Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive deep into the heart of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans.

We're focusing on one verse in particular: Romans 1:16. It says,

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."

Now, that's a powerful statement, isn't it?

It's like what our brother in Christ, Thom S. Rainer, once said, "Thriving churches have the Great Commission as the centerpiece of their vision, while dying churches have forgotten the clear command of Christ." Today, we'll explore the power of the Gospel, our responsibility to preach it, and the impact it can have when we do.

Before we get started, let's bow our heads in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Word, the Gospel, which is power and life to us. As we dive into the depths of Romans 1:16 today, open our hearts and minds to understand its truth, embrace our role in spreading it, and grasp the life-changing impact it can have on the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let’s get started.

The Power

The Gospel, in its simplest form, is the good news of Jesus Christ. But it is so much more than just good news. It is a powerful force, a divine dynamo that has the ability to transform lives, communities, and even the world. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 1:16, refers to the Gospel as the "power of God." This is a profound statement that deserves our attention and exploration.

Its ability to bring salvation: The Gospel is not just a story or a philosophy; it is the means by which God saves humanity. It is through the Gospel that we learn of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, which provides the only way for us to be reconciled to God. This is a power unlike any other, the power to rescue and redeem, to take what was lost and make it found, to take what was dead and make it alive.

It’s transformative: It doesn't just change our eternal destiny; it changes us here and now. The Gospel has the power to transform hearts and minds, to break chains of addiction, to heal broken relationships, to instill hope where there was despair. It is a power that can turn a persecutor like Saul into a preacher like Paul, a power that can turn a tax collector like Matthew into a disciple of Christ.

It’s universal: Paul says that it brings salvation to "everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." The Gospel is not limited by culture, language, or geography. It is not just for a select few, but for everyone. It is a power that transcends borders and breaks down barriers, a power that unites us in our common need for a Savior and our common hope in Christ.

It’s enduring: It is not a power that fades with time or diminishes with use. The Gospel has been preached for over two thousand years, and yet it is as powerful today as it was in the days of the early church. It is a power that can withstand persecution, heresy, and indifference, a power that continues to save, transform, and unite.

It’s personal: It is not just a power out there somewhere, but a power that can be experienced in our own lives. Each of us who has put our faith in Christ has experienced the power of the Gospel. We have experienced its saving power, its transformative power, its universal power, its enduring power.

Our Responsibility

Our responsibility to preach the Gospel is not just for the pastors, missionaries, or evangelists, but for every believer ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO