We are stewards and guardians of these truths. What will we do with them?

Principle 1:

Reveal Answer

will Come (vv. 17-20)

• Sound doctrine and orthodoxy don’t just happen in a vacuum. They must be intentionally preserved through consistent exposure to the Word, worship, and surrender.
• Identify the

>> Use sound doctrine to discern the divisions and obstacles

// Adding in works (legalism)
// Subtracting the pursuit of holiness (license/antinomianism)
// Ethnocentrism (cultural exaltation)
// Syncretism (blending Christianity with another religion or philosophy)
// Guruism

• Identify the

>> The messengers lifestyle matters (listen to what they say and compare it with what they do)
• Promised

Reveal Answer

>> As you cling to the Gospel, you have the hope of victory over false teachers and false doctrine. Continually focusing on what Jesus has done for you cultivates endurance.

// The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee that Satan’s doom is sure, his temptations will come to an end, his influence will be constrained, and his head will be crushed.
// Paul has Genesis 3:15 in mind here >> Genesis 3:15 | I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
// But notice the difference. It is a difference that brings out the depth of Paul’s understanding about our union with Christ.
// Revelation 12:11 | And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…

Principle #2: Find your

Reveal Answer

• Tribalism or clique-ishness will never unite or grow a

. A healthy view of the church means that I believe that God is adding to His body as He sees fit.
• Paul models a healthy understanding of

Reveal Answer

relationships. He had his people.

Principle #3: God will

Reveal Answer

the work He started

• Throughout Romans, Paul has modeled a doctrinal doxology and passionate logic. He has broken out into praise at the end of each major section:

// Romans 1-3 >> Praise towards the end of chapter 3.
// Romans 4-8 >> Praise at the end of Romans 8.
// Romans 9-11 >> Praise at the end of Romans 11.

• The Gospel is our source of

. Paul’s extended proclamation of the Gospel in Romans is not meant to belabor his readers or exalt his intellect. There is glory and life to be found in mining the depths of truth. God had revealed these depths to Paul and he wanted to share them.

What have you found in Romans?

How will we measure success?