Romans Chapter 1
LIVING
BY FAITH
Introduction
Faith,
the basic element in Christian Life:
·
Christians called "believers" (Acts
2:44;4:32)
·
Absolute necessity for pleasing God - (Heb 11:6
·
First in the triple virtue - (1Cor 13:13
·
The most protective of all weapons - (Eph 6:16
·
The rarest when Christ returns - (Lk 18:8
1.
FAITH FOR SALVATION [v 16]
·
He who believes... (Mk 16:16) [Jesus]
Believe
on the Lord... (Acts 16:30,31)
[Paul]
The
great Gospel verse... (Jn 3:16) [Jesus]
·
Not saved by mere repentance or surrender.
So
many non-Christians repent!
All
of grace on God's side... faith on our side (Eph
2:8,9
·
What is the Gospel?
1
Cor 15:1-5
1
Tim 2:3-6
Rom
10:8,9
[died, buried, rose again, seen]
·
Constant remembrance and rehearsal of this faith in the Gospel necessary
(1 Cor 15:1,2
2. FAITH FOR SANCTIFICATION [v17]
"faith
to faith... live by... righteousness..."
· Faith leads to good works (Eph 2:10;4:24)
Righteousness + True holiness [vv 25-27]
etc.
·
Lay aside weight + sin!
[Heb 12:1-2a]
·
How to do it practically-
a]
By reading + believing the Word [Jn 15:3]
b]
By rehearsing it in our life [Psa 119:9-11]
3.
FAITH FOR GROWTH/MATURITY [vv 11,12]
"impart...
gift... established... encouraged... mutual..."
·
Imparting a spiritual gift means v12!
Growth
by fellowship-
2
Tim 2:22b
- virtue
1
Cor 14:12;12:7 - gifts
Rom
14:1;15:1,2 - weak/strong
Eph
4:11-13
- ministers
4.
FAITH FOR WITNESS + MINISTRY [vv 8,5]
"faith
spoken of throughout the whole world"
"grace...
apostleship... all nations"
The
whole world sold out to sin - [Ref. vv 18-32]
·
Faith on Christ's authority (Mt 28:18,19
·
Faith on the Spirit's power (Lk 24:46-49
(Acts
1:8
(Mk
16:15-20
·
Faith on God's promises in suffering (Heb 11:13,14;33-39a