As we began to look at Romans 14 we saw that there were certain opinions dividing the church at Rome along ethnic lines. Both Jewish and Gentile believers were quarrelling over disputable matters, such as food and observing special days. The strong-in-faith were tempted to look down on the weak for their apparent “legalism;” and […]
In Romans 14-15, Paul addresses the non-essential issues that were causing strife in the church at Rome. And the principles laid out here continue to teach us how to handle matters of conscience while preserving gospel fellowship. In this sermon, pastor Matt begins to show us that Christians are to love and accept all those […]
In Romans 12, we saw how disciples of Jesus are recognized by a non-retaliating love for their enemies that seeks peace with all and leaves vengeance with God. But this raised an important issue: What about evil? What about justice? All of this leads Paul to consider the Christian’s relationship to the state and discuss […]
After all that Paul has said about the Christian’s relationship to the church, we come to what is arguably the most radical command in all Scripture. We saw it briefly in verse 14, but in verses 17-21 Paul now focuses on our relationship to the world, and the Christian’s display of non-retaliating love. In this […]
Having just taught that Christians are members of Christ’s body, and encouraging the church to use their grace-gifts in humble service, Paul shows them “a still more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31). In this sermon, Pastor Matt shows how love is the indispensable mark of the new humanity created in Christ Jesus. For the love […]
A renewed mind keeps God’s mercies central and takes delights in God’s will. But it not only makes true worship possible when it comes to our relationship to God, but it also makes humble service possible when it comes to our relationship to the church. In this sermon, pastor Matt teaches that a mind renewed […]
With this sermon we begin the final section of Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. In chapters 1-4 we saw how the gospel of Jesus reveals the righteousness of God in the justification of sinners. In chapters 5-8 Paul showed how the gospel provides the hope of salvation for all those united to Christ. […]
Having surveyed God’s plan of salvation in history—from his purpose of election to the fulfillment of his promises—Paul’s argument in Romans 9-11 gives way to adoration. His extended look at the attributes, works, and purpose of God (theology) causes him to erupt in praise to God (doxology). In this sermon, pastor Matt preaches that worship […]
Paul’s point in Romans 11 is that God is not done with Israel. If they do not continue in their unbelief, they will certainly be grafted back into their own olive tree, “for God has the power to graft them in again” (Rom. 11:23). But Paul is convinced not only that they can be grafted […]
