Your April 14th Expository Sermon

Paradigms of Perdition and Promise (Romans 5:12-21)

Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

Sermon Outline: "Paradigms of Perdition and Promise” — Romans 5:12-21

Introduction:

Romans 5:12-21 takes us on a profound theological journey, contrasting the devastating effects of Adam's disobedience with the redemptive power of Christ's obedience. This passage lays bare the cosmic battle between sin and grace, death and life, condemnation and justification. As we dive into these verses, we will explore the foundational truths about human nature, sin, and God's overwhelming grace that not only counteracts but also far exceeds the ruin brought by sin.

I. Problem of Sin Proliferated (Romans 5:12-14)

Pervasiveness of Sin: "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned" (Romans 5:12, ESV). This point addresses the origin of sin in the world and its universal impact on humanity, tracing the lineage of sin and death back to Adam’s transgression.

Prevalence of Death: Discusses the reign of death from Adam to Moses, emphasizing the extent of sin's dominion before the law, showing that sin’s influence is not confined to the breaking of explicit commands but is a fundamental human problem.

II. Power of the Law Pronounced (Romans 5:13-14)

Purpose of the Law: Explores the role of the law in relation to sin, indicating that the law was given to identify and increase the awareness of sin, not to be the remedy for it.

Pre-eminence of Sin and Death: Highlights that even before the law, sin and death were dominant, demonstrating the deep-rooted issue of sin that transcends time and legal structures.

III. Promise of Grace Prevailed (Romans 5:15-17)

Plentiful Grace and Gift: "But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many" (Romans 5:15, ESV). This section contrasts Adam’s act with Christ’s gift, emphasizing the abundance of grace that overflows to many through Jesus.

Preeminence of Life: Discusses how the gift of righteousness leads to reigning in life through Jesus Christ, presenting the triumphant nature of grace that not only reverses the curse but establishes believers in a position of victory.

IV. Proclamation of Two Paths (Romans 5:18-19)

Parallel Roads: Draws a parallel between the act of disobedience by Adam, which led to condemnation for all, and the act of obedience by Christ, which leads to justification and life for many.

Personal Choice and Universal Consequence: Reflects on the universal implications of Adam’s sin and Christ’s obedience, inviting individual reflection on the path each person chooses.

V. Prevailing Grace and Reigning Righteousness (Romans 5:20-21)

Proliferation of Grace: "Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" (Romans 5:20, ESV). This point emphasizes that the increase of sin led to the superabundance of grace, highlighting the boundless nature of God’s grace in response to sin.

Perpetual Reign of Grace and Righteousness: Concludes with the victory of grace through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, signifying the ultimate triumph of grace over sin.

Conclusion:

In Romans 5:12-21, we are confronted with the stark realities of sin and death introduced through Adam and the surpassing grace and life made available through Jesus Christ. This passage offers a panoramic view of salvation history, encapsulating the profound truth that while sin has wrought devastation, God's grace reigns supreme, bringing abundant life and eternal justification. As believers, we stand on the victorious side of history, where grace not only meets our deepest need but also empowers us to live in the fullness of God's redemptive promise.

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