Gospel Righteousness

In Romans so far, we considered:

1. Gospel of Grace (Rom 1:1-6).
2. Gospel Enthusiasm (Rom 1:7-15).
3. Gospel Power (Rom 1:16).
4. Gospel Righteousness (Rom 1:17) is next.

What does Paul mean by the righteousness of God? There are three options.

1. An attribute of God, the righteousness that characterizes God. This righteousness may be either (a) God's justice (Rom 3:5, 25-26), according to which he always does what is right, or (b) God's faithfulness, according to which he fulfills his covenant promises to his people.
2. A status or position that God bestows on those who believe. It is therefore a righteousness that comes from God. Martin Luther gave eloquent expression to this view in the 16th century. Luther concluded that the righteousness of God that is revealed in the gospel is a gift of God given to sinners through faith. This righteousness is purely forensic or legal. It is a matter of our judicial standing before God, not our internal or moral transformation. Thus, Luther's view is that Paul refers here to the righteous status that comes from God in the gospel through faith.
3. An activity of God. The righteousness of God is God's action of intervening on behalf of his people to save and deliver them. This idea has strong support from the OT (Isa 46:13; 50:5-8; Mic 7:9).

How to Experience the Power of God

The gospel is the power of God (Rom 1:16).

How does one experience this power of God in their life?

Consider these and add to them:

1. The love of God must be real to you (1 Cor 13:13).
2. The grace of Jesus is fresh and new in your soul (2 Tim 2:1).
3. The Holy Spirit is leading you (Ac 16:6-10).
4. Your friendships and relationships are Trinitarian:  All of Paul's 13 letters are HOT (honest, humble, happy, open, transparent).
5. Have a clear life goal and purpose (Phil 3:14). Know what God called and set you apart for (Rom 1:1).
6. Do something beyond yourself. Paul was praying to go to Rome though he had no way to go there (Rom 1:10, 13).

Gospel Power

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith'" (Rom 1:16-17).

1:16-17 is the theme and the thesis statement of Romans in summary form. It summarizes Paul's theology as a whole. James Montgomery Boice (Romans, Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005) wrote that Rom 1:16-17 “are the most important in the letter and perhaps in all literature. They are the theme of this epistle and the essence of Christianity.”

16) The Sword (Mark 14:43-52)

Quotes: “The pattern of the Cross means that the world’s glorification of power, might, and status (the sword) is exposed and defeated. On the Cross Christ wins through losing, triumphs through defeat, achieves power through weakness and service, comes to wealth via giving all away. Jesus Christ turns the values of the world upside down.” Tim Keller, The Reason for God, 2008, 196

"On the cross, Jesus is getting what we deserve so we can get what he deserves. When we see that this great reversal is for you...it changes you." (191) "Jesus is not a revolutionary you can stop with swords, because he's not about the sword at all." (188) Judas didn't get it. Neither did his own disciples (Mark 14:47).

"An ethical system based on honor is a self-regarding ethic, while one based in charity is an other-regarding ethic... With honor goes a concentration on pride rather than humility, dominance rather than service, courage rather than peaceableness, glory rather than modesty, loyalty rather than respect for all, generosity to one's friends rather than equality." C. John Summerville, professor emeritus of history (184).