Romans 1:5 // By His Grace, for His Name, Through the Obedience of Faith

Name: Romans 1:5 // By His Grace, for His Name, Through the Obedience of Faith
Uploaded: 2021-08-26T10:54:34.000Z
Duration: 1 h 20 min 36 s

Introduction and Opening Remarks

Pastor John Piper introduces the sermon and mentions that it could be applied to motherhood. He then proceeds to read Romans 1:1-5, with a focus on verse 5.

Understanding the Nature of Grace and its Effects

Paul identifies himself as a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.

The gospel was promised beforehand through the prophets in the holy scriptures and is about Jesus, who was born of David's lineage according to the flesh and declared Son of God by His resurrection from the dead.

The three phrases in verse 5 - grace, apostleship, obedience of faith - are explored under three headings:

The nature of grace as free and undeserved enabling for ministry.

The effect of grace being obedience of faith in others.

The ultimate goal of grace is to glorify the name of Christ among all people.

Importance of Understanding Grace in Romans

Grace is a key theme in Romans; understanding it unlocks the book's meaning.

Without grasping grace, Romans can be confusing and not make sense.

Common associations with "grace" outside biblical context include Princess Grace, ice skaters' movements, mealtime prayers, or undeserved kindness.

Unpacking the Biblical Reality of Grace

Exploring what grace means biblically and how it relates to our lives.

Paul's introduction in Romans includes his identity as a servant of Christ Jesus and an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.

The interlude between verses 1 and 5 unpacks the gospel of God, emphasizing the planned nature of the gospel, Jesus as the Son of David, and His triumphant resurrection.

Grace is built upon these foundational truths; it is not something we presume upon but is owed to Jesus.

Grace and apostleship are connected; grace comes through Jesus, not because we deserve it.

Understanding Grace and Apostleship

Exploring the meaning of grace and apostleship.

The combination of grace and apostleship implies that grace enables ministry.

Grace is not earned or deserved; it is a gift from God through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Pastor John Piper emphasizes the importance of understanding grace in order to comprehend the book of Romans. He highlights that grace is not something we presume upon but is owed to Jesus. The combination of grace and apostleship signifies that grace enables ministry.

Grace: The Power and Gift for Ministry

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of grace as the power and gift for ministry. He explores how grace is given to individuals, specifically focusing on the apostle Paul as an example.

Understanding Grace as Enablement for Ministry

Paul views grace as the means by which individuals are gifted differently from others in terms of their ministry (Romans 12:6).

The grace given to Paul empowered him to speak with apostolic authority (Romans 12:3).

This understanding is reiterated in Romans 15:15, where Paul mentions that grace was given to him from God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles.

Therefore, grace is seen as freely given enablement for ministry.

How Grace Comes to Individuals

The speaker raises the question of how individuals like Paul receive this grace.

He explains that on the Damascus road, without any willingness on Paul's part, Jesus showed His matchless godlike grace by saving him sovereignly (Acts 9:1-19).

God does not look for people who are already moving in His direction; rather, He sovereignly chooses and saves individuals regardless of their current path or actions.

Salvation can happen anywhere and in any way according to God's free will.

Receiving Grace through Faith, Not Works

The speaker emphasizes that receiving grace is not based on works but on faith.

Romans 4:4 states that wages earned through work are not credited according to grace but according to debt.

Grace cannot be owed; it is a free gift received by faith.

Romans 11:6 further clarifies that if salvation or ministry were based on works done to earn them, then it would no longer be considered grace.

The Means of Receiving Grace

The means by which grace is received is through faith (Romans 4:16).

Individuals have two options to approach God's grace: through works, attempting to earn it, or through faith, acknowledging that it cannot be earned and freely receiving it.

Works cannot receive grace because then grace would no longer be grace; it would become a transaction or debt owed by God.

The Nature of Grace

In this section, the speaker delves deeper into the nature of grace and its relationship with works. He emphasizes that grace is not something that can be earned but is freely given by God.

Grace as a Free Gift

The speaker reiterates that grace cannot be owed; it is a free gift from God.

It goes beyond what individuals deserve or can earn.

Grace is not based on merit but on God's unmerited favor towards humanity.

Works vs. Grace

Works are deeds done to earn something, while grace is received by faith as an undeserved gift.

If salvation or ministry were obtained through works, then it would no longer be considered grace (Romans 11:6).

Resting in Grace

The speaker encourages individuals to rest in the assurance of God's grace.

By acknowledging their inability to earn salvation or favor with God, they can freely receive His love and delight in His grace.

This understanding brings joy and happiness.

Receiving Grace Through Faith

In this section, the speaker continues to emphasize the importance of receiving God's grace through faith rather than works. He highlights how faith aligns with the concept of receiving according to grace.

Receiving According to Grace

Being an heir of the promise is received by faith in accordance with grace (Romans 4:16).

Faith acknowledges that salvation and favor with God cannot be earned but are freely given by His grace.

Two Approaches to Receiving Grace

Individuals have two options when it comes to receiving God's grace: through works or through faith.

Works involve trying to earn God's favor, while faith acknowledges the inability to do so and relies on God's unmerited favor.

The Incompatibility of Works and Grace

Works and grace are incompatible; they operate on different principles.

If salvation or ministry were based on works, then it would no longer be considered grace (Romans 11:6).

The Sovereignty of Grace

In this section, the speaker highlights the sovereignty of God in extending His grace. He emphasizes that individuals are brought into certain situations or circumstances by God's sovereign choice.

God's Sovereign Choice

The speaker asserts that individuals are brought into specific situations or circumstances by God's sovereign choice.

This includes being brought to church even if one initially had no desire to attend.

It is a demonstration of God's love for individuals.

Understanding Grace as a Gift

Grace is not something that can be earned or deserved; it is a gift from God.

