Who will save us? (Why do we need saving?) Romans 1:18-3:20

Good morning church, my name is Carson Outlaw and I am grateful to be able to share from the first 3 chapters of the book of Romans today. Last time I preached here in April, I introduced my family, but it has grown since then. (Show picture) 4 weeks ago we added our lovely daughter, Goldie to the family and it has been a joy. Sleepless… but a joy.

Read Romans 3:9b-18

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Recap of Hansel’s Gospel Definitions

Last week, Hansel opened the series and the book of Romans by looking at the core of the gospel and gave two definitions: (1) The gospel means literally “good news.” (2) The Gospel is God’s revealed gift of salvation to all who believe.

Transition: The good news of the gospel is necessary because of the bad news about sin. Today we continue in Romans ch. 1, 2, and 3 to understand the nature of sin

Author: The writer is Paul the Apostle, which means Jesus personally authorized Paul’s understanding and preaching of the gospel.

Audience: The gospel has only spread locally, in the region, but Paul has a desire to expand westward all the way to Spain. He hopes to go west with the help of the church in Rome, whom he has heard about but has never met.

Purpose: These 16 chapters are Paul’s attempt to introduce himself and his gospel message to the Romans. This book is the most in depth organization of Christian belief and doctrine that exists in the scriptures.

Problem: Jewish christians controlled the Roman church, until Emperor Claudius gets mad at them and expels all Jews from the empire. The Gentile christians begin to lead and grow the church, but it changes into a very non-Jewish church culture. 5 years later, the Jews are allowed to return, and they are distraught when they come back to church that looks nothing like they left it! Everything had changed and now it was time for the grownups to come back in and set the room right.

Conflict ensues to the extent that news of their division reached Paul on another continent and he writes with the purpose of (1) explaining his gospel, and (2) uniting their people.

Big Idea: The sinfulness of man is only changed by the salvation of God.

Sinfulness of Man (1:18-3:20)

changed (3:21)

Salvation of God (3:21

Set up main idea

Background of (1) Paul, (2) Roman church, (3) cultural divide between Jews/Gentiles and how it happened

Read Romans 3:9b-18

Romans 3:9b–18 ESV

as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Explain what came before it (Two things can be true at once - Both sides have sinned)

Gentile sins explained (1:28 - God delivered them over to a corrupt mind)

Suppressed truth (1:18)

Exchanged glory (1:22)

Jewish sins explained (2:5-6,8 You are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath… He will repay each one according to his works.... wrath and anger to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth while obeying unrighteousness)

Judge (Hypocritical) (2:3)

Explained further in (

Quote: With every sin you conquer, 7 devils of self-righteousness come to take its place.” (John Piper)

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