Longing to Go to Rome

Hey well good morning! It’s great to be here with you today. My name is Chase, I serve as the lead pastor here at The Corners Chapel, and I’m honored to be here with you this morning.

I’ve been here a few times now and it’s always an honor...

- Matt influential in my spiritual life and growth....

If you’re Bible’s still open to Romans, keep it there because that’s where we’re gonna be this morning....goal is to unpack 7-15 and focus on what I think all of us can learn.

PRAY

Well, I want to start off this morning by looking at a trend that really started about a year and half ago. Okay, so I’m sure for some in here this is like ancient because in internet years a year and half is like 20 years. But for others, maybe you never even knew this was thing, right....but in the fall of 2023, there was this trend of women asking the men in their life how often they think about the Ancient Roman Empire.

And so there were all these videos across all these different platforms where women ask men...how often they think about ancient Rome and what it reveled is that for many men, the notion of ancient Rome crosses the minds of many men on a weekly basis. For some even daily...and the trend...really the main point was to highlight the fact that there’s a significant disparity between the number of men and the number of women who think about the Roman Empire on a regular basis.

One guy said he thinks about it 1.6 times a day. Which was very specific.

Okay...so why am I starting with this. Well, for a few reaons.

One because it’s still funny a year and half later how accurate the trend is in many relationships...not all...but many. Two because as we look briefly this morning at the book of Romans...it’s important that we understand that the backdrop as the name suggests is...Ancient Rome!

I mean it sounds obvious, but we have to understand that we can’t fully grasp this book without delving at least briefly into the historical context in which it was written which means...so today we’re gonna think a lot about the Roman Empire.

But here’s the real reason I’m starting with this today.... as follower of Jesus...there should be truths form the word of God, that the Holy Spirit plants within us that we should think about every single day.

See...for many of us...the reality is we come to church on Sunday...think about some God stuff here on Sunday....and hope that that will get us through the hardships of life. (pause) We hope that a little bit of Jesus here...will carry us through the storms out there! But here’s the reaility....We need to become people who view all of life through a gospel lens! (pause)

This is my overarching point today. If you’re a note taker...I want to encourage you to write this down....As followers of Jesus, we need to view all of life through the lens of the Gospel.

That means..this book has got to be our guide and it should shape and fashion what we believe about everything. And as a result we should be thinking about the all the time!

Those outside the church should be saying...wait you think about the bible on Monday..and Thursday...and all the days in between....not just Sunday?

And we should say yeah!!! It’s a lamp to my feet.

But the only way that happens...is if we really know this book and it’s message...and I think there’s several lessons we can get from just the introduction to the book of Romans that show us how we can approach all of life through the lens of the Gospel.

So here’s what I want to do this morning. Here’s our outline.

First, I want to look briefly at the cultural backdrop of the book of Romans. Like what kind of culture were they living in 2. What were the believers in Rome called to...or what are they supposed to do or be.....3. What was Paul’s attitude towards them....and then number 4. What can we learn from this?

Okay, so four headings and if you don’t remember all those that’s fine I’ll walk us through as we switch to the next on.

Okay, so first let’s meet The Romans.

THE ROMANS

Now, I want to throw just a quick timeline on the screen and I want to explain just a few things and then I’ll show you why this matters.

I don’t want this to feel like a history class, but I’m going somewhere with this point.

Okay, the Roman empire...or I should say what we call Ancient Rome was around for a long long time. It started somewhere between 1000 and 700 BC. And there were kings for a while...then they switched to a republic...as people would choose a leader and there were several emperors at the time (over 170), but I want to show you just three.

Okay, again we’re going somewhere with this.

Late 30’s was a guy named Caligula. Okay this guy was crazy.

- made his horse senator

- went to war against the sea

- And that’s just the PG stuff...like the violence and the deviancy was unparalled.

- Wedding story

- Got sick and people said they were praying for him and had offered the god their life for his...and he’s like prove it.

