August 31, 2026 • 24 mins
The gospel sounded laughable in Rome: a message from a conquered people about a crucified Savior, preached to common folks and slaves while philosophers debated truth and legions projected power. Yet Paul writes one of the boldest lines in Scripture, and we slow down to feel its weight: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16).
We follow Paul’s mindset as he calls himself a debtor to all people and eager to bring the good news to the very center of the empire. Then we unpack why he is so confident, not in his personality or strategy, but in the gospel itself: its origin in God, its operation as God’s power, and its outcome in real salvation, deliverance from the penalty and power of sin. If you’ve ever felt like you need to clean yourself up, work harder, or “do better” to earn God’s favor, this message keeps returning to the same steady ground: salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ as proclaimed in the gospel, and there is no other way.
Romans 1:17 takes us even deeper by naming the theme of the whole letter: the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel. We face the big question every honest person eventually asks: How can a holy God forgive guilty sinners and still be holy? The answer points to Christ’s death and resurrection, where God is shown to be both just and the justifier, and where “the just shall live by faith” becomes a lived reality, not a slogan.
If this encouraged you, subscribe to Foundations of Truth, share the episode with a friend who needs clarity about salvation by faith, and leave a review so more people can find this teaching through the book of Romans.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:00):
Welcome to Foundations of Truth, the
(00:02):
biblical teaching ministry ofDr.
Timothy Mann.
Our mission is to help you buildyour life on the unshakable
foundation of God's Word, rootedin Scripture, anchored in the
grace of the gospel of JesusChrist.
Each week, Dr.
Mann opens the Bible to bringclarity, conviction, and
encouragement for everyday life.
There's one New Testament letterthat takes us on an
(00:24):
extraordinary journey from theutter ruin of fallen humanity to
the breathtaking heights of thegrace and glory of God.
Today on Foundations of Truth,we continue our series From
Guilty to Glory, a journeythrough the book of Romans.
And this is the second half ofthe opening message, the gospel
that shook the world.
Here now is Dr.
(00:45):
Timothy Mann.
SPEAKER_03 (00:46):
Paul felt an obligation to all men, all
people.
Just as we need to feel a burdenfor the whole world, all people
groups.
Every person.
Paul could not free himself fromhis debt until he had told as
many people as possible.
The good news of salvation inChrist.
(01:08):
He says in verse 15 that he'seager to visit them.
Eager.
Now he says he's eager to visitthem.
Now it's interesting, there'stwo different Greek words that
are translated ready in theEnglish Bible.
(01:30):
One means prepared.
As in Acts 21, 13, where hesays, I am ready to die at
Jerusalem for the name of theLord Jesus Christ.
The other one, though, that'sused here in Romans 1.15 means
eager with a ready mind.
Paul was not eager to die, buthe was prepared to die.
(01:51):
But he was eager to visit Romethat he might minister to the
believers there.
And it was not, listen, it wasnot an eagerness of a sightseer.
Oh, I want to go see Rome.
I've heard about it.
I want to go see Rome.
No, it was not the eagerness ofa sightseer, it was the
eagerness of a soul winner.
Someone who's going to take thegospel.
(02:12):
Well, after reading these fiveevidences of Paul's concern for
the Christians at Rome, thesesaints could not help, surely,
but give thanks to God for theApostle Paul and his burden to
come to them and minister tothem.
Actually, I want to remind you,I want you to understand that
the letter to the Romans inwhich Paul explained the gospel
he preached was actually hisletter of introduction that
(02:36):
prepared the believers for hisvisit.
No doubt false teachers hadalready gotten to Rome and they
were seeking to poison theChristians against Paul.
Some would say that he was atraitor to the Jewish nation.
Still others would twist histeaching about grace and try to
try to prove that he actuallytaught loose living.
(02:59):
No wonder Paul was eager to getto Rome.
No wonder he wanted to sharewith them the witness of the
gospel of Christ in its truth.
