Paul has been explaining in Romans 9 how God’s purpose in election guarantees the fulfillment of all his promises. But he knows that this teaching will raise some very serious objections. Insisting that salvation is solely based on God’s initiative, his decision, his purpose, his choice will cause many to ask: “How is that fair?” […]
As Paul begins Romans 9, he is grieved because the large majority of his fellow Jews have failed to respond to the gospel with faith. But his ultimate concern is God’s faithfulness to his promises. If Israel is “accursed and cut off from Christ” (Rom. 9:3), then have God’s purposes for them been frustrated? Paul’s […]
After unpacking the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel (chs. 1-4) and the blessings of salvation provided by the gospel (chs. 5-8) Paul begins to explain the plan of God vindicated in the gospel in chapters 9-11. Here he aims to show how God’s plan for Israel and the nations reveals his saving righteousness, […]
In the second half of the crescendo that concludes Romans 8, the Apostle Paul focuses on the love of God in Christ that not only secures our vindication on the last day but also our glorious victory now and every day in between. And in this sermon, pastor Matt again shows how God’s everlasting love […]
“What then shall we say to these things?” With this question at the end of chapter 8, Paul famously brings the second major section of his letter to the Romans to a close. These verses are a glorious crescendo that celebrates the unrelenting, unchanging, and unending love of God in Christ. In this sermon, pastor […]
Our emotions and experiences would have us believe the lie that there is nothing good in the fiery furnace of trial. Present suffering can convince us that our lives are nothing more than broken pieces of glass, wasted and worthless. But behind the scenes, regardless of what we feel, God is putting all these pieces […]
One of the places in Scripture where the Holy Spirit’s work is seen most clearly is in Romans 8. In fact, 20 of the 30 mentions of the Spirit in Romans occur in this chapter alone. And this brings us to vv. 26-27, which are a beautiful summary of the Spirit’s work in our lives […]
For some, a new year brings the promise of a brand new start; for others, it only means that more trials suffering are just ahead. What we all need is real hope for the future—one that is more than just wishful thinking, but a confident expectation based on truth. In this sermon, pastor Matt preaches […]
In Romans 5-8, Paul draws out the many implications for those who have been justified by faith. He shows how we now live united to Christ, under grace, as slaves of righteousness, and a life according to the Spirit. In this sermon, pastor Matt explained that this new life made possible by the Spirit of […]
In this world, we are constantly encouraged to pursue our own happiness, to discover what the good life is for us. Yet there is a kind of life that leads to death, and a kind of death that leads to life. In this sermon, pastor Matt teaches that God’s Spirit compels us to live in […]
Christ not only died and rose again to redeem us from the curse of the law. He did so (v. 4): “in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” This is the focus of the next part […]
In Romans 8 Paul presents arguably the most wonderful description of the believer’s assurance in all Scripture. This assurance is possible all because of what God has done through the redeeming work of his Son and through the sanctifying ministry of his Spirit. In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that God gave us his […]
In this sermon, pastor Joel examines the conflict that results because of the sinful flesh and the deliverance made possible through God in Christ.
Having seen Paul’s defense of God’s grace in chapter six, we now see Paul defense of the law in chapter 7. He shows us that it is not the law but our sinful flesh that is to blame for our evil desires and death. In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that what the law […]
In Romans 7, Paul will further clarify the nature of the law, God’s purpose in giving it, and how it relates to those who are now in Christ by grace through faith. And in this sermon, pastor Matt helps us see that grace releases us from the law that we might belong to and live […]
