Not Ashamed (a discourse on the history and heart of R12)

Call To Worship Scripture

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Sermon Scripture

Romans 1:16–17 ESV

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.”

Review of Acts

The early church met everyday believing that Christ would return for them at that gathering.

Stephen boldy proclaimed the gospel (). He was not ashamed and He recieved a standing ovation (the righteousness of God was revealed).

The church is called to live with the boldness of Stephen. (Hebrews 12)

Intro To Romans

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts in many ways are primarily books of history. They tell us about the life of Jesus and the establishment of the church.

Romans is a book of doctrine (teaching).

The Gospels tell us about the crucifixion and resurrection.

Romans tells us the signifigance of the crucifixion and resurrection.

Acts tells us that we must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved.

Romans tells us why we need to be saved.

The first 11 chapters of Romans are doctrinal and the last five chapters are practical.

It is after spending eleven chapters talking about the righteousness of God that Paul says,

Romans 12:1 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Impact of Romans

The book, the cry, the appeal of Romans is why we are here as a church this morning. The 12 in Revolution 12 is referencing and the word Revolution is coming from the appeal found in to no longer be conformed to this world but to be offer yourself as your spiritual act of worship. Such a response to this call has changed and shaped the church throughout generations. It is a real plea coming from the authority of God, which when recieved and lived, reveals the power of God to the world!

The study of Romans led to the conversion of St. Augustine

Martin Luther’s study of Romans resulted in the Protestant Reformation

John Bunyan’s study of Romans led to the writing of Pilgrim’s Progress

Every believer ought to strive to think, study and travel themselves through this book.

Passage Breakdown

NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

GOSPEL = THE POWER OF GOD -> FOR SALVATION -> TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES