The Love of God

Text: Romans 5:6-10

Introduction:
  I. The Bible talks a lot about the love of God, such 
     passages as: John 3:16; Titus 3:4; 1 John 4:8.
 II. Paul, in Romans 5:6-10, shows why God is spoken of as 
     loving us.
III. Read the text.

Body:
  I. The plan of God for human redemption.
     A. “In due time…” verse 6 (“at the right time…” NAS)
        1. A common language (“Greek”)
        2. Peace throughout the land.
        3. Transportation.
     B. The death of Jesus was designed by God.
        1. Acts 2:23-24
        2. 1 Peter 1:18-20
           a. God’s statement to the serpent after Adam and 
              Eve’s sin.
           b. The Passover Lamb
     C. Isaiah writes of the future event as if it had 
        already happened. Isaiah 53:3-4
        1. Note the use of the past tense in these verses.
        2. God had determined that His Son would die for 
           the sins of the world.

 II. The sinfulness of man is declared in the death of 
     Jesus.
     A. Man is described as:
        1. Ungodly (unlike God, like Satan)
        2. Sinners (sin—“missing the mark”)
     B. The death of Jesus declares the tragedy of sin: the 
        sinless Son of God suffered untold agony because of 
        man’s sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21
     C. Sin is not a mere social stigma; environmental 
        blight…sin is rebellion against God Almighty…with 
        all the consequences.

III. The inability of man to save himself (verse 6).
     A. Man was “without strength” (“weak”, ASV; “still 
        helpless” NAS) to save himself, and he still is.
        1. Jesus’ prayer in the garden (Matthew 26:39).
     B. Men could not be saved by the Law of Moses (Romans 
        3:20, 28).
     C. They could not be saved by their own good works 
        (Titus 3:5)
        1. Not good enough to be a good neighbor, honest, 
           good father or mother, and/or good citizen…one 
           must be righteous (Romans 1:16-17).
        2. Yet many seemingly have the idea that they can 
           save themselves by their own goodness.

 IV. The condemnation of man is declared by the death of 
     Jesus.
     A. Romans 5:9-10
     B. Justify: To pronounce pardoned or forgiven of sin.
        1. Prior to justification, there is condemnation.
        2. God sent His Son to save a condemned world (John 
           3:17).
     C. This condemnation means that one is in danger of 
        being subjected to the eternal wrath of God (Romans 
        1:18; 2:5-9).
     D. Men condemned Jesus to death; His death is for 
        condemned men.

  V. The fact that man is alienated from God is declared in 
     Jesus’ death.
     A. Man was an enemy (alienated) because of his sin 
        (Isaiah 59:1-2).
     B. The term “reconciled” implies previous alienation 
        (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
     C. What is the condition of one alienated from God 
        (Ephesians 2:11-16).
        1. “Without Christ”: as Savior, Advocate, High 
           Priest.
        2. “Without hope”: Romans 8:24
        3. “Without God”: as Father.

 VI. God’s real concern for man is declared in the death of 
     Jesus.
     A. Romans 5:7-9 (verse 7)
     B. What if God had told you to give your child for the 
        sins of the world?
     C. One may have lived in sin for many years; one may 
        have sinned grievously; but God loves sinful people 
        (John 3:16).
        1. God would have all men to be saved (1 Timothy 
           2:4).
        2. He is not willing that any should perish (2 
           Peter 3:9).
        3. The proof: “He spared not His own son…” (Romans 
           8:32).

Conclusion:
  I. “Love so amazing so divine, demands my soul, my all…,” 
     (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
 II. Do you appreciate the sacrifice of Christ?
III. Is your heart so cold that you do not respond with 
     deep gratitude to this kind of heavenly interest and 
     concern.
 IV. If God has been so interested in your soul, why can’t 
     you show your appreciation by surrendering your will 
     to this loving Heavenly Father?