Transformed By Truth: The Power Of The Gospel (Romans 1) Series

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.