Then there was Nero

- Expand

Then like 200 something years later, there was a guy named Constantine.

- Expand

- And Constantine eventually made the Christianity the official religion of Rome

Okay...deep breath... why are we talking about this. I know some of us find it interesting, others of us are like...i need to know how to find peace TODAY...what’s this got to do with me.

Well. Check this out....this period right here – between Nero and Constintine....is one of...actually not one of...it’s is the worst period of Christian persecution the world has ever seen. In fact, the end....there was an emperor named Diocletian...and he was like Nero who....Ima step it up a notch on these Christians...and the tale end became known as the great persecution.

So you’ve got Crazy mad emperor Caligula...then you’ve got Nero...then you’ve got 200 years of straight....total persecution and tyranny. But watch this...ONE MORE SLIDE.

Here’s where the book of Romans is written. Between Caligula’s mad reign and Nero’s craziness. Some scholars date it in the middle between them under Empoered Claudius...others say it was written at the beginning of Nero’s reign. Either way here’s what I want you to know:

The original recipients of Paul’s letter were in the middle of a depraved culture that would soon turn on them.

Again...we might not immediately see the relevance of this...but we can’t read this book in a vacuum. Yes, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, this was written to us today on January 19, 2025 in Lakewood, OH. But understanding the original audience this was written to helps us to step into their shoes and see how amazing what I’m about to show you is.

Right, because coming at this in the midst of a post-Christian culture, they were in a pre-Christian culture because again it wasn’t until Constantine that this stuff would be seen as culturally normative. (pause) And The culture they were in was... grotesque, violent, over sensualized to the max...polytheistic which means they worshipped many gods, and really the only...cultural sin if you will...was to say there’s only one God and that the cultural morals of the day were out of wack?

Sound familiar. It should.

Well, lets see how Paul identifies them despite all this craziness in the background...so if your Bible’s open to Romans 1, lets look at it again. And we’re gonna pick up the pace here, so if you’re nervous about the outline I gave and that I’ve given one point so far...don’t worry we’re still on time...we’ll be out by 2. (just kidding)

THE IDENITY OF THE ROMANS

Okay, so we said last week...Paul starts off like all of his letter by introducing himself. And he calls himself an Apostle and that he’s called by God...but we focused on the fact that he said he’s a slave to Christ...many of our English translations say “servant.” But he uses the more intense word...doulos which means slave...and then he goes on for like 5 verses to talk about how awesome Jesus is and what he’s done...which ultimaitly shows why identifying yourself as a slave to Christ is a good thing. Because Christ is good, amen.

And the let’s pick up in verse 7 here...he says:

7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Okay...so first he says that they are loved by God. Why’s that matter. Well again, think of the context! (pause) To say they’ve lived through crazy unprecedented times is an understatement...and it’s about to get worse.

Who in this room needs and encouragement in their life? No more...direct....who’s tired of hearing things like these are unprecedented times...Do you see the parallel? Again it’s not 1 to 1...our cultural is nowhere near...well I shouldn’t say it’s nowhere near...but it is not on par with the depravity of ancient Rome. But it’s still dark outside is it not?

What is the news, but a daily...even an hourly reminder of the fact that the world that we live in is dying...broken...and filled with heartbreak and tragedy....and what the Christians in Ancient Rome needed then, and we need now, is a reminder that we are loved by God.

And catch this...this might seem like a side note, but its not...one of the questions that often comes up in theological circles is does God love everybody the same? Like, God is love, right? We say it all the time. But does he love every single person Christian, Budhist, Muslim, Athiest...the same? Well the answer is yes...and no.

There is a universal love that God has for everyone in the sence that...to use a theological term...a common grace is given to everyone. Like non-Christians can eat a real good brisket and enjoy it. They can see the beauty for a sunrise or tear up in a beautiful song...like God’s grace and love is given to the whole world in that sense...but there’s a special love for his people.

