Romans in the Desert 7.0 | Wages and a Gift | Jared Doe

We had already crossed the Alps…

Justification -
Sanctification -

When we get what God has done for us,
When we pay attention to what God is doing in us,
God is able to work through us.

Sanctification - holiness - isn’t about sin management - its about pursuing God’s heart for our life.

Romans 6
6 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Baptism -
Death -

John 12:23-26
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

“Give me all of you!!! I don’t want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don’t want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me, give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self---in my image. Give me yourself and in exchange I will give you Myself. My will, shall become your will. My heart, shall become your heart.”
-CS Lewis, Mere Christianity

Romans 6
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

What is sin?

Sin isnʼt only doing bad things; it's more fundamentally making good things into ultimate things. Sin is building your life and meaning on anything, even a very good thing, more than on God.
-Tim Keller

Stockholm Sindrome -

Proverbs 26:11 - As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.

Romans 6
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! 16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

19 I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The why -
1) Release

John 8:34-36
34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

2) Renewal

Titus 3
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!

3) Revival

Acts 19
17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

Communion

Small Group Questions:

Romans 6

Opening Question:

• Have you ever had a moment where you realized you needed a fresh start? What did that look like for you?

Understanding Justification & Sanctification

1. The sermon compared justification and sanctification to “already crossing the Alps.” How does that image help us understand our spiritual journey?

2. Romans 6:4 says we have been “buried with [Christ] through baptism into death” and raised to a new life. What does this imagery of death and resurrection teach us about our relationship with sin and grace?

Sin, Grace, and Our New Identity

3. Tim Keller defines sin as “making good things into ultimate things.” What are some good things that can become ultimate things in our lives, turning into sin?

4. Proverbs 26:11 says, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” What does this verse reveal about our struggle with sin, and how does Romans 6 offer hope for breaking that cycle?

Freedom in Christ

5. Paul contrasts being slaves to sin with being “slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:18). How does this idea challenge the way we typically think about freedom?

The Call to Holiness

6. Sanctification isn’t about sin management; it’s about pursuing God’s heart. How does this perspective change how we approach holiness?

7. CS Lewis wrote, “I don’t want so much of your time… I want YOU! ALL of you!” What does it look like to fully surrender our desires, plans, and dreams to God?

8. In what areas of life do you find it hardest to “offer yourself to God as an instrument of righteousness” (Romans 6:13)?

Closing Prayer:

Ask each person to reflect on one area where they need to surrender more fully to Christ. Pray together for renewal and strength to live as instruments of righteousness.

Romans in the Desert 6.0 | A New Vision of Suffering | Jared Doe

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave his Son to win:
His erring child he reconciled
And rescued from his sin.

When ancient time shall pass away,
and human thrones and kingdoms fall;
when those who here refuse to pray
on rocks and hills and mountains call;
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
all measureless and strong;
grace will resound the whole earth round—
the saints’ and angels’ song

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Tho stretched from sky to sky.

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forever endure -
The saints’ and angels’ song.
-F.M. Lehman, The Love of God

Romans 5
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

Justification - just as if I never sinned. Life - to the fullest and eternal. Shapes now how we live.

Paul outlines the past, present and future.

The peace of God changes everything.

“Caesar has obtained for us a profound peace. There are neither wars nor battles, nor great robberies nor piracies, but we may travel at all hours, and sail from east to west.”
-Epictetus, Discourses

Paul disagrees!

The peace of God…
-Gives us a new identity
-Gives us a new destiny
-Gives us a new vision of suffering

Suffering leads to hope
Romans 5
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

A word about suffering…

Epicureanism -

Stoicism -

Through Christ:
1. Rejoice in it, but not for it

2. Let it form you, but don’t let it define you

3. Suffering is a pathway to growth.

Suffering produces perseverance - perseverance - character - hope.
Hope does not disappoint us.

It is not in understanding ourselves that we find it possible to understand God, but in focusing on God that we begin to understand ourselves.

Unholy trinity
1. Devil
2. World
3. Self

Genesis 50:20
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done,
the saving of many lives.”

