God’s Power - Rom. 1:16


Jess W. Nutter (1911-1997)


Introduction:

  1. 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. 2. The Bible tells us about power also.
    1. a. Sin is a power that can “reign in our body” Rom. 6:12 and is Satan’s power to damnation.
    2. b. The gospel is God’s power to save from sin. Rom. 1:16
    3. 3. In this lesson we will focus on “What is the gospel?” and “What kind of power does it possess?”


    1. I. WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
    1. 1. In 1 Cor. 15:1-3 Paul declares the gospel to be the “Death,” “Burial,” and “Resurrection” of Christ.
    2. 2. The word “gospel” means “Good News.” The “Good News” is that Jesus died for our sins.
    3. 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).


    1. II. WHAT KIND OF POWER DOES GOSPEL POSSESS? IT IS …
    1. 1. God’s persuasive power.
    2. a. This was the message of the apostles. 1 Cor. 2:1-5
    3. b. It will draw men to Christ. Jn. 12:32
    4. c. Some try to persuade men with death bed stories, etc.
    5. d. God has no other persuasive power. Lk. 16:27-31.
    6. 2. God’s convincing power.
    7. a. Hearing it produces faith. Rom. 10:17; Acts 18:8
    8. b. Visions, feelings, etc., are not reliable.
    9. 3. God’s convicting power.
    10. a. It convicts of sin. “Pricks the heart.” Acts 2:37; Heb. 4:12
    11. 4. God’s enlightening power.
    12. a. It reveals that man is a sinner. Rom. 3:23; Mt. 1:21
    13. b. It reveals the wages of sin. Rom. 3:23
    14. c. It reveals that Christ is the Savior. Mt. 1:21; Lk. 2:11
    15. d. The Savior of all who obey him. Heb. 5:9
    16. 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).
    17. f. It reveals the way to worship. Jn 4:24; Acts 2:42
    18. 5. God’s restraining power.
    19. a. It points out sin and its consequences. Rev. 21:8; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10
    20. 6. God’s cleansing power.
    21. 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
    22. 7. God’s equalizing power.
    23. 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.


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