Seventeenth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul establishes a hard truth: everyone, Jew and non-Jew alike, has rebelled against God and stands guilty before Him, and that rebellion has justly earned His wrath. There is no hope apart from faith in Christ Jesus. To show that this justification is for Jew and non-Jew alike, Paul points to Abraham, whose faith was a full confidence in the promises of God, and such is the faith we too must place in Christ Jesus. From here the apostle unfolds the good news: God, in His grace, makes guilty people right with Himself through faith in Jesus. Having repeated the phrase “justified by faith” and emphasized “grace,” he now introduces a series of rich new themes, “hope,” “peace with God,” and “God’s love.”

Justified, then Peace

Paul, once again, used the phrase, “justified by faith.” The phrase is a courtroom term. God declares those who believe as not guilty. The apostle then introduces a lofty idea: “peace with God.” Peace with God is the result of justification by faith. It means no more war with God.

Romans 5:1, ESV: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This peace is not first of all a feeling; it means the war is over, for we were once God’s enemies.^[1] Notice that it comes “through our Lord Jesus Christ”; it is peace Christ purchased, not peace we negotiated. The rebellion is over.

Faith Into Grace

Paul writes that through Jesus we “have obtained access” into grace, and in that grace “we now stand.” Picture being escorted into a king’s throne room; Jesus brings us all the way in, and there we stand, secure and permanent.^[2] Then Paul adds that “we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”

Romans 5:2: Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Because of sin, there was no hope of sharing God’s glory, but now, through Christ, there is a way through faith. This boasting is not proud, self-centered boasting; it is rejoicing in what God has done and promised. Christian hope is not wishful thinking but confident expectation, as certain as God is trustworthy.

God’s Love Amid Suffering

Paul explained God’s wrath in the earlier part of the letter. Now, for the first time, he explains God’s love. Through suffering and hardship, He builds our character, producing hope.^[3] This hope does not put the believers to shame. The reason is God’s love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Romans 5:3-5: Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵ and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

The word hope reminds the reader of Abraham who hoped against hope. The word poured pictures a lavish flood, not a trickle.^[4] Even in the middle of suffering, the Spirit assures us that God truly loves us, so our hope will never end in disappointment.

Application

1. After understanding the wrath and justice of God, we must now understand that the justification through faith leads to peace with God. This is not necessarily about inner peace, although it is part of it. It is about no longer becoming enemies of God.

2. When suffering abounds, remember where we stand, firmly in the grace of God. That security should lead us to rejoicing as we hope for His glory. We live by faith, meaning we are convinced of the promise despite the various trials.

3. Let us rejoice that God’s love is poured in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Note that Paul did not begin with God’s love; he began with God’s wrath against sin. In every season of life, let us meditate on God’s love in the context of His justice, and the justification by faith in Christ.

^[1] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2018), on 5:1. Thielman notes that “peace” here is foremost a cessation of hostility between God and believers, though it also carries the subjective sense of a serene conscience. Cf. Douglas J. Moo, The Letter to the Romans, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2018), on 5:1.

^[2] Thielman, Romans, on 5:2, observes that the perfect-tense verbs “we have obtained” and “we stand” emphasize the continuation of this new, gracious situation for believers. On the term “access” as entry into a king’s presence, see also Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2012), on 5:2.

^[3] On the rhetorical “chain” (climax/anadiplosis) that builds step by step toward hope, see Thielman, Romans, on 5:3–4; cf. Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans, 2nd ed., Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2018), on 5:3–4.

^[4] Thielman, Romans, on 5:5, notes that the verb “poured out” emphasizes the lavish, abundant nature of God’s love; the genitive “the love of God” is best read as God’s love for believers, confirmed by 5:8. Cf. James D. G. Dunn, Romans 1–8, Word Biblical Commentary 38A (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2018), on 5:5.

Poem

PEACE WITH GOD
by Ed Pilapil Jr

We’re justified by faith alone
By grace, believing, that we know
War is over, the debt is paid
Through Christ alone, this peace is made

We have access, an open door
Let us rejoice forevermore
Our hope is sure, He made us whole
Eternally sure in our soul

We dare hope despite the trials
No doubt and there’s no denial
Every promise, we dare believe
Assured of the love we received

This hope will never bring us shame
For God poured His love like a flame
Through the Spirit, He floods the heart
A love from which we’ll never part

Study Guide

1. Paul begins with “Therefore.” Explain the connection to chapters 3-4. Then explain the peace of God. (Hint: it is not inner peace) (Ro 5:1)

2. What do the verbs “obtained access” and “stand” reveal about the believer’s position, and how does “the hope of the glory of God” relate to Romans 3:23? (Ro 5:2)

3. Why does Paul arrange the chain in verses 3–4 (suffering → endurance → character → hope) to end on hope, and what reason does verse 5 give that this hope “does not put us to shame”? Ro 5:3-5)

PDF

Peace With God Ro 5

413KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Kapayapaan Ro 5

395KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Sixteenth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul focused his attention on Abraham. Abraham wasn’t declared righteous by his works. If he were, he could boast, but Scripture says his faith was credited to him as righteousness (4:3). David says the same: the truly blessed person is the one whose sins God does not count against him, apart from works (4:6-8). And crucially, this verdict came before Abraham was circumcised (4:9-12), so he is the father of all who believe, circumcised or not. Now Paul presses one step further: why did God arrange salvation this way? Because a promise received by faith rests on grace, and only grace can guarantee it for everyone. So he unfolds the promise, the people, and the power behind it.

The Promise Through Faith

God’s promise to Abraham was never attached to keeping the law. The law came 430 years later and could not add conditions to what grace had already given. In fact, law “brings wrath.” It names our failures and fixes their penalty. If the promise depended on obeying it, the promise would collapse, because none of us keeps it. Grace and law belong to different worlds.^[1]

Romans 4:13-15, ESV: For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. ¹⁴ For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. ¹⁵ For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.

Once again, Paul highlights righteousness and faith. The law gives clarity of judgment to all who failed to keep all that is in it (Dt 27:26). There is no righteousness in the law. There is only righteousness through Christ by faith.

The Promise Rests on His Grace

The reason why it is by faith is that righteousness depends on His grace. Because it rests on grace, the promise is secured. Abraham is “the father of a multitude of nations,” not merely of his natural children, but of all who follow the pattern of his faith, Jew and Gentile alike.^[2]

Romans 4:16-17: That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, ¹⁷ as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Grace makes the family door wide, and grace makes the inheritance certain. If righteousness rests on human performance in keeping the law, then it is uncertain. But because it is through His grace, it becomes certain.

Faith, Fully Convinced

Consider the confidence of Abraham’s faith. He was old, Sarah was barren, and every circumstance said: “impossible.” He didn’t ignore the facts; he weighed them against God’s promise and found God heavier. Abraham was fully convinced that God would keep His promise despite the impossibilities.^[3]

Romans 4:18-25: In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” ¹⁹ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. ²⁰ No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, ²¹ fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. ²² That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” ²³ But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, ²⁴ but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, ²⁵ who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

He trusted the God “who brings the dead to life.” And Paul says this was written for us, who believe in the God who raised Jesus, delivered up for our sins and raised for our justification.

Application

1. Stop trying to earn what God gives freely. When you make your standing with God depend on your performance, you don’t strengthen the promise; you disrespect it. Rest instead on grace, which is the only ground that can actually hold you.

2. Your place in God’s family doesn’t depend on background, heritage, or track record. If you share Abraham’s faith, you share Abraham’s blessing. And since it rests on God’s grace, not your grip, your inheritance is as certain as God himself.

3. Faith isn’t pretending the obstacles aren’t real; it’s setting them beside God’s word and trusting his power to be greater. The same God who gave life to Abraham’s dead hopes raised Jesus — and that is the God who justifies you today.

^[1] F. F. Bruce, Romans (IVP, 2015), 4:13-15.

^[2] Douglas J. Moo, The Letter to the Romans, 2nd ed. (Eerdmans, 2018), 4:16-17.

^[3] Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 4:18-21. Schreiner stresses that Abraham’s faith was “God-centered” and must “not be confused with breezy optimism, nor does it involve a denial of external reality”; Abraham “carefully ‘considered’ the obstacles.” What sustained him “was a vision of the God who could do the impossible.”

Poem

THE PROMISE
Ed Pilapil Jr

The promise rests on the LORD’s grace
Oh, how marvelous are His ways
If by the law, and not by grace
Then Jew and Gentile have no place

We’re Abraham’s children through faith
A grandfather who is great, great
Not by blood, but in Christ, through faith
God used him to show us the way

Fully convinced of the promise
Despite impossibilities
Abraham believed the promise
Not in his own capacities

His faith was recorded for us
The word, is for us to discuss
Faith that’s all in, that should be us
Locked in, our faith in Christ Jesus

Study Guide

1. The promise to Abraham: why not through the law and why through faith? (Ro 4:13-15)

2. Why should the promise of righteousness depend on faith? (Ro 4:16-17)

3. Explain the quality of Abraham’s faith as Paul explained. (Ro 4:18-25)

PDF

Ang Pangako Ro 4

401KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Promise Ro 4

413KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Fifteenth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul made a bold claim: God makes people right with himself by faith, apart from good works, and this leaves no room for anyone to boast. But a Jewish reader would immediately object: “What about Abraham? He’s our founding father, the greatest man in our history. Surely he earned his standing with God.” So Paul does something brilliant. He doesn’t argue from his own opinion; he goes to the Scriptures they already trusted and puts Abraham himself on the witness stand. And what he finds there overturns the whole idea that we can earn God’s approval.

Credited Righteousness

Paul reaches for the key text: Genesis 15:6: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Notice the moment. God had just promised the childless, elderly Abraham more descendants than the stars. Abraham couldn’t produce that; he could only trust the God who promised it. And God “counted” that trust as righteousness. Paul then uses a simple accounting picture everyone understands.

