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 […]
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that God’s people are marked by faith that continues in humble reliance on his kindness. Whether Jew or Gentile, true Israel doesn’t presume on the grace of God but clings to Christ and bears much fruit. This is what it means to belong to God’s beautiful olive tree, […]
In Romans 11 Paul is ramping up to the climax of his discussion of Israel and the gospel. He lays out the future salvation of Israel and how God is even using their unbelief to accomplish his plans for the world. In this sermon, pastor Mitch reminds us that Israel’s hardening and rejection is neither […]
Having considered Israel’s past and God’s sovereign purpose in Romans 9, and then Israel’s present situation and God’s continued patience in chapter 10, one crucial question remains: Is God done with Israel? Has he rejected his people for good? This is what Paul begins to address in chapter 11 as he focuses on Israel’s future […]
Since chapter 9, Paul has been considering the unbelief of Israel and their rejection of the Gospel. As Paul concludes his second survey of this question in chapter 10, he gives two possible explanations for why Israel hasn’t called on the name of the Lord before providing us with the answer. By the end of […]
The Scriptures say that “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10:13; Joel 2:32). But what must happen for sinners to actually do this? Since salvation is ultimately based on the sovereign mercy of God, what part do we play in bringing about the obedience of faith among all […]
Amidst all the religions and belief systems of the world, only one is about what God himself has done for our salvation. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not good advice to follow but good news to believe. For while the world says “do,” Jesus Christ says “done”; while the world says “strive”, the risen […]
In this sermon, pastor Keith looks at the paradoxical conclusion Paul reaches about the Gentiles and Jews in their pursuit of righteousness. He reminds us that Christ Jesus will either be a rock of offense to those seeking to obtain a righteousness based on their own performance, or the Rock of Ages cleft for those […]
Our God is a God of both sovereign and surprising mercy. While it’s true that he is unchanging, reliable, and faithful to perform his word, he nevertheless tends to surprise us, especially in his displays of mercy and salvation. And one of the clearest examples of this is seen in the formation of true Israel […]
Responding to the objection of injustice regarding unconditional election (Rom. 9:14), Paul has explained that once we grasp who God is (that he is absolutely free) and what mercy is (that it is undeserved), then we will understand that God is righteous in his sovereign purposes. But a further objection is raised in Romans 9:19: […]
