Sermon on Romans 1:1-5 by John Piper

Introduction

• Speaker: Pastor John Piper.
• Source: Desiring God Ministries
• Scripture Reference: Romans 1:1-5. Focus on verse 5.
• Possible application to motherhood.

Main Focus: Romans 1:5

Key Phrases in Romans 1:5

• Grace and apostleship
• Obedience of faith
• For His name's sake

Key Points

1. Nature of Grace

• Grace as free and undeserved enabling for ministry.
• Romans is a book about grace: Used 155 times in the New Testament, 100 by Paul, and 25 in Romans.
• Importance of understanding biblical grace (vs. societal notions).

2. Effect of Grace

• The obedience of faith: Faith that leads to obedience.
• Grace is received through faith, not works.
• Grace results in ministry (e.g., apostleship) and personal callings (e.g., motherhood, singleness).

3. Ultimate Goal of Grace

• Glorification of the name of Christ among all peoples.
• All of God's dealings aim to exalt Christ.
• Our existence's purpose: To exalt the name of Christ.

In-depth Exploration of Grace

Grace as a Divine Power for Ministry

• Paul’s apostleship is an example of grace for ministry.
• Ministry callings are empowered by grace.
• Grace is a power freely given for ministry (Romans 12, 15, 4, and 11 as references).
• Faith vs. Works: Works are human efforts; faith is reliance on God's grace.

The Obedience of Faith

• Two Interpretations:
  • Obedience which comes from faith.
  • Faith which is obedience.
• Pastor John’s perspective: The obedience that springs from faith.
• Implication: Focus on faith to achieve obedience, not merely on works.
  • Obedience through grace received by faith.

God's Glory as the Ultimate Goal

• Everything (salvation, ministry, etc.) aims at glorifying Christ.
• Example from Romans 9:17 and 5:2: God's glorification as an act of love.
• Practical Theology: Ministry and personal callings are fueled by God’s grace, ensuring He receives the glory while believers receive help.
• Peter's Confirmation (1 Peter 4:11) aligns with this theology.
• Personal Application: Understand your existence goal – to glorify Christ’s name.

Final Call to Action:

• Evaluate if your life goal aligns with glorifying Christ's name.
• Pray for a heart that seeks God's glory.
• Closing Prayer: Seeking the Holy Spirit's power to draw people to the Savior and embrace God's grace.

Conclusion

• Rely on God's grace for life's callings.
• God’s love is manifested in the exaltation of His name.
• John's personal theology: Ministry by God’s strength for God’s glory.

Resources

• Desiring God website: desiringgod.org
• Contact information and resource availability.