God’s peace, gives us a new view of suffering, that leads us to love…

Romans 5
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Two stories about human love…

God’s love is the greatest - while we were enemies

God the greatest Lover
So loved the greatest degree
The world the greatest company
That he gave the greatest act
His only begotten Son the greatest gift
That whosever the greatest opportunity
Believeth the greatest simplicity
In him the greatest attraction
Should not perish the greatest promise
but the greatest difference
Have the greatest certainty
Everlasting life the greatest possession

God’s love is poured out in our hearts…

Communion

2 Corinthians 5:16 - 6:2
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
6:1 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
    and in the day of salvation I helped you.”
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Small Group Questions:

Romans in the Desert 5.0 | Against All Hope | Jared Doe

John Wesley - A heart strangely warmed

Justification - in Christ we are forgiven and made righteous - Just as if I never sinned

Romans 4:1-15
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
9 Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. 10 Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! 11 And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12 And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

Abraham and David

Romans 4
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

What does Paul tell us about God?
1. He brings life to things that are dead.
--Ezekiel 37:1-14

2. He calls into existence things that do not exist.

3. He justifies the ungodly.

The creating God who is the resurrecting God is also the justifying God; this implies that justification is an act of new creation and resurrection… In a word, justification means life.
-Michael Gorman, Romans

What does Paul tell us about Abraham?

Romans 4
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

Abraham was a man of radical hope.

Hagios - called to be saints - hope against all hope

Abraham believed in God who gives life to the dead.
Christians believe in God who raised Jesus from the dead.

Romans 4
22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

My prayer is that God would fill you with hope, that he would bring you back to life.

Communion

Small Group Questions:

Opening Question:

• What is something in your life that once seemed hopeless but turned around in a surprising way?

Digging into Romans 4:

1. Read Romans 4:16-25. What stands out to you about Abraham’s faith?

2. How does Paul describe God’s power in this passage? How do Ezekiel 37:1-14 and the story of Abraham reinforce this?

3. Paul says that God "calls into existence things that do not exist" (Romans 4:17). What does this reveal about God's nature? How have you seen this in your life?

4. Abraham had "hope against all hope" (Romans 4:18). What does that phrase mean? How does that challenge our understanding of faith?

5. Paul emphasizes that God justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5). Why is this such good news? How does this change the way we approach God?

Applying the Passage:

1. Where in your life do you need to trust God for resurrection and new creation?

2. How does believing in the God who raised Jesus from the dead give you hope today?

3. What practical steps can you take to live out radical hope like Abraham?

Closing Prayer:

• Spend time praying for one another, asking God to strengthen your faith and give you hope in the areas that feel uncertain or dead.

Romans in the Desert 4.0 | Justified & Redeemed | Tyler Ells

Romans 3:21-31

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

What is the problem with the world?

Dear sirs, I am.

-Yours GK Chesterton

Pharisee and Tax Collector

Verse 23: For ALL have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God

 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.

Three theological words:

Redemption, Propitiation (Sacrifice of Atonement), Justification 

Redeem- To be set free from the bondage of slavery by the payment of a price

Hosea & Gomer

Hosea 3:1-2

The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” So I bought her for fifteen shekels[a] of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley

Propitiation- Sacrifice of Atonement- - To turn away wrath, appease or satisfy anger

Just and Justifier

so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Hilasterion- Mercy Seat-

Justification- legal term, innocent

Forgiveness vs Justification

Grace through faith

24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.

By Grace Through Faith!

Then again in verse 28

28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

Do vs. Done

Mark 10 - Rich Young Ruler and Bartimaeus

Romans 3:20 says 

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

Mark 10:47

47 he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 

Jesus, What must I do? vs. Jesus, Have mercy on me?

Mathew 9:12-13 Jesus says..

 “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Thomas Schreiner says:

As Christians we need to relearn the gospel every day. We are prone to wander, as the old hymn says, and hence we may act as if a spell has been cast over us. The Christian life is a battle to rely on the gospel, and even as Christians we are inclined to look to ourselves and trust in our own achievements rather than relying solely on the cross of Christ.

Small Group Questions:

Exploring the Text:

1. Read Romans 3:21-26 together. What stands out to you in this passage?

2. Paul says in verse 23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Why is it important for us to recognize our sin before we can fully understand the gospel?

3. The passage introduces three key theological words: Redemption, Propitiation (Sacrifice of Atonement), and Justification.

• How does Paul describe redemption in this passage? (See also Hosea 3:1-2—how does Hosea’s story illustrate what it means to be redeemed?)

• What does it mean that Christ is a “sacrifice of atonement” (propitiation)? How does this change our understanding of God’s justice and mercy?

• How would you explain justification to someone who has never heard of it before? How is justification different from forgiveness?

Grace vs. Works:

4. Read Romans 3:28 – “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”

• Why do you think we, even as Christians, often struggle to trust in grace alone rather than our own efforts?

• How do the stories of the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-22) and Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) illustrate the difference between relying on works vs. receiving grace through faith?

5. Thomas Schreiner says, “As Christians, we need to relearn the gospel every day.” How do we practically remind ourselves to rely on the gospel instead of trusting in our own achievements?

Personal Reflection & Application:

6. In what ways do you sometimes approach God like the Rich Young Ruler, asking, “What must I do?” rather than like Bartimaeus, crying out, “Have mercy on me”?

