God s Righteousness Revealed. Romans 1:1-32

Transcription

1 1 God s Righteousness Revealed Romans 1:1-32

2 2 God s Righteousness Revealed Getting Right With God Text: Romans 1:1-32, 1. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2. (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5. By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6. Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7. To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints; Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 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; 10. Making request if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12. That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 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.

3 3 14. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16. 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. 17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. 20. 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: 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. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23. 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. 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: 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. 26. 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: 27. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working

4 4 that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28. 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; 29. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers. 30. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boaster, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31. Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 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. Introduction: I. The just shall live by faith. A. As a young man Martin Luther had come to believe that God was a severe judge who meted out harsh punishment to all who did not measure up to His standards of righteousness. B. He also had been taught that God s wrath could be turned away by doing good works. C. But he realized that he had no way of measuring whether he had performed enough good works to appease God s anger. D. So, for several years, as a young monk and Bible scholar, he struggled with this soul-wrenching conflict. E. As a teacher at the University of Wittenberg, he began to study the book of Romans.

5 5 F. As he studied Romans 1:17, the truth suddenly burst upon him as a shining light. G. One is not saved by good works, but by faith: The righteous will live by faith! H. From that time on a dramatic change took place in his life, and he began to challenge many of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. I. Before long he was involved in heated controversy with the Roman Church that led to his excommunication and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. II. The book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul. A. Romans was written in A.D. 58 from Corinth while Paul was on his third missionary journey. B. Paul spoke by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. His teachings are as true as they would have been had they been spoken by Jesus Christ himself! C. We cannot pick and choose, take what we like and discard the rest! It is all the scripture or none. D. To disagree with Paul when he spoke by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is absolutely ridiculous! E. To modify the scriptures, to water down the gospel, is to make it absolutely devoid of its power to save! III. Let s see what Paul teaches in today s lesson text.

6 6 Commentary: Romans 1:1, Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, I. The author of the book of Romans is Paul, A. a servant (bondslave) of Jesus Christ; that is, 1. a person totally owned by Jesus Christ. 2. a person absolutely obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ. B. a called apostle of Jesus Christ. 1. An apostle was a person especially selected and commissioned by Christ himself to be his representative, ambassador. 2. Luke 6:13, And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; C. a person separated unto the gospel of God. 1. Acts 9:1-19, And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus

7 7 whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name s sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, The Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

8 8 II. Paul s name comes first so the Christians in Rome would know immediately who authored these scrolls. Romans 1:2, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) I. God promised the gospel through his prophets in the holy scriptures. A. The gospel Paul preached had been foretold by God s prophets of old. 1. Jeremiah 31:31-35, 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. 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: 2. 2 Peter 3:2, That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

9 9 3. Matthew 1:22, Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 4. 1 Corinthians 15:3, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; B. The prophets spoke the words God gave them. 1. The prophets spoke God s word, not their own words. Romans 1:3, Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; I. God s word spoken through his prophets concerned his Son. A. God s Son had a dual nature: 1. Truly God. John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2. Truly man, a descendant of David. B. God s Son is the heart (center) of the gospel. 1. John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2. Hebrews 2:14-16, Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime

10 10 subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. II. This verse deals with the human nature of Jesus. Romans 1:4, And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: I. Jesus Christ was declared to be the Son of God... A. with power. Jesus earthly life began in obscurity in a manger and ended with unspeakable power when he ascended back to heaven. B. according to the spirit of holiness, the Holy Spirit. C. by the resurrection from/of the dead. II. This verse deals with the divine nature of Jesus. III. Christ awakens/resurrects those: A. dead in sin. B. physically dead. C. 1 Corinthians 15:19, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. D. 2 Timothy 1:10, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

11 11 Romans 1:5, By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: I. Through Christ... A. we (editorial plural or all apostles including Paul), B. received grace. C. Apostleship was granted to the twelve, Paul, et. al. D. for the obedience of faith. 1. Saving faith is inseparately connected with obedience. 2. 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. 3. At the beginning and end of the book of Romans, Paul links faith with obedience. E. The faith was to be preached among all nations (including Rome). 1. Nations can properly be translated Gentiles. F. All gospel work is to be done for his (Christ s) name s sake, glory, honor.

12 12 1. Literally this phrase could be translated on behalf of his name. Romans 1:6, Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: I. The Roman disciples had been called through the gospel to be among those who were obedient to the faith. Romans 1:7, To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints; Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. I. Paul was writing to: A. all in Rome who had been obedient to the faith, 1. 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. 2. Romans 5:5, 8, 10, 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. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 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.

