Trinity for Norman

Accepting God’s Sovereign Grace Is Prerequisite for Living in True Wisdom (Romans 11:25-32)

The Assertion:  Only those who accept the mystery of God’s Sovereign Grace revealed in Christ can live in true wisdom.

The Assertion Proved:

1. Living in True Wisdom Rests in God’s Sovereign Grace Due to All Peoples’ Ungodliness (v25-27).
2. Living in True Wisdom Rests in God’s Sovereign Grace Due to His Irrevocable Election (v28-29)
3. Living in True Wisdom Rests in God’s Sovereign Grace Due to His Necessary Mercy (v30-32)
   

The Assertion Applied:

1. Thinking Covenantally about Christ’s Reign throughout History
2. Feeling Gratefully Generous and Committed to Christ’s Ways
3. Doing Humble Reconciliation with Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Foundations: The Fall and Sin and Punishment Thereof Part 2

The God of the Gospel & His Olive Tree (Romans 11:11-24)

Main Point: In Ch. 11, Paul asks, “Has God rejected Israel?” The answer is there is and has always been one plan of salvation. All of salvation history is described in this section by the illustration of how one cultivates an olive tree.

Foundations: The Fall and Sin and Punishment Thereof Part 1

Un-Bent Backs? (Romans 11:7-12)

Main Point: In Ch. 11, Paul asks, “Has God rejected Israel?” The majority of Israel was seeking a righteousness apart from Christ. The elect have been gifted with right standing with God in Christ. Those who are not elect, God hardens.

1. It is impossible for one to establish his own righteousness. Non-elect Israel sought right standing with God according to its own terms, but God will not be manipulated by men and women. God justifies only on account of Jesus’ righteousness imputed to His elect. Non-elect Israel was blindly following a works-righteousness scheme.
   
2. God would therefore harden Israel in order to save his elect in the only possible way, through His own son being crucified by them in order tobear the true curse of Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10; Psalm 69:22-23 because Jesus opposed their works-righteousness scheme as he presented righteousness through faith in Him.
   
3. If the Israel’s ways of seeking righteousness are ineffectual, we are to renounce the cursed way of works-righteousness and live a life of freedom according to the riches we have received through Christ-righteousness comes through believing, not doing.

The Day the Idols Died (Romans 11:1-6)

Main Point: In Ch. 11, Paul follows up his discussion of why the majority of his people, Israel, have rejected the gospel he preached. He now begins to answer the question, “Has God rejected Israel?” He gives two evidences that God has not rejected his people, and one present application consistent with the thesis of the letter
(Romans 1:16-17). Though people oppose Jesus & his gospel and worship other gods, Jesus will not
reject some of them; He will save them according to his grace.

1. Evidence #1: Jesus saved Paul who sought to kill 1st Century Christians.
2. Evidence #2: Jesus saved a Remnant by Grace of those who worshipped
   idols & sought to kill Elijah
3. Application: Because salvation is on the basis of God’s grace, a remnant of
   those who worship other gods and currently oppose Jesus and His gospel
   will be saved.

Foundations: On God’s Providence, Part 2

Foundations: On God’s Providence, Part 1

The Church Must Deliver the Word of Christ (Romans 10:14-21)

Main Point: In Ch. 10, Paul expresses his desire to share the gospel so that unbelievers may be saved. He makes the case that the church’s primary mission is preaching the gospel so that sinners may be “gathered and perfected.”

1. Preaching the Gospel Is the Primary Means of Saving Sinners (v14-17)
2. Some Sinners Will Reject Preaching of the Gospel (v18-21)

Foundations: On God’s Creation, Part 2