A Cure for Sin; Romans 12

Eric MesseltTimberline Baptist ChurchJune 22, 2008

Introduction

Speaker: Eric Messelt- graduate from Western Seminary, Portland

Introduction

Sin is Bad

Introduction

Sin is BadA Cure for Sin?

Introduction

Sin is BadA Cure for Sin?Even incurable disease can

be treated

Problem of SinSpecifically, sin of Pride

Problem of SinSpecifically, sin of PrideAll religions see Pride as a

problem…

Seven Deadly Sins

PrideEnvyLustWrathSlothGluttonyGreed

Sin of Pride“Inordinate self love is the

cause of every sin” – Thomas Aquinas

Sin of Pride“Inordinate self love is the

cause of every sin” – Thomas Aquinas

Working definition: thinking more highly of yourself than you ought (Rom. 12:3)

Sin of Pride

“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, …” 1Tim 4:10

Love of money causes all kinds of mischief!

Aquinas says that the cause of all sin is the first sin of Pride.

Famous Practitioners of Pride

Satan (Is. 14:13-15; Ezk. 28:15)

Famous Practitioners of Pride

Satan (Is. 14:13-15; Ezk. 28:15)Adam (Gen 3:4-6)

Famous Practitioners of Pride

Satan (Is. 14:13-15; Ezk. 28:15)Adam (Gen 3:4-6)Me (not so famous) – a fan of sin

for over 50 years!

Sin of Pride

Forgetting our place in the universe

Sin of Pride

Forgetting our place in the universe

Confusing the Creator – critter distinction

Sin of Pride

Forgetting our place in the universe

Confusing the Creator – critter distinction

Violation of the Greatest commandment

Romans 12

ContextAudience is mostly GentileImportant because of “Therefore”What went before linked to what is

coming

Romans 9 through 11

Theme of Grace

Romans 9 through 11

Theme of GraceGrace to IsraelGrace to Gentiles grafted into

God’s people

Romans 9 through 11

Theme of GraceGrace to IsraelGrace to Gentiles grafted into

God’s peopleGod is persistent to bless his sinful

people

Romans 12:1

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God - your spiritual service of worship.

Romans 12:1

Paul urges them….

Romans 12:1

Paul urges them….Based on what went before

(“mercies”)

Romans 12:1

Paul urges them…. Based on what went before

(“mercies”) Because you God, Yahweh, is

gracious to you, you should live grace lives

Romans 12:1

Paul urges them…. Based on what went before (“mercies”) Because you God, Yahweh, is gracious

to you, you should live grace lives Main verb: “Present”

Romans 12:1

PresentThe whole you (“body”)

Romans 12:1

PresentThe whole you (“body”)Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1

PresentThe whole you (“body”)Living SacrificeHoly (set apart)

Romans 12:1

Present!The whole you (“body”)Living SacrificeHoly (set apart)Pleasing to God

Romans 12:1

The argument:This is your “spiritual-

reasonable” service

Romans 12:1

“Reasonable”

Romans 12:1

“Reasonable”

Logikos

Romans 12:1

“Reasonable”

LogikosLogikos

Romans 12:1

“Reasonable”

LogikosLogikos

“Logical”

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Don’t be like the worldWe need to be changed,

transformedHow?

Change our mindsRepent!

Romans 12:2

Purpose?Glorify GodProve-test-confirm-approve God’s willThat it truly is

Good Acceptable Perfect

Romans 12:3-7

How do I battle the sin of Pride? By service

Specifically, service to the church

Romans 12:3-7

How do I battle the sin of Pride? By service

Specifically, service to the church Conclusion: each believer is

important to the whole body

Service Is Required

What are spiritual gifts for??What is a “servant?”

The Goal of Service

is NOT primarily about:getting things done, doing ministry, meeting needs

The Goal of Service

Primary: Glorifying God

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1Cor 10:31)

- that’s the goal of everything we do

The Goal of Service

Primary: Glorifying God Service is secondly about

developing Jesus-like hearts

The Goal of Service

Heart of Jesus:

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, …” (Mk. 10:45)

Point of Sermon

If you want to be like Jesus:Serve othersBe activeGet over yourself

Seven Deadly Sins

Pride

Envy

Lust

Wrath

Sloth

Gluttony

Greed

Seven Deadly Sins - Virtues

Pride Humility

Envy Kindness

Lust Chastity

Wrath Patience

Sloth Diligence

Gluttony Temperance

Greed Charity

Virtues

Service attacks both sloth and Pride

Virtues

Service attacks both sloth and Pride

When we practice virtues, We are “saved” (sanctified)We become more like Jesus

The Goal of Service

Primary: Glorifying God Service is secondly about

developing Jesus-like heartsThirdly, service does accomplish

ministry and meet needs

Service

PrivilegeTakes many formsSuppresses evil tendencies Important

Conclusion

How much do you really want to be like Jesus?

Blessings to you and yours in this next week.