Romans 4:1-5, ESV: What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? ² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. ³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” ⁴ Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. ⁵ And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness

When you work a job, your paycheck isn’t a gift; it’s a debt your employer owes you. But righteousness doesn’t work like wages. God gives it as a gift to the person who stops trying to earn it and simply trusts “him who justifies the ungodly.”^[1]

Forgiveness is a Blessing

To seal the argument, Paul calls a second witness: King David. In Psalm 32, David describes the deeply happy (blessed) person, and it’s not the flawless achiever. It’s the one “whose lawless deeds are forgiven, whose sins are covered,” the one against whom “the Lord will not count sin.” Paul’s point is precise. If God is not counting sin against you, then he is crediting you with a righteousness you didn’t produce.^[2]

Romans 4:6-8: just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
⁸ blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

Both Abraham and David describe the same thing from two angles: God putting something on your account you didn’t earn (righteousness), and God removing something you did earn (guilt). This isn’t a New Testament novelty; it was the heartbeat of the Old Testament all along.

Blessings for Jew and Gentile

Now, Paul springs the trap on the objection. When did God count Abraham righteous, before or after he was circumcised? The timeline is decisive: Genesis 15 comes at least 14 years before Abraham was circumcised in Genesis 17. So God declared him righteous while he was still, in effect, an outsider, an “uncircumcised” man, no different in status from a Gentile.^[3]

Romans 4:9-12: Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. ¹⁰ How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. ¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, ¹² and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Circumcision came afterward, as a “seal,” a sign confirming a righteousness he already had by faith. Why did God arrange it this way? So Abraham could be the father of two families at once: the father of all who believe without the Jewish badge, and of Jews who don’t merely bear the badge but also walk in his footsteps of faith.

Application

1. Stop treating God like an employer you’re clocking hours for. You cannot put him in your debt, and you don’t need to. Your standing with God isn’t a paycheck you earn by being good enough; it’s a gift you receive by trusting Christ. Rest in that.

2. Real happiness isn’t found in a perfect record or a spotless past. It’s found in being forgiven. If guilt haunts you, hear this: for those in Christ, God has chosen not to count your sin against you. Let that settle your soul — you are covered.

3. No one is too far outside to be welcomed by God, and no religious credential can substitute for real faith. Don’t lean on your background, your church membership, or your rituals. What made Abraham right with God, simple trust, is exactly what’s open to you today.

^[1] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), 4:4-5.

^[2] Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans (Eerdmans, 2012), 4:6-8.

^[3] F. F. Bruce, Romans (IVP, 2015), 4:9-12.

Poem

FATHER ABRAHAM
by Ed Pilapil Jr

Abraham believed God’s promise
Righteousness and faith, the premise
From the Lord God, he earned no wage
It was a gift in his old age

David speaks of a happiness
It’s blessedness in forgiveness
The guilt is covered, judgment done
Due to the Lord, the only One

Faith was before circumcision
That is to our satisfaction
Before the sign, before the seal
God counted faith alone as real

Abraham’s children, we all are
Jews and Gentiles, both near and far
Sands on the shore, stars in the night
God fulfilled His promise all right

Study Guide

1. Why does Paul use the picture of “wages” versus a “gift,” and what does it mean that God “justifies the ungodly”? (Ro 4:1-5)

2. According to David, who is the truly happy person, and how does forgiveness relate to being counted righteous? (Ro 4:6-8)

3. Why does the timing of Abraham’s faith (before circumcision) matter, and what does it mean that he is “father of all who believe”? (Ro 4:9-12)

PDF

Counted Righteous Ro 4

417KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Itinuring Matuwid Ro 4

424KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Fourteenth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul has been building a case like a prosecutor. First, he indicts the pagan world that suppressed the truth about God. Then he turns to the religious and moral Jew and says: you’re no better; you judge others while doing the same things. He dismantles the misplaced self-confidence of the Jew. Finally, he sweeps everyone in, Jew and Gentile alike, and closes the case: “None is righteous, no, not one.” The whole world stands silent and guilty before God, with no defense left. That’s the courtroom Paul has us standing in with a clear verdict: guilty. But everything is about to change.

Turning Point

Into that silent, guilty courtroom, Paul drops two words: “But now.” Something new has broken into history. God himself has provided a way to be made right with Him, not by keeping the law, though the law and prophets pointed to it all along.

Romans 3:21-23: But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— ²² the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Notice the perfect tense: this righteousness “has been revealed” and stands revealed still. It’s a settled, finished reality, not a distant hope. And it’s for everyone who believes, no exceptions, the one door out of the courtroom, opened by God.

Justified and Redeemed

Paul mentions several key phrases. First, “justified by His grace as a gift.” Second, “through redemption in Christ Jesus. Third, “propitiation by His blood to be received by faith.” Fourth, “God’s righteousness.” Fifth, “divine forbearance.”

Romans 3:24-26: and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

How can a just God simply forgive guilty people? At the cross, God dealt with sin openly rather than sweeping it aside. So God stays completely just and still declares sinners righteous. He didn’t relax the standard. He satisfied it Himself through Christ.

No Boasting

If being made right is a gift received by faith, then boasting is finished. No one can boast. No one can take credit for a rescue that one didn’t perform. Paul pushes further: Is God only for one kind of people? No.

Romans 3:27-31: Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. ²⁸ For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. ²⁹ Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, ³⁰ since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. ³¹ Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

The same God makes both Jew and Gentile right through the same faith. This flattens every pecking order of race, class, and background. And far from throwing out God’s law, this faith actually honors what the law was always aiming at.

Application

1. Do not climb out of guilt by trying harder or comparing yourself to others. Do not trust in your own merit. There is one exit, and God built it. Your only move is to walk through it by faith; the same door is open to all.

2. Our forgiveness isn’t God looking the other way. It cost Him the death of the Son on the cross. His grace was not soft on sin; it came with a price. Our forgiveness comes from believing this truth.

3. Remove any source of spiritual pride like morality, religion, heritage, or race. Lay them down. Then treat the person unlike you as a full equal, because God is saving them the very same way he saved you.

Poem

TURNING POINT
by Ed Pilapil Jr

The court is called, the charge is read
No mouth can speak, no plea is said
Both near and far, both proud and base
Stand guilty, silent, face to face

But now a word breaks through the night
God brings His righteousness to light
No law we kept, no debt we paid
Yet all is finished, all is made

The sacrifice, the sprinkled blood
Where wrath was met in crimson flood
The judge is just, the standard true
The guilty sinner is made new

So boasting dies, its mouth is stopped
Its crown of pride is bowed and dropped
One faith, one Lord, one open door
Only the Christ, our sins He bore

Study Guide

1. What does Paul mean by “but now,” and how is this righteousness different from the way people usually try to be right with God? (Ro 3:21-24)

2. How does the cross allow God to be both “just” and the one who justifies sinners at the same time? (Ro 3:24-26)

3. Why does Paul say boasting is “shut out,” and what does this mean for how we view people different from us? (Ro 3:27-31)

PDF

Turning Point Ro 3

369KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Panahon Ng Pagbabago Ro 3

446KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Thirteenth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul has been building a careful case, like a prosecuting attorney presenting evidence before a court. First, the apostle turned his attention to the Gentiles, showing how humanity suppressed the truth, exchanged God’s glory for idols, and was given to its desires. Then the apostle turned his attention to the Jews, the people who received the Mosaic Law. They bore the name of the LORD, yet they have failed to obey the command through Moses completely. Paul dismantled their arguments; he addressed self-righteousness, false confidence, and the major accusations. The advantage of the Jew is knowing the commandments. But God will judge all: Jew and non-Jew.

Universal Guilt

Paul concludes his argument that both Jews and Greeks are “all under sin.” Having already condemned Gentile idolatry (1:18-32) and Jewish presumption (2:1-29), he now levels the playing field: no one has an inherent advantage before God when it comes to judgment. The reason? All are guilty.

Romans 3:9-12: What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, ¹⁰ as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;
¹¹ no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
¹² All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”

Paul anchors his point in a chain of Old Testament citations (drawing especially from the Psalms), beginning with the sweeping declaration that none is righteous, none seeks God, and all have turned away. The point is the universality and totality of human sinfulness. No one seeks God; no one does good.

Severe Sinfulness of Man

Paul illustrates how deeply sin pervades the whole person through a vivid “anatomy of sin.” He moves through the body, throat, tongue, lips, mouth, feet, eyes, showing corruption in speech (deceit, poison, cursing), in conduct (swift to shed blood, leaving ruin and misery in their paths), and in disposition.

Romans 3:13-18: “Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
¹⁴ “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
¹⁵ “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
¹⁶ in their paths are ruin and misery,
¹⁷ and the way of peace they have not known.”
¹⁸ “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

The catalog climaxes in the root cause: “there is no fear of God before their eyes.” Sin is not merely external acts but a comprehensive condition affecting how humans speak, act, and relate to God. Man has fallen in the deepest mire of sin; he does not and cannot save himself.

The Verdict

Paul draws the legal conclusion. Whatever the Law says, it addresses those under it, so that every mouth is stopped. Everyone who makes excuses or accuses God will not prevail. The whole world is guilty before God.

Romans 3:19-20: Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. ²⁰ For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Crucially, the Law’s function here is diagnostic, not redemptive: “by works of the law no one will be justified,” because “through the law comes knowledge of sin.” The Law exposes and convicts but cannot save, setting up the pivot to righteousness by faith.

Application

1. Every human being is guilty of sin. Scripture says that there is no one righteous. Thus, we say that we are not righteous; we are guilty. Let us admit that we are sinners; we cannot save ourselves.

2. We have lied and cheated; no one can say that they have not sinned, or perhaps even worse. Let us not make excuses nor sugarcoat our sin. Let us call it what it is: disobedience, defiance, and rebellion against God’s commands.

3. The law reveals the sin, but it cannot save. The verdict is clear: Jew and Gentile are all guilty. Only Christ can save. Thus, we look to Him alone for our justification.

Poem

GUILTY VERDICT
by Ed Pilapil Jr

Jews and Gentiles, in the same state
The judgment is not for debate
Verdict is clear: all are guilty
Is there still room for God’s mercy?

