The key to real breakthrough and lasting change

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world. 9 God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in telling the good news about his Son – that I constantly mention you, 10 always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I want very much to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, 12 that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

13 Now I don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as I have had among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am bound both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

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

Romans 1:8-17

Introduction

Have you ever felt, or do your presently feel, like you’re just going through spiritual motions? You read your Bible. You say a prayer in the morning or at night. You show up to services on Sundays. But, inside, it feels like nothing’s really changing? Are you stuck in a pattern of sin? Its like you’re fighting a battle you fell like you will never win. Do you feel powerless against a habitual sin?

If that’s you, you’re not alone. Many believers find themselves spiritually stagnant at some point in their Christian life.
Today’s message is for you. It’s for me. It’s for us.

It’s filled with confidence. Not just confidence in the gospel’s power to save, but confidence in the gospel’s power to transform us. Paul isn’t content with just a gospel moment at the point of conversion. Because Paul knows that the gospel holds ongoing strength for every believer, for you, day after day after day. This morning’s message holds the key to real breakthrough and lasting change.

The gospel’s revelation of God’s righteousness powerfully saves, sanctifies, and transforms all who believe.

The gospel saves

8 Let me start off by saying, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you

The CSB, ESV, NASB, and KJV all literally, and rightly read First. However, Paul never comes to a second point, so he means Let me start off by saying.

Paul says I thank my God. I εὐχαριστέω my God. Paul is giving thanks by way of prayer for the believers in Rome.

because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world.

Here is Paul’s reason number 1 for being thankful, because the news of [their] faith is being reported in all the world. Testimony of their belief in Christ was being celebrated abroad. And had reached Paul’s own ear, causing him to thank God from whom all genuine faith flows.

9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in telling the good news about his Son—that I constantly mention you, 10 always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you.

Paul is a teller of the good news, the εὐαγγέλιον. This is the glad tidings of salvation through Christ that Paul preaches everywhere. Let your eyes drift to verse 15. The same word appears in verse 15, Paul says, I am eager to preach the gospel, εὐαγγέλιον, to you also who are in Rome. This is the proclamation of glad tidings concerning the things that pertain to Christian salvation. And then again in verse 16, I am not ashamed of the gospel, εὐαγγέλιον. Paul preaches good news of the the gospel everywhere, and he wants to preach it in Rome, because he is not ashamed of the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Notice the repetition of the word in each unit of Paul’s thought. This passage is about the gospel.

Here is Paul’s reason number 2 for praying, Paul is asking that [he] may come to [them]. The believers in Rome have accepted the gospel, Paul preaches the gospel, and so Paul feels compelled to preach the gospel among them.

11 For I want very much to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, 12 that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Here is Paul’s reason number 3 for praying, Paul wants to impart some spiritual gift to strengthen [them]. What kind of spiritual gift? Paul. His teaching is the gift. And even more specifically, his teaching about the gospel. The great apostle wants to give them the greatest gift he can, insight into the good news of the gospel. This will strengthen them, build them up, edify them. And that will be mutually encouraging. Paul will be encouraged to see their faith. And they will be encouraged to grow in their faith. Its a win win for everyone.

Can I give you a short practical application of the first point? Just like Paul, be thankful to God for the faith you see in believers around you. Send a new convert, or a recently baptised believer, a WhatsApp to let them know that you see God at work in their life and that their faith encourages you. Don’t know someone you can encourage? Speak to me, I’ll give you a few names.
Paul constantly thanks God for the Romans’ faith, and prays he may visit to strengthen them with a spiritual gift and for mutual encouragement.

The gospel sanctifies

13 Now I don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now)
Paul says I don’t want you to be unaware, meaning listen up. I have something important to say to you. Paul’s about to share his heart.

I often planned to come… …but was prevented. Paul’s honest about his plans not going his way. Everything goes God’s way, but things don’t always go our way. I have discovered in life that my will, and God’s will, don’t always line up. It was the same for Paul, and I imagine it’s the same for you?

in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as I have had among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the ignorant.

Motivation in ministry is key. I’ve watched a couple of documentaries lately of preachers who’s motivations were unhealthy. Sick. Sinful. One pastor was in it for the money. Another pastor was in it for the fame. Another pastor had evil desires. Paul’s motivation was fruit. He wanted to see God’s kingdom expand. He wanted to see lost sheep found. He wanted to see dead men walk. He wanted to see churches grow. Paul wanted a fruitful ministry.

