Sermon-Review

Yesterday I preached from Romans 8:1-4 on the subject—”Freedom of Salvation” as Paul pointed to how we are free from the bondage of sin. In this glorious chapter, we see some very important truths emerging to the surface. In this single chapter, we have a summary of our salvation from past, to present, and looking to the future. Paul begins with a clear statement regarding no condemnation and he will finish this chapter with a focus on no separation.

In these verses, Paul pointed to our freedom from condemnation and our freedom through salvation. In other words, we have been freed from our condemnation and liberated to a life of worship and service to our Triune God. All three Persons of the Trinity are involved in our salvation. In the first verse, Paul delivers the reality that we have been saved from condemnation—literally the damnation of God. This is primarily focused on the work of Christ Jesus (as he names Jesus’ saving name and his office as the Christ of God). Nothing can please God outside of one sacrifice – one glorious sacrifice – one that was typified in the OT but fulfilled in the NT. One that was foreshadowed under the Law but fulfilled in the Person and work of Jesus Christ – the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

This chapter has a heavy focus on the work of the Spirit of God in our salvation. We see the Spirit of God referenced in verses Romans 8:2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 23, 26-27. If all you know about your salvation is that Jesus died for your sins – you have a very shallow view of salvation and a one dimensional view of your salvation. As gloriously pictured in Romans 8, we have a majestic God who has brought us into the family of God and all three Persons are engaged from start to finish—from eternity past to eternity future.

Paul also puts on display the work of the Father in sending his own Son as an offering for our sin (Rom. 8:3). The work of sending the Son predates human history as the blueprint of redemption’s story was put into motion among the counsel of the Trinity. As depicted in the Scriptures, the Father sent the Son who took upon himself human flesh and suffered, bled, and died for sinners (1 Pet. 2:24). This likewise draws a definitive line in the sand—making Jesus the single door and only means of salvation for sinners in the entire world (John 14:6).

Jesus suffered the crushing blow of God’s wrath as he was predestined for this work and completed it on the cross (Is. 53:10). Jesus became a servant who completed the Father’s will (Phil. 2:7). It was Christ who became poor in order that his people might become rich (2 Cor. 8:9). This is the glorious work of Jesus.

Finally. all of this was accomplished in order that we might live in accordance with the righteous demands of God’s law. Without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we would never be capable of living the Christian life. Not only can the natural man not save himself (John 1:11-13), but he likewise cannot live in accordance with God’s righteous demands. It’s through the Spirit that a person lives humbly and acts justly in this fallen world (Micah 6:8). It’s by the power of the Spirit that we learn to love God supremely and to love our neighbor as ourself (Mark 12:29-31; Gal. 5:22-23).

 

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Author Sermon-Review

Josh Buice

Pastor Pray's Mill Baptist Church

Josh Buice is the founder and president of G3 Ministries and serves as the pastor of Pray's Mill Baptist Church on the westside of Atlanta. He is married to Kari and they have four children, Karis, John Mark, Kalli, and Judson. Additionally, he serves as Assistant Professor of Preaching at Grace Bible Theological Seminary. He enjoys theology, preaching, church history, and has a firm commitment to the local church. He also enjoys many sports and the outdoors, including long distance running and high country hunting. He has been writing on Delivered by Grace since he was in seminary and it has expanded with a large readership through the years.