In chapter 14, Paul is addressing issues that were causing divisions in the church at Rome and how to handle matters of conscience—those matters about which Christians can legitimately differ. He began by calling out the sinful attitudes of both the strong and weak in vv. 1-12. Gentiles who were convinced they could eat all […]
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 […]
Since Romans 12, Paul has been giving the church general instructions for a whole new way of life “in view of God’s mercies.” Now in Romans 13:11-14, he brings this section to close. But instead of telling the church to look at the present in light of the past (what God has done in Christ), […]
Since Romans 12 we have been looking at the various relationships the church has in light of the gospel and our new identity as citizens of God’s kingdom. We considered the church’s relationship to God, to each other, to the world, and to the state. In this sermon, pastor Keith looks at our relationship to […]
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 […]
