A GOSPEL WORTH SHARING

Part Two of the Series: When Truth Is Rejected

Romans 1 and the Consequences of Life Without God

Scripture: Romans 1:8-17

SERMON BIG IDEA:

The gospel is still the power of God unto salvation, and believers should never be ashamed to share it.

SERIES THOUGHT:

Truth rejected brings consequences, but truth received brings salvation, transformation, and life.

INTRODUCTION:

Romans 1 shows us what happens when truth is rejected, but before Paul speaks about the consequences of rejecting truth, he reminds us of the power of the gospel.

In Romans 1:8-17, Paul shows his love for the church, his desire to strengthen believers, and his passion to preach the gospel. Paul was not ashamed because he knew the gospel had power to save anyone who believed.

POINT 1: A FAITH WORTH CELEBRATING

Romans 1:8

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.”

Paul thanked God for the believers in Rome because their faith was known throughout the world.

They were not known first for buildings, programs, events, or popularity.

They were known for their faith.

KEY TRUTH:

The greatest reputation a church can have is a reputation for faith.

A faith worth celebrating includes:

- Belief in God.

- Commitment to God.

- A life that reflects the character of God.

- A witness that causes others to take notice.

Paul also prayed for the believers in Rome. He did not have to know them personally to pray for them faithfully.

APPLICATION:

- What is my faith known for?

- Am I praying only for myself, or am I praying for the Body of Christ?

- Does my life give others a reason to see my faith in God?

POINT 2: A FELLOWSHIP WORTH STRENGTHENING

Romans 1:9-15

Paul did not only thank God for the Roman believers from a distance. He desired to visit them so they could be strengthened and encouraged together.

Romans 1:11 says:

“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established.”

The word “established” carries the idea of being strengthened, made firm, and helped to stand.

Paul wanted to serve them, strengthen them, and build them up in the Lord.

KEY TRUTH:

Christian fellowship is not just about being together. It is about helping one another become stronger in Christ.

Paul reminds us that:

- We need one another.

- We should encourage one another.

- We should edify one another.

- We should be present and active in the life of the church.

- We should serve instead of waiting for someone else to serve.

1 Thessalonians 5:11:

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”

APPLICATION:

- Am I helping strengthen the faith of others?

- Am I present, engaged, and serving in the Body of Christ?

- Do I encourage more than I criticize?

- Am I contributing to the health and unity of the church?

POINT 3: A GOSPEL WORTH SHARING

Romans 1:16-17

Romans 1:16:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”

Paul was passionate about the gospel because he knew the gospel had power.

The gospel is not merely good advice.

The gospel is not self-help.

The gospel is not positive thinking.

The gospel is not moral improvement.

The gospel is God’s saving message through Jesus Christ.

KEY TRUTH:

The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

There are many messages that sound good but cannot save.

Some preach a message of religion that says, “If you try harder, do better, and clean yourself up, God will accept you.”

Some preach a message of materialism that says, “Your value is measured by what you own, what you drive, where you live, and how successful you appear to be.”

Some preach a message of self-approval that says, “You are fine just the way you are, and nothing in your life needs to be surrendered, corrected, or changed.”

Some preach a message of cultural freedom that says, “Live however you want, follow your feelings, pursue your pleasure, and make yourself happy.”

But none of those messages can save.

Religion cannot save.

Material success cannot save.

Self-approval cannot save.

Cultural acceptance cannot save.

Only the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God for salvation.

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

The gospel is the good news that:

- We are sinners in need of a Savior.

- Jesus Christ came into the world.

- Jesus died for our sins.

- Jesus rose from the dead.

- Jesus saves everyone who believes in Him.

- Through faith in Christ, we are forgiven, justified, and made righteous before God.

Romans 10:9:

“…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

THE RESULT OF THE GOSPEL:

Romans 1:17 says that in the gospel, “the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.”

Man cannot produce righteousness by his own effort.

God gives righteousness to those who believe the gospel and receive Jesus Christ by faith.

KEY TRUTH:

What man cannot do by effort, God does by His power.

APPLICATION:

- Am I ashamed of the gospel, or am I willing to share it?

- Am I trusting in Christ alone, or am I leaning on my own goodness?

- Have I allowed other messages to shape my life more than the gospel?

- Who needs to hear the gospel from me?

CLOSING TRUTH:

Paul was not ashamed because he knew the gospel had power.

The gospel has power to save.

The gospel has power to change.

The gospel has power to justify.

The gospel has power to produce righteousness in the life of the believer.

The world does not need another opinion.

The world does not need another self-help message.

The world does not need another version of good news that cannot save.

The world needs the gospel of Jesus Christ.

FINAL REMINDER:

Do not be ashamed of the only message that can save.

The gospel is still the power of God unto salvation.

Jesus is still saving.

Grace is still available.