ROMANS 1:18-3:24
A Letter That Changed History
1
Salvation Foundation
Most believers came to faith aided by Romans verses like 3:23, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," and 6:23, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life."
2
Transformed Lives
Romans has been instrumental in transforming the lives of church fathers like Calvin, Luther, Augustine, Wesley, and Edwards—some of history's most impactful Christian leaders.
3
Global Impact
This letter has changed the world and transformed billions of lives through its clear presentation of the gospel message.
Great Expectations Fulfilled
1
Hearts Warmed
Like Jonathan Wesley, some discovered true belief in the Gospel for the first time, despite years of church service and mission trips.
2
Freedom from Sin
Others, like Augustine, found freedom from sexual sin and materialism, particularly through the men's conference addressing pornography, promoted by our study of Romans.
3
Liberation from Legalism
Many, like Martin Luther, were finally set free from legalistic righteousness, understanding that righteousness comes through faith.
The Powerful Word of God
Encourages and Exposes
God's Word both comforts believers and reveals areas needing growth.
Bestows Life,
Demands Response
Scripture brings spiritual vitality while demanding response from its hearers.
Draws and Challenges
The Word draws some closer to God while causing others to stumble when confronted with difficult truths.
The Wrath of God Revealed
Truth Suppressed
Romans 1:18-25 reveals that all people suppress the truth about God, though His eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in creation.
No Excuse
There are no innocent victims of God's judgment. All have willfully rejected God, exchanging His truth for lies and worshipping creation instead of Creator.
Darkened Hearts
Though knowing God exists, people refuse to honor Him, resulting in futile thinking and foolish, darkened hearts.
No One Is Righteous
1
1
Religious Hypocrisy
Paul confronts those who judge others while practicing the same sins.
2
2
Storing Up Wrath
Those presuming on God's kindness without repentance store up wrath for judgment day.
3
3
A Heart Condition
True righteousness is a matter of the heart, not outward religious observance.
4
4
Universal Guilt
"None is righteous, no, not one" - all have turned from God.
The Purpose of the Law
Mirror of Sin
The Law is like a mirror—it cannot make us clean but shows how filthy we truly are.
Impossible Standard
"By works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight" (3:20).
Reveals Our Need
We cannot appreciate the good news until we understand how bad the bad news really is.
The Good News Revealed
1
Righteousness Apart from Law
"But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law" (3:21).
2
Through Faith in Christ
"The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe" (3:22).
3
Justified by Grace
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift" (3:23-24).
Redemption in Christ
1
2
3
1
Faith in Jesus
The only way to redemption
2
Christ Died for the Ungodly
"While we were yet His enemies"
3
A Free Gift
All of God's grace
Relationship with God can be restored not by might, power, effort, or works of righteousness. Only through faith in Jesus are we redeemed. He has taken our sin upon Himself and draped us in His righteousness.
The Sinner's Prayer
Humble Confession
Like the tax collector in Jesus' parable who prayed, "Lord have mercy on me, the sinner," true justification comes through humble recognition of our sin.
Divine Mercy
Justification comes not through religious achievement but through humble recognition of our need for God's mercy.
Going Home Justified
Jesus said it was the humble tax collector, not the proud Pharisee, who "went home justified" after his simple, contrite prayer.
Are you ready to humble yourself, too?
Pray, "Lord, have mercy on me, the sinner!"
Believe the gospel, repent of sin, turn and follow Jesus today!