INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. I am a Debtor Because of the Gospel
2. I am Ready to Preach the Gospel
3. I am not Ashamed of the Gospel
Remarks.
1. In this lesson today, we will be discussing: “Paul’s Announcement to Rome.” I’m going to focus on three things the Apostle announces to Rome in this text. They are three “I AMs” regarding his desire, for the people and city of Rome.
2. First, he announces, that I am a debtor because of the love of God and the gospel of Christ. The love of Christ and the gospel had made a tremendous impact on Paul’s life. He sought in his own way to right all the wrongs that he had inflicted upon the saints; and the church, before his calling and apostleship. He preached to the church with the same intensity that he had while trying to destroy it. I too, like Paul acknowledge that I am a debtor. I too, owe my very life, my soul and my physical well-being to Christ, the church, and our wonderful brotherhood (sisters and brothers). Without which I would still be in darkness and sin; like many today “having no hope and without God in the world.” I simply desire to stir up the saints and religious people everywhere; with the understanding that they too are debtors to God for all the blessings of life, and the hope of eternal life.
3. Secondly, he announces, that I am ready to preach the gospel. His confidence did not rest in his early education, training or experience under the Law. But his preparedness and readiness resided in Christ who had called and empowered him to be an Apostle. What power, what love, what devotion and humility this beloved apostle exhibit; while preaching the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles alike! He was thankful to God for his immeasurable love and grace; that was showered upon his own life. The chief of sinners had now become the chief soul winner: “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ... to save sinner,” 1 Timothy 1:15. This entire week we are going to be pleading for all “to save themselves.”
4. Finally, he announces, that I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. He was not ashamed that this message might seem foolishness to the intellectuals of Rome. The Greeks, who sought after wisdom, would find the message foolishness. The gospel that Paul would preach in Rome would not be perceived as the wisdom of the world by the Greeks – but it is however, the wisdom of God, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. To preach to them, he would be perceived as a “fool for Christ.” The Jews who sought for signs, he was zealous to go to Rome that he might “impart unto them some spiritual gifts,” Romans 1:9-12. The Jews would find his preaching of Christ a “stumbling block and a rock of offense.” But some Jews could possibly be persuaded, by the signs, wonders and miracles, of this apostle. Therefore, he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ – realizing that it is: “The power of God unto salvation (deliverance) to both the Jews and the Gentiles.” Apostolic preaching was always accompanied “by signs, wonders, miracles and the gifts of the Holy Ghost,” Hebrews 2:1-4. Paul was equipped by God to meet the needs of the Jews and the Gentiles in the city of Rome.
BODY OF LESSON
I I AM A DEBTOR BECAUSE OF THE GOSPEL
A. I am a debtor. Here was a man, who because of the love of God felt a tremendous debt to all mankind; for the gift of salvation he now enjoyed. He was a debtor because of the Gospel of Christ. I would that every saint felt the same compulsion, conviction, and concern as did the beloved apostle. Notice in his confessions:
1 First to the Galatians: “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live," Galatians 2:20. Paul states I LIVE BECAUSE:
a. I am crucified with Christ (continually, crucifying myself unto the world), Galatians 6:14.
b. Christ now liveth in me (I am alive because He abides in me).
c. I rely upon “the faith of Christ” (my righteousness is by the faith of Jesus Christ).
d. The love of Christ (Christ loved me and gave himself for me).
2. Further, to the Corinthians: "For the Love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead, and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again," 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. John 3:16 Romans 5:8. We live for Him and for others!
3. Finally, to Timothy: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry: Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting,” 1 Timothy 1:12-16.
B. Paul’s desire for Rome: “To all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ:”
1. First, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world,” Romans 1:8.
2. Further, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you,” Romans 1:9-10.
3. Next, “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me,” Romans 1:11-12.
4. Finally, “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles,” Romans 1:13. He wanted to visit Rome to preach and confirm their faith in Christ. It is my belief that no Apostle founded this work; because the church was lacking gifts from the Holy Spirit. It may have had its origin for “the scattering of the saints.” Luke said: “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word,” Acts 8:4.
