romans 1:18-3:20: sin

This is one of the most difficult sections of Romans. The basic idea, that all men are sinful and deserve the wrath of God is simple to understand, but is in many ways difficult to accept. Further, the late half of chapter two contains some very tricky ideas.
Difficulties aside, it is the idea that starts the Gospel - Mankind is sinful, deserving of judgement, and desperately needs salvation.

1. Rom 1:18 - 1:32: Some people are evil

Paul argues that sin exists by using examples his audience will agree with.
"Surely we can all agree that these people at least deserve God's judgement."

2. Rom 2:1 - 2:10: You're evil too (because you do the same things)

Having established that some people deserve God's wrath, Paul now says that we are just like those people and deserve wrath too.
He does hint at the fact that though everyone is guilty, those who persevere "in doing good" (v7) will escape wrath and receive glory.

Having got us to agree that some people are at least evil and deserving of sin, Paul turns the tables and says that we are guilty of the same thing. 3 notes

Note 1: this is not a condemnation of judging; this is a statement that when you judge you are agreeing to use that standard against yourself. "Judge not lest you be judged".
Paul is careful to say that your condemnation of the people in chapter 1 is right however - v2:

And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.

Note 2: Paul doesn't waste any time with people who don't see that they are guilty of the same sins.
He's saying that you are guilty and leaves it to the reader to agree.

Note 3: Having condemned everyone, he lays out hope for those who are righteous.
That doesn't make any sense...yet. He's pulling us forward, letting us know we don't have all the pieces yet.

All told, this has to be one of the simplest ways to present sin...

3. Rom 2:10 - 2:29: Disobedient Jews are condemned.

Just being a Jew isn't enough to get into heaven; easy for us to agree, harder for Paul's audience.
Basically, Paul argues that Jews are just like Gentiles - any Jew who disobeys is under the same wrath as a Gentile. That raises a few questions; the biggest ones are:

- What's the point in being a Jew (even before Christ)?
- How has anyone ever avoided the wrath of God?

Rom 3:1 - 3:8: The Purpose of Israel and God's righteousness

This section answers the first of those questions - What is the point in being a Jew?
Paul's answer? You got to be part of God's revelation of himself (is that insufficient?)

Nerd Note: this is a huge limiter on the 'corporate salvation' idea. corporate salvation is great, so long as you define your 'corporate membership' by individual choices.

Note: many argue that this section condemns the self-righteous, rather than condemning everyone.

Big Question: Does this mean that Gentiles could be saved apart from the Law in the OT?

4. Rom 3:9 - 3:20: Condemnation reestablished (biblical proof)

In case you missed it, Paul reiterates the idea that everyone is sinful with a blitz of Scripture.

Bottom line: everyone is depraved and the wrath of God is upon us all

1. The Principles

Everyone is sinful.

The gospel seems to always start here, with an acknowledgement of guilt.
Paul starts his doctrine of Christianity here, and even argues that God's revelation starts here with the giving of the law (designed to show sin).

Everyone is under the wrath of God.

If you are not a Christian, please - repent of your sins and turn to God.
If you are, don't forget what you deserve.

This is not a 'nice' idea; it's awful.
it's a scary idea; it is our motivation to evangelise.
paul's pleading in 2 cor 5:20:

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

2. Our Changes

Expect sin in yourself.

believe it bub, you're a no-good.
1 cor 10:13 says it nicely: "let him who stands take heed lest he fall"
in other words, live carefully.

more to the point, recognize how desperately you deserve wrath and need help

- don't live thinking you deserve salvation
- do live thinking how much you need it.

Expect sin in others.

evangelism:

remember how desperate people's need is. they are under the wrath of God.

expectations:

expect evil from others.
don't be surprised when:

coworkers are mean.
spouses are cruel
esp, for parents:
expect your kids to be sinful.

they're born that way.
also - make sure that their obediece is a primary goal
notice 1:30...in the middle of a list of huge sins is the phrase "disobedient to parents"

it's a big deal.
make sure you care more about helping them obey than about your own convenience or ease....