God's Perfect Plan (Part 3)

SERMON:             GM15-053

SERIES:              Renewal Through Romans: The Gospel Defined, Explained &           Applied

SETTING:          North Kelso Baptist Church

SERVICE:          Sunday AM (April 12, 2015)

SECTION:          The Prologue to Righteousness (Romans 1:1-17)

SUBTITLE:        God’s Perfect Plan (Part 3)

SCRIPTURE:     Romans1:16b

SUBJECT:          God’s saves sinners through the gospel

SUMMARY:       You must believe in the Gospel’s ability to deliver you from your                              sins through the gospel

SCHEME:           That each member of NKBC fully understands the ability, or the                                 capability of God to deliver His people from their sins through the                                       gospel.

_____________________________________________________________

Our theme continues to be: God saves through the gospel   

This is still a good reminder for us all to remember that the gospel is designated as the only means of effective salvation.

 Proposition:  You must understand the ability of God to deliver His people from their sin through the gospel. 

Interrogatory Sentence:  What does the text reveal to us about the power of the gospel?

Transitional Sentence: From our passage we learn two very important truths about the power contained in the gospel:

·        …the gospel produces saving faith in sinners

·        …the gospel produces sanctifying faith in saints

God’s Perfect Plan

 Romans 1:16b

(Part 3)

3A    The Theme of Romans

Objective:  That each member of NKBC fully understands the ability, or the capability of God to deliver His people from their sins through the gospel.

Translation:

“…for it is the power of God unto salvation for all who are believing….” (Romans 1:16b, GDM)

INTRODUCTION

A.B. Simpson is reported to have said that the gospel "Tells rebellious men that God is reconciled, that justice is satisfied, that sin has been atoned for, that the judgment of the guilty may be revoked, the condemnation of the sinner cancelled, the curse of the Law blotted out, the gates of hell closed, the portals of heaven opened wide, the power of sin subdued, the guilty conscience healed, the broken heart comforted, the sorrow and misery of the Fall undone.

Our theme is: God saves through the gospel    

This is a good reminder for us all to remember that the gospel is designated as the only means of effective salvation.

 Proposition:  You must understand the ability of God to deliver His people from their sin through the gospel. 

Interrogatory Sentence:  What does the text reveal to us about the power of the gospel?

Transitional Sentence: From our passage we learn two very important truths about the power contained in the gospel:

·        …the gospel produces saving faith in sinners

·        …the gospel produces sanctifying faith in saints

We have already stated that Paul has waited until now, until what we call or know as our 16^th verse to inform his readers what his specific theme or purpose was in writing to them. We have now come to the great theme of this magnificent and powerful letter:

         …the ability of God to save his people from their sins through the gospel of Jesus           Christ and the ability of God to sanctify his people as his saints.

IOW, we are looking at God’s Perfect Plan.

[Before we continue to dig in to Paul’s theme, and this perfect plan of God, let’s take a minute and…]

REVIEW

[Last week we continued looking at God’s perfect plan by seeing that God’s perfect plan included the fact that…]

The Gospel Produces Saving Faith for Sinners (16a)

Paul is extremely confident in the gospel. Paul knows exactly what the gospel is and what God can do through the gospel. Paul’s primary objective is preach the gospel to the believers in the Roman congregation.

[Two weeks ago we looked very carefully at the first way that the gospel produces saving faith for sinners by carefully examining…

 Paul’s Extraordinary Statement

Paul stated with no equivocation “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of God…”

Why? Why was Paul not ashamed of the gospel? He was not ashamed of the gospel because of the content of the gospel. He is eager to preach the gospel because of the content of the gospel    

[Last week we began to examine…] 

2E     Paul’s Explanatory Speech (16b-c)

“…for it [gospel] is the power of God unto...”

The remainder of this verse revealed two (2) disclosures contained in Paul’s explanatory speech. Paul’s discloses first of all, the resource of saving faith and then he discloses, secondly the recipients of saving faith.

