Sermon Tone Analysis

(ESV)

TITLE: “Given to the Gospel”

(ESV)

(prayer)

INTRODUCTION

We are working through 2 very significant verses that helps us peer into the heart of the apostle Paul.

These 2 verses are a condensed presentation of Romans, and are the essence of Christianity.

These 2 verses summarize what became the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago as Martin Luther pondered their significance.

These 2 verses also address the eternal question that people have: “How can I be found acceptable to God?” In unpacking these 2 verses, we will understand why Paul’s existence was given to the Gospel.

catalyst for the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago.and

for the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago, and answers the eternal question that people have: “How can I be found acceptable to God?” In delivering the answer to this question to the known world of the apostle Paul’s day, we discover that Paul was completely given to the Gospel.

and answers the eternal question that people have: “How can I be found acceptable to God?” In delivering the answer to this question to the known world of the apostle Paul’s day, we discover that Paul was completely given to the Gospel.

In delivering the answer to this question to the known world of the apostle Paul’s day, we discover that Paul was completely given to the Gospel.

CONTEXT: Paul is writing this letter in advance of his trip to visit the church in Rome, and he is clarifying his mission.

Having gone through the significance of one’s obedience in faith, and heart for the faith.

Paul now explains why he has given his life to the ministry of the Gospel.

BODY

There are 3 things that I want to share with you about this Gospel:

I. Praise for the Gospel (16a)

16a [eager] For I am not ashamed of the gospel,

Reasons why people are ashamed of the Gospel:

1. Intellectual reasons.

We are afraid that it sounds too simple.

(a) imprisoned in Philippi,

(b) chased out of Thesselonica,

(c) smuggled out of Damascus,

(d) laughed at in Athens,

(e) called a fool in Corinthand a blasphemer in Jerusalem, and

(f) stoned near death in Lystra.

2. Philosophical reasons.

While all other religions maintains a philosophy of man reaching up to God, the Gospel is based on the philosophy of God reaching down to man.

3. Social reasons.

We get ashamed and close our mouths when we sense that it is socially unacceptable to speak of the Gospel.

Talk about it in the safety of small groups or worship services, but we clam up when we get in a diverse social setting.

4. Moral reasons.

People are ashamed because they know that the Gospel makes moral demands on your life.

Once saved, you are given the gift of the indwelling Spirit, which begins a process of change, and you may not want that.

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard that while sharing the Gospel.

None of these reasons affected the apostle Paul, however.

Paul was:

Our shame of the Gospel can be so subtle as sin.

(a) imprisoned in Philippi,

(b) chased out of Thesselonica,

(c) smuggled out of Damascus,

(d) laughed at in Athens,

(e) called a fool in Corinth and a blasphemer in Jerusalem, and

(f) stoned near death in Lystra.

Our shame of the Gospel can be so subtle and subconsious.

Take an inventory of yourself and ask, “In what ways am I subconsciously ashamed of the Gospel?”

Now make a commitment to consciously praise the Gospel.

TRANSITION: As we recognize ways that we are ashamed, listen next to why we should not be ashamed...

II.

Power of the Gospel (16b)

16b for it is the power of God for salvation [deliverance] // to everyone who believes, [repentance] // to the Jew first and also to the Greek [progression of salvation history to ALL].

A. Gospel is Dynamite

16b for it is the power of God for salvation [delivered] to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek [progression of salvation history].

I will spare you the “dynamite” illustrations of power.

There is power, and then there is GOD’S power.

The Power that came over me when I was delivered by God, is what took me from lost sinner to saved servant .

No need to feel like we can do nothing in a near “post-Christian culture.”

The Gospel is power of God to deliver from darkness.

2 qeustions:

(1) In what ways has the power of God changed your life?

(2) How many times last week did you tell others of the power of God?

TRANSITION:

We must WALK in the power of God and TALK of the power of God.

TRANSITION: Not only is Paul proud of the Gospel for its power, but he is also proud of the Gospel for what it provides...

III.

Provision from the Gospel (17)

Provides 2 things:

III.

Purpose of the Gospel (17a)

17a For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written [], “The righteous shall live by faith.”

[context: faith = relationship]

17a For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,

The debate

Paul’s allusion to both here and indicates that this righteousness is only attained by faith.

17b as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

17b as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Imputed righteousness of God as a gift to you when you EXPRESS faith, and it affects all manner of life.

I would say “express” both verbally and visually!

Martin Luther’s expereince (St.

John of Lateran)

Martin Luther’s expereince of trying to be righteous, but realized that God provided his righteousness to him.

Lee signed the pardon, but it was never handed to the president.

The pardon request did not go into effect for over 100 years when a historian found the lost pardon request and President Gerald Ford officially made Lee a citizen again.

The famed Confederate general who lost the Civil War surrendered at Appomattox courthouse in 1865.

President Andrew Johnson pardoned Confederate soldiers, but there were several groups of exceptions.

These people, such as officers, had to send an application to the president asking to be pardoned.

Lee sent his request and signed an Amnesty Oath to become a member of the Union again, and that should’ve been the end of his pardon.

But no one ever processed his oath, so while he and everyone else acted as though he’d been pardoned, he wasn’t actually pardoned until 1868 when Johnson granted an unconditional pardon to everyone who participated in the rebellion.

Even stranger, Lee wasn’t an official citizen until about 100 years later when a historian found his lost Amnesty Oath and President Gerald R. Ford officially made Lee a U.S. citizen again, though he’d been dead for a century.

Governor offered a pardon.

God has provided you a pardon from your sin, but you must make the request known by faith in Christ.

Consider these blessings of the pardon:

(1) With reference to the past, we have already been delivered from the penalty of sin into the state of justification.