Romans 3:21-31

The power of the gospel saves us and sanctifies us.

The power of the gospel guides a person toward the cross of Jesus Christ.

The power of the gospel is available, can be trusted and will produce holiness in my life.

The power of the gospel is a beautiful demonstration of love toward all men, women and children.

MAIN IDEA: The power of the gospel reveals the righteousness of God and calls individuals to live differently.

1. The power of the gospel reveals the righteousness of God.

Scripture Text: Romans 3:21-26

Romans 3:21–26 ESV

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

When I was 15 years old, my parents registered me for drivers training. It was part of the school system for 2 weeks during the summer and it was free. When I finished, I was given a blue piece of paper that said “Learners Driving Permit,” which allowed me to drive with my parents. I had to keep that paper until my 16th birthday. After my birthday, I was eligible for my driver’s license.

I needed a driver’s permit before I could apply for a driver’s license because a permit isn’t a license. The permit points to the license, but I needed the permit to gain the benefits of the license. They are a package.

Even though the righteousness of God was made known at a different time than the Old Testament, we needed the Old Testament because it pointed to something better. If the Old Testament pointed to something better - faith in Jesus Christ - then the gospel isn’t just a New Testament thing, the gospel is a Bible thing!

2. The power of the gospel calls individuals to live differently.

Scripture Text: Romans 3:27-31

Romans 3:27–31 ESV

Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Present the path to salvation concisely and clearly!!! Today can be your day to know Jesus personally.