Unashamed of the Gospel

Paul’s Purpose in writing was to introduce himself to the believers in Rome and tell them of his intention to come preach the Gospel. He wanted them to clearly know the truth of the Good News of Jesus.

Paul was writing from Corinth at the end of his 3rd missionary journey. He was intending to go to Jerusalem and then begin a journey to Spain via Rome. see chapter 15.

The Promise of the Gospel

God’s plan all along was for salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Genesis 3:15 “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.””

Genesis 12:1–3 “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.””

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Psalm 110:1–2 “The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!”

The Proof of the Gospel

The Gospel Begins with God’s Righteousness

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed.” (1:17) The Gospel of God centers on His Son, Jesus Christ.

i. Christ is righteousness revealed.

1. “He that has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

ii. He is fully man – “Made of the seed of David” (1:3)5

1. As man He can identify with our weaknesses.

a. “All points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

b. “Jesus wept.”

c. “Jesus being weary with His journey, sat on the well

2. As man He demonstrated obedience to God

a. “… yet learned He obedience by the things He suffered.” (Heb. 5:8)

iii. He is fully God – “Declared to be the Son of God…” (1:4)

1. The resurrection proclaims His Deity to the world

2. As the God-man He became the perfect sin sacrifice

a. “Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners…” Hebrews 7:26-28

b. It was God in human flesh hanging upon the tree.

3. You cannot separate Christ’s deity from His humanity.

The Power of the Gospel

Only the Gospel has the power to save from sin!

The Gospel has the power to transform a life.

Paul said he was “separated unto the Gospel”. This word separated is a play on Paul’s former life as a Pharisee. It comes from the same root word (aphorizo) as the one the Pharisees derived their name (aphorismenoi – meaning the separated ones). He was once a Pharisee, separated unto the law and dead works. Now he is an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of the living God.