Introducing the Gospel
Part of Romans—Part 1 | The Heart of the Gospel
June 16, 2025
The HEART of the gospel
The HOPE of the gospel
In DEFENSE of the gospel
The POWER of the gospel
ROMANS 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—
Paul introduces himself:
1. Paul identifies himself first and foremost as a servant
2. Paul says he was called to be an apostle
3. Paul says he is set apart for the gospel of God
ROMANS 1:2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures—
PROMISE: God has always been unfolding a redemptive plan
PROPHETS: God has always been communicating his promise to his people
ROMANS 1:3-4 concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh 4 and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead.
ROMANS 1:5-6Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles, including you who are also called by Jesus Christ.
1. The gospel will bring about “obedience of faith”
2. The gospel is for everyone
3. The gospel is always for the sake of God’s name
ROMANS 1:7To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. To be “loved by God” is not a general sentiment—it’s a covenantal, initiating, relentless kind of love
a. Being loved by God allows you to think differently about yourself when shame starts to speak
b. Being loved by God helps you to look at others with new eyes, even those you’d rather avoid
c. Being loved by God motivates you to live with bold grace instead of fearful striving
2. God’s “holy people” is not a special category reserved for the super-spiritual
a. God’s holy people obey for God’s glory, not for applause
b. God’s holy people live with gospel purpose where they are placed
c. God’s holy people reflect grace when the world expects judgment