Romans 1:15-16
5-24-15
Our text this morning is Rom 1:15-16. In that passage Paul says, “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."i
My subject is very simply: the Gospel.
I. What is “the gospel of Christ” that Paul refers to in this passage?
A. It is Good News.
The Greek word translated “gospel” is euaggelion. We get our English words evanel, evangelize, evangelical from that word. It is a combination of two words: eu which means good and aggelos which means messenger.ii That word is transliterated as angel in our English language. Angels primary function as messengers. So the gospel is a good message; it is a declaration of good news.
Why is that so important; because Satan has convinced a lot of people that it is really bad news? If the world really thought the gospel is good news, they would fill up the churches today. They would be knocking doors down to get in. They would tear the roof off if necessary to hear message. But “god of this world” blinded to truth.iii Instead they have been convinced by the devil that our message, the biblical message, is bad news. It stops good time. It restricts activities and reduces their pleasure. It binds them up with rules and regulations they don’t want. So there is an upfront prejudice against message because of these preconceived ideas. The devil has also taken advantage of religious teaching that simply gave people rules and regulations and gave them nothing more. But according to Galatians (1:6-9) that is not the true gospel but a legalistic perversion of the gospel.
The gospel is good news because brings a lasting answer to all your problems. It delivers you from bondage of sin that will ultimately destroy. It sets you on course that is for your highest good. It provides for you all things that pertain to life and godliness.iv It transforms your wants and desires so that they line up with God and His created purpose for you. And it turns you from a pathway of self-destruction to a pathway of eternal life, joy, and peace. In John 10:10 Jesus characterized the devil as a thief set out to steal from you what is good and ultimately destroy you. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” The NIV says, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The gospel is a message of hope. The gospel is a declaration of God’s provision to meet your deepest needs. The gospel is good news for anyone who will hear it and receive it.
B. The gospel is good news ABOUT JESUS!
Paul opens 1Cor. 15 with these words, “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you….” Then he gives a condensed form of message. 1Cor. 15:3-4 “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are absolutely essential to the gospel.
Without that, there is no good news. When so-called Christians abandon those truths, they are no longer Christians in the biblical sense. They may still call themselves Christians. But their message is no longer the gospel. Their message is a lie and departure from truth. Anytime a preacher denies the literal reality of Jesus’ death on cross for atonement of sin or if a preacher denies the bodily resurrection of Jesus, he has denied the faith. It does not matter how sweet he says it or how friendly his church is. It doesn’t matter if thousands feel uplifted by services or everybody just seems to love one another. If Jesus atoning death and literal resurrection are not affirmed, then gospel not been preached.
1Timothy 4:1 warns that in the last days “some will depart from the faith.” 2Thes. 2:3 says there will come a “falling away” or an apostasy. I don’t know what pressures will cause this to happen. The Timothy passage talks about seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. There are already social pressures in America to compromise these truths. It is rapidly becoming politically incorrect to stand up for biblical standards. If the culture continues on its current course, it will become harder and harder, more and more costly. We will have to be more and more anchored in our faith; we will have to be more firm in our commitment to Lord as the tides of public opinion turn against us. The result will be some who turn from the faith and some who turn to the Lord more wholeheartedly than ever. Middle of road will be a difficult & lonely path to navigate.
As our society becomes more pluralistic, the name of Jesus will be more and more more of an issue. The call will be to compromise with other groups for sake of peace. On the surface, it will sound loving and kind. But in reality, to do that will be to forsake our own mercy. To do that will be to abandon source of real life & real peace.
In short order, we could find ourselves facing situations like the early church faced. Do you remember the healing of the lame man in Acts 3? Peter and John were on way to prayer at temple. They encountered a beggar who was lame. And by power of the Holy Spirit, the many was healed. When crowd gathered, Peter preached Jesus as his explanation of what had happened.
Acts 4:1-2 “Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” These rulers were ok with people praying, as long as none of the prayers were answered. They were not upset by Peter & John joining others at temple. What upset them was Name of Jesus! What upset them was the gospel, the good news of resurrection through Jesus.
They arrested Peter and John and brought them to trial. When asked by what authority they did these things, Peter answered (Acts 4:10-12) “…let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved….” That is one truth we had better know by heart: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” The world hates statement; they label it exclusive, intolerance, and bigoted. Can’t we just say there are many paths to heaven? No, because God has only provided one.
Do you think God would have sent His only begotten Son to suffer and die on the cross for our salvation if there were some other way? Do you think that God would have allowed His precious Son to be spit on and mocked and nailed to a cross, if the wisdom of Buddha could bring salvation? Or if the reading of the Koran could get it done? “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.”v Peter did not try to appease his accusers; neither did he try to finesse his way around the question. You asked and here is the answer: Jesus. Jesus is the answer that we will never compromise. Jesus is the essence of the gospel. The good news is that He died for our sins and rose from the grave for our justification.
