Living by Faith: A Study Into RomansSample

The Power of The Gospel:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” - Romans 1:16-17

Reading:

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. This power transforms lives in extraordinary ways.

I was reminded of that. Recently, at a meeting, I came across somebody whom I had met several years ago. His name is Charlie. And Charlie was a man who grew up going to church. And at the age of 18, he ditched the church, left, and wanted nothing to do with it. And for the next 30 years, he had absolutely zero to do with church or God. He lived a very wicked life. He did many things that he was ashamed of later on: he got into alcohol, he got into drugs, and he just lived in a way opposed to God, for years, and years, and years. He says that one day, he was in his yard with a bottle of booze in one hand and a vial of drugs in the other. And suddenly, he was thrown to his knees. And he knew that Jesus Christ was grabbing him and that the Lord was calling him out of his wickedness and breaking the bonds of all the addictions that were in his life. And he never touched any of that again; it was an extraordinary deliverance, and one where he wasn't even looking for the Lord. All of a sudden, God just came to him. And Christ seized him. He then went on to begin preaching where he could find opportunity, and this eventually opened many doors for him to become a pastor.

The gospel is God's power for salvation, the reality of Jesus Christ. When he comes into your life, it's amazing what he can pluck you out of and turn you into. And that's what we see when we read the Gospel as it's revealed in the life of Jesus Christ. One of the most notable examples is from Paul's letter to the Romans. He begins by introducing himself as a servant of Christ, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God. This title creates a narrative in our minds that Paul was a brilliant man who devoted his entire life to Christ. Eventually, that was true; however, let's consider who he was before Christ. Paul was once Saul, a Pharisee who persecuted Christians to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison. His encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus changed everything. Blinded by a heavenly light and hearing the voice of Jesus, Saul was called to stop persecuting and start proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.

Paul's conversion demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel. As he began to preach, he faced skepticism and danger but remained steadfast, knowing he was called by Christ. He spent years in Arabia, learning and growing in his faith, before embarking on his missionary journeys. Similar to Charlie, who lived a life turned from God, but God changed Him and used Him to share His glory!

Paul and Charlie's lives show that the gospel is not just a message; it is the very power of God at work, transforming lives and calling people to a new purpose. No matter your past, the grace of God can redeem and set you apart for His mission. You, too, are loved by God, called to be a saint, and invited to experience the transformative power of the gospel.

Reflection:

1. The Power of the Gospel: Reflect on how the Gospel has transformed your life or the lives of those around you. Consider the story of Charlie and how God's power can break the chains of addiction and sin.
2. Your Calling: Just as Paul was called out of his past and into a new purpose, think about how God might be calling you to serve Him. What unique experiences and gifts has He given you to share the gospel with others?
3. Living by Faith: Meditate on Romans 1:17, “The righteous will live by faith.” How does living by faith impact your daily decisions and actions?
4. Embrace Your Identity: Remember that you are loved by God, called to be a saint, and set apart for His purposes. How does this identity influence the way you see yourself and your role in God’s kingdom?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the power of the gospel that transforms lives. Help us to live by faith, embracing our calling and identity in You. May we be vessels of Your grace and truth, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us. Empower us with Your Spirit to fulfill the purposes You have set for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.