Scripture
I am not ashamed of the Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes- the Jews first and also the Gentile.
Observation
Paul thanks God for the believers in Rome, whose faith is being talked about throughout the world.
He prays often for them and for their needs. He especially prays for the opportunity to be able to visit them.
So far, Paul has been prevented from going to Rome, but he longs to go and work among them.
Application
The gospel is God’s mighty power at work, bringing salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.
Paul is clear in his writing that there is no distinction in the way God deals with people. There is not one pathway for Jews and another for Gentiles. We are all saved by faith in Christ.
This is the power of God at work. We are brought from a place of condemnation to a place of reconciliation with God. We know it is true because our hearts yearn for relationship with God.
God came into the world to reveal to us His great love for us. He died to set us free from death and sin.
The preaching of the gospel is powerful to change lives because it is empowered and endorsed by the Holy Spirit. The words of the gospel are brought to life by the confirmation in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
God’s mighty power breathes life into souls that were dead and washes away all of our sin, guilt and shame.
Prayer
Thank you Father for the power of the gospel. Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to pay for my sins. Amen.