13 13 B. those called (by the gospel) to be saints, holy, righteous, then and there while living Corinthians 1:4, I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; II. Paul extended to those to whom he wrote... A. grace, unmerited divine favor. B. peace (serenity) from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. III. These verses state: A. Paul, a bondslave of Christ, was called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. B. The gospel originated with God, was foretold by Old Testament prophecy, concerns the Son of God. C. The Son of God descended from David according to the flesh, was proclaimed to be the Son of God with power through the resurrection of the dead. D. Paul received grace and apostleship from Christ, was commissioned by Christ to preach the obedience to the faith among all nations, all of which was to be done for Christ s name sake. E. The disciples in Rome are said to have been beloved of God, called to be saints, and recipients of grace and peace as extended from Paul, this epistle s/letter s author.

14 14 Romans 1:8, First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. I. First: (that is, the first thing I want to say), Paul... A. Thanked (his, my) God Corinthians 1:4, I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 2. 2 Corinthians 12:21, And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. 3. Philippians 1:3, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4. Philemon 1:4, I thank my God, making mention of the always in my prayers, 5. Psalm 23:1, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. B. Through Jesus Christ 1. John Wesley, The gifts of God all pass through Christ to us, and all our petitions and thanksgivings pass through Christ to God: 2. John 14:13, 14, And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

15 15 3. John 16:23, And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 4. Ephesians 5:20, Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 5. Colossians 3:17, And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him Timothy 2:5, For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. C. for all the saints at Rome. D. that their faith was proclaimed throughout the whole (Roman) world. 1. From the capital of the Roman Empire, Christians in Rome had communication connections with all parts of the Roman world. 2. Colossians 1:5, 6, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: Romans 1:9, 10, 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.

16 16 I. God is my (Paul s) witness. A. Is this a form of swearing? B. Funk and Wagnall s Standard Dictionary defines oath as... a reverent appeal to God in corroboration of what one says. C. 2 Corinthians 1:23, Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. D. Galatians 1:20, Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. E. Philippians 1:8, For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. F. Matthew 5:33-37, Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. II. I (Paul) serve God in my spirit. A. The true nature of a person s character is seen in the heart, the spirit. B. Actions of the body may be staged. III. I (Paul) serve God in the gospel of his Son.

17 17 A. This is the only way to serve God, through or in the gospel of Jesus Christ. B. No other way or religion is open to any person than to serve God through/in the gospel. IV. I (Paul) make unceasing mention of you always in my prayers. A. Paul prayed for all the saints from his heart continually. V. I (Paul) hope and pray that now, after all these years, I will be helped by God to come to see you. A. This had been Paul s prayer for a long time. B. Some may have been criticizing Paul for planning to visit Rome while not making the trip. C. Everything was and is under the sovereign will of God. Paul promised to visit Rome if it were God s will. 1. Matthew 26:39, And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 2. Paul eventually arrived in Rome as a prisoner, certainly not as he had expected. 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. I. Paul really wanted to see the Christians at Rome...

18 18 A. To impart some spiritual gift Corinthians 12:7-11 lists supernatural gifts of the spirit; viz., a. wisdom b. knowledge c. faith d. healing e. miraculous powers f. prophecy g. distinguishing of spirits h. tongues i. interpretation of tongues 2. God also provides many natural gifts. B. To establish them in the faith. 1. To make their faith and service so strong they would never depart from it. C. To experience mutual edification by the comfort and faith of both Paul and the Roman Christians.

19 19 1. We need to labor to strengthen each other in the faith and work of God. 2. Edification means to build up or increase the faith of another. 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. I. Paul had previously intended to visit Rome but he had been hindered in the execution of these plans. A. 1 Thessalonians 2:18, Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. B. Acts 16:6, Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, C. Paul clearly was not always guided by inspiration in making his plans. D. Romans 15:23-25, 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. II. Paul wanted to visit Rome to have fruit among them; that is, A. converts.

20 20 B. a share in their work/ministry. Romans 1:14, I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. I. Paul regarded himself as being in debt, obligated to all people, A. Greeks B. barbarians C. wise D. foolish II. Classifications: A. Jews regarded the world as consisting of Jews and Gentiles. B. Romans classified the world as Romans and Pagans. C. Greeks classified everyone as Greeks or barbarians. D. Other designations included wise and foolish, male and female, freemen and slaves. III. Conclusions: A. The gospel is equally to be preached to us and everybody else on equal terms. B. What Christ had done for Paul was what caused him to be indebted to all others of whatever background.

21 21 C. This debt can never be discharged!... not until God calls us home. Romans 1:15, So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. I. Paul declared that he was ready with every fiber of his being, with all the strength he had, to preach the gospel to the Romans, Christians and non-christians alike. A. Isaiah 60:6, The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah, all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord. B. Isaiah 61:1, The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; C. Luke 4:21, And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. Romans 1:16, 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. I. Paul was not ashamed to preach the gospel anywhere, not even in Rome, the capital of the world empire. A. Are we ashamed to preach the gospel anywhere? B. Are we ashamed to speak of Christ to anyone?

