The BIG Picture (Shorts)

The Gospel of Grace: A Walk Through Romans  Section 1: The Power of God unto Salvation (Romans 1–3) Romans 1: Unashamed of the Gospel Scripture Focus: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Rom.1:16)   Today's Lesson Romans chapter 1 lays out the foundational truth of the gospel of Christ committed to the apostle Paul. Paul introduces himself as an apostle separated unto the gospel of God, which concerns His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord (Rom.1:1-3). The primary doctrinal truth established here is that the gospel is not a system of human works; it is the power of God unto salvation to every person who believes (Rom.1:16). In this present dispensation, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, establishing that the just shall live by faith (Rom.1:17). Paul clearly demonstrates the complete ruin of humanity under sin. Though mankind knew G...

  Paul told grace believers to “quit you [or act manly] like men, be strong” (1Cor.16:13) and to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Eph.6:10). We must not succumb to fear nor surrender to Satan who wages spiritual warfare against us. We must be strong! God’s power is accessed “by His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph.3:16). We cannot overcome Satan with our strength alone, but we can prevail by allowing God's words to work within us. How do we strengthen our inner “new man” in Christ? Paul instructs us to equip ourselves with “the whole armour of God” (Eph.6:11). This armour is the spiritual walk that comes from obedience to the Word within us. It will lead us in (v.14), living and sharing the gospel (v.15), protecting our minds through faith in God’s Word (v.16), living in the confidence of our eternal hope (v.17a), using the Scriptures to cut through Satan’s lies (v.17b), and being constant in prayer (v.18). Friends, surrounded yourselves by the 'words' o...