7. Jesus says in Matthew 9:12-13 that He came not for the righteous, but for sinners. How does this challenge the way we see ourselves and others?

8. What would it look like this week to live with the confidence that you are fully justified by grace through faith and not by your own efforts?

Closing Prayer:

• Spend time thanking God for His redemption, atonement, and justification through Christ.

• Pray that you would daily remember and rely on the gospel rather than your own works.

Romans in the Desert 3.0 | The Switcheroo | Jared Doe

Romans 2:1
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

-A story about King David (2 Samuel 12)

Romans 2:1-16
1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Pride and hypocrisy are two characteristics of an unhealthy soul.

Romans 2:4
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

God - riches in three things
1. Kindness

2. Forbearance

3. Patience

The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.
-Tim Keller, The Meaning of Marriage

Romans 2:5-11
5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.

Confession is owning up to reality.
Confession disarms our hard heart and prideful spirit.
Confession keeps us from hypocrisy.
Confession leads to God’s forgiveness and purity.

Romans 2:12-16
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

Luke 5:27-32
27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

29 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. 30 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

31 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”


Key phrases to meditate on:
God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance…

But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath…

For God does not show favoritism…

This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares…

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance…





Communion

Small Group Discussion Questions:

Small Group Questions: Romans 1:18-32

Opening Discussion

• What stood out to you the most from the sermon?

• Have you ever had a moment in nature or creation where you felt like God was clearly revealing Himself? Share your experience.

Part 1: Revelation of Wrath (vs. 18-20)

Scripture: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen…”

1. How does creation reveal God’s power and divine nature? Can you think of examples from your life where you’ve experienced this?

2. What does it mean to “suppress the truth by wickedness”? Why do you think people might choose to do this?

3. Verse 20 says people are “without excuse.” How do you understand this in light of God’s revelation through creation?

Part 2: An Exchange (vs. 21-23)

Scripture: “They exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.”

1. What does this passage teach us about the human tendency to create idols?

2. John Calvin said the human mind is a “perpetual factory of idols.” What are some modern-day idols we are tempted to worship instead of God?

3. How can we guard our hearts against exchanging God’s glory for something lesser?

Part 3: Three Movements of Wrath (vs. 24-31)

Scripture: “Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts…”

1. What does it mean that “God gave them over”? How does this reveal God’s wrath?

2. Michael Gorman suggests that when we insist on our own way, God allows us to experience the consequences of our choices. Have you seen this principle at work in your life or in others?

3. How does understanding God’s wrath help us better appreciate His grace?

Part 4: Conclusion (vs. 32)

Scripture: “They not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”

1. What does it look like in our culture today to “approve of” sin? Why do you think this is such a serious issue?

2. How does this passage lead us to reflect on the need for Jesus and the hope we find in Romans 3:21-24?

Application

1. In light of this passage, where do you see God’s wrath and grace at work in your life today?

2. Are there areas of your life where you feel tempted to suppress God’s truth or exchange His glory for something else? What steps can you take this week to seek His righteousness instead?

3. How can you lovingly challenge others who may be approving of sin in their lives or culture?

Prayer

Spend time praying together:

• Thank God for revealing Himself through creation and Scripture.

• Ask for help in identifying and removing idols in your life.

Romans in the Desert 2.0 | Wrath Revealed | Jared Doe

Augustine - “tolle lege” - pick it up and read

Romans 13:13-14
13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Romans 1:18-32
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.

32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

This passage breaks into 4 parts that I want to look at:
1. vs 18-20 - Revelation of wrath
2. vs 21-23 - An exchange
3. vs 24-31 - Three movements of wrath
4. vs 32 - Conclusion

1. Vs 18-20 - Revelation of wrath
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.


2. Vs 21-23 - An exchange
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

exchanged God for idols

Human nature is a perpetual factory of idols…
Surely, just as waters boil up from a vast, full spring, so does an immense crowd of gods flow from the human mind, while each one, in wandering about with too much license, wrongly invents this or that about God himself.
-John Calvin

3. Vs 24-31 - Three movements of wrath
vs 24 - Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts…
vs 26 - Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts…
vs 28 - Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind…

Judges 2:14
So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers, who plundered them. And he sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies.

Psalm 106:40-41
Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people,
    and he abhorred his heritage;
he gave them into the hand of the nations,
    so that those who hated them ruled over them.

Psalm 81:11-12
“But my people did not listen to my voice;
    Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
    to follow their own counsels.

