Romans 1:18-32

Today’s Passage: Romans 1:18-32

Romans is a book that Paul writes to bring immense theological clarity to Jesus, the gospel, and salvation. He sets so many things straight in it:

  • The gospel is for EVERYONE… Jew and Gentile.
  • The gospel is by FAITH and not by WORKS.
  • The gospel shows God’s Sovereignty along with human responsibility.

In Romans 1:18-32, I think Paul is bringing another important truth out, one that in our world and culture wants to get overlooked, and that is…

THE GOSPEL IS NOT THE GOSPEL IF SIN ISN’T SIN.

Without a holy standard from God about what it looks like to be righteous, to be godly, there is no gospel. This is why we were given to the law - to highlight our inadequacy and highlight Jesus’ sufficiency. 

We live in a world where we want to ignore sin. Sometimes, we as followers of Jesus even fall into that trap. Sin is a big deal and it is what makes the gospel so beautiful. 

In Romans 1, before getting into the meat of the gospel and what Jesus accomplished, Paul is setting the stage… There is not ONE of us that is not separated from God by our sin. 

Sin is…
  • Not honoring God (v.21)
  • Trusting in our own wisdom (v.23)
  • Trading the truth and glory of God for lesser things (v.23, 25)
  • Not acknowledging/submitting to God (v.28)

God’s wrath is against this. God’s judgment comes on account of this. And ultimately what we deserve for this and earn for this is death (v.32).

But this is why the gospel matters. This is why Jesus came. He took our place. He died in our spot. He paid for our sin so that we can have the righteousness of God.

As followers of Jesus we cannot compromise. We cannot sacrifice truth on the altar of tolerance. In college ministry we come into contact with debased worldviews and sin a lot. We have decided that…

We will not…
  • Ostracize
  • Demonize
  • Compromise

We will…
  • Love
  • Pursue
  • Lead

My prayer is that as a church, as followers of Jesus, we will do the same. That we will tell people there is a better way and His name is Jesus.

Written By: Nick Parsons

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