Gospel truth dominates the book of Romans. But that does not mean that this book only tells us how to be justified and forgiven of our sins. The main theme of the book might be stated as "A vindication of the Character of God as He provides salvation to guilty sinners." The title of this message asks the question "What effect does the gospel have on you?" We might begin answering that question by saying "The gospel should give us a deep reverence and awe for the goodness and glory of God." Is this true for you? Does the gospel humble you and reveal that you are accountable to a holy, sovereign, all-knowing, all-powerful God? In turn, does this make the thought of His love, mercy, and grace sweeter?

Romans 1:1-18 - The Effect of the Gospel

Let's look for perspectives concerning the gospel that Paul reveals in Romans 1:1-8.

• Romans 1:1 - "The gospel of God" separates us for God's purpose.


• Romans 1:5-7 - Jesus Christ, through the gospel, gives us grace and calls us all to be "saints."


• Romans 1:2-3 - The gospel has its roots in the Old Testament Scriptures.


• Romans 1:4 - The gospel is attended with the power of God - resurrection power.


• Romans 1:5-8 - The gospel call is of world-wide importance - to both the Jew and the Gentile.

Next, let's look at how the Gospel affected Paul and how he hoped it would affect others, as stated in Romans 1:8-18.

Romans 1:8-9 - The gospel of God's Son caused Paul to "serve God with / in his spirit."
Paul was not merely fulfilling a religious duty. He was not just pursuing a vocational occupation or a casual pastime. Paul's commitment to the gospel was done with all his heart. His inner man was deeply engaged in what God sent him to do and deeply engaged with the people to whom he was sent. We may share this same great passion.

• Paul sensed the presence of God and His involvement with him - "… God is my witness..." (Romans 1:9)


• Paul was full of gratitude for the growing fellowship of believers - "… I thank my God… for you all… your faith…" (Romans 1:8)


• Paul was regularly in prayer for others - "… Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers." (Romans 1:9)

Romans 1:10-13 - The gospel of God's Son caused Paul to desire to prosper in the will of God.

Paul yearned to be with fellow believers and to build them up (I Thessalonians 2:17).

• Romans 1:11 - To impart some spiritual gift that would establish them.
  The Greek word for "established" = "to strengthen, confirm, make stable." See Romans 16:25-27; Luke 22:31-32; I Thessalonians 3:2,13; I Peter 5:10; James 5:8; Revelation 3:2.


• Romans 1:12 - To receive comfort together as they shared their mutual faith (Colossians 2:1-5).


• Romans 1:13 - To harvest some spiritual fruit which would glorify God (John 15:7-8,16).

Romans 1:14-16 - The Gospel of God's Son gave Paul three certainties about himself.

Note three times Paul says "I am."

• Romans 1:14 - "I am debtor."
  Paul owes the gospel to every person (cp. Romans 13:8; Acts 20:26-27).


• Romans 1:15 - "I am ready / eager."
  Paul is not saying that he is relying on his knowledge and skills. Paul's spirit (Romans 1:9) is full of desire to give the gospel truth to others. Note that Paul did not say that he is eager to preach for the saints in the church at Rome - trying to make more converts. That is certainly another desire he has. But Paul is stating that the Christians need the gospel preached to them! More will be said about this later (See note on Romans 1:16).


• Romans 1:16 - "I am not ashamed."
  Paul is convinced and persuaded of God's purpose and power being communicated through the gospel. The world mocks the gospel, but we must never be ashamed or timid. See I Corinthians 1:17 - 2:16; II Timothy 2:8-13; Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-9; II Timothy 1:7-12.

Note: The gospel is more than just preaching to people about how to be justified, forgiven, and go to heaven when they die. The gospel is not merely a lesson on the atonement. Consider Romans 8:28-39. The gospel reveals a three-fold salvation. Through Jesus Christ, we are…

• Justified - Saved from the penalty of sin. See Romans 5:1-2,9; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-9.


• Sanctified - Saved from the power and pleasure of sin. See Romans 5:10; James 1:21; I Timothy 4:16 cp. Romans 8:1-14, 26-29; James 1:12-27; I Timothy 4:13-16; Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 2:10.


• Glorified - Saved from the presence of sin. See Romans 13:11; Hebrews 9:28; I Thessalonians 5:9-10 cp. Philippians 3:20-21; I John 3:1-2; Ephesians 1:9-14; II Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5.

 

Special note: We are glorified? (Romans 8:28-30)

In Romans 8:30, the Spirit of God speaks as if it were already a fact. We who are justified are also glorified (Romans 5:1-2; 8:16-18; Colossians 1:25-27; I Corinthians 2:7 cp. II Corinthians 3:18; 4:14-18). That we are destined to a sinless state, to live in an environment of complete love and purity may feel like a very remote idea. Sin and evil are raging in this world, which is tremendously under the control of Satan and his demons. See II Corinthians 4:3-4; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12; I John 5:19. The weakness of our flesh is a constant concern (Romans 7:14 - 8:4; 13:11-14; II Corinthians 10:3-5; Philippians 3:3; Matthew 26:41).

Imagine how the people of Israel felt, when they were departing from the bondage of Egypt. They were pinned against the Red Sea, with Pharaoh's army racing to apprehend them. But Moses said, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever." (Exodus 14:13). What an incredible statement! With their eyes, they could see only destruction. They felt helpless. But they were being promised complete deliverance. No one could have imagined that soon the Red Sea would split apart and that they would walk on dry ground. No one could have imagined that the Egyptian army would be destroyed, when they pursued them, and the sea closed in on them!

Even so, we are promised a sudden reversal of the stranglehold that Satan and this world seem to have on us. In God's mind, it is all settled. We must "be still" and wait for "the salvation of the LORD."

Consider these Scriptures:

Exodus 14:1-31 cp. John 16:33; Romans 16:20; I Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:9; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:8; II Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 22:20-21. See also Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 46:9-11; Romans 8:28-39.