C. I am a debtor. Paul: “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise,” Romans 1:14. Paul considered himself a debtor to Christ. This debt was to all, to the wise and the unwise, to the Greek and to the barbarian, to the rich and to the poor, to the intellectual and to the unlearned. Let’s consider this idea of “debtor.” Notice:
1. First, Jesus speaks of debtors: Pharisee and the sinner woman. She came to the Pharisee’s dinner; as an uninvited guest. Jesus question: “Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors:”
a. “The one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.”
b. “And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?”
c. “Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom was forgiven most? And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged."
d. “And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon: Seest thou this woman?”
1) “I enter into thine house, and thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears ... and wiped them with the hairs of her head.”
2) “Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman ... since the time I came in she hath not ceased to kiss my feet.”
3) “My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman.... hath anointed my feet with ointment.”
e. “Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven: for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven...Thy faith hath saved thee: go in peace,” Luke 7:36-50.
2. Further, Jesus speaks again of two debtors. Notice:
a. Peter’s question: “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven,” Matthew 18:21-22.
b. Parable of two debtors: “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants,” Matthew 18:23-35. Paraphrase this story.
1) One owed Ten thousand talents. The lord’s sentence, servant’s plead; lord’s forgiveness.
2) The other owed one hundred pence. The servant’s debtor, his plead, servant’s sentence.
3) The lord heard of the matter. “O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt because thou desiresdt me: Shouldest not thou have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.”
4) Conclusion: “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.” This is a lesson for all of us, when it comes to forgiving each other.
3. Finally, Jesus speaks of forgiveness: “For it ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will you Father forgive your trespasses,” Matthew 6:14-15.
4. Paul writes of forgiveness: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you,” Ephesians 4:31-32.
D. Paul was forgiven much, therefore, he loved much. He loves all, both wise and unwise, Greek and barbarian, rich and poor. Paul: "Had become all things to all men that he might win some," 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Consider:
1. Cannot undo the past. Beloved, we cannot undo all the wrongs done; but we can be grateful for the love of God and the grace of Christ – that has brought forgiveness for our sins.
2. My prayer to God: “That He gives us strength, to be as forgiving unto ourselves as He has over the years. And when the trials of this life – or the accusers of mankind remind us what a wretch we are – Give us solace Oh Lord, to forgive them as thou hast forgiven us. Help us never to forget from whence thou hast brought us; nor why you now preserve us; and for what thou hast yet prepared for us all.” Notice:
a. Isaiah’s prophecy:
1) One, ”For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him,” Isaiah 64:4.
2) Two, “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old,” Isaiah 43:18-19. Jehovah is saying: “the best is yet to come!”
b. Paul’s application:
1) One, “For eye have not seen nor ear heard; neither hath it entered into the heart of man; the things which God hast prepared for them that love him,” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
2) Two, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
c. Conclusion: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD,” Psalms 27:14. And: “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord,” Psalms 31:24. Paul to the Colossians: “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” Colossians 1:27.
E. All are debtors. We are all debtors because all who are in Christ have been forgiven. How much love ought we to show others. Our work in the kingdom of God is totally dependent upon how much we perceived we have been forgiven. Consider:
1. Paul was a debtor to all: "To the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; to the wise, and the unwise." Simply because all are under sin; and all require, and deserve the gospel. The gospel has the power to save all mankind. It has a uniform and worldwide application.
2. Those men that are called to preach it must be able to instruct:
a. Those who esteem themselves to be wise; talented in the arts and sciences and all other learning; as well as,
b. Those that are the most unskilled; unlearned and reside in the based populations of a modern society.
c. They must not be: “High minded, but condescend to men of low estate. (And) be not wise in their own conceits,” Romans 12:16; 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
d. They must not be: “Selective of the audience (people) they would be willing to preach too.”
