Summary: Because of human depravity, God has ordained civil government to restrain evil and protect the good. Therefore, God's people have duties as rulers (when we are) and as citizens. Introduction: In the 16th c. the relationship between God, church, & state was fiercely debated: • Rome— • The Anabaptists— • The Reformed— God Has Ordained Civil Government Civil Government Must Serve God 1. resist absolute authority 2. stay in its lane 3. act justly 4. remove obstacles to the gospel Citizens Must Obey Government Conclusion: Why This Matters

We continue "Opening up Romans" by continuing in chapter 2, where Paul begins to apply the devastating critique of fallen humanity's sin to the Jewish people. God's kindness, forbearance, and patience with religious hypocrites isn't permission to presume but an invitation to repent and escape the day of wrath. Introduction: BRIDGE OUT AHEAD! Paul's logic in Romans 2:1-3 1. hypocrites practice what they condemn (v.1); 2. God's judgment rightly falls on all who do such things (v.2) 3. the self-righteous hypocrite will not escape God's judgment (v.3) THE CONTEMPT OF GOD's KINDNESS (2:4A) * kindness- God's generous goodness (KJV, NKJV) *forbearance- God's restraint (CSB, NASB) in delaying judgment *patience- God's long suffering (KJV, NKJV) toward their sin HE PURPOSE OF GOD's KINDNESS (2:4B) *repentance legal evangelical THE WARNING FOR THIS CONTEMPT (v. 5) Conclusion: Trade Presumption for Repentance

We continue "Opening up Romans" by moving into chapter 2, where Paul begins to apply the devastating critique of fallen humanity's sin to the Jewish people. Because God's judgment is important and based on truth, none of us- not even the moral and religious- can escape condemnation for hypocrisy apart from genuine repentance and faith in the gospel of Christ. Intro: From he openly idolatrous and immoral to the sanctimonious and hypocritical moralist Paul's logic in Romans 2:1-3 1. hypocrites practice what they condemn v. 1 2. God's judgment rightly falls on all who do such things v. 1, therefore 3. the self-righteous hypocrite will not escape God's judgment v. 3 NO EXCUSE (v.1) NO ESCAPE (v.2-3) FLEE TO CHRIST: There's no escape from Gods.s judgment except in God- into the wounded side of Jesus. * to the newcomer: your decent morality can't save you * to the long-time believer: don't sit on the judge's bench- live in daily repentance * to the self-righteous: God will not let you use other people's sins to hide your own * to the discouraged sinner: God's judgment is real, but so is his mercy- run to him Conclusion: Romans 2 drives us to Romans 3

Summary: Christ gave baptism as a tangible expression of his grace that receives us into the church, assures our faith that he's washed us of sin, and is applied throughout our entire life—and this is true for our children as well. Introduction: The gospel is perceived only by those with the Spirit of God. Circumcision & Baptism A Deeper Look into Colossians 2 Christ's Sacrifice & Baptism

Summary: Paul continues in what he started in the previous passage (2:1–5) by focusing on what is wisdom; of course, by this he means the wisdom of God. He speaks about the type of this wisdom and how it is taught and understood by the believers. Introduction: The gospel is perceived only by those with the Spirit of God. Because he is from God Because he is taught by God Because he is understood by God

Summary: Christ gave baptism as a tangible expression of his grace that receives us into the church, assures our faith that he's washed us of sin, and is applied throughout our entire life. Circumcision and Baptism The Invisible Reality of Baptism Administered Once, Applied for Life

summary: We continue "Opening up Romans" by turning to 1:18-32, where we learn God had given humanity over to the sins it loves; but didn't give up on us because he gave us the gospel of his own righteousness to save us. Introduction: What is God's "wrath?" IDOLATRY LEADS TO IMMORALITY Our idolatry Our immorality There is a close connection between idolatry and immorality GOD GAVE THEM UP Conclusion: Has God Given Up on Us?

Summary: We begin looking at God's righteous judgment from the book of Zephaniah. It is sad that when we hear the word "judgment" talked about today, it almost always carries negative connotations as if it is a vice. But reading through Zephaniah you find hope and encouragement that God will bring this judgment in a just and righteous manner against all who do evil and do not seek after him. This is good news to those who follow him and bad news to those who do not follow him. Where will you find yourself at the end of history? Zephaniah's Identity (v. 1) Sweeping Judgment (vv. 2–3) Judgment on Idolators (vv. 4–6)