What Is Justification?” Series

1. Romans, along with Hebrews are by far the most doctrinal letters in the New Testament.

a. They’re full of good, solid, and wonderful truths!

b. Remember, doctrine, isn’t a word to be afraid of.

c. It simply means ‘TEACHING’

d. And so when God is teaching us through His Word, we are learning ‘SOUND DOCTRINE’

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

NOW: Paul in a later letter, warned the young Pastor Timothy of a time where SOUND DOCTRINE will not be ‘endured’.

2 Timothy 4:3 (NKJV) 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; |

NOTE: I believe it’s safe to say the time HAS COME.

Today, there isn’t just a lack of endurance, but there is an outright resistance to SOUND DOCTRINE!

• There are churches today where so much is taught that simply appeals to the flesh of man, to man’s carnality.

• There’s a ‘dumbing’ down of theology for the sake of seeker.

• Churches are changing & transforming to reach the seeker.

• Churches are changing & transforming to make money!

1 Timothy 3:3 (NKJV) 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

1 Peter 5:2 (NKJV) 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

NOTE: It’s just so sad as a pastor to see…

#1 – So many false teachers out there fleecing the flock of God.

#2 – So few people really want to know God’s Word. Instead they heap up for themselves teachers… that will tickle their ears.

• But while their ears are tickled by men, God’s judgment awaits:

• Flip over to Jeremiah 19.3-6

BUT I want to commend you guys, this congregation because you want the Word, desire it, and live it out!

• It’s not to puff you up, but rather to encourage you!

• Your hunger for the word, your obedience to the Word is infectious making you powerful tools in the hand of God!

• You’re here with open ears ready & receptive.

• And you’re acting upon what you hear… living out your faith!

• Don’t stop now. Keep growing. Keep maturing…

• Notice v5, and be watchful. Don’t let your guards down.

• Endure afflictions! Fulfill your ministry!

SOMETIMES, NO MANY Times the word of God is going to challenge your thinking… it’s going to cut to the heart of a matter that you’re engaged with right now.

• But the beauty of learning God’s Word is that our lives are built upon a strong foundation. (FLIP OVER to Matthew 7.24-29)

NOTE: Jesus uses the illustration of building houses…

• Both men built a house. They both heard the gospel.

• They both built in about the same place, same materials…

• Both homes look real good on the outside.

• The problem was with the foundation.

SO it is with many people. They are good outwardly. They look strong, go to a good church, lot’s of good works…

• But there’s a difference.

• It’s their spiritual foundation. One on Jesus. Other is NOT.

It’s INTERESTING TO NOTE JUST HOW POWERFUL Storms reveal.

• A person is tested by the STORMS of life.

• If you want to see what a person is made of, watch them when the pressure is on, when their stuck.

• If the wrong foundation… ‘GREAT IS THE FALL’

APP: You see a great danger for us who love the Scriptures is to think hearing is the same as doing.

• Oh, great study: I shouldn’t judge, I need to show mercy…

• But then we leave here and begin to gossip, or judge, or give some constructive criticism… That’s FOOLISHNESS.

• It’s WISE to humble ourselves and pray for a clean heart, and powerful conviction to put these things into practice!

TODAY we look at the DOCTRINE of Justification. (Read thru)

Salvation from our sins really has 3 parts.

#1 – PAST: We can say we are saved from our past.

#2 – PRESENT: We are saved right now. We ARE born again.

#3 – FUTURE: I shall be saved. God will complete that work He has begun in my by the power of His Spirit.

Because you’re with Jesus, He’s got a firm grip on your life.

• Salvation is wonderful as God saves us, wholly & completely:

#1 – FROM THE PENALTY OF SIN. This is JUSTIFICATION.