In Christ is the mercy of God
For the Jew, that will be so odd
I believe for the Gentile, too
Both, then, should change their point of view

What then should be the point of view?
The Jews, they are so guilty, too
For the Jew, that will be so odd
All men have turned away from God

Through faith in Christ, there is mercy
First, you must know you are guilty
Shut your mouth and stop your debate
Faith in Christ will transform your state

Study Guide

1. Explain Paul’s conclusion about the verdict for Jews and Gentiles: that no one is righteous. (Ro 3:9-12)

2. Explain the severity of the depravity of man. (Ro 3:13-18)

3. Explain why no one will be justified based on works of the law. What does the law do? (Ro 3:19-20)

PDF

No One Is Righteous Ro 3 9 20

404KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Walang Matuwid Kahit Isa Ro 3

444KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Twelfth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul has just said something scandalous to his Jewish readers: that God judges Jew and Gentile alike, and that an obedient outsider may fare better on judgment than a disobedient insider. Naturally, the objections come flying. Then what’s the point of being God’s people at all? Is God being unfaithful? Is He even being fair to punish us? Paul then stages a courtroom drama. Sinful humanity puts God in the dock, hurls accusations at Him, and demands that He answer for Himself. And by the end, the verdict is reversed. As one of David’s psalms put it, God is “justified” in His words and prevails when He is judged. Let’s watch the case unfold in three movements.

God’s Faithfulness

Paul anticipates his interlocutor’s accusation: If God judges His people impartially, has He gone back on His promises? Note that the Jew believes that he has a special standing before God. The Jew has the advantage, but not in the manner they think. So, Paul’s answer is emphatic. There is still a great advantage in belonging to the covenant people, and chief among the blessings is that His people were “entrusted with the oracles of God.”[1]

Romans 3:1-4: Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? ² Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. ³ What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? ⁴ By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,

“That you may be justified in your words,
and prevail when you are judged.”

Notice the asymmetry here. Human unfaithfulness is real, but it does not cancel His faithfulness. God’s reliability does not rise and fall with human performance. He is not faithful because His people are faithful; He is faithful because He is God, and He cannot deny Himself. This is the bedrock of the whole gospel: His promises are anchored in His character, not in people.

God is Not Unrighteous

The second anticipated accusation is more cunning: If my unrighteousness actually shows off how righteous God is, then surely God is unfair to punish me; after all, I’ve made Him look good! Paul even pauses, almost embarrassed, to say, “I am speaking in a human way.” The logic is twisted, and Paul knows it. His answer is a NO. God judges righteously.[2]

Romans 3:5-6: But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) ⁶ By no means! For then how could God judge the world?

The argument collapses under its own weight. If God could not condemn sin simply because His condemnation displays His justice, then He could never judge at all. A God who cannot distinguish good from evil is no righteous Judge worth the name. God’s justice is not God’s cruelty; it is the guarantee that wickedness will not have the last word.

No Excuse to Sin

The third anticipated accusation is the most dangerous, because it dresses itself up in piety: If my lie magnifies God’s truth and brings Him glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner? Pushed one step further, it becomes the slogan Paul says his enemies slandered him with: “Let us do evil that good may come.”

Romans 3:7-8: But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? ⁸ And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

Paul had repeatedly heard this slander because his grace-centered, Torah-free gospel was accused of promoting disobedience, and he answers it by pronouncing a sober sentence: “Their condemnation is just.”[3] The reasoning behind the slogan makes God out to be fickle, treating the most beautiful truth, that God brings good even out of evil, as a license to keep sinning. But grace that leaves you comfortable in your sin is not the grace of God; it is a counterfeit.

Application

1. Let us build our assurance in Christ, not our own works. If ever we sin, let us confess our sins to him and receive His forgiveness and cleansing. Our life in Him is about Him, not about how good we are. Let us persist in trusting Him.

2. Stop putting God on trial. Much of our quiet bitterness toward God is a low-grade version of the courtroom in this passage. We have no right to cross-examine Him over a loss, a delay, an unanswered prayer, convinced He owes us an explanation.

3. Let us not abuse His grace. Real grace humbles and transforms; it never licenses. Let the kindness of God lead you not to presumption but to repentance (Romans 2:4), and let gratitude, not loophole-hunting, be our guide.

[1] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), 3:1-4.

[2] Michael J. Gorman, Romans (Eerdmans, 2022), 3:1-8.

[3] Michael F. Bird and Scot McKnight, Romans (Zondervan Academic, 2016), 96-97.

HIS WORD IS JUST
by Ed Pilapil Jr

Now, is there value in the Old
Were the Jews in the Lord’s sheepfold?
Do they have any advantage?
Yes, but with a certain vantage

They have the oracles of God
But they chose a holy facade
Twisting truth to justify sin
Unfaithful to the Lord within

God is righteous, and we are not
Know this: do not say, “I forgot”
But there is no excuse to sin
Trust the work of His grace within

Why accuse God? His word is just
Use some intelligence and trust
Study His word diligently
Believe the gospel completely

Study Guide

1. Explain the first set of anticipated questions. What is Paul’s response? (Ro 3:1-4)

2. Explain the second set of anticipated questions. What is Paul’s response? (Ro 3:5-6)

3. Explain the third set of anticipated questions. What is Paul’s response? (Ro 3:8-9)

PDF

God Remains Just Ro 3

447KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Ang Diyos Ay Matuwid Ro 3

426KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Eleventh in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul argued that God is impartial to both Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles who do not have the Mosaic Law will be judged without it. Their conscience will be the basis. The Jew will be judged by the Mosaic Law, whether they obeyed it or not. Paul continues to expose the hypocrisy of the Jews who rely on knowing the law instead of obeying the law. Paul is building up to a truth that would be difficult for the Jew: that no one, absolutely no Jew, fulfilled the law, except Christ. He returns to his interlocutor, whom he identifies as a Jew. By using an interlocutor, Paul is not necessarily stating that all Jews think the same. However, those who do are the ones that he is addressing.[1]

False Confidence

Paul challenges the Jews who rely on the law and boast in God.[2] The verb “relies on” (Greek ἐπαναπαύῃ, epanapauē) pictures leaning on something for support. Israel had leaders who leaned on the Lord yet acted unjustly (Micah 3:11). Paul also refers to Israel’s role in the world as a light, but he does not complete the quotation from Isaiah 42:6-7.

Romans 2:17-20, ESV: But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God ¹⁸ and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; ¹⁹ and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, ²⁰ an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

When Paul highlighted the sins of the Gentiles, it was about rejecting the knowledge of God. To explain to the Jew that they are also guilty, he highlights their knowledge of God, yet they still disobey His commands. They have a semblance of righteousness but act unrighteously.

Hypocrisy

After stating the role of Jews in God’s plan, which was to be a light to the darkness, a nation to show other nations the way, he now uses probing questions. The apostle ends with a powerful statement to the self-righteous Jew. He references the exile where the name of God was blasphemed (Isa 52:5).

Romans 2:21-24: you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? ²² You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? ²³ You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. ²⁴ For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Paul referenced what happened on a national scale to apply it to the inner person. The apostle wants the interlocutor, who represents strong Jewish beliefs, to reflect on whether they have lived in hypocrisy.

Inner Person

Paul shifts to circumcision, a defining badge of covenant identity. Yet he argues that circumcision without obedience “becomes uncircumcision,” while an obedient gentile’s uncircumcision is “counted as circumcision.” What does this imply? It implies belonging to the covenant identity.[3] The apostle also emphasizes obedience, the heart, and the Spirit.

Romans 2:25-29: For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. ²⁶ So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? ²⁷ Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. ²⁸ For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. ²⁹ But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Paul exposes the danger of leaning on the law for security while failing to obey it. Such a posture is false confidence that mistakes religious privilege for righteousness. God would sooner approve an obedient outsider, who has the law on his heart, than a Jew who possesses and teaches the law yet does not live it. Paul’s focus was not to prove that there were righteous Gentiles, but that the Jew must abandon his self-righteousness (his confidence in heritage and ritual).

Application

1. It is possible to know what God expects yet remain disqualified in His eyes. Let us know His word, especially the gospel, and then let us believe in the gospel, repent of our sins, and live a life of faith in obedience.

2. Our hypocrisy is never a private matter. When our lives contradict our message, we don’t merely harm ourselves; we drag God’s reputation through the mud before a watching world. Let us continuously and humbly reflect on our own lives in the light of His Word.

3. The question is not whether we bear the right external signs, like going to church or reading the Bible, but whether the Spirit has done His transforming work within us. And the verdict that finally matters comes not from people, but from God. Never neglect the inner life, the meditations and intents of the heart.

[1] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), 2:21-23.

[2] Boasting in God is not wrong. Paul is addressing a misguided confidence. See Douglas J. Moo, The Letter to the Romans, 2nd ed. (Eerdmans, 2018), 170.

[3] Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 136.

Poem

MISGUIDED FAITH
by Ed Pilapil Jr

They believed in the law, but then
Who obeys the law, among men?
O self-righteous Jew, just let go
Your inner state, reveal it so

The posture of high and holy
Replace with the gospel, fully
False confidence is misguidance
It is a form of defiance

Now let go of all defiance
Know the word, reject misguidance
We’re sinners, we confess fully
Saved by the One who is holy

Now my goodness, I know it so
Of self-righteousness, I let go
Christ, our profession among men
We’ll proclaim Him as they did then

Study Guide

1. Who was Paul addressing? Explain the role of the Jewish people as stated in the OT. (Ro 2:17-20)

2. What was the purpose of Paul’s questions? How would you write questions to yourself? (Ro 2:21-24)

3. Explain the statement from its context that circumcision is a matter of the heart. (Ro 2:25-29)

PDF

False Confidence Ro 2 17 29

442KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Maling Pagtitiwala Ro 2 17 29

441KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Tenth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul has argued that the Jew who judges others has no excuse if he practices the same sins. He cannot escape God’s judgment by knowing the law, condemning sin, or teaching others. God’s kindness and patience should lead him to repentance, not to a hard heart. God will render to each one according to his works, giving glory and peace to those who do good, but wrath and distress to those who do evil. This judgment comes to the Jew first and also to the Greek, for God shows no partiality. Paul is making a case that all are guilty. Therefore, everyone needs the gospel of Christ.

Doers of the Law

How will God judge the Gentiles when they do not have the law? Paul anticipates this question. He explained that all who sinned without the law, the Gentiles, will perish without the law. The Jews who have the law will be judged by the law. Only the doers of the law will be justified.