[We began examining the first disclosure of Paul’s declaration and that was…]

1F     THE RESOURCE OF SAVING FAITH

          “…for it is the power of God unto salvation…”

We were able to barely scratch the surface of the first of three major elements of this wonderful resource of saving faith. These elements are The Gospel Rescues Us, The Gospel Reconciles Us, and The Gospel Restores Us.

[The first element of the resource of saving faith is…]

1G     The Gospel Rescues Us

We were able to look at three of those five aspects of the fact that the gospel rescues us last week they were:

The gospel’s substance, the gospel’s strategy, the gospel’s source, the gospel’s sufficiency, and the gospel’s scope.

[The first aspect we looked at was…]

The Substance of the Gospel –IOW, what is the gospel? What makes up the gospel?

“Gospel” means good news. It refers to glad tidings. The gospel is the good news of eternity!

[The second aspect in the resource of saving faith is…]  

The Strategy of the Gospel -   Or, what does the gospel do? What is the aim or plan of the gospel? It is a way of salvation

[Paul wrote…] “…it is the power of God unto salvation…”

Salvation is a very important word in the NT! You find this word throughout the NT in almost every gospel, every epistle, every narrative, and revelation.

We have to ask ourselves what does salvation mean.

First of all, it does mean to deliver one from their sins.

Now, if we are delivered from our sins, we have to ask ourselves, how are we delivered from our sins, or in what way?

There seems to be at least four (4) ways in which we are delivered from our sin.

[First…]

·        We are delivered from the problem of sin.

What is the major problem we face or experience as a result of sin? Our Guiltiness! We are guilty of sin. Because we are guilty we are condemned. All of mankind is guilty before God. Salvation delivers us from the guilt.

[Secondly, salvation means…]

·        We are delivered from the power of sin

If you understand the fall of Adam and sin you know mankind is under the dominion of Satan. Man is bound by sin, he is in bondage to sin. Mankind lost his freedom in the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden.

[Thirdly, salvation means…]

·        We will be delivered from the pollution of sin

What do I mean by pollution? This is the sin that is in our nature, every part of our being is polluted by sin. Every ounce of our being is polluted by sin.

 So, we will be delivered from the problem of sin and from the power of sin and from the pollution of sin. There is a 4^th idea to consider when we think about deliverance and salvation.

[That is…]

·        .We will delivered from the presence of sin

There is coming a day when sin is totally destroyed and we will live forever in an environment that is absolutely free from sin. Salvation delivers us from the problem, power, pollution, and presence of sin.

[The third aspect in the resource of saving faith is…]

The Source of the Gospel – this means that it is God’s way of salvation

Not only is this resource a “way” or a means of salvation, it is God’s way of salvation. The source, the originator of salvation is God.

Our theme continues to be: God saves through the gospel   

This is a good reminder for us all to remember that the gospel is designated as the only means of effective salvation.

 Proposition:  You must understand the ability of God to deliver His people from their sin through the gospel.

[So, having had our memory refreshed, let’s move to our…]

TRUTH FOR TODAY

We are still considering these two very important verses in Romans 1:16, 17. We are seeing why Paul states so emphatically, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel…”

It is easy to see why he says this – the gospel is good news, the gospel refers specifically to salvation, and the gospel is God’s way of salvation.

[So, this brings us to the fourth aspect of how the gospel rescues us from sin. The fourth aspect of how the gospel rescues us is seen in the…}

The Gospel’s Sufficiency

The gospel is a powerful gospel! As a matter of fact Paul says, “…for it is the power of God unto salvation.”

As I mentioned last week we have to be careful how we understand what Paul is actually saying. Right here we have for us some pretty great terms or words connected to our salvation that we certainly do not want to misunderstand or misinterpret.

Paul is stating emphatically that the gospel is God’s power unto salvation. We must understand that salvation is a powerful action on God’s part and not on the action of mankind in any fashion.

