Identity Invalidated

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 2:25-29

25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

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Identity Invalidated — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:25-29
Sermon Series: Romans (22nd sermon)
August 16, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Where does Paul include little glimpses of gospel grace in 2:1-16? What do we learn from these passages about the Christian life?
2.   What did the Jews in Paul’s day think about circumcision? How does Paul refute their thinking in vv. 25-27, and why would this have been so appalling to the Jewish ear?
3.   How has Romans 2 affected the way you think about the Christian’s relationship to the law? How has it encouraged you towards a more fruitful life?
4.   What does it mean to have a circumcised heart, and where else do we see this concept in the Bible?
5.   Why do sinners love outward religion? How does the Christian’s mindset differ?

References: Romans 3:21-22; 2:7, 10, 14-16; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Genesis 2:16-17; 3:17; 6:22; 22:3; Romans 1:5; 8:4, 7; John 6:28-29; Matthew 5:17; Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4; Colossians 2:11; Philippians 3:3; John 5:44; Matthew 23:5.

Safety Shattered

Romans 2:17-24

17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

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Safety Shattered — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:17-24
Sermon Series: Romans (21st sermon)
August 9, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why does Paul wait until v. 17 to explicitly address the Jews? How does this passage build on and reiterate Paul’s previous arguments?
2.   How do the Jews in Paul’s day see themselves? Were they right or wrong to think that way?
3.   What does it mean to rightly “boast in God”? Where had the Jews gone wrong?
4.   What does this passage communicate to the professing Christian? How has Romans 2 informed or impacted you personally?
5.   How does Paul connect Jewish hypocrisy back to Gentile idolatry, particularly in v. 23? How does this encourage us to consciously live for God’s glory?

References: Psalm 1; 119:105; Jeremiah 9:24; John 5:23, 39; 8:42; Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; Genesis 22:18; John 12:36; Matthew 5:14; 15:14; Titus 2:11-14; Deuteronomy 7:25; Matthew 5:28; Romans 1:5, 21; Ephesians 1:12; 2:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Doers Not Hearers

Romans 2:12-16

12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

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Doers Not Hearers — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:12-16
Sermon Series: Romans (20th sermon)
August 2, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What Jewish mindset with respect to the law is Paul refuting in this passage?
2.   Where else in Scripture do we see this emphasis on not being a mere hearer?
3.   How can exposure to God’s truth actually lead to false assurance? What does it mean to say that hearing without doing is storing?
4.   How does Paul’s language in vv. 14-15 suggest that he is talking about Gentile believers? What other passages support this interpretation? Read and discuss how these verses relate to vv. 7-10 and 26-29.
5.   What does it mean to say that a Christian does “what the law requires” (v. 14)? Read and discuss Romans 7:22 and 8:4.
6.   Why will our conflicting thoughts accuse and excuse us on the day of Judgment?
7.   How does this passage encourage you in the Christian life? How does it clarify the relationship between faith, works, law, and gospel?

References: Romans 9:4-5; Joshua 1:8; Ezra 7:10; Romans 3:9; 7:12; James 1:22; Matthew 7:24; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Romans 2:26-29; Romans 7:22; 8:4; Ephesians 2:12-13; James 2:20-24; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 John 3:20.

The Righteous Judgment, Part 2

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 2:6-11

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The Righteous Judgment, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:6-11
Sermon Series: Romans (19th sermon)
July 26, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   In general, how do vv. 7-10 provide clarity on the relationship between justification by faith and judgment according to works?
2.   How does Paul describe the heart and conduct of a Christian? What do you find surprising or challenging?
3.   How does v. 7 both test us and spur us on?
4.   What does it mean to say that God’s gift of eternal life should be understood in terms of the past, present, and future?
5.   How do Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:31-33 help us to understand the basic difference between the saved and the condemned?
6.   How does Paul describe the heart, conduct, and outcome of the condemned? How does this encourage your zeal in prayer and evangelism?

References: Romans 3:12; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Timothy 3:17; Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 25:21; Colossians 3:1; Matthew 6:33; 7:19; Luke 8:15; Galatians 5:6; Revelation 2:10; Acts 13:48; John 5:24; Matthew 6:31-32; Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 10:28; 1 Samuel 6:20; Romans 5:11.

The Righteous Judgment, Part 1

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 2:6-11

6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.

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The Righteous Judgment, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:6-11
Sermon Series: Romans (18th sermon)
July 19, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does it look like to show partiality in judgment?
2.   Why does Paul think it necessary at this point in his argument to say that “God shows no partiality”?
3.   Where else in the New Testament do we find what Paul says in v. 6: “He will render to each one according to his works”? Why does this sound strange and problematic to us in light of the gospel?
4.   Discuss how these two truths come together in Scripture: 1) We are justified by faith alone; 2) God’s final judgment is based on works. How do we reconcile them?
5.   What practical effect should this doctrine of final judgment have on the Christian? How do the New Testament writers apply it to their readers?

References: Genesis 18:25; Psalm 50:6; Hebrews 12:23; James 4:12; Psalm 9:7-8; 2 Timothy 4:8; Leviticus 19:15; Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12; Matthew 16:27; John 5:28-29; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 5:6; 1 Peter 1:17-19; Romans 11:19-22; Galatians 6:7-9; Romans 14:10-13; James 2:18; Ephesians 2:10.

