Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley teaches from Romans 5:1–5, highlighting three profound benefits of being justified by faith: peace with God, standing in grace, and hope in the glory of God. Before Christ, we were enemies of God—hostile and guilty. But through Jesus’ work, God not only forgives us, He declares us righteous and welcomes us into His presence. This peace is far more than the absence of conflict; it is a restored relationship with our Creator.

We also stand in grace—a position we did not earn and cannot lose—offered solely through faith in Christ. Out of gratitude, our lives become a continual “thank You” to God, not an attempt to earn His favor.

Finally, we boast in the hope of God’s glory. This hope sustains us through tribulation, producing perseverance, proven character, and deeper hope. Trials are not meaningless; they are God’s refining process, shaping us into what we could never become on our own. Because our hope is anchored in Him, it will never disappoint. Dr. Easley urges us to lift our eyes from life’s burdens to the eternal vistas God has promised—resting in the peace, grace, and hope only He provides.

Takeaways:

Justification by faith gives believers peace with God—a restored relationship, not just the absence of conflict.

Before Christ, we were enemies of God, but through His work we are declared righteous and welcomed into His presence.

Standing in grace means living in a permanent position of God’s favor, received through faith, not earned by works.

Tribulations produce perseverance, which shapes proven character and strengthens our hope in God.

God uses trials like a master craftsman tempers steel—refining us without breaking us.

True hope in God will never disappoint because it is anchored in His glory, not our accomplishments.

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 4, where Paul uses Abraham’s life to explain what it means to be justified by faith. Paul is resolute: we are justified by faith apart from works of the law. Looking at Abraham, Paul illustrates that true faith trusts God’s promises even when circumstances seem hopeless. Abraham faced the reality of his own limitations—his age, Sarah’s barrenness—yet believed in the God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not exist. This kind of faith glorifies God, not self, and rests fully on His promises rather than human effort.

Dr. Easley challenges us to consider the nature of our faith. Are we trusting in our ability to believe, or in the object of our belief—Jesus Christ, who was delivered for our sins and raised for our justification? This passage calls us to turn from self-reliance and rest in the God who creates life from death and credits righteousness to all who believe in Him.

Takeaways:

We are justified by faith apart from works of the law, as seen in Abraham’s example.

True faith trusts God’s promises even when circumstances seem impossible.

God gives life to the dead and creates something out of nothing.

Abraham’s faith glorified God, showing us that faith rests on God’s ability, not ours.

Faith grows stronger as we understand the character and promises of God.

Our justification rests on Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection for our life.

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley teaches from Romans 4 to remind us that salvation is never earned by works, signs, or laws—it is given by God through faith. Paul confronts Jewish objections that Abraham’s righteousness depended on circumcision or the Mosaic Law. Instead, Paul demonstrates that Abraham was justified long before receiving any outward sign. This truth is foundational: righteousness comes only by faith, not through religious rituals or lineage.

Paul explains that the law was never meant to save but to expose our sin and reveal our need for grace. God’s grace is His undeserved favor toward us even when we deserve His wrath. Abraham believed God’s promise, and that faith—not his works—was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

For believers today, this means we can trust God’s promises fully. Our salvation rests not on fragile human performance but on the solid foundation of Christ’s finished work. Like Abraham, we are called to walk in faith—not to crawl across life’s “ice” with fear, but to trust the One who secures our steps.

Takeaways:

Abraham was justified by faith before receiving any outward sign.

Circumcision and law-keeping do not save—faith alone does.

God’s promise always precedes human effort or religious ritual.

The law reveals sin and wrath; grace provides forgiveness and life.

Salvation is secure because it rests on God’s promise, not our performance.

Our only response to God is trust in Christ’s finished work.

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 4. This chapter centers on Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, to illustrate Paul’s central argument: justification comes by faith alone, not by works or adherence to the law. Paul draws from Genesis 15:6, where Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” The Jewish audience highly esteemed Abraham’s obedience, but Paul reframes their understanding—Abraham’s righteousness was not earned; it was imputed by God’s grace. This chapter unpacks the Abrahamic covenant and demonstrates how God’s promises extend beyond Israel to bless all nations. 

