Paul’s Epistle to the Romans

New Community Church, Adelaide - Sermon series on Romans. Martin Luther tells us why this epistle is critical: “This letter is truly the most important piece in the New Testament. It is purest Gospel. It is well worth a Christian’s while not only to memorise it word for word but also to occupy himself with it daily,  as though it were the daily bread of the soul. Up to now it has been  darkened by glosses and by many a useless comment, but it is in itself  a bright light, almost bright enough to illumine the entire Scripture.”

Geoff Hohneck
Romans 12:1-2
11 August 2013

WH Griffith-Thomas explains the importance of Romans 12-16 this way: After doctrine comes duty; after revelation, responsibility; after principles, practice.

Paul starts this chapter with a 'therefore'. This is an indication that his thoughts are predicated on the basis of his preceding arguments from chapters 1-11. In other words, Paul’s 'therefore' serves to show that the truth of God’s revelation deserves a response from us. As Christians, what should our lives look like in the light of our indebtedness to God? After all, there’s no doubt that we are indebted to Him.

How much of our lives are we giving back to God for what He rightly deserves? Geoff approaches this message as if it were God's altar call to us.

Sermon Outline:

1. What compels us to give back to God what He deserves? (vs 1)
2. How much does God deserve from us? (vs 1b)
3. How are we to change as God deserves? (vs 2)