God Replaced

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:22-25

22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

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God Replaced — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:22-25
Sermon Series: Romans (14th sermon)
June 14, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   According to Paul’s logic in this section, what is the relationship between ingratitude and idolatry?  How does this help us wage war against the idols in our lives?
2.   What does it mean to say that we are worshipping and religious creatures by nature?  How does this guide us in relating to unbelievers?
3.   How can we help our children identify idols in their hearts?  What impact does our own idolatry have on them?
4.   What are the layers of contrast that Paul lays out in v. 23?  How does his language serve to show the folly and wickedness of idolatry?
5.   Why is idolatry inherently satanic?  How does this help us to understand Satan’s tactics when he tempts us?
6.   Why does Paul break out in praise at the end of v. 25? 

References: 1 Thessalonians 5:18;  1 Corinthians 1:20;  Jeremiah 13:25;  10:14;  16:19;  2:11;
1 Thessalonians 1:9;  John 8:44;  1 Corinthians 10:20;  Genesis 1:28;  Psalm 106:20.

The Truth Rejected

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:19-21

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

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The Truth Rejected — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:19-21
Sermon Series: Romans (13th sermon)
June 7, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Romans 1:18-3:20 fit within the larger section of 1:18-4:25?  Who does Paul have in mind in 1:18-32?
2.   How is God’s revelation of himself in nature both clear and considerable?  How would you explain to someone that the creation points to God?
3.   Why does Paul say that human beings are without excuse?  How should this passage guide our thinking on apologetics?
4.   How does failing to honor and give thanks to God lead to all other sins?  What does this imply for growth as a Christian?
5.   How does Paul describe the inner workings of the unbeliever at the end of v. 21?  How does this description enhance our understanding of the nature of sin?

References: Romans 1:18; 3:10, 20; Psalm 19:1-4; Acts 14:16-17; Psalm 29:1-2; Genesis 3:1-7; Matthew 15:19.

The Judgment Revealed

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:18

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

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The Judgment Revealed — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:18
Sermon Series: Romans (12th sermon)
May 31, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What are some practical ways that we can fight the temptation to be judgmental and divisive as we prepare to regather?
2.   Why is the notion of God’s wrath problematic and offensive to many?
3.   Why is it so important that Christians not avoid topics such as sin, wrath, and hell?
4.   How should we understand God’s wrath? What does it mean to say that it is being revealed in the present?
5.   How is Paul’s language for human sinfulness both comprehensive and God-centered?
6.   What does Paul mean when he says that human beings suppress the truth by/in unrighteousness? How have you seen this play out in people’s lives, and how does it affect the way we evangelize?

References: John 3:36; Romans 1:32; 13:4; Ephesians 4:31; James 1:20; Habakkuk 1:13; Psalm 51:4; Romans 3:10, 23; Psalm 5:5-6; Ephesians 2:3; Psalm 14:1.

The Glorious Gospel, Part 2

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

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The Glorious Gospel, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:16-17
Sermon Series: Romans (11th sermon)
May 24, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How has our time spent in Romans 1 increased your eagerness to share the gospel?  What has been exposed in your heart?
2.   What is the logic connecting vv. 16 and 17?  What does the gospel reveal?
3.   What does Paul mean by “the righteousness of God”?  What are some other passages or verses that aid in our interpretation?
4.   What does it mean to say that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us?  How would you describe justification by faith alone to an unbeliever?
5.   What does it mean to say that the gospel will be “good news” to us only in so far as we recognize God’s holiness and our unholiness?
6.   How do humans try to establish their own righteousness?  What does the gospel say to this endeavor?
7.   What is Paul trying to show by citing Habakkuk 2:4?

References: Romans 8:18; 10:13-15; 3:5; 10:3; 5:17; Philippians 3:9; Romans 4:3, 6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Matthew 12:18; Romans 3:24-25; Habakkuk 2:4.

The Glorious Gospel, Part 1

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

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The Glorious Gospel, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:16-17
Sermon Series: Romans (10th sermon)
May 17, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does it mean to say that this passage gives us the “logic of evangelistic zeal”?
2.   In what ways have you been tempted to be ashamed of the gospel?
3.   What makes the gospel so powerful? What does it mean to be saved?
4.   What are some of the powerless substitutes that people look to for salvation?
5.   How does viewing the gospel as invested with this kind of power affect how we share it with others?
6.   How is the gospel both inclusive and exclusive? Why does Paul say that it is “to the Jew first”?

References: Mark 8:38; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Psalm 77:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Timothy 2:10; John 4:22; Romans 9:4-5; Ephesians 2:12; Galatians 3:28.

The Man behind the Letter, Part 1

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:1

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

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The Man behind the Letter, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:1
Sermon Series: Romans (1st sermon)
March 1, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How have you viewed Romans in the past? Discuss its significance in Christian history.
2.   Summarize the background of Romans. What are some questions you have about this letter as we begin this series?
3.   How does Paul’s conversion serve as evidence for the veracity of Christianity? What does it say about God’s character/attributes?
4.   What does it look like in practice to live as a “servant/slave of Christ Jesus”? Is this the first thing you would say about yourself?
5.   What does it mean to say that this slavery is not tyranny but redemption?
6.   How does this self-designation as “servant/slave of Christ Jesus” point us back to the Old Testament? What does it say about Paul’s role?

References: Acts 20:1-7; 2:10; 7:58; 13:9; Galatians 1:13-14; Philippians 3:4-6; Acts 9:4, 15; Romans 11:13; 15:16; 1 Corinthians 7:23; Acts 20:28; Matthew 8:9; Romans 6:16; Galatians 1:10; John 15:15; Philippians 2:7; Matthew 20:28