One commentator says it like this: Does God love everyone? Yes, He shows mercy and kindness to all. Does God love Christians more than He loves non-Christians? No, not in regards to His merciful love. Does God love Christians in a different way than He loves non-Christians? Yes; because believers have exercised faith in God’s Son, they are saved. God has a unique relationship with Christians in that only Christians have forgiveness based on God’s eternal grace. The unconditional, merciful love God has for everyone should bring us to faith, receiving with gratefulness the conditional, covenant love He grants those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior.

His love is different, and that should be encouraging! That in the midst of a dark world there is a special love and affection given to his children...and while that love is unconditional meaning there’s nothing we can do to lose it...it comes with a calling.

He says verse 7 again...7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

Now...this shouldn’t bother us...but in some of your translations the “to be” is in italics. And that’s because the oldest manuscripts of the book of Romans don’t have that. So it just says those who are loved by God and called saints.

Why does that matter? Well it doesn’t alter the meaning really so it doesn’t....but some people can read this and think okay we’re loved by God...and we’re supposed to be saints, but....maybe that’s for like super Christians. That’s the special forces Christians...the Billy Graham and the John Pipers and the Josh Keyes, right?

The rest of us, we don’t have to be saints. Well, here’s what I want you to know, brothers and sisters....there is no new testament concept of a Christian who’s not a saint.

Saint just means holy one. We just sang the song Only A Holy God....Holy means set apart and so it’s a reminder that God alone is set apart from everything and everyone....well likewise we’re called to be set apart from the rest of the world.

So...think about it....in the crazy backdrop that is Rome....Paul is writing to them...like a decade max maybe less before they’re about to go through the toughest time in the history of the church...and he’s starting by saying God loves you...AND...you’re called to be set apart.

That’s your identity....you are loved by God and you’re set apart from the rest of the world.

And Christian...2000 years later this should be our identity. Whatever you do for work, whatever your roll is at home, son/daughter/uncle/husband/wife/mother/father....those titles are important....but before any of that, if you are in Christ – you are loved in a unique way by God and you’re a saint.

- Tell Pastor Matt, I told you to call him Saint Matthew (joking)

But in all seriousness, this was their identity in their dark day, and it’s ours in our day as well, we are saints, loved by God.

PAULS ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE ROMANS

Well, lets move to heading number three...we’ve seen the context....Paul’s identified them...but what’s his attitude towards them, let me read through verse 15.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Okay, so...again paul’s never met these guys...and ladies. Or if he has met some....he hasn’t met all because he hasn’t been there....yet....he longs to see them. And it’s primarily so he can...see verse 13...reap some harvest, in other words he wants to see more believers.

But...just...do you sense his love for these people? (pause) it’s gonna be a while before we come back to this...like chapter 16....so November or December....but as we work through this book...Paul’s love for these believers he hasn’t met should be on our mind.

And it’s expressed in three ways: He was thankful for them, he prayed for them, and he was encouraged by them.

He was thankful for them. And thanksgiving led to prayer. Tough question...how often do we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ? And not just for their needs, but prayers of thanksgiving for each other. Like God thank you for bringing this person in my life...would you grow them in their faith?

Because those prayers of thanksgiving, and...even more hearing how God answered they’re prayers should be encouraging to us! I love the verse in Revelation

- Expand – Rev 12

- I got some good news from a pastor friend of mine last week that had nothing to do with me....or our church...

And in the same way Paul’s like...man I’m thankful for you guys....I’m praying for you...and when I hear what God’s doing...there’s mutual encouragement. He’s saying I’m not just writing this for you...you’re preaching to me through your lives.

And brothers and sisters, I can say the same thing. I hope you leave here on Sunday’s encouraged....because I know I do....from you. When I see you singing in worship, fellowshipping in the lobby...serving in kids ministry or set up and tear down in the cold....responding to the messages all that – church I want you to know I’m thankful for you....Im praying for you regularly and I’m encouraged by you.

