Today's Scripture Reading: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1: 16-17 (NIV)
Why would Paul even be tempted to be ashamed of the Gospel?
1. The Gospel was identified with a poor Jewish carpenter.
2. This Jewish carpenter was crucified and crucifixion was the lowest form of execution.
3. Those who where first believers, many where common people, some even slaves.
4. There were many great philosophers and philosophies and to believe that a Jew rose from the dead was ridiculous.
Paul declared without hesitation “I am not ashamed of the Gospel…” He then explains why he has confidence in his message:
The origin of the Gospel: it is the Gospel of Christ – 1: 16a
The operation of the Gospel: it is the power of God – 1: 16b
The outcome of the Gospel: it is the power of God unto salvation – 1:16c
The outreach of the Gospel: it is unto everyone that believes – 1:16d
Roman 1:17 is the key verse of the entire book of Romans “The righteous [just or justified] will live by faith. “By faith” in the Old Testament the righteous was live “by works,” but sinners soon discovered they could not obey God’s Law and meet His righteous demands. Paul refers to Habakkuk 2:4 “The just shall live by faith.”
Why would Paul even be tempted to be ashamed of the Gospel?
1. The Gospel was identified with a poor Jewish carpenter.
2. This Jewish carpenter was crucified and crucifixion was the lowest form of execution.
3. Those who where first believers, many where common people, some even slaves.
4. There were many great philosophers and philosophies and to believe that a Jew rose from the dead was ridiculous.
Paul declared without hesitation “I am not ashamed of the Gospel…” He then explains why he has confidence in his message:
The origin of the Gospel: it is the Gospel of Christ – 1: 16a
The operation of the Gospel: it is the power of God – 1: 16b
The outcome of the Gospel: it is the power of God unto salvation – 1:16c
The outreach of the Gospel: it is unto everyone that believes – 1:16d
Roman 1:17 is the key verse of the entire book of Romans “The righteous [just or justified] will live by faith. “By faith” in the Old Testament the righteous was live “by works,” but sinners soon discovered they could not obey God’s Law and meet His righteous demands. Paul refers to Habakkuk 2:4 “The just shall live by faith.”
No comments:
Post a Comment