Scripture References: Romans 1:1-17; Romans 5-8 (series focus); Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 3:7-9; Titus 2:11-14
Intro: Welcome. Today begins a new sermon series focusing on Romans 5-8, exploring the glorious Gospel of Grace. The Gospel isn't good advice ("try harder"), but good news ("It is finished!"). It's an announcement of what God has done for us in Christ. Yet, we often live by "ungrace," feeling pressure to perform for God's acceptance. This series aims to help us grasp God's unmerited favor, understanding that resting in Christ's finished work is the key to true Christian living.
Key Points:
- Gospel Defined (Rom 1:1-4, 16-17): The Gospel is God's good news concerning His Son, Jesus Christ – fully God, fully human, promised King, resurrected Lord. It's the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, revealing a righteousness from God received by faith.
- Cross vs. Ladders: Human religion builds ladders – attempting to reach God through effort, performance, rule-keeping (often seeking control or pride). The Gospel presents the Cross – God reaching down to us in Christ, achieving salvation for us. We struggle to accept this gift because we want control and self-righteousness.
- Justification by Faith (Rom 4:5; Eph 2:8-9): We are declared righteous as a gift, solely through faith in Christ's work, not our own performance. "To the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." This is 1 the core – it's His performance, not ours.
- Grace Motivates, Not Demotivates: Does grace lead to laziness or license (Rom 6:1)? No! True grace, when grasped, transforms the heart. Like hearing "next goal wins" when losing, the good news energizes us. We obey and serve out of gratitude and love for what He's done, not to earn His love (Titus 2:11-14). Paul's missionary zeal flowed from grace (Rom 15).
- Grasping Grace Brings Freedom: Understanding our secure acceptance in Christ frees us from performance anxiety, fear of judgment, and comparing ourselves to others. It unlocks uninhibited joy and worship. Romans has historically transformed lives (Augustine, Luther, Wesley) when its truths are truly grasped.
Conclusion: The Gospel proclaimed in Romans is the radical good news that our salvation and acceptance are based entirely on Christ's finished work ("Done!"), received freely by faith ("Grace!"). Grasping this truth frees us from striving and empowers joyful, grateful obedience powered by the Spirit.
Call to Action: Where are you still trying to earn God's favor? Meditate on Romans 5 this week. Ask God for a fresh revelation of His grace and Christ's finished work. Consciously shift your trust from your performance to His. Receive His gift of righteousness by faith and rest in His acceptance.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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