Paul is not placing the blame on God for human sin but is maintaining that, when we insist on our own way, God allows human folly to run its natural course without preventing its inevitable consequences. In fact, God gives us what we explicitly or implicitly desire: freedom from God. But such freedom from the true Lord means being governed by another lord, either ourselves or some third party. All of this is part of what Paul means when he speaks of the revelation of the wrath of God.
-Michael Gorman

God ceased to hold the boat as it is dragged by the current of the river.
-Godet

4. Conclusion
32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Romans 3:21-24
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Tim Mackie - Unconditioned Grace



Communion

Small Group Discussion Questions:

Small Group Questions: Romans 1:18-32

Opening Discussion

• What stood out to you the most from the sermon?

• Have you ever had a moment in nature or creation where you felt like God was clearly revealing Himself? Share your experience.

Part 1: Revelation of Wrath (vs. 18-20)

Scripture: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen…”

1. How does creation reveal God’s power and divine nature? Can you think of examples from your life where you’ve experienced this?

2. What does it mean to “suppress the truth by wickedness”? Why do you think people might choose to do this?

3. Verse 20 says people are “without excuse.” How do you understand this in light of God’s revelation through creation?

Part 2: An Exchange (vs. 21-23)

Scripture: “They exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.”

1. What does this passage teach us about the human tendency to create idols?

2. John Calvin said the human mind is a “perpetual factory of idols.” What are some modern-day idols we are tempted to worship instead of God?

3. How can we guard our hearts against exchanging God’s glory for something lesser?

Part 3: Three Movements of Wrath (vs. 24-31)

Scripture: “Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts…”

1. What does it mean that “God gave them over”? How does this reveal God’s wrath?

2. Michael Gorman suggests that when we insist on our own way, God allows us to experience the consequences of our choices. Have you seen this principle at work in your life or in others?

3. How does understanding God’s wrath help us better appreciate His grace?

Part 4: Conclusion (vs. 32)

Scripture: “They not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”

1. What does it look like in our culture today to “approve of” sin? Why do you think this is such a serious issue?

2. How does this passage lead us to reflect on the need for Jesus and the hope we find in Romans 3:21-24?

Application

1. In light of this passage, where do you see God’s wrath and grace at work in your life today?

2. Are there areas of your life where you feel tempted to suppress God’s truth or exchange His glory for something else? What steps can you take this week to seek His righteousness instead?

3. How can you lovingly challenge others who may be approving of sin in their lives or culture?

Prayer

Spend time praying together:

• Thank God for revealing Himself through creation and Scripture.

• Ask for help in identifying and removing idols in your life.

Romans in the Desert 1.0 | Loved by God, Called to be Saints | Jared Doe

Romans is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.
-Martin Luther

Romans 1:1-17
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

One message:
1) - Jesus

Two phrases:
1) Loved by God
agapetos - beloved (from agape)
1 John 4 - God is love.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, he sent his only son
1 John 3:16 - This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lies for our brothers.

2) Called to be saints
Hagios - sacred, holy, consecrated, set a part, different

Paul is establishing IDENTITY and CALLING.

Three pastoral imperatives:
Romans 1
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.

1. Be grateful for one another.

Romans 1
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.

2. Encourage one another.
Hebrews 10:24
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Romans 1
14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

3. Be courageous with the Good News.

Communion

Small Group Discussion Questions:

Opening Question:

• What stood out to you most from the sermon on Romans 1:1–17? Why?

Exploring the Passage

1. Identity and Calling

• Read Romans 1:7. How does Paul describe the believers in Rome?

• What does it mean to be “loved by God” and “called to be saints”?

• How do these truths shape your understanding of your identity and calling as a follower of Jesus?

2. The Gospel and God’s Love

• Reflect on the verses referenced in the sermon (1 John 4:8–10, John 3:16, 1 John 3:16).

• How do these verses expand your understanding of God’s love?

• How should this love impact the way we view others and live our lives?

3. The Power of the Gospel

• Read Romans 1:16–17. Paul says he is “not ashamed of the gospel.”

• Why do you think Paul was so confident in the power of the gospel?

• Have you ever felt hesitant or bold in sharing the gospel? What made the difference?

Living It Out

1. Be Grateful for One Another

• Read Romans 1:8–10. Paul expresses gratitude for the faith of the Roman believers.

• Who are some people in your life whose faith has inspired or encouraged you?

• How can you express gratitude for them this week?

2. Encourage One Another

• Read Romans 1:11–12 and Hebrews 10:24–25.

• How have you been mutually encouraged by the faith of others in your small group or church community?

• What is one way you can intentionally encourage someone this week?

3. Be Courageous with the Good News

• Paul felt an obligation and eagerness to share the gospel with all people (Romans 1:14–15).

• What obstacles or fears sometimes keep you from sharing the gospel?

• What step of courage can you take this week to share the Good News, whether through words or actions?

Closing Question:

• After reflecting on this passage, what is one thing God is inviting you to do in response this week?