[So, what does Paul mean for his readers to understand, and now what are we to understand by calling the gospel a “power?” Let’s start by…]

DESCRIBING THE POWER OF GOD

Negatively – let’s start with determining what Paul is not saying or what he does not mean.

·        The gospel is not about God’s power; it is God’s power.

·        This is not a simple description about God’s power. No, the gospel is the power of God.

·        Paul is not telling his readers, nor us, that we have to do anything for salvation. Otherwise that would put part if not all of the power on or in us.

·        Paul is not saying that God has done something about salvation, or has told us something about salvation.

·        Most important, Paul is not saying, “Well, God has done all He can do, it is now up to you. If you do your part, then you will have salvation. Paul, and for that matter, neither is God saying anything like that at all.

I think it is extremely important that you truly and fully understand these things

Now, on the other hand let’s look at what Paul did say from a positive standpoint.

IOW, what did Paul say?

Positive

Paul told his first century readers how God prepared, made, produced, and is working out the salvation that Paul has spoken of. The gospel is God’s way of saving sinners. It is God’s power producing salvation in sinners.

Salvation is not left up to a choice. It is not dependent upon our response. If you think so you don’t understand the power of God or the purpose of God in salvation.

The gospel is God’s power, or ability, or capability working in us to achieve our salvation.

This is way Matthew 1:21 says, “…for He shall save His people from their sins.”

The word “shall” is a future, active, indicative verb. It means that in the future, in time, at the right time, the appointed time, God without fail will save His people. The active voice tells us God is doing the action and the indicative mood tells us that it will be accomplished.

Most people based on the way the present the gospel think it reads, “…for He hopes to save his people, he has done all he can do to save his people, and he would save his people if they would just do their part.

Listen to some passages that help reinforce what Paul has written:

“…and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He worked in Christ when He raised Him form the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.” (Eph 1:19-20, NKJV)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10, NKJV)

Do you see the power, or ability, or capability of God in the gospel unto salvation?

“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in your will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:6, NKJV)

“…for it is God who work in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13, (NKJV)

“…who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Ptr 1:5, NKJV)

So, when Paul tells the Romans that he is not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God unto salvation he is saying that salvation is God’s mighty working in us through and by the means of the gospel.

This entails at least four major thoughts:

·        Paul is referring to all God determined before He created the earth in regards to salvation

·        Paul is referring to all that God planned to accomplish in regards to salvation

·        Paul is referring to all that God has done to accomplish his plans in regards to salvation

·        Paul is referring to all that God will do in Christ through the HS to ensure the salvation of His people

This gospel is the power of God to accomplish what he revealed in Eph 1:10:

“…that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth – in him.” (Eph 1:10, NKJV)

This power is what Paul spoke of in what we call the “golden chain” in Romans 8:

Turn to Romans 8 and just absorb what Paul is saying in verses 28-29

·        God’s power is involved in the predestines the elect to salvation

·        God’s power is involved in the powerful, irresistible call to salvation

·        God’s power is involved in the regenerative act of God through the HS

·        God’s power is involved in the sanctification process of every believer

·        God’s power is involved in the preservation of every person God saves

·        God’s power is involved in the glorification of every believer in the future

“…and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

First – how do we know that all things will work altogether for the good of those that love God?

The answer is verse 29 – “…for whom He foreknew…” We don’t have time today and nor is it our purpose but this foreknowledge, foreordination is a tremendous word. Inherent in the word is the fact that God in eternity past had a loving and intimate relationship with us. Listen long before he created the world, he knew us and had a loving relationship with us which included electing us to salvation. This is why we are certain that all things will work for God – God’s power was and is at work when he determined that He would save us.

Next, look at what follows, “…He also predestined us to be conformed to the image of His son, that He might be the first born among many brethren, moreover whom He predestined, these He also called, whom He called, these He also justified, and whom He justified, these H also gloried.”