Through Abraham’s example, Paul builds a defense for justification by faith, culminating in the Reformers’ essential word: alone. Michael Easley reminds us that nothing we do—no obedience, no good works—can earn God’s favor. Likewise, our sins are no longer credited to us but placed on Christ, whose righteousness is given to us. The miracle of forgiveness should never grow stale; it transforms how we see ourselves and how God sees us—in Christ, righteous and redeemed. Romans 4 calls us to rest in this grace, boasting not in ourselves, but in God’s provision through Jesus Christ.

Takeaways:

Romans 4 uses Abraham’s life to explain justification by faith alone.

Abraham’s righteousness was imputed, not earned by obedience or works.

The Abrahamic covenant points to God’s plan to bless all nations through Christ.

Paul contrasts Jewish views of merit with God’s grace credited through faith.

Our sins are not counted against us; Christ’s righteousness is credited to us.

Forgiveness is a miracle we must never take for granted.

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley explores Romans 3:21–31. Through Paul’s words, we’re confronted with the sobering reality that all people are equally sinful and fall short of God’s glory. The good news is that God makes sinners righteous, not through human effort, but through His grace, accomplished by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Easley walks through Paul’s logic, showing how God's righteousness is revealed apart from the Law, through faith in Christ alone. He explains that justification is a gift—completely unearned and undeserved. It was made possible because Jesus bore the wrath we deserved. The cross is not just a moment of forgiveness, but the very place where God’s justice and mercy meet.

As Dr. Easley explains, this truth dismantles religious pride. There’s no room to boast. All have sinned. All need grace. And anyone—Jew or Gentile—can be justified by faith. In a culture that minimizes sin and elevates self, this sermon re-centers believers on God’s incredible mercy and the unmatched significance of Christ’s finished work.

Takeaways

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks the biblical doctrine of sin and humanity’s universal need for salvation. He begins by addressing how both the church and culture define “sin,” exposing the world’s denial of sin and the believer’s need to own it personally: “My sin is the problem.” Drawing on Paul’s sweeping argument, Dr. Easley shows that all people—Jew and Gentile alike—are under the power of sin. No one seeks God. No one does good. We are condemned not just by our actions but by our very nature.

Dr. Easley walks through Paul’s Old Testament citations to demonstrate sin’s pervasive reach: we sin against God, with our speech, and through our actions. Even religious privilege, like being entrusted with God’s Word, doesn’t give immunity from sin’s reign. Ultimately, he reminds us that the law exposes our sin but cannot justify us. Only a perfect Savior—Jesus Christ—can rescue us.

Takeaways

Everyone is a sinner—no one is righteous.

Sin isn’t just what we do; it’s our nature.

The law reveals sin but cannot save.

We can’t stand before God on our own merit.

Christ alone makes us righteous by His work.

Believing culture’s view of sin leads to deception.

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks the challenging theological argument Paul makes in Romans 3:1-8. He begins by exploring the question, “What advantage is there to being a Jew?” Paul acknowledges the Jews’ privileged status as recipients of God’s oracles, the trustworthy Scriptures, and the covenant people through whom Christ would come. However, Paul also confronts objections regarding human unfaithfulness and God’s righteousness. If many Jews are unfaithful, does that mean God is unfaithful? Paul emphatically denies this, asserting that God’s faithfulness stands firm even when humans fail.

Dr. Easley outlines four key objections Paul addresses: the significance of religion, faithfulness, righteousness, and truth. Some argue that human unrighteousness somehow glorifies God’s righteousness, or that sinning more might enhance God’s glory. Paul condemns such thinking as blasphemous and dangerous. The heart of the message is that God’s righteousness and faithfulness are unchanging, regardless of human failure. Believers today hold the same “oracles of God” in Scripture and in Christ, entrusted with a living Word that calls for faithful response. Dr. Easley challenges listeners to cherish and live out this divine trust faithfully.

Takeaways:

God entrusted the Jews with His oracles, giving them great religious advantage.

Human unfaithfulness never negates God’s perfect faithfulness.

God’s righteousness remains true even when humans are unrighteous.

Sinning cannot be justified as a means to glorify God—it is condemned.