Romans 2:12-13: For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. ¹³ For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.

The apostle will explain in his letter that no one can be justified by the law because no one has obeyed it completely. The verdict for both Jew and Gentile is: guilty. God only justifies the doers of the law, not merely the hearers.[1]

Law and Conscience

Paul asserts that the Gentiles, even though they were not given the Mosaic law, do what the law expects from them. The argument might be similar to God making Himself “known” to the Gentiles (1:19-20). God has put a law in the conscience of the Gentiles even without the law.[2]

Romans 2:14-15: For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. ¹⁵ They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them

The apostle seeks to show that God is at work in the consciences of the Gentiles. There is a sense of morality, even though it is distorted. There is a knowledge of what is right in their conscience.[3] Despite this, Paul would unveil the truth that all are guilty.

Judging the Secrets

According to Paul’s gospel, there is a day when God will judge the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. God will judge the Jew based on the Mosaic Law. God will judge the Gentiles based on their conscience. The secrets of men refer to the violation of the conscience in man, but it includes all deeds, even the hidden.

Romans 2:16: on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

Paul’s intent in this section is to explain to the readers that both Jew and Gentile will be judged according to God’s righteousness. The Jew is not free from judgment just because he knows the Mosaic Law. The Gentiles, without the Mosaic Law, will be judged according to their conscience.[4] The judge is Christ.

Application

1. Let us not be hearers only. It is not enough to know the word of God, read the word of God, or listen to the word of God. We must obey His word. Those who know His will but reject it will be judged by it. Therefore, let us repent, believe in Christ, and live as doers of the word.

2. Let us listen to the witness of our conscience. It bears witness, and our thoughts accuse or excuse us before God. Therefore, let us repent and come to Christ, who alone can cleanse the guilty conscience.

3. Let us remember that God will judge even the secrets of men. Nothing is hidden from Him, and Christ Jesus will be the Judge on that day. Therefore, let us repent, believe the gospel, and walk before God with a sincere heart.

[1] Douglas J. Moo, Encountering the Book of Romans (Encountering Biblical Studies), ed. Walter A. Elwell (Baker Academic, 2014), Part 2.

[2] Douglas J. Moo, The Letter to the Romans, 2nd ed. (Eerdmans, 2018), 160.

[3] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), Romans 2:15.

[4] Thielman, Romans, Romans 2:16.

Poem

ONLY CHRIST HAS PASSED
by Ed Pilapil Jr

Gentiles without the law; do sin
Jews with the law are judged within
Hearing it cannot justify
The doers live before God’s eye

The Gentiles have the law inside
It’s the conscience, they must abide
Not a covenant; a compass
But God’s standard, who can pass?

No man can hide what he has done
Before the Father and the Son
The secrets of your heart are known
And God will judge through Christ alone

God’s standard, only Christ has passed
His covenant is our compass
By faith we live; that we have known
Salvation is in Christ alone

Study Guide

1. What will happen to those who sin without the law and to those who sin under the law? (Ro 2:12-13)

2. What is written on the hearts of the Gentiles who do not have the law? (Ro 2:14-15)

3. What will God judge by Christ Jesus on that day? (Ro 2:16)

PDF

Kautusan At Budhi Ro 2

421KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Law And Conscience Ro 2

427KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Ninth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul addresses the self-righteous Jew who feels safe from the wrath of God. Their false confidence is that they know the law of Moses. Paul removes the false sense of security of the interlocutor, an imaginary person with whom Paul is arguing. The use of the diatribe technique is to address the Jewish mind, which Paul is familiar with, being a Jew and a Pharisee. He rebuked the hypocrisy of those who would condemn the sins of the Gentiles but are guilty of the same thing. The apostle also addressed those who presume the kindness of God. He clarified that His kindness should lead us to repentance. But to those who will not repent because their hearts are stubborn, they can expect God’s judgment.

Eternal Life

Knowing the law does not acquit anyone of guilt. God will judge according to what men have done. For those who follow His commands, the ones who seek glory and honor, God will give them eternal life. However, Paul will explain later in his letter that no one is qualified (3:11-12).

Romans 2:6-7: He will render to each one according to his works: ⁷ to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;

The self-righteous Jew, even with all the knowledge of the law, will be judged according to what they have done.[1] But whoever fully obeys the law has 100% eternal life. Only the Lord Jesus, the eternal Word, was able to fulfill the law.

God’s Wrath

Paul identifies the self-seeking, ἐριθείας, which could also be translated as “selfish ambition.”[2] It implies that selfish ambition can cause strife and disputes.[3] The self-seeking and those who do not obey the truth will suffer the judgment of wrath and fury.

Romans 2:8-9: but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. ⁹ There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek,

God will not grant rewards to the Jew just because of their heritage.[4] If they do not obey the truth, they can expect His wrath and fury. Note that Paul mentions to every human being who does evil, the Jew first and then the Greek (Gentile, non-Jew). Paul is pointing out the individual, so this is a personal thing.

God is Not Partial

Paul explains that God will grant glory, honor, and peace to all who do good. One will observe that the Jew goes first, then the Gentile. It refers both to blessings and judgment. Both the Jew and the Gentile will be judged because God is not partial.

Romans 2:10-11: but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. ¹¹ For God shows no partiality.

Paul’s emphasis in the section from verse one of chapter two is that God is not partial. God will judge both the Jew and the Gentile. Paul is not advocating for salvation by works. He will explain that no one does good. What Paul was driving at is that God is not partial.

Application

1. Believe and understand that God will judge every individual, whether Jew or non-Jew. Each one will be judged according to what they have done. Not because they are Gentile or Jew, but because He will judge every human.

2. Believe and understand that all who practice or have practiced ungodliness and unrighteousness deserve wrath, fury, tribulation, and distress. A person’s only way out is to truly believe the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is God’s power to salvation.

[1] Michael J. Gorman, Romans (Eerdmans, 2022), Romans 2:6-16.

[2] “Strong’s Greek: 2052. Ἐριθεία (Eritheia) -- Selfish Ambition, Strife, Rivalry,” accessed May 31, 2026, https://biblehub.com/greek/2052.htm.

[3] F. F. Bruce, Romans (IVP, 2015), Romans 2:8.

[4] Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 113.

Poem

IMPARTIAL GOD
by Ed Pilapil Jr

Now God will render what is due
To every sin that men pursue 
To the righteous, eternal life
But then, who would be qualified?

Self-seekers who promote such strife
Must repent of that kind of life
Else, tribulation and distress
It is judgment like a winepress

Unrepentant and stubborn heart
From God’s righteousness you depart
Knowing the law will not save you
Self-righteousness is a trap, too

God is impartial in judgment
Wrath against sin, that’s the treatment
The gospel is what we all need
There, salvation is guaranteed

Study Guide

1. To whom will God give eternal life? Is Paul promoting salvation by works? (Ro 2:6-7, 3:11-12)

2. What will happen to those who do not obey? (Ro 2:8-9)

3. What does Paul mean when he said that God shows no partiality? Explain. (Ro 2:10-11)

PDF

God's Impartial Judgment Ro 2 6 11

430KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Tapat Na Paghatol Ng Diyos Ro 2 6 11

387KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Eighth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul explains the wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. The apostle also asserts that God gave them up to a depraved mind. The result of God’s judgment includes getting worse in the areas of, but not limited to: idolatry, failing to honor Him, thank Him, homosexuality, lesbianism, gossip, slander, envy, murder, malice, and hating God. The different manners of unrighteousness seem to be more predominant with the Gentiles. However, it is not so, because Israel’s dark past reveals that they also committed such sins despite having the law. Paul shifts his attention to the Jew who feels safe from the wrath of God because they know the law. Paul uses a “diatribe,” a style of writing that employs the singular second person, “you.” It was often used by philosophers in Paul’s time, such as the Stoics. It is dialogue in style. Paul chooses a Jew as his interlocutor, the imaginary person he will be arguing with.[1]

Hypocrites Condemned

Paul explains that condemning sin does not excuse the Jew (or anyone) if they commit the same things. It seems cultural for Jews to condemn the sins common among the Gentiles, but their history shows that they committed such things as well. Yet Paul speaks to their present, focusing on those who do the same evil things.

Romans 2:1: Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.

The apostle anticipates the Jewish mind and reasoning. They would agree with him in condemning adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, and other forms of unrighteousness. However, condemning sin does not make one free of accountability.

No Escape from Judgment

Paul asserts that God’s judgment falls on those who do such things. So, Paul corners those who think that they are safe from God’s wrath just because they are Jews.[2] Paul states that if one does the same things, there is no escape from God’s judgment.

Romans 2:2-3: We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. ³ Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?

It is not enough to know the law. It is not enough to condemn those who violate the law. It is not enough to teach the law. What matters is obeying the law. The Jew must reflect on his ways and understand that the wrath of God, the judgment of God, is also against those who practice such things.

Repentance of Judgment

Paul assumes that his interlocutor agrees with him on God’s kindness and patience. Such is reflected in Scripture: God gives people time to repent.[3] He delays His judgment for the sake of His people. However, despite His patience, if they do not repent, God will bring upon them His righteous judgment.

Romans 2:4-5: Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? ⁵ But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

If the Jewish interlocutor insists that he is free of the judgment of God even though they practice the same unrighteousness, God is “storing up wrath” for the day of judgment. Paul anticipates the stubborn thinking of the Jews, debased still, but debased with the law.

Application

1. Let us engage in self-reflection as often as we can. Condemning sin in others without self-reflection is hypocritical. By His grace, let us continually analyze our lives, which should lead us to confess our sins.

2. There is no escaping God’s judgment without Christ. Let us believe in Christ and let us obey His word. Let us avoid practicing unrighteousness because it leads to judgment.

Let us give thanks to the Lord in His forbearance and kindness. His patience and delay of judgment should lead us to repentance. Let us heed the warning and repent of our sins today.

[1] Douglas J. Moo and Andreas J. Kostenberger, A Theology of Paul and His Letters (Zondervan Academic, 2021), 204.

[2] Frank S. Thielman, Theology of the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2011), 352.

[3] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), 2:4.

Poem

NO EXCUSE
by Ed Pilapil Jr.

