June 22, 2014      Romans 1:16-17, 3:22-31                Sermon     

“The Foundation”

Over the next weeks we will be studying the Book of Romans.  It is a letter written to the Church of Rome in AD 56 or 57.  It is Paul’s fundamental essay on Christian faith.  It has been called the greatest letter ever written.  This morning’s lesson is the foundation of the theology of this epistle. 

We don’t think much about foundations. 

You see, by the time a building is completed you don’t really see much of the foundation.  You probably don’t even notice it. 

Just because you don’t see it  doesn't mean it is not important.

Having a good foundation is essential to the success of any building. 

It is important that the foundation be strong enough to support the weight of the building that will rest on it. 

The foundation needs to be set into a solid base so that it will not sink or crack.  Equally important, the foundation must be built “square,” with its lines

and corners made exactly to the plans, without unintended tilts or twists. 

A slightly skewed foundation may not seem like a big deal until it is time to place the roof that is when the effect of the misalignment becomes obvious. 

Things don’t fit together. 

If the floors aren’t level, or if the walls lean inward at an odd angle or if the roof line sags a little at one end, the problem is not a problem with the wall or the roof or the floor it is with the very foundation. 

Because of its importance of the foundation special care must be given to the laying of the foundation.  The measurements are precise, every angle is measured, every line is plumbed every cross piece is leveled. 

It is painstaking and important work. 

In order for us to understand the depth of God’s love for us we must understand the foundation material of our faith.

In his letter to the Church at Rome, he describes the meaning of the cross, explaining how Christ’s death and resurrection reconciles us to God. 

They are the fundamentals of our faith. 

Paul begins this morning with exacting theological terminology, which like the foundation of a well-built house, is carefully constructed.  He speaks to us of righteousness and faith, justification and grace, salvation and law. 

These terms are the levels and plumb lines and measuring rod of the foundation

of the lofty building of salvation secured by the promise of the gospel. 

Paul’s theological argument rests on one word; grace. 

Paul proclaims God reaches out with love for all people. 

Christ’s death on the cross overcomes our sin that separates us from God. 

Paul declares that we are saved by grace; that is the promise of the gospel. 

Jesus does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. 

The foundation of Paul’s argument is the good news that God’s grace is available for everyone. 

It doesn't matter who you are, what you have done, or where you have come from.  Paul rejoices that the gospel; “is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” 

God doesn't draw lines. 

God doesn't proclaim that some groups of people are in and some groups are out.  We humans may do that, but God doesn't. 

In God’s eyes, in the eyes of our creator, everyone is equal. 

There is no distinction we are all measured by the same measuring rod. 

Not only are we measured by the same rod but we are all equally unworthy.  Everyone is subject to divine law, which judges with righteousness. 

Isaiah in the Old Testament understood this, he gave us these words,

“All our righteous acts are like filthy rags…” 

Because of God’s holiness our sin cannot escape his vision. 

Like the house built on a skewed foundation, the effects of sin are painfully visible throughout our lives. 

We are misshapen by the power of sin at work in us. 

Sin distorts our view of ourselves, the world, and God. 

Sin makes it difficult for us to see the truth. 

Sin prevents us from being in right relationship with God. 

We have this gap between our desire for wholeness

and the reality of our brokenness. 

We like the apostle Paul, find ourselves unable to control our own will. 

We struggle to do what is right and are drawn toward that which we know is wrong.  We turn inward.

Selfishly focusing on our own need and ignoring the needs of our neighbors.

As a result of sin, when we are measured according to God’s law;

the measuring rod of divine righteousness we all come up short.

Beloved, that is true for each and every one of us. 

It doesn't matter how you measure up according to human standards. 

Whether you are a cradle Christian or are new to the faith,

the measuring rod is the same.  It doesn't matter whether you are wracked by guilt and shame about your shortcomings

or filled with pride about your accomplishments and self-worth;

the result is the same.  No matter how good we are we can never be good enough.  Whether our faults are carefully hidden or painfully visible for all to see, the result is the same. 

Paul asserts that sin is the great equalizing force in every human life. 

None of us are immune, and none of us are privileged to escape being held accountable.  “There is no difference,” Paul says, “for all have sinned

 and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  There is no escaping the measurement.  The exacting nature of God’s holiness demands it.  

But the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that the reference point for measuring our righteousness has been shifted; it has been shifted from us to Christ. 

When it is time for us to be measured up, Christ stands in our place. 

For the redeemed sinner saved by grace, God looks at Christ’s righteousness,

not our sins and failures. 

Our status in the eyes of God is measured according his grace, not our works. 

In faith, we trust Christ’s promise not only to be there with us,

but to stand there for us.  It is the cross of Christ not our own works,

which forms the foundation of our reconciled relationship with God. 

We are accepted by God and built up through Christ’s righteousness. 

This foundation is both solid and true.  Built on this foundation,

our very lives take on the character of Christ. 

The grace of God shapes us into the Christ-like life. 

A life where we live as forgiven sinners, reconciled with God

and with one another.  Living in the grace of God,

our lives are formed in God’s unwavering love for us in Christ Jesus. 

Over the next weeks we will be looking lofty building of salvation and joyful message of God’s grace in our lives. 

Blessings and love,

Pastor Dottie