Greetings from Paul

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Service:

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Sunday AM

An Introduction to the Book of Romans

/ Text: / Romans 1: 1-17
Where: / FUC, CUC / Date: / 6/03,15
Big Idea: / Righteousness: The thesis of Paul’s epistle

Max Jukes lived in New York. He did not believe in Christ or in Christian training. He refused to take his children to church, even when they asked to go. He has had 1,026 descendants; of these

  • 300 were sent to prison for an average term of thirteen years;
  • 190 were public prostitutes;
  • 680 were admitted alcoholics.
  • His family, thus far, has cost the state in excess of $420,000. They did not contribute to society.

Jonathan Edwards lived in the same state, at the same time as Jukes. He loved the Lord and saw that his children were in church every Sunday, as he served the Lord to the best of his ability. He has had 929 descendants, and of these

  • 430 were ministers;
  • 86 became university professors;
  • 13 became university presidents;
  • 75 authored good books;
  • 7 were elected to the United States Congress. One was vice president of his nation.
  • His family never cost the state one-cent. They contributed immeasurably to life in our land.[1]
  1. INTRODUCTION
  2. This morningwe begin a study Paul’s epistle to the Romans. My plan was to postpone such a study in favor of a simpler one. Since then I began research in two other booksresearch that was fruitlessGod keeps leading me back to Romans.
  3. So here we are; in one of the most important works of Christian theology ever written. Romans touches the very essence of God: his intended saving plan for a lost humanity, accomplished through his Son Jesus, and safeguarded by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
  4. BACKGROUND
  5. You may wonder why an introduction to Romans would begin with Scripture from Acts. Oh, how I love those puzzled looks. You see, I thought we should start with an introduction to Paul, and the story of his conversion and calling is a fitting one. OYBT Romans Chapter 1.
  6. Whatever Paul’s reason for writing this letter, it is in some sense connected with his wish to visit Rome. He wrote the letter from Corinth, but hoped to visit Rome on his way to Spain where he intended to do more missionary work (15:22-24).
  7. It seems he intended to use Rome as a base for his missionary operations in the west, as he did Antioch for his mission work in the east. He sought the church’s support for his missionary endeavors; some in Rome were slandering him (3:8, 6:1), so he took this opportunity to present the Roman church with the message he preached, and sought to clear his name from these slanderous reports.
  8. SALUTATION: THREE CHARACTERIZATIONS (1:1-7)
  9. Paul characterizes himself (v.1)
  10. A servant of Christ Jesus. One who is not his own, but is wholly owned by another. In this sense it is a high honor; Moses, Joshua, David and the prophets were also called servants of God (Heb. ‘ebed YHWH)
  11. Called to be an apostle. Paul claims the attention of the Roman church; not on the grounds of his personal worth, but by virtue of the commission he received from Christ. The word here points away from the apostle’s person to him whose apostle he is. Apostle in this text is both a very humble word and simultaneously of the highest authority.
  12. Set apart for the gospel of God. God chose Paul to proclaim the good newswhich is God’s authoritative word. Its source is none other than God himself.
  13. Paul characterizes the gospel (vv.2-5)
  14. Paul’s theological treatise is quite unusual for opening a letter. His intention is clear from the beginning; this letter will carry a distinctly apologetic flavor. That is, he will defend the gospelthat is what apologetics means; to give a defense of the gospel.
  15. Paul characterizes the believers at Rome
  16. Those who are called to belong to Jesus, loved by God and called to be saints.Paul immediately establishes Christianity as an active, not passive faith.
  17. PAUL’S LOVE FOR THE BELIEVERS AT ROME (vv.8-16a)
  18. He thanks God for their faith; which is known everywhere. This is significant in the very seat of Roman authority.
  19. He prays for them constantly, understanding the pressure they experience daily.
  20. He longs to come to them, so they may minister and encourage each other.
  21. He is eager to preach at Rome so that others will come to know Christ. I am obligated!
  22. THE THEME IS STATED: PAUL’S THESIS (a proposition advanced as an argument) (vv.16-17)
  23. His commitment; I am not ashamed of the gospel. Not even in the capital city of the empire! Paul boldly proclaims it as the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
  24. First for the Jew, then the Gentile. More on this in chapters 9-11. Initially we can say two things; [1] the Jews were first in time and privilege to hear the gospel, and [2] they were charged with spreading the gospel to the rest of the world (Matt. 28:16-20).
  25. It is also no small matter that Jews and Gentiles are equal in this gospel.
  26. His message; a righteousness from God is revealed. Righteousness is “the state of being in a right relationship with God”
  27. Man cannot develop this himself; therefore, Paul declares it God’s righteousness.
  28. Man acquires it by faith; the righteous shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4).

iThis was the battle cry of the protestant reformation of the 16th century. Man receives salvation by God’s grace, through faith; there is no other means. (Eph 2:8-9, Acts 4:12)

iiMan’s faith is based on God’s faithfulness

  1. CONCLUSION
  2. The study of Romans is a study of the righteousness of God. Verses 16 & 17 state the theme of the entire book.
  3. God chose Paul to carry his message for him. Paul became a slave to Christ, going wherever He sent him, following his direction for his life.
  4. Paul’s pursuit of righteousness begins and ends with God’s plan; [1] Promised by God, [2] fulfilled in Christ, and [3] safeguarded by the Holy Spirit.
  5. In this divine plan, God pours his righteousness on his people. In this letter to the church at Rome, Paul will present God’s plan of righteousness masterfully.

APPLICATION: The questionswe must answer throughout this study are:

  1. Am I living righteously?
  2. Do I pursue a lifestyle worthy of my calling?
  3. If Paul wrote an epistle to CUC, how would he characterize us?
  4. Am I ready to truly follow Christ?

Macintosh HD:Documents:Church:Sermons:Greetings from Paul (Romans #1)Created 6/21/03 1:23 PM

[1] James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited p. 195.