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PODCAST: Stop Working for God2 min read

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sisyphusFor many, the life of faith is a life of burdensome works to earn or keep salvation.

That is totally backwards. Listen and understand why. Outline below.

[powerpress]http://www.wholereason.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/stop_working_for_god.mp3[/powerpress]

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0. Review of Romans

a. Greeting (1:1-15)
b. Gospel Summary (1:16-17)
c. Exposing our common guilt (1:19-3:20)

  • Gentiles, nature and conscience
  • Moralizers, not as good as they think
  • Jews
  • ALL together

d. The Good News (3:21-26)

1. Why Abe?

  1. Abraham is the                           of                   
  2. Salvation by faith is not a                                 

2. Salvation: Not by                       

Romans 4:4-5 (ESV)

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.

But to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.

SIDEBAR:  Faith and Works – Objections

  • What motivation will people have to DO GOOD?
  • If Hitler repented on his deathbed, would God then forgive him without works?
  • Why not wait until the last minute?

3. Do we have to do ANYHING other than BELIEVE to be saved from “the wrath to come”?

  • Good works?
  • Ceremonies?
  • Belong to a group?
  • Obey religious rules?

4. Entering God’s                         (Hebrews 3-4)

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
~ Philippians 1:6 (NKJ)

  • Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)

5. Real faith                                  good works (James 2:14-24)

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

6.  Not by                  or                   

  • Romans 4:9-12
  • Colossians 2:11-12
  • Romans 6:4-6

7.  Not by                                        

  • Romans 4:13-17

Don’t just do something, SIT there. And rest.