Romans: Rooted in Jesus, Preach the Gospel

The next section of Paul’s letter is interesting because the Apostle wants to “preach the gospel to you,” the Roman believers. Why would he want to preach the gospel to believers? Notice in the text, Romans 1:8-17, that Paul affirms their faith, prays for the opportunity to give and receive encouragement with them, and expects that when he does visit there will be spiritual fruitfulness in his visit. Why do believers need to hear the gospel? With all that the church is experiencing from the external culture of Rome and the internal strife of the church, why does Paul see the gospel as the essential teaching for the believers?

Verses sixteen and seventeen present the answer: the gospel is the power of God advancing for the salvation of all ethnicities; and it humbles believers as recipients of grace by faith, not as laborers receiving a wage. This presentation strikes the heart of the church’s divisions and our distortions of self, others, and God. Join us Sunday as we worship together.