A New York serial killer who signed taunting letters to the police, and a quiet civil servant tried for organising the murder of millions, both stories lead to the same uncomfortable question. This sermon opens a series on Romans and follows Paul’s diagnosis (Romans 1-3): people without the Bible and people with the Bible face the very same charge, because we keep putting ourselves where God belongs. The diagnosis is not pleasant, but without it the good news remains a pleasant slogan. Listen if you are willing to trade the question of what is wrong with the world for the question of what is wrong with you.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Romans 1:18-32 Paul writes that God makes Himself known through creation, yet people neither honour Him nor give Him thanks. According to this passage, what happens to a person who puts themselves in God's place?
- In Romans 2 Paul addresses people "with the Bible" who teach others but break the law themselves. Why does he say their attitude causes God's name to be blasphemed among the Gentiles?
- The sermon turns the question "What is wrong with the world?" into "What is wrong with me?". Why is it so easy to point at others' guilt and so hard to look at your own heart?
- The speaker stresses that God's judgement on sin is part of the good news, and Miłosz called belief in nothingness after death the true opium of the people. How can the truth about judgement be good news for you?
- Paul says God is faithful and patient, and His kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, as in the story of David Berkowitz, whose heart was opened in prison. How do you experience God's kindness calling you to change?
- If your moral judgements were recorded for a whole week, as in Timothy Keller's illustration, where would the gap between what you say and how you live be most visible? What specifically do you want to surrender to God this week so that He, not you, is at the centre?
