Sermons

Why should we study Romans? This letter, Paul's magnum opus, instructs us on the most essential doctrines of the Christian faith. The book is expansive, containing the most words of Paul's epistles. It has been described as the key to understanding all scriptures. This book is vitally necessary to the life of the believer. John Chrysostom, an early church father, had Romans read to him every week. Luther and Augustine credited the book as instrumental in their salvation. Romans contains the lengthiest instruction of all Paul's letters. Paul had never been to the church in Rome. Paul preached unity. He introduced himself as a bondservant of Christ, subjugated to the lordship of Jesus. He preached sin as a destructive slavery and salvation as liberation with total devotion to the Savior. He affirmed his calling as an apostle, holding the office by Christ's choosing, even though he was a persecutor of the church and of Christ. He had become a minister of the Gospel. The meaning here is that no one is beyond the reach of God's power, Paul being the foremost of sinners. Who can God not save? No one! Paul testified to the church that he was set apart for the Gospel. He was God's chosen instrument from before the foundation of the universe. He received a direct visit from Jesus, and he taught not the word of man. Paul sought to draw all attention to Christ, Him and Him crucified. Earthly preachers in our time shouldn't dare to improve upon the Word given. Paul presents the Promise made in eternity past though the prophets of the Old Testament, God's word. All prophecy points to His Son encapsulated in the Gospel. His Son, the Messiah, is the powerful reigning Lord, confirmed by God through the power of the resurrection. He is able to save to the uttermost. Within the Gospel is the command to believe. Paul's benediction of grace and peace is for us also: grace or unmerited favor of God and peace through the walls of hostility between sinners and God torn down.