So what does all this mean for us? Rome was dark...yet the believers in Rome were loved by God and called to be set apart....and Paul was thankful for them, prayed for them, and there was mutual encouragement between them....what are our immediate takeaways from this today.

WHAT SHOULD WE TAKE AWAY

Let me quickly give you three.

Number 1: We need community! How long do you think the Christians in Rome could have made it on their own? How long could they have survived not just persecution, but...how long could they have withstood being influenced by the culture if they were on our own?

They couldn’t! And when we reflect on the context of this book or any new testament letter...community should be on the forefront of our mind!

Because our brothers and sisters can keep us centered...they keep us from leaning on our own understanding and point us back to the Gospel.

Number 2. We need the Global Church.Just a quick reminder...the local church is this in here....it’s the regular gathering of believers who are in relatively close geographical proximaty that say...hey this is our local church. Sometimes it’s called the lower case C church...and the global church consists of all believers across the world all the way from the time of Pentecost till Jesus returns.

And so as we see Paul’s love for these brothers and sisters he’s never met...this should cause us to reflect on our own love for the Global church!

Do we have a love for the global church? One that causes us to...again...reaize that we’re not an island! And when I say Global church, I’m not just talking about those on the other side of the world, but those who live down the street from us that go to another local church.

Do we see them as our family....that we’ll spend eternity with?

I love this qupte from the late Eugene Patterson – the author of the Message Bible. He said:

A local church is a congregation of embarrassingly ordinary people in whom God chooses to be present in the world.”

The biblical fact is that there are no successful churches. There are, instead, communities of sinners, gathered before God week after week in towns and villages all over the world. The Holy Spirit gathers them and does his work in them. In these communities of sinners, one of the sinners is called pastor and given a designated responsibility in the community. The pastor’s responsibility is to keep the community attentive to God.

And Paul writes to these Roman believers....not from a place of moral superiority...we won’t turn there, but later in the letter...in chapter 7 when he’s like yo I get how hard it is to live this Christian life. I keep doing the stuff I don’t want to do too!! But lets keep our eyes on Jesus

You realize that’s all this is every week right? We’re not perfect. I’m not perfect....to quote Luther, I’m just one begger trying to tell other beggers where to find bread!

And that’s true of all us...you all here every week, our church in Macedonia...all the way to the Macedonia on the other side of the world and beyond.

We’re unified. Which leads to number three and it brings us back to our overarching point.

Number Three: We need to view every aspect of our life through a Gospel lens.

Isn’t that what Paul does? Like all of life is mission!

And let me just say...it can be easy for us to think....well yeah he’s Paul. Of course he’s viewing the world through gospel everything he’s the greatest church planter ever...and the greatest missionary ever.

But check these verses out....they’re not on the screen behind me, but look at these:

- Corinthians: And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

- Phillipians: Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.

- Hebrews (we don’t know who wrote it but): Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

So we need to follow his example, and as we’re working our way through the book...we, like Paul should be constantly checking ourselves and asking...am I trying to see how this fits into the view of our day, or is this shaping how I view the world.

Why? Because we like the Romans live in a church that’s characterized by depravity.

- Yet we’re loved by God...and we’re called to be set apart and we need each other.

This is so against our culture isn’t it? We’re told we’re better off figuring out stuff on our own.

And if we think it’s counter cultural now, it was even more so then... See Ancient Rome (founded in blood....) their greatest pride was there strength....their military. And I won’t go back into all the history but what’s crazy is that it was their power...that led to their downfall.

- Always scheming...always murdering...allways striving for power

- And Jesus comes along and says let me show you another way.

upside down logic of the kingdom) ....victory againt the spiritual real requires surrender to our king!

- Our dependance is our battle cry!!

- Our inability is our victory!

that’s the gospel! Nothing in my hand I bring!!!

All Jesus merit

This should consume everything about us.

Church, our church is praying for you

Mutual encouragement

That you would keep your eyes on Jesus at all times