Sept. 1, 2002 Northwest Bible Church
Rom. 1:16
Gospel Power
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INTRO
Paul lays down the blueprint for this letter in vv. 16-17. He has boldly told us that he is not ashamed of the gospel. In saying this, he exhorts us to imitate his faith and share his conviction. Now, Paul adds the reason why he is not ashamed of the gospel, "it is the power of God for salvation to every one who believes."
I. WHY PAUL WAS NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL.
A. It is the power of God for salvation.
1) Every believer can identify with this reason.
2) What does, "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation," mean?
a) The gospel tells of the power of God to accomplish salvation.
b) The gospel is the means by which the power of God applies salvation.
1Pet. 1:23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.
The power is not in the "letter" of the gospel, nor in the "hearing" of the gospel, but in the "Spirit" who sovereignly works through the gospel to save sinners. Cf. 1 Thess. 1:4-5.
James 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.
c) The gospel alone is the only means of God’s power unto salvation.
B. To everyone who believes.
Paul glories in the cross because it can save any who come to Christ for salvation. The most wretched sinner, murderers, adulterers, terrorists, can be saved, "His blood can make the foulest clean." All that is required is FAITH.
Who can be ashamed of a gospel that can save sinners like this!
1) Jew first
2) Greek
CONCLUSION
Christians should not be ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God to save anyone who believes in it.
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