Today's Bible Study Lesson
“The Power of the Gospel”
Aim: Discern
the
power of God as illustrated in Paul’s faith,
Affirm
the
power of God’s salvation in family and friends, and Pray
for
the salvation of the world, believing it is possible.
Background: Romans
1
Bible Lesson:
Romans
1:8-17
Memory
Verses:
“For
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and
also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16 KJV
Some
Highlights:
-
The
Book of Romans is Paul’s letter to the Saints in Rome which
introduced his message to them. Romans Chapter 1, opens as
traditional letters of that
time with an introduction of the author. Paul declares
his Apostleship and his commission by
God
to spread the Gospel.
-
Romans 1:8 begins with Paul
expressing his appreciation to God for the saints in Rome because of
their Christian walk which was
well
known
throughout the Roman Empire. Not only did he give thanks for them,
but he constantly remembered them in prayer that God might grant
their needs. Paul further declares his total commitment to spreading
the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ.
-
Paul
expresses a lingering
desire in his prayers to have the opportunity, if it were
God’s Will, to visit the saints in Rome. His
motive for his visit was to encourage and to strengthen them in the
Lord using the spiritual
gifts given to him by God. He also fully expected
that there
would be a mutual benefit of encouragement and strengthening for
them
and for himself.
“[As]
iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his
friend.”
Proverbs 27:17 NKJV
-
Paul
explains that on many occasions he had planned a visit to Rome, but
his plans were hindered or prevented. He does not give an
explanation as to the cause, but one can be sure that God’s divine
providence and timing were primary factors. As a preacher to the
Gentiles, he wanted
to exhibit his
spiritual
fruit in their midst as well as see and experience their
spiritual
fruit.
-
Paul
felt an urgent and compelling call to share the Gospel with all
people whether Greek, sophisticated, lowly
state,
educated, or uneducated. He was convinced that the Gospel was for
all mankind and he was determined to do his part to share and to
spread it.
-
Paul
showed great courage in wanting to preach the Good News of Jesus
Christ to everyone because
the
power of salvation is available to all who believe in the birth,
death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He recognized that the
Gospel was first brought to the Jews, but it was not for them only
it was also
available
to the
Gentiles. The
Gospel provides deliverance from the penalty of sin, the power of
sin, and ultimately from the presence of sin.
-
The
Good News of Jesus Christ provides the path to restored a
right
relationship with God through faith which
begins in trusting in Jesus Christ. Our
faith
increases as we experience God’s work of Grace in our lives. As
Christians,
we
live each day with and by faith in God that He will see us through!
Take
Aways:
-
The
Gospel is available and is intended for
all mankind and we should with an urgency willing share it freely to
all.
-
The
assembling of saints
together provides encouragement and strengthening for all.
-
Our
faith in Jesus Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection provides
our salvation or deliverance from the penalty of sin, the power of
sin, and ultimately from the presence of sin.
Bible
Verses to Keep in Mind:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight:” 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them
to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am
with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew
28:19-20 KJV
“And He said to them, "Go into all the
world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 NKJV
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to
[give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope
that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15 KJV
“Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit
from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me
[with thy] free spirit.” Psalm 51:11-12 KJV
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