But the question would be (03:08):
would the gospel of Christ work in
that great city of Rome as ithad worked in other places?
I mean, would Paul succeed thereor would he fail?
The apostle, no doubt, hadthese, felt these objections and
raised these questions in hisown mind, and that's probably
(03:29):
why he forged a third linkbetween himself and his readers.
He presents his credentials, hetalks about his concern for
them, but then he talks abouthis confidence.
That's what verse 16 and 17 isall about.
His confidence.
He affirmed it.
Let's read it again.
These are really the two keyverses of this passage.
(03:52):
Really of the whole book.
That's the key.
He said, For I am not ashamed ofthe gospel of Christ.
For it is the power of God tosalvation for everyone who
believes.
For the Jew first, and also forthe Greek.
For in it that is the gospel.
For in the gospel therighteousness of God is
(04:14):
revealed.
From faith to faith.
As it is written, the just shalllive by faith.
What a testimony we see here.
He said, I am a debtor, I ameager, I am not ashamed.
SPEAKER_01 (04:30):
What a testimony.
SPEAKER_03 (04:33):
And why would Paul I mean, why would Paul be ashamed
of the gospel as he contemplatedhis trip to Rome?
Why would he even put this inthis letter to the Romans?
Well, for one thing, remember,the gospel was identified with a
poor Jewish carpenter who wascrucified.
(04:56):
The Romans had no specialappreciation for the Jews.
And crucifixion was the lowestform of execution given a
criminal.
I mean, why in the world putyour faith in a Jew who was
crucified?
Rome was a proud city.
And the gospel came fromJerusalem, which was the capital
(05:18):
city of one of the littlenations that Rome had conquered.
You need to remember thismorning that the Christians in
that day were not among theelite of society.
There were common people andeven slaves.
Rome had many great philosophersand philosophies.
Why pay attention to what theywould think?
(05:40):
Why pay attention to a fableabout a Jew who rose from the
dead?
That would be what a Rome wouldthink.
SPEAKER_01 (05:48):
What Romans would think.
SPEAKER_03 (05:50):
Christians.
Remember, Christians looked onone another as brothers and
sisters, as all one in Christ,which went against the grain of
Roman pride and dignity.
I mean, to think of a littleJewish tent maker going to Rome
to preach such a message washumorous to Romans.
SPEAKER_01 (06:16):
But Paul was not ashamed of the gospel.
SPEAKER_03 (06:21):
And he had confidence in his message.
And he gives us several reasonsright here in these two verses
why he was not ashamed.
First of all, in verse 16, hewasn't ashamed because of the
origin of the gospel.
It is the gospel of Christ.
That's what he said.
Now, any message that would havebeen handed down from Caesar
(06:44):
immediately got the attention ofthe Romans.
But the message of the gospel isfrom and about the very Son of
God.
In his opening sentence, Paulcalled the message the gospel of
God.
How could Paul be ashamed ofsuch a message when it came from
God and it centered on his sonJesus Christ?
(07:09):
He has confidence in the gospelalso because of the operation of
the gospel.
He talks about that in thesecond part of verse 16.
It is the power of God.
Now listen, power is one thingthat Rome boasted about most.
Greece might have itsphilosophy, but Rome had its
(07:29):
power.
You need to understand that.
The fear of Rome hovered overthe empire like a cloud.
Were they not the conquerors?
Did not Roman legions, were theynot stationed all over the known
world?
(07:50):
But with all of its militarypower, Rome was still a weak
nation.
The philosopher Seneca calledthe city of Rome a cesspool of
iniquity.
Another writer called it afilthy sewer into which the
dregs of the empire flood.
No wonder Paul was not ashamed.
He was taking to sinful Rome theone message that had the power
(08:14):
to change people's lives.
That's what he's doing.
He had seen the gospel work inother wicked cities such as
Corinth and Ephesus, and he wasconfident that it would work in
Rome if it transformed his ownlife.
He knew it could transform thelives of others absolutely
beyond any shadow of a doubt.
