Grace and Truth ... by Jesus Christ
A Sermon on Romans 1:6-7
Originally preached Jan. 20, 1956
Scripture
6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sermon Description
The church in Rome was an extraordinary church whose faith was known by all the believers. In this sermon titled “Grace and Truth… by Jesus Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines some of the reasons that the apostle Paul writes as highly as he does of this church in Romans 1:6–7. Like all believers, they were once sinful men and women, but God in His grace called them out of the world to be a holy people set apart for His great purposes. All Christians are saved by God’s grace alone and there is nothing they can do to contribute to their salvation. Because they are saved, they are at peace with God and one another. These great doctrines of the Christian faith serve as the foundation of the Christian life. This is a life of loving one another and seeking to share the message of Christ with all. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that all true living must come from true doctrine and a true knowledge of God. This sermon confronts all with the message of God’s free grace to sinners who have no other hope than Jesus Christ. The church in Rome was a congregation of redeemed believers who trusted in Jesus and sought to live according to the calling of God in their lives.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon examines Romans 1:7-15 where Paul expresses his desire to visit the Roman church.
- Paul begins by wishing the Romans grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ. Grace is God's unmerited favor and kindness. Peace is the result of experiencing God's grace.
- Paul thanks God for the Roman Christians and their faith which is known throughout the world. Paul is not thanking them for attending church but is thanking God for making them Christians.
- The "whole world" refers to the Roman Empire and Christian communities within it, not literally every person on earth. The news of the Roman church spread through Christian networks.
- Paul rejoices that there are Christians even in a place like Rome, the center of the empire and filled with vice and paganism. The presence of Christians there proves the gospel is for Gentiles too.
- The news of the Roman church spread without organized publicity efforts. Revivals spread on their own through the work of the Holy Spirit. The church today relies too much on publicity and propaganda instead of the Holy Spirit.
- Christians should live in such a way that their faith is spoken of and spreads to others, leading them to rejoice and inquire about the gospel.
- Paul prays that the Romans would be filled with the Spirit so they can spread the gospel through their lives and bring God glory.
- Paul prays for God's mercy on himself and Christians who have failed to spread the gospel and live out their faith. He prays God would make them "living epistles of Christ."
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.