He describes his audience as Gentiles. He means those tribes, and nations, and peoples other than the Jews. He further describes them as Greeks, a nation, and barbarians, all other foreigners, the wise, those who are cultured, and the ignorant, those who are not. Paul would go wherever, and to whomever, so that the whosoever might hear the gospel and believe.

15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Paul wanted to go to Rome to preach the gospel to the believers there. I don’t want you to miss what I just said. Paul wanted to go to Rome to preach the gospel to the believers there. Paul wanted to preach the gospel to believers. It is incorrect to think that the gospel is for unbelievers only. Here are a few reasons why the gospel message should be preached to believers:

1. Salvation isn’t just a past tense event that happened in your testimony. Salvation is a present tense walk, and salvation is a future tense reality. And so the gospel ministers in all three tenses. The gospel had the power to save us in the past. The gospel has the power to keep us saved in the present. And the gospel will have the power to save us in the future.

2. The gospel reminds us not only of what we were in the past before salvation found us, but also what we’ve become since salvation’s dawn.

3. The gospel empowers us to live our transformed lives in the power of the Holy Spirit.

4. As we apprehend the power of the gospel in every greater measure, the gospel assures us of the salvation we have in Christ.

5. The gospel motivates us to live in obedience, motivated by love, not law.

6. The gospel message unites us together into a common faith, breaking down barriers like age, gender, race, economic, and social status.

7. Hearing the gospel message frequently gives us a framework for our own evangelistic efforts.

That’s why the gospel should be preached in every service. Sure, it’s because we want your unsaved family and friends who you brought to church to be saved. But it’s also because I want you to be built up in the most holy faith. As Paul wanted to go to Rome to preach the gospel to the believers there, so too, we preach the gospel here.

Here’s a practical application of the second point. Regularly preach the gospel to yourself. Remind yourself that God’s at work in you. This practice of preaching the gospel to yourself will help align your actions with God’s will, and deepen your walk with Him.
Paul earnestly desires to visit Rome and preach the gospel, as he had, in many other places, and to many other people.

The gospel transforms

Paul boldly preaches the gospel as God’s power for salvation and sanctification to all who believe God’s righteousness revelation.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel,

Here is the reason why Paul wants to come to Rome to preach the gospel. The reason is he is not ashamed of the gospel. Paul didn’t fear rejection or ridicule. Paul wasn’t fearful of cultural pressure or secular values. Paul didn’t lack confidence in understanding of articulating the gospel. No, Paul openly and boldly preached the gospel. Paul brought the gospel as the solution to the social complexities and deviations of his day. Paul preached the cross wherever, and whenever, and to whomever he possibly could. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel.

because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.

The reason why Paul was not ashamed of the gospel is that Paul knew something of the power of the gospel. The word power, δύναμις, where we get the English word dynamite from, means strength, inner strength, intrinsic strength. The gospel has intrinsic strength, overcoming strength, irresistible strength, Holy Spirit of God inspired strength. The kind of strength which can overcome your deadness and bring you to life. The power of God for salvation kind of strength.

Can this sovereign power overcome your sinful past? Can this divine healing bring peace to your troubled soul? Friend, God promises that salvation comes to everyone who believes. Belief in what? That Jesus’ death was in your place. That Jesus’ life means you may live. Is your faith small? That is not a problem, because God’s power is big. Come to Jesus. Come at once. Do not delay.

Salvation is on offer to Jew and Greek alike. An emperor, Claudius, had expelled all Jews from Rome. After Claudius’ death the Jews had been allowed to return. What believing Jews found was a predominantly Gentile church. And that caused tensions (Acts 18:2). The Jewish Christians wanted to retain their Jewish traditions and culture. The Gentile Christian wanted to retain their Gentile traditions and culture. Throughout Romans Paul focuses on unity between Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16, 3:29-30). In Romans 1:13-16, Paul highlights the diversity of those to whom the gospel has reached. Their unity, and our unity, isn’t based on tradition or culture, but because of a shared faith in Jesus Christ.

