Righteousness Through Faith: The Heart of Salvation

 

Summary

In our exploration of Paul's epistle to the Romans, we delve into the profound truths presented in the second chapter. Paul begins by addressing the universal nature of sin and the necessity of righteousness from God, a righteousness that is accessible through faith. This righteousness is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift from God, revealed from faith to faith. The apostle emphasizes that God's wrath is against all ungodliness and unrighteousness, a truth that applies to both Jews and Gentiles alike.

Paul challenges the Jews who might feel superior due to their heritage, law, and circumcision. He warns against the danger of relying on these external markers for salvation, highlighting that true righteousness is not about outward identity but about the heart's condition. The Jews, in their self-righteousness, condemned the Gentiles, failing to see their own need for salvation. Paul argues that God's judgment is impartial, and everyone, regardless of their background, is accountable to Him.

The subtlety of sin is a key theme here. Sin can blind us to our own faults while making us quick to judge others. It can lead us to rely on our heritage, moralism, or rituals instead of the transformative power of the gospel. Paul urges us to examine ourselves, to ensure that we are not merely hearers of the word but doers, applying its truths to our lives.

As we study the scriptures, we must approach them with humility, seeking to understand and apply their teachings to our lives. The Bible is not just a text to be analyzed but a living word that speaks to our hearts, challenging us to live in accordance with God's will. Let us be vigilant against the dangers of academic detachment and strive to let the word of God transform us from the inside out.

Key Takeaways:

- Universal Need for Righteousness: Paul emphasizes that righteousness from God is necessary for all, both Jews and Gentiles. This righteousness is not earned but given through faith, highlighting the universal need for salvation. [03:24]

- The Danger of Self-Righteousness: The Jews' reliance on their heritage and the law led to a false sense of security. Paul warns against self-righteousness, urging us to recognize our own need for God's grace and to avoid judging others. [13:53]

- Subtlety of Sin: Sin can blind us to our own faults while making us quick to judge others. It can lead us to rely on external markers like heritage or rituals instead of the transformative power of the gospel. [21:38]

- Application of Scripture: The Bible must be applied to our lives, not just studied academically. We must approach it with humility, seeking to understand and live out its teachings, allowing it to transform us. [38:39]

- Justification by Faith: True salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through our own efforts or heritage. Any reliance on external factors denies the core doctrine of justification by faith alone. [27:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Romans Study
- [01:32] - Beginning of Romans Chapter 2
- [02:36] - Understanding the Context
- [03:24] - Righteousness from God
- [04:52] - God's Wrath Against Sin
- [05:55] - Misunderstanding Paul's Message
- [07:20] - The Danger of Misinterpretation
- [09:26] - Jews and Gentiles in Romans
- [11:57] - No Respect of Persons with God
- [14:14] - The Subtlety of Sin
- [17:40] - The Jews' False Security
- [21:38] - Sin's Subtle Influence
- [27:48] - Justification by Faith
- [38:39] - Applying Scripture to Life

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Romans Chapter 2

Bible Reading:
- Romans 2:1-16
- Romans 1:16-18
- Romans 3:9-10

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he says, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest"? How does this relate to the previous chapter? [01:32]

2. How does Paul describe the universal nature of sin and God's wrath in Romans 1:18? What implications does this have for both Jews and Gentiles? [03:55]

3. In what ways does Paul challenge the Jews' reliance on their heritage and the law for salvation? [09:26]

4. How does Paul illustrate the subtlety of sin in the lives of those who judge others? [21:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Paul's message in Romans 2:1-16 challenge the notion of self-righteousness among the Jews? What does this reveal about the nature of true righteousness? [13:53]

2. What does Paul mean by "the just shall live by faith," and how does this concept challenge both Jewish and Gentile believers? [03:24]

3. How does the sermon suggest that sin can blind individuals to their own faults while making them quick to judge others? What are the dangers of this mindset? [21:38]

4. In what ways does the sermon emphasize the importance of applying scripture to one's life rather than merely studying it academically? [38:39]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you relied on external markers, such as heritage or rituals, for your sense of righteousness. How can you shift your focus to the transformative power of the gospel? [18:28]

2. Consider how you approach scripture. Do you find yourself reading it for comfort or to confirm your own beliefs? How can you approach it with an open mind and heart? [24:23]