Acts 4:17-19 tells us the rulers response to Peter’s answer, “But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.”
Paul said in our text, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ….” I can tell you this, the devil wants you ashamed of message; he wants you too intimidated to share good news. The devil intends to shut you up and keep you quiet about Jesus! He’ll use language like this to do it “Two things I never talk about is politics and religion.” Well, that only leaves the weather and the ball game. And eternal life will never be found in either of those conversations. We had better find some Holy Ghost boldness for days ahead, because it may get real, real unpopular to proclaim Jesus. And if we leave Him out, there is no good news for anybody.
The gospel is the good news about Jesus and:
C. It is Power of God to salvation.
When the true gospel is preached, the power of God is released (in honor of what Jesus has done). The Holy Spirit bears witness to Jesus. He is not here to build monuments to men. He has not come to build denominations or religious institutions. He is sent by the Father to reveal Christ and His kingdom.
The gospel is an announcement of Kingdom of God. Matt 9:35 “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” Notice the term, “the gospel of the kingdom.” What does that mean? A kingdom is the dominion of a king. It is His realm of rulership. The gospel of the kingdom is the good news that God has come down among men; that God is asserting His rulership, His authority, in the earth for benefit of mankind. He is not just sitting on throne somewhere in distant heaven watching it all happen. He has taken on Himself our form. He has mercifully stepped into humanity. He has come to help us where we could not help ourselves. Therefore, when John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Christ, his message was, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matt 3:2). The rule of God has come. It is right here, right now (at hand). Matthew says that when Jesus began to preach, His message was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (4:17). What does the rule of God look like? Matthew 9:35 links it with healing and deliverance. “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” The gospel is good news because it declares the rule of God that supersedes oppressive rule of the devil.
II. What is Purpose of the gospel?
Our text says it is “for the SALVATION of everyone who believes.” Salvation, salvation, soteria, the rescue, healing, deliverance, safety and wellbeingvi of everyone who believes.
That statement introduces the whole book of Romans. The book of Romans explains what Paul means by the word “salvation”. The purpose of gospel is not just a born again experience. It must include that. But birth is a beginning (not the end). We are born into the family of God; but then we are to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.vii Salvation is a very big word
in Bible. At the new birth, the seed for your full salvation is planted; but that seed must grow and come to full fruition.
God’s salvation unfolds in 3 Stages.
A. Phase 1: Justification by faith.
Rom. 1-5 explains that. When you received Christ, you were born into family of God; you were given a new nature and you were forgiven for your sins. You were instantly put in good standing with God, based on what Jesus did for you on cross.
Rom 5:1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ….” Being justified means you are declared “not guilty” by the Judge of All the earth. One helpful way to remember what justified means is to break it down into these pieces: just-as-if-I-had never sinned. But justification goes beyond dismissing the crimes you have committed against God and others. It goes beyond wiping your slate clean. It also ascribes to you the righteousness of Christ. God gives you right standing before Him as His child. All that is possible simply because God loves you and Christ gave His life for you. Verses 8-9 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”
It is extremely important to understand justification by faith. Why, because we have a tendency to forget it as we move forward in our journey with God. As we deal with daily sins and shortcomings in our lives, we can get so focused on the struggles that we lose sight of what Jesus has already done for us. He gave His life for you. That is no small matter in eyes of God. He poured out His blood so you could have favor with the Father, favor you could never earn on your own, favor that is there not because you did well this week but because Jesus was 100% obedient to Father in your behalf.
So here is the practical importance of this. The devil is the accuser of God’s people.viii He will rob you of your peace; he will rob you of your joy; and the way he does it is to turn your focus from Jesus to your own puny efforts. He will point out every impure thought that crossed your mind. He will capitalize on every slip of the tongue. He will call you a hypocrite and even question your salvation. If your focus is not on Jesus, if your focus is on your own performance, you will be tempted to agree with him. But Bible says that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11). When the devil comes knocking, show Him the blood that gives you righteous standing with God. When the devil accuses you of insincerity, show him the blood that cleanses from all sin. Your plea in the court of heaven is not that you tried really, really hard. Your plea is that the blood has satisfied the justice of God in your behalf.ix Your plea is that God made way of salvation based on cross; that you’re the benefactor of a better covenant; that Jesus paid it all. And because He paid the price, you stand clothed in His robe of righteousness.
My friends, that is powerful cause for rejoicing. That is really, really good news. I’m glad you got a new Mercedes, but I’m mighty thankful that I have the blood of Jesus speaking in my behalf. I’m glad His blood speaks better things that that of Abel. Abel’s blood cried out for justice; but Jesus blood cries out for mercy.x Jesus blood says to the Father, “I laid down my life for Richard; he’s mine; I have engraven him in the palm of my hand; bless him, Father, because of Me!”
