Romans

A. Introduction
Paul introduces himself as (verse 1)"a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" (NIV). He realizes the humility with which he has to undertake this duty and knows that the task ahead belongs to Christ and not to him. He also acknowledges the fact that he has been set apart, a statement that would later define his commitment and desire to give his very best in all circumstances to ensure that the message is correctly defined. Another critical part of this introduction is the giving of thanks. It is only by God's grace that he is able to attain the levels that define his ministry.

B. God Revealed in Nature
Paul then gives an overview of God's revelation in nature. He says that this revelation is plane to men and has been understood more and more in the course of the ages. This revelation ensures that every man is aware of who God is without a doubt (1:20)

C. Sinful desires of men
Paul then enters into the critical topic of sin. That despite God's grace that literally sets us up to uphold his beauty and creation, we still lean toward sin which is rebellion against him. He vividly talks of perversions like sexual impurity, homosexuality which he calls "unnatural" and therefore sinful. 1:26-27. He says that our rebellious nature leads us to sinning despite knowing that sins leads to destruction (1:32).

D. Sin and Judgment
Just as the example that Jesus gave of the the speck in someone's eye, Paul says that we tend to pass on judgments against people yet we do the same things. We have even overlooked the "riches of God's kindness, his tolerance and his patience" which he concludes by saying that "God's kindness leads us toward repentance" (2:4). This should be critically interpreted. It is because of his kindness that we ought to be propelled to repent and seek him. We have to remember too that each person will be rewarded according to that which he has done.

Quotes
1. God's kindness leads you toward repentance
2. God will give each person according to what he has done
3. God does not show favoritism
4. It is those who obey the law and not those who merely hear it that will be declared righteous before God
5. Inward transformation is necessary more than anything else. We don't only need information but we also urgently need transformation.

E. God is All
We can totally depend on God in our walk with him. Instead of trying to do things on our own, we should ask God to take full control of our lives. Despite our sinful nature we have been justified freely by God's grace "through redemption in Jesus Christ" (3:24). We may seek to obey the law but we must remember the rich young ruler. Obedience is always the key.

F. It is all paid for
This brings to mind 1:17 which says that the righteous shall live by faith. Paul gives reference to Abraham in Chapter four where his obedience was credited to him as righteousness. Paul concludes chapter 4 by saying that "He (Christ) was delivered over to death or our sins and was raised to life for our justification." The knowledge that Christ has paid it all just for us itself should be an awakening call for every believer to stand strong in the Lord. God works are necessary but not for redemption. Christ is the only way.

G. The Long Journey of Faith
We have justified through faith and that leads us to rejoicing in "hope and glory of God." Paul goes on to remind us that "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (5:3-4). We will continue to explore 5:12 in the next sermon.