Faith Proclaimed

Romans 1:8-17.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, there's a timeless truth that has the power to change everything: faith.

Not just any faith, but a deep, abiding trust in God that permeates every aspect of our lives.

This isn't about blind belief or wishful thinking; it's about a profound connection with the Divine that reshapes our perspective, our actions, and our very being.

Faith Changes Everything

One of the early points that Paul highlights in his opening to this letter, is simply...

With God there is no favorites- There was no difference between Jew or Gentile then, and...

There is no distinction between Cultures or ethnic backgrounds today.

“Before God, ALL men are equal...”

Sadly, even in the church today, that is not a universal concept.

The full impact of this concept has been twisted and contorted by men with agendas, that only serve to muddy the waters of Truth.

Being equal before God means that we, as humans, are ALL equally depraved and hopelessly lost- In dire need of a Redeeming Saviour.

The Jews took offense to this idea, as it removed the historical separate standing that Israel had with God.

However, since we are all bought with the price of the Blood of Christ.

We are one united Body of Believers in Christ.

This passage should really aid the struggling Christian to understand that living by Faith is not just for a theological discussion, but a daily discipline to guide our lives by.

Our faith should be our go-to source for everything in our lives- Our daily activities, our Priorities, our Relationships.

So let’s begin with:

1-FAITH IN ACTION

Romans 1:8–10 ESV

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.

“First, I thank my God...”

This not a bland request from some stone faced engraving or wooden statue.

The Apostle, here is echoing what has been repeated elsewhere in Scripture.

Psalm 25:14 ESV

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.

James 2:23 ESV

and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.

Paul recognized that God had changed his heart from that of a stanch and vengeful defender of Judaism in general and the Law in particular...

To a highly motivated Teacher of Jesus Christ’s Gospel message.

The Apostle easily realizes just how deep a relationship he has with God.

And he continues with, “Through Jesus Christ...”

Paul is fully aware of WHO is was that met him on the Road to Damascus many years before.

It was for Paul then, and for us today, Through Jesus Christ, that our blessed Salvation is received

So it only makes sense that all praise and thanksgiving should be returned to Christ.

This should become as habitual for us in our daily lives as dressing and grooming ourselves.

Psalm 50:15 ESV

and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

In the late 19th century, a Christian named George Müller set out to care for orphans in Bristol, England, without ever asking for financial support.

He became a powerful illustration of living by faith, relying entirely on God's provision. His orphanages fed thousands without ever soliciting funds.

Each meal that was provided came through prayers and the faith that God would supply every need.

Müller’s life challenges us to trust in God's provision, just as the biblical figures did.

At work, you might face unpredictable situations, like a sudden requirement to deliver a project without adequate resources or support.

This can lead to anxiety and the temptation to resort to shortcuts that compromise your ethics.

To live by faith, set aside time each morning to pray over your work and commit your tasks to God.

Ask for wisdom and guidance in handling challenges, and when you encounter difficulties, remind yourself of Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Trust that God will direct your paths and provide the skills and provisions you need.

2- Faith and Fellowship Shared

Romans 1:11–13 ESV

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 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.

Apostle Paul’s deep rooted Spiritual humility shines through in these two verses,

To impart Some Spiritual gift...He is not speaking in specifics here, but rather in general, as Paul and those of the Roman church believers, gain strength from their shared mutual faith.

Paul’s desire was that the faith of these Christians would strengthen him, as his teaching and encouraging strengthened them as well.

Encouraging each other and being Encouraged by each other.

All for the Glory of God.

And this model continues today.

One of the greatest advantages of coming together as believers on a regular basis, is for the combined effect of encouraging each other in our faith.

If we are living with true and humble faith in God, this should come natural to us.

We should ALWAYS be looking for ways to encourage, uplift and strengthen our Brothers and Sisters in the faith.

This isn’t brow-beating or constantly pointing to others faults, nor is it always telling them what we think they want to hear, as a means of making them feel good about themselves.

This can all be done in a way that is Spirit led and for the purpose of God’s Glory being magnified amongst all the believers- Encouraging all believers for hold fast to what they know to be true.

Paul now adds a special emphasis to verse 13,

“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers...” or,

You need to take special note that...

Paul had been trying for some time now to make the trip to Rome to meet personally with this group of young Christians.

And as Paul mentions in his other letters, the term “Brothers” reinforces the idea of all believers in Christ, are not only one Body, but even closer related, as we are all ‘Family”

We all have a common bond of Christian Fellowship, that should brings us together, not drive us apart.

Since Paul had every intent, on several occasions to travel to Rome, his desire to do so was not borne out of some recent impulse.