The gospel reveals the mystery of how God declares sinners righteous in Christ.

Believers today are entrusted with the living Word of God, calling for faithful stewardship.

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 2:17–29, where Paul confronts religious hypocrisy among the Jews in Rome. Though they boast in the law, claim to know God's will, and present themselves as moral guides, Paul warns that their actions betray their claims. When believers condemn sin while committing the same, they dishonor God and cause His name to be blasphemed.

Dr. Easley highlights how spiritual privilege—like bearing the name "Jew," possessing the law, or having the sign of circumcision—does not excuse hypocrisy. Instead, it demands authentic obedience. Paul insists that true identity before God is not about outward signs, but about inward transformation—a heart changed by the Spirit, not the letter of the law.

The same is true for Christians today. It’s not enough to appear religious; God desires inward change. Dr. Easley reminds us that we are all "consistently inconsistent" in our walks with Christ, and when we fail, we must acknowledge it, confess it, and seek forgiveness. That kind of humility has a profound impact, even on those far from faith. The goal isn’t religious performance—it’s genuine heart change through Christ.

Takeaways:

Spiritual status means nothing without obedience to God’s Word.

Religious hypocrisy causes God’s name to be blasphemed.

Outward signs like circumcision are meaningless without inward change.

God desires heart-level transformation, not surface-level religion.

When Christians live inconsistently, humility and confession build credibility.

True obedience is rooted in salvation, not spiritual pride.

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 2 and explores the inescapable and impartial judgment of God. Beginning with Paul’s transition from addressing the sins of the Gentiles in Romans 1 to confronting the Jews in chapter 2, Easley explains how no one is exempt from God’s righteous judgment—neither those with the Law nor those without it. All people appeal to some moral standard, which points to a moral Lawgiver. God judges according to truth, and His judgment is always just, never biased.

Dr. Easley highlights that self-righteous judgment is condemned—not judgment itself. Paul uses a diatribe to anticipate and respond to objections, showing that both Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God. God's patience and kindness should lead to repentance, not complacency. Ultimately, everyone will stand before the impartial Judge—Jesus Christ—who knows every secret. For believers, Christ becomes both their advocate and substitute, having absorbed God's wrath on the cross. For unbelievers, judgment remains a fearful certainty.

Takeaways:

God’s judgment is inescapable because it is based on absolute truth, not personal or cultural standards.

Both Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God—possessing the Law or conscience does not exempt anyone from judgment.

Self-righteousness is condemned; judging others while committing the same sins reveals a hardened, unrepentant heart.

God’s kindness and patience are meant to lead us to repentance, not justify continued rebellion.

Every person will be judged impartially by Christ according to their works and the motives behind them.

The only true hope in judgment is the advocacy of Jesus Christ, who bore God’s wrath so we could receive eternal life.

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley carefully examines Romans 1:24–32, focusing on the seriousness of rejecting God’s truth and the resulting consequences that flow from such rebellion. He emphasizes the authority of Scripture as the unchanging, divine Word that reveals not only God’s character but also humanity’s sinful condition. Dr. Easley explains the phrase “God gave them over” as a judicial act of God—He actively allows those who reject Him to be controlled by their sinful desires, particularly emphasizing the distortion of God’s design for sexuality.

He walks believers through the passage’s description of lust, impurity, and degrading passions, showing how these are not just isolated sins but part of a deeper turning away from God that leads to a depraved mind and further unrighteous behavior. Dr. Easley carefully balances truth with compassion, reminding believers to approach those struggling with sin with both conviction and grace.

Finally, he points to the hope found in Christ, the One who redeems sinners and restores God’s design. He urges the church to stand firm in biblical truth while loving those caught in cultural pressures that deny God’s order. This sermon calls for faithfulness, compassion, and a renewed commitment to God’s gospel in a world that often rejects it.

Takeaways:

“God gave them over” is a judicial act of God’s judgment, not passive neglect.

Rejecting God leads to an insatiable craving for moral impurity.

Degrading passions twist and defile God’s design for human sexuality.

A depraved mind results from suppressing the knowledge of God.

Sin escalates from private rebellion to public approval of evil.

The list of sins in Romans 1 reflects a mind and society void of God.

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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