Listen, listen well, my brothers
Condemning the sins of others
Does not free you from His judgment
Judgment still remains imminent 

Righteous judgment is only His
There is no excuse who practice
Similar sins of the Gentiles
Now you can check the Jewish files

Also fell to idolatry
It is the same depravity
The Jew and Gentile have fallen
Such things should not be forgotten

Honor then God’s Son who was sent
His patience should make us repent
We must as He delays judgment
Otherwise, expect punishment

Study Guide

1. Why does Paul say the person who judges others is “without excuse”? (Ro 2:1)

2. Who will God judge? Why is it that they cannot escape God’s judgment? (Ro 2:2-3)

3. What are God’s kindness, patience, and forbearance meant to produce in us? (Ro 2:4-5)

PDF

No Excuse Ro 2 1 5

418KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Walang Maidahilan Ro 2 1 5

411KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Seventh in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”

The apostle’s knowledge of God’s wrath against unrighteousness is a compelling reason why he is not ashamed of the gospel. The gospel is the power of God to salvation (1:16). Without the gospel, there is judgment. That is why Paul is eager to preach the gospel. The apostle said, “God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity” (1:24). He repeats it, “…God gave them up to dishonorable passions” (1:26). Note that God giving up the unrighteous is not passive; it is a “judicial decision that manifests God’s wrath against humans.”[1] The spiritual and moral decay in itself is a form of God’s judgment. Paul cites the decay into idolatry and sexual perversion, which includes lesbianism and homosexuality. The decay is a departure from God’s design, with consequences.[2] Such is God’s recompense to all who reject the Creator.[3] Is this recompense personal or juridical? The safe answer is both. God is just, but He personally hates sin (Prov. 6:16-19, Ps. 5:5).[4]

Debased Mind

Paul once again states that “God gave them up.” The reason is that they did not acknowledge God. The result of God giving them up is a debased mind, which means that they will get worse spiritually and morally. A debased mind is connected to all manners of unrighteousness, which is a defiance of God’s sovereignty.[5]

Romans 1:28, ESV: And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.

The consequence of not acknowledging God as Creator, which also refers to the earlier statement of failing to honor and thank Him, is God’s judgment of bringing them to a debased mind. They might think they are wise, but in heaven’s eyes, they are debased.

Manners of Unrighteousness

Paul states the details of a debased mind. In general, it points to unrighteousness and evil. The word “unrighteousness” is ἀδικία in Greek and is translated as “unrighteous,” “wickedness,” “unjust,” or “iniquity.”[6] It connotes a violation of God’s righteous requirements. The apostle lists specific acts of unrighteousness. Some of which can be present in daily life. Now, it is obvious that the whole human race, not just the homosexuals, has a debased mind.

Romans 1:29-31: They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, ³⁰ slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, ³¹ foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.

Some sins destroy others’ reputations, like gossip and slander. There is lying and manipulation. There is greed, envy, and murder. As well as malice and maliciousness. Foolish pride and arrogance. Sins pertaining to relationships, like faithlessness and disobedience to parents. Then there is the heartless and ruthless, without mercy. Hating God is also included under unrighteousness. The listed sins and the like are incompatible with a person who lives by faith. The righteous who live by faith live differently.

God’s Righteous Decree

Paul explains that fallen men, despite the darkening of their hearts and minds, know that God disapproves of what they do. Despite knowing this, they do the opposite and approve of those who practice evil. The phrase “righteous decree” is δικαίωμα in Greek, meaning “commandment” or “requirement.”[7] Despite knowing that the judgment is death, humanity even approved and promoted such.

Romans 1:32: Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Deep inside, every person has a sense of what is evil. But people try to put aside the truth in their conscience so they can do what is pleasurably evil. The consequence is eternal death, which is God’s wrath for eternity. What is Paul’s point? Mankind is guilty and deserving of God’s wrath. That is why Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel and is eager to preach it.

Application

1. Let us worship God, our Creator; honor Him and thank Him. Let us not be one of those who do not acknowledge God in our lives. Instead, we will acknowledge Him in everything.

2. Let us be mindful of the sins we commit; let us confess them to the Lord and seek His forgiveness. Living by faith is the opposite of living in sin. May we continuously pray for the Lord’s strength to overcome sin.

3. Let us not make excuses; remember that the world has none before God. No matter how they deny it, God has placed in them a sense of God’s existence and righteousness. They might call their sin a lifestyle, God will bring judgment to it.

[1] Douglas J. Moo and Andreas J. Kostenberger, A Theology of Paul and His Letters (Zondervan Academic, 2021), 203.

[2] Michael F. Bird and Scot McKnight, Romans (Zondervan Academic, 2016), 60.

[3] Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans (Eerdmans, 2012), 79.

[4] Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 101-102.

[5] Schreiner, Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 97.

[6] “Greek Concordance: Ἀδικίας (Adikias) -- 13 Occurrences,” accessed May 23, 2026, https://biblehub.com/greek/adikias_93.htm.

[7] Richard A. Muller, Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms (Baker Academic, 2017).

Poem

DEBASED MIND
by Ed Pilapil Jr

A futile mind; a debased mind
The knowledge of God, they declined
Natural functions they declined
Humanity has lost its mind 

There’s malice and maliciousness
Envy, deceit, covetousness
Gossip, slander, and the heartless
Plus the boastful and the faithless

God gave them up; that’s God’s judgment
Full of sinful entanglements
Detrimental entanglements
Expect the worst of God’s judgment

That’s why we must preach the gospel
A gospel for all the people
The wrath of God is revealed to all
Let’s preach the gospel of the Lord

Study Guide

1. Why did God give them up to a debased mind? (Ro 1:28)

2. If you were to classify the sins, what classifications would you put? (Ro 1:29-31) (Note: classification of sin was not the intention of Paul; this exercise is to help us remember)

3. Find a connection between verse 32 and the previous verses, starting from verse 18? (Ro 1:32)

PDF

Debased Mind Ro 1

442KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Pinababang Pag Iisip Ro 1

406KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

This is the 6th sermon of the series, “Romans: The Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul explains that the gospel is God’s saving power for everyone who believes. In the gospel, God reveals his righteousness, received by faith. Paul cites Habakkuk 2:4: “The righteous shall live by faith.” Paul then explains why this saving revelation is needed: God’s wrath is revealed against human ungodliness and unrighteousness because people suppress the truth. Creation reveals God’s eternal power and divine nature, leaving humanity without excuse. The result of rejecting this revelation is moral and spiritual decay: a futile mind, a darkened heart, and the exchange of God’s glory for created things, even images resembling humans, birds, animals, and creeping creatures. The apostle will further explain God’s judgment: it is giving them up to spiritual and moral decay.

God’s Wrath

The word “therefore” may refer to the wrath of God and the reasons behind it (1:22-23 or 1:18-23). Mankind’s rejection of the knowledge of God led them to decay. Furthermore, God gave them up to their own lusts. One sign of God’s wrath is people becoming more impure. It implies a loss of restrictions and limits.[1]

Romans 1:24: Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,

The failure to acknowledge the Creator, the failure to honor and thank Him, leads to a futile mind and a darkened heart. Paul shows that it also leads to the dishonoring of the body through sexual immorality.

Exchanged the Truth for a Lie

Paul repeats the fall of man by writing that fallen man exchanged the Creator for the created. The apostle explained that men exchanged the truth for a lie; they worshiped and served the created rather than the Creator.

Romans 1:25: because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

The thought of idolatry repulsed Paul so much that he needed to praise the Creator, “who is blessed forever! Amen.”[2] But the apostle has more to say about this decay to decadence.

Dishonorable Passions

Paul repeats, “God gave them up.” This time, he offers greater clarity: the apostle explains that God gave them up to perversion.[3] As exchanging God for lesser beings is unnatural, so men and women succumb to the unnatural. Idolatry is perversion; the shameless sexual acts described are perversion.

Romans 1:26-27: For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; ²⁷ and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

Fallen men gave up the obvious: worshiping God. God gave them up so that they abandoned what is obvious: heterosexual sex. Falling into such perversion is a clear sign of God’s wrath.

Application

1. Our only hope is the gospel of Christ, which is the power of God to salvation. Thus, we believe in the gospel because the “just shall live by faith.” On our own, we are sinners who give more importance to the created rather than the Creator.

2. We must understand that God executes His judgment by giving people up to their idolatry and perversions. Such men and women will only store up more wrath. Thus, we preach what is natural: to worship God and to husband-to-wife sexual relationships, that is, male and female.

3. We are not ashamed of the gospel. We must proclaim it because mankind is under the judgment of God. Furthermore, humanity’s decay will continue without God. Let us not be surprised by perversions; yet, like Paul, we do not want to be passive. We must proclaim the gospel.

[1] Michael F. Bird and Scot McKnight, Romans (Zondervan Academic, 2016), 58.

[2] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), 1:25.

[3] Thielman, Romans, 1:26.

Poem

PERVERSION AND IDOLATRY
by Ed Pilapil Jr

God gave them up, that is judgment
Seen in the perversions of men
It began by suppressing truth
In lies, they think their minds will soothe

The truth of God is what will soothe
He’s the Creator, that’s the truth
There’s no rest for the souls of men
Rebellion only brings judgment

Man’s decay to idolatry
It’s not beautiful poetry
To honor and serve things that creep
It means decay that is so deep

Sexual perversion that is so deep
Like honoring things that creep
Men-to-men is no poetry
Disgusting like idolatry

Study Guide

1. What did God do to those who decayed because they failed to honor and thank Him? (Ro 1:24)

2. What was Paul’s explanation of why God gave them up? (Ro 1:25)

3. Explain the connection between God’s judgment, idolatry, and sexual perversion, such as homosexuality and lesbianism? (Ro 1:26-27)

PDF

Ibinigay Sila Ng Diyos Ro 1 24 27

409KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

God Gave Them Up Ro 1 24 27

407KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

This is the 5th sermon of the series, “Romans: The Gospel Blueprint.”

The main idea that Paul focuses on is that the failure to glorify God is the root of sin, especially idolatry. Idolatry is giving worship to that which is lesser; it honors the created rather than the Creator.[1] Men did not automatically fall into idolatry; it began with the failure to honor and thank God. The apostle makes it clear that God has made Himself known through creation. Therefore, there is no excuse (1:20). Those who continue in such practices will have no escape against the wrath of God.

