Sermons, Articles, and Other Things

The letter to the Romans is recognised as Paul's most comprehensive statement about the gospel. If someone were to ask us for a summary of the gospel, we could answer, 'The Book of Romans.' They might respond and say that it is a very long summary, to which we should reply that it is a very large gospel. So it is important for us to appreciate the contents of the Book of Romans. As with all of Paul's letters, the first section of the book, after the introduction, focuses on doctrine and the doctrinal section in Romans stretches to the end of chapter 11, covering many doctrines in the process. The remainder of the letter concerns several practical features that should be seen in the lives of those that have embraced the gospel. Paul wrote this letter because he intended to come and visit the church there. His intention was to do so on a proposed journey to Spain. He did get to Rome, but not in the way he had intended. Instead he was taken to Rome as a prisoner, ...

We noticed previously that Jesus, in speaking about the greater works that were to mark the lives of his disciples, mentioned three factors that they had to take into account: prayer in his name, obedience to his commandments, and the blessing of the Holy Spirit. It is the second issue that I want us to look at on this occasion. 1. A definition of a disciple First, note that Jesus gives here another definition of a disciple. In the previous verses, he had said that a disciple was a person who believed in him, that is, who depended upon Jesus in light of information about him. In this verse, he says that a disciple is a person who loves him. Again we are reminded that a disciple’s relationship to Jesus is not a dispassionate one. It is possible to trust in a person without loving him, for example, a politician or a military leader. But that is not the kind of trust that disciples have in Jesus. Instead their faith is, as Calvin put it, ‘the warm embrace of love.’ 2. Essential...

We all know the significance that is given to last words uttered by people. This is the last message that Jesus spoke to his disciples, so obviously it contains matters that were of importance to him. As we look at these verses, two details catch our eyes. First, how can the works of disciples be greater than works done by Jesus? Second, if Jesus promises to give us what we ask, why do many believers not receive the things they ask for? The description of a disciple Jesus here gives a definition of what it means to be his disciple: a disciple is a person who believes in Jesus. What does this mean? It means that faith in Jesus is the identification mark of a Christian. This faith is made up of two features: correct knowledge about Jesus (who he is and what he has done), and complete dependence upon Jesus for salvation (Jesus only, not Jesus plus something). And it is accompanied by repentance for our sins. The works of a disciple Jesus then says that his disciples will do the w...