The Gospel of God

Romans 1:1-7

By Pastor Lance English, March 23, 2025

(Romans 1:1–7)

Main Idea: The Gospel of God Is Unshakable.

  1. Romans is the clearest, most systematic presentation of the gospel.
  2. Written to a small group of believers in Rome, Paul’s letter outlasted the empire itself.
  3. The gospel is not about human power but about Christ’s saving work.
  1. THE MESSENGER OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:1-2) “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.”
    1. Paul’s Identity: A Servant of Christ - Not “Who am I?” but “Whose am I?” (John Piper) Paul was transformed from persecutor to preacher (Galatians 1:11-24). Our identity is in Christ, not our achievements.
    2. The Gospel’s Divine Origin - It is God’s gospel, not man’s. Promised from the beginning (Genesis 3:15), not a new plan.

  1. THE CONTENT OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:3-4) “Concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God in power.”

    1. Jesus: Fully Man and Fully God - David’s descendant – the promised King. Declared the Son of God in power – exalted through resurrection. The eternal Son took on flesh without ceasing to be God.
    2. The Gospel Centers on Christ - Not about self-improvement but Christ’s finished work. 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Jesus became sin for us, so we might become righteous in Him.

  2. THE MISSION OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:5-7) “Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of His name among all nations.”

  1. Grace Given for a Purpose - Grace is given so we can share it. The gospel is for all nations—missions is the church’s purpose.
  2. The Obedience of Faith - Faith is not just the beginning but the foundation of Christian life. Obedience begins with trusting Christ, not striving to fix yourself first. Jerry Bridges: “Your worst days are never beyond the reach of God’s grace, and your best days are never beyond the need of it.”
  1. THE ENDURING PEACE OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:7) “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Rome’s peace was enforced by the sword—Jesus’ peace was secured by the cross. True peace comes from God’s grace.

Application: How Do We Respond? 1. Receive Christ by Faith – Stop striving; trust Him today. 2. Live Out the Gospel – Don’t just believe it—live it. 3. Proclaim the Gospel – Missions is not optional; it’s our calling. 4. Read Romans & Let It Shape You – Luther: Romans is the purest gospel.

Q: What is your only comfort in life and in death? A: That I am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. (Heidelberg Catechism,Q1)