22 22 C. Did some accuse Paul of being ashamed to preach the gospel in Rome? II. The gospel is the (one and only) power (dynamite) unto salvation to everyone in the whole world who believes. A. 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, 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: B. 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10, Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; C. The gospel does not save people as long as they remain unbelievers. D. Once a person believes the gospel is the means of his salvation he is in a position to lay hold on redemption. III. The gospel was to be preached first to the Jews, then to everyone else. Romans 1:17, For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. I. In the gospel is revealed the righteousness of God; that is, A. what in the eyes of God is right. B. God s intrinsic righteousness.

23 23 II. This righteousness of God, from start to finish, from first to last, (from faith to faith) is accessible through faith. III. The righteous will live by faith. A. Habakkuk 2:46,... the righteous will live by his faith. B. Everything the righteous does springs from his faith. C. 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. D. God s eternal righteousness is revealed in the gospel. Observations: I. Paul is clearly the greatest missionary the world has ever known! A. He felt a deep debt to everyone to preach to them the gospel of eternal salvation. B. He endured extreme continuing persecution because he preached the truth of the gospel. II. We Christians today have the same debt to preach the gospel to the saving of the lost. A. We who have received the saving of our souls must do our utmost to be instruments of God for the saving of the souls of others far and near. B. Do we have the intense drive, compulsion to preach the gospel to all which characterized Paul?

24 24 C. What are we doing to save the lost? How many souls have we led to Christ within the last year? What can we do to lead more to Christ this year? Romans 1:18, For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; I. The wrath of God is revealed: A. from heaven. B. against all men s ungodliness a. opposition to or life without God. 2. unrighteousness. a. Living without doing that which is right while doing that which is wrong, evil. II. The wrath of God is revealed against all men who hinder the gospel truth by their unrighteouness. A. God s wrath is revealed against all men s evil. B. The sins listed from Romans 1:18-2:16 are those most typical of Gentile conduct. III. God has a score to settle with sin! (Coffman) A. Are we firmly on God s side in our hatred of and strong opposition to ungodliness and unrighteousness?

25 25 B.... or do we tolerate what God hates? IV. The gentile world has always had enough evidence from God to determine what is godlike and righteous from: A. nature. B. conscience. Romans 1:19, Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. I. Gentiles of whom Paul spoke had not lived in keeping with knowledge of right and wrong they possessed. A. God had manifested a certain amount of truth to Old Testament Gentiles. B. They failed, as a rule, to live in keeping with this knowledge of truth and were therefore guilty of sin. II. The Old Testament records a few of the instances of God s reaching out to the Gentile world. A. Rahab. Joshua 2:9-11, And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for

26 26 the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. B. Jesus. 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. C. Daniel. Daniel 5:29, Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. D. Cyrus. 2 Chronicles 36:22, 23, Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The Lord his God be with him, and let him go up. E. Naaman. 2 Kings 5:5, And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. F. Paul. Acts 14:15-17, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without

27 27 witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. Romans 1:20, 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: I. God s invisible power and divinity are clearly seen by the visible things God has created. II. Therefore, no one is without excuse for failing to revere the Creator and for failure to do justly by their fellowmen. A. Nothing excuses our failing to honor God and do justly by our fellowman. B. Economic conditions, politics or societal conditions do not free sinners from guilt. 1. I had a hard time when I was growing up is no excuse for sinfulness. Romans 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. I. Paul spoke here of people who: A. knew God, but... B. did not glorify him as God. C. Did not give thanks to God.

28 28 D. Became vain in their reasonings. E. Darkened their senseless heart. II. We dare not do as these Gentiles did! What happened to them can most certainly happen to us! Romans 1:22, Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, I. While professing themselves to be wise, A. Humans regard themselves as wise! B. Homo sapien means the wise one. II. They became foolish. A. Coffman stated that, judging by the way we sometimes act, humans could well be listed as homo ignoramus! B. Aside from what God has told us, we have no definite knowledge of where we came from, what we are doing here and where we are going. C. To reject God is to become foolish. Romans 1:23, 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. I. These sinful people: A. changed the glory of the incorruptible God...

