Go! And Proclaim The Power Of The Gospel - Romans 1:16 Series

Go! And Proclaim the Power of the Gospel - Romans 1:16

Introduction:

Charles Spurgeon once said, "The gospel is like a lion. It does not need to be defended, it just needs to be let out of its cage." The gospel is the power of God, and as followers of Christ, we are called to share it boldly. Today, we will explore Romans 1:16 and the incredible truth of the gospel’s power in our lives and in the world.

Romans 1:16 (NLT):“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”

The Apostle Paul makes a bold declaration. He is not ashamed of the gospel. Why? Because it is the power of God for salvation. This verse calls us to trust in and proclaim the power of the gospel. Let’s explore what this means for us today.

1. The Gospel is the Power of God

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT):“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.”

Paul contrasts two perspectives: those who see the gospel as foolish and those who recognise its power. The Greek word for power here is “dynamis”, meaning miraculous power or force. The gospel is not just a message—it is God’s dynamic, life-changing power at work.

Think of an unlit dynamite stick. By itself, it seems ordinary, but once ignited, its power is revealed. The gospel is the same. When embraced by faith, it transforms lives in ways we cannot imagine.

We must not dilute or apologise for the gospel. Instead, we should share it with confidence, knowing it has the power to change lives.

John Piper said:“The gospel is the only message in the world with the power to create new life and secure eternal joy.”

2. The Gospel Saves Everyone Who Believes

John 3:16 (NLT):“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

The gospel is for everyone—Jew and Gentile alike. The Greek word for “believes” is “pisteuo”, meaning to have faith or trust. Salvation is available to all who place their trust in Jesus.

Imagine a burning building. Firefighters arrive and offer a ladder to safety. The only way to escape is to trust the ladder and climb it. The gospel is our ladder—salvation is only possible by trusting in Christ.

Do we truly believe in the gospel’s power? Are we sharing it with those around us, knowing that salvation is available for everyone?

Billy Graham said:“The cross demands a response. It is not simply a symbol to be admired, but a sacrifice to be received.”

3. We Must Not Be Ashamed of the Gospel

Mark 8:38 (NLT):“If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Jesus Himself warns against being ashamed of the gospel. The Greek word “epaischunomai” means to feel disgrace or embarrassment. Paul boldly declares that he is not ashamed—neither should we be.

Imagine an ambassador who refuses to represent their country. Their silence would dishonour their homeland. We are ambassadors of Christ, called to represent Him boldly.

Are we afraid to share the gospel because of what others might think? The world may reject us, but Jesus calls us to stand firm.

Francis Chan said:“Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things that don’t matter.”

Conclusion:

Paul’s declaration in Romans 1:16 is a call to action. The gospel is the power of God, available to everyone who believes. We must not be ashamed but boldly proclaim its truth.

Call to Action:

Trust in the power of the gospel.

Share it boldly with those around you.

Stand firm in your faith, unashamed of Christ.

Invitation to Faith:

If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus, today is the day. The gospel is God’s power for salvation—will you believe? Let’s pray.