Diving Into Romans | Ps Bruce McCleland
October 6, 2024 • Ps Bruce McCleland • Romans 1:1, Romans 1:17, Romans 3:20, Romans 3:10
As we start this new series called Diving Into Romans, join Ps Bruce as he teaches on the importance of reading the word, how the book of Romans applies in this current day and age and we can stay anchored in the Lord.
Martin Luther, a German monk, initially believed that God required him to live a completely righteous life to be saved, which led him to hate God for demanding what seemed impossible. However, after reading Romans 1:17, Luther realized that "the righteousness of God" refers to the righteousness given by God through faith, not human effort.
This revelation transformed his understanding of God from one of fear and resentment to love and reverence, as he came to see salvation as a gift of God's grace and mercy, rather than something earned by personal righteousness. This transformation happened because of his encounter with God’s word in the book of Romans.
Paul was passionate about the gospel of Christ. He believed deeply that Christ didn’t come just for the Jewish people, but for all humanity. As he wrote in Romans 1:16-17: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last."
In Romans, Paul explains that everyone, whether Jew or Gentile, (Christian or secular) faces the same struggles. He talks about the wrath of God and says that if there was no wrath, then why would we need a savior? We can’t ignore the evidence that God exists, and if we don’t worship Him, we will end up worshipping something else.
Paul explains that whether you are an unbeliever or a believer (Jew or
gentile) we struggle with the same things.
1) To acknowledge the wrath of God
a. But if there was no wrath then why do we need a savior?
2) We can’t ignore the evidence around us that God exists
3) If we don’t worship God, well worship something else
4) God will give us over to the desire of our hearts
Paul lays all of this out so that we can fully understand the weight of the gospel. Without understanding our sinful condition, the rest of the message wouldn’t have the same impact. To truly appreciate the good news of salvation, we must confront what we are like without God.
So, what are your desires?
