Sermon Tone Analysis

Today we finish Romans

Paul thanks God for those involved in ministry

Gives one final word of instruction

Ends in a final word of praise (Doxology)

Paul’s Gospel

Why does Paul call this “my gospel”?

Was Paul preaching

Different than Peter, John, Apostles…Jesus

Is Paul saying his message is superior?

I don’t think so.

Paul also calls his message:

The Gospel of the Son Romans 1:9

The Gospel of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:14

The Gospel of Salvation Ephesians 1:13

The Gospel of Peace Ephesians 6:15

Not superior, or after notoriety.

1 Corinthians 1 “ Some follow Paul, Apollos, Peter”

I am glad I didn’t baptize any of you so you could say you were baptized in my name....it is not about me.

He Taught - Dependent/Points —> Jesus

So why, “my gospel”

It is a matter of “identity” and “ownership”

Identity - Paul identifies himself as “slave” as “apostle”

There is a sense of Ownership -

Not that the gospel finds origin in Paul

Paul has received the gospel.

“Heir” “Adopted”

My Gospel - in the same way churches across the world sing “Blessed Assurance”

“This is my story, this is my song.

Praising my Savior all the day long”

We are redeemed, rescued, ransomed, restored

New life, new birth, our identity is in Christ

Just as a wife takes her husbands last name

Just as an adopted child becomes part of the family

The gospel story is part of our own personal story (testimony)

We join Paul,

“His” gospel is also “my” gospel, it is “your” gospel

What we proclaim is not ourselves, but God’s story of redemption to a broken world.

And in regards this gospel, Paul issues warning

Not everyone believes/accepts this gospel

There are some who reject/resist

There are some who seek to divide

There are some who seek to pervert and distort

A false gospel exists and we should be on guard

Paul’s Warning

Be on guard for those who divide and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught.

Months ago we talked about “grey” areas of conscience

Open Handed - No Prescription, but Principle

Dress, Music, Movies, Alcohol, Diet

Some of what Paul has said definitely can be applied here

Christians who base their whole identity, their whole evangelistic platform on what they do or don’t do in areas of conscience

We can apply Paul’s warning and advice to avoid or disengage from distracting arguments in these areas...

Primarily here, Paul is focused on “closed” issues

There is a “standard of doctrine”

Beliefs that are the “core” of Christianity

Truths that God does not leave for debate

Early Church would use creeds to summarize, get on the same page despite differences

The Apostles Creed is a great Example:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

Amen.

In Creeds like this, we find the standard of doctrine, the truth in which all Christians should be united.

The Character of God

Good, Loving, Wise

Righteous, Just, Jealous

Man’s Fallen Condition (Fallen Creation)

Individual Broken

In Rebellion against God

Desiring Autonomy

Society Broken

Struggling in Relationships

Manipulation, Abuse, War

Environment

Cursed - Weeds, Thorns, Toil

Misuse rather than cultivate resources

Nature of Jesus

Virgin Birth - Not under the Curse

Sinless Life - Not a life of rebellion

Death - Became a curse (atonement)

Resurrection - Victorious over death

The Holy Spirit

Call - Opens Hearts, Shines Light in Darkness

Leading - Direction, Mind/Will/Affection

Power - Healing, Gifts, Enabling Ministry

Do not seek unity with those who reject these truths

Be on guard/alert/aware of false teachers

Pastors who preach false gospel we should not give ear to

Books of spiritual deception that we should not meditate on

There are wolves in sheep’s clothing that seek to spiritually cripple and hinder our pursuit of God

Not only a different gospel, but malicious motives

Serving their own appetites

Not just wrong ideas, statements

They are in pursuit of of their own idols

Money, Sex, Power, Fame

Often Justification

They don’t like what God has commanded

So they alter or attack His word

Plan is on of deception (mislead/cause error)