God's Good News: The Power to Transform

Precede With Authority

Romans 1:1–7 NASB95

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul's credentials and mission, establishing the Gospel's authenticity and authority. Emphasize that Paul is both called and set apart for the Gospel of God, which centers on Jesus Christ.

This background suggests that we too, as followers of Christ, are called to live with purpose and integrity, embracing our identity in Christ without shame or apology.

Through Paul's introduction, we are invited to see our own calling as part of God's redemptive plan, inspiring us to hold the Gospel as central to our lives.

God Needs Ministers; Mark Bishop

God needs ministers in every situation.

Nelson’s Annual Preacher’s Sourcebook, 2006 Edition July 16, 2006: I’ll Shout It from the Mountaintop

We are called, we are called to call others, we are the called of Jesus Christ, and we are called to be saints. It’s as though the Lord is leaning over the balustrades of heaven, calling down to you and me, saying, “Hey, you! Hey you over there. Go in that direction. Go tell those people. There’s someone for you! That’s your assignment.” You never know when God may use you to plant a life-changing seed in someone’s heart, for that’s our calling.

Only because God both calls us to minister and gives us the grace to do it can we accomplish anything worthwhile.

Partake in Faithful Fellowship

Romans 1:8–12 NASB95

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Romans Romans 1:8–17

Paul begins a statement about God being his witness, but then interrupts this idea with a description of the God whom he serves. This extra descriptive information delays revealing what God is a witness of, drawing extra attention to it based on this delay.

Agatha Christie

Paul's heartfelt longing for the mutual encouragement of faith among believers.

Look at the importance of community in strengthening faith and sharing the Gospel.

Here, we see that faith is not a solitary journey but is enriched through fellowship.

How can we be intentional in 2025 in fostering connections and partnerships, as these relationships are avenues for Gospel transformation.

Evangelism:

One poor beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.

Discipleship:

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Discipleship, Need For

One weekend, three young fellows decided to take a bicycle trip into the countryside. Although inexperienced, they covered forty miles in three and a half hours and congratulated themselves on their good time. The next morning, as they prepared to head back to their starting point, they were met by a good friend, who had just cycled the forty-mile trip that morning and was ready to head back. He was an excellent cyclist, and with him pacing the young cyclists back to town, they made the return trip in just two and a half hours.

In the same way, young Christians need the “pacing” of older believers as they take their first “rides” in Christ if they are to progress as far in the Christian life as they should and as quickly as they can.

Someone has pointed out

6,000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths Christianity Simply Defined

Christianity Simply Defined

Christianity can be condensed into four words: admit, submit, commit, and transmit.*

Emphasize that living out the Gospel powerfully involves others in the journey of growth and support.

Pursue the Gospel Mission

Romans 1:13–15 NASB95

I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Paul was eager to visit Rome as part of commitment to spreading the Gospel. Despite obstacles,

Paul is resolved to minister to both Greeks and non-Greeks, showing the universal scope of the Gospel.

Encourage listeners to reflect on their own level of eagerness and readiness to share their faith across boundaries.

Stress the courage required to overcome challenges and fear in the mission field, whether that be in workplaces, neighborhoods, or beyond.

The Gospel compels us to reach out to all.

Questions

How does Paul’s introduction invite us to see our own calling in light of the Gospel?

What does it mean to partake in 'Faithful Fellowship' ?

How can we foster connections and partnerships for Gospel transformation in our lives?