The Three P’s of
The Gospel
(Romans 1:1-7)
1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Introduction: The Book of Romans, what a book. In this book we uncover the mystery of the Gospel. Not only the Gospel but also Paul explains in a precise way God’s doctrine. In this book we begin to understand that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is more than facts to be believed; it is also a life to be lived.
Here in Romans chapter one Paul lays down the foundation for his writings in his introduction. For Paul it was all about Jesus. Since his first encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul had only one purpose, one vision, one mission, and one goal and that was to share to the world Jesus Christ. Paul understood that he was nothing and God was everything. Paul understood that without Christ he would have been accursed and separated from God. So it’s no wonder that he opens Romans talking about the Gospel. Paul lets us know in verse 16 of chapter 1 that he “was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ…”
Let’s look at the first seven verses and see what we can learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s also see how we can make application.
I want to give you the three P’s of the Gospel found in these seven verses.
1.The Promised Gospel: Vs.2-3
2(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
What is the Gospel? We know that it is the “Good News” But the Good News is what? That Jesus Christ the Son of God came to this earth and died for our sins, then he was buried in a borrowed tomb and then three days later he rose from the grave.
So what do we know about this promised gospel? We know that those in the Old Testament were saved by faith just as we are today. They looked forward to the cross and we look back. The Old Testament Paul tells us was filled with prophecy foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ. Let’s see what the Old Testament had to say about Jesus’ coming.
a. His Deity: Look if you will at
Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) 14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6 - 7 (KJV) 6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
b. His Death:
Psalms 22:14 - 19 (KJV) 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. 16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. 19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
c. His Decent:
Isaiah 53:9 (KJV) 9And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
d. His Deliverance:
Psalms 16:10 (KJV) 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
2.The Powerful Gospel: Vs 4
4And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
What about this gospel that makes it so powerful? It is able
a. To Redeem:
Romans 1:16 (KJV) 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
b. To Remain:
Ephesians 1:13 (KJV) 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
c. To Resurrect:
Philippians 3:13 (KJV) 10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
3.The Performing Gospel: Vs. 5-6
`5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
This Gospel that Paul experienced and preached, was active in his life. It was performing a work in Paul’s life on a daily bases. There are 3 things that I want to mention concerning the performance of the Gospel.
a. It Sets Us Apart:
1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV) 2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
b. It Structures Our Lives:
Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
c. It Sends Us Out: Vs 5
5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
Conclusion: Have you accepted the good news? Just as the Old Testament told us about this one called Jesus the New Testament tells us also about this man and how we can experience this gospel. The Bible tells us in Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Do you have the power of the Gospel working in your life? Is the Gospel doing a work in your life? Paul used the word “called” three times in the first six verses. He wanted us to know that the God of the Universe called us for a reason. May we take are calling serious.
