Through The Bible - English - 47 (Romans-2) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that true faith is not an internal feeling but an outward trust placed in the reliability of God's promises, exemplified by Abraham's assurance. It contrasts this with the danger of self-examination regarding one's own faith. Furthermore, the message stresses that salvation is a gift imputed by God's grace through Christ's work, not earned by works, and that Christian living involves inheriting Christ's nature rather than merely trying to imitate Him.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Where is faith resident?Faith is not something we look for inside ourselves; it is entirely dependent on the trustworthiness of the object we look to, just as Abraham's faith was founded on God's promise.Romans 4:21
Inheriting a new nature from ChristJust as we inherited a sinful nature from Adam without trying, we receive the nature of Christ through dependence and faith rather than human imitation.Romans 5:12
Saved by his lifeWhile Christ's death saves us from the guilt of sin, His life imparted to us through the Holy Spirit saves us from the daily power of sin.
The old man versus the fleshGod crucified the old man—the unfaithful servant inside who opened the door—even though the lusts of the flesh still surround us like a gang of robbers.Romans 6:6
Living under grace instead of lawGrace means God does the work for us, holding our hand like a father rather than leaving us to struggle under legalistic rules.
The three marriagesBelievers move from being bound to the wicked old man and then to the demanding law, finally being released to be married to Christ.
The inner struggle and victory through the SpiritThe struggle against falling short is met by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which overcomes the pull of sin and death when we yield to Him.
God works all things together for goodFor those who love God and are called according to His purpose, every single circumstance is filtered by God to produce good.
God's sovereignty regarding IsraelChapters 9 through 11 outline God's sovereign choice of Israel for an earthly ministry, His handling of human hardening, and His ultimate faithfulness and restoration.
Presenting your body and renewing your mindTrue transformation begins when we place our entire lives on the altar and allow God to renew our worldly patterns of thinking.
Functioning in the body of ChristBelievers must exercise their given gifts in humility, avoiding personal revenge and living in peaceful submission to governing authorities.
Accepting one another across differencesJust as Christ accepted us in our weakness, we must accept fellow believers who hold different convictions rather than building divisive cult-like attitudes.
