The Power of the Gospel

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This is a sermon based on Romans 1:8-17 and is a continuation of a series of messages on Romans.

Written Excerpts...

Text: v. 16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

Introduction:

Last week we began a series of messages on the NT book of Romans. We looked at the first seven verses of chapter one as an introduction to the letter. In the message we emphasized the status of the Apostle Paul who presented himself as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we emphasized the calling Christ gave to the Romans to be saints. Living as a servant of the Lord and striving to live a holy, godly life is the challenge for every professing Christian, not just those of the first century.

Today we are continuing our study by looking at verses 8-17. These verses are also considered part of Paul’s introductory comments at the beginning of the letter. Our main focus for the message today will be verses 16 & 17, where the Apostle talks about the “power of the gospel.” In those verses he speaks about his confidence in the gospel and what it can accomplish in the future for everyone who believes.

In the verses leading up to verse 16, it seems appropriate to say that he speaks about the power of the gospel already at work in the lives of the Christians in Rome.

I. The Gospel is powerfully working in the Roman church. (vv. 8-15)

We’ve already mentioned a theory on how the church was started… visitors to Jerusalem on Pentecost.

A. Their reputation has circulated around the known world. (8)

Indicators of this fact given in Php. 1:12-13; 4:22 regarding how the effects have spread right there in Rome. (Once Paul arrived in Rome as a prisoner, he discovered…)

Philippians 1:12-13 (NKJV) ¹²  But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, ¹³  so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

Philippians 4:22 (NKJV) ²²  All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.

When God is truly working in any location, the word gets around.

Ills. with reference to Brooklyn Tabernacle; Reash church.

B. Paul wants to visit and assist in their ongoing growth. (9-12)

He assures them of his constant and faithful prayers for them. Part of his prayer content is that he will have the opportunity to visit. There is something natural for true Christian brothers and sisters to want to get together and share stories of God’s grace and see first hand what God is doing.

He wants to visit in order to impart some spiritual gift.

Common gift or supernatural gift? I’m inclined to go along with natural gift (as in, any assistance needed to establish them and bring them to maturity).

cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:10 (NKJV) ¹⁰  night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?

He will benefit from them as much as they will benefit from him.

C. He desires to be effective there as he has been elsewhere. (13-15)

Paul states that he desires to come and “have some fruit” among them just like he has among other Gentiles. Paul has already seen the mighty power of God at work in the other Gentile centers that he has visited. Now, he wants to come to visit them and enjoy the privilege of bearing fruit among them.

He is essentially saying that he desires to be “in the middle” of anyplace that God is at work.

Debtor to – all classes of people. Obligated to bring them the message of the gospel.

(Reasoner) Jabez Bunting said that the barbarianism of some nations is no reason why the Gospel should not be introduced to them, since the Gospel announces a remedy for moral disorder. On the other hand, a high state of civilization is no proof that the Gospel is unnecessary. We are debtors to both.

It is the same sense of obligation that one starving man feels to tell another where he has found food to eat.

He has seen its effectiveness in all other places, so he is ready to see it at work in the very center of culture and political power in the empire.

II. The Gospel is powerfully sufficient for the rest of the world. (v. 16)

It is powerful – dunamis; Not merely a powerful means in God's hands, but in itself a divine energy. (Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.)

Powerful in its ability to persuade and to transform. (Coke, in Reasoner)

“for everyone who believes” – Jew first (in order of sequence or chronology, but not in value or importance). God chose the “Jewish people” as His people for the purpose of sending the Messiah into the world; receiving the revelation of God’s redemption and to be the guardian of His revelation for the world.

III. The Gospel is powerfully adequate in its purpose. (16-17)

A. Unto salvation – Salvation is the goal from start to finish.

Salvation is the total scheme and accomplishment of redemption for every person and even for the entire world.

Rom 8 speaks of the whole creation groaning for the fulfillment of God’s redemption.

Romans 8:21 (NKJV) ²¹  because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

God’s plan for redemption that was formulated before the foundation of the world is 100% adequate for the condition of the world and mankind!

B. To reveal and accomplish the righteousness of God.

(Reasoner) “This refers to God’s character. God’s actions are consistent with the demands of justice.”

His nature is consistent with His standard of good, of purity and justice. It is an all-comprehensive concept that encompasses His wrath upon all sin (see next verse).

C. By faith.

(Reasoner) “…yet faith is the condition of salvation, as well as the result of salvation.”

Conclusion:

Dear friends, the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ is totally adequate and sufficient to get a “poor lost sinner” saved.

The song writer has penned the words, “Hallelujah, what a Savior who can take a poor lost sinner, lift him from the miry clay and set him free! I will ever tell the story, shouting glory, glory glory! Hallelujah, Jesus ransomed me!”

Let us conclude our worship this morning by singing a wonderful hymn about this salvation:

Jesus Saves