose (vs. 7-13)
Romans 7:7-13, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not
known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou
shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all
manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without
the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the
commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking
occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is
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holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good
made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in
me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding
sinful.”
Paul uses his past experience to show us the Law’s purpose.
1. The Law reveals sin (vs. 7)
At what time in Paul’s life did this happen?
At his Bar Mitzvah? – “son of the law”
Paul began to seriously reflect on the ten commandments.

He was doing pretty well until he came to the tenth
commandment.
Exodus 20:17, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house,

thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant,
nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that
is thy neighbour's.”
You shall not covet…
He saw it’s not action, but attitude.
Like Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, “…but I say unto

you…
The law like a mirror – James 1
Illustration – the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-23)
2. The Law arouses sin (vs. 8-9)
An expanded paraphrase of this statement may be helpful: “But sin,

setting up a base of operations through the commandment not to covet,
produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead
or dormant. And I was alive, blissfully indifferent, to the searching
demands of the Law; but when the commandment not to covet came, sin
sprang to life, and I felt the sentence of death.”
Remember Romans 3:20? – “Therefore by the deeds of the law there
shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the
knowledge of sin.”
1 Corinthians 15:56, “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin
is the law.”
Romans 7:9, “For I was alive without the law once: but when the
commandment came, sin revived, and I died.”
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Illustration – the law to si; like gas on an open fire.
3. The Law kills (vs. 10-11)
Galatians 3:21, “Is the law then against the promises of God? God
forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life,
verily righteousness should have been by the law.”
Illustration – the danger of a church that practices legalism –

it leads to death – no life of joy!
4. The Law shows the sinfulness of sin (vs. 12-13)
The problem is not with the Law, the problem is my sinful

nature.
As we grow as Christians we become more and more

painfully aware of the sinfulness of sin.
There is a danger to have to much of a morbid introspection.
III. The Weakness of the Law (vs. 14-25)
Romans 7:14-25, “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under
sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate,
that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me
(that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how
to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the
evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do
it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is
present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see
another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into
captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who
shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our
Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law
of sin.”
Paul, having explained what the Law is supposed to do, now explains
what the Law cannot do.
The Law is holy, just, and good (vs. 12) but it cannot make you holy, just
or good.
1. The Law cannot change you (vs. 4)
The big debate here is: was Paul saved or unsaved?
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The answer: Saved – that’s the reason for the strength.
Chapters 7 and 8 are lived simultaneous.
The picture here is a Christian who loves and wants to please God, but
is struggling because he’s trying to do it in his own strength.
The problem “the Law is spiritual”, but I am carnal!
Living under Law only activates the old nature, it will not eradicate it.
Only the Spirit of God can change you.
2. The Law cannot enable you (vs. 15-21)
The problem: “I” (used 27 times) “first person singular”
No Spirit
The Battle – The Christian life will always be a struggle.
Romans 8:3-4, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the
flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be
fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
The “I” is me!
3. The Law cannot set you free (vs. 22-25)
Romans 6 – Grace does not encourage us to sin
Romans 7 – The Law does not create sin and death, it’s our own fallen
sinful nature.
We will never fully move out of Romans 7, but there is hope (vs. 25)
Through Jesus Christ.
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Romans 8:1-4 - "No Condemnation"
Romans 8:1-4, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in
that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and
for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
It has been a long uphill climb through the first seven chapters of Romans.
Paul has taken us from the deep dark valley of man’s sin and condemnation
where the wrath of God is revealed to salvation where the righteousness of God
is revealed.
Here we saw how God saves sinners.
The answer: (8:1) “in Christ Jesus”
Jesus Christ is God’s answer to man’s great need.
In Jesus Christ man finds:
• Justification (Rom 3:21-5:21)
Justification is the act of God where He declares the believing

sinner righteousness based upon the finished work of Christ on the
cross.
• Sanctification (Rom 6-7)
Sanctification is a life long process that begins the moment we are

justified.
Justification is God declaring us righteousness – Sanctification is

God making us righteous.
One is our position (God declares us righteous), the other is our

practice (God makes us righteous).
Now we come to Romans chapter 8, The Summit - at this mountain peak

of scripture, an enormous vista full of the wonders of God’s grace opens
before us.
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Romans 8 is without doubt one of the best-known, best-beloved chapters
in the entire Bible.
If the Bible were a ring, the diamond in the center of the ring would be
Romans chapter 8.
A study of Romans 8 should be approached with reverence, awe, and

humble thanksgiving.
Notice the context of Romans 8:
Romans 7:24-25, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the
body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the
mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”
When we contrast chapter 7 with chapter 8 we notice that the word “I” is
used 27 times (Chapter 7) to the word “Spirit” which is used 19 times
(Chapter 8).
In chapter 7 Paul showed us we can’t be made holy by self-effort –

Keeping the Law.
We also saw the weakness of the Law. In chapter 8 we see the power of
the Spirit.
o We are not saved by the Law

o Nor are we sanctified by the Law
o We are saved “in Christ Jesus”, by the work of the Holy Spirit
o We are sanctified “in Christ Jesus”, by the work of the Holy Spirit
The theme of Romans 8 is two-fold:
1. Sanctification
2. Security
The key is the phrase, “in Christ Jesus” (vs. 1) and “in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(vs. 39)
Outline of Romans 8
I. In Christ we have sanctification (vs. 1-17)
Romans 8:1-17, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are

in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law
of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and
death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,
God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned
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sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who
walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh
do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of
the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is
life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not
subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the
flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be
that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of
Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of
sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that
raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the
dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do
mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the
Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of
bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby
we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we
are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-
heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also
glorified together.”
1. A new position (vs. 1-4)

2. A new life (vs. 5-13)
3. A new relationship (vs. 14-17)A new life (vs. 5-13)
4. A new relationship (vs. 14-17)
II. In Christ we have Security (vs. 18-39)
Romans 8:18-39, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the
earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons
of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by
reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature
itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious
liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth
and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves
also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within
ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For
we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man
seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do
we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:
for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he
that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he
maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know
that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are
the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did
predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the
firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he
also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he
justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If
God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but
delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all
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things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that
justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that
is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh
intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or
sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are
accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more
than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither
death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present,
nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be
able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8 opens with no condemnation (vs. 1) and ends with no

separation (vs. 39)
In between, is no defeat!
If you are a Christian you are safe in Christ!
• Christ is around you

• The spirit is within you
• God is for you
We want to now look at verses 104.
In Christ we have a new position which brings about two wonderful

blessings:
1. No Condemnation (vs. 1)
2. A new Liberation (vs. 2-4)
I. No Condemnation (vs. 1)
The word “therefore” indicates that Paul is summing up what has gone
before – How far back?
Romans 1:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
The word “now” emphasizes when this blessing is ours. Salvation
from condemnation is the present position of all who are in Christ
Jesus – No condemnation now or ever!
Notice too, that it doesn’t say, “… no mistakes”, “… no sin’s

(Christian’s do sin!) Chapter 7
It says, no condemnation!
Woodrow Kroll – “this is one of the greatest truths in the Bible, a book filled with
great truths.”
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The K.J.V. has, “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (vs. 1)
This is an interpellation by a scribe, it wasn’t in the original Greek

text. It belongs in verse 4.
The only condition for no condemnation is being “in Christ Jesus”, and
there are no degrees to being “in Christ Jesus”.
What does no condemnation mean?
God will not ever condemn you for your sin! God is not angry with
you! – He will not punish you!
If you practice willful, deliberate sin He may chase you to bring you
to repent.
Illustration – The Prodigal Son – (Luke 15:11-32)
If you sin, you will reap what you sow – but God will not condemn
you.
Jesus said it like this:
John 5:24, “Verily, 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.”
John 10:27-28, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never
perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which

are in Christ Jesus,”
The word “no” in the Greek text is strongly

emphasized for it occurs at the beginning of the
sentence.
Paul goes on almost immediately to explain that only our not being
condemned is due to God’s action of condemning our sin I Christ,
(vs. 3)
Notice Romans 8:31-34, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for
us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him
up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who
shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is
he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who
is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
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What shall we say?
If God be for us, who can be against us?
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?
It is God that justifieth
Who is he that condemneth
… It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even
at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
Don’t condemn yourself!
II. A New Liberation (vs. 2-4)
Roman 8:2-4, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free
from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for
sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be
fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
The little word, “for” is used 17 times in Romans 8. Romans is a book

of logic – Paul is giving us another reason we have no condemnation.
Why is there no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus?
Because, (vs. 2) “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me
free from the law of sin and death.”
What is the law of sin and death that we are set free from?
It’s God’s Law

Why is it called “…from the law of sin and death”
Because it occasioned both
Romans 7:7-13, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had
not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had
said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment,
wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin
revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I
found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment,
deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the
commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made
death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in
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me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become
exceeding sinful.”
What liberates us from the Law of sin and death?
The Law of the Spirit – the new life of the Spirit.
The Law is the principle
The Law of Gravity
Paul’s first person singular “me” – Paul’s own experience (is it

yours?)
How does the Holy Spirit set us free?
The answer: Romans 8:3-4
God has taken the initiative to do what the Law was powerless to
do. The Law could neither justify nor sanctify us.
Why? Because of the weakness of our flesh.
The problem is not the Law, it’s me! - I am weak and sinful thus
God came to man’s rescue.
What God did Paul unfolds in four expressions:
1. God sending his own son (vs. 3)
• for God so loved the world

• how great is the fathers sacrificial love
2. In the likeness of sinful flesh (vs. 3)

• Paul’s careful use of words
• Jesus humanity was real, but not sinful – He was
every bit a man but without sin
Why did God send His Son in sinless flesh?
3. To be a sin offering (vs. 3)
K.J.V. – “for sin” – Lit. – “concerning sin”
Jesus came to deal with sin!
How? - The cross
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4. Condemned sin in the flesh (vs. 3)
• God condemned, or judged, our sin in the sinless

humanity of Jesus
• We are not condemned – the demands of the Law
are now satisfied
Paul now makes the Application for us in verse 4:
Romans 8:4, “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who
walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
In his book, The Holy Spirit, Billy Graham said, “Man has two great spiritual
needs. One is forgiveness, the other is for goodness, consciously or
unconsciously, his inner being longs for both. There are times when man
actually cries for them, even though in his restlessness, confusion, loneliness,
fear and pressures he may not know what he is crying for.”
God has provided for both these great needs:
1. forgiveness (vs. 3) – At Calvary (God sending His Son)

2. goodness (vs. 4) – At Pentecost (God sending His Spirit)
God not only wants to forgive your sin. He wants to free you from sin.
In verse 4, Paul is speaking of sanctification.
It’s a process of God’ making us Holy.
“…the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us,” (vs. 4)
It’s the new covenant.
Ezekiel 36:26, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within
you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an
heart of flesh.”
Jeremiah 31:33, “… I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith
the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and
will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
When God puts His Spirit in our hearts He writes His Law there.
Holiness is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Notice how the righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us – by walking after

the Spirit.
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Loving God
Loving your neighbor
It’s the same as Ephesians 5:18, “… be filled with the Spirit;”
1. Holiness is justification’s goal

2. Holiness consists in fulfilling the Law’s just demands
3. Holiness is the work of the Holy Spirit
4. Holiness is mandatory!
Quote about John Bunyan
“Run, John, run, [Do this and live],” the law commands
But gives me neither feet nor hands.
Yet better news the gospel brings;
It bids me fly and gives me wings.
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Romans 8:5-13 - "Living on a New Level"
Romans 8:5-13 “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they
that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be
spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is
not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot
please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell
in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you,
the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit
of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead
shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren,
we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall
die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
There are two great needs in the heart of every person – one is for forgiveness,
the other, goodness.
Both these needs are met in Jesus Christ.
Notice:
(vs. 1) – “There is therefore now no condemnation”
(vs. 2) – “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who
walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
One is Justification (all God’s work), the other, Sanctification (its cooperative)
In Christ we have Sanctification – being in Christ means not only a new position
(vs. 1-4), it’s also a new life (vs. 5-13).
The key to living life on this new level is found in verse four (vs. 4), “…walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”.
Holiness is the work of the Holy Spirit.
I. The Holy Spirit must control our minds (vs. 5-8)
Romans 8:5-8, ““For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;
but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is
death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is
enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So
then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Paul contrasts two mind sets.
Who are they that are “after the flesh?” Primarily, non-believers. Those who
are controlled by their flesh.
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The believer can live like an unbeliever.
What do they live like?
a) - they mind “…the things of the flesh;” (vs. 5)
What’s the flesh?
Matthew 6:31-32, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall

we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly
Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”
eat, drink, clothes, - Also: money, pleasure, fame.
1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world, the lust of

the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
b) - it brings death (vs. 6)
What kind of death?
Existential death (walking zombies)
Death now: fear, guilt, hostility, and emptiness
Illustration: Solomon – Ecclesiastes 2:10-11,

“And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from
them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my
heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my
portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the
works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour
that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity
and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under
the sun.”
The carnal mind leads to death.
c) - the carnal mind is at war with God (vs. 7)
d) - the carnal mind is not subject to the law of God (vs. 7)
e) - the carnal mind cannot please God (vs. 8)
Illustration: the unsaved – righteous works and religion
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It’s speaks of the unsaved but it can also apply to Christians.
Notice verse five (vs. 5),” …they that are after the Spirit”
Who are they?
Christians.
1. “…they mind the things of the Spirit” (vs. 5)
A mind controlled by spiritual values.
Like what?
Bible, prayer, church
Galatians 5:22-23, “But the

fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against
such there is no law.”
2. they have “…life and peace.” (vs. 6)
We have ‘eternal life”
We have ‘peace with God’
Romans 5:1, “Therefore being

justified by faith, we have peace with
God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
3. they that are after the Spirit can please

God (vs. 8)
II. The Holy Spirit must control our members (bodies) (vs. 9-13)
Romans 8:9-13, “. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the
Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of
his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead
dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal
bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to
the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye
through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
A Christian is a person that has the Holy Spirit indwelling them (vs. 9)
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The Big question is not, do you go to church? have you been baptized?
Do you partake of communion? Do you read your Bible? Do you pray?
If the Holy Spirit is not indwelling you, you are not a Christian!
But, do you have the Holy Spirit?
How do we know?
When a person has the Spirit of God they have an interest in, and a
desire for, the things of God.
1. The Holy Spirit wrote the Bible.
Do you desire to read the Bible?
2. The Holy Spirit called together people into the Church.
Do you desire to go to Church?
Some say, “I can be a good Christian and not go to Church”.

Maybe so a Christian, but not a good one.
3. The Holy Spirit came to convict the lost sinner.
Do you desire to see the lost saved?
4. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Intercession (Prayer)
Do you have a desire to pray?
5. The Holy Spirit enables us to sing (worship)
Is the Spirit of God plucking the strings of your heart?
The Holy Spirit is called ‘The Spirit of Christ’.
• It’s the Holy Spirit that brings Christ to us (vs. 10)

• It’s the Holy Spirit that produces Christ likeness in us
So the way we treat the Holy Spirit should be the way we

treat Jesus!
After affirming that to have the Spirit in us is the distinguishing mark of the
Christian. Paul goes on, is verse’s 10 and 11 (vs. 10-11) to give us two
consequences of His indwelling.
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(vs. 10) “And if…”
We are born in sin, our body is dead – mortal bodies that decay
2 Corinthians 4:16, “For which cause we faint not; but though our
outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”
(vs. 11) “But if…”
A present, here and now experience
1 Corinthians 15:54, “So when this corruptible shall have put on

incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall
be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in
victory.”
Donald Gray Barnhouse – “Our text cries out that the purpose of God is a daily
transformation in these very bodies of death. This dust forms the walls of the temple of
the Holy Spirit. This clay makes the platform for the exercise of God’s glory. This throat,
once a grave, has now become a flowing fountain; this tongue which once used deceit
now speaks the truth in love. Under these lips where once poison was stored lies the
refreshing spring of the grace of God; the cursing and bitterness of this mouth have been
banished by songs of praise and the sweetness of gratitude. These feet, once swift to
shed blood, are now swift to proclaim the glories that flow from the blood of the
Redeemer. Salvation and peace mark our ways; we know no other way than the way of
peace, and before our eyes there is the loving fear of God. We now are the proof of
Christ’s own prophecy, “He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his
innermost being shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38).
(vs. 12) No Obligation – in (vs. 1) there is ‘no condemnation’, in (vs. 12)

we ‘re told that we are under no obligation to the flesh!
We are however, obligated to the Holy Spirit!
Think of all He has done for us!
(vs. 13) We cannot crucify ourselves!
It only happens through the Holy Spirit.
Sanctification is a joint participation – the Spirit’s part – Our part
Jesus said in, Matthew 5:30, “And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and
cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish,
and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
Paul said in, Romans 13:14, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not
provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
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But we can’t do it! - The more we try the worse it will get.
To dispel darkness, all we need to do is turn on the light!
Jesus said in, Luke 17:33, “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and
whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.”
To Christians it’s a Revival – Lt. – “Again”, “to live”
How?
1. Minds under the control of the Holy Spirit,

2. Mortify the Flesh
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Romans 8:14-17 - "Adopted into God’s Family"
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
In Romans 8 we are learning about the new creation we are in Christ:
1. We have a new Position - ‘In Christ Jesus’ (vs. 1)

2. We have a new Life – “In the Spirit’ (vs. 13)
Today, we learn that:
3. We have a New Relationship (vs. 14-17)
Romans 8:14-17, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of
God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have
received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself
beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children,
then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with
him, that we may be also glorified together.”
4. We are adopted into God’s family (vs. 15)
Romans 8:15, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye
have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
You say, ‘John, I thought we came into God’s family by being born into it?’
That’s correct – In John 3:7 Jesus tells us that, “…Ye must be born again. “ It’s called
‘Regeneration” – it’s the receiving of new life or a new nature. Paul however,
clearly teaches, for the first time in Romans, that all Christians are adopted into
God’s family. It’s the receiving of a new status.
As a Christian I am a member of the family of God.
Notice:
• (vs. 14) – we are the sons of God

• (vs. 15) – we cry, Abba, Father.
• (vs. 16) – we are the children of God
• (vs. 17) – if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;
In our text today, I want to look at five benefits, or blessings, of being a member
of God’s family.
I. Freedom (vs. 14)
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Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
God’s sons and daughters are being led by the Spirit.
Paul is not talking about some super saints, being led by the Spirit, he’s
talking about all the saints! – It’s true of all God’s people.
It’s the mark of a true Christian.
True Christians are literally, ‘being led’ – it’s in the present tense.
Also, its, “sons of God” – Greek – “huios” - a child mature enough to take on
adult family privileges and responsibilities.
Illustration: after birth a baby doesn’t enjoy much freedom (they are:
wrapped up, in a crib, play pen – a juvenile jail)
As adult sons of God we are being led by God’s Spirit.
As a foot note: remember that not everyone is a member of God’s

family – only those who are led by God’s Spirit.
How does God’s Spirit lead us?
1. He renews our minds by the Word of God
Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of

God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to
this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of
God.”
2. He stirs our hearts
The Holy Spirit stirs our hearts to love God – note: “Abba,
Father”
Galatians 4:6, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit
of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
Ask yourself, do I love God and desire to please Him?
3. He directs our wills
The Holy Spirit leads us by redirecting and strengthening our

wills.
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Philippians 2:12-13, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always
obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my
absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it
is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good
pleasure.”
God’s Spirit gives us a singleness of purpose to do His will.
Has your will been redirected by God’s Spirit?
Things you once loved you now hate

Things you once hated you now love
II. Confidence (vs. 15)
Romans 8:15, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye
have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
Not only are we lead by the Spirit are also loved by the Father.
God’s children don’t need to fear – why?
Because we are the sons not slaves
1. We have received the Spirit of adoption
The word ‘adoption’, is only used by Paul in the New Testament five
times, three are found in Romans, and the other two are in Galatians
and Ephesians. It’s not mentioned in the Old Testament because the
Jews didn’t practice it.
Paul took the idea from Roman law.
He was writing to Romans who would understand.
The idea of adoption signified being granted the full rights and
privileges of sonship in a family to which one does not belong by
nature.
This is exactly what happened to you at the time of your salvation.

