UNBELIEVABLY GOOD NEWS
Romans 1:1-17
WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? How can a person please God and obtain salvation?
No more important question has ever been asked!
Answer to this age-old question takes us to the heart of the gospel.
It distinguishes the message of the Word of God from all other religions.
It points the way to our eternal destiny.
Confusion has existed through the centuries, even among “evangelicals.”
We get different answers–that all sound so biblical--but contradict each other.
EE question # 2: Some answer according to popular public opinion.
World's view: we do good works, or at least add something to please God and earn us a place in heaven. “We can do it!” “I’d rather do it myself!”
That’s why Romans is so important.
Such teaching has spread widely, even among God's people.
Romans shows us where that leads
Romans has been used by God throughout history to transform many lives:
Martin Luther read Paul’s words: “Just people live by faith” and decided to trust Christ.
200 yrs. later, a missionary to American Indians listened to public reading of preface to Luther’s commentary on Romans, and realized he was busy working for God but HE had never trusted Christ himself. That man’s name was John Wesley.
Centuries before Luther or Wesley, Augustine responded to the message of Romans and was saved.
Romans: only Bible book with express purpose to explain the gospel.
Paul wanted all to understand: gospel presents ONLY WAY people come to God.
It’s THE POWER by which God saves, and it’s for ALL who trust in Christ.
Paul defines process every person since foundation of the world has had to follow to find peace and fellowship with God.
Recently 80 leaders from various organizations warned: “The evangelical church is slipping into heresy!”
Many protestants, once anchored in sound theological principles are adrift in error.
Declaration: Evangelicals must “recover the historic Christian faith.... Many evangelicals assent to biblical principles but haven’t understood or practiced them.
“‘Evangelical’–biblical word for ‘gospel’--has become so inclusive it’s in danger of becoming empty.”
That’s why Romans is so important.
We must go back to our roots–reaffirm what we believe and why!
WHO'S TALKING? What do we know about the author?
Paul's background is extremely important for understanding Romans.
Paul's life demonstrates struggle between salvation by works and by faith.
He was strict Pharisee
He became leading persecutor of the church
He was fervent Jew
He understood nature of religion he now calls "the law of sin and death"
He EXPERIENCED A RADICAL TRANSFORMATION of his own life.
A personal encounter with God corrected his old belief system.
He became a zealous supporter of this gospel.
Paul speaks on basis of his experience when he calls this GOOD NEWS!
When Paul describes Israel's condition, he does it with compassion and understanding.
He’s not an outsider on the attack!
From his earliest days he believed the same things.
He wants them to find truth he discovered: heart of the old system:
“Just people live BY FAITH”—NOT by works!
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Following birth of church at Pentecost, apostles demonstrated God called Jews, Samaritans and pagans alike to become new people: the church.
Salvation for all was based on faith alone.
When persecution scattered believers, they took gospel everywhere.
Paul took 3 missionary journeys, reaching Asia Minor (Turkey), Macedonia, & Greece.
During 3rd trip, Paul wrote Romans.
He’d never been there, but wanted to preach God’s Word there
He was planning on going to Jerusalem, and then Rome.
Anticipating his visit, Paul wrote to prepare the way.
TWO PURPOSES:
1) To introduce himself and inform them of his plan to visit them.
2) To introduce his message: the gospel–the good news: Just people live by faith!
PERSONAL INTRODUCTION 1:1-17
Paul GREETS saints at Rome with brief affirmation of the gospel 1-7
GREETING 1:1-7 Normal letter format:
Identifies writer (1-6), recipients (7a), and gives word of greeting (7b).
Often reveals what motivated author to write.
In Romans, Paul expands his description of the author.
Main emphasis: declaration concerning the gospel.
Paul introduces himself to the saints at Rome 1-6
Paul wanted to do more than just introduce himself.
He introduces himself in one verse 1:1
Tells us 3 things about himself:
(1) He is a SERVANT of Christ.
He isn’t boss; he’s a slave of Jesus Christ, Who is Boss.
(2) He is an official emissary of God
God called him to be an APOSTLE, one sent as His official representative
In other words, he is God's spokesman.
(3) He is set apart for the gospel. –named by God for ministry of the gospel.
We use “gospel,” often without really understanding its meaning.
Used to describe good news–a happy announcement– headlines that bring joy to community.
One reason we no longer understand “good news:” most of our news isn’t.
We don’t read much news these days that we’d call “good.”
“Gospel” was used to describe announcement of end of Babylonian captivity.
Described decree giving captives permission to go home and rebuild.
That was “good news.” But Paul’s message was even better!
TWO MAIN TRUTHS concerning the "good news" he was preaching:
1. This good news was promised beforehand by OT prophets 1:2
NOT a new message.
Paul didn’t invent it; nor did apostles.
God's plan never changed. It’s always the same.
2. This "good news" is about Jesus 1:3-6
Message revolves around Him
(1) Jesus is “God's Son.” 3a Not English expression; Hebrew idiom
"Son of" describes characteristics of someone or something.
Jesus has same character as His Father– "chip off the old block".
He is just like God, because He is God!
Jewish people understood–reacted violently when Jesus used it
(2) Jesus is DAVID’s Son 3b –fulfills requirements for Messiah
(3) God raised Jesus’ from the dead–authenticated His ministry 4
Although Jesus died; it didn't ruin God's plan.
Death destroys human plans; it’s basis for Jesus’ triumph!
Power from God which raised Him demonstrates Jesus is God’s Son.
Resurrection made statement to world: “Jesus is His Son.”
That’s why people who oppose gospel try to prove it didn’t happen.
Agnostic asked girl: "Many claim to be Christ. How can you be sure who told truth? Who do you believe?" "I believe in the One who rose from the dead!"