He understood it was the powerof God.
I want to tell you, the gospelcan change your life.
SPEAKER_01 (08:37):
The gospel can transform your life.
He's confident.
Another reason he's confident isbecause the outcome of the
gospel.
SPEAKER_03 (08:48):
It says in the second part, the third part of
verse 16, it is the power of Godto salvation.
It was the power of God untosalvation.
Now that word salvation carriedtremendous meaning in Paul's
day.
Its basic meaning wasdeliverance.
Deliverance.
And it was applied to bothpersonal and even national
(09:10):
deliverance.
The emperor was looked on as asavior, as was the physician who
healed you of illness.
That was the idea.
But the gospel's differentbecause the gospel delivers
sinners from the penalty andpower of sin.
SPEAKER_00 (09:28):
You're listening to Foundations of Truth.
Today we begin our journeythrough one of the most
important books of the Bibleever written: the Apostle Paul's
Letter to the Romans.
At the heart of Romans standsthe gospel.
The good news that God savessinners through Jesus Christ.
That same gospel remains theheartbeat of Foundations of
Truth.
In a world overflowing withcompeting voices, shifting
(09:51):
values, and spiritual confusion,this ministry exists for one
purpose (09:56):
to faithfully open the scriptures and proclaim the
truth of God's word withoutcompromise.
If God is using the teaching ofDr.
Timothy Mann to strengthen yourfaith and deepen your
understanding of the Bible,would you prayerfully consider
supporting Foundations of Truthfinancially?
Your gifts help us continuetaking sound biblical teaching
to people who need to hear thelife-changing truth of the
(10:19):
gospel.
Thank you for praying, forgiving, for listening, and
standing with us.
If you'd like to give a gift,you can go online to
foundationsoftruth.net.
That's foundationsoftruth.net.
Now let's return to Dr.
Timothy Mann and the gospel thatshook the world.
SPEAKER_03 (10:35):
Salvation, by the way, is a major theme in this
letter.
Salvation is the great need ofthe human race.
And we need to settle the issuethis morning.
It does not need to be a doubtin our minds.
And I want to say withoutapology or without fear: if men
and women and boys and girls aregoing to be saved, if anybody is
going to be saved, it must bethrough faith in Jesus Christ as
(10:57):
proclaimed in the gospel.
SPEAKER_01 (10:59):
There's no other way.
No other way.
It's confidence in the gospelbecause of the outreach of the
gospel as well.
SPEAKER_03 (11:10):
He says it's the power of God to everyone who
believes.
Everyone who believes.
This was not an exclusivemessage for either Jew or
Gentile.
It was for all men.
It was for all people.
Because all people need to besaved.
It's for the nations.
Jesus said in Mark 16, verse 15,he said, You go into all the
(11:31):
world and preach the gospel.
That was Christ's commission.
Now, Paul says to the Jew first,I want you to understand, to the
Jew first does not suggest thatthe Jew is any better than the
Gentile, for there is nodifference, he says.
Later on in Romans 2 and Romans10, which we'll see, he says
(11:54):
there is no difference incondemnation or in salvation.
Related to the Jew and Gentile.
The gospel came to the Jew firstin the ministry of Jesus Christ
and the apostles.
How marvelous it is.
I mean, think about that.
How marvelous it is to have amessage of power that can be
(12:16):
taken to all people, to anyperson.
I want to remind you thismorning, we need to settle this
in our hearts today.
God does not command people tobehave in order to be saved, but
to believe.
SPEAKER_01 (12:39):
Not to do better, but to trust Christ.
SPEAKER_03 (12:44):
It is faith in Christ that saves the sinner.
And his eternal life in Christis one gift that's suitable for
all people, no matter what theirneed may be or what their
station in life.
You know, some of us, even asbelievers, ought to settle this
issue in our heart this morning.
Trying to somehow do somethingto make yourself acceptable to
(13:05):
God.
Work harder, do better, tosomehow find favor with God.
You can't do that.