All Christians, no matter how long they have been saved or what their
experience, have the same standing – as an adult son.
As adopted sons our new standing, or status, means a new

relationship.
We by the Holy Spirit “…crying, Abba, Father.”
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‘Abba’ is Aramaic; it’s an intimate form of the word ‘Father’ – “Daddy”,
“Papa”.
It was first and only used by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

and during the ‘Lord’s Prayer’.
It’s not a reasoned cry, but a reflexive one.
God who is infinitely high is also intimately nigh.
Many have never known an earthly father!
It’s the key to our personal enjoyment of our relationship with God.
III. Assurance (vs. 16) – The Spirit working – “Blessed Assurance”
Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the
children of God:”
Assurance is so important!
How can we have Assurance?
1. The Word of God
1 John 5:13, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the
name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life,
and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
2. The Work of God the Son
1 John 5:11, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal
life, and this life is in his Son.”
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.”
3. The Witness of God the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that
we are the children of God:”
IV. Inheritance (vs. 17a) – Rich in Christ
Romans 8:17a, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…”
A) Adoption into God’s family brings privileges that boggle the mind.
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B) We are “…heirs of God, …”
An heir inherits his Fathers estate.
All the father has is ours.
Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord

Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in
heavenly places in Christ:”
For now and eternity – Heaven
1 Peter 1:3-5, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord

Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath
begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible,
and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven
for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
1 Peter 1:6-8, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a

season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold
temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more
precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with
fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the
appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in
whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice
with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”
C) We are “…joint-heirs with Christ…”

At the second coming we will reign with Him.
V. Suffering (vs. 17b) – Glorified together
Romans 8:17b, “…if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified
together.”
“If” is ‘since’ – it is the privilege of every child of God to suffer for His
name.
1 Peter 4:13, “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that,
when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In
the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Why?
1. To test the reality of our faith

2. Suffering strengthens our faith
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3. Suffering prepares us to be part of the glory that is yet to be revealed
Suffering is the path to glory (vs. 18-19)
Notice Jesus prayer in, John 17:22-29, “And the glory which thou gavest
me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them,
and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world
may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved
me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where
I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou
lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”
Five Marks of a Child of God
1. Freedom – they are being lead by the Spirit of God
2. Confidence – they aren’t afraid – they can speak to their ‘Abba Father’
3. Assurance – they know that they are God’s children
Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the
children of God:”
4. Inheritance – they enjoy their blessings in Christ now and look forward to
their eternal rewards.
The Holy Spirit is the down payment
5. Suffering – this proves the reality of their faith, strengthens their faith, and
prepares them for glory.
Three ways this passage can apply to you:
• Confirm you are God’s child

• You are God’s child but have slipped away
• You are not one of God’s children
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Romans 8:18-22 - "Groaning for Glory"
When you become a Christian you have a New Position, a New Life, and a New
Relationship (vs. 17). But, even though we are: God’s children, heirs of God, and
joint heirs with Christ, we still suffer with Him before we are glorified together with
Him (vs. 17b).
The glory awaits us; the suffering is now.
Paul points out two more blessings that we have as Children of God.
• A New Hope (vs. 18-25)

• A New Help (vs. 26-27)
The suffering and glory mentioned at the end of verse seventeen becomes the
theme throughout this section.
First – the suffering and glory of God’s creation
Second – the suffering and glory of God’s children
I. The Suffering and Glory of God’s Creation (vs. 18-22)
Romans 8:18-22 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest
expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the
creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath
subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from
the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we
know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”
• Study the Text!

• Notice that Paul makes three statements about creations past, future
and present:
Creations Past – it was subjected to frustration or vanity (vs. 20)
When? – At Man’s Fall (Genesis 3)
What?
Illustration from the Book of Ecclesiastes
(vs. 20) New Testament Commentary on the

Book of Ecclesiastes
By Whom? – God
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Why? – In Hope (there’s a new world coming)
Creations Future – it will be liberated (vs. 21)
a) Bondage of corruption
Illustration – The Second law of thermal dynamics
The second law of thermodynamics is an axiom of nature

regarding the directional flow of heat in relation to work and
which accounts for the phenomenon of irreversibility in
thermodynamic systems. The most common enunciation of
second law of thermodynamics is: “Heat cannot of itself pass
from a colder to a hotter body.”
b) Creation will be liberated
In the Old Testament, the ‘Messianic Age’ is a

picture of the Kingdom Age
A Christian World View:
1. The world is God’s creation

2. The world is not what God created it to be.
3. this world will one day be renewed
Illustration – It leads me to think further to the way

C.S. Lewis developed the idea in the first of his
Narnia Chronicles, The Lion, the Witch and the
Wardrobe. You may recall that in the first section of
that book, when Narnia was under the power of the
wicked Witch of the North, the land was in a state of
perpetual winter. Spring never came. But when
Aslan died and rose again, a picture of Christ’s
resurrection, the ice began to melt.
Creations Present - it groans (vs. 22)
Illustration: Child birth
Matthew 24
The Jewish day started at sundown.
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Romans 8:23-27 - "Groaning for Glory (Pt. 2)"
At the end of verse 17, Paul pointed out that even though we are the Children of
God – heirs of God – and joint heirs with Christ, there is suffering with Him before
we are glorified together with Him.
The theme of our text is ‘suffering and glory’ (vs. 18)
1st – The suffering and glory of God’s creation

2nd – The suffering and glory of God’s children
Last week we looked at the suffering and glory of God’s creation (vs. 18-22)
We learned that:
1. In the past, creation was subjected to vanity or frustration (vs. 20)

2. In the future, creation will be liberated (vs. 21)
3. In the present, creation groans (vs. 22)
Romans 8:23-27, “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of
the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit,
the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not
hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see
not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that
searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh
intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
Notice:
• not only does creation groan (vs. 22)

• the creation groans (vs. 23)
• The Holy Spirit groans (vs. 26)
Let’s begin by looking first, at the groaning Christians (vs. 23-25)
I. The Christian Groans (vs. 23-25)
Romans 8:23-25, “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of
the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit,
the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not
hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see
not, then do we with patience wait for it.”
Notice two important truths to remember in interpreting these verses:
1. The groaning mentioned in the text is that of believers in Jesus

Christ, and not that of all people generally.
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2. The groaning is expectant; it’s a groaning for glory.
We as God’s children groan, but we do so in expectation of a future glory,
Paul makes five (5) affirmations:
1. We have the first fruits of the Spirit (vs. 23a)
a. It’s taken from Leviticus 23 – wherein the first fruits were given
to the Priest and as a wave offering to the Lord.
b. It was both the beginning of the harvest and the pledge of the
full harvest that was to come.
c. The Holy Spirit is the first installment, deposit, down payment, or
pledge which guarantees the future completion of our Salvation.
d. We are not in glory yet but we have a foretaste and guarantee
of our coming glory.
2. We groan inwardly (vs. 23b)
We have the Holy Spirit indwelling us yet we groan inwardly.
The Holy Spirit’s presence is a constant reminder of the

incompleteness of our salvation.
a. We groan inwardly because of our physical frailty and mortality.
II Corinthians 5:1-4, “For we know that if our earthly house of this

tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan,
earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from
heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For
we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that
we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be
swallowed up of life.”
b. We groan because of our sinful fallen nature
Romans 7:17-18, “Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that
dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth
no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that
which is good I find not.”
c. We groan because we live in a fallen world.
Romans 8:20, “For the creature was made subject to vanity

(Frustration) …”
Our groans express both present pain and future longing.
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It’s evidence of having the Holy Spirit.
3. We wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our

bodies (vs. 23c)
a. Just as the groaning creation waits eagerly for God’s sons

to be revealed (vs. 19), so we groaning Christians wait eagerly
for our adoption as sons even the redemption of our bodies.
b. But you say, ‘I thought we were already adopted as sons (vs.15)

so why are we waiting for it in verse 23?
Answer: Our adoption is not complete until the redemption of our

bodies (vs. 23)
We have been redeemed, but we are not yet completely

redeemed.
What does Paul mean by the redemption of our bodies?
The resurrection or the rapture - it’s the future hope of the Christian.
Remember that Paul is talking about our present suffering which

chiefly takes place in our bodies.
• sickness
• sorrow
all because our bodies are not yet
redeemed.
• sin
• suffering
James Montgomery Boice – “We are our bodies, as well as our spirits
and souls. Therefore, salvation must include our bodies if it is to be
complete.
Why did Paul use the word ’redemption’ of our bodies and not
‘resurrection’ of our bodies?
Robert Haldane – When this term is … used, it commonly denotes two

things – the one, that the deliverance spoken of is effective in a
manner glorious and conspicuous, exhibiting the greatest effort of
power; the other, that it is a complete deliverance, placing us beyond
all danger. On this ground, then, it is evident that no work is better
entitled to the appellation of redemption than that of the
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reestablishment of our bodies, which will be an illustrious effort of the
infinite power of God. It is the work of the Lord of nature–of him who
holds in his hands the keys of life and death. His light alone can dispel
the darkness of the tomb. It is only his hand that can break its seal and
its silence. On this account the apostle appeals, with an accumulation
of terms, to the exceeding greatness of the power of God. To us-ward
who believe, according to the raised him from he dead (Eph. 1:19-20.)
Illustration: Israel’s redemption from Egypt.
Our resurrection redemption will be an exhibition of God’s great

power in manner that will be glorious and conspicuous.
Like a Christian, so also like the Christian

Charles Haddon Spurgeon – The righteous are put into their graves all
weary and worn; but such they will not rise. They go there with the
furrowed brow, the hollowed cheek, the wrinkled skin: they shall wake
up in beauty and glory. The old man totters thither, leaning on his
staff. The halt, the lame, the withered, the blind, journey in doleful
pilgrimage to the common dormitory. But they shall not rise decrepit,
deformed, or diseased, but strong, vigorous, active, glorious, immortal.
The winter of the grave shall soon give way to the spring of
resurrection and the summer of glory. Blessed is death, since it answers
all the ends of medicine to this mortal frame, and through the divine
power disrobes us of the leprous rags of flesh, to clothe us with the
wedding garment of incorruption!
4. We were saved for hope (vs. 24)
“We were given this hope when we were saved…” New Living Translation
Groaning is not the only thing Christians do, Paul says that we also
hope (vs. 24)
Hope is one of the great words in the Christian vocabulary.

Titus 2:13 – “blessed hope”
Col. 1:27 – “the hope of glory”
I Cor. 13:3 – “these three remain: faith, hope, and love”
Romans 5:2 – “… and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
The Christians hope is not mere ‘wishful thinking’ but ‘sure and
stedfast!
It’s based upon 1) The resurrection of Jesus Christ and 2) the

promises in God’s Word.
Not only do we hope, we also wait
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We groan, but we groan in hope! (vs. 24-25)
5. We wait patiently (vs. 25)
In verse 19, the creation is waiting in earnest expectation.
In verse 25, the Christian is waiting patiently.
Also (vs. 23) ‘waiting’ – its eagerly waiting
This is what we are to do now (between suffering and glory) –

eagerly, patiently wait in hope that the first fruits will be followed by
the harvest, bondage by freedom, and decay by incorruption.
Patience is not passivity!
Patience is active; its perseverance expressing itself in vigorous

service.
Jesus said, “Occupy till I come!” (Luke 19:13)
Between our present difficulty and future destiny we are to actively

serve Him till He comes!
2 Corinthians 5:1-10, “For we know that if our earthly house of this
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan,
earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from
heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For
we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that
we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be
swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame
thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at
home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith,
not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent
from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour,
that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we
must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath
done, whether it be good or bad.”
Here is how D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones puts it:

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones - Hope is the measure of true Christianity, which
is through and through other-worldly. Pseudo-Christianity always looks
chiefly at this world. Popular Christianity is entirely this –worldly and is
not interested in the other world. But true Christianity has its eye
mainly on the world which is to come. It is not primarily concerned
even with deliverance from hell, and punishment, and all the things
that trouble us and weary us. That really belongs to the past. True
Christianity “sets its affection on things which are above, not on things
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which are on the earth.” It is that which says, “We look not at the
things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the
things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen
are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:17, 18).
II. The Holy Spirit Groans (vs. 26-27)

Romans 8:26-27, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not
what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us
with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth
what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according
to the will of God.”
As we wait in hope, we have help – The Holy Spirit (vs. 14-16)
1. We have weakness (vs. 26) ‘infirmities’
2. We don’t know how to pray (vs. 26)
3. The Holy Spirit helps (vs. 26)
How?
4. He groans for God’s will (vs. 27)
How to Pray - 2 Corinthians 12 – Paul’s Thorn
1. escape
2. endure
3. enlist
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Romans 8:26-27 - "Groaning for Glory (Pt. 3)"
Romans 8:26-27, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we
should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the
Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
In our study of Romans 8:18-27, we have seen two groanings:
1. Creation groans (vs. 22)
2. Christians groan (vs. 23)
Today, we come to the third groaning – it’s the groaning of the Holy Spirit
(vs. 26).
As God’s Children we have a New Hope for the future (vs. 24-25), but we also
have a New Help for the present. A blessed hope and a sufficient help!
While we are waiting we have an inward sustaining.
Do you have a future hope and a present help?
This new help comes from the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
We have already seen that the Holy Spirit:
1. enables us to fulfill the Law (vs. 4)
2. subdues our fallen nature (vs. 13)
3. assures us of our sonship (vs. 16)
4. is a guarantee of our future glory (vs. 23)
But now the Holy Spirit helps us in praying according to the will of God.
True Prayer is impossible without the Holy Spirit; he is the one that causes us to
cry ‘Abba Father’ (vs. 15)
Two things which perplex Christians are dealt with in this text:
1. Prayer
2. God’s will
Praise God for the new help we have…
1. The Holy Spirit Helps Us (vs. 26a)
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“Likewise (or in the same way) the Spirit (also) helps us…”
John 14:16, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter (or
helper), that he may abide with you for ever;”
As our hope sustains us, so does the Holy Spirit,
2. We Need His Help (vs. 26n)
Why do we need His help?
1. Our infirmities or our weakness
It’s important that we see our need of the Spirit’s help.
Jesus said in,

John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me,
and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye
can do nothing.”
2 Corinthians 12:9, “…my strength is made perfect in weakness….”
What is the weakness Paul is thinking about here?
It’s not:
a. sin – but it is a problem

Psalms 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not
hear me:”
b. a physical weakness – that is often a problem in

prayer
• The Disciples sleeping in the Garden of

Gethsemane.
It’s our ignorance or lack of understanding in prayer
(vs. 26)”… we know not what we should pray for…”
We pray selfishly, ignorantly
Old Testament Illustration – Elijah

1 Kings 19:4, “But he himself went a day's journey into the
wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and
he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is
enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better
than my fathers.”
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New Testament – Paul’s thorn in the flesh
2 Corinthians 12:7-10, “And lest I should be exalted above
measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was
given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to
buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this
thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my
strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore
will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ
may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in
reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for
Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Three ways to pray:
1. escape
2. endure
3. enlist
3. How does the Holy Spirit Help Us? (vs. 26c)
(vs. 26 – N.I.V.) – “The Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words
cannot express.”
An intercessor is a person who pleads the case of another. Jesus is

interceding for us in Heaven, and the Holy Spirit is interceding for us in our
hearts! He helps to shoulder our burden by pleading our case with God
the Father when we don’t know how to pray.
Illustration – two people carrying a log at both ends
Illustration - Acts 7:34, “…I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver
them. And now come…”
Illustration – Jesus praying for Peter
How the Spirit intercedes for us?
He groans – they are wordless but they are not meaningless!
This is not tongues (notice – ‘wordless’)
But rather, the Holy Spirit identifies with our groans, with our pain,
and the problems we face and so groans or prays for us.
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The Holy Spirit takes hold of our burdens with us, helping us to
carry our load. And as long as we have His assistance we need not
fall, for He supplies us with divine power.
So – yield to Him!
4. The Holy Spirit’s groaning intercession is always in accordance with God’s will
(vs. 27)
The greatest purpose in prayer is doing God’s will (found in His Word)
What about things that aren’t in the Bible?
The Holy Spirit will help us.
God’s will is always to good.
Notice verse 28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Do you love God?
Do you want His will?
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Romans 8:28 - "All Things Working Together For Good"
Romans 8:28-30, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did
predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among
many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he
called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
Many times when Corrie ten Boom would speak to a group, she would hold up an
embroidered bookmarker which had lots of frayed and tangled threads which
hung from the bottom. She would then show them that these frayed tangled
threads seemed to have no meaningful design or purpose. Then she would turn
the bookmark over and embroidered beautifully on the front side were the words,
“God is Love.”
It seems that often our lives, like the embroidered bottom of bookmark, are the
haphazard results of blind chance.
However, if you are a child of God, you not only have a new life, a new
relationship, a new hope, and a new help. Now, you have a new knowledge (vs.
28)
As Christians we have absolute assurance of God’s providential care. All that

comes into our lives is under control of our all-wise, all-powerful, all-loving father.
Romans 8:28 is one of the greatest and most comforting statements in the entire
Bible.
From verses 28 to 39, the Apostle Paul soars to sublime heights unequalled
elsewhere in the New Testament. The focus of his closing climax in Romans 8 is
the security of God’s people; on account of the un-changeability of God’s
purpose and steadfastness of His love.
Paul said in Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good
work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
There are five facts about God’s providential care:
1. The certainty of His providential care.
(vs., 28) “And we know…”
Notice the contrast of this verse with that of verse 26 – “…we know not…”
Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:…”
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(vs. 28) “…we know…” Not: we see, we feel But, “…we know…”
How”
By faith – we take God at His Word (His Person and Promises)
It’s the believer’s assurance
John Wesley was dealing with a friend one day, while walking in the
country. His friend said, I don’t believe God’s promises and I don’t see
how it’s going to work for good; I’m discouraged and everything looks dim.
As he spoke John notice a cow nearby with its head over a stone wall and
like a flash a revelation came to him and he said, “See that cow with its
head over the stone wall?” His friend said, “Yes”. John continued, “Do you
also notice that the cow can’t see through the stone wall? - That’s why the
he’s looking over the stone wall.
Many times we are trying to look through the stone wall, to look as men
see; rather than to take God at His word!
Someone wrote in a poem, “I know not where His islands lift, Their
fronded palms in air; I only know I cannot drift, Beyond His love and care.”
2. The extent of His providential care
(vs. 28) “…all things…”
What does all things mean?
All Things! – Every event of our life is under His beneficent sovereign
control.
All things would include: suffering (vs. 17) and groaning (vs. 23)
Bereavement, illness, disappointment, children who cause us

pain, lack of fruit in Christian service…
J. Oswald Sanders – The circumstances of the Christian’s life are ordained of God. There
is no such thing as chance. Love refuses to believe that God is not interested in every
detail of life. Everything is permitted and designed by Him for wise purposes. He will not
cease His supervision for a moment.”
John Montgomery Boice – His father gave him a watch with a transparent back.
Jesus said,
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Luke 12:6-7, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of
them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all
numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
So don’t be afraid – God is in control!
3. The harmony of His providential care
(vs. 28) “…work together…”
Notice that it’s God who is working
– things by themselves do not work together for good
William Barclay – “We knew that God intermingles all things for good for them that love
Him.”
His work is continuous and purposeful – He doesn’t stop
Illustrations: - The seasons
- A painter – God is the Master Painter
What’s the goal or purpose?
4. The results of His providential care
(vs. 28) “…for good…”
Why is God working in all things in my life?
For good!
In the context of Romans 8, the ultimate goal and meaning of this phrase
“good” is Glorified (vs. 30)
The process is in verse 29 where it says, that we are being “…conformed to

the image of his Son…”
I believe the “good” in verse 28 is just that, being “…conformed to the image of
his Son…”
And God’s purpose will ultimately be completed in glorification.
The moment you are saved God starts sanctifying you, making you like
Jesus.
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Sanctification begun is glorification completed.
John Montgomery Boice – To be like Jesus (vs. 29) – when? Glorified (vs. 30)
It’s possible for there to be a good use of bad things in our lives.
2 Corinthians 12 – Paul had a thorn in the flesh – a messenger of Satan

to buffet me.
It was given to Paul to keep him humble,
Very often, God will not allow us to see the good He’s doing in our lives to
keep us humble.
What is good?
- a thorn in the flesh (bad?)

- humility (good)
How does God accomplish His purposes in us? Through suffering
People ask me why bad things happen to good people.
1. what’s a bad thing?
2. what’s a ‘good people’?
3. Who determines what is bad and who determines what is good?
The Bible says,
“… all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans
3:23).
“There is none righteous, no, not one”: (Romans 3:10).
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who
can know it?” (Jerimiah 17:9)
I don’t know where you find these ‘good people”.
We also know that what we call ‘bad’ God may call ‘good.’
And what we call ‘good’, God may call ‘bad’.
These circumstances force me to my knees – that is good!
J. Oswald Sanders – Every adverse experience when rightly received can carry
its quota of good. Bodily – pain and weakness cause us to feel our frailty.
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Perplexity reveals our lack of wisdom. Financial and failure humble our pride. All
these things can be included in the term good.
5. The objects of His providential care
– this is where the verse is limited
It’s unlimited in ‘all things’
1. (vs. 28) “… to them that love God…”
It’s limited in that it’s only for those who love God and are
called according to His purpose.
Romans 5:5, “…the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by

the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
The human side – Our part:
The most important goal in the life of a Christian is to

love God
Deuteronomy 6:5, “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with
all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
1 John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.”
Our love for God is our response to His love for us.
2. (vs. 28) “…the called according to his purpose.”
What does that mean? See verse 30
John R.W. Stott – God’s love for us found expression in his eternal
purpose and his historical call. So God has a saving purpose, and is
working in accordance with it. Life is not the random mess which it may
sometimes appear.
Refers to Christians only!