3. How can you guard against the subtlety of sin that leads to self-righteousness and judgment of others? What practical steps can you take to examine your own heart? [21:38]

4. Think about a recent situation where you judged someone else. How might you have been blind to your own faults in that situation? What can you do differently next time? [26:48]

5. How can you ensure that your study of scripture leads to transformation in your life rather than just academic knowledge? What changes can you make in your study habits? [38:39]

6. Identify one area in your life where you might be relying on something other than faith in Jesus Christ for your sense of security or righteousness. How can you address this reliance? [27:48]

7. Reflect on the sermon’s emphasis on the application of scripture. What is one specific way you can apply a biblical truth to your life this week? [38:39]

Devotional

Day 1: Righteousness as a Divine Gift
Righteousness is a gift from God, accessible to all through faith, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. Paul emphasizes that this righteousness is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a divine gift revealed from faith to faith. This truth underscores the universal need for salvation, as both Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of God's grace. The righteousness that comes from God is not earned by works or heritage but is freely given to those who believe. This understanding calls us to a humble recognition of our dependence on God for our salvation. [03:24]

"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'" (Romans 1:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's favor through your own efforts? How can you embrace the gift of righteousness through faith today?


Day 2: The Illusion of Self-Righteousness
Paul warns against the danger of self-righteousness, particularly for those who rely on their heritage or adherence to the law for salvation. The Jews, in their self-righteousness, condemned the Gentiles, failing to see their own need for God's grace. This false sense of security can lead to judgmental attitudes and a lack of compassion for others. True righteousness is about the heart's condition, not external markers. We are called to recognize our own need for God's grace and to avoid judging others, understanding that God's judgment is impartial. [13:53]

"For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law." (Romans 2:12, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel superior to others because of your background or achievements? How can you cultivate a heart of humility and grace towards others today?


Day 3: The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin has a subtle way of blinding us to our own faults while making us quick to judge others. It can lead us to rely on external markers like heritage or rituals instead of the transformative power of the gospel. Paul urges us to examine ourselves, ensuring that we are not merely hearers of the word but doers, applying its truths to our lives. This requires a deep awareness of our own shortcomings and a reliance on God's grace to transform us from the inside out. [21:38]

"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where sin has blinded you to your own faults? How can you seek God's help to address this area and extend grace to others?


Day 4: Living Out the Scriptures
The Bible is not just a text to be analyzed but a living word that speaks to our hearts, challenging us to live in accordance with God's will. We must approach it with humility, seeking to understand and apply its teachings to our lives. This involves being vigilant against the dangers of academic detachment and striving to let the word of God transform us from the inside out. True transformation comes when we allow the scriptures to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. [38:39]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: How can you move beyond merely studying the Bible to actively living out its teachings in your daily life? What is one specific change you can make today to align your actions with God's word?


Day 5: Justification Through Faith Alone
True salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through our own efforts or heritage. Paul emphasizes that any reliance on external factors denies the core doctrine of justification by faith alone. This truth calls us to a deeper trust in Christ's finished work on the cross and a rejection of any attempts to earn our salvation. By embracing justification by faith, we experience the freedom and assurance that comes from knowing we are accepted by God, not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us. [27:48]

"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." (Romans 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on your own efforts or background for your sense of worth and acceptance before God? How can you fully embrace the truth of justification by faith today?

Quotes

"Paul here is proceeding to unveil to us the terrible character of sin in that first chapter we saw the fulness and the vileness of sin we seem to be walking through the gutters of life and felt we needed a bath after it with all those terrible unnatural perversions and all those other things that are almost unmentionable but there they are now he's there with the vileness and the foul Ness of sin now what is he going to do well now he's going to deal with what we may well call the subtlety of sin the subtlety of it all." [00:20:50]

"The subtlety comes in in the way that I've already indicated to you you see it perfectly don't you in the case of the Jew the only way you see listening to all that and saying absolutely right hundred percent with you Paul what you are saying about those wretched Gentiles is nothing but the truth and you see it was because of this subtlety of sin that they ever said that they didn't see the statement they didn't follow the argument and they failed to see its application to themselves." [00:21:38]

"Now that is I say the thing that we've got to consider let me put it to you like this to show you how this afflicts us all and how constantly we've gotta guard ourselves against this very pitfall into which the Jews of old fell don't forget that these we're God's people they had been called by God they were the people who have the scriptures they were the people who read them and studied them and gloried in them yet with all that here they are they crucified their own missile they did their best to prevent that Gentiles being saved they did their best to exterminate Christianity what a terrible position what a terrible possibility." [00:22:50]

