Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first… I. PAUL'S ESTIMATE OF THE GOSPEL. 1. The gospel is a power. This power is manifested — (1) In overcoming deeply rooted prejudices. Perhaps no man was more prejudiced than was Paul. Yet he embraced it. (2) In triumphing over cruel persecutions. (3) In overturning systems of long-established idolatry. Diana of the Ephesians, worshipped by the world, lost her adherents when the gospel was proclaimed. All the deities of Greece and Rome were soon dethroned. Buddhism, Brahminism, and other isms are furnishing unmistakable signs of decay. (4) In its influence over men's lives. When imprisonment, stripes, destitution, and disgrace have been powerless to reform, the gospel of Christ has succeeded. 2. The gospel is the power of God. The Jews said this power was of Beelzebub. The Pagans that it was the power of fanaticism. Paul said it was of God. (1) The gospel scheme was originated by God. (2) The success of the gospel is of God. "Not by might...but by My Spirit," etc. 3. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, Nature exhibits His power in creation. The Deluge furnished proof of His destructive power. The gospel reveals His power to save. It saves — (1) From present sinfulness. "Thou shalt call His name Jesus, because He shall save His people from their sins."(2) From future wrath. 4. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to believers. The Lord has a perfect right to fix the terms of our salvation. 5. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. II. PAUL'S PERSONAL FEELINGS CONCERNING THE GOSPEL. "I am not ashamed." Being satisfied of its Divine origin. 1. The poverty of its adherents did not make him ashamed of it. Though our religion had a carpenter for its founder, fishermen for its advocates, and the poor for its supporters, yet Paul was not ashamed. 2. The illiterateness of its adherents did not make him ashamed of it. Paul was a learned man. The vast majority of Jewish rabbis and heathen philosophers despised the gospel. The bulk of Christians were unlearned and ignorant men. Yet Paul was not ashamed. 3. The persecutions of its adherents did not make him ashamed.Lessons: 1. The apostle was not ashamed to profess the gospel. 2. The apostle was not ashamed to live the gospel. 3. The apostle was not ashamed to preach the gospel. 4. Are you ashamed of the gospel? (W. Sidebottom.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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