God’s Power - Rom. 1:16
Jess W. Nutter (1911-1997)
Introduction:
- 1. Never in the history of the world have we been more power conscious. We want power in everything from automobiles to laundry detergents.
- 2. The Bible tells us about power also.
- a. Sin is a power that can “reign in our body” Rom. 6:12 and is Satan’s power to damnation.
- b. The gospel is God’s power to save from sin. Rom. 1:16
- 3. In this lesson we will focus on “What is the gospel?” and “What kind of power does it possess?”
- I. WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
- 1. In 1 Cor. 15:1-3 Paul declares the gospel to be the “Death,” “Burial,” and “Resurrection” of Christ.
- 2. The word “gospel” means “Good News.” The “Good News” is that Jesus died for our sins.
- 3. The gospel contains FACTS to believe (1 Cor. 15:1-3), COMMANDS to obey (Mk. 16:15, 16), Acts 2:38), and PROMISES to enjoy (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:23).
- II. WHAT KIND OF POWER DOES GOSPEL POSSESS? IT IS …
- 1. God’s persuasive power.
- a. This was the message of the apostles. 1 Cor. 2:1-5
- b. It will draw men to Christ. Jn. 12:32
- c. Some try to persuade men with death bed stories, etc.
- d. God has no other persuasive power. Lk. 16:27-31.
- 2. God’s convincing power.
- a. Hearing it produces faith. Rom. 10:17; Acts 18:8
- b. Visions, feelings, etc., are not reliable.
- 3. God’s convicting power.
- a. It convicts of sin. “Pricks the heart.” Acts 2:37; Heb. 4:12
- 4. God’s enlightening power.
- a. It reveals that man is a sinner. Rom. 3:23; Mt. 1:21
- b. It reveals the wages of sin. Rom. 3:23
- c. It reveals that Christ is the Savior. Mt. 1:21; Lk. 2:11
- d. The Savior of all who obey him. Heb. 5:9
- e. It reveals the commands to obey. (Believe Jn. 8:24; Repent Lk 13:3; Confess Mt. 10:32; Baptism Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38).
- f. It reveals the way to worship. Jn 4:24; Acts 2:42
- 5. God’s restraining power.
- a. It points out sin and its consequences. Rev. 21:8; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10
- 6. God’s cleansing power.
- a. All who obey it are made free from sin. Acts 2:38; Rom 6:17, 18; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Pet. 1:22
- 7. God’s equalizing power.
- a. Race, social standing, class, gender, etc., are forgotten in Christ. Gal. 3:28; Acts 10:34, 35.
Conclusion: Do not be ashamed of the gospel. Believe and obey it now!
-Preaching From The Past, A Collection of Sermon Outlines by Jess W. Nutter. Compiled and Edited by Glenn Logston, p. 20.
Return to West Virginia Christian