Paul is not expressing a general superficial optimism that
everything tends to everybody’s good in the end.
The good is the believers completed salvation (vs. 30)

glorified!
We know because God has promised it in His word.
We have many examples of it in Scripture:
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Jacob/Joseph – Joseph was gone; Reuben was disgraced; Judah was dishonored; Simeon and
Levi had broken his heart; Dinah was defiled; Simeon even now was in prison; beloved Rachel
was dead; famine threatened the family. Then came the demand from Egypt that young Benjamin
must appear there before its awesome governor before any further supplies would be released.
Old Jacob wept; “Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye
will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me” (Gen. 42:36) How wrong he was!
“These things” and many more were secretly working to his own good, as the end of the story
proved. “All things work together for good.”
Jeremiah – Jeremiah wrote in God’s name a letter to the Jews in Babylonian exile after the
catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem: ‘ “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ‘
Paul – Philippians 1:12, “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which
happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;”
Jesus – The ultimate expression of this text is the cross and His crucifixion. Saint Augustine
said that, “God rather than not to allow evil to exist, chose rather to allow good to come out of evil.
– That’s the cross!
The same concurrence of human evil and divine plan had its most conspicuous display in the
cross, which Peter attributed both to the wickedness of men and to ‘God’s set purpose and
foreknowledge.
The Divine Weaver

My Life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colours
He worketh steadily.
Oftimes He weaveth sorrow

And I in foolish pride,
Forget that He seeth the upper,
And I the under side.
Not till the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver’s skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
AUTHOR UNKOWN
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Romans 8:29-30 - "A Golden Chain of God’s Purpose"
Romans 8:28-30, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did
predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among
many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he
called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
INTRODUCTION: Paul makes it clear that God has a great and good purpose for
all Christians and He is working in all the circumstances of their lives to achieve
it.
As wonderful as Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29-30 are even more wonderful for
they tell us how God accomplishes this purpose.
In Romans 8:29-30 we have what has been called ‘ a golden chain of five links’
or ‘five undeniable affirmations’.
In these five golden links Paul traces God’s saving purpose from eternity past to
eternity future. Beginning in the mind of God; consummating in man’s
glorification; each link in this chain is a divine act wielded by the hand of God.
In them we learn that the believers’ security is rooted in the unchangeability of

God’s purposes.
The five links in the golden chain Paul names are:
• foreknowledge
• predestination
• calling
• justification
• glorification
1. Foreknowledge (vs. 29) “For whom he did foreknow,…”
Its common meaning is ‘to know something beforehand’.
Some teach what is called ‘foresight election’.

1 Peter 1:2, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through
sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”
I don’t believe that’s how Paul is using this word.
Why? – God knows everybody!
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In the Old Testament, the Hebrew verb, ‘to know’ expresses much
more than mere intellectual knowledge; it denotes a personal
relationship of care and affection.
It’s used this way in the Septuagint – ‘to take note of’,’ ‘to fix the regard
upon’.
Hosea 13:5, “I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.”
Amos 3:2, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I
will punish you for all your iniquities.”
God’s foreknowing us means that He fixed His attention or love upon us

savingly.
It’s called ‘Election’
Who chose who?
Jesus said in:
John 15:16, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you,
that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that
whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
When did He choose us?
Ephesians 1:4, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of

the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”
Why did He choose us?
Love & Grace!
But you say, ‘that’s not fair!’ – it’s loving, and wise bringing glory to God.
1 Corinthians 1:27, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to
confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to
confound the things which are mighty;”
Man is not free! – Don’t fight it!
2. Predestination (vs. 29) “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate…”
It’s not the same as election.
The word means ‘to decide beforehand.’
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What is it that God decides beforehand?
It’s not to send sinners to Hell!
Predestination is only used for believers.
What is it then?
A. To conform you into the image of His Son (vs. 39)
It’s knowledge with a purpose that could never be frustrated.
It’s a moral likeness and glorified bodies – it starts now! (vs. 30)
B. That Jesus might have pre-eminence (vs. 29)
Ephesians 1:6; 12; 14, “To the praise of the glory of his grace…”
The truth of this doctrine should:
1. humble us (not pride)

2. bring assurance
3. foster love for God and a desire to live pleasing before Him.
3. Calling (vs. 30)
With ‘calling’, we move from eternity past to present time.
The call of God is the historical application of His eternal predestination.
It comes through the preaching of the gospel (the means to the end)
There are two kinds of callings:
1. general or universal
Jesus said:
John 7:37, “…If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.”
2. internal, specific, and effectual

It means that with the call comes an ability to respond.
It’s the work of the Holy Spirit!
Acts 9:4-5, “And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul,
Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the
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Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against
the pricks.”
You must come when the Spirit calls
Hebrews 3:15, “While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not
your hearts, as in the provocation.”
Faith before regeneration!
4. Justification (vs. 30)
The moment you believe, or trust Christ to save you, you re justified.
We’ve already studied this in detail in Romans 3:28 (See Notes) It’s not by
the Law, but by grace, through faith.
What is justification?
The legal act whereby God declares the sinner "not guilty" and imputes to them
the righteousness of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew
no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
In Christ!
Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which

are in Christ Jesus…”
5. Glorification (vs. 30)
Paul doesn’t mention sanctification
It comes between justification and glorification.
Sanctification is glory begun; glory is sanctification consummated.
The purpose of Salvation:
• to make us like Jesus

• to bring honor and glory to Jesus
The progress of Salvation
• foreknowledge
• predestination
• calling
• justification
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• glorification
Glory is the last link in the golden chain of God’s salvation purpose.
Romans 8:17-18, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if
so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that
the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which
shall be revealed in us.”
It’s God’s remedy for the corruption in creation from the fall.
Remember:
1. The creation groans for glory (vs. 22)

2. The Christian groans for glory (vs. 23)
The most daring anticipation of faith is found in the New Testament.
The word ‘glorified’ is used in the ‘aorist tense’
God’s chain of five links are unbreakable.
What God has spoken cannot be broken.
John 10:35, “If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the
scripture cannot be broken;”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd – He starts with 100 sheep and He ends with 100
sheep!
Again, the truth of this doctrine should:
1. Humble you
2. Bless you
3. Foster love in you
How should we respond?
John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to
me I will in no wise cast out.”
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Romans 8:31-39 - "A Hymn of Assurance"
Romans 8:31-39, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against
us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him
also freely give us all things Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that
justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again,
who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate
us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or
nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we
are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor
depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.”
As we come to the close of this magnificent eighth chapter of Romans, we find

ourselves nearly breathless by the view from this soaring pinnacle of Divine
revelation.
The chapter opened with ‘No Condemnation’ (vs. 1) and ends with ‘No
Separation’ (vs. 39)
Today’s text has been called, ‘Paul’s Hymn of Assurance’.
As Christians we have a ‘new life’, a ‘new relationship’, a ‘new hope’, a ‘new

help’, a ‘new knowledge’, and now, last but not least, a ‘new assurance’.
Notice how Paul opens up this section.
With a question (vs. 31) – ‘What shall we say in response to this?’
In response to what?
Verses 28-30
Paul’s response is to answer his own question by asking five more questions, to
which there are no answers.
These five unanswerable questions, say’s John Stott, “Paul hurls into space, as it
were, in a spirit of bold defiance. He challenges anybody and everybody, in
heaven, earth or hell, to answer. For no-one, and nothing can harm the people
whom God has foreknown, predestined, called, justified and glorified.”
Each of Paul’s five questions contain a truth that renders the question
unanswerable.
1. Who can be against us? (vs. 31)
Romans 8:31, “…If God be for us, who can be against us?”
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If Paul had simply asked, ‘who is against us?’ it could be very easily
answered, for the child of God has many enemies.
1. The World – trying to conform us

2. Our Flesh – an ever present enemy
3. The Devil – 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
Paul doesn’t ask this naïve question, the essence of his question is
contained in the “If” clause.
“If”, or rather, “Since” God is for us, who can be against us?
The truth found in this question is “God is for us!”
Our enemies don’t stand a chance!
2. How will He not also…? (vs. 32)
Romans 8:32, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how
shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
Suppose the apostle had simply asked, ‘will God not give us all things?’,
we might be able to question God’s goodness.
But, Paul states the truth! (vs. 32)
1. That God His Son did not spare

2. That God delivered Him up for us
Paul points to the cross!
Who delivered us Jesus to die? Not Judas, for money; not

Pilate, for fear; not Jews, for envy; But the Father, for love.
The argument is from the greater to the lesser.
In giving His son God gave everything. The cross is the

guarantee of the continuing, unfailing love and generosity of
God.
This verse is a blank check for our needs.
3. Who will bring any charge? (vs. 33)
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Romans 8:33, “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that
justifieth.”
This question brings us into and imagined court room.
If you only took the question ‘Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?...’
The answer would be:
• Satan
• Others
Paul’s argument is that no prosecution can succeed, since God our judge has
already justified us (vs. 30)
Remember, we are justified!
4. Who is he that condemns? (vs. 34)
Romans 8:34. “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is
risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for
us.”
The answer might be: ‘my own heart’, but we read in 1 John 3:20, “For if our
heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.”
Notice the truth of the text: Christ is not condemning you
Four reasons:
• It is Jesus who died for you

• It is Jesus who rose for you
• It is Jesus who is at the father’s right hand interceding for you
Jesus is our (Gk:) Paraclete – one called alongside to help – It’s the
same as the word advocate – our defense attorney.
5. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ (vs. 35-39)
Romans 8:35-39, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,
For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the
slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that
loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor
depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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As we come to this last great question, Paul himself tries to answer it (vs.
35)
1. Can tribulation – means pressure or affliction

2. Can distress – a tight difficult place
3. Can persecution – any form of harassment from the world for Christ’s
sake
4. Can famine – a lack of anything but, especially food – hunger
5. Can nakedness – no clothes
6. Can peril – any kind of danger
7. Can sword – a large knife
Notice the quote in verse 36 – from Psalms 44:22 – “For thy sake we are
killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Lessons:
1. Paul suffered all of these things

2. Christians today are not immune from the sufferings of life
But – verse 37 – “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
that loved us.”
1. even in ‘all things’ (vs. 28) we are ‘Super Conquerors’

2. How? – through Him
3. that loved )past tense) us – The cross!
Paul now reaches his climax in verses 38-39 , “For I am persuaded, that
neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present,
nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
For I am persuaded (vs. 38) or I stand fully convinced
Do you have this ‘blessed assurance’?
You can:
• God is for us
• Christ died for us
• God has justified us
• Christ intercedes for us
• Christ loves us
No power can separate us from His love!
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Our assurance is anchored in the loving, unchanging, purpose, promise ,
and power of God.
Let me no more my comfort draw

From my frail hold of thee;
In this alone rejoice with awe –
Thy mighty grasp of me.
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Romans 9:1-13 - "Election, Israel’s Past"
Romans 8:31-39, “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in
the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish
that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and
the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and
of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Not
as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of
Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall
thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the
children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the word
of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.And not only this; but when
Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet
born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election
might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her, The elder shall serve
the younger.As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”
We come today to a new and very important division in our study of the Book of
Romans.
I. Condemnation (1:18-3:20) – The wrath of God revealed

II. Salvation (3:21-8:39) – The righteousness of God revealed
III. Vindication (9:1-11:36) – The wisdom of God revealed
These chapters form what is termed a “theodicy” , a vindication of God, a

justification of His dealings with men… The over riding theme is the Sovereignty
of God
Why would Paul, at this point in his letter, seek to vindicate God?
Paul, in chapter 8, had just argued that the believer is secure in Jesus Christ, and
that God’s election would stand.
Paul anticipated someone might ask, ‘what about Israel, they were chosen by
God, and yet now you tell us they are set aside and God is building His church.
Did God fail to keep His promises to Israel?
Has God’s word failed?
If God was not faithful to the Jews, how do we know He will be faithful to the
church?
Paul vindicates God’s faithfulness in His sovereign election, which is a difficult

doctrine to understand.
In this section Paul set’s forth three things:
I. Paul’s Passion (vs. 1-3)
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Romans 9:1-3, “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me
witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my
heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my
kinsmen according to the flesh:”
Chapters 9-11 focus on the sovereignty of God but they open up with the
salvation of man.
Each of these three chapters opens with a statement of Paul’s passion

and love for Israel:
Romans 10:1, “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that
they might be saved.”
Romans 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I
also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”
Why?
In verse’s 1-3 of chapter 9, Paul begins with a strong threefold affirmation

of His love for Israel.
I say the truth in Christ,
I am not lying or exaggerating,
my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit.
What’s the truth Paul desires to convey?
Answer (vs. 2-3)
Romans 9:2-3, “That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my
kinsmen according to the flesh:”
Would to God that we were more like Paul in his passion for the lost.
• willing to stay out of heaven for the saved

• willing to go to Hell for the lost (Like Moses – Exodus 32:32)
Exodus 32:32, “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not,
blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.”
Could Paul be accursed?
No!
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Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels,
nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor
height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from
the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 9:2-3, “…For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for
my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:”
It’s in the imperfect tense – it’s not possible.
II. Israel’s Privileges (vs. 4-5)
Romans 9:4-5, “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory,
and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the
promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came,
who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.”
Paul’s anguish over unbelieving Israel was made more painful when He
thought of all the unique privileges they possessed.
Paul mentions eight:
1. Theirs is the adoption as sons (vs. 4)
Exodus 4:22, “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD,
Israel is my son, even my firstborn:” No other nation!
2. Theirs the divine glory (vs. 4)
The visible splendor of God, which filled the first tabernacle

and then the temple.
3. Theirs too are the covenants (vs. 4)
To Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses – David also – a new

covenant (Jeremiah 31)
4. The giving or receiving of the law (vs. 4)
“…
Only to Israel – the unique revelation of God’s will spoken by
His voice and written with His finger.
5. The service of God (vs. 4)
It’s the temple worship – the priesthood and sacrifices
6. The promises (vs. 4)
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Of the coming of the Messiah, as God’s Prophet Priest and
King.
7. The father’s or Patriarch’s (vs. 5)
8. Above all – Christ! (vs. 5)
“…as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for
ever.”
Notice His: Humanity & Deity
The New International Version (NIV) says, “who is God over all
forever praised.”
Jesus is Lord
Philippians 2:9, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and
given him a name which is above every name:”
Colossians 2:9, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead
bodily.”
Psalms 45:6-7, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of
thy kingdom is a right sceptre.Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest
wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil
of gladness above thy fellows.”
In light of all these wonderful blessings and privileges – how can we

explain the mystery of Israel’s blindness and hardening?
Romans 11:25, “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant

of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that
blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the
Gentiles be come in.”
Paul explains the mystery by asking four questions.
We’ll look only at the first question today, It’s found in verse 6 and
leads us to our last point.
III. God’s purpose (vs. 6-13)
Romans 9:6-13, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of
sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is
freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with
him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no
more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he
liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto
sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in
your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your
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members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as
those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness
unto God.”
Verse 6 – has God’s promise failed? [Literally, fallen?]

Greek – taken none effect – it’s a picture of a ship going off it’s course.
The answer is of course, No!
God is faithful no matter what men may do. Israel’s failure was her own
failure, it was not due to the failure of God’s word.
Paul explains God’s purpose in His divine election.
1. It was not of natural descent (vs. 6-9)
For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel (vs. 6)
There has always been two Israel’s, physical & spiritual
Romans 2:28-29, “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly;

neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But
he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of
the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is
not of men, but of God.”
Old Testament illustration (vs. 7-9) Isaac & Ishmael
2. Its not human merit or moral virtues (vs. 10-13)
Key – verse 11, - “…the purpose of God according to election

might stand,”
Notice the contrast:
God’s word or purpose fallen (vs. 6)
God’s elective purposes stand (vs. 11)
God operates according to the principle of election.
It’s the same today!
it’s not of works (vs. 11)

It’s not of natural descent
It’s not of human merit or moral virtues
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Our salvation is due entirely to His grace, will, initiative,
wisdom and power.
It will stand and not fall!
In closing lets review and notice:
Paul’s passion for the lost (vs. 1-3)
God’s love for the lost (John 3:16)
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Romans 9:14-33 - "Election, Israel’s Past (Pt. 2)"
Romans 8:9-33, “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For
he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on
whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth,
but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same
purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might
be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy,
and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For
who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the
thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter
power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto
dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured
with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make
known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also
in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was
not beloved.And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are
not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Esaias also crieth
concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a
remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because
a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of
Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. What
shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to
righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the
law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they
sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that
stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence:
and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
Romans 9-to 11 form Paul’s vindication of God’s Sovereign elective purposes in

salvation.
In Chapter 9, Paul is answering anticipated questions an objector might have

about God.
Why?
Paul asked four questions, then answered them vindicating God’s character and
actions:
1. God’s Faithfulness (vs. 1-6) – first questions (vs. 6)
Verse 6 – has God’s promise failed?
2. God’s Righteousness (vs. 14-18) – second question (vs. 14)
3. God’s Justice (vs. 19-29) – third question (vs. 19)
4. God’s Grace (vs. 30-33) – fourth question (vs. 30)
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Today, we look at questions 2, 3 & 4.
I. Question 2 – Is God Unjust or Unrighteous? (vs. 14-18)
Romans 9:14-18, “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God
forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will
have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth,
nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto
Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my
power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he
hardeneth.”
God’s promise has not failed (vs. 6). But is not God’s purpose, according
to election, unjust?
For God to choose some and pass by others doesn’t seem right.
Paul’s answer is in verse 14, “…God forbid.” Or, not at all!
J.B. Phillips – “do we conclude that God is monstrously unfair?
Paul say’s ‘no way, it’s impossible!
J. Vernon McGee – “If you do not like what God does, perhaps you should move out of
His universe and start one of your own, so you can make your own rules.”
Notice that all of Paul’s life questions are answered in the scriptures (vs.
17).
1st Answer – vs. 15-16 - What God said to Moses (Exodus 33:19)
Exodus 33:19, “And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and
I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to
whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.”
God deals savingly with sinners not on the basis of justice, but
mercy.
(vs. 16) “..willeth,…” – man’s desire; “…runneth,” – man’s effort
2nd Answer - vs. 17 – What God said to Pharaoh (Exodus 9:16)
Exodus 9:16, “And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to
shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the
earth.”
Footnote – God spoke to Pharaoh yet to Paul, what scripture

says, God says! (vs. 17)
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Who hardened Pharaohs heart?
John R.W. Stott – God’s hardening of Pharaoh was a judicial act,

abandoning him to his own stubbornness.”
Illustration: The same sun that melts wax hardens

clay.
Paul see’s God’s word to both Moses , and Pharaoh, as

complementary and sums them up in verse 19 – “Therefore…”
God is not unjust – all have sinned, no one deserves to be saved,

and it’s a wonder and a mystery of God’s mercy, that some are
saved.
If you are lost God is not to blame.
If you are saved its God’s great mercy.
God is NOT unrighteous!
II. Question 3 – Why does God still Blame us? (vs. 19-29)
.
Romans 9:19-29, “Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who
hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall
the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not
the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and
another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his
power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to
destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of
mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of
the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my
people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it
shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my
people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Esaias also crieth
concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the
sea, a remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut it short in
righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. And as Esaias
said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma,
and been made like unto Gomorrha.”
If salvation is due entirely to God, is it fair of God to hold us accountable,

when He makes all the decisions, who can resist Him?
Paul gives three answers to this charge:
1. Who are we to argue with God? (vs. 20-21)
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Paul answers the question with two more questions.
Footnote: Don’t press the clay – for human beings are

not merely lumps of inert clay. To liken humans to
pottery is to emphasize the disparity between us and
God.
The Bible also teaches that we were created in the

image and likeness of God.
So, we are rational, responsible, moral and spiritual

beings.
God does not create sinful beings in order to punish

them. But He does have the right to deal with sinful
beings according to His good pleasure, either to
pardon or punish them.
2. God has His purposes (vs. 22-23)
a. (vs. 22) God bears with great patience the objects of His
wrath.
2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as

some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not
willing that any should perish, but that all should come to
repentance.”
God keeps the door open
b. (vs. 23) Notice the contrast in verse 23 – the vessels of

mercy
“…which he had afore prepared unto glory,…”
But in verse 22 – the vessels of wrath
“…wrath fitted to destruction…”
3. God foretold these things in scripture (vs. 34-39)

God’s way of dealing with Jews and Gentiles was another
illustration of His purpose in election clearly foretold in Old
Testament scripture.
God’s purpose for both Jew and Gentile is salvation by grace

– the only way to be saved!
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III. Question 4; What then shall we say? (vs. 30-33)
Romans 9:30-33, “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after
righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of
faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to
the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it
were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is
written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever
believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
In verse 30, Paul asks: in light of all these arguments in defense of God,
and in light of the small remnant in Israel, who believe, and the majority
who don’t believe.
What conclusion should we draw?
1. He begins with a description of the topsy-turvy situation (vs. 30-

31)
Notice that not only did the Gentiles not follow after
righteousness, they followed after sin and unrighteousness
(Romans 1:18-32)
2. He gives an explanation (vs. 32)
Why has this happened?
“they” are responsible
Paul’s testimony (Phil 3:4-9)
Philippians 3:4-9, “Though I might also have confidence in the

flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he
might trust in the flesh, I more:Circumcised the eighth day, of
the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the
Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal,
persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in
the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I
counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things
but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my
Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do
count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in
him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law,
but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness
which is of God by faith:”
Application: Like the Jews of Paul’s day, people today still

stumble over the cross.
Why?
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The cross undermines our self-righteousness!
The cross is proof that we can’t save ourselves.
Humble yourself and be saved – pride or stumble
3. He ends with a Biblical confirmation (vs. 33)
Isaiah 8:14, “And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of

stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a
gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
Isaiah 28:16, “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion
for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure
foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”
The rock or stone is Jesus Christ
Two options:
1. Believe on Him (stand on Him)

