Embracing the Transformative Power of Romans

Sermon Summary

The gathering this evening is a time of worship and reflection on the profound truths found in the Epistle to the Romans. This is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual journey, as the Bible is God's book, meant to be approached with reverence and worship. The Epistle to the Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, is not a theological treatise for experts but a letter with practical aims, intended to build up the faith of the church. It is placed first among the New Testament epistles not because of its length or chronological order but due to its foundational importance in Christian doctrine.

Throughout history, the Epistle to the Romans has played a crucial role in the church's development and reformation. It was instrumental in the conversion of significant figures like St. Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley, each of whom experienced profound spiritual awakenings through its teachings. The epistle has been a bedrock for defending the faith against heresies and has been pivotal in major movements like the Protestant Reformation.

Paul, the author of this epistle, was uniquely prepared by God for his mission. His background as a Jew, a Roman citizen, and a man of Greek culture equipped him to bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers. His conversion and subsequent ministry highlight the interplay between natural gifts and the work of the Holy Spirit. While natural abilities are God-given and valuable, they must be surrendered to the Spirit's control to be truly effective in God's service.

This understanding challenges the notion that natural gifts are irrelevant in spiritual matters. Instead, the Holy Spirit uses these gifts, refining and directing them for God's purposes. The diversity of gifts among believers reflects God's glory, much like the variety found in nature. Each person's unique abilities contribute to the church's mission, much like different voices in a choir create a harmonious anthem.

Key Takeaways

1. Worship and study of the Bible are inseparable; approaching the Scriptures with reverence transforms intellectual study into a spiritual experience. The Epistle to the Romans, in particular, demands such an approach due to its foundational role in Christian doctrine. [00:42]
2. The Epistle to the Romans has historically been a catalyst for significant spiritual awakenings and reformations, demonstrating its power to transform lives and shape the church's direction. Its teachings on justification by faith have been pivotal in movements like the Protestant Reformation. [12:49]
3. Paul's unique background as a Jew, Roman citizen, and man of Greek culture illustrates how God prepares individuals for specific missions. His life exemplifies the integration of natural gifts and spiritual calling, showing that God uses our backgrounds and abilities for His purposes. [23:45]
4. The relationship between natural gifts and the Holy Spirit's work is complementary, not contradictory. While natural abilities are valuable, they must be surrendered to the Spirit's control to be effective in God's service. This balance is crucial for a fruitful Christian life. [34:20]
5. Diversity in gifts among believers reflects God's glory, much like the variety in nature. Each person's unique abilities contribute to the church's mission, creating a harmonious and effective body of Christ. Embracing and utilizing these gifts is essential for fulfilling God's purposes. [45:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Introduction to the Service
[00:42] - Worship and Study of the Bible
[01:56] - Structure and Timing of the Service
[03:08] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[04:31] - Introduction to the Epistle to the Romans
[05:35] - Importance of the Epistle's Position
[07:22] - Foundation Truths of the Epistle
[09:18] - Historical Impact of the Epistle
[12:14] - Martin Luther and the Reformation
[13:41] - John Wesley's Conversion
[15:02] - Evangelical Movements in Europe
[17:41] - Testimonies to the Epistle's Greatness
[21:15] - The Apostle Paul: Background and Preparation
[29:25] - Paul's Mission to Jews and Gentiles
[34:20] - Natural Gifts and the Holy Spirit
[45:28] - Embracing Diversity in Gifts
[46:40] - Closing Prayer

Sermon Clips

The Bible is not an ordinary book; it is God's book, and it is a book about God and about men's relationship to him. Therefore, every time we consider a study of the Bible, we should of necessity be worshiping. In other words, I do not propose to consider this great epistle in a merely intellectual or academic manner. [00:44:64]

The Epistle to the Romans is not the first epistle in the Canon because it is the first in chronological order. Well, then why is it first? Well, there are some who say that it's first because it is the longest, and it is actually the longest. But for myself, I agree with those who reject that explanation. [06:38:24]

The Epistle to the Romans has played a more important and a more crucial part in the history of the church possibly than any other single book in the whole of the Bible. And to me, that is a matter of very great significance. We are to read and we are to study the whole Bible, yes. [08:27:56]

The conversion of that great man St. Augustine, I suppose in many ways it's right to say that between the end of the New Testament Canon and the Protestant Reformation, no greater person appeared in the Christian church than that great man Augustine of Hippo. You remember his story. [09:18:12]

Paul, as we shall see, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. Let us pray. Oh Lord Our God, we humble ourselves before thee as where are Li the Wonder and the Marvel of thy ways. We admit oh God that there Beyond searching all the depth of the riches. [46:40:00]

The Apostle Paul was able to stand and refute him and to win him back again to a true understanding of the Gospel. Well, now it's there is no question at all but that the apostles' knowledge of the Jews' position, which he had gained in his upbringing and training as a Pharisee at the feet of gel, was of inestimable value to him. [30:04:91]

The relationship between the Holy Spirit and his work on the one hand and natural gifts and background on the other hand. Now, I'm sure that oftentimes that question has come to you as a problem, and people have often discussed it, and it has often led to very great confusion. [34:20:00]

Natural gifts are not done away with or set on one side by the Holy Spirit. What the Holy Spirit does is to control them and to use them. Now, that is how you understand how God has used these men whom I've mentioned in the scriptures. You see, every one of these men has his own style. [42:30:68]

The Holy Spirit doesn't dictate to them. What the Holy Spirit does, of course, is to take these men with all their gifts and powers and use them and imply them. Now, we shall see all that as we go through this epistle to the Romans. We shall be impressed here by the order, by the logic, by the argument. [43:02:59]

We've all got our gifts. Let us therefore hand them back to him that he may use them. Let's not try to be the same as everybody else. We are not meant to be. Let God use the gifts he's given us so that I in my way and you in your way and another in his, that all of us together shall be like a great choir. [45:28:31]

Paul, yes, the very man that was needed to lay down foundations to safeguard the truth as against Judaism, to present it in all its Glory to the Gentiles. Paul, as we shall see, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. [46:40:00]

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship and the communion of the Holy Spirit abide and continue with us now this night and throughout the remainder of this our short and certain life and Earthly pilgrimage and ever more amen. [48:08:79]

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