“Saved in Order to Do Good” (Titus 3:3-11)

“Saved in Order to Do Good” (Titus 3:1–11)
3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. (Titus 3:1–11, NIV)
 
Living as a Christian in Society (vv. 1–2)
The Christian’s Duty to Civic Authorities (v. 1)
The Christian’s Duty to All People (vv. 1–2)
 
Saved in Order to Do Good (vv. 3–8)
Remembering Who We Were (v. 3)
Wandering in Ignorance
Slaves to Pleasure
Anti-Social Behavior
Remembering What We Have Become by God’s Grace (vv. 4–6)
The Principal Cause of Our Salvation (vv. 4–5a)
The Efficient Cause of our Salvation (v. 5b)
The Meritorious Cause of our Salvation (v. 6)
Remembering What We Have to Look forward to (v. 7)
Justification
Glorification
Remembering Why We Strive to Do What Is Good (v. 8)
Sanctification
 
Avoiding and Rebuking False Teachers (vv. 9–11)
What to Avoid and Why (v. 9)
Whom to Rebuke and Why (vv. 10–11)

"You Don't Know Anything Yet" (Romans 11:33-36)

"You Don't Know Anything Yet" (Romans 11:33-36)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, May 21, 2017
 
 
Romans 11:33–36 (NIV)
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?” 
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?” 
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
 

Living as a Christian in Society (Titus 3:1–2)

Living as a Christian in Society (Titus 3:1–2)
 
Titus 3:1–2 (NIV)
3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
 
The Christian’s Duty to Civic Authorities (v. 1).
Subject to rulers and authorities
Obedient
The Christian’s Duty to All People (vv. 1–2).
Ready to do good
Slandering no one
Peaceable
Considerate
Gentle toward all

"A Mother's Grief Turned to Joy" (Luke 7:11-17)

"A Mother's Grief Turned to Joy" (Luke 7:11-17)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, May 14, 2017
 
 
Luke 7:11–17 (NIV)
11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”
14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
 
A Grieving Mother
A Compassionate Lord
A Living Son
An Amazed Crowd
A Gracious Savior

The Gospel Foundation for Godly Living (Titus 2:11–15)

The Gospel Foundation for Godly Living (Titus 2:11–15)
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. (Titus 2:11–15, NIV)
Outline
1. The Gospel Foundation for Godly Living (11–14)
The manifestation of God’s grace (11).
The training by God’s grace (12).
The expectation of Christ’s return (13).
The purpose of Christ’s redemption (14).
2. The Restatement of Titus’s Responsibilities (15).
 
 
 

“God’s Faithfulness” (Romans 3:1–8)

“God’s Faithfulness” (Romans 3:1–8)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday AM, May 7, 2017Romans 3:1–8, NIV1 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?  2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.  3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness?  4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."  5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)  6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?  7 Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?"  8 Why not say-- as some slanderously claim that we say-- "Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is just!1.    What about the advantages of being one of God’s historic people? (1–2)4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.  5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. (Romans 9:4-5, NIV)2.    What about God’s faithfulness to his promises? (3–4)32 "Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes-- the hardship that has come on us, on our kings and leaders, on our priests and prophets, on our ancestors and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today.  33 In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly. (Neh. 9:32-33, NIV)4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. (Psalm 51:4, NIV)3.    Is God really just? (5–8)

“External vs. Internal Religion” (Romans 2:25-29)

“External vs. Internal Religion” (Romans 2:25–29)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, April 30, 2017
 
Romans 2:25–29 (NIV)
25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
 
 1.  External religion, by itself, is of no value and no guarantee of eternal salvation.
 2.  External religion, to have any meaning, must flow from internal religion, that is, the regeneration of the heart that expresses itself in obedience to God and good deeds.
 3.  External religion, by itself, is done for the praise of people; but internal religion that expresses itself in obedience and good deeds is done for the praise of God.

“Practice What You Preach” (Romans 2:17-24)

“Practice What You Preach” (Romans 2:17–24)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, April 23, 2017
 
Romans 2:17–24 (NIV)
17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 
1.  God’s Covenant People have been blessed with incredible privileges (17–20).
2.  With incredible privilege comes the requirement of faithful responsibility (21–24).
3.  Boasting in privileges without accompanying faithful responsibility leads to condemnation (2:3–6, 8–9, 12–13, 16).
 