2. Stumble over Him
Romans 9:6-29 – Paul explains why anybody is saved; it is the Sovereign

election of God.
Romans 9:30-33 – Paul shows us why anybody is lost, and the explanation of
that is their own responsibility.
John R. W. Stott, ROMANS: God’s Good News for the World, IVP; pg.278
Few preachers can have maintained this balance better than Charles Simeon of Cambridge in the
first half of the nineteenth century. He lived and ministered at a time when the Arminian-Calvinist
controversy was bitter, and he warned his congregation of the danger of forsaking Scripture in
favour of a theological system. ‘When I come to a text which speaks of election’, he said to J.J.
Guerney in 1831, ‘I delight myself in the doctrine of election. When the apostles exhort me to
repentance and obedience, and indicate my freedom of choice and action, I give myself up to that
side of the question.’ In defence of his commitment to both extremes, Simeon would sometimes
borrow an illustration from the Industrial Revolution: ‘As wheels in a complicated machine may
move in opposite directions and yet subserve a common end, so may truths apparently opposite
be perfectly reconcilable with each other, and equally subserve the purposes of God in the
accomplishment of man’s salvation.
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Romans 10:1-21 - "Rejection, Israel’s Present"
God is Sovereign – Salvation is according to the elective purposes of God, yet

the Bible is a balanced book – it also teaches the responsibility of man.
Paul now moves from ‘Divine Sovereignty’ (Chp. 9) to ‘Human Responsibility’

(Chp. 10)
Paul shows mankind’s responsibility by three simple facts:
Fact #1: The Gospel is within the reach of all (vs. 1-10)
Romans 10:1-10, “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they
might be saved.For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according
to knowledge.For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the
righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one
that believeth.For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the
man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of
faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven?
(that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that
is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee,
even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That
if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart
that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Christ is not only easily accessible to all, but equally accessible to all.
Fact #2: The Gospel has been offered to all (vs. 11-15)
Romans 10:11-15, “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be
ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same
Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the
name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have
not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and
how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be
sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of
peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Fact #3: The Gospel has not been obeyed by all (vs. 16-21)
Romans 10:16-21, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord,
who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the
word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the
earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did not Israel know? First
Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a
foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them
that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to
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Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and
gainsaying people.”
Lessons:
1. Each man and woman is responsible for his or her eternal destiny.
2. It is important to preach the word, we need more beautiful feet.
3. There are only two kinds of righteousness:
• self righteousness – works – cannot save – leads to pride

• God’s righteousness – faith – brings salvation – glorifies God
4. Salvation is not difficult (vs. 9-10)
Romans 10:9-10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is
made unto salvation.”
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Romans 11:1-24 - "Restoration, Israel’s Future"
Introduction:
Romans 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people?...”
Romans 11:11, “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall?...”
The answer is found is verse’s 1 & 11:
Romans 11:1, “…God forbid…”; 11, “…God forbid:…”
The theme of this chapter is: God is not through with Israel!
Illustrations:
Jeremiah 31: 35-37, “Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and
the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the
sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: If those ordinances
depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from
being a nation before me for ever. Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be
measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off
all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.”
Pharaoh – Exodus 1
Haman – Esther 3
Herod – Matthew 2
Hitler 1939-1945
God is not through with Israel!
Beware of the error of “Replacement Theology”
Replacement Theology teaches that the Church is the replacement for Israel, and that
the many promises made to Israel in the Bible are fulfilled in the Christian Church, not in
Israel. So, the prophecies in Scripture concerning the blessing and restoration of Israel to
the Promised Land are "spiritualized" or “allegorized” into promises of God's blessing for
the Church.
http://www.gotquestions.org/replacement-theology.html
God keeps His promises.

The rejection of Israel is not total but partial, not final, but only temporary.
Paul calls four witnesses to prove there is a future restoration for Israel:
I. Personal Proof (vs. 1)
Romans 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an
Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”
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Lesson: Paul’s conversion was a “pattern”
1 Timothy 1:1-16, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God

our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; Unto Timothy, my own son
in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our
Lord. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia,
that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give
heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than
godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity
out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which
some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers
of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we
know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is
not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the
ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and
murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile
themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if
there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the
glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. And I thank
Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful,
putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and
injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the
grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ
Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I
obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering,
for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”
What: How God will save Israel
When: At the Second Coming
Lesson: If God could save Paul, He can save anyone!
There’s Hope
II. Historical Proof (vs. 2-6)
Romans 11:2-6, “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not
what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel,
saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am
left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have
reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of
Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the
election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no
more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more
work.”
Lessons:
1. God is working even if we don’t see it.
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Things aren’t as bad as they seem (vs. 3)
2. Remember, God knows more than we do (vs. 4)
3. God always has a witness (vs. 5)
4. Remember, It’s God’s Grace (vs. 6)
III. Scriptural Proof (vs. 7-10)
Romans 11:7-10, “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but
the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written,
God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears
that they should not hear;) unto this day. And David saith, Let their table be made a
snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: Let their eyes
be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.”
IV. Dispensational Proof (vs. 11-24)
Romans 11:11-24, “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid:
but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them
to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of
them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? For I speak to you
Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any
means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of
them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the
receiving of them be, but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is
also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be
broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with
them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the
branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt
say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of
unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but
fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not
thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity;
but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt
be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for
God is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is
wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much
more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive
tree?”
Salvation
What Paul says about Israel’s hardening is a universal principle.
It can happen to us!
Jesus said in Matthew 13:12, “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he
shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away
even that he hath.”
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Romans 11:25-36 - "Our Great & Glorious God"
INTRODUCTION:
Romans 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an
Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”
”In the first twenty four verses of Romans chapter eleven Paul gave us four
proofs that God is not through with Israel; that Israel will have a future
restoration:
1. Personal proof (vs. 1)

2. Historical proof (vs. 2-6)
3. Scriptural proof (vs. 7-10)
4. Dispensational proof (vs. 11-24)
But now we find that Paul has saved his best witness for last!
The Very Character of God!
Others may dispute your personal experience, history , scripture of prophecy. But
the fact still stands, the Jews are God’s chosen people. And Israel’s future
restoration is rooted in the very character of God.
In our text we find six truths about “Our Great & Glorious God”
I. God’s Timing (vs. 25)
Romans 11:25, “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to
Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”
Paul did not want them to be “…ignorant of this mystery,…”
What mystery?
Ephesians 3:4-6, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in

the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons
of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers
of his promise in Christ by the gospel:”
Israel’s blindness, or hardening, is partial, not total – “…in part…”
It’s temporary, not final – notice the word in verse 25, “…until…”
How long will Israel be blind?
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Answer: verse 25, “…until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”
What is the fullness of the Gentiles?
James speaking:
Acts 15:14, “Simeon (Peter) hath declared how God at the first did
visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.”
When and how will this fullness end?
Answer: The Rapture – The Church Age
Lesson: God knows what time it is – He’s never late!
II. God’s Promise (vs. 26)
Romans 11:26, “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out
of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:”
Notice that the text says: “…all Israel shall be saved:…”
What does that mean?
When will it happen?
Answer: at the Second Coming (see verse 26)
Isaiah 59:20-21, “And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that
turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. As for me, this is my
covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my
words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor
out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith
the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.”
Psalms 14:7, “Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the
LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel
shall be glad.”
The Kingdom Age!

III. God’s Covenant (vs. 27-28)
Romans 11:27-28, “For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their
sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the
election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.”
This is the New Covenant

Isaiah 59:21, “As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My
spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not
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depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the
mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.”
Jeremiah 31:31-34, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a
new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not
according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took
them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant
they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this
shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those
days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in
their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they
shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother,
saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them
unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and
I will remember their sin no more.”
1. “…I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their
hearts;”
2. I “…will be their God, and they shall be my people….”
3. “... they shall all know me…”
4. “…for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no
more.”
The key is found in verse 28, “…but as touching the election, they are
beloved for the fathers' sakes.”
Lesson: If Israel was not chosen because of its goodness, can

it be rejected because of its sin?
Election is based upon Grace, not merit!
IV. God’s Nature (vs. 29) – A Key Verse
Romans 11:29, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
For the gifts of God are irrevocable!
God’s sovereign election of Israel, like that of individual believers today, is

unconditional and unchangeable because it is rooted in His immutable
nature.
What are “…the gifts and calling of God…”
The gifts – Romans 9:4-5, “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the
adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the
service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as
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concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever.
Amen.”
The calling – Romans 11:28, “As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for
your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.”
These are irrevocable!
Why?
Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man,
that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken,
and shall he not make it good?”
Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not;”
God’s elective purposes cannot change because God does not change!
1. God’s Life does not change – created things have a beginning

and an end but God does not. He does not grow older or
mature or weaken or grow stronger.
2. God’s Character does not change
3. God’s Truth does not change
4. God’s Ways do not change
5. God’s Purposes do not change – What God does in time He

planned in eternity
6. God’s Son does not change
Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for
ever.”
Israel’s unbelief does not change God. He will be consistent with Himself;
and true to His word no matter what men may do.
Illustrations: Abraham – Isaac – Jacob and David
Romans 3:3-4, “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the
faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a
liar; …”
Lesson: (In the context of Romans) Justification by faith is

irrevocable!
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V. God’s Mercy (vs. 30-32)
Romans 11:30-32, “For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now
obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that
through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in
unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.”
These verses form a summary of Paul’s argument.
The key verse is verse 32, (N.L.T.) -“For God has imprisoned everyone in
disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.” (Jew & Gentile)
1. We are saved because of God’s mercy
Ephesians 2:4, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love
wherewith he loved us,”
I Timothy 1:13, “… I obtained mercy, …”
2. To receive mercy we must see our need of mercy
We are sinners
Illustration: The Pharisee & Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14, “Two men went up to the temple to

pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The
Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I
thank You that I am not like other men -- extortioners,
unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast
twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess." And
the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much
as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying,
"God, be merciful to me a sinner!" I tell you, this man
went down to his house justified rather than the
other; for everyone who exalts himself will be
humbled, and he who humbles himself will be
exalted.”
Come, Every Soul by Sin Oppressed,
Come, every soul by sin oppressed;

There’s mercy with the Lord,
And He will surely give you rest
By trusting in His Word.
- John H. Stockton
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If you have received mercy, you must be merciful to others!
VI. God’s Wisdom (vs. 33-36)
Romans 11:33-36, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of
God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath
known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given
to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and
to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
Coming to the end of his great doctrinal section of Romans, having

contemplated God’s wise plan of Salvation for Jews and Gentiles alike. All
that’s left for Paul to do is break forth in humble praise to our great and
glorious God.
Theology must always become doxology.
This doxology is perhaps the greatest in all Holy Scripture.
1. It begins with an astonished exclamation (vs. 33)
God’s wealth and wisdom – looking back
How God saves a sinner
His ways or paths are beyond tracing out.
We don’t often know what God is doing
Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are
your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than
the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts
than your thoughts.”
2. It continues with a rhetorical question (vs. 34-35)
3. Paul makes a theological affirmation (vs. 36a)
• of Him – He’s the creator or source

• through Him – He’s the sustainer
• to Him – He’s the goal
• He’s the alpha and omega, and every letter of the
alphabet in between
4. He concludes with a final ascription (vs. 36b)
“…to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
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Lesson: Theology – our belief about God
Doxology – our worship of God should never be separated
• worship without theology becomes idolatry

• But there is also a danger of theology without doxology –
a cold academic interest in God
Beware equally of:
• undevotional theology
• untheological devotion
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Romans 12:1-2 - "A Call To Consecration"
INTRODUCTION: On e of the notable features of Paul’s epistles is that he often

combines doctrine with duty, belief with behavior.
Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians is no exception.
Chapters 1-11 – Were Doctrine
Sin, Salvation, Sanctification, and Sovereignty
Now we move into chapters 12-16 – Duty or Service
From – Condemnation – The Wrath of God revealed

To – Salvation – The Righteousness of God revealed
To – Vindication – The Wisdom of God revealed
Chapters 12-15 – Exhortation – The Will of God revealed
The focus of Chapters 12-16 is practical Christian living.
These chapters contain application to the question, “How should we then live?”
First, in our relationship to God.
The answer is found in Romans 12:1-2:
Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God.”
It’s a call to consecration
Consecration means to dedicate yourself to God.
To be right, in all our relationships, we must start with our relationship to God.
Two things summarize our relationship to God in this text:
1. The Consecration of our bodies (vs. 1)
2. The Transformation of our minds (vs. 2)
It starts with our Consecration!
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Four Aspects:
1. The Basis
2. The Nature
3. The Demands
4. The Results
I. The Basis of our Consecration (vs. 1a)
Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,…”
Two Keys:
1. therefore,
How far does it go back? Chapters 1-11 or 11:36
2. mercies of God
Romans 9:16, “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that
runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”
Romans 9:23, “And that he might make known the riches of his glory
on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,”
Romans 11:30, “For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet
have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:”
Romans 11:32, “For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he
might have mercy upon all.”
Lesson: We see the principle that the basis for righteous living and
social morality and ethics is Bible doctrine.
When we call for values, the question will be asked: “Whose

values”, “Why?”
Paul knew that there is no greater incentive to Holy living than a

contemplation of the mercies of God.
The reason we studied Romans 1-11 is because, the greater our

comprehension of what God has done for us, the greater our commitment
should be.
The same word ‘grace’ and ‘gratitude’ come from the Greek noun, ‘charis’
Isaac Watts – ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’
“… Love so amazing, so divine
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Demands my soul, my life, my all.”
II. The Nature of our Consecration (vs, 1b)
The nature of our consecration is given in the last half of verse one, … that
ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable (logical) service.
Our consecration has two prominent characteristics:
1. It’s the total commitment of our total person.
Notice the word ‘body’, it was used for sinful purposes but
notice now that it’s the temple of the Holy Spirit, so use it to
serve and glorify God.
John R.W. Stott – “No worship is pleasing to God which is purely inward
abstract and mystical; it must express itself in concrete acts of service
performed by our bodies.”
2. It’s reasonable, or logical
Illustrations: Birds fly, fish swim, etc.
Service or Worship!
R. Kent Hughes – “If we are worshiping apart from commitment to God, it

is false worship. We are deceiving ourselves if we are doing ‘Christian
things’ but are not consecrated to Jesus Christ. Sam Shoemaker said:
‘To be a Christian means to give as much of myself as I can to as much
of Jesus Christ I know.’ “
We are to be ‘living sacrifices’ at home and in the

marketplace.
III. The Demands of our Consecration (vs. 2a)
Notice the two commands:
The first is negative: be not conformed to this world:
What does this mean?
It’s a call to nonconformity and to Holiness.
conformed – refers to assuming an outward expression that does not

reflect what is really inside.
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to this world – is the evil world system apart from God
It’s Age – Satan is the ruler of
John 12:31, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince
of this world be cast out.”
1 John 2:15-17, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth
the will of God abideth for ever.”
J.B. Phillips paraphrase of this verse says, “don’t let the world around
you squeeze you into it’s own mold.”
Sad to say many Christians do!
How?
• TV
Many Churches do too!
Jesus said, “don’t be like them!”
Old Testament Illustration: Abraham and Lot
It’s hard to live in this sinful world:
At Work
At School
Jesus prayed for us (John 17)
The second is positive (vs. 2) – “but be ye transformed…”
From transformed we get our word ‘metamorphosis’.
It describes a change from within.
Illustrations: a tadpole to a frog; a caterpillar to a butterfly.
This word is used of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration
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• Jesus displayed outwardly His inner divine nature and
glory.
• Christians should outwardly manifest their inner,
redeemed natures.
How are we transformed?
“…by the renewing of your mind,…
If the world controls your mind you are a ‘conformer’.
If God controls your mind or thinking, you are a ‘transformer’
Illustration: Daniel – he purposed in his heart….
How are our minds renewed?
a) The Spirit of God
Ephesians 5:18, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but
be filled with the Spirit;”
b) The Word of God & Prayer
Jesus prayer in John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy
word is truth.”
IV. The Results of our Consecration (vs. 2b)
A consecrated life has the power to perceive what God’s will is (How to
know God’s will?).
The New English Bible – “Then you will be able to discern the will of God and to
know what is good, acceptable, and perfect.”
The person who is committed to God sees life with a sure eye. While the
careless and uncommitted are in confusion.
These two value systems, ‘this world’, and ‘God’s will’, are incompatible
Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate
the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye
cannot serve God and mammon.”
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Romans 12:3-8 - "Thinking Rightly as Members of Christ’s Body"
Two things summarize our relationship to God:
A. The consecration of our bodies (vs. 1)

B. The transformation of our minds (vs. 2)
Now that our bodies are consecrated and our minds transformed; How are we to
think about ourselves, fellow believers, and our spiritual gifts?
Paul answers theses questions in verses 3-8.
I. Thinking Rightly About Ourselves (vs. 3)
Romans 12:3, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among
you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly,
according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Notice that this is for everyone – think!
1st – the Negative – Don’t think more highly of yourself (vs. 3)
Literally – Do not super think of yourself – do not get hyper about

yourself.
Perhaps Paul put this first because it is such a natural tendency for
us (our flesh).
It’s the old problem of pride and it can take two forms:
a. You put yourself up – you brag
• your achievements
• your wealth
• your name drop
• your race
• your religion
• your position
• your power
b) You put yourself down – it’s the reverse of pride
How are we to think about ourselves?
2nd – Think of yourselves soberly (vs. 3)
Instead of super thoughts of self, there is to be sober thoughts of

self.
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It’s seeing yourself as God see’s you:
Ray Stedman – When I get up in the morning I try to remind myself of three
things: First, I am made in the image of God. I am not an animal and I don’t have
to behave like an animal, because I have an ability within me, given to me by
God himself, the ability to react and relate to God. Therefore I can behave as a
man and not as a beast. Second, I am filled with the Spirit of God. The most
amazing thing has happened! Though I didn’t deserve it in the least degree, I
have the power of God at work within me. I have become in some sense, the
bearer of God, and God himself is willing to be at work in me in terms of the little
problems and the little pressures that I am going to go through this day. Third, I
remind myself that I am part of the plan of God, that God is working out all things
to a great and final purpose and significance and meaning. It is not just a
meaningless thing that I am going to go through. Even the smallest incident, the
most apparently insignificant word or relationship is involved in that great plan.
Therefore all has meaning and purpose.
That gives me confidence without conceit. I have a sense of being able to cope,
of being able to handle life. I know I don’t deserve this gift of worth and grace,
and yet I have it. Therefore I can’t be conceit about it, but I can be confident in it.
I don’t know anything else that can set you on your feet like that.
• Made in God’s image

• Saved and filled with the Holy Spirit
• Part of His plan – confidence without conceit
Notice the words in verse 3, “…according as God hath dealt to every man
the measure of faith.”
Measure is a standard by which to measure ourselves.
It’s not our feelings; it’s not other people, or our circumstances and
accomplishments.
It’s The Faith (the teaching of scripture) and Jesus Christ
Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ
Jesus:”
Think of yourself with an attitude of true humility.

Remember, our salvation, sanctification, and service are all
because of God’s grace.
II. Thinking Rightly About Fellow Believers (vs. 4-5)
Romans 12:4-5, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have
not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one
members one of another.”
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Paul now uses the illustration of the human body as a picture of the
Church.
There is such a great need today for right thinking about the Church.
1. There is only one body (vs. 4) – Unity
2. All members have not the same office (vs. 4) – Diversity
The Church needs both!
F.F. Bruce – Diversity, not uniformity, is the mark of God’s

handiwork. It is so in nature; it is so in grace, too, and nowhere more
so than in the Christian community. Here are many men and women
with the most diverse kinds of parentage, environment,
temperament, and capacity. Not only so, but sincere they became
Christians they have been endowed by God with a great variety of
spiritual gifts as well. Yet because and by means of that diversity, all
can co-operate for the good of the whole.
Be and do what God has called you too!
3. We need each other (vs. 5) – “…and every one members one

of another.” – Interdependency
The Christian life is not to be lived in isolation from other

members of the body.
Don’t cheat others!
This is the problem with the Church today:
• radical individualism – making your own rules

• narcissism – no truth
III. Thinking Rightly About Our Gifts (vs. 6-8)
Romans 12:6-8, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry,
let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth,
on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with
diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
A. Every Christian is given a gift

B. We don’t all have the same gift (vs. 6)
C. They are grace gifts (vs. 6)
D. They are given by the Holy Spirit
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1 Corinthians 12:8, “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to
another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;”
E. They are to be used for the common good of the Church
1 Corinthians 12:7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man
to profit withal.”
F. To bring unity, maturity and the glory of God
If used in humility and love.
Paul list’s Seven gifts: (also see 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4 & 1 Peter
4)
1. Prophecy (vs. 6) - to speak the word of God (notice the word

“faith”)
2. Ministry (vs. 7) – to serve (deacon); the gift of helps
Literally, Just do it! – serve them well
3. Teaching (vs. 7) – get going teaching!

