06 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto - God's Plan

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans

Pt. 6: God’s Plan

By Louie Marsh, 6-1-2025

 

Opening Graphics on Planning – ends with the 3 circles

 

1) I’m NOT in charge – God is!

 

¹⁹  You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” ²⁰  But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” ²¹  Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? ²²  What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, ²³  in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— ²⁴  even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? ²⁵  As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” ²⁶  “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” Romans 9:19-26 (ESV)

 

2) I need to REACH OUT to the lost just like God does.

 

⁵  For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. ⁶  But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) ⁷  “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). ⁸  But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); ⁹  because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. ¹¹  For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” ¹²  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. ¹³  For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:5-13 (ESV)

 

3) God’s Plan is open to everyone who puts their FAITH in Christ.

 

¹⁷  But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, ¹⁸  do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. ¹⁹  Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” ²⁰  That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. ²¹  For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. ²²  Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. ²³  And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. Romans 11:17-23 (ESV)

 

· The Eternal Plan of God is UNSTOPPABLE.

 

²⁵  Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. ²⁶  And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; ²⁷  “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” ²⁸  As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. Romans 11:25-28 (ESV)

 

· But I can miss God’s plan for my life if I don’t BELIEVE.

 

4) God is far wiser than I can EVER UNDERSTAND.

 

³³  Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ³⁴  “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” ³⁵  “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” ³⁶  For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)