3. For the gospel is for all; because, all are loved of God, and need the gospel of Christ. This is the true spirit and work of the Christian ministry, John 15:13-14. Notice our debt:
a. The Gentiles are debtors to the Jews for their salvation: "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. It hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem... And their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things (the gospel), their duty is also to minister unto them (the poor saints) in carnal things," Romans 15:25-27.
b. The church is a debtor to the preacher and his family: “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel,” 1 Corinthians 9:14. Some congregations kick the preacher and his family around like they are an old shoe!
c. The church is also a debtor to the leadership: “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward,” 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Galatians 6:6.
Let’s now consider our next point: “I am ready to preach the gospel.” I came to your city to preach Christ without alteration or compromise, to speak the “truth in love,” Ephesians 4:15.
II I AM READY TO PREACH THE GOSPEL
A. As much as in me is. As much as opportunity God provides and my physical and spiritual strength permit me. I am ready to preach the gospel in Rome also. This was a great desire and prayer of Paul. Recall: “Oftentimes he proposed to go, but he was hindered,” Romans 1:13.
1. But he had a great desire in his heart to preach the gospel in Rome. The Lord would allow him safe passage to Rome. This was his destiny! This was the will of the Lord. Notice:
a. First, Paul’s promise: "After these things were ended; Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia; to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome," Acts 19:21.
b. Further, the Lord’s plan: "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome," Acts 23:11.
c. Finally, the perilous trip: “The promise of the angel of the Lord,” Acts 27:20-25.
2. Shipwreck upon a certain island: “Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island,” Acts 27:26. It was God’s will that he visit Rome; and he would after ship wreck on the Island of Malta. Be careful what you pray for; it just might come to past!
3. When we came to Rome, Acts 28:16.
4. Illustrate: My visit to Rome. Discuss the Appian Way, the road into the city of Rome.
B. I am ready. Paul was a zealous man, inspired of God and spiritually prepared; that he could say, "I am ready,” Romans 1:15. It was not his seat at Gamaliel’s feet that prepared him for this great work; but his seat at the feet of Jesus, Acts 22:3. Notice:
1. First, his preparedness from the Lord: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," Philippians 4:13. He was granted the “revelation of the mystery,” Romans 16:25. Illustrate: The Mystery of Christ, Ephesians 3:1-8. [Present if time permits].
2. Further, his preparedness came through prayer, study and devotion to the word of God, 2 Timothy 2:15. I am thankful that our strength does not rest in us, but in Christ working through us to accomplish his will.
3. Next, our preparedness: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear (reverence) and trembling: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure,” Philippians 2:12-13.
4. Ephesus’ preparedness: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen,” Ephesians 3:20-21.
5. Timothy’s preparedness: "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier," 2 Timothy 2:1-4. Illustrate: I always prepared for an Army Inspection; I never report I was ready.
6. However, here are a few things Christians ought always to be ready for:
a. Ready to give an answer, 1 Peter 3:15; Proverbs 15:25.
b. Ready for every good work, Titus 3:1.
c. Ready to be offered, 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
C. To preach the gospel. I am prepared to preach among you, and to show the power of the gospel, even in the most splendid metropolis of the world - Rome. The gospel, in Gr: is euanggélion, or yü-än-ge'-le-on, which means, “glad tiding of great things, good news, a good message, i.e. the gospel:—gospel.” Notice:
1. It was this “good news; the gospel.” Paul wanted to share with the people of Rome. He would write later in the Roman Letter: “As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things,” Romans 10:13.
2. The gospel is the "good news" the glad tidings of salvation through Christ. Paul: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek,” Romans 1:16.
a. The gospel of Christ reveals the righteousness of God: “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith,” Romans 1:17. Illustrate: [The faith: Patriarch – unto: the Law – faith: Christ]. More on this point later.
b. The Law of Moses and works of merit, could not bring the righteousness of God: “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them,” Galatians 3:11-12.
c. Paul quoting Habakkuk promise: “Now the just shall live by faith,” Hebrews 10:37-38. This “golden maxim” was cited three times in the writing of the beloved apostle.
