7/25/2010
I am not ashamed of the Gospel
Romans chapter 1:8-17
Introduction-
We are going to look for a moment at the gospel of Christ. The Gospel, the good news. The gospel is only good news to those that come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is not good news to those that are a maverick or decide in their heart that Jesus is not for them. Apostle Paul in Romans chapter one begins to lay out a plan for the church at Rome. The church at Rome is not a church that Paul started. In fact, many times he tried to get to the church at Rome and for various reasons did not get there. From the Bible study on Wednesday, we see some reasons why Paul couldn’t get there. Maybe because of being shipwrecked, being imprisoned, beaten up a few times. Not many people faced problems that Paul had. For a long time Paul planned to visit the church at Rome. He hoped to get them to help evangelize Spain.
Romans chapter 1:8-17 (Prayer)
This portion of Scripture is 3 fold. (1)Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving. (2)The power of the Gospel. (3)Spiritual gift that are for us and gifts we share. Paul understood his mission. “To call people from among the Gentiles to the obedience of Christ that comes from faith” (1:5)
With my whole heart, I will preach the gospel.
I want to be with you to impart some spiritual gifts.
I want to fellowship with you that we may encourage each other’s faith.
The reason that I have not yet been able to see you is because of circumstances, not lack of desire. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. First for the Jews, then for the Gentiles. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last. Just as it is written, the righteous will live by faith.”
Let that sink in a minute
Salvation is the clear message.
Salvation is in the life, death, resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is the gospel message.
The gospel from beginning to end is marked by power.(God’s power)
Christ power over the grave.
The working of miracles in people’s lives.
Powerful work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The transformation power to change lives and communities.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes Not believed, past tense- once I did, but now I am not sure, or maybe revisit it at a later date. Present tense- active and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Hebrew 6;5- It (gospel) is the power of the age to come. Salvation means deliverance from the present evil age and the restoration and preservation from the wrath to come.
The power of the gospel- the good news. The Greek word for power (dynamas) is where we get the English word dynamite. Dyno..mite as JJ from the 70