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

The Psalmist declares that “righteousness and justice” are the foundation of God’s throne. God is righteous. It is an intrinsic attribute of His. A perfection. That God is righteous means that God is morally and ethically right, and he acts only in keeping with what is right and just.

God reveals His righteous character. I often marvel at how the cross is a demonstration of the love of God, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). But the cross is a demonstration of the righteousness of God too, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died in our place. The righteous for the unrighteous. The cross makes it possible for God to at once be just, and the justifier. The wrath of the righteous God against unrighteous sinners, is paid by the blood of the righteous Son of God.

Our access to this great exchange is faith. From start to finish. From beginning to end. From faith to faith. God saves for Himself a people who He, by the power of His own Holy Spirit, makes righteous. God will have us transformed.

Romans 1:17 Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4. Habakkuk 2 makes the point that the righteous live by faith. Those who are proud, who are not upright, don’t. Despite the apparent triumph of the wicked in this world, the righteous continue to trust in the God’s promises. In Romans 1:17, Paul demonstrates that justification by faith alone has been consistent throughout God’s dealings with humanity in the Old and New Testament.

We live by faith. ζάω life. Enjoyable, real life. True life. Active, blessed, endless life. Fresh, strong, life. This righteous, accessed by life, leads to transformational life.

I’ve experienced this gospel transformation in my own life. As a young adult I lived a decadent life. A self absorbed life. A life very far from God. But God took hold of my heart. He shook me awake. He brought me to life. And it changed everything. Over the decades God has been sanctifying me. Bit by bit. I’m not the same person I was when I got saved. I’m being transformed. That process isn’t finished. The race is still ahead. But it’s happening. SDG.

Are you struggling with a habitual sin. Bring this area to God in prayer. Ask Him to transform you. The same “power of God for salvation” is the same “power of God for sanctification.” Find a specific Scripture that reinforces God’s righteousness and power, using it in your daily prayer to reshape their mindset. If you need help in this process come speak to me.

Paul boldly preaches the gospel as God’s power for salvation and sanctification to all who believe God’s righteousness revelation.

Connect to the gospel

In Romans 1:17, the revelation of righteousness refers to God’s act of making His righteousness known through the gospel. Righteousness has always been God’s way of saving people, as Habakkuk 2:4 teaches, The righteous shall live by faith. God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel in two ways: His just character in dealing with sin, and His grace in providing a way for sinners to be made right with Him.

In 1 Peter 3:18 we read, For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God. God’s righteousness is revealed through Christ’s sacrificial death, where He, the righteous one, bore the punishment that unrighteous sinners deserve. This substitution satisfies God’s righteous justice, and displays His righteous grace to the undeserving.

Application for believers

Sanctification is a continual process. Gospel power enables us to walk in newness of life. A practical way to apply this truth is to examine one area in your life where you may be struggling or feeling spiritually stagnant. Ask God for His strength in overcoming these barriers, remembering that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you. This week, choose a Scripture passage that reinforces God’s righteousness and power—perhaps Romans 1:16-17 itself and pray through it each day, asking the Spirit to help you live in a way that reflects Christ’s transforming work in you. This practice will reinforce your reliance on God’s grace to walk in alignment with His will and grow in faith.

Application for unbelievers

For unbelievers, the gospel provides a powerful invitation to salvation through the righteousness of Christ. If you’re seeking hope or peace but feel distant from God, remember that Jesus died to bridge that gap. Salvation is offered to anyone who believes in Him, not based on your efforts but solely on faith in Jesus’ sacrifice. Consider what it would mean for you to receive His righteousness as a free gift, trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the means to be made right with God. Today, you can begin that relationship with God simply by turning to Jesus, admitting your need, and placing your trust in Him to save you.

Conclusion

Have you ever felt, or do your presently feel, like you’re just going through spiritual motions? You read your Bible. You say a prayer. You show up on Sundays. But, inside, it feels like nothing’s really changing? Are you stuck in a pattern of sin? Its like you’re fighting a battle you never win. Do you feel powerless against a habitual sin?

Take confidence. The gospel is powerful to save. And the gospel is powerful to transform us too. The gospel holds ongoing strength for every believer, for you, day after day after day. The gospel holds the key to real breakthrough and lasting change.

The gospel’s revelation of God’s righteousness powerfully saves, sanctifies, and transforms all who believe.

Amen.