Pastor John Piper's Sermon on Romans 1:6-7

Introduction

• Romans 1 described as the greatest letter ever written, influential in turning the world upside down.
• Paul’s greeting focuses on essential Christian concepts.

Romans 1:1-6 Summary

• Paul's identity: A bond-servant of Christ, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.
• Gospel promise: Conveyed by prophets in scriptures.
• Jesus Christ: Descendant of David, declared Son of God by resurrection, our Lord.
• Apostleship and grace: Given to bring about obedience of faith among gentiles for Jesus' name.
• Called of Jesus Christ: Believers are described as called of Jesus.

Romans 1:7 Focus: “Beloved of God”

• Emphasis on understanding what it means to be the beloved of God.
• Request for divine help to truly see, feel, and be changed by the love of God.

Prior Sermon Recap (Romans 1:6)

• God’s call is not just an invitation but a powerful, divine command creating what it requires.
• Reference to 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 for understanding conversion and the nature of God’s call.
• 2 Corinthians 4:4-6: Satan blinds unbelievers; God’s call overcomes this blindness, akin to creation words “Let there be light.”

Conversion and God’s Call

• Humanity's corrupt unbelief conspires with Satan to blind hearts from seeing Christ’s glory.
• When people see Christ’s glory in the gospel, they believe and are saved.
• Two ministries needed: gospel preaching and servant life demonstration.
• God's sovereign power is necessary for conversion, God’s call is life-giving like “Lazarus, come forth.”

Special Love: “Beloved of God”

• Believers are set apart by a special, covenant love from God, distinct from general love for all humanity.
• Broad love of God (e.g., sun rising on evil and good) vs. covenant love (e.g., Romans 1:7 consideration).
• Distinction between general love and the unique, preserving covenant love God has for believers.
• Romans 8: Assurance that nothing can separate us from God's love, reinforcing covenant love.

Covenant Love and Assurance

• Unlike human love, God's covenant love ensures permanence and perseverance.
• Jeremiah 32:40: God promises to keep His people from turning away by putting fear of Him in their hearts, secured by Jesus’ blood.
• Importance of this covenant love as the foundation for Christian assurance and perseverance.

Practical Implications

• Encouragement to understand and feed on this deep, covenant love for spiritual strength and assurance.
• Invitation for unbelievers to perceive God’s glory in Christ and embrace the gospel.
• Emphasis on practical evangelism and intercessory prayer, asking God to bring back those who seem to stray.

Conclusion: Assurance in God’s Love

• Romans 8:35-39: Nothing in all creation can separate believers from the love of God in Christ.
• Reflection on the marvel of being here and hearing about God's love, urging a response of faith.

Benediction

• Prayer focusing on God’s unbreakable covenant love and assurance in Him.
• Dismissal with an emphasis on cherishing and living out the knowledge of God's deep, covenant love.