3. The gospel of Christ is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The gospel message does not exalt the wisdom of men; nor promoted the elegance of speech; but, proclaims:
a. First, Christ and Him crucified: “And I brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.., that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God,” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
b. Further, a certified gospel: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ,” Galatians 1:11-12.
c. Finally, the “good news” is the salvation that is obtain through faith and obedience to the “gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24; Ephesians 2:8-9.
4. Gospel made known: “To all nations the obedience of faith,” Romans 1:5; Romans 16:26.
D. To you, the Greeks: Who profess the wisdom of men; who claimed the origin of all knowledge, intelligence and understanding resides with them. Notice:
1. They boasted of their social mannerism, customs and ceremonial pomp. A barbarian Paul might be unto them: but true wisdom had been bestowed upon him through Christ Jesus; in the gospel, he humbly desired to preach unto them in Rome.
2. He would not be deterred by any fear of presentation; nor indifferent to their needs; but he would be moved by the mighty hand of God; and when given leave and opportunity; he would "preach among these Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ," Ephesians 3:8.
3. Paul desired: “Fruit among them just as other Gentiles,” Romans 1:13.
4. He wanted to impart unto them:
a. “Spiritual gifts, that they may be fully established,” Romans 1:11.
b. Like the Corinthians: “So that ye come not behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 1:7. Also: “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” 2 Corinthians 12:12.
c. This one fact alone leads me to believe that no apostle founded the church at Rome. Its absence of the spiritual gifts that are imparted by the “hands of the apostles,” Acts 2:43.
d. Illustrate: What is a Miracle? It defies the laws of nature. Two brothers! Hold me down, I’m going to gravitate. (Select two brothers from the audience for this demonstration).
E. They that are at Rome also, the Jews. The Jew who looks for a sign, would find his preaching of Christ a “stumbling block and a rock of offense.” But they would be persuaded by his signs and wonders. Notice:
1. Jesus said of them: "An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah… the Son of man shall be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth," Matthew 12:38-40. No sign other than the resurrection of Christ! And many of them did not even believe this sign when reported!
2. Paul said unto the Jews: "It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but, seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles," Acts 13:46; Acts 9:15-16; Acts 26:16-18.
3. This was the will of God. The Jews had judged themselves unworthy of the gospel; the love of Christ and the grace of God. Many today, share a similar sentence and fate! Let’s consider our last point of this lesson, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.”
III I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
A. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. There are some things I can recall for which I am truly ashamed. For my past sins; my mistakes I ignorantly made; the shame I caused to myself and to others who love me; for these I am ashamed. And for all of these, I have learned to accept God’s forgiveness. Like Paul: "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ," Romans 1:16.
1. I too, have a firm conviction: [Of its value and of its truth; of its necessity and relevance in our culture, as in theirs; and to the possibilities it offers to all, who willingly and humbly submit to its terms and conditions of salvation.]
a. Though the message is about the most shameful event in history; it is still the most beautiful love story ever told. This message promises to be, the source of suffering and persecution to all who preach it. If is proclaimed with integrity and truthfulness. Prepare yourselves for it, 1 Timothy 4:10; 2 Timothy 3:12.
b. Paul’s suffering: "For which cause I also suffer these things, nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded,” 2 Timothy 1:12.
c. Timothy’s charge: "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God," 2 Timothy 1:8. Consider, Paul’s final charge to his son Timothy, 2 Timothy 4:1-8.
d. Illustrate: Joy of grandparents for their grandchildren, Mark 8:38; Romans 10:11.
2. Why? It is the power of God unto salvation. Here is God's authority or power for salvation. In the gospel message we find the source, the terms, and the promise of salvation. The idea of "the power of God" dynamite, must lead us to conclude:
a. God's source of salvation – is in the gospel of Christ.
b. God's terms for salvation – is to them that believeth.
c. God's promise of salvation – is to everyone - Jew first and also the Greek (Gentile).
