In Romans 13, Paul is writing to a group of Christians in Rome that are discouraged by what’s happening in their government. While it’s okay to be discouraged, Paul would argue it’s not okay to be hopeless or unhelpful. It could be easy to see what’s happening in Rome as an obstacle, but God wants us to know it also creates a unique opportunity. In our text, Paul shows how those that govern have a responsibility, but those of us that are governed also have a responsibility to be light in the darkness. Our role is to not just submit to authorities, but also to submerge ourselves in our culture in a way that reflects Christ.

This sermon was recorded on July 20, 2025.

madisonchurch.org

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on Instagram.

This sermon was recorded on July 13, 2025.

madisonchurch.org

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on Instagram.

Romans 9:1-8

Though a Jew himself, Paul was heartbroken that so many of his Israelite brethren had not accepted Jesus as the Messiah despite all the privileges and promises that God had given them. In our text this morning, Paul builds a case that God's promises have not failed, but rather given to all those who respond to Christ in faith, no matter their nationality.

Coming from a place of privilege? The Jews certainly were. God had provided them with all the blessings He could promise. They received God's adoption as sons, His divine glory, the covenants, the law, all promises, temple worship, the patriarchs, and the Messiah and yet their abuse of these privileges caused them to be proud and unaware of their role in sharing the promises to the world. Even though their rejections, God worked His sovereign plan to bring about the fulfillment of these promises to all, those Jews who accepted Christ along with the Gentiles who were grafted into the promises through their belief in Christ.

This sermon was recorded on July 06, 2025.

madisonchurch.org

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on Instagram.