4. Exhortation (vs. 8) – to encourage and to comfort
Illustration – Barnabas
It’s the same word used to describe the Holy Spirit
5. Giving (vs. 8)
How to do it:
• give generously
• give willingly
• give joyfully
6. Ruleth (vs. 8) – to lead – leadership
It’s to take care of; give aid to

Notice we are told to be diligent (don’t wing it)
7. Showing Mercy (vs. 8)
Showing kindness to people in need
Like offering rides to church!
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APPLICATION: Taken From Romans 12:1-2
John McArthur, Jr. – The purpose of offering ourselves to God as living sacrifices is not mystical
or monastic but eminently practical. Devotion to the Lord and active, faithful ministry for Him are
inseparable. We cannot be truly sacrificed to Him and be inactive in His work. And, on the
other hand, we cannot be truly successful in His work without being genuinely devoted to Him.
Service to God brings honor to Him and blessing for us only when it is the outflow of our worship
in offering ourselves as living sacrifices. Such commitment naturally and inevitably produces
effective ministry. There is no godly commitment without God-blessed ministry, and no
God-blessed ministry without godly commitment.
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Romans 12:9-13 - "The Manifestation of Love"
Romans 12:9-13, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that
which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring
one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope;
patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints;
given to hospitality.”
Other titles I could have given this message might have been: Love in Action;
Love Exposed; The Greatest Thing in the World; or A Recipe for Real Love.
Ray Stedman called his message, “How to Hug” – the title was used because of
a story he had once heard:
“A man was walking down the street, and as he passed a used book store he saw a book
in the window with this title, “How to Hug.” Being of a somewhat romantic nature, he went
in to buy the book. To his chagrin, he discovered that it was a certain volume of an
encyclopedia and covered the subjects “How” to “Hug.”
I have often thought of the church as like that. Everyone knows that the church is a place
where love ought to be manifested, and many people have come to church hoping to find
a demonstration of love, only to discover an encyclopedia on theology.”
How are we who have consecrated bodies and transformed minds to show or
manifest genuine Christian love?
In the Church – vs. 9-13
In the World – vs. 14-21 (Next Study)
For our text today, I want to look at the manifestation of genuine Christian love in
five categories:
I. Love’s Quality (vs. 9a)
Romans 12:9a, “Let love be without dissimulation….”
What is the number one quality of real love?
Sincerity – No hypocrisy
William Barclay – “Your love must be completely sincere”
New Living Translation – “Don’t just pretend to love others, really

love them.”
Sincere is from the Latin word, sincerus, meaning, without wax; un-
hypocritical – without a mask.
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"Sincere" (anupokritos from "a" = without + hupokrinomai = to pretend)
means unfeigned, without pretense, that is that which is genuine, free from
deceit, authentic, undisguised, without pretense or sham and to use the "king's
old English" to be "without dissimulation" (KJV) (dissimulate = hide under a false
appearance).
In classical Greek drama, the hupokrites (actor) wore a face-mask projecting an

image but hiding his true identity under (hupo) a mask. Peter is saying that the
Christian’s love should not be acting a part or wearing a mask, but should be an
authentic expression of goodwill (Rom 12:9). Believers are not simply "playing
the part" but are to exemplify a love which is completely genuine, unhypocritical,
without pretense or deceit. A believer's love is to be "the real thing".
No phony love; or sham love
Illustration The kiss of Judas
Luke 22:47-48, “And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was
called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus
to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man
with a kiss?”
True Love comes from the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) – it’s the fruit of the
Spirit (Gal. 5:22)
In the Greek, it’s the word ‘agapeo’ – Agape is a word that simply means
"the ultimate act of self- sacrifice." It is a word which refers to the ultimate
act of sacrificing oneself for the good of someone else.
Other Greek words for Love:
Storge (στοργή storgē) means affection in modern Greek; it is natural affection,

like that felt by parents for offspring.
Philia (φιλία philía), means friendship in modern Greek. It includes loyalty to

friends, family, and community, and requires virtue, equality and familiarity.
Eros (ἔρως érōs) is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. The
Modern Greek word "erotas" means "(romantic) love". Never used in the New
Testament
God’s Love is sincere.

II. Love’s Morality (vs. 9b)
Romans 12:9b, “…Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
What is the manifestation of loves morality?
Discernment – we are to hate what is evil, and cling to what is good.
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It may surprise some that love and hate are found in the same verse. The
two seem incompatible to most people. But they’re not! Even God, who is
Love, hates.
Seven things God hates:
Proverbs 6:16-19, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are
an abomination unto him: (1) A proud look, (2) a lying tongue, and (3)
hands that shed innocent blood, (4) An heart that deviseth wicked
imaginations, (5) feet that be swift in running to mischief, (6) A false
witness that speaketh lies, and (7) he that soweth discord among
brethren.”
This is true for too, Psalms 97:10, “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil:”
Love that is sincere is not a blind sentimental mush. But rather, discerning;
so that it hates anything that is evil or detrimental to the object loved.
In the context here, it’s people.
We need to hate the sin, love the sinner.
Illustration: Homosexuality
III. Love’s Commitment (vs. 10)
Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another;”
1. Affection (vs. 10a) - “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly
love;…”
The New Living Translation – “Love each other with genuine affection.”
Paul uses two family words:
i. ‘kindly affectioned’ – we get our word ‘kin’, or ‘family’

ii. ‘brotherly love’ – is Philadelphia
Be devoted with warm family affection to one another in brotherly love.

As children of God, we are to have affection for each other.
Why?
Because we are ‘spiritual kin’ (not a club, but a family)
2. Honour (vs. 10b) - “…in honour preferring one another;”
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Literally – in respect to honor, lead the way for each other.
It means that I am willing to give recognition and honor to others – not

seeking my own.
J.B. Phillips Translation – “Be willing to let other men have the credit.”
Real love doesn’t care who gets the credit.
It’s a problem in the church today!
Illustrations:
Old Testament - Saul jealous of David (1 Samuel 18)
New Testament – Philippians 2:3-4, “Let nothing be done through

strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other
better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but
every man also on the things of others.”
IV. Love’s Expression
Romans 12:11-12, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”
Notice the four ways love expresses itself:
1. In ‘enthusiasm’ (vs. 11)
Literally – “In regard to what you ought to be doing, don’t be lazy.”
• the business of being a Christian

• the business of being a parent
• Church business
• The business of earning a living
New Living Translation - “Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord
enthusiastically.”
King James Version – “…fervent in spirit;…” – it’s a picture of a boiling

pot.
Be hot for the Lord – be on fire!
It’s not just unbridled enthusiasm, its serving the Lord.
Are you?
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2. In Hope (vs. 12) – “Rejoicing in hope;…”
More than anything else this is what sets a Christian apart from the
man of this world.
We have hope and, we rejoice in it.
It’s our anchor for the future; not just a vague and sentimental
optimism, but a hope as bright as the promises of God.
What is our hope? (Blessed Hope)
What’s it based on? – Jesus blood and righteousness
3. Patience (endurance) (vs. 12) – “…patient in tribulation;…”
While rejoicing in our future hope we are also patient in affliction.
Love keeps us going – our love for God and God’s love for us.
4. Prayer (vs. 12) - “…; continuing instant in prayer;”
Literally – “and in regard to prayer continuing.”
Why does Paul tell us to continue in prayer?
Because our problem is we give up on prayer.
We get tired, and neglect prayer.
It’s what we need most.
Jesus teaching on prayer – Just do it!
Illustration: Luke 11:9, “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
Prayer helps us to be patient in trouble and rejoice in our hope.

Believers who genuinely love are devoted to prayer (for others)
V. Love’s Care (vs. 13)
Romans 12:13, “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
1. Generosity – “Distributing” (K.J.V.) – we get the word ‘Koinonia’ from

this word.
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Koinonia – ‘to share with’ – it can mean here, either to share in
peoples needs and sufferings, or to share out our resources with
them.
2. Hospitality – Literally – ‘love strangers’
It was very important in their day, but also today.
Notice the word ‘given’, it means to pursue after.
In the Greek it can be rendered, “In regard to the need of saints,

participating, practicing hospitality.”
Not just money, open your heart, hand and home.
Review:
The Manifestation of true Christian love:
1. Sincere
2. Discerning
3. Affectionate and respectful
4. Enthusiastic
5. Patient
6. Generous
7. Hospitable
• In brotherly love – affectionate

• In honor – preferring one another
• In zeal – not lazy
• In spirit – fervent, serving the Lord
• In hope – rejoicing
• In affliction – patient
• In prayer – continuing instant
In the needs of the saints – partaking sharing hospitality
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Romans 12:14-21 - "The Manifestation of Love (Pt. 2)"
When we are moved by the mercies of God to present our bodies, and when our
minds have been renewed to grasp his will, all our relationships become
transformed.
• not only do we offer our bodies to God (vs. 1-2)

• we develop a sober self-image (vs. 3-8)
• and love one another in the church (vs. 9-13)
But now we also love and serve our enemies
Romans 12:14-21, “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them
that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another.
Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be
possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not
yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay,
saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in
so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil
with good.”
Paul makes it very clear, in this final paragraph of Romans 12, that in our
relationship with our enemies, we are:
1. not to curse (vs. 14)

2. not to repay evil for evil (vs. 17)
3. not to take revenge (vs. 19)
4. not to be overcome by evil (vs. 21)
All four prohibitions say the same thing in different words: retaliation and revenge
are absolutely forbidden to the followers of Jesus Christ.
Jesus himself said, “…Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that
curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
Today we will look at six ways god’s love is manifested in our relationship with
the world:
1. Love speaks well of its persecutors (vs. 14)

Romans 12:14, “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
Notice first, that Christians will be persecuted.
Why?
Because, we don’t belong in this world and, we are identified with Christ.
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How are we to respond to persecution?
A. Bless them – the word bless is a compound word made up of

two words: ‘well’ and ‘word’. It means to speak a good word. We
get our English word ‘eulogy’ from it.
“When a soldier asked General Robert E. Lee what he thought about a

subordinate who had been particularly critical of the general, Lee replied
that he thought the man was a good soldier. When asked if he knew
what the officer has been saying about him and if that would change his
opinion, General Lee replied, “You asked me what I thought of him, not
what he thought of me.”
B. Do not curse – it’s a command
Illustrations:
Driving
Jesus on the cross – 1 Peter 2:21-23, “For even hereunto were ye

called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that
ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in
his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he
suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that
judgeth righteously:”
C. Jesus also said to pray for them
He did!
Do you?
2. Love adjusts to other people’s moods (vs. 15)
Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
True love never stands aloof from other people’s joys or pains. It’s
sympathetic; it sings and suffers with them.
Love enters deeply into their sorrows and success.
Illustrations:
Jesus at the wedding of Cana - John 2:1-11
Jesus at the grave of Lazarus – John 11
When others are honored and blessed do you truly rejoice? (vs. 10)
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3. Love does not show partiality (vs. 16)
Romans 12:16, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
A. “Be of the same mind one toward another…”
Literally, ‘think the same things towards one another’ – so, live in
harmony.
I want you to have what, if I were in your position, I would want myself
to have.
Jesus said, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them
likewise." Luke 6:31
B. Live in Humility (vs. 16b) – “…Be not wise in your own conceits.”
‘don’t be proud but willing to associate with people of low position, do

not be conceited.’
Remember verse 3, “…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to

think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure
of faith.”
Proverbs 3:7, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from
evil.”
John R.W. Stott – “Few kinds of pride are worse than snobbery. Snobs are obsessed
with questions of status, with the stratification of society into ‘upper’ and ‘lower’
(where you live – Jesus was from Nazareth) classes, or its division into distinctions of
tribe and caste, and so with the company they keep. They forget that Jesus
fraternized freely and naturally with social rejects, and calls his followers to do the
same with equal freedom and naturalness. As JB (Phillips) puts it, ‘Never be
condescending, but make real friends with the poor.”
Illustrations:
Jesus
born in a manger
subject to his parents
baptized by John
touched the lepers
stopped for blind beggars
fed hungry people
friend of harlots and tax collectors
took time for children
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chose humble fishermen
Zacchaeus came down
The lame man stood up
4. Love lives thoughtfully in society (vs. 17)
Romans 12:17, “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight
of all men.”
JB Phillips – “see that your public behavior is above criticism.”
It’s being thoughtful of your behavior as to how it effects others.
Illustration:
Romans 14:13-21, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more:
but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion
to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord
Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that
esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy
brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably.
Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then
your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and
drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he
that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved
of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the
work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who
eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine,
nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is
made weak.”
Will it stumble?
William Barclay – “our conduct should be fair for all to see.”
5. Love seeks to live at peace with everyone (vs. 18)
Romans 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone (in the church)
1. Do your part
2. You’re not responsible for how people treat you, but you are
responsible for how you respond.
3. Not peace at any price – purity before peace
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Romans 12:9, “…Abhor (hate) that which is evil;…”
6. Love does not try to get even (vs. 19-21)
Romans 12:19-21, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place
unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so
doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but
overcome evil with good.”
A. It’s hard – Jesus said, turn the other cheek
Matthew 5:38-42, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye,
and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but
whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And
if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy
cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”
when you’re driving

in your marriage
B. Leave it for God – put it in His hands!
Vengeance is God’s prerogative. He will repay at the right time and

in the right way.
R. C. H. Lenski – “God has long ago settled the whole matter about exacting
justice from wrongdoers. Not one of them will escape. Perfect justice will be done
in every case and will be done perfectly. If any of us interfered, it would be the
height of presumption.”
C. Christianity goes beyond non-resistance to active benevolence. It

does not destroy its enemies by violence but converts them by love.
(vs. 20)
Ray Stedman – “One day I read a story about a boy who was in the army. He
was a Christian and had formed the habit of praying beside his bed before he
went to sleep. He kept up this practice in the army, but he became an object of
mockery and ridicule to the entire barracks. One night he knelt to pray after a
long, weary march. As he was praying, one of his tormentors took off his muddy
boots and threw them at the boy, one at a time, hitting him on each side of his
head. Saying nothing about it, the Christian just took the boots and put them
beside his bed and continued to pray. But the next morning, when the other man
woke up, he found his boots sitting beside his bed, all shined and polished. It so
broke his heart that he came to the boy and asked him for forgiveness. That led,
after a time, to the man becoming a Christian.”
D. Romans 12:21a, “Be not overcome of evil,…”
George Washington Carver – “I will never let another man ruin my life by
making me hate him.”
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Illustration – the danger of anger, hatred & inforgiveness
E. Romans 12:21b, “…but overcome evil with good.”
How?
1. Remember how God has treated you
2. Remember Jesus, our example
3. Remember to be filled with the Holy Spirit
Luke 6:35, “…ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind
unto the unthankful and to the evil.”
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Romans 13:1-7 - "God’s Strange Servants"
Romans 13:1-7,” Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but
of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,
resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the
power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of
God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the
sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth
evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon
this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to
whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
In our study of Romans 12 we saw the Christian in his relationship namely 1) to

God, 2) to himself, 3) to other believers, and 4) to his enemies.
As we come to Romans 13, Paul; speaks about three more transformed

relationships of the child of God:
1. Our relationship to the State (vs. 1-7)
2. Our relationship to the Law (vs. 8-10)
3. Our relationship to the Lord’s return (vs. 11-14)
Today we look together at the subject of the Christian and his relationship to the
State or Government.
This subject, and this text are the source of great controversy.
• Separation of Church and State
I hope to bring some clarity as to what the Bible teaches on this subject.
The Church and the State have different roles and as Christians we have duties
to both.
Illustration: The story of the Pharisees and Herodians attempting to catch

Jesus in his words.
Mark 12:13-17, “And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the
Herodians, to catch him in his words. And when they were come, they say unto
him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou
regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it
lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?
But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a
penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose
is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. And Jesus
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answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and
to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.”
What is our duty to the State?
The answer is found in our word: ‘Submission’
Three things about submission:
1. The Precept of Submission (to the State) Vs. 1a)
Romans 13:1a, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers….”
Notice that it’s a command – a passive imperative.
Also, it’s for everyone – ‘every soul’
Paul is saying that Christianity and good citizenship should go

together.
What about Bad government?
When Paul wrote this Epistle, Nero was Emperor of Rome.
I Peter 2:13, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:
whether it be to the king, as supreme;”
Christians are to be law abiding citizens of the State.
Is there no limitation to our obligation of submission?
Yes, we can brake only those laws that to keep, would require
disobedience to God’s word.
You can’t say, God told me it was okay to speed because I

was late to church.
Illustrations from the Bible:
1. Exodus 1 - When Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill

the new born boys (they feared God).
2. Daniel 1 - When Daniel, Shadrach; Meshach; and Abednego.
were commanded to eat the Kings food that was unclean so
breaking the Mosaic dietary laws.
3. Daniel 3 - When King Nebuchadnezzar issued his edict to

worship his golden image.
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4. Daniel 6 - When King Darius issued a decree that no one pray
but to him for 30 days.
5. Acts 4 – When the Sanhedrin banned preaching in the name of

Jesus – we must obey God rather than man.
Illustration – Corrie Ten Boom – Hiding Jews from the Nazi’s
In each case found in scripture, civil disobedience was to

demonstrate submissiveness to God, not defiance of government.
II. The Purpose of Submission (to the State) (vs. 1b-5)
Romans 13:1b-5, “…For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are
ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the
ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not
be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of
the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that
which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the
minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for
conscience sake.”
Five reasons to submit to government:
1. Human government is ordained of God (vs. 1)
The reason for our submission is found in the fact that civil
government has its source in God.
There are three divinely ordained institutions:
Family
Government
The Church
The starting point in our submission is the Sovereignty of God
God is the one who sets up the rules – good or bad!
Illustrations:
Romans 9:17, “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same
purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and
that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.”
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Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 4:34-35, 37, “And at the end of the days I
Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding
returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and
honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting
dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the
inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to
his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth:
and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”
… Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven,
all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in
pride he is able to abase.
Everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those
who walk in pride he is able to humble.
Three times in Daniel 4 the text says that the most high ruleth in
the kingdom of men.
We in the USA need to remember this!
Government leaders need to remember that they are given the

authority by God; so they are under and accountable to God.
Illustration – Jesus before Pilate
Footnote: there is no best form of government.
2. To resist government is rebellion against God (vs. 2)
Illustration – Korah’s rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16)
3. Government serves to restrain evil and promote good (vs. 3-4a)
Illustration - Paul uses his Roman citizenship
Acts 22.27-28, “Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell
me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. And the chief captain answered,
With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was
free born.”
Thank God for our laws and the police department.
Notice the words: ‘good’ and ‘evil’ in verse 3
How do we know good from evil?
God’s law – the higher authority.
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4. Government is empowered by God to inflict punishment for
disobedience (vs. 4)
Notice the words: ‘minister of God’
‘to protect’ – able to punish
‘the sword’ – Capital punishment
Romans 12:19, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give
place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith
the Lord.”
God uses Government!
5. We should submit to Government for conscience sake (vs. 5)
I Peter 2:13, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's
sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;”
We are to live with a clear conscience – a higher reason than

others.
Is your conscience clear? - Is the Holy Spirit grieved?
Are you breaking the law?
III. The Particulars of Submission (vs.6-7)
Romans 13:6-7, “For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's
ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all
their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to
whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
1. Pay (vs. 6) – pay your taxes
We owe the government not only obedience but also taxes. –
Matthew 22:21, “They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto
them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and
unto God the things that are God's.”
Pay (vs. 7) – customs
Pay – fear
Pay – honor – respect the office
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Parents; teachers; police; bosses
Acts 23:5, “Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was
the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of
the ruler of thy people.”
2. Pray
1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For
kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
3. Preach
1 Timothy 2:3-7, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the
knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between
God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to
be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an
apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles
in faith and verity.”
We are to be the conscience of the nation through faithful

preaching and godly living.
The Government can punish evil doers, but it can never pardon
a man’s sin and change his heart.
Only God can do that.
In Matthew 22:21, Jesus said, “… Give therefore…to God the things

that are God’s.
Have you given to God your heart?
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Romans 13:8-10 - "The Debt of Love"
Romans 13:8-10, “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another
hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt
not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other
commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the
law.”
Jesus said in:
John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have
loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.”
This commandment of Jesus is:
First: challenging
Second: Promising
In Romans 13:8, Paul comes back to the subject of love he introduced in:
Romans 12:9, “Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy)….”
Romans 12:20, “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in
so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” - Love your enemy
Turning from our relationship to the state, he now speaks about our treatment of
the people, or citizens of the state.
How are we to treat other people?
Romans 13:9, “…Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
The mark of the Christian is love.
Three aspects:
I. Love’s Debt (vs. 8)
Romans 13:8. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.”
Paul has already spoken several times, in Romans, about the believers
debts:
• Romans 1:14 – We are in debt to the unbelieving world to share

the gospel.
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• Romans 8:12 – We are in debt to the Holy Spirit to live a holy
life.
• Romans 13:6-7 – We are in debt to the state to pay taxes.
We now come to Romans 13:8 – Let no debt remain outstanding

except the continuing debt to love one another.
Romans 13:8. “Owe no man any thing,…”
What does it mean?
• It’s not – saying you can’t borrow money or buy something on

time.
• It is saying – if you do borrow, pay it back. It’s literally, “Let no
debt remain outstanding.”
Not just money, it can be something you may have borrowed

to use, like a tool.
Christians should pay people what they owe.
Don’t go into debt over your head.
Steps to getting out of debt:
1. Recognize it’s a spiritual problem
Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to
his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
2. Stop buying on time
3. Live within your income
4. Sell assets to reduce your current debt.
Even so, there is a debt which you can never pay off – it’s your debt of
love.
Love is an unpaid debt (vs. 8) “…but to love one another:…”