3. The gospel was not just for a selected few – but for all that believes - the “whosoever will,” Revelation 22:17. Jesus said: “As Moses lifted up the serpent…whosoever believeth in Him,” John 3:14-16; John 12:32.
4. Illustrate: Moses and the serpent. Those who looked upon it were healed, Numbers 21:7-9, John 8:28; John 12:32-33.
B. God’s source of salvation - the gospel of Christ. It is through our faith and obedience to the gospel, God justifies the believer through His grace and the blood of Christ. Notice the word of God:
1. "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation (mercy seat) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remissions of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus," Romans 3:24-26.
2. What is “propitiation?” [Propitiation means appeasement] – The offering of Christ for our sin, Isaiah 53:10-11. Christ has become God’s “mercy seat," 1 John 2:2; Hebrews 9:5.
a. The mercy seat (Gr: hilasterion) represented God provision for forgiveness in the Holy of Holies under the old covenant – the Law.
b. Jesus has now become our (Gr: hilasmos) the Person that represents our mercy seat; the mediator of the new covenant; to provide for; and to assure our continued forgiveness of sins.
c. Christ is now our mercy seat; and, the sacrifice and High Priest over the House of God. Notice:
1) Paul: “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, Let us,” Hebrews 10:19-22.
2) Illustrate: There was needed first: “a heavenly intervention; before there could be human intercession.” Heaven gave us Christ; that we might have intercession with God.
3. What is Justification? [To be made righteous before God].
a. As sinners we are unrighteous; and all stand guilty of sin before God, Romans 3:11; Romans 3:23. Our sins have “separated us from God,” Isaiah 59:1-2.
b. But, God declares that we are righteous (justifies us); on the basis of our faith in Jesus Christ. Hear Paul: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:1-2.
c. He imputes unto us (adds to our account) -- the righteousness of Christ -- because of His life and our faith in Him. Hear Paul: “But God commendeth his love towards us... Much more then, being justified by his blood ... when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement,” Romans 5:8-11. Christ has made atonement for our sins: “He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2.
d. As ambassadors of Christ, we plead: “Be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him,” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21.
C. God’s terms of salvation - to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek. The terms of our salvation are faith in Christ; as opposed to the laws and commandments under the Mosaic system. Notice:
1. First, "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith unto faith." ALL men are justified by faith: but not apart from sincere obedience unto God.
2. Further, “Through him (Christ) Paul said: he have received grace and an apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,” Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26.
3. Next, Paul affirms all Israel have not “obeyed the gospel,” Romans 10:16-17.
4. Illustrate: Form verses the Facts of the Gospel, Romans 6:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
D. God's promise of salvation – to everyone - Jew and Gentile. The promise of salvation is to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Notice:
1. First, Paul says, it was necessary that the gospel first be preached among the Jews; and then unto the Gentiles. [Where the Jews rejected Christ; the Gentiles embraced Him. As the Jews denied Christ; the Gentiles confessed Him. As the Jews disbelieved in Christ; the Gentiles believed on Him. As the Jews disobeyed the gospel, the Gentiles obeyed it.]
2. Further, Paul’s prayer for Israel, the Jews: “Brethren my heart desire and prayer to God for Israel,” Romans 10:1-4. We will discuss this further tonight.
3. Next, Paul message for the Gentiles: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested in the flesh, justified by the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory,” 1 Timothy 3:16.
4. Finally, Paul’s confession: “At my first answer no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them: But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that by me the message might be preached fully, and that all the Gentiles might hear,” 2 Timothy 4:16-17. Paul was an Apostle to the Gentiles for the gospel of grace of God, Galatians 2:7-10.