It's not gonna happen.
It's only in his grace thatyou're saved.
And Jesus said the one work, thework of God is this that's
worked in the heart of believeris to believe upon God's Son,
(13:26):
Jesus Christ, whom he sent.
That is eternal life.
So if you're here this morning,you say, Yeah, I'm saved, but
I'm I'm still, I feel such solow down.
You are you're low down, getover it.
That's the grace of God.
SPEAKER_01 (13:41):
Isn't that wonderful?
Let it go and grab hold ofJesus.
Trust him.
Rest in him.
SPEAKER_03 (14:05):
Other commentators may say otherwise, but I would
say that it is.
Romans 1.17 is the key verse inthis letter.
In this verse, Paul announcesthe theme.
The theme of this book is therighteousness of God.
A lot of people try to teach itit's about the salvation of man.
It's not.
The theme of this letter is therighteousness of God.
(14:30):
The theme of this letter is noteven about grace.
SPEAKER_01 (14:33):
The theme of this letter is the righteousness of
God.
Period.
The word righteousness is usedin one way or another over 60
times in this letter.
SPEAKER_03 (14:47):
Righteous, just, justified, any number of ways.
And what he says in this verseis that God's righteousness is
revealed in the gospel.
God's righteousness is revealedin the gospel.
For in the death of Christ, Godrevealed his righteousness by
punishing sin.
And in the resurrection ofChrist, God revealed his
(15:10):
righteousness by applyingsalvation to the believing
sinner.
But the problem today still isthis.
Here's the question.
Here's the big deal, right?
How can a holy God ever forgivesinners and still be holy?
SPEAKER_01 (15:31):
How can a holy God ever forgive you and still be
holy?
Well, the answer is in thegospel.
SPEAKER_03 (15:41):
It's answered in the gospel.
Through the death and theresurrection of Christ, God is
seen in Romans 3.26.
In the death and resurrection ofChrist, God is seen to be both
the just and the justifier.
The gospel reveals that a rightit's a righteousness that is by
faith.
That's what he says.
(16:03):
It's a righteousness of God'sreveal from faith to faith, from
beginning to end.
In the Old Testament,righteousness seemed or appeared
to be by works.
That's what folks thought.
But sinners soon discovered thatthey could not obey God's laws
and meet his righteous demands.
It was never by works.
(16:39):
This verse is quoted three timesin the New Testament Romans
1:17, Galatians 3.11, andHebrews 10 38.
Romans explains the just,Galatians explains shall live,
and Hebrews explains by faith.
There's more than 60 referencesto faith or unbelief in Romans.
(17:04):
I want to give you an overviewof the book as we kind of come
to the end this morning.
SPEAKER_01 (17:09):
Here's where we're headed.
When you study Romans, you walkinto a courtroom.
That's what happens.
SPEAKER_03 (17:18):
And first, Paul called Jews and Gentiles to
stand and be found guilty beforeGod.
And then he explains God'smarvelous way of salvation,
which is justification by faith.
And at this point, he answershis accusers and he defends
God's salvation.
Those who object cry out thisway of salvation will encourage
(17:45):
people to sin.
It's against the very law ofGod.
But Paul refutes them, and indoing so, he explains how the
Christian can experiencevictory, liberty, and security.
That's what we have in front ofus in this great book.
Then chapters 9 through 11 are aparenthesis or a little bit of a
(18:11):
detour.
Because there were Jewishbelievers in these Roman
assemblies, and they wouldnaturally ask, What about
Israel?
How does God's righteousnessrelate to them in this new era
of the church?
And in these three chapters,Paul gave a complete history of
(18:32):
Israel, past, present, andfuture, and deals with his
election and predestination.
These kinds of issues.
This begins with dedication toGod, continues with ministry in
(18:54):
the church, then obedience tothe government.
He also told Jews and Gentiles,strong and weak, how to live
together in harmony and joy.
And then in the closing section,Paul explains his plans and
greets his friends.
