The Unstoppable Gospel - Romans 1:16-17

Introduction

Context

After having gained the attention of his readers by explaining the purpose of his writing and then introducing himself (1:1–15), Paul now states the thesis of the epistle. These two verses express the theme of the book of Romans, and they contain the most life-transforming truth God has put into men’s hands

Historical Context

The book was written around 57–58 A.D. during Paul’s third missionary journey.

By the time Paul wrote the Romans, he had endured an extensive and challenging journey of ministry, marked by physical suffering, persecution, spiritual trials, and relentless missionary work.

He often took beatings and imprisonments,

2 Corinthians 11: 23-28 outlines some of his struggles

“Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned.”

Stoning

In Lystra during his first missionary journey, Paul was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19).

Shipwrecks and Ver dangerous Travels

By this time, Paul had survived multiple shipwrecks and faced constant danger on land and sea.

Physical Strain and suffering

As a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3), Paul often worked long hours to support himself financially while ministering (1 Thessalonians 2:9).

And Traveled many kilometers on his missionary journeys

It’s estimated that he traveled 15 000km in all his journeys

Persecution from both Jews and Gentiles

Tiring Spiritual and Emotional Struggles

Burden for the Church

Paul carried deep concern for the well-being of the churches he had planted. He mentions being “daily under pressure because of my anxiety for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28).

Personal Weakness

Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh,” which many interpret as a chronic physical or spiritual challenge that kept him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7–10).

Cultural Context

Jewish and Gentile Dynamics:

Many early Christians were Jewish converts who adhered to the Mosaic Law. However, the Gentile majority in the Roman church brought cultural diversity and theological challenges regarding the role of the Law and Jewish traditions.

The Greco-Roman Worldview

The Roman Empire was characterized by its polytheistic religion, philosophical schools (e.g., Stoicism, Epicureanism), and strong emphasis on societal hierarchy.

Paul’s teachings on justification by faith, the unity of Jews and Gentiles, and the kingdom of God stood in stark contrast to Roman ideals of virtue, status, and merit.

Yet despite it all!

Paul says “I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL!”

While in their weakness some Christians remain silent in the fear of simply being ridiculed. (Made a joke of)

Illustration

A. Martin Luther’s Story

The famous reformer Martin Luther while wrestling with the Bible of which Romans 1:16–17 specifically v17 impacted him greatly. In turn it sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Luther, burdened by the weight of trying to earn God’s favor:

He feared God’s Wrath. Luther was deeply troubled by his sinfulness and the fear of not being able to achieve salvation through his own efforts.

He became very frustrated by the ‘church’. He became irretated with the corruption and practices of the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences, which claimed to reduce punishment for sins.

Which led him to search for assurances. Luther longed for certainty about his salvation, which he felt was unattainable through the Church's teachings at the time. And that brought him to study the Bible.

Ephesians 2:8 (Saved by Grace)

Psalm 51, Romans 3:23, Galatians 2:16

But the most notable was Romans 1:17

He had found freedom in the truth that “the righteous shall live by faith.”

His life was transformed, and through his bold proclamation of this truth, the gospel impacted the world.

B. The Connection to our passage:

Like Luther, (Or more Luther like Paul) Paul’s confidence in the gospel stemmed from its power to transform not only individuals but the world. Romans 1:16–17 summarizes the heart of Christianity—the gospel that saves, sustains, and glorifies God.

Outline

I. The Bold Confidence in the Gospel

II. The Power of the Gospel

III. The Universal Reach of the Gospel

IV. The Revealed Righteousness in the Gospel

V. The Continuation of Faith in the Gospel

VI. The Scriptural Foundations of the Gospel

I. The Bold Confidence in the Gospel

Text: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel…”

Context:

Despite all that Paul went through he was never deterred by opposition, never disheartened by criticism, and never ashamed, for any reason, of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Although that gospel was then, and still is today, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, it is the only way God has provided for the salvation of men, and Paul was both overjoyed and emboldened by the privilege of proclaiming its truth and power wherever he went.

Although every true believer knows it is a serious sin to be ashamed of his Savior and Lord, he also knows the difficulty of avoiding that sin.

When we have opportunity to speak for Christ, we often do not.

We know the gospel is unattractive, intimidating, and repulsive to the natural, unsaved person and to the ungodly spiritual system that now dominates the world.

