EXPOSITORY SERMON: ROMANS 1:18 - 3:20

I. INTRODUCTION

Even though the theme of Romans is the righteousness of God, Paul must begin with the unrighteousness of man. Until man realizes he is a sinner, he will not see his need for salvation. In this lesson we will discuss three declarations, that taken together prove that all men are sinners and need Jesus Christ.

II. DISCUSSION

A. The Gentile World is Guilty (1:18-32) - Man has not evolved spiritually, but has devolved. Paul points out four stages that mark this tragic devolution.

1. Intelligence (18-20) - Originally, man knew God, then devolved to idolatry. Man abandoned the truth and began to think like a beast.

2. Ignorance (21-23) - Man did not want to know God. To fill the void left by rejecting God, man chose idols of his own making. He traded glory for shame, incorruption for corruption, and truth for lies. Man's downfall began when Eve believed Satan (Gen. 3:5). Man thought himself a "god."

3. Indulgence (24-27) - In idolatry there are no moral restraints, because man makes the rules. Satan has used idolatry to gain worshipers (1Cor. 10:19-21). Paul takes special care to mention homosexuality under this topic. At this point God abandoned men to their sinful ways.

4. Impenitence (28-38) - Paul makes a list of 24 sins that are still being committed today. While committing these sins man encouraged others and applauded them when they did sin!

B. The Jewish World is Guilty (2:1 - 3:8) To find the Jews guilty would not be an easy task for Paul, since the Jews would not be willing to confess that they were sinners. The prophets had indicted Israel and were persecuted. Jesus indicted Israel and was crucified. Paul calls four witnesses to prove their guilt.

1. The Gentiles (1-3) - When Paul condemned the Gentiles, the Jews would agree with his condemnation. But the same sins that condemned the Gentiles were being practiced by the Jews. God's standard of judgment is truth. He holds everyone to that standard. As the Jews condemned the Gentiles, they actually were condemning themselves.

2. God's blessing (4-11) - Being God's chosen people did not give the Jews special treatment, but instead greater responsibility to obey and glorify God. Marks of true saving faith include obedience and Godly living. When measured with this ruler, the Jews came up short. God's blessings had not led them to repentance.

3. God's Law (12-24) - Among all cultures is a sense of sin, fear of judgment and an attempt to atone for sins and appease whatever gods are feared. The Jews felt that their possession of the Law gave them the ultimate "leg-up" on the Gentiles. Paul makes it clear that practice is what matters. Not only were the Jews judged according to truth and deeds, but also according to their hearts. We know God can see the "thoughts and intents of the heart." (Heb. 4:12) Such sins as theft, idolatry, and adultery can take place within the heart (See the Sermon on the Mount). The hypocrisy of the Jews dishonored God and caused the Gentiles to blaspheme His name.

4. Circumcision (25-29) - The Jews had come to rely on the physical reality it represented. God has never been impressed with outward formalities. The Jews praised each other for possessing the Law, but did not take the time to praise God or seek the praise of God.

5. Paul's summation (1-8) - According to these witnesses the Sews were guilty. Paul meets the following three possible objections:
a. What advantage is it to be a Jew? - Every advantage including possession of God's Word.
b. Will Jewish unbelief cancel God's faithfulness? No, in fact it establishes it. If our sin commend His righteousness, how can He judge us? - Evil cannot be done to generate good. God will judge the world righteously.

C. The Whole World is Guilty (9-20) - Paul now uses the Old Testament to conclude his argument.

1. His first quote sets the tone: "the fool hath said in his heart, NO GOD!" Man's inner being is controlled by sin.

2. In verses 13,14 human speech is emphasized. Notice the parallel with Matt. 12:34-37.

3. In verses 15,16 Paul shows that the way of the sinner is a destructive path.

4. Verse 17 deals with the mind. The sinner does not know the way of God's peace. He does not know God's truth and does not want to know it. As we will learn in Rom. 5:1, peace will come through Jesus Christ.

5. Verse 18 shows the arrogant pride of the sinner.

III. CONCLUSION (19,20)

A. Indeed the whole world is guilty before God. The Jews found guilty by the Law, the Gentiles by creation.

B.Man is unable in and of himself to keep God's commandments perfectly. That is, in such a way to make himself justified.

C.How then can man be justified? Answering that question takes up the rest of Paul's letter to the Romans.

D. We must be saved by God's grace and mercy. As long as we defend and commend ourselves we will never repent. The whole world is guilty before God - including you and me.