POWER OF THE GOSPEL
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Romans 1:16 (NIV)
The transforming power of the Gospel is at the heart of the New Testament. It’s not merely information about God or morality – it’s the Good News of Jesus Christ that actively changes lives from the inside out. The Gospel changes identity, restores relationships, renews minds, empowers a Spirit-filled life, and anchors our hope in eternity.
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans around AD 57, likely from Corinth during his third missionary journey. The city of Rome was politically powerful, morally diverse, and religiously pluralistic. The letter is addressed to believers in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile Christians. Jews in Rome were a minority but had a significant presence, often facing tensions with Gentile communities. Paul’s statement of first to the Jew, then to the Gentile, reflects not only God’s PLAN to extend salvation to all humanity, but also reflects His POWER to save all who believe.
What’s interesting about Paul is that he was once a persecutor of Christians. Before having his own salvation experience, the only power he knew was control and violence. We find in Acts 9:1-19 that Paul was overcome by the power of the Gospel. He encountered Jesus, and this completely reoriented his life, values and mission. The very words of Jesus were power. Jesus spoke, and Paul experienced new life.
And what’s freeing for me is that I don’t have to formulate just the right words. I don’t need to have answers to everyone’s questions. The power is in the Gospel itself more than it is in how I present it. The call is to share the Gospel, not defend it or over-explain it.
APPLICATION: What’s one way your life has been changed because of the Good News of Jesus? Name it and thank God for His work in your life.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, I welcome Your presence and power in my life today. When I am weak, be my strength. When I am weary, breathe new life. Empower me to live with boldness, love and truth. I pray You’d remind me of the Good News of Jesus, so that I would be transformed from the inside out. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?