Righteousness Unleashed

\ Book of Romans Background

Romans, a star of the New Testament
Theological cornerstone of Scripture
Authenticity undisputed
Shaped many teachings
Augustine, Calvin, Luther, Wesley amongst others

Authored by the Holy Spirit
Penned by the Apostle Paul
Confirmed by church fathers
Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin
Universally accepted throughout the ages

Where was reed set to papyrus
Corinth in Greece, it is agreed, (Acts 29:3)
Close of third missionary journey it was
Started in Antioch in the year 54
Visited Ephesus, Macedonia, then stopped in Greece for a three month stay (Acts 20:3)
To evade an evil plot; departed in spring of 58, but some say 56. (Acts 20:6)
What’s a year or two when compared to the message
Then to Jerusalem, to give offerings to brothers and sisters in need

Written to a city he had not visited
To churches he had not preached in
Roman Empire’s capital, over a million souls resided
Addressed to
“All those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints.” (Rom 1:7)
Both Jews and Gentiles they were (Rom 2:17, 11:13)
Churches not planted by apostles
Most likely by Roman witnesses after miracle of Pentecost. (Acts 2:10)
Heard Peter’s sermon and returned home to share the good news
Paul wanting to visit, but thus far unable

So Paul penned his teachings
A systematic statement of the gospel
To secure their faith and prepare for his projected call
Although addressed to Rome, intended for you and me

So what was Paul’s message?
We know he was a great author, wrote many a letter
Fourteen if you include Hebrews
Always focused on the gospel he was
One word is descriptive of this tome
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Righteousness is God’s own perfection
In every attribute
In every attitude
In every behavior
In every word
A righteousness based not on our own efforts
But on what God has done for us in sending his Son
A right conduct before God along with a right relation with God

Righteousness Required (Rom 1-3)
Righteousness Provided (Rom 3-5)
Righteousness Imparted (Rom 6-8)
Righteousness Proved (Rom 9-11)
Righteousness Practiced (Rom 12-16)

The good news; true righteousness is possible for man
But only through the cleansing of sin by Christ Jesus
Along with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
On the cross it happened
Jesus exchanged His perfect righteousness
For our sinful pride
Hence one day we can stand before God
Sin forgotten and forgiven
Cloaked in the righteousness of Christ Jesus

This righteousness is the gospel, and stated proudly by Paul
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16)

This book, written from yearning
Written with love
Full of facts, full of praise
Desiring the kingdom
Be enlarged and understood
Calling to everyone to bow their knees
Give glory to God and live forever more
Amen

And an excerpt from Chapter 8:

Verse 8:24

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

Hope requires faith. Faith demands hope.

Christian hope cannot be understated
Hope is the very essence of our salvation
In hope we were saved
Not being saved
Not will be saved
But were saved
Saved in hope
Our salvation is characterized by hope
Those responding to God’s promise have hope
Confident expectation of that bodily redemption
Glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ
It was in this anticipation that we were saved

Hope sits side by side with love and faith
Faith is the unseen present
Hope is the unseen future
Faith respects God’s promise
Hope is the thing promised
Faith is the evidence of things not seen
Hope is the expectation of things not seen
Faith is the mother of hope
Love embraces them both

The Christian’s hope is not a mirage mocking the heart
Instead firmly grounded on the promise of God
A sure and stable foundation
Founded on the teaching of the Holy Spirit
Inspirer of all good affections and desires
Rooted in our experience of the Lord’s faithfulness
God’s promises have already been fulfilled in such measure
As demonstrated by Christ on the cross
To justify our hope concerning the glorious future
This hope we cannot see today
For that would not be hope
Possessed hope cannot be the object of hope
A contradiction of ideas
Hope is opposite to what is seen
Hope is only for something future
Not something in natural view
Our hope is for something presently unseen

A Christian’s initial salvation is just that – a beginning
It started with our justification
Saved from the guilt of sin
Released from its bondage
Blessed with the Holy Spirit
Following that we have progressive sanctification
Of growing closer to our Lord
Following His footsteps
Looking forward with confidence
Being partakers of God’s holiness
Finally, we have our complete glorification in eternity
Our ultimate goal
Our unseen hope
The glorious return of our Lord

This is why at present we groan inwardly
We have a glorious future in Christ
This future might not be seen
But is in no way uncertain
What the Christian obtains in this life is access to eternal life
But not complete entrance to sharing the glory of God
Our hope is the gateway to future consummation as sons of God
Co-heirs with Jesus Christ
In a new Heavens and new Earth
Free from the stain of sin and corruption
Glorifying our God in eternity

Unseen it is
Future it is
Certain it is

Amen