“The Firstborn from the Dead”

“The Firstborn from the Dead”
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Easter Sunday AM, April 16, 2017
 
22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen-- 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles."  (Acts 26:22–23, NIV)
 
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.  22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.  23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. (1 Co. 15:20–23, NIV)
 
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.  17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.  19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  (Colossians 1:15–20, NIV)
 
4 Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father-- to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.  7 "Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen.  (Rev. 1:4–7, NIV)
 
What does it mean for Christ to be “the first to rise from the dead,” “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,” or the “firstborn from the dead”?
 
     1.  What It Does Not Mean
 a.  It does not mean that Jesus was a created being who had a beginning.
 b.  It does not mean that Jesus is the firstborn of a family in a strictly literal, physical sense.
 c.  It does not mean that Jesus will be the only one to rise from the dead. There have been and there will be many more who will rise from the dead.
 d.  It does not mean that Jesus was the first in history to have died and then be resurrected from death. There were others brought back to life from death before Jesus’ resurrection.
          i.   Elijah resurrected the son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17–24).
      ii.  Elisha resurrected the son of the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:18–37).
     iii.  A dead man comes back to life when he touches Elisha’s bones (2 Kings 13:20–21).
     vi.  Jesus resurrected the son of the widow at Nain (Luke 7:13–15).
      v.  Jesus raised Jairus’s daughter from the dead (Matthew 9:25).
     vi.  Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43–44).
     vii. Many saints were resurrected at the death of Jesus (Matthew 27:52–53).
 
    2.  What It Does Mean
 a.  Though Jesus was not the first in history to rise from the dead, he is the first to rise from the dead in the manner that he did. When Jesus rose from the dead, he rose with a resurrected, glorified body that will never die again.
 b.  Jesus is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep in that he is the first of many who will follow him in rising from death into a resurrected, glorified, immortal existence.
 c.  Jesus is the firstborn from the dead in that he is the one who receives the honor and preeminence in the family of God.
 
     3.  What Is the Significance?
 
a.  We have a loving, suffering Savior who gave himself for us to rescue us from our bondage to sin and its penalty of death.
 b.  We have a glorious, risen Sovereign who has conquered death and reigns as King over the whole world.
 c.  We have a holy, righteous Judge who is coming again to judge the world—vindicating his people and condemning the wicked.
 d.  We have a joyful, future Hope when all of Christ’s people will be raised at the last day to enter and enjoy immortal, eternal life.

“The Entrance of the King” (Matthew 21:1-16)

“The Entrance of the King” (Matthew 21:1–16)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017
Matthew 21:1–16 (NIV)
21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
      4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
      5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
     ‘See, your king comes to you,
     gentle and riding on a donkey,
     and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 
     6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
     “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
     “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 
     “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
    10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
    11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
    12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
    14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.
    16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.
       “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,
       “‘From the lips of children and infants
          you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”
 1.  The Divine King (1–3)
 2.  The Promised King (4–5)
 3.  The Humble King (5–7)
 4.  The Honored King (8–11)
       a.  Hosanna to the Son of David!
       b.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
       c.   Hosanna in the highest heaven!
 5.  The Righteous King (12–13)
 6.  The Rejected King (14–16)
 7.  The Suffering-Redeemer King
 

“The Law of Creation and Conscience” (Romans 2:14-16)

“The Law of Creation and Conscience” (Romans 2:14–16)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday, April 2, 2017
 
Romans 2:12-16, NIV
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.  13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.  14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law.  15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)  16 This will take place on the day when God judges people's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. 
 
Everyone has an innate sense of right and wrong built into them by their Creator God (vv. 14–15; 1:18–20, 24–27).
 a.  This “natural moral law” is available in Creation and Conscience and is not dependent on having heard the Law of God or the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
 b.   This “natural moral law” exists, because people sometimes, inconsistently obey it.
 c.  This “natural moral law” has been attested by many cultures and civilizations throughout human history, giving evidence to its existence.
 d.  This “natural moral law” is attested to by the human conscience when it either excuses our behavior or condemns our behavior.
 