Origen – The debt of love remains with us permanently and never leaves us; this is a
debt which we both discharge every day, and forever owe.
We can never say, “I have done all the loving I need too: I quit!”
Love is the great need in the world today:
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• no divorce
• no crime
• no war
We need to remember that every person we meet we owe them love.
II. Love’s Duty (vs. 9)
Romans 13:9, “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou
shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there
be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou
shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
We see here that love is the fulfillment of the law.
Illustration – Jesus asked what the greatest commandment is:
Matthew 22:36-40, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said
unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like
unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang
all the law and the prophets.”
“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor
as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (cf.
Deuteronomy 6:4, 5 and Leviticus 19:18)
In Exodus 20 we find that the Law is divided into two divisions (Vertical –
towards God & Horizontal – towards mankind)
Paul quotes five prohibitions (in the Authorized Version: KJV) from the
second table of the Law to explain how love fulfills the law:
1. Thou shalt not commit adultery (7th Commandment)
The 1631 Edition of the King James Bible was referred to as, ‘The
Wicked Bible’ because it left out the word “not” in this
commandment.
• Sex is for the sacredness of marriage

• Sex outside of marriage is sin (Illustration: Joseph)
Adultery, fornication, lust
If you are married, be on guard!
Suggestions for avoiding committing adultery:
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• Center your life on Jesus Christ and His word.
• Follow the Bible teaching for your marriage
• Make your spouse a priority
• Meet your mates sexual needs (Read 1 Corinthians 7)
• Avoid relationships that might tempt you.
It’s not love, its lust!
2. Thou shalt not kill (6th Commandment)
It’s murder, not killing – If love will not harm another person, it surely
will not murder them.
3. Thou shalt not steal (8th Commandment)
There are many ways we can steal:
• From an employer when we do not give him or her the best

work. which we are capable of.
• We steal if we overextend our coffee breaks or leave work early.
• We steal if we waste the products with which we are working
with.
• We steal if we borrow and do not repay.
4. Thou shalt not bear false witness (9th Commandment)
It’s in the Authorized Version – but omitted in others because only a

few manuscripts include it.
5. Thou shalt not covet (10th Commandment)
Exodus 20:17 – your neighbors house, wife, servants, ox, donky, or

anything that is your neighbors.
Its ‘an inward craving for more” – money, things, status, people
It leads us to break other commandments.
Illustration: David & Bathsheba
Covetousness destroys us.
Illustration: Achan - ...called also Achar / Meaning: one who

troubles.
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This man was named in in remembrance of his crime (1 Chr.
2:7), which brought upon him an awful destruction (Josh. 7:1).
When Jericho fell, he seized, contrary to the divine command,
an ingot of gold, a quantity of silver, and a costly Babylonian
garment, which he hid in his tent.
Joshua was convinced that the defeat which the Israelites

sustained afterwards at Ai was evidence of God's judgment of
some crime. He at once cast lots to discover the criminal. It was
then found that Achan was guilty, and he was stoned to death in
the valley of Achor. He and all that belonged to him were then
consumed by fire, and a heap of stones was raised over the
ashes.
http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/achan.html
1 Timothy 6:6-10 (Today’s N.I.V.), “But godliness with contentment is

great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take
nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content
with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and
into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and
destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some
people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced
themselves with many griefs.”
In light of the context here in Romans 13, covetousness makes us

unloving and insensitive to the needs of others.
Notice verse 9, if there be any other commandment, it is briefly

comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself.
What does this mean?
• its not – a call to love self

• its – a call to love others as self
John R.W. Stott – It is sometimes claimed that the command to love our
neighbors as ourselves is implicitly a requirement to love ourselves as well as our
neighbours. But this is not so. One can say this with assurance, partly because
Jesus spoke of the first and second commandment, without mentioning a third;
partly because agape is selfless love which cannot be turned in on the self; and
partly because according to Scripture self-love is the essence of sin. Instead, we
are to affirm all of ourselves which stems from the fall. What the second
commandment requires is that we love our neighbors as much as we do in fact
(sinners as we are) love ourselves. This means that we will love them with a love
‘as real and sincere as our sinful self-love, about the reality and sincerity of which
there is no shadow of doubt.’ If then we truly love our neighbors, we will seek
their good, not their harm, and we will thereby fulfill the law, even though we will
never completely discharge our debt.
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Who is your neighbor?
Illustration: The Good Samaritan
III. Love’s Desire (vs. 10)
Romans 13:10, “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of
the law.”
Paul explains how this neighbour love fulfils the law.
The answer – love does no harm to its neighbour.

Love’s desire is for the well-being of men and the well-pleasing of God.
John R.W. Stott – Certainly the last five sins forbidden in the Ten Commandments harm
people. Murder robs them of their life, adultery of their home and honour, theft of their
property, and false witness of their good name, while covetousness robs society of the
ideals of simplicity and contentment. All these do harm )kakos, evil) to the neighbour,
wheras it is the essence of love to seek and to serve our neighbour’s highest good. That
is why love ia the fulfillment of the law (10b).
Love fulfils the law not only out of debt and duty but also out of desire.
Love’s desire is seen in some positive ways (not just the “thou shalt not’s”)
1. By listening to one another

2. By sharing with one another
3. By forgiving one another
4. By serving one another
John 13:35, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to
another.”
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Romans 13:11-14 - "Understanding the Times"
Romans 13:11-14, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:
for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at
hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and
wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not
provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
New Living Translation: Romans 13:11-14, “This is all the more urgent, for you know
how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when
we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So
remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t
participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity
and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the
presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge
your evil desires.”
In Matthew 16, the leaders of the people had come to Jesus to ask for a sign
from heaven …
Jesus answer:
Matthew 16:1-3, “The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired
him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them,
When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the
morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye
hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of
the times?”
It’s the same today, but we too, fail to understand the “times” we are living in.
We ought to be like the little boy whose family clock malfunctioned and struck
fifteen times, so that he rushed wide-eyed to his mother crying, “Mommy, it’s later
than it’s ever been before!”
Paul wants us to understand the times that it’s later than it’s ever been before.
Notice verse 11a, “And that, knowing the time…”
Literally, “understand our times!”
“time” is speaking of the kind or nature of the time.
What kind of time is it?
It’s the last days – dark days (vs. 12)
Remember, morning is coming – the day is at hand, (vs. 12)
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In understanding the times, what are we to do?
Three things:
I. Wake Up (vs. 11-12)
Romans 13:11-12, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out
of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far
spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us
put on the armour of light.
1. now it is high time to awake out of sleep (vs. 11b)
Illustration: Jesus and the disciples sleeping in the garden.
• its speaking of spiritual apathy and lethargy

• there are to many sleeping Christians today
• its time to wake up!
Can’t we sleep just a little bit longer?
No!
Why?
2. our salvation nearer than when we believed. (vs. 11c)
3. The night is far spent
What is night?
What is day?
Application:
• don’t let the world, flesh, or the devil lull you to sleep with
the sweet siren’s song.
• It’s time to wake up
• The day is dawning
• Life is short, we’re not getting any younger.
II. Cast Off (vs. 12b-13)
Romans 13:12b-13, “…let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on
the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and
drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
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In view of the times we live in, and the nearness of the Lord’s coming;
what should we do?
cast off the works of darkness
let us therefore cast off
Its not, let someone cast off.
To cast off suggests a definite and complete act – it’s the picture of
putting off old clothes.
We are to wake up and cast off the sins of the old life.
Like what?
1. rioting and drunkenness, (orgies and drunkenness)
put off empty and harmful pleasures – ‘the party

life’
2. not in chambering and wantonness, - feels no shame
Sexual immorality and debauchery
Don’t live for sexual immorality
All kinds:
pornography
adultery
homosexuality
It’s not God’s best!
C.S. Lewis – We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around

with drink and sex and ambition, when infinite joy is offered
us. Like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud
pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by
the offer of a holiday at the sea, we are far too easily
pleased.
3. strife and envying – dissension and jealousy
People who just can’t get along.
Notice the context: it’s unloving
Illustration – Lazarus
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John 11:43,44, “And when he thus had spoken,
he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come
forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound
hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face
was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith
unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”
Remember that our salvation is nearer than

when we believed!
Purifying Hope: 1 John 3:3, “And every man that

hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is
pure.”
Don’t let the sins of the past come creeping

back into your life.
Notice verse 13, these sins are not becoming

(KJV – honesty)
N.L.T., “…shining armor of right living. Because we

belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to
see.
A dry cleaning establishment advertised its

services with these words, “if your clothes
aren’t becoming to you, they should be coming
to us.”
III. Put On (vs. 14)
Romans 13:14, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the
flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
In this verse we find the secret of holy living in the last days.
1. put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ
What does that mean? I thought we put on Christ when we were

saved?
Yes and no!
Yes, in the sense you did put on Christ when you were saved.
But what Paul means here is that we are to put Him on as to our
attitude and actions.
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The image of taking off and putting on clothing is symbolic of our
thoughts and behavior – its sanctification!
We put on the Lord Jesus Christ by drawing on His strength,

aligning our thoughts on with His, and yielding our wills to His will,
as revealed in the Bible.
Put on His: power, presence, purpose and His pattern – its being
filled with the Holy Spirit!
2. let us put on the armour of light. (vs. 12b)
There’s a battle going on – wake up, cast off & put on!
Ephesians 6:13-18, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate
of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the
fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for
all saints;”
• belt of truth
• breastplate of righteousness
• sandals of peace
• shield of faith
• helmet of salvation
• sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)
• all prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:9, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain
salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Notice the words in Ephesians 6:13, “having done all, to stand.”
Have you?
A.W. Tozer – The Christian life is a battle ground not a play ground.
3. make not provision for the flesh, (vs. 14)
Don’t plan ahead to feed the flesh.
J.B. Phillips – “give no chances to the flesh to have its fling.”
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Most sinful behavior results from wrong thoughts and lustful desires
left alone to linger in your minds.
In Matthew 5:29, Jesus said, “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out,
and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should
perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
The Conversion of St. Augustine
Some time in the year 386, Augustine, his mother Monica, his son Adeodatus,
and several friends, were spending time in Cassiciacum, a small village near
Milan. While outdoors, Augustine heard the voice of a child singing a song, the
words of which were, "Pick it up and read it. Pick it up and read it." He thought at
first that the song was related to some kind of children's game, but could not
remember ever having heard such a song before.
Then, realizing that this song might be a command from God to open and read
the Scriptures, he located a Bible, picked it up, opened it and read the first
passage he saw. It was from the Letter of Paul to the Romans. Augustine read:
Not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual excess and

lust, not in quarreling and jealousy. Rather, put on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the
flesh. --Romans 13: 13-14
Reading this scripture, Augustine felt as if his heart were flooded with light. He
turned totally from his life of sin. He was Baptized by Ambrose during the Easter
Vigil April 24, 387. His friend Alypius and his son Adeodatus were Baptized at the
same time.
Later, reflecting on this experience, Augustine wrote his famous prayer: You
have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.
He went on to become a powerful influence on the spirituality and theology of the
Christian Church.
http://www.midwestaugustinians.org/saints/s_augconversion.html
Do you know what time it is?
• wake up
• cast off
• put on
Jesus is coming soon!
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Romans 14:1-12 - "When Christians Disagree"
Romans 14:1-12, “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him
that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that
eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own
master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man
be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and
he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the
Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth
God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live,
we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore,
or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might
be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set
at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is
written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to
God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
Psalms 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in
unity!”
The sad truth is from the time of the church’s’ birth, on the day of Pentecost to
our present time, the brethren have not always dwelt together in unity.
Almost every local church mentioned in the New Testament had divisions and
disagreements to contend with:
• The Corinthians had multiple issues

• The Galatians Saints were biting and devouring one another.
• The Church in Philippi has two women who didn’t get along: Euodias &
Syntyche – Philippians 4:2, “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they
be of the same mind in the Lord.”
Also, the Church of Rome had its problems too!
Ray Stedman – “In the fourteenth chapter of Romans Paul discusses the favorite indoor sport of
Christians; tying to change each other.”
Paul’s instruction on this topic runs from Romans 14:1-15:7
Romans 14:1, “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful
disputations.”
Romans 15:7, “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the
glory of God.”
It reminds me of the short poem someone wrote: “To dwell above with saints
we love, oh, that will be glory! To dwell below with saints we know, oh,
that’s another story!”
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Paul is teaching us what it means to walk according to love (Romans 14:15)
Romans 14:15, “Nevertheless But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest
thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.”
What was the problem in Rome?
The problem in Rome concerned the relationship between two groups, one group
Paul calls ‘the weak’ and the other he calls ‘the strong’ (Romans 15:1).
Romans 15:1, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves.”
Who were they? – In the historical setting here, the Jews (newly saved) were the
weak (lots of baggage from the past – In the context of this passage it was diet &
days) and the Gentiles the strong.
What was the problem? – diet (strict dietary laws) & days (for worship)
Not for salvation but for sanctification.
Romans 14:1, “Him that is weak in the faith…”
Weak in that they haven’t grown in their liberty in Christ. They

haven’t firmly come to understand, to have their intellect
enlightened, to be convinced having that conviction based upon the
scripture that all meats are okay. It doesn’t matter what you eat, or
what day you worship to God.
They were legalistic – Their spirituality was based on what they don’t do
instead of what they do.
There were also the ‘Libertines’ (aka - Antinomians – ‘without law’ the
lawless - the idea that members of a particular religious group are under
no obligation to obey the laws of ethics or morality as presented by
religious authorities) - Those who are free in Christ and who go to the
extreme by sinning and thinking ‘grace will abound’ – it’s okay to do what I
want.
The Bible teaches that we should be walking in liberty in Christ controlled

by love.
Paul lays down a Positive Principle (vs. 1)
Paul talks to the ‘strong in faith’.
He tells them to do two things (regarding the ‘weak in the faith’):
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1. Receive Him (that is weak?) – what not to do
It means to welcome warmth, to show kindness; its accepting

without correcting (vs. 3 – despise)
We can’t change them.
2. Don’t debate, or quarrel with them over doubtful matters (vs. 1)
Today, people in the church , turn the church into a ‘debating

chamber’.
Over gray areas:
• theater
• cosmetics
• alcohol
• smoking (C.H. Spurgeon smoked!)
• card playing
• dancing
• fashion
• jewelry – wearing rings
• Music
• Bible translations
• Mode of Baptism
Believe as I believe,
No more, no less;
That I am right,
And no one else, confess;
Feel as I feel,
Think only as I think; Eat what I eat,
And drink but what I drink;
Look as I look,
Do always as I do;
Then, and only then,
Will I fellowship with you.
That is not to be our attitude – rather, we are to accept him

whose faith is weak without passing judgment on disputable
matters.
Four Reasons why we should welcome the weak and not

despise nor condemn them:
1. Because God has received him (vs. 2-3)
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Romans 14:2-3, “For one believeth (the strong) that he may eat all
things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that
eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth
not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.”
(vs. 2) Notice what Jesus said about food (Peter –

Acts 10, 11)
Don’t despise, don’t judge – they are not essentials!
It’s unloving
The key: “for God hath received him.”
2. Because God will help him stand (vs. 4)

Romans 14:4, “Who art thou that judgest another man's
servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he
shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.”
‘Stand’ is to straighten out, or strengthen
It’s not your job – you can’t force maturity.
J.B. Phillips Translation of this verse – “God is well able

to transform men into servants who are satisfactory.”
3. Because Jesus Christ in Lord (vs. 5-9)
Romans 14:5-9, “One man esteemeth one day above another:

another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully
persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day,
regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day,
to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to
the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to
the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us
liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether
we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die
unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the
Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived,
that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.”
Now its days!
Ways we function:
1. I feel,
2. I think,
3. I know (based upon scripture)
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Paul’s point – God sees their hearts (it’s done
to the Lord), we can’t, so give them the benefit
of the doubt.
4. Because we will all give an account to God (vs. 10-12)
Romans 14:10-12, “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or

why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand
before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live,
saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue
shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account
of himself to God.”
Notice verse 10, he’s your brother!
Don’t play God
In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus said, “Judge not, that ye

be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye
shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it
shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest
thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but
considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or
how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the
mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine
own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out
of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to
cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.”
What will we be held accountable for?
1. every word we have spoken – Matthew 12:36-37
2. the talents that have been given to us – Matthew 25:26
3. for the treasure – Matthew 6:1`9-21
4. the time – Ephesians 5:16
What are we to do then?
1. stop judging your brother – receive him, don’t despise him
2. take inventory of your own actions and behavior
3. get busy building up others in the body of Christ
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1 Corinthians 8:9, “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours
become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”
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Romans 14:13-23 - "When Christians Disagree (Pt. 2)"
Romans 14:13-23, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather,
that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am
persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that
esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy
meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but
righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ
is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which
make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work
of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is
good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or
is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that
condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if
he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
In Romans 14:1, Paul is dealing with a problem that existed between two groups
in the Church at Rome.
Who were they?
The ‘weak’ and the ‘strong’
What was the problem?
‘diet and days’
In the first twelve verses Paul’s’ focus was on ‘attitudes’ – the strong were to
receive the weak, and no to despise him. The weak brother was not to judge the
strong (vs. 3)
We saw four reasons why the strong should welcome the weak brother and not
dispute over doubtful things:
• because God has received him (vs. 3)

• because God will help him stand (vs. 4)
• because Jesus Christ is LORD (vs. 9)
• because we will all give an account to Gos (vs. 12)
In our text today, Paul moves from attitudes to actions, from not despising one
another to not causing others to stumble or fall.
The focus moves from how the strong should regard the weak to how they
should treat them.
To summarize (vs. 13-23) Paul is saying to the strong, “do not offend or destroy
the weak believer.
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It’s not enough to just leave each other alone!
Paul gives us four positive principles to live by:
1. Live so as not to stumble others (vs. 13-16)
Romans 14:13-16, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this
rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I
know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but
to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother
be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy
meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of:”
Christians affect each other
In verse 13, Paul uses a play on words, ‘judge’.
Don’t judge others, but do judge yourself.
What is it that we are to judge ourselves for?
Are my actions, and the exercising of my liberties, a source of stumbling to

others? (vs. 13)
Paul tells us in:
1 Corinthians 8:9, “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a
stumbling block to them that are weak.”
1 Corinthians 8:13, “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no

flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”
Is your life a stepping stone or a stumbling stone?
How we affect others:
stumble (vs. 13)

grieve (vs. 15)
destroy (vs. 15)
2. Live as citizens of the kingdom of God (vs. 17-18)
Romans 14:17-18, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness,
and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is
acceptable to God, and approved of men.”
Christians must have proper priorities
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Even as Christians we become like the Pharisees who majored on the
minors. We forget to focus on the internals instead of the externals.
Matthew 23:23-24, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe
of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law,
judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other
undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.”
In verse 17 we find what our priorities should be:
1. The Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)

2. Righteousness
3. Peace
4. Joy
Notice its source – The Holy Spirit (vs. 17)
We are not to major on ‘food’ and ‘drink’.
God looks at the heart.
3. Live to bless and build others up (vs. 19-21)
Romans 14:19-21, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and
things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All
things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good
neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth,
or is offended, or is made weak.”
Christians must help each other grow
Both the strong believer and the weak need to grow; the strong need to
grow in love; the weak in liberty.
Notice Paul’s three exhortations:
1. Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual

edification (vs. 19)
Instead of bickering over doubtful matters, we should seek to

maintain peace and harmony in the church.
Instead of stumbling others by insisting on your rights, we

should strive to build up others.
2. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food (vs. 20)
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3. Don’t do things that will stumble others or make them weak (vs.
21)
It’s a liberty limited by love
Things change when children come into a home
What about people who have major hang ups and are
legalistic?
Notice verse 22, good is beautiful!
Is your life beautiful to others?
4. Live with a clear conscience (vs. 22-23)
Romans 14:22-23, “Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that
condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is
damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is
sin.”
Christians must not force their opinions on others
What Paul is saying is, if you have faith or a conviction, have it between
yourself and God. Let God and His word be the basis for your conviction
that something is right.
Never act off of doubt. Act only from faith or conviction (vs. 23)
1. Limit your liberty by love so you will not stumble others – remember, we
affect each other,
2. Make the Kingdom of God the priority of your life.
3. Help others grow by building them up.
4. Don’t force your convictions on others:
• be considerate (vs. 21)

• be convinced (vs. 22-23)
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Romans 15:1-13 - "When Christians Disagree (Pt. 3)"
Romans 15:1, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to
please ourselves.”
Paul is giving us very clear instructions on what to do when Christians disagree –

it’s a plea for unity and harmony.
Review of prior points:
1. The strong should receive the weak (14:1)

2. The strong should not despise the weak (14:3)
3. The weak should not judge the strong (14:3)
Why?
1. Because God has received him (14:3)

2. Because God will help him stand (14:4)
3. Because Jesus Christ is LORD (14:9)
4. Because we will all give an account to God (14:12)
Paul’s focus was on the attitudes the strong should have towards the weak.
Paul then moves on to actions, and gave four positive principles to live by:
1. Live so you won’t stumble others (14:13)

2. Live with proper priorities (14:17)
3. Live to build up others (14:19)
4. Live with a clear conscience (14:22)
Now, we move on to one more principle to live by.
When Christians disagree, what should we do?
Follow Christ’s example; who did not please Himself.
Romans 15:3, “For even Christ pleased not himself;…”
When you are considering the exercising of your liberty, ask yourself:
1. Is it Beneficial? (1 Cor. 6:12)

