2022 0911 Romans 1: 8 to 17

Romans 1:8–10 NIV

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

First Things First

there is thanksgiving

before anything thank God

Paul honours the church of Rome

we need to do the same - give thanks in all things

give thanks for our people - all who do good in Christ

Obligations of a Minister of the Gospel

we are all called to be ministers of the gospel

some have positions, others don’t

we all have the obligations of a minister

serve in the spirit not our flesh

work for the benefit of others

Preach the Gospel

preaching here is more than mere words

it is a lifestyle

righteous living gives value to the spoken gospel

Timing of God

the timing of God is always perfect

it is our own frustration or expediency that demands a time

God says means God’s timing will be perfect

do not be impatient, remain in peace

Romans 1:11–12 NIV

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

Mutual Benefit

this is a strong motivation

we can mutually benefit each other

it is not a one way flow from pastor to you

I need to receive benefit from you

just as you need to benefit from me

Impart Spiritual Gifts

Paul is coming as a teacher and imparter of spiritual gifts

these gifts are from the spirit

no use just playing church

we are here to bless people

first to our brothers and sisters

then to our community

Romans 1:16–17 NIV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

My Mindset

this gospel is powerful

it is divine power not human

it has the power to change lives and circumstances

no longer just to the Jews

this gospel is made available to everyone

Bringing Salvation

the gospel brings salvation

this is the bare essentials

Jesus died and his shed blood is ransom made for all of mankind’s sin

we believe by faith and we state that in faith

do you believe that you have been set free from death?

Righteous live by Faith

God is righteous as a legal fact

he does not have to prove by actions, he is righteous

the gospel of Jesus Christ brings righteousness of legal standing

this is why the gospel is so powerful

no longer do we have to work or earn or buy salvation

it is granted to us by our belief - a statement of faith that Jesus paid for our sin