This innate sense of right and wrong will leave everyone without an excuse for their sin on the Day of Judgment (vv. 14–15, 12a; 1:20).
 
20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, NIV)
 
The occasional and inconsistent obedience of pagans to the natural moral law of God will serve as further condemnation on those who had access to God’s Word and did not obey it (vv. 12b–15).
 
46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? (Matt. 5:46-47, NIV)
 
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father's wife. (1 Co. 5:1, NIV)
 
21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?  22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?  23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?  24 As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." (Romans 2:21-24, NIV)
 
Everyone will be perfectly and exhaustively judged by God through Jesus Christ on the last day (v. 16).
 
10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve." (Jer. 17:10, NIV)
 
11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.  12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb. 4:11-13, NIV)
 
21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.  22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.  (John 5:21-23, NIV)
 
29 "Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone-- an image made by human design and skill.  30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."  (Acts 17:29-31, NIV)
 
5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. (1 Co. 4:5, NIV)
 
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Co. 5:10, NIV)
 

“Hearing Is Not Enough” part 2 (Romans 2:12-16)

“Hearing Is Not Enough” (Romans 2:12–16), part 2
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, March 26, 2017
 
Romans 2:12–16 (NIV)
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
 
On the last day, everyone will be judged based on their actual deeds (Rom 2:6, 11, 12).
 
Merely possessing or hearing the Word of God will not be an advantage on the Day of Judgment (Rom 2:13).
 
What will matter on the Day of Judgment will be actual deeds of righteousness, which will serve as evidence and fruit of Spirit-wrought faith (Rom 2:13).
 
5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:5, NIV)
 
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Romans 6:22, NIV)
 
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Heb. 12:14, NIV)
 
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation-- but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.  13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.  14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  (Romans 8:12-14, NIV)
 
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  (Gal. 6:7-9, NIV)

“Hearing Is Not Enough” (Romans 2:12-16)

“Hearing Is Not Enough” (Romans 2:12–16)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, March 19, 2017
 
Romans 2:12–16 (NIV)
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
 
Everyone will face the just judgment of God, whether they had access to the Word of God or not (12).
 
The level of access that people had to the Law of God will be taken into account on the Day of Judgment (12).
a.  Gentiles (or those who have not had God’s revelation) who sin will be judged by God on the last day, but it will be in accordance with the amount of light/revelation/truth that they had received=the knowledge of God in nature.
b.  Jews (or those who had access to God’s divine revelation) who sin will be judged by God on the last day, and it will be in accordance with the amount of light/revelation/truth that they had received=the Law.
c.  The severity of judgment will be determined in proportion to the light of revelation received.
 
47 "The servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.  48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Lk. 12:47-48, NIV)
 
There is not a path of salvation on the basis of good deeds for Gentiles who have never heard God’s Word.
 
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.  21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.  22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.  23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.  24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you." (Matt. 11:20-24, NIV)
 

“The Impartial Justice of God" (Romans 2:6-11)

“The Impartial Justice of God” (Romans 2:6–11)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, March 12, 2017
 
Romans 2:6–11 (NIV)
6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”  7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
 
The judgment of God is completely just and impartial (vv. 6, 11).

 a.  It is just because God’s judgment is rendered to each according to the same standard—each one’s deeds/works (v. 6).
 b.  It is impartial, because God’s judgment does not consider whether someone is Jew or Gentile or any other race or class of people (v. 11, also 9–10).
 
The just and impartial justice of God leaves every human being with two, and only two, potential destinies (vv. 7–10).

 a.  Those who reject the truth and do evil will receive eternal judgment and wrath (vv. 8–9).
 b.  Those who embrace the truth in repentance and persevere in good works will receive eternal life (vv. 7, 10).
 
Main Idea: There are no exceptions to the fairness of God, so I really must repent.
 

“Hypocrites and Finger-Pointers” (Romans 2:1-5)

“Hypocrites and Finger-Pointers” (Romans 2:1–5)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, March 5, 2017
 
Romans 2:1–5 (NIV)
2 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
 
Wrongly judging others in hypocrisy (1).
 