Rejection of God

Humanity’s deepest problem is not ignorance, but rebellion.[2] God has revealed himself clearly through creation, yet fallen man refuses to glorify him as God. There is no excuse: the proper response to the Creator is honor and thanksgiving.

Romans 1:21a, ESV: For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him…

Despite the knowledge of God made evident in creation, men knew God. But they did not honor Him and gave thanks. Therefore, there is no excuse (1:20). God’s wrath is justified to be upon them. Humankind deserves God’s wrath.

Darkness in the Heart

The consequences of rejecting God, not honoring Him, and thanking Him are clear. It is darkness. The apostle states that they became “futile in their thinking,” meaning foolish and perverted, and their hearts darkened. What is darkness? It is an absence of God’s light.

Romans 1:21b: but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Not believing in God is futile and foolish because it does not help their souls. It only brings God’s wrath upon them. Paul is explaining that it is “pointless, useless, and worthless.”[3] Why is it pointless or worthless? Because darkness leads to more darkness.

Exchanging God for Less

Paul continues to explain the consequences of failing to honor and thank God as Creator. When humans assert their wisdom against God, they become fools. The failure to worship God leads to unsound reasoning. They exchanged the glory of God for lesser beings, such as mortal men and creatures.

Romans 1:22-23: Claiming to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Note the decay from not honoring and thanking God to futility in thinking, to darkened hearts, to becoming fools, and ultimately to idolatry. Idolatry is the worship and honor of lesser beings instead of God. The obvious is the worship of images resembling the creation.

Application

1. Honor God and offer thanksgiving for His creation. God’s creation speaks of His glory, and His glory is also revealed in His word. There is no excuse for not honoring and thanking Him.

2. Let us proclaim the truth of God’s creation and warn people about the wrath of God against ungodliness and unrighteousness. Let us make people aware that the decay to futility and foolishness begins by failing to honor and thank God.

3. May we always put God first. Our desires and ambitions should not even be in the same ballpark. Let us focus on glorifying Him and avoid worshiping the created world by giving it more importance.

[1] Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 96.

[2] Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Romans (Westminster John Knox Press, 2024), 55.

[3] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), 1:21.

Study Guide

1. Paul said that they have no excuse (1:20). What was he referring to? (Ro 1:21a)

2. Explain the consequences of failing to thank and honor God. (Ro 1:21b)

3. What happened to those who claimed to be wise against God? (Ro 1:22-23)

Poem

NO EXCUSE
by Ed Pilapil Jr

The Creator made Himself known
To every man, His glory shown
So there is no excuse for man
Without God, oh man, you are damned

You did not honor or thank Him
And that is why your way is grim
Pointless in thought, darkness in heart
From the Lord, why did you depart?

The rebels thought, we are so wise
They are fools believing in lies
They exchanged God for the lesser
Their souls will decay and pester

Rejected God for mortal man
God’s wrath upon them, that’s the plan
Birds, animals, and things that creep
Against such, God’s wrath is revealed

PDF

Worst Exchange Ro 1

410KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Pinaka Masamang Kapalit Ro 1

381KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

This is the 4th sermon of the series, “Romans: The Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul expressed his sense of indebtedness to his responsibility to preach the gospel: “I am under obligation.” He also expressed his desire, “I am eager to preach.” Then he expressed his confidence, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” The reason for not being ashamed is that the gospel is the power of God to salvation. The reason behind this is that the righteousness of God is by faith from then until now, as he supports this by quoting Habakkuk 2:4: “The righteous shall live by faith.”[1] The apostle writes a chain of reasons to explain. Each reason explains the previous statement. Grammatically, they are called subordinate clauses.[2] He proceeds by giving the reason for the previous statements, which includes the wrath of God against all ungodliness.

God’s Wrath vs. Ungodliness

Paul makes it clear that God’s wrath is against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. Ungodliness and unrighteousness are obviously sin and wickedness, but what is God’s wrath? The apostle portrays God’s wrath as God’s judgment; it is the consequence of sin.[3]

Romans 1:18, ESV: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

The apostle stated that unrighteousness suppresses the truth. Humanity suppressed the truth about God with the lie about the Creator.[4] Such will be made clear in Paul’s subsequent explanations. It seems that the rhetoric is against the Gentiles who worship idols, but the word “men” or anthropoõs suggest it is for all. Many suppress the truth about God, and they use many ways to do so. God’s wrath is against them.

God Reveals

Paul asserts that God has shown Himself to mankind. God has shown enough for men and women to worship Him.[5] But the fallen man finds ways to suppress this truth. They would worship lesser forms, and in today’s world, some deny His very existence.

Romans 1:19: For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

The apostle is not saying that all the deep mysteries of God are revealed to humankind, but that God has put within them a sense of God’s existence.[6] However, men and women have suppressed the truth.

No Excuse

Paul explains that God’s eternal power and divine nature are revealed in creation. This should be clearly understood by mankind. Therefore, God is just to hold them accountable for failing to worship the Creator. Instead, they suppressed this truth.

Romans 1:20: For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Note the play of words of the apostle: the invisible is perceived. Or, through the visible creation, people should understand the invisible power and nature of God. People who do not worship Him are without excuse.

Application

1. We should not be ashamed of the gospel because it is God’s power to save through faith. Furthermore, the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness.

2. Let us explain to others that God’s wrath, His fierce judgment, has already passed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. The full weight and consequence may be delayed, but it is already set to all who do not worship Him.

3. Let us not suppress the truth that God is real and He is the Creator of the universe. The visible creation speaks of the reality of the sovereign God. Let us explain to believers and unbelievers alike that there is no excuse not to worship God.

[1] Gerald L. Bray and Thomas C. Oden, Romans, 2nd ed. (IVP Academic, 2014), 30.

[2] Paul J. Achtemeier, Romans (Westminster John Knox Press, 2010), 35.

[3] Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Romans (Westminster John Knox Press, 2024), 58.

[4] Gaventa, Romans, 59.

[5] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), Chapter 3.

[6] Thielman, Romans, Chapter 3.

Poem

WRATH AND JUDGMENT
by Ed Pilapil Jr.

The wrath of God, what does it mean?
A judgment against all who sin
Those who practice ungodliness
It also means unrighteousness

The judgment of God is revealed
Those who suppress what they perceive
Why then suppress the truth they see
Creation with such clarity

Creation has a Creator
Humankind knows this to the core
We see the LORD’s divine nature
In creation, that is for sure

If you suppress the truth, beware
For eternity, you will stare
The wrath of God with clarity
Expect it for eternity

Study Guide

1. What is the wrath of God revealed against? (Ro 1:18)

2. What did God show mankind? (Ro 1:19-20)

3. Who is without excuse and why? (Ro 1:18,20)

PDF

Wrath Of God Ro 1

416KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Poot Ng Diyos Ro 1

390KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

This is the third sermon of the series, “Romans: The Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul introduced himself as a slave and apostle of Christ for the gospel. He clarified that the gospel is about Christ, whom the Father promised, and the prophets prophesied long ago, as revealed in the Scriptures. Paul explained that the gospel is about the resurrection of the Son of God (Ro 1:1-5). Paul calls the Roman believers beloved by God and called to be saints (Ro 1:6-7). The apostle expressed his intent to visit Rome and preach the gospel there (Ro 1:14-15). He then states the theme of his letter.

I am not ashamed

Paul stated, “I am under obligation” (Ro. 1:14). Then he said, “I am eager to preach the gospel in… in Rome” (Ro. 1:15). Now, he says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel. It speaks to his willingness to proclaim the gospel despite opposition.[1] Paul will explain in the succeeding verses why he is not ashamed of the gospel.

Romans 1:16a, ESV: For I am not ashamed of the gospel…

Paul admonished Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel. He also asked Timothy not to be ashamed of him as a prisoner because of Christ (2 Tim 1:8). Jesus warned His disciples not to be ashamed of Him; otherwise, He will be ashamed of them before the Father (Lk 9:26).

Power of God for salvation

Paul is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation. The gospel is not merely a message about God’s power; it is God’s appointed means of bringing salvation to everyone who believes.

Romans 1:16b: …for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

The gospel is not limited to the Jews or the Greeks; it is for all types of people, for all tribes, tongues, and nations. The means of salvation for all is the gospel, and salvation comes to all who believe.

Live by faith

In the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed, showing how sinners are made right with Him through Christ.[2] “From faith to faith” means this righteousness is received by faith from the Old to the New.[3] “The just shall live by faith” teaches that the righteous person has eternal life through faith.

Romans 1:17: For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

The apostle cited Habakkuk 2:4 to show that righteousness before God has always been by faith, not by works. By using this Old Testament text, Paul demonstrates that the gospel message is consistent with Scripture: the righteous live by faith.

Application

1. Every believer should not be ashamed of the gospel. We should feel obligated to share it and eager to proclaim it. Let us heed the warning of Christ Himself that He will be ashamed of all who are ashamed of Him.

2. Because the gospel is God’s power for salvation, we must confidently proclaim it to every person, trusting that God saves all who believe without distinction. No one is beyond its reach. No one is outside its call.

3. Since the gospel reveals the righteousness of God, we must abandon all confidence in our own works and trust wholly in Christ. Understand that the righteousness of God is received by faith. The righteous live by faith.

Poem

FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
by Ed Pilapil Jr

I am under obligation
To proclaim the resurrection
I am eager to preach in Rome
Salvation is in Christ alone

He then said, I am not ashamed
Of the gospel that he proclaims
Power of God for salvation
For the Jews, Greeks, and all nations

Salvation for all who believe
Therefore, let no one be deceived
It is about God’s righteousness
It’s never about man’s holiness

Paul wrote, the just shall live by faith
From Old to New, that is the way
From faith to faith, from then ‘til now
Believe His word, to Him we bow

Study Guide

1. What are the three affirmations of Paul (I am…)? (Ro 1:14-16a)

2. Why is Paul not ashamed of the gospel? (Ro 1:16b)

3. What does it mean that the just shall live by faith? (Ro 1:17).

[1] Thomas R. Schreiner. Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 64.