If God had the power to predestinate you to salvation…

He has the power to call you to salvation – not leave it to your power or choice, he will call with a powerful, efficacious and irresistible call

If He has the power to call then he has the power to justify – declare righteous

If He has the power to declare you righteous, he has the power to glorify you

Do see why Paul makes such an emphatic statement? Do you see that salvation results in the producing of saving faith in sinners? Do you see the resource of the sinner’s salvation?

This is a certain or sure thing. Paul says salvation will happen to God’s people because it is God’s power and not human power that is doing it all.

[Now that we have described the power of God from both a negative and positive standpoint, let’s continue by…]  

DEFINING THE POWER OF GOD

Let’s actual define this word “power.”

Paul is not ashamed of the gospel. It is because the power of God is effective, or what we call efficacious.

Keep in mind that sense Adam and Eve men have tried to save themselves in their own power:

Adam and Eve attempted to cover their sin with branches or leaves

Cain attempted to atone for his sin by bringing the wrong offering

So mankind has attempted to cover, atone for, or seek acceptance by:

·        Being moral – Tue someone told me they are trying to live by doing good

·        Being philosophical – reason with God based on the humanistic phycology

·        Be religious – church membership, baptisms, communions, rituals, ceremonies

·        Be legalistic – keeping the law, golden rule, demands

But the gospel is God’s power.

The Greek Word is dunamis. It is used 120 times in the bible. It carries the meaning or gives the idea of:

AV-power 77, mighty work 11, strength 7, miracle 7, might 4, virtue 3, mighty 2, misc. 9; 120

1) Strength, or ability

It refers to that inherent power, or that power that resides in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth

It is the capability or ability to actually perform what one wants to perform because all that is needed is already within the one who has determined to do something that is fully or totally capable.

In God resides all the capability to save His people because everything needed to accomplish this determination is sufficiently residing in God already.

So, the gospel doesn’t just make salvation possible, the gospel produces salvation in those whom God calls through the HS. God is shown to have the capability in the effective transformation of the sinner.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 says, “…knowing, beloved, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the HS and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. (1 Thess 1:4-5, NKJV)

The gospel is so powerful – because it contains God’s ability or capability that if effects salvation in those who believe. The gospel is adapted or fitted or designed to accomplish the very purpose God gave it.

The gospel has shown it is powerful to every degree of sin and to every combination of wickedness. There is no sin it can’t save from nor wickedness it cannot overcome. To those whom God, because of Christ’s death, and through the ministry of the HS extends salvation it completely delivers that person, that sinner from sin and death. To that man whom God extends this salvation, this gospel, is given eternal life that can never be lost, forfeited, or withdrawn. No one who has experienced the power, the ability, or capability of God in the gospel will ever be lost.

Today we have covered the gospel’s sufficiency. The gospel does it job when it is applied to the one whom God has chosen to be a recipient of its wonderful efficacious benefits.

Listen, the gospel produces saving faith in sinners. The gospel rescues sinners. The gospel is sufficient, nothing else is needed to ensure the salvation of sinners.

Our theme is: God saves through the gospel    

This is a good reminder for us all to remember that the gospel is designated as the only means of effective salvation.

 Proposition:  You must understand the ability of God to deliver His people from their sin through the gospel.  

[What do you say we wrap this up, shall we?]

         

CONCLUSION

The Gospel is Sufficient!

For many years people have debated the issue of whether a Christian can lose his salvation. Some within Christendom believe you can lose your salvation; others say you can't. That, perhaps more than any other single doctrine, has been a dividing issue in the church. How sad that is, because the Bible is clear about the matter.

You are a Christian not because of something you did, but because of something God decided. And not only because God decided you would be a Christian but because He implanted or infused His absolute ability or capability to save you into the gospel. By virtue of that power sinners are saved and rescued.

 So, I exhort you as genuine believers to: live in the light of the fact that you have been rescued by God through his means of salvation, which is the gospel.

Remember, the writer of Hebrews wrote in Hebrews 3:14…

“For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.”  (Hebrews 3:14, NKJV) 

Let’s pray! J

Benediction Blessing:

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Philippians 4:23, NKJV)