29 29 B. for the likneness of an image of corruptible man, of birds, fourfooted beasts and creeping things. 1. Revelations 19:10, And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 2. Revelations 22:8-10, And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. II. These sinful people left the worship of God for idols of: A. man on two feet. B. four-footed beasts. C. creeping things that crawled around on their bellies. Romans 1:24, 25, Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor 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. I. God, because of these considerations,

30 30 A. gave them up (handed them over) in the lusts of their hearts... (Romans 1:26, 28, 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 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;) 1. unto uncleanness. a. Ephesians 5:12, For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. b. These behaviors were common in idol worship. 2. To dishonor their bodies among themselves. 3. exchanged the truth of God for a lie. 4. worshiped and served the creature rather than the eternally blessed creator. II. God gave up on these people and delivered them up to the devil! Romans 1:26, 27, 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. I. Because of their rejection for righteousness, God gave them up to: A. vile passions; viz.,

31 31 1. women changed the natural use into that which was against nature. a. Lesbians do this. 2. men left the natural use of the woman burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. b. Gays do this. C. Sin is progressive often beginning on a small scale and growing into horrendous evil. Romans 1:28, 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; I. Those who, by living in sins as described, refuse to know and live by God s standards: A. were given up to a reprobate, depraved mind. B. to do those things which are not fitting. 1. Those with depraved minds call evil good and good evil. 2. Bumper sticker: Jesus, deliver us from your followers. II. This is the third time in four verses that it is said that God delivers up the rank sinner to ultimate destruction and a life of sinful filthiness. A. God gave up on these sinners.

32 32 B. May we never give God an occasion to give up on us! 1. Psalm 81:11, 12, But my people would not hearken to any voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts lust: and they walked in their own counsels. 2. Acts 7:42, Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? 3. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12, And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 4. Living in sin affects the evildoer spiritually, physically, morally, intellectually, 5. We do indeed reap what we sow! Romans 1:29-32, Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boaster, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without

33 33 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. I. Sin leads to total corruption and destruction, to being packed full of: A. unrighteousness. B. wickedness. C. covetousness. D. maliciousness. E. envy. F. murder. G. strife, debate. H. deceit. I. malignity. J. whisperers. K. backbiters. L. haters of God. M. insolent, dispiteful. N. haughty, proud. O. boastful.

34 34 P. inventors of evil things. Q. disobedient to parents. R. without understanding. S. covenant-breakers. T. without natural affection. U. unmerciful. V. fornicators. W. implacable. II. These sinners well knew the ordinances of God, that those who practice these things are worthy of death. Nonetheless, they... A. lived in sin. B. encouraged others to live in sin. III. Scriptures: A. 2 Timothy 3:1-8, 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 he power thereof: from such turn away. For all of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden

35 35 with sins, led away with divers lusts. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. B. Galatians 5:19-21, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God C. Ephesians 2:1-5, And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

36 36 Questions Romans 1: Romans was written by, a and of Jesus Christ, from Corinth while on his missionary journey. 2. God had promised the through his in the. 3. The gospel concerned God s our who came, according to the, as a descendant of. 4. Jesus was declared to be the of with, according to the, the of, by the from the. 5. By Paul had received and that all might come to the of the for Christ s, and. 6. Paul addressed all those in who had been called by to be. 7. Paul extended to Roman Christians and from our, and the.

37 37 8. through for all the Christians in because their was spoken of throughout the. 9. John Wesley said, The of all pass through to us, and all our and pass through. 10. Did Paul swear when he said, God is my witness. If so, did he violate Christ s command, Swear not at all? If not, why not? 11. Paul continually mentioned the in his that he might have a to see them. 12. Why did Paul long to see the Romans? See verses Based on 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, list nine supernatural gifts and tell what each gift enabled its possessor to do.

38 Paul had planned often to visit Rome, but he was let hitherto. If he had been let hitherto, why had he not already gone to Rome? 15. Paul said he was a both to and, both to the and. Therefore, Paul was ready to the to those in also. 16. Paul was not of the of which is the of unto to everyone that ; to the first and then to the. 17. Paul was not ashamed to preach the gospel anywhere and to anybody. Name six different types of people to whom Paul preached. 18. In the gospel is revealed the of from to. What does this mean? 19. The shall by! What does this mean?

39 The of is revealed from against all and of men who hinder the in. 21. How does your attitude toward sin agree or disagree with God s attitude toward sin? 22. How do you determine what is good and what is evil? 23. What will God s verdict be at the judgment on good and honest people who have lived and died without knowing Jesus? Consider Romans 1:19 in your answer. 24. The things of God such as his and are perceived by the things that are leaving everyone without for doing that which is evil, neglecting God.

40 Even though heathen Gentiles God, they did not him as, nor give him ; but became in their, and they was. 26. Give at least one example of someone who was wise in his own eyes but really was foolish in various ways. 27. What we worship tells us much about ourselves. Really and truly, what are the five things which are most important to you? 28. Those ancient sinners were purposefully given up by God in the of their unto, that their should be among themselves: because they the of for a, and and the rather than the. 29. Is engaging in homosexuality sinful? Give reasons for your answer.

41 What trends in the direction of depravity do you see in our society? 31. What do you make of the fact that whispering, backbiting, disobeying parents and boasting are listed in verses along with murder, wickedness and without natural affection?