Transformed by Truth: The Power of the Gospel
Introduction:
The Book of Romans is one of the most powerful and transformative letters ever written. It is a masterclass on the gospel, salvation, and the righteousness of God. Today, we are focusing on Romans 1, which lays the foundation for the entire epistle. This chapter speaks of the power of the gospel and how it reveals both the righteousness of God and the need for salvation in a broken world.
The title of today's message is “Transformed by Truth: The Power of the Gospel.”
We will explore three key points: (1) The Gospel as the Power of God, (2) Humanity’s Need for Salvation, and (3) The Revelation of God’s Righteousness.
1. The Gospel as the Power of God (Romans 1:16-17)
Romans 1:16-17 is the heartbeat of this chapter: “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. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, ‘It is through faith that a righteous person has life’” (NLT).
Paul boldly declares that the gospel is “the power of God” for salvation. The Greek word for “power” here is dynamis, from which we get the word “dynamite.” The gospel is explosive; it has the power to transform lives, break the chains of sin, and bring people into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
John Piper captures this well: “The gospel is not a piece of advice to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed. And it is not just any command; it is the command that brings the dead to life.”
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.” (NLT)
In this passage, Paul contrasts the world's perception of the cross with the reality of its power. To those who are perishing, the cross seems like foolishness, but to believers, it is the source of life and salvation. The same Greek word dynamis is used here, emphasizing that the gospel is not just words but the very force of God’s saving grace.
Are we unashamed of the gospel?
In a world that often rejects the truth of Christ, we must be bold in proclaiming it. We are called to proclaim the gospel without shame because it is the power of God for salvation.
The gospel is God’s power at work—it changes hearts, minds, and lives. In a world that often mocks the message of the cross, we must remember that it is the only message that can truly transform lives.
Share the gospel boldly, knowing that it carries the power to save. Let us be faithful in sharing this Good News with others.
2. Humanity’s Need for Salvation (Romans 1:18-23)
In Romans 1:18-23, Paul shifts to address humanity’s desperate need for salvation. He writes, “But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness” (Romans 1:18, NLT). This passage reveals the wrath of God against sin and the consequences of humanity’s rebellion.
Paul explains that God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—are clearly seen in creation, leaving people without excuse (Romans 1:20). Despite this, humanity has rejected God, exchanging the truth of God for a lie and worshipping created things instead of the Creator.
The Greek word for “suppress” in verse 18 is katecho, meaning to hold down or restrain. Humanity, in its sinfulness, actively suppresses the truth about God. This is why the world needs the gospel—because without it, people are lost in their sin, suppressing the very truth that could set them free.
R.C. Sproul once said, “The greatest weakness in the church today is that almost no one believes that God invests His power in the Bible. Everyone is looking for power in a program, in a methodology, in a technique, in anything and everything but that in which God has placed it: His Word.”
Romans 3:23 (NLT): “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
Paul later reiterates in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This verse sums up the human condition—every person, regardless of their background or status, has missed the mark of God’s righteousness. The word for “sinned” in Greek is hamartano, meaning to miss the target, which is the standard of God's holiness.
Do we recognize the depth of humanity’s need for salvation?
Recognizing humanity’s universal need for salvation should drive us to compassion and urgency in sharing the gospel.
People are lost without Christ, and only through Him can they be made right with God. We must not delay in spreading the message of salvation to those around us.
The world is in desperate need of the gospel, and we are called to be the messengers of that Good News. Let us not shrink back from proclaiming the truth, even when it is difficult.
3. The Revelation of God’s Righteousness (Romans 1:24-32)
Romans 1:24-32 paints a sobering picture of what happens when people reject God. Paul describes how God “abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired” (Romans 1:24, NLT). When humanity rejects the truth, God allows them to experience the consequences of their choices, leading to moral and spiritual decay.
In this passage, Paul details the various sins that result from humanity’s rejection of God, including idolatry, sexual immorality, greed, envy, murder, and more. This section shows that when people turn away from God, their lives spiral into greater sin and brokenness.
The phrase “God gave them over” (used three times in verses 24, 26, and 28) is a powerful reminder that God allows people the freedom to choose, but those choices come with consequences. The Greek word paradidomi used here means to hand over or deliver up. It indicates that God allows people to experience the full weight of their sinful decisions when they persist in rejecting Him.
Tim Keller points out, “The wrath of God is not just in what He does, but in what He allows—in the withdrawal of His protective hand.” This is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of the gospel.
Psalm 14:1-3 (NLT): “Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; He looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!”
This Psalm echoes Paul’s sentiments in Romans 1, illustrating the depravity of humanity. When people reject God, they turn to evil and corruption. The Hebrew word nabal (fool) here is not merely referring to intellectual folly but to moral and spiritual foolishness—rejecting God despite the evidence of His existence.
Application:
Are we aware of the consequences of rejecting God?
The world needs to hear the message of salvation, and we are called to share it with urgency. Let’s not forget the seriousness of sin and the hope that the gospel provides.
The world is in desperate need of the revelation of God’s righteousness.
As believers, we are called to be lights in the darkness, pointing people to the truth of God’s Word and the righteousness found in Christ.
Let us not be silent in the face of moral decay but be bold in proclaiming the truth of God’s righteousness.
Conclusion:
Romans 1 is a powerful chapter that reveals the power of the gospel, humanity’s need for salvation, and the consequences of rejecting God. The gospel is the power of God for salvation, and it is our responsibility to proclaim it boldly in a world that desperately needs it.
Let us be unashamed of the gospel, recognizing that it is God’s power at work in the world today.
As we close, let’s remember that we have been entrusted with the most powerful message in the world. Let us proclaim it boldly, live it out daily, and trust that God’s Word will not return void.
Let’s pray together: “Lord, thank You for the power of the gospel. Help us to be unashamed in proclaiming Your truth to a world in need. Give us boldness, wisdom, and compassion as we share the Good News of salvation. May we be faithful messengers of Your grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