5. Explanation of: [The faith: Patriarch – unto: the Law – faith: Christ]. Notice:
a. Faith of the Patriarch Abraham: “For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness,” Romans 4:3; James 2:21-24. It was faith that included obedience to God.
b. Faith under the Law, David: “Just as David also described the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sins,” Romans 4:6-8; Psalms 32:1-2; 2 Samuel 12:13.
c. Faith of believers in Christ: "Now it was not written for his sake alone (Abraham); that it was imputed to him; But also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead: Who was delivered up because of our offenses, and raise for our justification,” Romans 4:23-25.
6. Summary. The just before the law lived by faith; the just under the law lived by faith; and the just after the law "shall live by faith."
a. Life that begins in faith, Romans 1:16-17.
b. Life that is walked in faith, 2 Corinthians 5:7.
c. Life that ends in faith, Revelation 2:10.
E. Apostolic Preaching. Apostolic preaching was accompanied: “By signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to the will of God,” Hebrews 2:1-4. Paul was equipped to meet the needs of the citizens in the city of Rome. Notice:
1. First, apostolic preaching began with the preaching of the gospel on Pentecost: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles,” Acts 2:42-43.
2. Further, Jesus promised them “power and the Holy Ghost” and that gospel preaching would “begin at Jerusalem,” Luke 24:45-49; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4.
3. Next, Paul was granted by Christ, “power and the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, he could perform signs and wonders, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Consider:
a. “Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds,” 2 Corinthians 12:12.
b. “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were,” 1 Thessalonians 1:5.
c. This power and Holy Spirit came from God to complete His work in confirming the gospel of Christ: “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through... signs. Amen,” Mark 16:20.
4. Finally, when planting churches; Paul would empower them with signs, wonders and miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost. The church at Rome: “He wanted to impart to you (them) some spiritual gift(s), so that you (they) may be established…that he might have some fruit among them also, just as among other Gentiles churches,” Romans 1:11-13.
5. Conclusion. The gospel has been confirmed, and there is no longer a need for “signs, wonders, miracles and gifts (tongues, interpretations, prophecies, etc.) from the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:1-12; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Consider, Paul discussion with the Corinthians regarding “the part” and “the perfect” as we begin to conclude. Notice:
a. The part: “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail, whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect has come (the confirmed word of God); then that which is in part (knowledge, prophecies, tongue speaking, etc.) will be done away.” The “part” was temporary; but the “perfect” is eternal!
b. The perfect: The word of God is that “perfect which was to come,” 1 Corinthians 13:10; James 1:25. For it is: “Quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing down to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joint and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart,” Hebrews 4:12.
c. When I became a man: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things,” 1 Corinthians 13:11-13.
d. Illustrate: Lego toys. When I was a child, I played with Lego blocks to build great imaginary cities. But when I became a man, I put away my Lego blocks; and picked up the master blue print to build the highest sky scrapers! Why play with Lego Blocks; when you have the master blue print to build a grand structure – the church of the Lord. “Amen.”
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. I am a Debtor Because of the Gospel
2. I am Ready to Preach the Gospel
3. I am not ashamed of the Gospel
B. Summarize main points.
1. Paul declared he was a debtor to all men because of Gods abundant mercy and pardon for his sins. He called himself the chief of sinners. If God can save the chief, he can save all of us. Let's all pray to have a similar burden for those who are lost, as did the Apostle Paul.
2. Then the apostle stated he was ready to preach the gospel to the inhabitants of Rome. What preparation have we made to do the same thing? You might not be called to go to Rome; but what about across the street; or around the corner? Are you prepared; and equipped?
3. Then finally, the beloved servant of Christ stated he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it was the means whereby God calls and save the sinners. Each are called by the gospel of faith; justified by faithful obedience; and encouraged to walk in the faith of Christ.
C. Invitation. H. B. R. C. B. Present the gospel plan of salvation.
D. Motivation. Encourage the hearers to respond to the gospel of Christ.
E. Persuasion. Review Paul's discussion of the judgment seat of Christ.
