1.5. THE LOFTY THEME (Romans 1:16-17)

Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."

Its a great privilege to share the message of the gospel. Far from being ashamed we should, like Paul, be on fire to preach it.

Notice the things that Paul gloried in about the gospel:-

The good news that in Jesus we have the Saviour who is Christ the Lord. The good news that He died for our sins and He rose again and is our living Lord. The good news concerning sin dealt with - life victorious - that death is robbed of its sting - and of eternal life.

Greater than the power of Rome - there is no place too hard for the gospel.

The power of the gospel is received and experienced by faith, which is accent to its truth and reliance on the Saviour. Our unrighteousness is replaced by His righteousness.

Romans 1:17 "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'"

Available to the whole family of man - Jew and Gentile alike. Received, it becomes a way of life living out His righteousness.

This is in accordance with Old Testament Scripture (Habakkuk 2:4 ). His righteousness received by faith, becomes a way of life, living out His righteousness. This life is opposed to spiritual death - it is the special gift of God in Christ. With this quotation of the prophet the lofty theme of Romans is set.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you think thankfulness and prayer for people is the secret of bonding with them (Romans 1:8-10 )?

2. Are your prayer desires always answered the way you expect?

3. What impresses you about the apostolic ministry aims expressed in Romans 1:11-15?

4. What do you think of Paul's boast in the gospel? Do you believe it to be applicable to your world (Romans 1:16-17 )?