Dec 16, 2018
Originally Presented on July 9, 2006.
Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-7
The first paragraph of Romans summarizes the main topic of the letter, namely the gospel of God (Rom 1:1). Wondrous truths about the gospel are indicated in these verses. First, it is the gospel of God. God is the source and means and goal of the gospel. Romans 11:36 eloquently declares this grand reality: "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things."
Second, the gospel of God was promised and predicted in the Old Testament Scriptures through the prophets (Rom 1:2). The unfolding of the gospel events was by divine design. God planned it and He brought His plan to fruition.
Third, the gospel centers on the person of Jesus Christ. The nature of Christ is implied in the description in Romans 1:3: ". . . concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh." That Jesus is presented at the Son of God implies His deity. That He was born as a man indicates His humanity.
The greatest declaration of Jesus' divinity as the Son of God was His resurrection from the dead. The glory of God the Son, which had been shrouded by flesh and blood, was restored by Christ's resurrection.
Finally, the result of the work of Christ described in verse 2-4 is "the obedience of faith among all the nations" (Rom 1:5). This is all for the sake of the name of Jesus Christ. Christians are the beneficiaries of the work of Christ, but the glory of God is its ultimate goal.