(4) Through Jesus we all receive God’s grace 1:5-6
We are privileged to see people respond in faith
God gave Paul and US commission to preach the good news to all people, to exhort them to trust Him.
We receive this grace by being identified with Him.
Rest of Romans explains more fully subject greeting introduced.
Paul writes to saints that God loves 7a (Recipients)
As God’s children, we can count on His continuing love for us.
Logical result of God's love: that we be holy.
All who trust Him are called “Saints.”
McGee: “There are two kinds of people in the world: ‘saints’ and ‘ain’ts!’
We’re not saints because of our character; we’re saints because of our faith.
But that faith sets us apart for a different kind of lifestyle.
Difference between cause and effect, between prerequisites and results.
Greeting 7b Paul desires that we experience God’s grace and peace, provided in Christ.
Only way to grace and peace is through the gospel!
Paul thanks God because the whole world has heard about their faith 8
Their reputation motivates him to thank God for them.
Everybody has heard about it!
Paul prays continually that he might be able to minister to them personally.
Paul prays for them all the time.
He asks God to let him go meet them personally.
Two petitions
(1) He wants to STRENGTHEN them by his ministry among them. 11
(2) He wants them to be mutually ENCOURAGED together with him, —each by the faith of the other. 12
As they minister to each other, they encourage one another.
Paul attempted to go there so he might have a harvest among them 13
Paul tried several times but God has not allowed it.
His purpose:
He wants fruit among them, just as he has in other places
He wants to announce the gospel to people in Rome also
Paul desires to proclaim this good news to all people 14-17
He has a debt–to preach this good news to all kinds of people 14-15
Whatever their background or social level.
To Greeks and to non-Greeks
Greeks were high-class people, with lots of culture. They were educated elite.
The gospel is for everyone, without class or cultural distinctions.
To wise and to foolish people
To Jews and to pagans
To Romans
To US!
Paul has a debt. Do we sense a debt to those around us who don’t know Christ?
Paul proposes series of explanations for desire to announce gospel to those in Rome, as if answering a series of “why” questions:
“Why are you eager to preach the gospel in Rome, Paul?”
Because I am not embarrassed or ashamed of the gospel.
Paul is not ashamed of this good news 16a
He is willing to go to Rome to preach gospel without embarrassment.
Should we not sense obligation to announce "good news" to those around us?
“Why aren’t you embarrassed by the gospel?”
THEME of the letter: 1:16-17
Because it is the power of God which makes salvation possible.
He was not ashamed because he came with power.
Power was important to Roman armies. They boasted of power.
Paul comes to Rome with message powerful enough to transform life of sinful people.
Romans could force people to bow before their authority, but couldn’t change hearts.
They couldn’t enable people to live godly lives.
THEME: the gospel is the power of God by which He gives SALVATION to EVERYONE who BELIEVES.
True for Jews and for Gentiles.
The gospel is the only means of salvation for all mankind.
Ramad, man from India belonged to gang of robbers. While burglarizing a house, Ramad noticed a small black book containing very thin pages just right for making cigarettes. So he took it. Each evening he tore out a page rolled it around tobacco and had a smoke. Noticing small words on pages in his language, he began to read before rolling cigarettes.
One evening after reading page, he asked Jesus to forgive his sins and save him. He turned himself in to police. Ramad the bandit became a follower of Jesus Christ. In prison he led others to Jesus. For Ramad, God’s Word became "the power of God for salvation."
Series of questions begun in v. 16 continues:
Why is the gospel the power of God for salvation?
Gospel Summarized 17
Because gospel reveals the righteousness of God received by faith.
O.T. established principle:
“The righteous live by FAITH! => Just people live by FAITH.
NO ONE fulfills law enough to establish righteousness and save himself.
The righteousness required has to be supplied by faith.
This is "Good news!"
God has provided this kind of righteousness in Jesus!
What we could never provide for ourselves
–God’s kind of righteousness
God has provided for us, through Jesus.
God’s gift is received by trusting His Son.
Although everyone deserves condemnation, those who trust Christ receive the righteousness of God which is found in Him.
In 1915 in Sweden, a man, dying in a prison hospital, had spent his life in crime. Chaplain, wiping his forehead and moistening his lips, whispered repeatedly, "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” Look of peace came on face of dying man, as he trusted the Savior. He closed his eyes and went into the presence of his Lord.
Chaplain walked out into chill of morning. Newsboy was shouting, "Extra! Extra!" Headlines announced that the King had just died. Queen sat at his bedside, comforting him from Scriptures and reading promises of forgiveness through Christ. Same sacrifice that brought pardon to a prisoner procured peace for a king. There’s no difference!
How do YOU hope to please God and find eternal life?
World religions tell us you have to earn your way. At least you have to help God
“It’s up to you!” “You have it in you!” “Go for it!”
Problem: We all come to place where we realize we aren’t making it!
Romans has good news!
God has provided what I could never provide for myself.
He provided only adequate way to salvation through His Son Jesus
Jesus Paid it ALL! I can’t add a thing!
I need to stop trying to do it myself, and trust the Son.
Are you trusting Him this morning? Why not take that step of faith today?
Trust in Christ and receive the gift of salvation God wants to give you.
Paul wants to share the good news
because he isn’t embarrassed by the good news about Jesus
because it’s the only way to obtain God’s kind of righteousness
Only way anyone ever has, or ever will, satisfy God’s demands.
Are you convinced of that this morning? Absolutely convinced that it’s true?
If we really believe the only way anyone has ever “made it” with God is by trusting His Son, why don’t we get more excited about telling people?!!!
We get excited about other “good news” in our life–we have to tell SOMEBODY!!!
We’ve got “GOOD NEWS!” It’s time to pass it on!
We have incredibly GOOD NEWS! Let’s tell people about it!