The gospel exposes man’s sin, wickedness, depravity, and lostness, and it declares pride to be despicable and works righteousness to be worthless in God’s sight. To the sinful heart of unbelievers, the gospel does not appear to be good news but bad (cf. my comments in chapter 1), and when they first hear it they often react with disdain against the one presenting it or throw out arguments and theories against it.

For that reason, fear of men and of not being able to handle their arguments is doubtlessly the single greatest snare in witnessing.

It is said that if a circle of white chalk is traced on the floor around a goose that it will not leave the circle for fear of crossing the white mark. In a similar way, the chalk marks of criticism, ridicule, tradition, and rejection prevent many believers from leaving the security of Christian fellowship to witness to the unsaved.

Geoffrey Wilson wrote, “The unpopularity of a crucified Christ has prompted many to present a message which is more palatable to the unbeliever, but the removal of the offense of the cross always renders the message ineffective. An inoffensive gospel is also an inoperative gospel. Thus Christianity is wounded most in the house of its friends”

A. Unashamed of the Message

Paul’s boldness comes from knowing the gospel's eternal value. He knew it would be ridiculed (1 Corinthians 1:23), but he also knew it was the only hope for humanity.

The gospel offends human pride because it declares salvation cannot be earned (Ephesians 2:8–9). In a world that celebrates self-reliance, this is countercultural.

Application: Are you tempted to soften or hide the gospel’s demands for fear of rejection?

Take courage in its eternal truth.

B. What does Shame of the Gospel look like?

Fear of Persecution

Peter’s Denial of Christ Matthew 26:69-75.

Peter’s fear of association with Jesus led him to deny knowing Him. Three times to a Servant Girl

Or in John 12:42-43 we see the disciples were scared of the Pharisees

Attitude: Prioritizing personal safety or social acceptance over allegiance to Christ.

Seeking Approval From People

Galatians 1:10 and John 12:42 shows that we shouldn’t seek the favor of men over that of God

Bold Confidence in the Gospel will make you more scared of God than man

Attitude: Valuing human praise and approval above God’s truth, leading to hesitation in living out or speaking the gospel.

Rather keeping quiet, or not defending the Honor of Christ if it risks ‘offending’ others

Silence About the Faith

Ashamed of the Gospel is someone that doesn’t speak openly about their faith

Attitude: Failing to speak openly about faith due to fear of ridicule, rejection, or conflict.

Mark 8:38: "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him."

We are to confess with our mouths. People ought to HEAR it:

Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

I would like to challange you to join our tract outreach today. And see if you have the boldness to stop someone in the road and actually talk to them. Not in your safe area, or comfortable space. But where everyone sees and hears you. Can you stop and talk to someone because you have Confidence in the Gospel? Or are you ashamed?

Other attitudes:

Compromising your belief - Altering or abandoning Christian principles to fit in with societal expectations or personal desires.

Galatians 2:11-13: Peter distanced himself from Gentile Christians under pressure, fearing criticism from Jews.

Fear of Suffering - Avoiding hardship or persecution by distancing oneself from Christ or His teachings.

Disobedience to God’s Call - Neglecting or resisting God’s mission because of fear, doubt, or unwillingness to take risks.

C. A Testimony of Transformation

Paul’s Example (1 Timothy 1:15–16): A former persecutor of the church, Paul’s life was radically transformed by the gospel. He lived as a walking testament to its power.

Or Peter: The most scared of them all. Denied Jesus and then when the boldness from the Holy Spirit came over him. Preached the Greatest sermon of all (besides Jesus).

How can you not be transformed by the Gospel? It must be something so amazing to you that it’s all you can talk about.

1 Corinthians 2:1 - 2 “1And when I came to you, brothers, I did not come with superiority of word or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the witness of God. 2For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”

Modern-day testimonies of life transformation through the gospel reinforce its relevance and power.

D. The Call for Courage

All the apostles were martyred. (With John being the only exception)

Main Themes of Accusations

Blasphemy: Claiming Jesus was the Son of God and opposing Jewish religious leaders.

Treason: Allegiance to Christ as King rather than Caesar or local rulers.

Social Disruption: Undermining societal norms, pagan worship, and traditional religions.

1. Peter (Simon Peter)

Death: Crucified upside-down in Rome under Emperor Nero, as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.