[2] John Stott, The Message of Romans (IVP, 2014), Paul and evangelism.

[3] Thomas C. Oden and Gerald L. Bray, Romans, 2nd ed. (IVP Academic, 2014), 30.

PDF

I Am Not Ashamed Ro 1 16 17

424KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Hindi Ako Nahihiya Ro 1

416KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

This is the second sermon of the series, “Romans: The Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul established that he is a slave and apostle of Christ, and his apostleship is for the gospel (Rom. 1:1). He stated key elements of the gospel that the gospel is concerning the Son who was prophesied in Scripture, and that He is a descendant of David, and that this Son was raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit. He calls the Romans beloved of God and called to be saints, meaning sanctified and holy; it implies that God’s beloved are called to be holy. The apostle offers thanksgiving for the steadfast faith of the Roman believers. He expresses his desire to visit Rome to proclaim the gospel.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Paul gives thanks for the faith of the Roman believers, which is well known among believers throughout the known world. Paul then says God is his witness that he constantly remembers them in prayer. He convinces them of his sincerity by stating that God is the witness to the prayers. Paul submits to God’s will and hopes to succeed in his planned visit.

Romans 1:8-10, ESV: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. ⁹ For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you ¹⁰ always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.

One should note that Paul stated that he serves God in the gospel of His Son. At the beginning of his letter, he stated that he is “set apart for the gospel of God” (Rom. 1:1). Now, Paul claims to serve God in the gospel of His Son. He shows that he is a servant and that the gospel belongs to God and His Son.

Mutual Encouragement

Paul expresses his desire to see the Roman believers. His purpose is to impart a spiritual gift to strengthen their faith. The spiritual gift is probably a teaching or a word of exhortation, or working together.[1] The goal is mutual encouragement, which is necessary in the body of Christ.

Romans 1:11-12: For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— ¹² that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Paul quickly adds that this strengthening would be mutual, because he also expects to be encouraged by their faith. Even as an apostle, Paul does not act pridefully, but humbly acknowledges that God encourages His people through one another. These verses teach that in the body of Christ, both ministers and members are blessed and strengthened through shared faith in the gospel.

Gospel Mission

Paul says he planned to visit them but had been hindered until now. His purpose includes that he might reap a harvest among them just as he had among other Gentiles. Paul then says he feels a divine obligation to preach the gospel to all kinds of people. The phrase “under obligation” may also be translated as “indebted.”[2]

Romans 1:13-15: I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. ¹⁴ I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. ¹⁵ So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

This shows that the gospel is not limited to one culture, class, or level of education, but is for the whole world. Therefore, Paul says he is eager to preach the gospel in Rome as well, showing both his zeal for Christ and, probably, his desire to make sure they understood the gospel clearly.

Application

1. Let us remain thankful to the Lord for every church community that remains steadfast in its faith. Let us also pray for the other church communities with whom we partner or wish to partner.

2. Let us desire to bless other church communities, which includes supporting them in prayer, giving, and visitation. Believers must expand their awareness of God’s move in other church communities.

3. Let us proclaim the gospel to other church communities because it is central to the Christian life. Let us proclaim the gospel to the lost here and in other places, so that all the Gentiles will hear of the gospel.

[1] Schreiner et al., Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 59.

[2] David Garland, Romans (IVP, 2021), The Letter Opening.

Bibliography

Garland, David. Romans. IVP, 2021.

Schreiner, Thomas R, Yarbrough, Robert W, Jipp, and Joshua. Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament). 2nd ed. Baker Academic, 2018.

Poem

TOGETHER FOR THE GOSPEL 
by Ed Pilapil Jr.

Thank the Father through Christ the Lord
For all who are steadfast, yes, all
By His grace, their faith was well-known
They are the believers in Rome

The apostle longed to visit
To impart a spiritual gift
He expressed his sincere prayers
For the gospel, to be partners

The Romans and the apostle
Them together for the gospel
For the fullness of the Gentiles
The mission entails many miles

In Rome or Spain, many races
As well as to many places
His gospel will spread to many
Gospel power through you and me

Study Guide

1. What was Paul’s thanksgiving, and what was his prayer? (Rom. 1:8-10)

2. What is the dual nature of the spiritual gift that Paul wants to impart? (Rom. 1:11-12)

3. Explain the sense of obligation or indebtedness that Paul mentioned. (Rom. 1:13-15).

PDF

Partners Sa Ebanghelyo Rom

416KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Gospel Partners Rom

433KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

This is the first sermon of the series, “Romans: The Gospel Blueprint.”

Paul did not plant the Roman church, but he sought to partner with them to spread the gospel in Spain.[1] The “visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,” during Pentecost may have brought the gospel back to Rome.[2] The apostle wrote to the Roman church probably from Corinth in 57 AD.[3] Paul explains the gospel with clarity to establish or to communicate what he believes. He would then address the tension between Jews and Gentiles. The Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome (Acts 18:2), but his successor, Emperor Nero, took the opposite approach. The Roman church community was primarily planted and led by Jewish believers, but after their expulsion, Gentile believers became the majority. As the Jews went back, a certain tension occurred between them.[4] Paul addresses this tension, but he first points all the readers to the gospel. Since Paul did not plant the church in Rome, he introduced himself as a slave and established his authority as an apostle of Christ.

Slave and Apostle

Paul introduces himself as Christ’s slave, doulos (δοῦλος). Paul is stating who his Master is, Christ Jesus. Another claim that Paul made was apostle. He introduced himself as an apostle set apart for the gospel; he believes even before his birth (Gal. 1:15). Paul is a slave of Christ, yet carries the authority of Christ for the gospel.

Romans 1:1, ESV: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

What is an apostle? The dictionary meaning is that an apostle is an emissary or official representative. However, the apostles of Christ are divinely chosen by Christ Himself to represent Him directly. Thus, a messenger differs from one called to the apostolic office. An apostle of Christ, then, is Christ’s direct representative who bears His authority. The apostolic age covered the day of Pentecost until John’s death.[5] Note that none of the Church fathers claimed to be an apostle, unlike today, when many claim to be apostles. Of course, they are fake.

One sign of the NT apostles is that they were with Christ, except Paul, who received his revelation from the resurrected Christ. Peter and the others confirmed Paul’s apostleship to the Gentiles (Gal. 2:9). Another sign of an apostle is signs, wonders, and mighty deeds (2 Cor. 12:12). And lastly, they are emissaries of the pure gospel of Christ, which is reflected in their inspired writings (2 Pet. 3:15-16).

The Gospel

The apostle explains key elements of the gospel that he is an emissary of. The gospel is not a new invention; it was promised by the prophets in accordance with the Scriptures. The gospel is about the Son, and this Son descended from David, which is prophetic as well. The Holy Spirit declared that Christ is the Son of God through the resurrection.[6]

Romans 1:2-4: which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, ³ concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh ⁴ and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

Paul introduced himself, but more than that, he explained the key summary elements of the gospel. He would expound on the gospel throughout the first part of the epistle. It included the prophecies, the lineage, the Son, and the resurrection.

Paul did not plant the church in Rome, so showing that they believed in the same thing was essential. The gospel binds them together, and the gospel should also bind together the Roman church, especially between Jew and Gentile.

Greeting: Salvation and Holiness

The apostle explains that he received salvation (grace) and his assignment (apostleship) from the Lord Jesus Christ. His mission is to bring about the “obedience of faith” or “an obedience that is faith” among all nations.[7] Nations is derived from the Greek ethnos (ἔθνος), which means tribes or races. He describes the Roman believers as being called to belong to Christ, and Paul greets them with grace and peace.

Romans 1:5-7: through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, ⁶ including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s greeting includes calling the Roman believers (Gentile majority) “loved by God and called to be saints.” Somehow, he implies that God’s love in us also brings about holiness or being set apart for Him as saints. The greeting embodies many of the things he will elaborate on in the letter. He greets, saying grace and peace from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

1. Let us live as slaves of Christ, submitted to His authority, but also carry the confidence that we are called to proclaim the gospel under His word’s authority. Let us also be careful of all who claim to be apostles today. Not even the church fathers considered themselves on the same level as the apostles.

2. The gospel is about Christ and His work, accomplished in the resurrection. Before we call for a response in faith and repentance, we must make the details clear. The gospel is not a new invention; it is the grand plan of God, sown in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.

3. His grace comes with a mission; salvation comes with a call to proclaim. His love for us leads to holiness, or being a saint, which means being set apart for His purpose. Whenever we speak of His love, we must speak of holiness and obedience.

Notes

[1] F. F. Bruce, Romans (IVP, 2015), Intro.

[2] Douglas J. Moo, The Letter to the Romans, 2nd ed. (Eerdmans, 2018), 4.

[3] F. F. Bruce, Romans (IVP, 2015), Intro.

[4] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), Intro.

[5] Merrill F. Unger Merrill F. Unger and R. K. Harrison R. K. Harrison, The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, 1st ed. (Moody Publishers, 2009), 87.

[6] Bruce, Romans, Salutation.

[7] Schreiner et al., Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 40.

Bibliography

Bruce, F. F. Romans. IVP, 2015.

Merrill F. Unger, Merrill F. Unger, and R. K. Harrison R. K. Harrison. The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. Moody Publishers, 2009.

Moo, Douglas J. The Letter to the Romans. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 2018.

Schreiner, Thomas R, Yarbrough, Robert W, Jipp, and Joshua. Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament). 2nd ed. Baker Academic, 2018.

Thielman, Frank S. Romans. Edited by Clinton E. Arnold. Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Zondervan Academic, 2018.

POEM

BELOVED AND HOLY
by Ed Pilapil Jr

A slave of Christ, his name was Paul
Called to be the Lord’s apostle
To proclaim the gospel to all
All nations, races, and people

The gospel is about the Son
A son of David, He’s the One
Promised through the prophets, the Son
Rose from the dead, the only One

From ancient times, the LORD promised
The LORD promised through the prophets
Rising again can’t be dismissed
The Messiah that was promised

Beloved, called to be holy
Salvation leads to His calling
Let us all listen intently
His love calls us to be holy

Study Guide

1. How did Paul introduce himself? Cite the key elements and explain the connection with each element. (Rom 1:1)

2. What key elements of the gospel did Paul mention? Explain each. (Rom 1:2-4)

3. Explain the connections of grace and apostleship. Explain as well “loved by God” and “called to be saints.” (Rom 1:5-7).

