1. Paul’s apostleship involves not only his proclamation of the gospel to unbelievers for bringing them to faith, but also his proclamation of the gospel to believers for bringing them to faith-driven obedience (Rom 1:1-15).
- In the New Testament, being reminded of truth is as important for the Christian as being instructed in it (Romans 15:14-16; 1 Cor 15:1-8; Php 3:1; 2 Tim 2:8-14; 2 Peter 1:3-15)
- While the gospel certainly has the cross-work of Christ at the centre of its message (1 Co 2:2, Gal 6:14), its meaning encompasses all of what God does for His people - and in his people - to prepare them for His kingdom (Mk 1:14-15; Rom 8:30; 1 Co 15; 2 Cor 4:1-18; Eph 2:4-10; Eph 5:25-27; 2 Thes 2:13-14; 2 Ti 1:8-12; Tit 2:11-14; 2 Pet 3:11-13)
2. In the gospel, God takes action to put people “in-the-right” with Himself. Trusting what God has done will result in a right relationship with Him (Rom 1:16-17).
3. The reason for God’s action is that human sin has so severed people’s relationship with God that they are hopeless and helpless to deliver themselves from His wrath (Rom 1:18-3:20).
- Sin is defined as idolatry: worshipping anyone or anything other than the Only One for whom worship is reserved (1:24-25)
- Sin is also defined as breaking the revealed Law of God (2:17-24)
John Piper describes sin very comprehensively by showing how it dishonours God's attributes:
The glory of God is not honored.
The holiness of God is not reverenced.
The greatness of God is not admired.
The power of God is not praised.
The truth of God is not sought.
The wisdom of God is not esteemed.
The beauty of God is not treasured.
The goodness of God is not savored.
The faithfulness of God is not trusted.
The promises of God are not relied upon.
The commandments of God are not obeyed.
The justice of God is not respected.
The wrath of God is not feared.
The grace of God is not cherished.
The presence of God is not prized.
The person of God is not loved.
The above statements are taken from this sermon.
Question 1: Why does God hate sin so much to bring His eternal wrath on those who commit it?
Question 2: Does a gospel proclamation that leaves out God's wrath and man's sin a sound message? Why or why not?
4. Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross satisfied the wrath of God; therefore, God can justify (“declare just”) those sinners who place their trust in this death and the One who suffered it (Rom 3:21-26).
Question 3: What are the two natures of Jesus (Rom 9:5; Heb 1:1-3a; 1 Tim 2:5-6; Hebrews 4:15)? Why does the effectiveness of Christ's cross-work for us depend on the reality of these natures?
5. The faith that puts us “in-the-right” with God involves confidence in God’s promises and no confidence in our works (Rom 3:27- 4:25).
Question 4: What are we suggesting to God if we approach Him with the confidence that He will receive us on the basis of our works?
Question 5: What is a promise of God from Scripture that has strengthened you and kept you on the path of following Christ? How is such a promise "good news" to you?
