Greeting and Gospel

Romans 1:1–17 (NKJV)

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

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Unashamed of the Gospel

Bible Passage: Romans 1:1–17

Summary: In Romans 1:1-17, Paul introduces the themes of the Gospel and God's righteousness, emphasizing the importance of faith and the power of the Gospel for salvation to all who believe.

Application: This passage challenges Christians to embrace their faith with confidence and share the Gospel boldly, understanding its transformative power, even in a culture that may oppose it. It encourages believers to overcome fear and shame in their witness.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the Gospel is the foundation of our faith and the source of God's power for salvation, highlighting the necessity of faith in accessing this power and the role of both Jew and Gentile.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Christ is revealed as the fulfillment of God's promises, the source of righteousness, and the means through which believers are justified by faith. The entirety of Scripture points to Him as the ultimate revelation of God's salvation plan.

Big Idea: The Gospel is the powerful, unifying force of salvation, and as believers, we should proclaim it without shame, fully confident in its life-changing power for everyone who believes.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider using your Logos library to examine the cultural and historical context of Rome during Paul's time to better understand the challenges he addresses in this letter. Look into commentaries that discuss the implications of Romans 1:16-17 regarding faith and righteousness. Additionally, studying various translations of key terms like 'power' and 'salvation' may bring fresh insights into your message.

The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s was profoundly influenced by the Christian gospel. Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. preached not only for equality but grounded their messages in the teachings of Jesus. Their fight against injustice was fueled by a commitment to the gospel, showing that God’s power is not just spiritual but can also dismantle systemic oppression. This historical manifestation of the gospel reminds us that it carries the authority to bring radical change and justice to our world.

1. Proclaiming Our Purpose

Romans 1:1-7

You could emphasize how Paul begins with his identity and calling as an apostle. He introduces his role in proclaiming the Gospel that centers on Jesus Christ, who fulfills Scriptural promises. Consider focusing on how our identity and calling, much like Paul’s, are rooted in Christ and lead us to be unashamed ambassadors of the Gospel.

2. Partnering in Faith

Romans 1:8-12

Perhaps focus on the importance of mutual encouragement found in faith and community. Paul’s desire to visit the Roman church shows how believers gain strength from one another. Highlight how this shared faith allows us to stand boldly in a world that often opposes the Gospel.

3. Pressing the Message

Romans 1:13-15

Maybe discuss Paul’s eagerness to preach the Gospel. He sees his obligation to both Greeks and non-Greeks, showing that the Gospel is for everyone. This point can challenge the congregation to be proactive in sharing the message, breaking down cultural and social barriers.

4. Power of the Gospel

Romans 1:16-17

You could center on these key verses where Paul boldly declares that the Gospel is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes. This passage highlights the core message that drives Christians to live unashamed, relying on God's righteousness revealed from faith to faith.

What are the themes introduced by Paul in Romans 1:1-17?

How does Paul describe the importance of faith in Romans 1:16-17?

What role does Paul claim to have in relation to the Gospel in Romans 1:1?

In an educational setting, you might feel uncomfortable about expressing your beliefs, especially in discussions about controversial topics. Equip yourself by researching and understanding how the Gospel intersects with current issues like justice, ethics, and morality. Prepare to share these insights in discussions, backed by a gentle spirit. By framing your input in a respectful and knowledgeable manner, you’ll demonstrate how living unashamed of the Gospel informs your worldview, and it can lead to deeper conversations with peers.

In public life, there might be a tendency to conceal your faith due to societal pressures. Start by serving in community outreach programs—something like a food bank or a community clean-up. Use these experiences to openly discuss your motivation for serving, which stems from your faith. When people ask why you volunteer your time, share how the love of Christ inspires you. This approach allows you to integrate your faith into real-life actions, making it natural to live unashamedly in front of others.