This group of Christ followers were so strong in their faith, that the entire church world of Asia Minor had heard of them, Paul had been encouraged by that faith from a distance and now was wanting to share in that faith with them.

We must check ourselves on a regular basis to ensure that we also are beacons of light, drawing the lost around us, to the Light of Christ.

Being willing to stand up for and defend what we believe and why we believe it.

Following Christ was not easy in the First Century-

Jewish converts to Christianity were criticized by other Jews, including their own families, for turning their backs on their heritage and upbringing.

Non-Jewish believers, The Gentiles of the rest of the world, were ridiculed just as much for devoting themselves to one God and this unheard of way of living,

As the gentile nations, under Greek and Roman influence, worshipped many gods, through various pagan rituals...

Engaging in near daily indulgences of debauchery and immorality.

Societal and cultural pressure was immense and non stop.

Yet these Christ followers had maintained a level of Faith that was becoming recognized around the known world.

In the Book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fiery furnace and declared,

"Our God is able to deliver us, but even if He does not, we will not bow down to your image."

This statement encapsulates the true essence of living by faith. It shows an unwavering trust in God, regardless of the outcome.

Their courage challenges us to maintain our faith in God’s power, even when circumstances seem dire.

The question for us today, is simple:

“Does our level of Faith stand up to that kind of pressure, from the world?”

In public life, you may encounter situations that challenge your beliefs, such as witnessing unethical behavior or participating in conversations that contradict your values.

This can be daunting and lead to feelings of isolation. To live by faith, find a small group of fellow believers or a mentor who encourages you to stand firm. Practice speaking up on important issues by preparing thoughtful and respectful responses rooted in Scripture.

This will strengthen your resolve, and remind you that being a light in the world means addressing these challenges with grace and conviction.

3- Bold Faith for a Bold Gospel

Romans 1:14–17 ESV

I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

One of the hallmarks of Paul’s ministry was his eagerness and Boldness to preach the Gospel to anyone who would listen.

With the same zeal that he once persecuted the Christians, Paul now is using persuasion and reason to win the lost for Christ.

In verse 14, Let’s not get bogged down in the phrasing of “Greeks and Barbarians”

For Paul is only the Greeks in Rome as the Learned or Educated and the Barbarians, not in the sense that we think of the word, but simply as those less educated.

In essence, Paul is simply saying that he, just like God, is playing no favorites here.

He does not consider the less educated any less worthy of hearing the gospel message, then the educated Upper Class of society.

So to all Believers in Rome, whether they be Greek, Roman or Jew, Paul is eager to speak to all of them about the Good News of the Gospel.

We read about Paul intense devotion to his mission in:

1 Corinthians 9:16 ESV

For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

Paul was not only obligated to preach the Gospel by his commission from Jesus,

He was also EAGER to preach the Gospel to the believers in Rome.

In one of the most powerful declarations in Scripture, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel...”

Paul’s conversion has become so complete that it is easy for him to say, “I have nothing to be ashamed of, this Gospel of truth has become the focus of his entire life.

As he puts it in:

1 Corinthians 1:23–24 ESV

but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Paul also understands he is in the middle of the greatest ruling empire of his time- The Roman Empire.

And if there is one thing the Romans understand is POWER.

So it is again easy for Paul to boldly insist that his lack of shame or embarrassment comes from the fact that, this gospel message,

“IS THE POWER OF GOD FOR SALVATION, to Everyone who exercises faith.”

The Apostle Paul's words ring true across the centuries:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes."

This bold declaration reminds us that our faith is not in vain.

The gospel message carries a power that surpasses all human endeavors and empires.

While governments and political causes rise and fall, the power of God stands eternal.

And this has always been God’s plan- That salvation be extended to the Jews first, Through their Messiah, Jesus Christ, who they rejected...

Then to the rest of the world. That was always God’s final plan-

The OT prophecy told of it, And Christ, Himself verified it in:

John 3:16–17 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Paul concludes this thought with this proof:

Romans 1:14–17 (ESV) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Martin Luther, in divine revelation found this fact, that God’s Righteousness was freely given to the sinner by God’s sovereign grace, through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection,

Called it the happiest day of his life and began his journey to Reformation that culminated in his posting of the 95 Theses at Wittenberg College in Germany.

Such is the impact on the soul searching for truth- What a joyous moment for the heart of every believer.

So in closing this episode, I leave you with a simple prayer.

If you are struggling with finding the kind of faith that Paul is speaking of, I encourage you to repeat this prayer, yourself.

And then let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart:

Lord Jesus, I give my heart and life to You. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I ask You to come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. Make me the person You want me to be. Here and now, I give You everything. Thank You for the gift of salvation. Amen.