Sunday Morning

Romans 1:21-23 The idea that mankind is without excuse is further developed. Paul provides us with two summary choices that man consciously makes — choices that illustrate that he is on a downward course. He dethrones God, and replaces God.

Romans 1:18-20 Is God being too hard on people? No — rather, God’s wrath is vindicated and necessary since the order and arrangement in the heavens and on earth bear witness to God. Most importantly, man naturally perceives we are accountable to Him.

Romans 1:18-19 God’s wrath is the dreadful consequence to man’s sin. This wrath is revealed against ungodliness — the pervasive attitude of a lack of reverence — and unrighteousness — the intentional violation of God’s law.

Romans 1:18- Paul begins a discourse on how ignorance of God’s Law provides no excuse, and how privilege provides no exemption when it comes to God’s wrath. The message of God’s wrath is actually a precursor to presenting the gospel. This section of Romans deals with the reality of God’s wrath, and the revelation of it.

Romans 1:17- The God-centered nature of the gospel is expounded upon. The power of the gospel is revealed by His declaration of the sinner’s innocence. This declaration is only possible by imputing to him that which he most needs: the righteousness of God. God’s righteousness denotes His activity of “establishing right” and intervening to save His people; this includes judging those who oppose Him.

Romans 1:14-16 We gain further insight into Paul’s missionary heart for the Romans by analyzing his indebtedness and his climatic statement of what his mission is: to preach the gospel to the glory of God. He is overwhelmingly concerned with displaying the gospel’s power unto salvation.

Romans 1:8-15 The introduction to Paul’s letter to the Romans with his expression of thanks to the God he serves. We get a glimpse into Paul’s heart (and an example to follow) by looking at this gratitude and its natural outpouring love, prayer, worship, trust, humility, and perseverance.

Romans 1:5-7 Paul’s brief summary of the gospel by bringing it to its natural conclusion: that Jesus Christ sovereignly commissions His servants and calls His saints. This commission is one of obedience and is ultimately for His own glory.

Romans 1:3-4 The gospel is further elaborated upon by highlighting two successive phases of the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world: He is the eternal Son incarnate, and the eternal Son exalted.