2. Is it Enslaving? (1 Cor. 6:12)
3. Is it Edifying? (1 Cor. 10:23)
4. Will it stumble others? (Rom. 14:21)
5. Does it violate my conscience? (Rom. 14:23)
6. Is it Christ-like?
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Jesus Christ is always our example!
Romans 15:1-13, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not
to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For
even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached
thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of
patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ
Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm
the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as
it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye
Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse,
and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God
of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the
power of the Holy Ghost..”
Paul begins now by speaking to the strong and He identifies Himself as being in
their camp (vs. 1-2)
What is it that Paul wants the strong to do?
What is their responsibility towards the weak?
1. The strong ought to bear with the failings or weaknesses of the weak (vs. 1)
Romans 15:1, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak,…”
• We are not to crush, despise, nor cause them to stumble

• We are not even to tolerate them
• We are to carry and support them
• In Romans 13:8, we are told that we have a “debt of love”
Romans 13:8, “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.”
• The strong are to help the weak – one person’s strength can compensate
for another person’s weakness.
2. The strong are not to please themselves (vs. 1)
Romans 15:1, … and not to please ourselves.”
We are not to be self-centered and self-seeking
- it’s against our nature to be unselfish!
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3. We should seek to please our neighbor (vs. 2)
Romans 15:2, “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.”
You might ask, “but I thought we weren’t to be men pleasers?”
That’s true but, neighbour-pleasing, which scripture commands, must not

be confused with men pleasing, which scripture condemns.
Neighbour-pleasing is ‘for his good’ to build him up (vs. 2)
It’s adjusting your lifestyle for the spiritual good of others.
This is the principle – don’t live a self-pleasing life; live a neighbour-

pleasing life which is for their good and edification.
Your life either edifies or destroys!
Application for the Church – its to be build it up through the teaching of the
Word and to strengthen them in the faith.
Ask yourself, “is there anything in my lifestyle which I ought to change for
the good of another?
Why should we follow Christ’s example of pleasing our neighbour instead of

ourselves?
Four Reasons:
I. Because Christ did nor please Himself (vs. 3-4)
Romans 15:3-4, “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The
reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were
written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and
comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
Paul as he so often does gives a theological foundation for his appeal. His
simple statement sums up the meaning of the incarnation, and the
character of Christ’s earthly life (vs. 3).
Notice the words, as it is written, - (He quotes Psalms 69:9)
Because of Psalms 69, Paul makes this statement about the Old
Testament Scripture.
Three truths:
1. Its contemporary intention – “for our learning”
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2. Its inclusive value – everything that was written
3. Its practical purpose – comfort and hope
The point is that Jesus didn’t please Himself.
Consider Philippians 2
II. Because Christ is the way to United Worship
Romans 15:5-6, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded
one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one
mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
These verses are a benediction, or prayer wish.
What was Paul praying for?
1. Unity (vs. 5) – Jews and Gentiles
To stop being so nit-picky
2. United Worship (vs. 6)
R. Kent Hughes – “We impoverish our worship and offer poor praise to God by
stubbornness and lack of love to fellow believers. But, oh how beautiful the worship is
when we worship together in unity (cf. Psalms 133).
It is no small thing to be asked to forgo legitimate rights for the building up of brothers
and sisters. This is demanding, but perfectly reasonable and possible, first, because
Christ did it, and, second, because it is indispensable to true worship.”
The blessed benefits of true worship – unity and glory!
III. Because Christ accepted you (vs. 7)
Romans 15:7, “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the
glory of God.”
In its context, it’s the Jews and Gentiles who were separated by hate.
Here is the true basis for reception in the local church:
It’s not:
o denominational affiliation
o spiritual maturity
o social status
o race, etc.
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But those whom Christ has received
Notice it’s to the Glory of God.
IV. Because Christ became a servant (vs. 8-13)
Romans 15:8-13, “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for
the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the
Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess
to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye
Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all
ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall
rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the
power of the Holy Ghost.”
Lessons: Jesus came to show to the Jews the fidelity of God to His
promises, and to show to the Gentiles the wonders of His grace and
mercy.
Theses two groups could not be more opposite: Jews – legalistic; Gentiles
– morally loose
Yet, Jesus became a servant to both of them.
Our hearts should be big enough to serve both; for God shows mercy to
all.
Verse 13 is a beautiful benediction:
Romans 15:13, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
It describes the Christians Life:
1. Lived in fellowship with God – the God of hope

2. A life that is full – fill you
3. A life bright and beautiful – all joy and peace
4. A life of faith – in believing
5. A life of hope – overflow with hope - that ye may abound in hope
6. A life of power - through the power of the Holy Ghost
Paul’s prayer is that both the Jews and Gentiles would receive each other
and wait with joy and peace for the glorious coming of Christ.
It goes for us too!
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In essentials - unity
In non-essentials - liberty
In all things - charity
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Romans 15:13 - “A Benediction for a Blessed Life”
Romans 15:13, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may
abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Introduction illustration from a ‘Peanuts’ cartoon - Lucy and Linus were sitting in
front of the television set, Lucy said to Linus, “go get me a glass of water”. Linus,
looking surprised said, “why should I do anything for you, you never do anything
for me.”
“On your seventy-fifth birthday”, Lucy promised, “I’ll bake you a cake”. Linus got
up, headed for the kitchen and said, “life is more pleasant when you have
something to look forward to.”
Linus was right, life is more pleasant when you have something to look forward
to.
That’s why the Christian life is a blessed life – it’s a life of overflowing hope.
Before salvation, the Bible described us as ‘without God and without hope.’ (Eph.
2:12)
But now, we ‘rejoice in hope of the glory of God.’ (Rom. 5:2)
In Romans 5:13, Paul lifts up his heart for the believers in a beautiful prayer of
benediction for a blessed life.
We all should want this blessed life for ourselves and others.
I. The Source of the Blessed Life - the God of hope
The Christian is a person that lives in direct fellowship with God.
God can only be known by His own self-revelation
What kind of God does the Bible reveal?
a) A Personal God
b) An Eternal God
c) A Sovereign God
d) A God that is All Powerful, Everywhere Present’& Knows
Everything
e) A God of Goodness, Mercy & Love
f) A God that is Holy, Righteous & Just
The God of Hope!
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Paul links hope to God, for God is:
1st - the source of hope because He is the source of every good

thing.
2nd – God is the object of hope

Jeremiah 17:7, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD (not the
weak objects of our secular sinful world), and whose hope the LORD
is.”
James Boice – If you put your hope in other people, they will let you
down. If you trust your stocks or bonds or bank accounts, you will find
that they can disappear overnight. In any case, they are not ultimately
satisfying. Health will fail. Houses can burn. Jobs can be lost. Even great
nations enter periods of economic and moral decline. But the one who
has his or her hope from God and trusts God as he has revealed himself
in Jesus Christ can stand firm in anything.
Edward Mots expressed it in one of our best-known hymns:
"My Hope is Built on Nothing Less"

by Edward Mote, 1797-1874
My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, and blood

Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
II. The Quality of the Blessed Life - fill you with all joy and peace
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A. Joy – God is the source of true joy
• it’s the fruit of the Spirit

• it’s not a matter of natural dispassion
• joy is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ.
Billy Sunday – If joy is gone out of your life there is a leak somewhere.”
B. Peace – Two kinds of peace in the Bible
1. Peace with God – Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we

have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
No peace to the wicked
2. The Peace of God – Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which
passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.”
A peace that passes all understanding.
III. The Condition of the Blessed Life - in believing
The New International Version has it, “as you trust in Him”
Faith is the indispensable channel for blessings, as they come from God
but only become ours as we trust in Him.
Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to
God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek
him.”
This is the key!
The most important of all differences between people is precisely at this

point ….not ….
Do they trust God?
Christians are called ‘believers’, but not all truly believe or trust God.
What is it we are to believe?
The Bible and its promises - that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek
him.
1 John 5:9, “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is
the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.”
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Try to imagine going through a day without faith!
Be a believing believer
Bring joy and peace!
IV The Consequence of the Blessed Life - that ye may abound in hope,
We live in a world where people have lost hope in nearly everything and
yet the Christian can have a n overflowing hope.
This is the fourth time Paul has mentioned hope in this chapter – vs. 4, 12,
13 (twice)
What is our hope?
Romans 8:18-25, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest
expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the
creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath
subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from
the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we
know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And
not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we
ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of
our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man
seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with
patience wait for it.”
Titus 2:13, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”
It’s the Hope of Heaven!
1 Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable.”
In John 14:2-3, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have
told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will
come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Remember you are a stranger and a pilgrim.

V. The Power of the Blessed Life - through the power of the Holy Ghost.
In one verse you have the words. Joy, peace, faith hope & power – all are
essential Christian qualities.
Power is the Greek word ‘dunamis’ – strength, power, ability
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It’s key – it reminds us that nothing of any spiritual value is possible in and
of ourselves.
Jesus said, ‘apart from me you can do nothing’
We can’t believe, find peace, find joy, nor find hope – it all comes from the
work of God the Holy Spirit in our lives.
It’s so important to understand the person and work of the Holy Spirit in
the life of the Believer.
We can’t live the blessed life of the believer on our own strength.
The Holy Spirit makes effective all that the Father planned and the Son
purchased.
Faith is the means to joy and peace, overflowing hope is their consequence, and
all four are due to the power of the Holy Spirit within us.
Years ago the S-4 submarine was rammed by another ship and quickly sank.
The entire crew was trapped in its prison house of death. Ships rushed to the
scene of disaster off the coast of Massachusetts. We don’t know what took place
down in the sunken submarine, but we can be sure that the men clung bravely to
life as the oxygen slowly gave out.
A diver placed his helmeted ear to the side of the vessel and listened. He heard a
tapping noise. Someone, he learned, was tapping out a question in the dots and
dashes of the Morse Code. The question came slowly: “Is … there … any …
hole?”
That is the question man asks today.
Yes, it’s found in Jesus Christ!
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Romans 15:14-22 - "Paul’s Marvelous Ministry"
Romans 15:14-22, “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full
of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless,
brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind,
because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ
to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be
acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I have therefore whereof I may glory through
Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those
things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and
deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from
Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so
have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon
another man's foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see:
and they that have not heard shall understand. For which cause also I have been much
hindered from coming to you.”
At Chapter 15:13, we came to the conclusion of the teaching portion of Paul’s

letter to the Romans; the remainder of the letter forms an epilogue.
It’s personal, explaining why he wrote it, and assisting us to understand his
ministry and mission.
In our text today we get an inside peek at his marvelous ministry.
What kind of ministry did Paul have?
We will find five marks to his ministry which are all true for us too.
I. It was given to him by Grace (vs. 14-15)
Romans 15:14-15, “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also
are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as
putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,”
A. In verse 14, Paul commended the church in Rome for three important
qualities. James Boice called them, “check-off points for a good
church.”
1. full of goodness – not inless or perfect

It’s moral goodness or excellence in their motives and lifestyle.
• They strove to do what was right

• They were motivated by a sense of goodness
• It was evidence of true conversion – the fruit of the spirit
(Gal. 5)
Check yourself!
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2. filled with all knowledge – It’s not omniscient – only God knows
everything.
It meant that they had a sound, practical understanding of the

Christian faith that issued in wholesome conduct.
To me, the great need in the church today is a working

knowledge of the teachings of the Bible.
3. able also to admonish one another
Charles Swindoll (Bible Study Guide, pg. 47) – The Greek term translated
admonish comes from two other words – one that means “mind” and another
which means “to put something somewhere.” When these words are
combined to form the term admonish, they convey the idea of “placing
something in the mind.” … “It is an appeal to the mind where opposition is
present. The person is led away from a false way through warning,
instruction, reminding, teaching, and encouraging and his conduct is to be
corrected.” In other words, the Roman Christians cared so deeply about one
another that they took the time and the risk to lovingly confront those in their
midst who were veering off the right path. Many of us fail to handle conflicts
as they did. Indeed, we often opt for other alternatives, such as (1) avoiding
the confrontation altogether, (2) facing it head-on but with a prideful attitude,
or (3) acknowledging the problem but shrugging it off for the sake of
maintaining friendship or harmony. However, none of these responses are
right. If we truly love someone, then we will care enough to express our love
through confrontation no matter how painful it may be. As Proverbs 27:6
states, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an
enemy.”
It’s a comprehensive term for counseling – J. Adams Book –

“Competent to Counsel”
The marks of a great church!
If they were so great why then did Paul write to them?
B. Two reasons Paul wrote to them (vs. 15)
1. To remind them of some important truths
putting you in mind
It’s important to remember the truths of scripture
• we forget what we want to remember

• we remember what we want to forget
2. Because of God’s Grace, calling him to minister to the
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Gentiles.
• God saves us by grace

• God sanctifies us by grace
We serve God by grace
Romans 12:6, “Having then gifts differing according to

the grace that is given to us,…”
Paul’s calling as an Apostle to the Gentiles was all by

God’s Grace.
So too us!
II. It was centered in the Gospel (vs. 16)
Romans 15:16, “That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,
ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be
acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”
The word Paul used for “minister” is where we get the word “liturgy”.
It’s a noun and verb used in the New Testament exclusively of religious
and ritual services.
Paul is picturing his ministry as priestly.
In what way was Paul’s ministry priestly?
Note: it’s not the sacramental meditation we see today in the

Roman Catholic Church.
But rather:
1. The preaching of the Gospel
Ministers are to be preachers
What are they to preach?
The Gospel, the whole Gospel; and nothing but the

Gospel!
This is what the book of Romans is.
This is how the great need is met.
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2. The offering up of the Gentiles to God.
be acceptable – Gentiles were not permitted in the temple
Application for us today – Worship & Witness
III. It was done for God’s Glory (vs. 17-18)
Romans 15:17-18, “I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those
things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which
Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,”
1. Paul’s glory or boasting was not in his own person, but in Jesus Christ
2. He knew that it was Christ’s working through him (vs. 18).
Paul had great natural abilities yet he was humble (used by God)
Grace leads to glory!
The purpose of ministry is to glorify God
Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our
Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the
world.”
How about you?
Are you willing to serve for His glory?
IV. Done through God’s power (vs. 19)
Romans 15:19, “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God;
so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the
gospel of Christ.”
A. Christ’s ministry through Paul was by the power of signs and wonders.
The Biblical terms for the supernatural or miracles

1. Signs – their significance – God’s kingdom
2. Wonders – their effect – upon people
by the power of the Spirit of God
The signs of a true apostle:
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2 Corinthians 12:12, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought
among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
Should we expect God to do the same today?
Today the Spirit of God works through the preaching of the Word of
God.
I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Remember the great commission?
Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature.”
Paul did it in sandals and changed the world!
One saved sinner at a time.
Every conversion is a power encounter in which the Spirit, through

the gospel, rescues and regenerates the sinner.
In verse 19 we see:
• The scope of Paul’s ministry

• The power of Paul’s ministry
• The nature of Paul’s ministry – preaching the
Gospel
So too for us – the scope, power & nature!
V. It was according to God’s plan (vs. 20-21)
Romans 15:20-21, “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was
named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: But as it is written, To
whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall
understand.”
Paul had a Priestly ministry
Paul had a Powerful ministry
Paul had a Pioneer ministry
Illustration: David Livingstone (London Missionary Society) asked

where he’d like to go replied, “anywhere, so long as it is forward.”
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This is not true of everyone – 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I have planted, Apollos watered;
but God gave the increase.”
But God does give us the desires of our hearts.
Have you heard the Gospel?
Review:
1. Given to him by Grace

2. Centered in the Gospel
3. Done for God’s glory
4. Done through God’s power
5. According to God’s plan
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Romans 15:23-33 - "Paul’s Marvelous Ministry (Pt. 2)"
Romans 15:14-22, “But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire
these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to
you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if
first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto
the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution
for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they
are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also
to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed
to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I
shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren,
for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me
in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in
Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I
may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God
of peace be with you all. Amen.”
We have come to the epilogue of Paul’s great letter to the Romans, it is both
personal and autobiographical. Having shared with the Roman Church his
understanding of his special ministry to the Gentiles, Paul now looks into the
future and lays out his travel plans.
Paul, at this point in his life, had an impressive list of missionary

accomplishments, yet he had no intension of settling down into a comfortable
retirement.
If you add up the miles of Paul’s travel plans it would total a minimum of 3,000
miles.
What an example for us to follow!

1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is
not in vain in the Lord.”
There are many important lessons we can apply to our own lives.
I. Paul’s Plans to visit Rome (vs. 23-24)
Romans 15:23-24, “But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great
desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I
will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way
thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.”
Paul for a long time had been hindered from coming to Rome but now the
time seems to be right. And three factors have facilitated it:
1. The doors closed for him in the Eastern Mediterranean (vs. 23)
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When God closes one door He often opens another.
Why?
Romans 15:20, “…so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where
Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:”
2. The God given desire (vs. 23b)
Notice it was a God given vision
Psalms 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee
the desires of thine heart.”
“… having a great desire these many years“ (vs. 23)
This speaks to the need for persistence

Wait for God’s timing
The key: the fulfillment of our desires are in God’s hands.
A sustained desire over many years, which all the

hindrances, frustrations, and disappointment, have not been
able to quench, must surely have come from God.
What if it never happened?
It’s better to have dreamed, and not see it happen, than to

never to have dreamed at all.
3. Rome was a stepping-stone to Spain (vs. 24)
Lessons:
• Paul wanted the fellowship and support

• God provides through His people (not the world)
• We can’t serve God alone!
II. Paul Plans to visit Jerusalem and then Spain (vs. 25-29)
Romans 15:25-29, “But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it
hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the
poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors
they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their
duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed
this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure
that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of
Christ.”
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A. Paul is talking about the offering taken among the Gentile churches of
Macedonia (Northern Greece – Philippi – Thessonalica – Berea) and
Achaia (Southern Greece – Corinth) for the poor saints in Jerusalem.
B. Paul would be going 2,000 miles out of his way
C. Lessons on Christian giving – we see how Paul viewed the offering.
1. It was a service to the saints in Jerusalem (vs. 25)
Minister – deacon or serve
James 2:15-17, “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily

food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and
filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to
the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead,
being alone.”
2. The Gentiles were pleased to help out (vs. 26)
How about you?
3. The Gentiles were debtors to the Jews (vs. 27)
For us: 1 Corinthians 9:11, “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is
it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?”
The offering was a humble, material, symbolic demonstration of

their indebtedness.
4. It was seen as “fruit”.
Philippians 4:17, “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may
abound to your account.”
5. It brings the fullness of blessings (vs. 29)
Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed
down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your
bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be
measured to you again.”
III. Paul requested prayer for his visit (vs. 30-32)
Romans 15:30-32, “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and
for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for
me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my
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service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come
unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.”
A. Paul had said that he made mention of them always in his prayers.
Romans 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;”
B. Paul asked them to pray for him – a common practice for him.
A reminder to pray for those who preach God’s Word.
C. If Paul asked for prayer. It’s because he knew it was useful, and
effective.
James 5:16, “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth

much.”
D. Why don’t we pray more?
Because prayer is difficult (vs. 30) strive together with me.
Illustration: Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke

22:39-46)
• We are in a spiritual battle

• Satan opposes us in prayer
• Our flesh fights us in prayer
E. The trinity and prayer (vs. 30)
What does Paul want them to pray for?
1. That he would be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea (vs.

31)
Paul had many enemies in Jerusalem
Why?
Because he was preaching to Gentiles
Paul was willing to die if need be.
Illustration: Paul in Caesarea – Agabus (Acts 21:8-14)
2. That his service will be accepted (vs. 31)
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- A show of love and unity
3. For God’s will (vs. 32)
Notice prayers true purpose – God’s will
If so then, why pray?
a. it changes us
b. it’s God’s appointed means to victory and doing

His will
James 4:3, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss,
that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
What about Paul’s three requests, did God answer them?
Yes, God always answers prayer, but not always the way we want Him
to.
The second request we don’t know about but the first and third
requests we do.
God answers, but in His own way and in His own time.
Acts 21:14, “And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of
the Lord be done.”
Paul’s third Benediction (vs. 33) – “…the God of peace be with you all….”
Application for us:
1. Our ministries are mot done until the Lord takes us home.
2. If God closes one door He will open another.
3. God often works His will through us by our desires.
4. We are debtors to those who minister to us spiritually.
God answers prayer – in His own way, and in His own time.
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Romans 16:1-16 - "Paul, a Lover of People"
Romans 16:1-16, “ I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church
which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist
her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and
of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid
down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the
Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus,
who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the
apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute
Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute
them which are of Aristobulus' household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of
the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour
in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen
in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes,
and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one another with an holy kiss.
The churches of Christ salute you.”
Have you ever received a letter or email that just seems to never end?
Paul is having a hard time saying good-bye to the believers in Rome.
Romans 15:13, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 15:33, “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”
Romans 16:20, “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
Then, seven more verses, but I’m glad he kept on going!
Why?
Because, even though the 16th chapter may not look very interesting, it’s
packed with many precious truths.
It’s been called, “one of the most instructive chapters of the New Testament
because it encourages personal relationships of love in the church.”
In it Paul mentioned 33 people by name. He greeted 24 people, all in a city Paul

had never been to,
Paul was not only a soul winner, he was a friend maker.
What a lesson for us!
Think of the energy it took for Paul to “keep in touch”.
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Even though Paul was one of the greatest of intellects … a true master of
theology, he was also a caring man who loved people (1 Corinthians 13).
Paul was a ‘People Person’.
No doubt he remembered their names because he prayed for them.
Charles Erdman – These greetings reveal the heart of Paul showing his tender affection, his
appreciation of kindness, his warm sympathy, and his high value of human friendships.
Paul commended them, he greeted them, and he expressed his love for them.
Beloved:
vs. 5. “Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved
Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.”
vs. 8, “Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.”
vs. 9, “Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.”
vs. 12, “Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the
beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.”
So we see his great heart!
I. Paul’s loving heart (seen in the friends he greeted)
Romans 16:1-16, “ I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the
church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and
that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a
succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ
Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give
thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in
their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto
Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my
kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were
in Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper
in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them
which are of Aristobulus' household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be
of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa,
who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon,
Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus,
and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.”
First, we have a commendation (only one!) – Phebe (her name

means ‘radiant’)
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We owe so much to Phebe:
A. It is commonly held that Phebe was entrusted with the

responsible task of carrying this letter of Paul’s to the Roman
Church.
• Never did a messenger carry a more important letter.