Wrongly thinking we don’t deserve judgment, while others do (2–3).
 
Wrongly thinking we deserve God’s kindness, while others don’t (4).
 
Wrongly assuming our own righteousness, oblivious to our own hard hearts that will lead us to condemnation (5).
 

“The Depravity of Humanity” (Romans 1:24-32)

“The Depravity of Humanity” (Romans 1:24–32)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, February 26, 2017
 
Romans 1:24–32 (NIV)
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
 
God’s wrath is justly directed against humanity, because we have purposely rejected the knowledge that he has revealed in Creation (18–20).
 
This rejection of the knowledge of God revealed in Creation leads humanity to idolatry, the substitution of the one true God with gods of our own making (21–23).
 
Human depravity and moral perversion is the direct result of our false worship (24-25).
 
The clearest and most prominent demonstration that people have rejected the knowledge of God that is revealed in the natural order is their sexual depravity and homosexuality (26–27).
 
A descent into deeper and deeper sexual and moral perversion is an indication that God is judging that culture by “giving them over” to live out their damnable lifestyles without his gracious restraint (24, 26, 28).
 
The sexual perversion of homosexuality is a sin and a distortion of the created order, but it is not the only sin that reveals our depravity and rejection of the knowledge of God. Our depravity is demonstrated in a variety of sins and injustices (28–31).
 
God will justly condemn those who commit immoral, sinful acts, along with those who approve and enable those immoral, sinful actions (32).

“Exchanging Truth for a Lie”

“Exchanging Truth for a Lie” (Romans 1:20–23)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, February 19, 2017
 
Romans 1:20-23, NIV
20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.  21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.  22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
 
God has revealed himself with sufficient knowledge of himself to render all people accountable for their rejection of him (20).
             a. There is such a thing as natural revelation.
             b. What God reveals to people in nature is limited.
             c. The results of natural revelation are negative: enough to convict and leave them without excuse.
 
People suppressed and rejected the knowledge of God revealed in Creation and refused to give God the glory and thanks due him (21).
 
In our refusal to honor God, all people exchanged the truth about God for lies of our own making. We exchanged true worship of the Creator for the worship of that which is created (22–23).
 

“The Wrath of God”

“The Wrath of God” (Romans 1:18–20)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, February 12, 2017
 
Romans 1:18–23 (NIV)
     18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
     21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
 
The revelation of the righteousness of God in the gospel is necessary for humanity to be saved, because the wrath of God is also being revealed against humanity (v. 18).
 
Sinners are worthy of God’s wrath because of their ungodliness and wickedness (v. 18).
 
Sinners are without excuse when it comes to the judgment of God because God’s truth has been plainly revealed to them, and they chose to purposely ignore and suppress it (vv. 18–20).

“The Righteousness of God”

“The Righteousness of God” (Romans 1:17)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, February 5, 2017
 
Romans 1:16-17, NIV
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-- a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
 
The gospel is (v. 16):
A story that is worthy of unashamed proclamation
A story that unleashes the power of God on humanity.
A story that saves everyone who believes.
A story that is good news for the whole world.
 
Verse 17 further describes the power of the gospel:
 
The gospel reveals the righteousness of God.
 
The righteousness of God is his powerful saving activity among humanity that graciously gives a righteous status to those who cannot earn their own righteousness.
 
This graciously imparted righteous status from God is received by sinners by faith alone.
 
Main Idea: The gospel reveals the righteousness of God, which is his powerful saving activity among humanity that graciously grants the status of righteousness on the basis of faith and faith alone to everyone who believes.

“No Ordinary Story”

“No Ordinary Story” (Romans 1:16)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, January 29, 2017
 
Romans 1:16, NIV
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 
 
A story that is worthy of unashamed proclamation.
 
A story that unleashes the power of God upon humanity.
 
A story that brings salvation to every person who believes.
 
A story that is good news for the entire world.
 
Main Idea: The gospel is the story of God’s power that saves sinners throughout the whole world through the atoning and resurrecting work of Jesus, his Son. And we need not be ashamed of believing it, of living it, or of boldly telling it to the world.