Paul loved the Gospel. As a reformed hater of the Church, Paul loved to preach the saving Gospel of grace and forgiveness. Today Pastor John Bush shares Paul’s powerful words of the Gospel, reminding us not to be “ashamed” of it.

Romans 1:16-17

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

OUTLINE:

Ashamed. Are you?
Matthew 10: 32-33

Sin has met its match.
Romans 3:23
Titus 3: 7

Faith Alone
Mark 10: 46-52
Romans 3:28

DISCIPLESHIP CONVERSATIONS

For Adult Homes or Groups
The reformer Martin Luther wrote of the book of Romans: “This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest Gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul...”.

1. Read Romans 1:16-17.
2. Why am I sometimes afraid to share my faith? Why do I pretend I don’t exist when a conversation at work or school is about God?
3. Paul writes that the Gospel has POWER. What does he mean by that?
4. In your own words describe the Gospel. Why would the good news (Gospel) of Romans 1:16-17 be so life-changing for Martin Luther?
5. What does “The righteous shall live by faith” mean? (Romans 1:17b)
6. Martin Luther wrote, “We can never read it or ponder over it too much; for the more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes...” What can you share about the blessing and comfort the Gospel of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection gives you?

Families with Kids
1. Read Romans 1:16-17 with your family.
2. Have everyone name something very powerful. Why is it powerful?
3. Verse 16 says the Gospel is God’s power. Why is the Gospel so powerful?
4. As Christians, we want everyone to hear the Gospel! Share a time when you talked with someone about Jesus. Did that person believe in Jesus?
5. Bonus activity: Play a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Remind your children that in this game, every object you can play can be beaten by a different, more powerful object. Yet, nothing is more powerful than God.