PDF

Roma

423KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Romans

474KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

This is the sixth and final sermon in our series, “Disciple.”

We close our mini-series, “Disciple,” with this message. Christ commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Their confidence is His authority and the promise of His Spirit until the end. Our study led us to understand that a disciple is a follower, and Christ defined what He expected of His disciples. A disciple must love Him above all, deny the self, die to self, leave all behind, not delay, and make no excuses. In making disciples, the Lord called them, and they immediately left what they were doing to follow Him. He appointed twelve who would be with Him, and so He may send them out to preach. The apostles followed this model of teaching and fellowship; those who believed would proclaim the gospel.

Repent & Be Baptized

People asked what they should do. Peter answered that they should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Peter also mentioned the Holy Spirit of promise; He is the promise to all who are called to God.

“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸ And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” ⁴⁰ And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” ⁴¹ So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:37-41, ESV).

Peter warned the people to leave their crooked generation. Three thousand were added to the disciples that day. Repentance is a change of mind, which includes the conviction of sin; to be baptized, to die to self, and be buried. It is an outward symbol of an internal commitment to be His disciple.

Teaching & Fellowship

The apostles followed Christ’s model and instructions. They taught what Jesus taught them, and they broke bread and fellowshipped daily. The disciples supported each other spiritually and materially. The Lord manifested signs and wonders in their midst.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ⁴³ And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵ And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:42-46).

Jesus appointed twelve so they could be with Him and send them out to preach. In the same way, those who heard the gospel should be with the apostles so that they would learn and they would fellowship.

The Lord Added

The new community in Christ continued the apostles’ teaching, breaking of bread, prayers, blessing each other, praising God, and gained favor; the Lord added to their number all who were being saved. The author, Luke, made it clear that it was the Lord who added.

“praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

God added to their number, and it is God who will accomplish the task of making disciples of all nations. Yet He is gracious to allow His disciples to participate in His grand plan until the end.

Application

1. Let us proclaim the gospel, but let us remember that it is God who calls people to Himself. Salvation of people is God’s agenda; we trust His will and ways. Our role is to proclaim the pure gospel and call people to repent and be disciples.

2. As the apostles taught His word, so should we teach His word. Moreover, we are to practice fellowship continuously and remember the Lord’s death and resurrection. Furthermore, we support each other as a community in Christ.

3. The Lord will add to those who are being saved. Let us praise Him for His marvelous work. Let us remember that God’s mission will be fulfilled. Let us remember that serving Him is a responsibility and a privilege.

Poem

GOD OF THE MISSION
by Ed Pilapil Jr

What shall we do? The people mumbled
Repent and be baptized, he said
The gospel unmasked; hearts trembled
In Christ, there is forgiveness, he said

They devoted themselves to this
Apostles’ teaching, fellowship
Sharing what they had gave them bliss
Perhaps easing those in hardship

His power, displayed among them
They praised God, and they prayed in awe
Souls forgiven and not condemned
Community life, others saw

Celebrating resurrection
The Lord added to their number
Christ is the Lord of the mission
All Jesus called, He will gather

Study Guide

1. What was Peter’s response to those who asked, “What shall we do?” What will happen if they do what they need to do? (Acts 2:37-41)

2. Explain the regular activities and habits of those who repented and were baptized. (Acts 2:42-46)

3. Explain the significance of the phrase, “The Lord added…” in relation to the mission of making disciples. (Acts 2:47).

PDF Files

God Of The Mission Ac 2

394KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Diyos Ng Misyon Ac 2

392KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

This is part 5 of the sermon series, “Disciple.”

Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew to follow Him. He made his intentions clear that He would make them fishers of men. The Lord also called James and John. All four of them left what they were doing to follow Him. The Lord’s design is for the disciples to be with Him and to send them to preach. After the Lord’s resurrection and ascension, the apostles followed the pattern of fellowshipping with the new disciples while teaching them what they learned from Christ.

Immediately

When Jesus called Simon and Andrew to follow Him, they immediately left their nets to follow Him. When Jesus called James and John, they immediately left their father in the boat to follow Jesus. Christ’s intention was to make them fishers of men.

Mark 1:16-20: Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” ¹⁸ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. ¹⁹ And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. ²⁰ And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

One must note that Simon, Andrew, James, and John immediately followed Christ. Were they busy when Jesus called them to follow? Yes, they were busy either casting nets or mending nets. They left what they were doing in order to follow Christ.

Design

The Lord appointed the twelve, and His intent was clear. The disciples were to be with Him so that He could send them to preach. By being with Christ, they would observe, listen, obey, and preach. Such was the design for the twelve.

Mark 3:13-14: And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. ¹⁴ And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach

In the first century, it was the norm to live with or near your teacher. Learning moments happen throughout the day. Christ kept His disciples close so they could witness not only what He taught but also who He is. Furthermore, He would empower them to do the work of God.

Continuity

After Christ’s resurrection and ascension, He sent His disciples to fulfill the mission. The apostles followed the same pattern that Jesus used. The newly baptized continued in the apostles’ teaching, which was the teachings of Christ. Furthermore, they fellowshipped with them and practiced communion with prayers.

Acts 2:42: And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

With the way they learned and fellowshipped together, the Lord added to their number. Moreover, many of these will be scattered by persecution, and they will proclaim the gospel to others wherever they go.

Application

1. Let us immediately follow Christ by leaving everything behind. His intent is to make us participants of the mission, to be fishers of men. Genuine disciples put Christ and His mission first, above all.

2. We should maintain close communion with Christ through prayer, worship, and meditation on His word. Our fellowship with the Triune God must be consistent and ongoing. With that confidence, we must proclaim the gospel.

3. When we make disciples, we must teach the word of God and fellowship with them. Furthermore, we will explain to them the design of Christ that genuine disciples must proclaim the gospel and make disciples.

Poem

TO BE WITH HIM
by Ed Pilapil Jr.

The Lord Jesus said, follow Me
The word used was, immediately
Immediately, they followed Him
It was quick; there was no waiting

They left their nets and their father
They were the two sets of brothers
Christ would still appoint the others
Their journey should not be bothered

A journey with the Son of Man 
To be with Jesus was the plan
To know Him and to make Him known
Salvation is in Christ alone

Disciples are fishers of men
It is true now as it was then
The apostles continuing
His teaching and fellowshipping

Study Guide

1. How did Simon, Andrew, James, and John respond to the call of Christ to follow Him? (Mark 1:16-20)

2. Explain Christ’s design for those whom He called to be disciples. (Mark 3:13-14)

3. After the resurrection and ascension, what did the apostles do with the new disciples? (Acts 2:42).

PDF

To Be With Him Mk 3

379KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

5

383KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

This is part 4 of the sermon series, “Disciple.”

There were people who wanted to follow Christ, and there were people whom Christ called to follow. Luke highlights three conversations about following Christ. In these conversations, one may understand what Christ expects of a follower. Another term for follower is “disciple.” Somehow, the Lord established the standard of being a genuine disciple. His genuine disciple will face all discomfort and will not delay. In other words, a disciple’s commitment to Christ is above all.

Discomfort

A person expresses his intent to follow the Lord. But the Lord warns the one who intends to follow of the hardship. He explains that foxes and birds have places to stay, but He has none. Jesus speaks metaphorically of the challenges.

Luke 9:57-58, ESV: As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” ⁵⁸ And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

It is good to note that the term “fox” is used to describe the political adversaries of the Jewish people. If that is true, then Jesus was implying that those in power might give you a better place to stay and give you other comforts. A true disciple is prepared to bear whatever discomfort for His sake.

No Delays

The Lord explains that following Him is more important than burying one’s father. In a cultural context, burying one’s father may mean waiting until he dies or transferring the bones from the burial site to the grave of the ancestors after one year. Note as well that following Christ entails proclaiming His kingdom.

Luke 9:59-60: To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” ⁶⁰ And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Another way of looking at this is that those who do not follow the Lord are spiritually dead. If they do not want to follow, let them be, as long as you follow without delay. Although this perspective might be unlikely.

No Distractions

Another one expresses his desire to follow, but wants to say goodbye to his family. This might be a reference to Elijah putting his mantle on Elisha while Elisha was plowing. Elisha accepts the call but requests to say goodbye to his family. Elijah agreed, but Jesus did not. Following Jesus is urgent and demands no permission from others.

Luke 9:61-62: Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” ⁶² Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Once a disciple leaves everyone and everything behind, there should be no looking back. A plowman should plow straight; looking back ruins the work. Once a disciple leaves the old life without Christ, they should not go back to it. If they do, according to Christ, they are not fit for the kingdom of God.

Application

1. Let us not follow in word only but also in deed. Let us follow Christ despite the discomfort. If He provides for our comfort, let us praise Him; if He does not, then let us also praise Him.

2. Let us not make any excuses when following Christ. Nothing is more important and urgent. While we should continue to respect our parents, our duty to proclaim the kingdom of God is higher than our duty to our parents.

3. Let us follow Christ now. There is no need for permission from family or friends. We should not delay in following Christ. Let us remember what Christ expects of a disciple. Let us become disciples and let us make disciples in His name.

POEM

FOLLOW THE SON OF MAN
by Ed Pilapil Jr.

Will you follow the Son of Man?
But to follow is more than words
It is more than a scheme or plan
More comfort in foxes and birds

Will you follow the Son of Man?
There is no excuse, no burial
No delaying or waiting plan
Jesus requires self-denial

Will you follow the Son of Man?
Note: no farewells or permissions
All in, no delays, that’s the plan
Give the absolute devotion

No such thing as half devotion
Proclaim the kingdom, that’s His plan
That’s now, no need for permission
Will you follow the Son of Man?

Study Guide

1. According to the passage, what does it mean to follow Jesus?

2. How does this passage compare to Luke 14:25-33?

3. Knowing what a disciple is according to Jesus, what do you think Jesus meant when He commanded His disciples to make disciples?

PDF Files

Disciple

386KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Disipulo

390KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download