Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode Title: The Just Shall Live by Faith
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: January 12, 2025

Introduction

In the January 12, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, hosted by Ligonier Ministries, R.C. Sproul delves into the profound theological insights of the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. Titled "The Just Shall Live by Faith," this episode is part of a brief Sunday series focusing on the Book of Romans, one of the most significant texts in Christian theology.

Contextualizing Romans

R.C. Sproul begins by emphasizing the enduring significance of Romans throughout church history. He highlights that Romans has been pivotal in shaping Christian doctrine and awakening key figures like Martin Luther. Sproul notes, “Romans is a significant epistle from the Apostle Paul. And one of the reasons it is so significant is because of how the Lord has used this book throughout church history” (00:24).

Paul’s Greeting and Thanksgiving

Sproul explores Paul's opening remarks to the Roman church, where Paul expresses profound gratitude:

“I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all” (01:31).

He explains that Paul’s use of the Greek word Eucharisto underscores a deep sense of thanksgiving, reminiscent of the early Christian celebration of the Eucharist. This gratitude is not merely personal but extends globally, as Paul rejoices that the Roman Christians' faith "is spoken of throughout the whole world" (00:24).

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

A central theme of the sermon is the distinction between the "gospel of God" and the "gospel of Jesus Christ." Sproul clarifies that while the gospel originates from God, the Pauline epistles, including Romans, focus on the actual person and work of Jesus Christ. He states:

“At the heart of the gospel is the announcement of who Jesus is and what he accomplished in his lifetime” (01:31).

Sproul emphasizes that the gospel encompasses Jesus' perfect obedience, atoning death, resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. These are the objective aspects of the gospel, which are complemented by the subjective aspect of how believers personally appropriate these benefits through faith.

Justification by Faith Alone

The episode's focal point is justification by faith alone, encapsulated in the verse "The just shall live by faith." Sproul underscores that this doctrine is essential to understanding the gospel and emphasizes its role in both preaching and personal faith.

He highlights Paul’s unwavering commitment to preaching the gospel, stating:

“I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ... For it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (24:47).

Sproul connects this to the historical awakening of Martin Luther, who found liberation in understanding that righteousness is a free gift from God, not a result of human efforts.

Paul’s Passion and Commitment

Sproul delves into Paul's heartfelt desire to visit Rome, driven by his passion to both encourage and be encouraged by the Roman believers. He quotes Paul’s longing:

“I long to come to you, that I can encourage you and that you can encourage me” (01:31).

This mutual encouragement underscores the relational aspect of the Christian faith, where believers support one another in their spiritual journeys.

Righteousness Revealed from Faith to Faith

Exploring the core verse, Sproul explains:

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, the just shall live by faith” (24:47).

He elaborates that this righteousness is not inherent but provided by God to those who believe. This concept was revolutionary for figures like Augustine and Luther, who recognized that true righteousness comes from trusting in Christ, not from personal merit.

Modern Relevance and Application

Sproul draws parallels between Paul’s time and the modern Christian experience. He addresses the contemporary pursuit of power and experience in Christianity, contrasting it with the gospel's true power:

“There is no program known to man that has the power that the gospel has” (24:47).

He cautions against seeking personal power or manipulation, affirming that the gospel’s true dynamism lies in its ability to save and transform lives through God’s power, not human effort.

Conclusion

R.C. Sproul concludes the episode by reiterating the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of living by faith. He emphasizes trust in God as the foundation for a mature Christian life:

“The just shall live by faith, and you can trust God with your life” (24:47).

Sproul invites listeners to deepen their understanding of Romans and the gospel through his Expositional Commentary, encouraging support for the ministry to continue spreading the gospel’s profound truths.

Notable Quotes

• R.C. Sproul:

  “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all” (01:31)
  “For it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (24:47)
  “The just shall live by faith, and you can trust God with your life” (24:47)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Renewing Your Mind offers a deep and insightful exploration of the Apostle Paul's message in Romans, particularly focusing on the theme of living by faith. R.C. Sproul effectively bridges historical theological insights with contemporary Christian life, providing listeners with a robust understanding of justification by faith and its implications for personal faith and communal encouragement.

For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Romans, Sproul’s teachings serve as a valuable resource, encouraging believers to embrace the fullness of the gospel and live out their faith with confidence and trust in God.

Timestamp Reference:

• 00:24 – Introduction to the episode and significance of Romans
• 01:31 – Paul’s Thanksgiving and the Gospel of Jesus Christ
• 24:47 – Conclusion and key takeaways on justification by faith