Come out from under cloud of condemnation. Look up! Look at the cross that sets you free. Rejoice, and again I say rejoice. Rejoice in the gift of eternal life.xi Rejoice in the gift of righteous. Give God the glory for His goodness and mercy toward you. I tell you the gospel is good news. Romans 1-5 explains phase 1of your salvation.
B. Phase 2: Sanctification is discussed in Romans 6-8:16.
This great salvation does not just declare us righteous before God; it does not just liberate us
from the penalty of sin. The Holy Spirit sets us free from the power of sin in daily lives. Sometimes there is struggle involved. Sometimes we crying out, “O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me…?”xii But Jesus is always working His deliverance in our lives. He is renewing our minds (Rom. 12:1-2). He is getting our thinking right. He is teaching us His ways. He is working His character in our soul.xiii
Theologians call this process sanctification. Day by day, step by step we are being shaped into the image of Christ. My soul cries out for more. I sometimes get impatient and frustrated with myself. But I am confident of this one thing: He who has begun good work in you and me will complete it unto the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6). You are not doomed to failure. You are destined to victory. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Rom 8:31-34).
I’ve got to remind somebody here this morning, if God is for you—and He is—then you will not fail? He who reached down His hand for you, will hold that hand through thick and thin. He is not slack concerning His promises (2Peter 3:9). What He has done for others He will do for you. Hang on, press on, and don’t give up. If it just depended on you, we would be concerned. If it just depended on our willpower, we would have cause to fear. But He who has begun the good work, He is the One who will see it through. Can you say, “Praise the Lord”?
This great salvation includes justification by faith; it includes the process and work of the Spirit in our sanctification, and ultimately it will consummate in our glorification.
C. Phase 3: Glorification is expressed in Rom. 8:16-39.
In verse 18-19 Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” There is a lot of groaning and moaning going on in this old world. Even creation itself is in turmoil waiting for the day that God completes His plan of salvation. One day this whole earth will be renovated with fire; and God will purge it of every trace of evil.
One day you will receive Glorified body; you will shine with awesome brightness; you will be saturated with the glory of God. The sufferings of this present time are nothing in comparison to glory God is working in you. Yes, we cry some tears from time to time in this journey. Sometimes the brightness of that day seems an awful long way off. But there is coming a day when God will wipe away all tears. There is coming an end to all sorrow and pain. We will live with Him forever.
On that day we will be completely sin-free. We won’t even be tempted with it. In heaven, there will never be day when we have to pray “Forgive us our sins….” All that will be past. For us with the new nature, it is disappointing and painful to sin. As a child of God our inner man is anguished when we fail and fall short. If we could, we would live in 1000% percent obedience to Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. If we could, we would be as loyal to Him as He is to us. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels;xiv sometimes we disappoint ourselves and others. There is coming a day when you and I will disappoint no one and will be disappointed by no one. There is coming a day when we will be so filled with the glory of God that the thought of sin will never pass through our pure minds, the slip of the tongue with an unkind word will never pass our lips. We will love and be loved forever and ever. Oh, I tell you there is coming a day!!!
“What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, when I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace. And He’ll take me by the hand and lead me through the Promise Land. What a day, glorious day that will be.”xv
I am “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). Aren’t you?
Conclusion
Have you heard the good news? Have you Believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior? If you have not yet received Christ as your Savior, I want to give you a chance to do that. The Bible says that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We all need the forgiveness that is only available through Jesus’ death on the cross. No one can save himself. Only by yielding ourselves to Christ can we be saved. If you want to do that this morning, just look up here to me and let me agree with concerning that. (Salvation prayer).
For all those who have put your faith in Christ, are you condemnation free? Is the accuser harassing you or are you fully resting in the finished work of Christ. If you have been relying on your own faithfulness, your own goodness, for God’s favor I want you to repent of that. I want you to receive assurance this morning that cross was enough for you. If that’s you today, pray this prayer with me. “Dear Heavenly Father, I know I have come short of the glory of God —and I ask your forgiveness for those sins. Right now, I receive that forgiveness in Jesus’ name. I receive the assurance of your love and favor because of what Jesus did for me. I thank you for the great salvation He bought for me. Amen.”
END NOTES:
i All Scripture quotes are in New King James Version unless indicated otherwise.
ii NT:2097 & 2098 (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.).
iii 2Corinthians 4:4.
iv 2 Peter 1:3.
v Hebrews 9:22.
vi NT:4991 (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.).
vii 2Peter 3:18
viii Revelation 12:10.
ixixix Colossians 1:20-22; 2:13-14.
x Hebrews 12:24; Genesis 4:9-12.
xi Phil. 4:4; Luke 10:20.
xii Romans 7:24.
xiii Romans 8:28-29; 2Peter 1:4-7.
xiv 2Cor. 4:7; 1John 1:2.
xv Hymns of Glorious Praise (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1969) p. 252.
