The Nutshell Of The Gospel Series

Romans 1:16-17 The Nutshell of the Gospel

Romans 1:16-17-Nutshell of the Content of the Epistle

With today’s passage, we are completing the first division of this Epistle. The theme of the Epistle has found in this short passage, that is GOSPEL. Paul had planned to expand his theological understanding throughout the Epistle. So, it becomes an introduction to his theme. The righteousness of God through faith (Romans 1-8), the Jews and the Greeks equally treated (Romans 9-11), through faith, the righteous shall live (Romans 12-15).

Pride of the Gospel- Not ashamed (Romans 1:16)

Cursed is the man who has hanged upon the tree (Deuteronomy 21:23 and Galatians 3:13). Paul was not ashamed of a person called Jesus, who was treated as cursed, and his message is Gospel. Paul proudly called himself a follower of Christ and a Christian. Righteousness is pre-eminently a divine attribute that sets a lofty standard for human behavior. Righteousness becomes the quality of life expected of the believer in his relationships and the standard hitherto unattainable by man’s native powers. However, possible by the indwelling and energizing of the Holy Spirit. Gospel is a pride of a believer because it gives salvation. If a man ceases to believe in God and his Gospel, he believes in everything and anything.

Power of the Gospel – everyone should be saved (Romans 1:16)

Saving everyone on the earth is the power of the Gospel. Salvation is a grant of God. It is a God-given gift by God but reached through faith. It's never forced upon anyone but offered to everyone. Faith added grace results in the salvation experience of a believer. A man can live eternally through faith. The justification of the believers is an end of punishment for Sin. The power of the Gospel helps a person to journey from faith to faith: “From faith” means by which we are put into a justified state through faith we are engrafted into Christ. “To faith” means by which we live and we derive virtue from Christ as our root. The just shall live by faith. We are made just by faith and we live by faith. There is a justifying faith and there is a maintaining faith. Faith is all in all. Faith helps to begin our life in Christ. Faith helps us to grow progressively in holiness and attach to Christ. It is increasing, continuing and persevering faith. It gives both the life of grace and glory.

Person of the Gospel (Romans 1:17)

Jesus Christ came to his own was rejected because of his humble beginning, simplicity and speaking of Truth. Jesus condemned the practices of religious customs of his days. He had become a bridge to connect all to the Father. He bridged the sinners with God. Jesus Christ is great and plays a vital role in our lives. He is the God of truth and justice. Paul committed to the person called Jesus and he decided to proclaim that person’s message all around the globe. Paul understood that Jesus is the savior of the world. Jesus is sufficient for the salvation of the whole world. Jesus is such a wonderful compassionate savior. Jesus appeared to Paul and convinced him that he was the messiah and the savior. Hence, Paul is attached to that person through prayer and the word of God.

Discussions:

1. Do you feel proud of the Gospel? Narrate your experience in sharing the Gospel.

2. Did you experience the power of the Gospel in your life struggles?

3. Who is Jesus for you?

(For my studies in Romans, please refer this website)