Faith Not Works: Back to the Beginning, Part 1

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

Romans 4:1-12

 1 'What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” 9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

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Faith Not Works: Back to the Beginning, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 4:1-12
Sermon Series: Romans (30th sermon)
November 8, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study   Faith Not Works: Back to the Beginning, Part 1   (Rom 4:1-12)
1.   Why should the doctrine of justification by faith humble us?
2.   Why do you think Paul chooses to use Abraham as an illustration? In general, how did the Jews view him?
3.   What does Genesis 15:6 say about Abraham’s righteousness?
4.   How does the text make clear that Abraham’s faith was not meritorious? Discuss why faith cannot be characterized as a work.
5.   What is so problematic about works-righteousness? What does this passage (particularly v. 5) teach us about the nature of saving/justifying faith?

References: Romans 3:28; Matthew 1:2; Isaiah 51:1-2; Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:6; Hebrews 11:8; Romans 4:16; Ephesians 2:3; Joshua 24:2-3; Romans 3:25.

Justified by Faith - So What?

Romans 3:27-31

27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

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Justified by Faith - So What? — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:27-31
Sermon Series: Romans (29th sermon)
November 1, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does the doctrine of justification by faith do to human boasting?
2.   How can we identify boasting in our lives? What’s the remedy?
3.   How does the doctrine of justification by faith show the oneness of God? How does Paul appeal to Jewish doctrine to make his point?
4.   What are some implications of monotheism for how we view and relate to others?
5.   How does the doctrine of justification by faith “uphold the law” (v. 31), and how does this refute antinomianism? What other passages in Romans help us to interpret Paul’s meaning?

References: Romans 1:30; 2:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3:3; 2:3; Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 12:3; 3:15; Romans 2:26-29; 8:3-4; 13:8-10.

Right with God, Part 2

Romans 3:21-26

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

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Right with God, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:21-26
Sermon Series: Romans (28th sermon)
October 11, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is grace, and how does it relate to faith?
2.   What is redemption, and how does Christ serve as a ransom? What does this aspect of salvation say about a person’s condition apart from Christ?
3.   What does it mean that Christ is a “propitiation”? How does v. 25 provide help in assurance of salvation?
4.   What do these verses teach about God the Father? How do they correct common misconceptions?
5.   What issue is Paul addressing in vv. 25b – 26? How does the Bible come at this topic from the exact opposite direction of the world?
6.   How do we practically live out the truth that salvation is ultimately not about us but about the glory of God?

References: Romans 5:15; Ephesians 3:7; John 3:16; Romans 6:17; John 8:34; Matthew 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 9:5; Acts 14:16; 17:30; Ephesians 1:12.

Right with God, Part 1

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

Romans 3:21-26

 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

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Right with God, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:21-26
Sermon Series: Romans (27th sermon)
October 04, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why has this passage been regarded as so significant by interpreters? What sort of heart-posture should we have as we approach it?
2.   How does the context heighten our excitement over the opening words, “But now”? How do these words inform our understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments?
3.   How does the Old Testament “bear witness to” the righteousness of God that is revealed in the gospel?
4. How is justification distinct from pardon or forgiveness?
5.   What does it mean to have “faith in Jesus Christ”? How can we practically avoid a generic faith?
6.   In light of the final quote in the sermon from Thomas Chalmers, in what ways are you tempted to put your “confidence upon your own doings”?

References: Romans 15:11; 8:13; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Ephesians 2:4; Romans 1:17; 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Galatians 3:19-25; Romans 1:2; Matthew 5:17; Romans 5:12; 1:21; 2:23; John 20:31; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Peter 1:3; James 2:19.

All Under Condemnation

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

Romans 3:19-20

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All Under Condemnation — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:19-20
Sermon Series: Romans (26th sermon)
September 27, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions

References:

All Under Sin

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

Romans 3:9-18

 9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” 14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

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All Under Sin — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:9-18
Sermon Series: Romans (25th sermon)
September 6, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What are some other passages in the Bible that speak of sin in language that is similar to this text?
2.   How does this passage serve as a conclusion to what Paul has already said?
3.   What does this string of quotations say about Paul’s view of the Old Testament writings?
4.   What does Paul mean when he says that human beings are “under sin”? What facets of sinfulness does he describe in vv. 10-12?
5.   How is Paul’s description of a person’s sin pervasive and comprehensive? What strikes you most about vv. 13-18?
6.   How does v. 18 serve as the root cause of all that is mentioned before? How does this help the Christian to battle the flesh?
7.   How does this passage raise our affections for Christ and our gratitude for the grace that he supplies?

References: Psalm 14:1-3; Romans 6:17; Isaiah 53:6; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 4:18; Psalm 5:9; 140:3; 10:7; Proverbs 1:16; Isaiah 59:7-8; Psalm 36:1; James 3:5-6; Proverbs 9:10.

