Greetings members and friends and welcome to another commentary and preview to this Sunday’s study of the Word.  This Sunday’s study text is entitled “The Power Of The Gospel” and it is based on the Epistle or letter to the Romans 1:8-17. 

During the life and times of the Apostle Paul, Rome was the center of the world and the Roman Empire in terms of both power and influence.  It was laying the foundations that would impact the western world for centuries to come. 

Christianity was a new religion among the many beliefs and practices of the time.  The founder to Christianity was crucified as a Roman criminal so anything preached in His name was not embraced or welcomed by the Roman authorities.  So for Paul to come to Rome and preach the gospel was to enter into a hostile and potentially dangerous environment. 

Paul had preached in many places throughout the Roman Empire but never in Rome itself.  Yet there was a community of believers in Rome to whom Paul writes a letter informing them of a long awaited and anticipated journey to the city.  Today’s study focuses on a small portion of Paul’s introduction of his letter to the church in Rome. 

The Apostle tells the church that the news of their faith and existence has spread widely within the Christian church or world.  He also tells them that God is his witness that he doesn’t cease to mention them in his prayers and that his petition to God to come and visit them is at long last close to being granted. 

He explains the reason for his coming is his strong desire to impart some spiritual gift and assistance to them to help establish them and exchange mutual comfort inherent in their common faith. 

He tells them that he had desired to come to them before now even as he has gone to other Christian communities because he desired to contribute to their prosperity and well-being that he may have some “fruit” among them just as he has had among others.  He shares with them that he is obligated to do this for them just has he has for all the others regardless of their status.  

He proclaims at long last he is ready to preach in Rome the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ of which he is not afraid, embarrassed or apologetic of.  Paul describes the gospel as God’s powerful instrument or tool that is used for the attainment of salvation for everyone beginning with the Jewish nation and then everyone else. 

Paul names the Jews first because it is by and through the Jewish nation that Jesus came and they were the first to receive the gospel. But the gospel is not just for them, but for all people.  He closes this part of his introduction with the powerful truth that righteousness from the beginning until now is by faith. 

All before and after Christ will be justified or declared righteous by their faith and belief that God is just and will reward those who express their faith in Him by seeking to honor, obey and please Him.  For us today, the same thing applies. 

Having faith in God is more than just naming the name of Jesus, but it is a commitment to a life that seeks to bring praise and honor to God by the way we live and interact with others everyday.  Faith is a conscience decision to live our lives daily as if God is watching and to live it in such a way as to please Him and bring Him glory. 

It is by this faith, all will be justified or declared righteous by God Himself.  It is this message that Paul says he is unashamedly and ready to preach and bring to the city of Rome and the church that is there.  

Today, we too should be unashamedly and ready to live, share and spread this gospel to a community, state, nation and world who are in desperate need of its saving power.  Let’s do what we can while we can because someone’s eternal destiny, as well as our own, may well depend on what each of us decides to do. 

Well, be sure to look over the study again and come prepared to offer your comments, questions and perspective on the meaning of the study.  If you can’t attend your own Sunday School class this Sunday, you can join us live and online at 9:00 am at www.fbmbc.org and clicking the online services link. 

You can also join us live by dialing 508 924-2890.  If you have any comments or questions, be sure to place them in the comment section or you can share them on Sunday.  So, let’s all have a great lesson and discussion this Sunday and remember to fear God and keep His commandments.

Pastor Jordan