Series Big Idea: "Equipping our congregation to embrace and fulfill the Great Commission"

Sermon Big Idea: "The Gospel’s life-changing power brings salvation and reveals the righteousness of faith in Christ"

Key Scripture (Romans 1:16-17)

As we continue in our series that I am calling Mission Ready, we turn to Paul's letter to the Romans. These verses are a foundational passage for understanding the Christian faith. In these two verses, Paul summarizes the essence of the gospel message. Today, we will unpack three key points: the power of the gospel, the reach of salvation, and the righteousness revealed through faith.

(Romans 1:16-17)

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

The Power of the Gospel

Paul begins by declaring, "I am not ashamed of the gospel." In a world where proclaiming the gospel can lead to ridicule or persecution, Paul’s boldness is impressive. Why is he so unashamed? Because, as he says, the gospel is "the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."

The word "power" here comes from the Greek word "dynamis," which is also the root of the English word "dynamite." The gospel is not just good advice or moral teaching; it is the explosive, transformative power of God. It has the ability to change lives, to save souls, and to break the chains of sin and death.

In the Roman context, power was everything. The Romans understood power in terms of military might, political control, and societal dominance. But Paul introduces a different kind of power—a divine power that goes beyond human understanding. This power brings salvation, a concept that includes not just deliverance from sin but also the restoration of a right relationship with God.

For us today, this means that the gospel has the power to transform our lives. It can heal broken relationships, bring peace to troubled hearts, and offer hope in the midst of despair. We must not be ashamed of this gospel, for it is the very power of God at work in the world.

The Scope of Salvation

Paul continues, "It is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Here, Paul emphasizes the reach of the gospel message. Salvation is available to all—Jews and Gentiles alike.

In the early church, this was a radical idea. The Jews were God's chosen people, the recipients of the Law and the prophets. But the Gentiles were often seen as outsiders, excluded from God's covenant promises. Paul makes it clear that the gospel breaks down these barriers. The good news of Jesus Christ is for everyone, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.

In a world that is often divided by race, nationality, and social status, the gospel unites us. It reminds us that in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for we are all one (Galatians 3:28). The church must reflect this unity and proclaim the message of salvation to all people, embracing the diversity of God's creation.

The Righteousness Revealed Through Faith

Finally, Paul states, "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.'" This righteousness is not something we earn through our own efforts; it is a gift from God, revealed through the gospel and received by faith.

The phrase "from first to last" indicates that faith is both the beginning and the end of our journey with God. It starts with faith and is sustained by faith. This is a direct challenge to any idea that we can achieve righteousness through our own works or obedience to the Law. Instead, righteousness is a relational term, signifying a right standing with God, which is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ.

This teaching is rooted in the Old Testament, as Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4, "The righteous will live by faith." Practically, it means making decisions based on faith, seeking God's guidance in our choices, and demonstrating trust in His promises, even when circumstances are tough.

Conclusion

Romans 1:16-17 provides a profound summary of the gospel: its power, its scope, and the righteousness it reveals through faith. We are called to be unashamed of this gospel, recognizing it as the transformative power of God. We are reminded that salvation is available to all, breaking down barriers and uniting us in Christ. And we are challenged to live by faith, receiving God's righteousness as a gift.

As we go out this week, let’s carry this gospel boldly, share it widely, and live it faithfully. May the power of God continue to work in and through us, bringing salvation and revealing His righteousness to the world. Amen.

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, 1985.

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Kruse, Colin G. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Edited by D. A. Carson, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2012.

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Newell, William R. Romans Verse-by-Verse. Christian Classics Ethereal Library, n.d.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament. Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

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