The Righteous God of Israel, Part 2

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

Romans 3:5-8

5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? ( I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

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The Righteous God of Israel, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:5-8
Sermon Series: Romans (24th sermon)
August 30, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why should the topic of God’s relationship to ethnic Israel matter to us? Discuss the implications given at the beginning of the sermon.
2.   What are some thoughts and questions that you have about this subject? How can you study it further?
3.   Summarize the objection that Paul addresses in vv. 5-7. How does he respond to it?
4.   Where do we see Paul’s reverence towards God in this passage? How does reverence practically play out in our lives?
5.   How does God bring glory to himself even through human sin? What does this say about God’s sovereignty and power? How can this truth be wrongly applied?

References: Romans 11:26, 28; 2:9; 11:11; Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:4; Romans 8:1; 1 Samuel 15:29; Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians 1:12; Romans 11:36; 3:7; Genesis 50:20; Romans 6:1-2.

The Righteous God of Israel, Part 1

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

Romans 3:1-4

1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”

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The Righteous God of Israel — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (23rd sermon)
August 23, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is the first objection Paul deals with, and how does it naturally follow from chapter 2?
2.   What does it mean to say that the Jews are God’s chosen people? How does Paul describe their “advantage”?
3.   How does Paul view (largely unbelieving) Israel in relation to God?  Read and discuss Romans 11:28-29 in context.
4.   What is the second objection that Paul deals with in vv. 3-4?
5.   What does it mean for God to be faithful to his Word? Where do we this in the Bible, and how have you experienced it in your life?
6.   How does Paul bring faithfulness and judgment together in this passage?

References: Philippians 3:5-6; Acts 17:1-3; 19:8; Deuteronomy 10:15; Psalm 135:4; Isaiah 43:21; Deuteronomy 4:8; Psalm 147:19-20; John 4:22; Romans 9:4; 11:28-29, 17; Psalm 33:4; Lamentations 3:23; Romans 11:25-27; Psalm 51:3-4; Amos 3:2; Titus 1:2; Psalm 100:5.

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.

The Self-Righteous Judge

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

Romans 2:1-5

1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

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The Self-Righteous Judge — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:1-5
Sermon Series: Romans (17th sermon)
July 5, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is the Jewish mindset that Paul addresses in this passage? Where do we see it today?
2.   How does 2 Samuel 12:1-7 illustrate this text?
3.   How has judgmental hypocrisy played out in your relationships? What does the gospel say to this sin?
4. As Paul describes it here, what is going on in the heart of this self-righteous judge?
5.   What does it mean to presume on God’s kindness? Why should his kindness lead us to repentance?
6.   What is the end result for the hypothetical person addressed in these verses?

References: Romans 3:9-10; Matthew 23:27; 2 Samuel 12:1-7; Matthew 7:3; 3:9-10; Zephaniah 1:15; Daniel 12:2; Romans 3:22.

Idolatry Repaid, Part 2

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

Romans 1:28-32

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

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Idolatry Repaid, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:28-32
Sermon Series: Romans (16th sermon)
June 28, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is Paul’s intention in Romans 1:18-32 as a whole? How do vv. 28-32 connect back to the previous verses?
2.   What does it mean to have a “worthless” or “debased” mind? How does this remind us of the contrast between believers and unbelievers?
3.   What strikes you most about Paul’s list of sins in vv. 29-31? How is it both refreshing and convicting for the Christian?
4.   Why does Paul include these particular vices? How does this list speak to current events?
5.   How have you been tempted towards strife during this time of pandemic and social unrest? How do we protect against this sin individually and as a church family?
6.   How does v. 32 function as a culmination of Paul’s argument?
7.   How does a passage like this raise our appreciation of what Christ did at the cross?

References:  Genesis 1:26-28; Ephesians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Colossians 3:10; Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:13; 1 Peter 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:1-2; Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23; Numbers 15:30; Proverbs 2:14.

Idolatry Repaid, Part 1

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

Romans 1:24, 26-27

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.
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

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Idolatry Repaid, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:24, 26-27
Sermon Series: Romans (15th sermon)
June 21, 2020
Video copy of sermon is found at

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What are some temptations that Christians face when addressing the issue of homosexuality?
2.   Discuss interactions that you have had with people in your life who practice homosexuality. How does this passage help us to communicate with them more clearly?
3.   What does Paul mean when he says that God “gave them up” to this sin? How does this passage balance divine sovereignty and human responsibility?
4.   What is the connection between idolatry and homosexuality? In particular, how do the themes of “nature” and “honor” play into it?
5.   How does 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 give hope to the person engaged in this sin?

References: 2 Timothy 4:3; James 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:19; Genesis 2:24; Leviticus 20:13; 1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Titus 3:5-7.

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.