Rom 1:16-17  “The Power of the Gospel”

Romans: The Grip of  Grace, 1:16-17

I. Max Lucado’s “The Grip of Grace”

A. Rock Stackers – if I work hard enough He’ll HAVE to take me!

B. Hut Builders – this is my heaven, I’m spending it all right here!

C. Finger Pointers – someone has to keep these sinners in sight!

II. v 16 “I am not ashamed of the Gospel…”

A. The Law of God is His demand for perfect righteousness

B. The Law is not bad, it is good, it reveals our sin (Ray Comfort)

C. Though powerless, it drives us to the righteousness of Christ

D. The Gospel, the power of God, is the “good news” for mankind

E. It is THE answer to every man, woman, and child’s dilemma: How will I, a sinner, stand before a Holy God?

III. v 17a “a Righteousness that is by faith…”

A. Faith: consists of a knowledge in something real

B. Faith: is a heart response to the love of God that supplied it

C. Faith: requires a commitment to Christ, the author of it

IV. v 17b “The Righteous will live by faith.” (not by what they do) Hab 2:4

A. Martin Luther, author of the Protestant Reformation of 1517

B. “How can I stand before the holiness of my Judge with works polluted in their very source.” Martin Luther