2. James (son of Zebedee)

Death: Beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem (Acts 12:1-2).

3. John (son of Zebedee)

Death: The only apostle to die a natural death, though he was exiled to the island of Patmos. Tradition says he survived being boiled in oil.

4. Andrew

Death: Crucified on an X-shaped cross (St. Andrew’s Cross) in Greece. He preached to his executioners as he died.

5. Philip

Death: Crucified or hanged in Hierapolis (modern Turkey) after converting a Roman official’s wife.

6. Bartholomew (Nathanael)

Death: Flayed alive and then beheaded in Armenia.

7. Thomas (Didymus)

Death: Speared to death in India while preaching the gospel.

8. Matthew (Levi)

Death: Stabbed to death or martyred in Ethiopia while preaching.

9. James (son of Alphaeus)

Death: Clubbed to death or crucified in Egypt.

10. Thaddaeus (Jude)

Death: Clubbed to death or crucified in Persia (modern Iran).

11. Simon the Zealot

Death: Sawed in half or crucified in Persia or Britain.

12. Matthias (replaced Judas Iscariot)

Death: Stoned and then beheaded in Jerusalem.

13. Paul (Apostle to the Gentiles)

Death: Beheaded in Rome under Emperor Nero.

Proclaiming the gospel requires courage because it confronts sin and calls for repentance

Boldness isn’t the absence of fear but the willingness to speak despite it. Draw strength from God’s promises

Isaiah 41:10 “‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will make you mighty, surely I will help you; Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”

II. The Power of the Gospel

Text: “…for it is the power of God for salvation…”

First of all, Paul declares, the gospel is the power of God. Dunamis (power) is the Greek term from which our word dynamite is derived. The gospel carries with it the omnipotence of God, whose power alone is sufficient to save men from sin and give them eternal life.

A. God’s Sovereign Power Displayed

The greatest manifestation of God’s power is that of bringing men to salvation, of transforming their nature and giving them eternal life through His Son

Paul uses the noun sōtēria (salvation) some nineteen times, five of them in Romans, and he uses the corresponding verb twenty-nine times, eight of them in Romans. The basic idea behind the term is that of deliverance, or rescue, and the point here is that the power of God in salvation rescues people from the ultimate penalty of sin, which is spiritual death extended into tormented eternal separation from Him.

R.C. Sproul: Salvation is God’s act of transferring sinners from death to life (Colossians 1:13). This power is entirely divine, not human.

Ephesians 2:1–5 highlights that humanity is spiritually dead until God intervenes.

B. Salvation is not achieved by human effort but through God’s divine intervention: It is a work of God Only.

Justification: Freedom from the penalty of sin

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

Sanctification: Freedom from the power of sin

Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”

Glorification: Freedom from the presence of sin

Romans 8:30 “and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.”

C. The way God Chose to Save is through the Preaching and Hearing of the Gospel

Romans 10:12–15 “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him, for “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? And how will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim good news of good things!””

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.”

1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”

III. The Universal Reach of the Gospel

Text: “…to everyone who believes to the Jew first and also to the Greek…”

Context:

Pisteuō (believes) carries the basic idea of trusting in, relying on, having faith in. When used in the New Testament of salvation, it is usually in the present, continuous form, which could be translated “is believing.”

Salvation is not merely professing to be a Christian, nor is it baptism, moral reform, going to church, receiving sacraments, or living a life of self-discipline and sacrifice. Salvation is believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Salvation comes through giving up on one’s own goodness, works, knowledge, and wisdom and trusting in the finished, perfect work of Christ.

A. Salvation is universally available—crossing all cultural, ethnic, and social barriers.

Salvation has no national, racial, or ethnic barrier but is given to every person who believes

James Montgomery Boice: The phrase "to everyone who believes" Literally breaks down barriers of ethnicity, class, and social status

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Revelation 7:9–10 “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb...”

God’s plan is to gather people from every nation and tribe.

B. Belief is personal and active though.

It puts emphasis on belief as active and personal, not merely intellectual assent.

Saving faith is trusting Christ’s work on the cross as final.

Romans 10:9–10“that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, leading to righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, leading to salvation.”

John Piper has a beautiful saying: “Faith involves delighting in God as your supreme treasure.”

