All In

Introduction

Welcome | Prayer | Turn to Romans 1

The Spam Call From Heaven:

Ever ignore a call from an unknown number, only to find out it was actually important? “Ah man, that was my doctor... or worse, my grandma.” We’ve gotten so used to dodging calls that we don’t even think twice anymore.

Connection: Paul didn’t ignore his call. When God called, he picked up — and everything changed. Romans 1 reminds us: Don’t hit “decline” when Heaven’s calling you.

We begin a study through the book of Romans. Here are what scholars and theologians have said through the ages:

Martin Luther called romans as “truly the most important piece in the New Testament.”

John Calvin said concerning Romans that “when anyone understands this Epistle, he has a passage opened to him to the understanding of the whole Scripture.”

Charles R. Swindoll says: “Romans stands as the clearest and most systematic presentation of Christian doctrine in all the Scriptures.”

Ultimately, Romans is about the good news, the gospel and God’s redemption of humanity through Jesus!

1. BE CALLED. (Romans 1:1-7)

Read Romans 1:1-7

Romans 1:1–7 ESV

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Explanation:

Paul begins his letter by introducing himself to the church in Rome. He’d never been to them before, nor did he plant the church. It’s for this reason that Paul likely writes the longest of his introductions. His priority is letting them know who he is; he does so by naming himself and identifying himself with Jesus.

He states that he is a “servant of Christ Jesus” and that he is “called to be an apostle.” Notably, Paul wastes no time in establishing his purpose and mission. He is a servant of Jesus, and he has been uniquely called to be an apostle. He then tells the people what his message is set apart for, “the Gospel of God.” To be precise, Paul tells the people he has been uniquely called to share the gospel of God. Not a man-made ideology, not the newest fad in philosophy, but the unique good news of God himself.

A. You Are Called for A Purpose.

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i. For the work in the Kingdom.

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ii. For Obedience in Faith

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B. You Are Called to Belong.

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i. Belong to Jesus.

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ii. Belong to the Church.

C. You Are Called to Be Saints.

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i. As a saint, live purely.

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ii. As a saint, live on missional.

2. BE ENCOURAGED. (Romans 1:8-15)

Romans 1:8-15 Fill

Romans 1:8–15 ESV

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

A. You Can Be Encouraged by Other Believers.

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i. Be encouraged by the faith of other believers.

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ii. Be encouraged by the ministry of other believers.

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B. You Can Be Encouraged Through Prayer.

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i. Be encouraged by praying for others.

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ii. Be encouraged by praying for other churches.

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C. Be Encouraged Through Discipleship.

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i. Be encouraged by prioritizing Sunday School.

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ii. Be encouraged by regularly gathering throughout the week.

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D. Be Encouraged Despite Setbacks.

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i. Setbacks can be part of God’s preparation for your future.

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ii. Setbacks can allow you to do ministry where you are now.

3. BE UNASHAMED. (Romans 1:16-17)

Romans 1:16–17 ESV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

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A. Be Unashamed Because the Gospel Saves!

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i. The Gospel is God’s way to save us.

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ii. The Gospel is the only way to be saved.

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B. Be Unashamed Because The Gospel Is for All Who Believe.

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i. The Gospel does not discriminate.

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ii. The Gospel saves only those who believe.

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C. Be Unashamed Because The Gospel Reveals Righteousness.

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i. The Gospel demonstrates God’s righteousness.

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ii. The gospel provides righteousness to those who believe.

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Illustration: The Athlete Wearing the Team Jersey

Illustration: An athlete wears their team’s jersey with pride. Even when playing away games or facing hostile crowds, they never take it off. The jersey isn’t just fabric—it’s identity, loyalty, and purpose.

Application: Paul is “not ashamed of the gospel.” He wears Christ publicly and privately. No matter the ridicule or rejection, he owns his identity. You are called to wear the gospel boldly in public and private. To be unashamed of the gospel!

Conclusion

ILLUSTRATION:

A team was down at halftime. They’d worked their tales off all season long and now they were up against the previous state champs in the state championship game. Their QB had been sacked a few times, the wideouts had dropped a few open passes. But the defense had kept them in the game.

With the team frazzled and struggling, the coach looked at his team and began to share with them about spring tryouts. “Guys, earlier this year. You came out to the field and showed your guts. You worked hard during training. Johnny over there now can lift twice the weight he could at the start of the season. You’ve grown. But most importantly I chose you for this team. Because I’ve coached you and trained you, I know your ready for this next half. And best of all. I know we will win. As long as you follow my lead, I’ll lead you to victory.”

This morning you have seen how you can be called a child of God when you receive the grace of Jesus through saving faith in the gospel of Jesus! It is because God has chosen to save all who believe! Will you believe this morning and follow Jesus?

Also you have seen that you are called to be encouraged in the faith through other believers as they walk by faith alongside us. Some of you have failed to prioritize discipleship and encouragement in the faith. Dedicate this morning as the morning, you commit to being all in on discipleship and get plugged into a Sunday School class and commit your family to prioritizing church.

Lastly, you saw that you are called to be unashamed of Jesus and his Gospel. Do not be ashamed of who God has made you to be. There is nothing to be ashamed about. Do not be ashamed of the message God has give us to share. We should be like a old time crier. We simply decree what the King of Glory has declared for all to hear. There is no shame in that! In fact there is only honor. So this morning some of you need to repent of being ashamed of the Gospel and need to ask God to give you the courage to open your mouth and shout the good news for all the people to hear.

Invitation

With ever head bowed and eye closed:

Salvation

Repentance

Join the Church

Be Baptized.