The Road Map of Righteousness August 16, 2023

Introduction

- **Title**: "The Road Map to Righteousness: A Journey Through Romans"

- **Image**: A cover image of a road map or compass.

- **Content**: Brief introduction to the Book of Romans and the journey metaphor.

Romans 1:16 ESV

16 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.

Starting Point (Sin)

- **Title**: "Our Starting Point: Sin"

- **Image**: A depiction of the starting point on a map.

- **Content**: Explanation of humanity's sinful condition, with reference to Romans 3:23.

- **Scripture Highlight**: Romans 3:23.

Romans 3:23 ESV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Of course Paul enthusiastically makes this point in Romans 1 showing the fallen-ness of humanity.

Crossroads (Faith and Justification)

- **Title**: "The Crossroads: Faith and Justification"

- **Image**: A crossroads on the map.

- **Content**: Discussion of faith in Christ leading to justification, with reference to Romans 3:21-26

Romans 3:21–26 ESV

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

- **Scripture Highlight**: Romans 3:24-25.

Path of the Spirit (Sanctification)

- **Title**: "Walking the Path of the Spirit"

- **Image**: A winding path on the map.

- **Content**: Exploration of sanctification and life in the Spirit, with reference to Romans 8:1-17.

- **Scripture Highlight**: Romans 8:1-2

Romans 8:1–2 ESV

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Junction of Jew and Gentile (Unity)

- **Title**: "The Junction: Unity of Jew and Gentile"

- **Image**: Two merging paths on the map.

- **Content**: Explanation of the unity between Jews and Gentiles in Christ, with reference to Romans 9-11.

- **Scripture Highlight**: Romans 10:12

Romans 10:12 ESV

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

Highway of Love

- **Title**: "The Highway of Love"

- **Image**: A broad highway on the map.

- **Content**: Discussion of love and ethical living, with reference to Romans 12-13.

- **Scripture Highlight**: Romans 12:1-2

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Bridge of Tolerance (Acceptance)

- **Title**: "The Bridge of Tolerance"

- **Image**: A bridge on the map.

- **Content**: Teaching on acceptance and understanding within the church, with reference to Romans 14-15.

- **Scripture Highlight**: Romans 14:1

Romans 14:1 ESV

1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

Destination (Doxology)

- **Title**: "Our Destination: Doxology"

- **Image**: A city or mountaintop as the final destination on the map.

- **Content**: Conclusion and praise to God, with reference to Romans 16:25-27

Romans 16:25–27 ESV

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

- **Scripture Highlight**: Romans 16:27.

Conclusion

- **Title**: "The Journey Continues"

- **Image**: A view of the entire road map.

- **Content**: Summary of the journey through Romans and a call to continue living out these truths.

Closing Prayer

- **Title**: "Closing Prayer"

- **Content**: A prayer for guidance, wisdom, and strength to live according to the teachings of Romans.