Redeemer Modesto Sermon Audio

Redeemer Modesto | Dan Howard | Romans 8:18-30

Jim Applegate | Redeemer Modesto | Romans 8:5-17

Key Thought: The flesh is like an unthoughtful Christmas gift from someone who doesn't really get who we are, but the Spirit is the most thoughtful gift of all time by the God who is love.

Redeemer Modesto | Jim Applegate | Romans 8:1-4

Redeemer Modesto | Psalm 104 | Eddie Martin

Key Thought: Practice thankfulness this season by responding to God in creation

Jim Applegate | Romans 7:7-25 | Redeemer Modesto

Key Thought: In struggling with our choices, it is not the law that is wrong, but rather that we misunderstand or forget the purpose of the law.

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Redeemer Modesto | Jim Applegate | Romans 6:15-7:6

Once you had no choice, but now, because of Jesus, you have a choice. And your choices dictate your freedom (not your acceptance).

Paul tells us that we were once slaves to sin, but now we are slaves to righteousness. Our hearts are created like vacuums, needed to be filled – we have no choice but to look at everything around us and search for something to fill us. Before we knew Jesus, the things that we were trying to fill our hearts with only left us in a greater state of emptiness. But, we still had no choice…we were slaves to these things, trying to fill ourselves. As we look at society today and consider that the world is now trying to justify our bad choices by our DNA and upbringing, they are not far from what Paul is saying…they are ‘slaves to sin’…always needing to fill the vacuum that seems to get larger with every poor choice. However, because we have been reconciled through Christ (Romans 5:1) and have peace with God, the vacuum has not disappeared, but rather is now full. Full because we know that we are loved, that he will never leave us nor forsake us, that even in our suffering he promises to use all things for good. Since our hearts are full, we are now free to make different choices. And those choices dictate whether or not we live in freedom. We are free to choose generosity, hospitality, devotion, meditation, prayer, and all that leads to life. Becoming justified by faith in Jesus doesn’t mean that we are free from sin, but rather it means that we have a choice not to sin. Praise be to God!

Questions for community:
What is the definition of slavery? Can you think of a time when you felt enslaved? When you had no choices? What was it like?
Without Jesus, what choices do we have to try and fill our hearts? Do we blame or shame people for trying to fill their hearts with things of this world without Christ? Is it really their behavior that is the problem? Aren’t they ‘slaves to sin’?
With Jesus, what happens in our hearts? How are we changed?
Because of this change, how are we freed as slaves of sin and now become slaves of righteousness?
Now that we have choices as slaves of righteousness, how does our choices effect our freedom?
What choices can we make, because of Jesus, that allows us to continuously live in freedom?

Dan Howard | Redeemer Modesto | Romans 6:1-14

Dan Howard | Romans 5:12-21 | Redeemer Modesto

Romans 4:1-25 | Jim Applegate | Redeemer Modesto

Key Thought: Righteousness by faith is hard to accept because we’d rather be in control than trust.

Summary: After Paul drives home the point that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” he then tells us the greatest news of all times: “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law…righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.” Religious people have a hard time with the idea of faith…they’d rather have a score card, a check off list. The Jewish people in Paul’s crowd would immediately started thinking about the law and circumcision (both outward manifestations). Eager to prove righteousness by faith alone, Paul appeals to the two biggest names in Jewish history, Abraham and David. Abraham is the father of the Jewish people…he was the ‘original Jew’. David was the greatest king in Jewish history, winning more battles, writing more Psalms, being a man after God’s own heart. Paul tells us that both these men ‘believed God and it was counted to them as righteousness’. As we look at Abrahams life, we see that both the law and circumcision are revealed after Abraham puts his trust in God (read Genesis 12-17). And, as we look at David’s life, we see him state that it is not his obedience that makes him righteous, but rather God (read Psalm 32:1-2). The question that we have to ask is “why do the Jews (and why do we) like or want a works based righteousness?” The answer can be very simple…we want to be in control. If there is a score card or check-list, then we get to be the score-keepers. However, if it is all about faith, then trust is all we have to rely on, and this leaves us feeling out of control. But isn’t this the main point of the Christian faith…that we can trust God, that we must trust God. Paul tells us that if we are constantly trying to earn our way to God, there will be no end to the question “have I done enough?” This is a burden to great for us to bear, both emotionally and physically. However, when we believe we are saved by faith alone, Paul tells us seven great benefits: 1. No need of boasting (verse 2). 2. No continual earning (verses 4-5). 3. We are the recipient of a gift (verses 4-5). 4. Blessing (verses 6-8) 5. New identity (verse 12). 6. Assurance (verses 16-17) 7. Hope when there is none (verses 18-25).

Questions for reflection available on the Redeemer App