It is freely given according to His sovereign will and not based on human effort.

Trusting in God's Plan

The speaker encourages listeners to trust in God's plan and purpose for their lives.

Even if they find themselves in unexpected places or situations, they can rest assured that it is part of His sovereign work.

Timestamps may vary slightly depending on the source video.

Grace and Apostleship

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of grace and apostleship. Grace is described as a power freely given to grant gifts and ministry. It is received through faith, not works.

Receiving Grace and Apostleship

Through Christ, believers have received grace and apostleship.

Grace is a power freely given for ministry and calling.

Faith is the means by which one receives grace, not works.

The Obedience of Faith

This section explores the phrase "the obedience of faith" and its possible meanings. The speaker leans towards interpreting it as the obedience that comes from faith.

Ambiguity in Interpretation

The phrase "the obedience of faith" can be interpreted in two ways:

Obedience which comes from faith

Faith which is obedience

Scholars are divided on the exact meaning.

Both interpretations are true, but Paul's intention here may lean towards the former.

Importance of Obedience

Obedience is emphasized throughout the book of Romans.

True obedience comes from a heart of faith.

Without faith, any attempt at obedience becomes sin.

Meaning of "The Obedience of Faith"

The speaker leans towards interpreting it as the goal or effect of Paul's apostleship and grace.

It refers to bringing about faith that yields obedience or bringing about obedience that springs from faith.

Both interpretations highlight the importance of faith leading to obedience.

Faith Yields Obedience

This section explains why faith leads to obedience based on the previous discussion on receiving grace through faith.

Connection between Grace and Obedience

Ministry and obedience in apostleship are gifts of grace received through faith.

Faith is the means by which one receives grace, leading to obedience.

Obedience that comes from faith is a result of receiving grace.

Importance of Faith

Faith is essential for pleasing God and obeying His commands.

Acts of obedience that do not spring from a heart of faith are displeasing to God.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes by summarizing the importance of faith and obedience in receiving grace and fulfilling one's calling.

Summary

Grace is freely given for ministry and calling, received through faith.

The phrase "the obedience of faith" can be interpreted as obedience that comes from faith or faith that is obedience.

Both interpretations highlight the significance of faith leading to obedience.

True obedience comes from a heart of faith, while attempts at obedience without faith become sin.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the relationship between grace, faith, and obedience. The importance of focusing on faith rather than works is emphasized.

The Obedience of Faith

The obedience that comes from grace is channeled through faith.

Faith correlates with grace, and obedience flows out of it.

Instead of focusing on works, one should work on their faith.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ.

By focusing on Christ and receiving His grace through faith, obedience naturally follows.

New Section

The speaker explores why God has set up salvation and various aspects of life to be dependent on grace received through faith. The ultimate goal is for the name of Christ to be exalted in all areas of life.

Exalting the Name of Christ

God's passion is to be the giver of grace.

Salvation and various roles in life are designed for a believing reception of grace that empowers obedience.

The ultimate goal is for the name of Christ to be exalted in every aspect of life.

Believers exist ultimately for the purpose of exalting the name of Christ.

All our obedience and ministry are dependent upon grace through faith.

New Section

The speaker explains why God makes our salvation, ministry, and obedience dependent upon grace through faith. If our works were the basis for these things, we would receive glory instead of God.

Glory to God Through Grace

Our salvation, ministry, and obedience are dependent upon grace through faith so that God receives glory.

If our accomplishments were based on our own works, we would receive glory instead of God.

Serving should be done in the strength supplied by God so that He may be glorified.

The ultimate goal is for God's name to be known, loved, exalted, treasured, and glorified.

New Section

The speaker emphasizes the importance of serving in the strength supplied by God so that He receives glory. Quoting from 1 Peter 4:11, he encourages individuals in various roles to rely on God's strength for their service.

Serving in God's Strength

Whoever serves should do so in the strength supplied by God.

The purpose of serving is for God to be glorified through Jesus Christ.

Relying on God's strength ensures that He receives the glory.

Personal gestures are used to emphasize this theology of relying on God's strength.

Quoting 1 Peter 4:11, the speaker encourages individuals in different roles to serve in the strength provided by God.

The transcript ends here.

God's Ultimate Goal: The Glory of His Name

In this section, John Piper discusses the ultimate goal of God, which is the glory of His name. He explores the question of whether it is loving for God to make His own name so important.

The Loving Nature of God

It is loving for God to make His own name important because salvation comes through calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:13).

If God does not make His name known, He cannot be a God of love.

Salvation involves freedom from sin, hope of eternal life, and union with God.

The essence of salvation is the glory of God.

Exalting in the Hope of God's Glory

Romans 5:2 states that believers exalt in the hope of the glory of God.

The goal and longing for believers is to see, savor, love, treasure, cherish, and be satisfied by the glory of God.

If God does not display His glory and attract believers to it, He would not be loving.

Embracing the Goal of Grace

Believers do not have to choose between their own longings and the goal of God's grace because they are one and the same - the glory of God.

When both our longings and God's grace are centered on His glory, there is no conflict.

Our ultimate satisfaction lies in treasuring and depending on the glory of God.

Longing for the Glory of God

The closing question is whether we long for the glory of God.

If we do not have this longing, we should ask God to open our eyes to see it and embrace it.

Closing Prayer

In this section, John Piper concludes with a prayer asking for a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus and transform their hearts.

Limitations and Dependence on the Holy Spirit

John Piper acknowledges his limitations and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Only the Holy Spirit can replace a hard heart with a tender, receptive one through new birth.

The prayer is for the Father to draw people to Jesus, as no one comes unless drawn by Him.

Closing Remarks

In this section, John Piper concludes the message and provides information about accessing more resources from Desiring God.

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