Supreme means: of highest value, rank or authority

C. The Historical Order of Redemption

Text: “…to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

The historical unfolding of God’s redemptive plan, beginning with Israel (Genesis 12:3).

It extends to all nations later in the NT, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).

The gospel fulfills God’s covenant promises to the Jews and extends to the Gentiles.

God’s sequence to the Jew first and then to the Gentile show’s God’s sovereign plan in action. It’s to us now evidence that He keeps His promises.

Implications for missions and the church’s role in reaching all nations.

The church is not a replacement for Israel but a continuation and expansion of God’s redemptive plan, incorporating Gentiles into the promises given to Abraham (Romans 11:17–18).

To Proclaim the Gospel to ALL NATIONS

The Gospel breaks down barriers.

The gospel reconciles people not only to God but also to one another (Ephesians 2:14–16).

The church must actively work to break down divisions within its own body, whether based on race, culture, or socioeconomic status, the Gospel unites, not divide.

IV. The Revealed Righteousness in the Gospel

Text: “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed…”

Context:

The key word Paul uses here regarding the gospel is righteousness, a term he uses over thirty-five times in the book of Romans alone.

Faith activates the divine power that brings salvation, and in that sovereign act the righteousness of God is revealed.

A better rendering is from God, indicating that He imparts His own righteousness to those who believe. It is thereby not only revealed but reckoned to those who believe in Christ (Rom. 4:5).

A. The gospel reveals the perfect righteousness of God.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones notes: God’s righteousness refers to His perfect moral standard and His provision for sinners through Christ.

The Turning Point in Luther’s Faith: Luther struggled with the phrase "the righteousness of God." Initially, he understood it as God's standard of justice, which he felt condemned him as a sinner. However, through study and reflection, he came to understand "the righteousness of God" as a righteousness given freely by God through faith.

Revelation of Justification by Faith: This verse revealed to Luther that salvation is not earned by works, penance, or indulgences but is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

God’s righteousness is apart from the law but fulfilled in Christ. Rom 3:21-22

B. Righteousness is not earned but received through faith.

2 Corinthians 5:21 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Think of the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9–14). Only those who humbly acknowledge their need receive God’s righteousness.

Luther described his breakthrough in understanding this verse 17 as a profound spiritual awakening:

“At last, by the mercy of God, meditating day and night, I gave heed to the context of the words, namely, ‘In it the righteousness of God is revealed, as it is written, He who through faith is righteous shall live.’ There I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous lives by a gift of God, namely by faith… Here I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates.”

C. The gospel upholds God’s justice while extending mercy to sinners.

Romans 3:26 “for the demonstration of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

At the cross, God’s justice against sin and His mercy toward sinners meet perfectly

V. The Continuation of Faith in the Gospel

Text: “…from faith to faith…”

A. Faith’s Journey

The phrase "from faith to faith" highlights the growth and continuity of faith.

Sproul comments: This phrase emphasizes ongoing trust in God, not a one-time event.

The true believer made righteous will live in faith all his life. Theologians have called this “the perseverance of the saints

Sanctification is a daily act of trusting in Christ’s sufficiency

Philippians 2:12–13 “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

Faith is the means of salvation from beginning to end.

B. Faith as the Starting Point

Salvation begins with faith.

C. Faith as the Sustaining Power

Believers live each day by trusting God’s promises.

VI. The Scriptural Foundations of the Gospel

A. Grounded in the Word:

Paul anchors the gospel in the Old Testament (Habakkuk 2:4).

showing its consistency with God’s Old Testament revelation.

B. The Life of Faith:

"The righteous shall live by faith" is a timeless principle for all believers.

Faith is not only the entry point into salvation but the principle by which we live.

C. God’s Eternal Consistency:

The gospel message is consistent with God’s revelation throughout history.

God’s salvation plan has never changed. He has always justified the righteous by faith, from Abraham (Genesis 15:6) to today.

Applicaiton/Conclusion

For Believers:

Be unashamed of the gospel in your conversations and daily life.Rejoice in God’s righteousness revealed through faith and live by it continually.For Seekers:

The gospel is an invitation to experience the power of God and receive His righteousness. Will you believe today?

Closing Illustration: Share a testimony of oom Nico who boldly lived out the gospel, demonstrating its power to change lives.