The Unhindered Harvest Acts: The Unhindered Harvest

Romans It has been called “A Bible within the Bible” “The most profound book in existence” The greatest single source of theological depth in the Bible.

Romans Yet… Not truth for truth’s sake Truth for love’s sake It is passionately personal It is purposely pastoral Not truth for truth’s sake Truth for love’s sake

Romans 1:8-17 I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.

For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,

always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you.

For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;

that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995

“The influence of Rome was upon all men.” (Hiebert, pg. 163) Rome…a Travel Guide The most influential city in the world All roads led to Rome “The influence of Rome was upon all men.” (Hiebert, pg. 163)

Rome…a Travel Guide Population 2-4 million Almost 50% were slaves Contrast of prosperity and poverty

Rome…a Travel Guide The culture All about comfort and luxury Physical work fit only for slaves

Rome…a Travel Guide “They cared for nothing beyond bread for the day, the games of the circus, and the savage delight of gladiatorial shows.” (Hiebert, pg. 164)

The Church in Rome Founded by Jews (Acts 2:10) Propagated by Gentile converts (Acts 18:2) Mixture of slaves and free

The Occasion Not due to problems, concerns, or obvious errors Pastoral…to encourage Personal…to share plans

Theme The power of God to save The whole plan of God The power of God in living the saved life The whole gospel

Theme Flow and development Romans 1-8 Romans 9-11 Romans 12-16

Romans 1-8 The plan of salvation Chapter 1 – God’s wrath Chapter 2 – God’s impartial nature Chapter 3 – Universal guilt

Romans 1-8 Chapter 4 – Justification by faith Chapter 5 – God’s love in Christ to save Chapter 6 – Freedom and slavery

Romans 1-8 Chapter 7 – ongoing battle with the flesh Chapter 8 – Freedom of life in the Spirit

Reaping the Harvest Believe the truth Accept your need Confess your sin Trust the Savior Reaping the Harvest

Romans 6:22-23 Having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.