"How easy it is to read the scriptures and just to pick out what you like and to leave the rest some people do that even in their reading of the Bible they only read certain parts of the Bible they say we find it very comforting it's very nice and they never disturbs them of course because they only want comfort and they go for comfort or they get nothing but comfort they take parts of the scripture leave the rest that's one way but it can be done I saying in in that other way you can be listening to a sermon or an address you can be reading your scripture and you really just pick out all places you and you take no notice of the rest at all." [00:23:30]

"Isn't this a terrible danger always that we sometimes some of us tend to read the scriptures not so much to be enlightened and to be taught but to confirm our own theories our own ideas and our own prejudices now I want to make that a universal statement we are all guilty of it let me put it to you like this it's the danger of the Calvinist who looks for one thing only and ignores difficulties it's the equal danger of the Arminian who only looks what he wants and doesn't notice the other stresses and emphases each one sees only part ignores the rest we're all guilty." [00:24:30]

"What's your view of prophecy what's your view of centa fication what's your view of all these doctrines in the name of God I say let's be careful that we don't go with such a prejudice to the scripture that we only pick out what agrees with our theory and ignore and forget the rest let's come to it with an open mind and an open heart whatever it may have to say and let's look at it and every detail and beware of prejudice the second danger is this that sin in it suddenly tends to make us put ourselves into special categories and compartments that is an outcome of the first isn't it." [00:25:30]

"You see that you I'm a Jew Gentile and we all are given to these labels they're terrible things these labels we should avoid them as the very plague but people are very fond of putting labels on us and we sometimes like them I'm a CERN so you know how people say I'm a Methodist I'm a Salvation it's time this that or the other no no we are Christians primarily and we mustn't put the label of us here it is we tend to put ourselves into categories and compartments and then of course go on doing what I've already been saying find statements to confirm us in to buttress our position." [00:26:30]

"Paul is now going to show us how everybody's trying to avoid it and running away from it with some other theory or explanation and he brings us back to it we are all experts at running away from it how do we do so well you run away from the doctrine of justification by faith only when you rely upon anything or anyone except the Lord Jesus Christ in this perfect work I don't care what it is if you rely on your country if you say I must be a Christian I was born in Great Britain Christian country Japan pagan if you're saying that sort of thing you're denying justification by faith as the Juden." [00:27:48]

"If you're relying on the fact that your parents were christians or saints any reliance upon your birth and ancestry or if in any way you're relying on any form of moralism if in any way you're relying on your good life and your respectability and your good work she had benign justification by faith it was the whole curse of the Pharisee it was the thing that our Lord at a fight Thurman and Paul was constantly fighting them about the same thing moralism in any shape or form smug self-satisfaction and contentment people who say you know I really can't honestly say that I've ever felt I'm a sinner well if you haven't you are not justified by faith because you've never seen any need of it you're all right as you are as the Jew thought he was." [00:28:48]

"Now may the grace of our Lord and Savior 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 evermore on him we do hope that you've been helped by the preaching of dr. Martin lloyd-jones all of the sermons contained within the MLJ trust audio library are now available for free download you may share the sermons or broadcast them however because of international copyright please be advised that we are asking first that these sermons never be offered for sale by a third party and second that these sermons will not be edited in any way for length or to use as audio clips you can find our contact information on our website at MLJ trust org." [00:40:45]

"That's MLJ TR u st dot o-r-g we do hope that you've been helped by the preaching of dr. Martin lloyd-jones all of the sermons contained within the MLJ trust audio library are now available for free download you may share the sermons or broadcast them however because of international copyright please be advised that we are asking first that these sermons never be offered for sale by a third party and second that these sermons will not be edited in any way for length or to use as audio clips you can find our contact information on our website at MLJ trust org." [00:41:45]

"That's MLJ TR u st dot o-r-g we do hope that you've been helped by the preaching of dr. Martin lloyd-jones all of the sermons contained within the MLJ trust audio library are now available for free download you may share the sermons or broadcast them however because of international copyright please be advised that we are asking first that these sermons never be offered for sale by a third party and second that these sermons will not be edited in any way for length or to use as audio clips you can find our contact information on our website at MLJ trust org." [00:42:45]

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Transcript
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