• LESSON: a simple act of service, and think of the
blessings it has brought.
B. Notice the three things Paul says about Phebe:
• our sister (vs. 1)

• a servant – was she a deconess?
She was not a pastor, elder, or overseer
• a succourer – Greek: pros –tat-is – we get the word

patroness from this word. It’s used of a female guardian.
• She was evidently a woman of means who used her
wealth to support the church and the apostles.
In verses 3-16, we find Paul’s many greetings:
LESSONS:
A. Though most of the names in this list are unknown to us, they
are not unknown to God, and are now in Heaven enjoying their
eternal reward.
B. God uses people of all races, rank, and gender
•we see the diversity of the church

•we see the unity of the church
•four times we find the words, “in Christ” (vs. 3, 7, 9, 10)
•five times we find the words, “in the Lord” (vs. 8, 11, and
twice in vs. 12)
• Paul used the family language of “sister” and “brother”
(vs. 1, 14)
• He mentions two experiences which strengthen Christian
unity.
a) “fellow workers” (vs. 3, 9) – get busy working and
you won’t have time to fight.
b) “fellow sufferers” (vs. 4, 7)
C. We need one another!
Be a friend maker
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Keep in touch
Work together
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Romans 16:17-20 - "Paul’s Protective Heart"
Romans 16:17-20, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are
such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches
deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad
therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple
concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
Paul in his closing chapter of Romans has commended unto them – Phebe (vs.
1-2).
• He extended his personal greetings (vs. 3-16)

• Now he issues a stern warning (vs. 17-20)
In verse 16 Paul instructed us to greet one another with a holy kiss. But not all
who come into the church should be welcomed with a kiss. Not everyone was
working with Paul to spread the truth of the gospel; some for selfish reasons
were dividing the church by teaching false doctrine (vs. 17-18).
Who were these false teachers?
Paul doesn’t say, but a good guess would be the Antinomians (Antinomianism -
Greek anti,"against"; nomos,"law") is the doctrine that faith in Christ frees the
Christian from obligation to observe the moral law as set forth in the Old
Testament.) or, Jewish legalists – the Judaizers (the Judaizers - a Christian sect still
adhering to the Jewish Law, they came from converted Pharisees. Unwilling to see
Judaism die out the Judaizers adopted a legalistic idea of salvation. They insisted that no
non-Jews could be saved without submitting to circumcision and observing the Law of
Moses.)
Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse – The situation against which Paul is warning these believers is not
so much the introduction of doctrines that would deny the essentials of Christian truth as
practices which would result in true believers being split into various factions.
Let’s not forget Jude 3, 4:
Jude 3,4, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it
was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the
faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares,
who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of
our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Before we look at the text there are a few things to make note of:
1. I want you to note that there is such a thing as false teaching and false
teachers.
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Why do I point this out?
Because of today’s dominant worldview known as Postmodernism.
Fritz Ridenour, in his book, “So What’s the Difference?” ,
Basic principles of postmodernism include
1. None of us thinks independently, without bias; we have all been molded by our
culture to think in certain ways.
2. You cannot judge (pronounced wrong) the thoughts, ideas or actions of another
culture or another person because his or her idea of reality is different from yours.
3. Each person’s reality is in his or her own mind. You construct your own reality.
Whatever is real to you is your reality.
4. None of us can “prove” anything, whether we use science, history or any other set of
facts.
In essence, postmodernism goes beyond modernism, which claims that all moral and
ethical truth are relative. Postmodernism says there is no absolute truth anywhere.
Postmodernists believe that all truth is always changing, whether it is spiritual, moral,
political – even scientific truth is suspect. Postmodernists believe all truth is
“manufactured,” a product of the culture in which we live and the language we use. We
are all just “products of our culture, cogs in a social machine.”
The postmodern worldview is everywhere today – in the universities, the media, films,
TV, even the local PTA. It affects you and your family in a thousand different ways and
will increasingly do so in the future. Postmodernism is not easy to understand, but
Christians living in the third millennium must learn how to deal with it by recognizing its
basic premises and assumptions.
One of the most powerful and dangerous characteristics of the postmodern mind is an
absolute dedication to its concept of tolerance. To be tolerant in the traditional sense is to
see a difference between what a person thinks or does (which you may not necessarily
think is right) and the person himself. While you treat that person with respect, you are
also free to say how he thinks, talks or acts is wrong and, in your opinion, should be
changed.
Today the new definition of tolerance is spread and promoted by philosophers, educators
and other leaders, who give all values and beliefs equal respect and deny categorically
there is any such thing as a “hierarchy of truth.”
In today’s public schools, children and youth are being taught that “what every individual
believes or says is equally right, equally valid. So not only does everyone have an equal
right to his beliefs, but all beliefs are equal. All values are equal. All lifestyles are equal.
All truth claims are equal.”
As Christians we must maintain a Christian worldview, or Biblical

worldview.
That absolute truth does exist and is found in the Bible, God’s revealed
truth, and Jesus Christ who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life… (John
14:6)”
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2. The second thing I want to point out is that it’s the pastors, or shepherds
who are responsible to watch for and warn the flock of false teachers.
It’s not popular today
It’s the most loving thing a true pastor can do!
Paul did it
Jesus did it – Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in
sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
A pastor who doesn’t do this is a “hireling”.
Pastors are to protect God’s flock from error and seek to establish them in
the truth.
In our text today, we find Paul making a threefold plea:
I. A Plea for Vigilance (vs. 17a)
Romans 16:17a, ““Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions `
and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;”
A. The first thing we are to do is “mark them”
Notice what it doesn’t say
Illustration – Kill them, as in the Middle Ages.
B. It says “mark them”, or literally, “keep your eye’s on them”; we get our
word “scope”, as in telescope, and microscope. We also get our word
“Bishop” from it, which means an overseer.
Illustrations:
New Testament:
Acts 20:28-32, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the
flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to
feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in
among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men
arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I
ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now,
brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which
is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them
which are sanctified.”
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Old Testament:
Ezekiel 3:17, “… I have made thee a watchman…”
Acts 20:28, “…the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers…”
The Watchman must wound the warning!
Acts 20:26, “…I am pure from the blood of all men.”
Why? All the counsel of God.
C. What are we watching for?
Romans 16:17a, “…them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the
doctrine which ye have learned…”
1st - Divisions – it’s those who divide churches into factions that are
loyal to themselves.
James Montgomery Boice – Often these are people who show up in a

congregation suddenly, usually from another church where they have also
caused trouble, though they give no indication of that when they come.
They are knowledgeable. They usually have considerable abilities. They are
leaders in the sense that they have enthusiasm and get people to follow
them easily. Generally they are used to teaching, and they want to fill this
role in their new church. Unfortunately, although the Bible warns us to make
full proof of those who want to be teachers, people like this are usually
warmly welcomed and quickly put to work, because most churches need
able people who actually want to serve.
But problems develop quickly. These new teachers begin to push a

particular point of doctrine to the exclusion of other equally important truths.
And they are critical of people who do not see things as they do or join them
in pushing their personal concerns. When everyone does not go their way –
and not all people do, because God always has some in any church who
are not so easily taken in, who care for other believers and who are not
serving themselves – these unbalanced and divisive teachers pull most of
their followers away and start another fellowship. That fellowship is always
presented as a more biblical, more faithful, or truer church.
The names of some churches point back to such an origin. They are “The
Christian Church” or the only “Full Gospel Church” or “The True Light
Gospel Church.” I have even seen such names as “The Original Glorious
Church” and “Holy Ghost Headquarters.”
2nd – Offences – Greek = ‘Skandalon’, we get the word scandal.

They add things to the Bible that stumble people, or get in the
way of those who are trying to obey scripture.
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Illustration: The Pharisees – today, it’s legalism – they put a
heavy load upon people.
But notice the last part of verse 17a, these are “…contrary to
the doctrine which ye have learned…”
Learned where?
From Paul in Romans – for us the scriptures are the

standard for all belief and behavior.
II. A Plea for Separation (vs. 17b-18)
Romans 16:17b-18, “…and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus
Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of
the simple.”
A. Avoid them – Literally, ‘keep away from them’ - don’t debate with them
Don’t watch them on T.V. ,listen to them on the radio or CD’s, or read
their books. Even home Bible studies and church can be dangerous.
1 Timothy 6:3-5, “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome
words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is
according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions
and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing
that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”
2 Corinthians 2:17, “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but
as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”
‘peddlers of God’s word, or corrupt the word of God’
B. Why should we ‘keep away from them’
Two reasons:
1. Their Motivation (vs. 18) – “…For they that are such serve not our
Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly…”
own bell - Literally “own appetites” – self interests or self-

gratification
money, power, often sexual-immorality
1 Timothy 6:5, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
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‘supposing that godliness is a way to get rich.
2. Their Methodology (vs. 18) – “…by good words and fair speeches…”
Literally “by smooth talk and flattery”
It happened in Rome and it’s happening today.
Philippians 1:15-17, “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and

strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of
contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But
the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the
gospel.”
Illustration: The Word Faith Teachers
1. Special revelations. Virtually all these teachers pretend to have

received special new revelations from God. Robert Tilton built a
television empire that as its peak brought in over sixty-five million
dollars a year, promising healing to people who would covenant with
him by sending in a large financial gift. He claimed, “God showed me
a vision that almost took my breath away. I was sucked into the Spirit
. . . and I found myself standing in the very presence of Almighty
God. . . . He said these words to me, exactly these words. At that
point he introduced the plan by which he would raise money.
Fortunately, Tilton’s empire has fallen on financial hard times since
ABC’s Prime Time Live showed how his listeners’ prayer requests
were first stripped of money, then quickly disposed of in huge
dumpsters.
2. Little gods. These preachers tell their followers that they are “little
gods.” Paul Crouch said on a Trinity Broadcasting Network program,
“We are gods. I am a little god. I have his name. I am one with him.”
Casey Treat, the pastor of Seattle’s Christian Faith Center, said,
“When God looks in the mirror, he sees me! When I look in the
mirror, I see God!” Kenneth Hagin, another faith healer said, “You
are as much the incarnation of God as Jesus Christ was.” Morris
Cerullo said, “You’re not looking at Morris Cerullo – you’re looking at
God. You’re looking at Jesus.”
3. A merely human Christ. Surprisingly, because it is utterly
contradictory, some of these false teachers deny that Jesus Christ is
fully God. Kenneth Copeland claims to have heard Jesus say, “I
didn’t claim I was God; I just claimed I walked with him and that he
was in me. . . . That’s what you’re doing.”
4. Demoting God. These teachers also limit God. Kenneth Copeland
said, “God cannot do anything for you apart or separate from faith”
because “faith is God’s source of power. Frederick Price declared,
“God has to be given permission to work in this earth realm on behalf
of man. . . . Yes! You are in control! . . . When God gave Adam
dominion, that meant God no longer had dominion. So, God cannot
do anything in this earth unless we let him. And the way we let him or
give him permission is through prayer.”
5. Gospel of greed. This false teaching tells people how God wants
them to get rich and how being poor is sinful. Frederick Price says,
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“If the Mafia can ride around in Lincoln Continental town cars, why
can’t the King’s Kids?” Robert Tilton said, “Not only is worrying a sin,
being poor is a sin when God promises prosperity.” How different
from the Son of Man, who did not even have “a place to lay his head”
(Matt. 8:20).
Notice verse 18b again, where it says, “…deceive the hearts of the simple
(naïve or unsuspecting).”
III. Paul’s Plea for Discernment (vs. 19-20)
Romans 16:19-20, “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad
therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and
simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet
shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
A. Thank God the Roman Christians were obedient to the true gospel (vs.
19)
Notice the words, “… wise unto that which is good…”
And, “…and simple concerning evil.”
The context here is, false teaching!
The work of Satan
In verse 20 we have another benediction by Paul.
Genesis 3:15 – the first promise
Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman,
and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou
shalt bruise his heel.”
Remember in Genesis 3:5 that Satan said, “For God doth know that in
the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as
gods, knowing good and evil.”
They were already like God, the truth is they became like Satan.
We also have three surprises in verse 20:
1. That the God of Peace should crush anyone.
2. That the crushing of Satan should be under our feet (Gen 3:15).
How?
258
Salvation’s tenses:
a. now
b. future
3. That the crushing is going to happen soon.
Our victories over Satan are impossible apart from God’s Grace that is
through Jesus Christ.
What begins in Grace ends with Glory!
We are truly in the Grip of God’s Grace
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
259
Romans 16:21-27 - "Paul’s Hymn of Praise"
Romans 16:21-27, “Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my
kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host,
and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and
Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Now to him that
is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But
now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment
of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only
wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”
We have come to the end of our study of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans.
I have mixed emotions: sad, but glad!
The Book of Romans has been called Paul’s “Magnum Opus”. It’s the most
complete and mature expression of the apostles main doctrines; seen by many
as the most important book in the Bible.
Martin Luther – The chief book of the New Testament … It deserves to be known by heart, word
for word, by every Christian.
Frédéric Louis Godet – In studying it we find ourselves, at every word, face to face with the
unfathomable.
As we close our study in Romans we see two things:
1. Greetings from Paul’s Friends (vs. 21-24)

2. Glory to Paul’s God (vs. 25-27) – a doxology – a passage of Praise!
I. Greetings from Paul’s Friends
Romans 16:21-24, “Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater,
my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of
the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with you all. Amen.”
1. Timothy (vs. 21) - from Lystra – Acts 16
• his family (father – a Greek; his mother – Eunice, his

grandmother – Lois)
• his conversion – Paul’s son in the faith
• traveled with Paul
• his calling and temperament
• so loved by Paul
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Philippians 2:19-23, “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus
shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your
state.”
2. Tertius (vs. 22) – Paul’s Amanuensis
[Amanuensis is a Latin word adopted in various languages, including English, for

certain persons performing a function by hand, either writing down the words of
another or performing manual labour. The term is derived from a Latin expression
which may be literally translated as "manual labourer".]
Picture the scene:
• a native Italian – his name (Quartus – vs. 23) means a slave

• thought to be his brother
• used by God
3. Gaius (vs. 23) – Gift of hospitality
4 Grace (vs. 24) – same as verse 20
Lesson: Paul’s contagious Heart
A survey taken recently in a suburban area of Houston to find out what had
motivated people to choose the particular church where they were members.
Some surprising answers were given: 12 percent chose their church because
of prior denominational affiliation, 8 percent on the basis of the architectural
beauty of the structure, 3 percent because of the person in the pulpit, 18
percent because of convenience of location, 21 percent because of people in
the congregation whom they respected. But a whopping 37 percent were
influenced by the fact that friends and neighbors took an interest in them and
invited them.
Let’s tale Paul’s heart to heart!
II. Glory to Paul’s God (vs. 25-27)
Romans 16:25-27, “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel,
and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which
was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the
scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God,
made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory
through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”
Paul closes his letter with a doxology.
It’s a hymn of praise.
It’s the largest passage of praise.
261
It sums up the central themes found in the Book of Romans.
It contains profound truths about God and the gospel.
1. Paul gives praise to the powerful God (vs. 25)
a. Romans 1:16, the Gospel “…is the power of God unto salvation…”
It’s the power of God “…to stablish you…”
It’s God’s power that saves and strengthens us
It helps us stand strong and stable in our faith, against error, in

holiness, in time of temptation, or persecution.
Have you tapped into God’s power to save and strengthen you?
How?
1. “…according to my gospel…”
2. “…the preaching of Jesus Christ…”
3. “…according to the revelation of the mystery (The gospel was a
mystery In the Old Testament )…”
2. Paul praises the Eternal God (vs. 26)
A. the gospel is revealed by God
Paul says it was hidden, but now revealed
How God has made it known:
1. .. scriptures of the prophets…”

Through the prophetic writings – its through the New
Testament that we understand the Old Testament
James Boice – Peter described the situation, saying, “The prophets,

who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently
and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and
circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing
when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would
follow” (1 Peter 1:10-11).
The reason we understand the gospel now is that the Holy Spirit has
given the apostles understanding of who he is and what he has
accomplished, in agreement with the prior revelation. Indeed, this is
how Paul handled the gospel. But then, at each major step in the
argument, he supported his explanation with direct citations from the
Old Testament. These texts were not necessarily clear earlier. But
262
they are now, since Jesus has fulfilled them, and the Holy Spirit had
given the apostles understanding of what they mean.
2. by “…the commandment of the everlasting God,…”
Illustration – The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
3. for “…all nations…”
4. to bring a response of the “…obedience of faith…”
III. Paul gives glory to the only wise God (vs. 27)
Romans 16:27, ” To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”
We have seen the wisdom of God unfold in Romans
1. The wisdom of God in justification (Romans 1-4)
2. The wisdom of God in sanctification (Romans 5-8)
3. The wisdom of God in human history (Romans 9-11)
Romans 11:33-36, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and
knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways
past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who
hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall
be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to
him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
God is glorified through Jesus Christ
• God’s wisdom is seen in Jesus Christ

• In Christ are “…are hid all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge….” Colossians 2:3
• In the cross of Christ is seen the wisdom and power of God.
In the cross of Christ God has:
1. rescued us – salvation
2. revealed His love – revelation
3. overcome evil – conquest
What begins with Grace ends with Glory!
Copyright © Calvary Chapel San Bernardino
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WORD OF LIFE STUDY GUIDES

By John Paul Miller

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that

Pastor John Paul Miller

In The Grip of God’s Grace

Introducing Paul to Rome - Romans 1:1-7 11

Paul’s Loving Heart - Romans 1: 8-13 19

The Good News - Romans 1:14-17 24

The Heathen without Excuse - Romans 1:18-23 29

The Heathen without Excuse (Pt. 2) - Romans 1:24-32 35

The Moral Man without Excuse - Romans 2:1-16 41

The Jew without Excuse - Romans 2:17-3:19 48

How God Saves Sinners - Romans 3:20-31 52

How God Saves Sinners (Pt. 2) - Romans 3:20-31 58

How God Saved Abraham - Romans 4:1-16 65

The Faith of Abraham - Romans 4:17-25 68

The Blessing of Our Justification - Romans 5:1-4 75

The Blessing of Our Justification (Part 2) - Romans 5:5-11 81

Grace Abounding - Romans 5:12-21 89

Shall We Continue in Sin? - Romans 6 95

Who Shall Deliver Me? - The Struggle of a Saved Soul - Romans 7 98

No Condemnation - Romans 8:1-4 103

Living on a New Level - Romans 8:5-13 112

Adopted into God’s Family - Romans 8:14-17 118

Groaning for Glory - Romans 8:18-22 124

Groaning for Glory (Pt. 2) - Romans 8:23-27 126

Groaning for Glory (Pt. 3) - Romans 8:26-27 132

A Golden Chain of God’s Purpose - Romans 8:29-30 142

A Hymn of Assurance - Romans 8:31-39 147

Election, Israel’s Past - Romans 9:1-13 152

Election, Israel’s Past (Pt. 2) - Romans 9:14-33 158

Rejection, Israel’s Present - Romans 10:1-21 164

Restoration, Israel’s Future - Romans 11:1-24 166

Our Great & Glorious God - Romans 11:25-36 169

A Call To Consecration - Romans 12:1-2 176

Thinking Rightly as Members of Christ’s Body - Romans 12:3-8 181

The Manifestation of Love - Romans 12:9-13 186

The Manifestation of Love (Pt. 2) - Romans 12:14-21 192

God’s Strange Servants - Romans 13:1-7 198

The Debt of Love - Romans 13:8-10 204

Understanding the Times - Romans 13:11-14 210

When Christians Disagree - Romans 14:1-12 216

When Christians Disagree (Pt. 2) - Romans 14:13-23 222

When Christians Disagree (Pt. 3) - Romans 15:1-13 226

A Benediction for a Blessed Life - Romans 15:13 232

Paul’s Marvelous Ministry - Romans 15:14-22 237

Paul’s Marvelous Ministry (Pt. 2) - Romans 15:23-33 243

Paul, a Lover of People - Romans 16:1-16 248

Paul’s Protective Heart - Romans 16:17-20 252

Background and Setting

Date and Location of Composition

Themes and Theology

Cite This Page:

Romans is one of those books every Christian should understand.

The Book of Romans has:

1. A Theme – Romans 1:16,17

These two verses summarize the entire Book of Romans.

2. A Text – Habakkuk 2:4

Habakkuk 2:4, “… but the just shall live by his faith.”

This phrase so sparked Martin Luther’s heart that it ultimately led to

a) to prepare for Paul’s visit to Rome

b) to explain the Gospel of Grace

The gospel message is so simple that a child can

c) to answer questions about God’s plan’s for Israel.