READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Following the first sermon in the Romans series “Made Right to Walk Right”, which highlighted the sin in all humankind, we move on to the failure of the Jews (Rom. 2:17,19,20,24) and God’s determined faithfulness (Rom. 3:3,4).
The familiar saying, “to throw the baby out with the bathwater” means not to discard something good together with the bad or rejecting something favourable indiscriminately with the unfavourable. In our sinful world, everyone has their imperfections. Our decisions may be imperfect. Even our worship is imperfect. But God is perfect. So do not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
God is faithful even if people are not. The Jews are supposed to be the guide to other nations (Rom. 2:19,20). However, their lifestyle has brought shame to God’s Name (Rom. 2:24). We may have had bad experiences of people who are Christians. It may have been our spouse, boss, or friend. We ourselves may have been a poor example to those around us. But God’s faithfulness is not reliant on man’s faithfulness. “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Tim. 2:13). We should take our hurts and bad experiences to God in prayer. Turn to Him with honest questions of why, what, for how long, and seek His help and healing.
God is true even if every person is false. There are people with twisted thoughts who say “Let us do evil that good may result” (Rom. 3:8). Paul rebuts by quoting Psalm 116:11: “Everyone is a liar”. Can we trust the authorities, leaders, parents, friends or even ourselves? Do you face distrust and feel like giving up? Recall how God was able to turn Good Friday, where innocent and holy Jesus was crucified into Easter where He triumphed over sin and death. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ” (2 Cor.1:20). Don’t give up on God and His promises. Do not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
God will prevail even if we fail. We live in an upside-down world where we feel like helpless pawns. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Prov. 19:21). God has the final say. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, thrown into prison, and forgotten. He must have felt like a helpless pawn. After 20 years, he was raised to power and reunited with his family. He shared with his brothers that “you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen.50:20). Joseph understood that God is sovereign. God makes history, not governments and earthly powers.
Let us hope in God and trust His plan and purposes. Remember His determined faithfulness!
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What were the 3 major setbacks/tragedies in your life?
- How had the Holy Spirit/Word of God helped you in your road to recovery?
- In what way are you still on the road to recovery?