That's where we're headed.
And when you sum it all up, thebook of Romans is saying to us,
(19:16):
this is how to be right.
SPEAKER_01 (19:21):
Right with God, right with yourself, and right
with others.
The righteousness of Godreceived by faith makes it
possible for us to live rightlives.
(19:45):
We need it today.
Are you?
It's righteousness, my faith.
That's it.
If you've not gone that way,you're not right with God.
(20:08):
Are you right with God?
Maybe you're in this room thismorning and say, Yeah, I I
trusted Christ.
I'm a Christian.
I need to ask you anotherquestion.
Are you ashamed of the gospel?
Are you ashamed of the gospel?
(20:28):
That's evidenced in your life.
How do you live?
What you say?
It's one thing to say in theory,oh no, I'm not ashamed of the
gospel.
How do you live that out?
How is that real in your life?
Are you right with God?
(20:50):
And are you ashamed of thegospel?
I hope you're ready for Romans.
SPEAKER_03 (20:58):
Would you bow your heads with me, please?
Just bow your heads and meditateon the truth of God.
What the Holy Spirit might havesaid to you through his word.
You would have to be honest withyourself, and you would say, you
know, Pastor, I'm not right withGod.
I've never truly trusted Jesusand Him alone.
(21:22):
I do not believe that I'm aChristian.
Oh, but I want to be.
I truly want to follow Christ.
I challenge you this morning.
Believe on Jesus.
Repent of your sins.
Turn from your way of livinglife and yourself and turn to
(21:42):
Christ in your life.
SPEAKER_00 (21:44):
Thank you for joining us today for Foundations
of Truth, the biblical teachingministry of Dr.
Timothy Mann.
If you'd like to hear thismessage again or get more
biblical resources or give afinancial gift, you can do so
online atfoundationsoftruth.net.
That's foundationsoftruth.net.
If you've been encouraged by theteaching of Dr.
Timothy Mann on Foundations ofTruth, here's an opportunity to
(22:07):
meet him in person.
Join Dr.
Mann Saturday, September 19th,10 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
At From My Library to YoursChristian Bookstore in Port
Orange for a special authorevent featuring his book, Save
Understanding God's Work in Us.
There'll be book signing,conversation, and brief talks
with a QA at 1015 a.m.
(22:27):
and 1.15 p.m.
That's Saturday, September 19th,at the pavilion next to Massage
Envy in Port Orange, Florida.
SPEAKER_02 (22:35):
Before we close today, I want to tell you about
a resource that I believe willbe a genuine help to you.
I've recently published my firstbook, Saved, Understanding God's
Work in Us.
In over 30 years of pastoralministry, one of the questions
I've encountered more thanalmost any other is this.
How can I know that I am trulysaved?
It is a question that deserves acareful, biblical answer.
(22:56):
That is exactly what this bookis designed to give.
Saved, understanding God's workin us, walks through what the
scripture teaches aboutsalvation, what God has done for
us, what he is doing in us, andthe assurance that every
believer can have because of hiswork.
If you want to understandsalvation more deeply, stand on
firmer ground in your faith, orbe better equipped to share the
(23:17):
gospel with someone you love,then this book was written for
you.
You can find it on Amazon,Barnes and Noble, and Books a
Million, and pretty muchanywhere you buy books.
Just search, save, understandingGod's Work in Us by Dr.
Timothy Mann.
I pray it strengthens yourfaith.
Thanks for being with us today.
God bless you.
SPEAKER_00 (23:35):
Foundations of Truth with Dr.
Timothy Mann is supported inpart by Cat Care Clinic, located
in Ormond Beach, and servingfamilies with thoughtful and
compassionate veterinary carefor cats.
We're grateful for theirpartnership in helping carry
biblical truth farther.
We're thankful for AMN Plumbing,a local ministry partner serving
the Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach,Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach,
(23:59):
and surrounding areas withDependable Plumbing Service.
Their support helps makeFoundations of Truth available
to more listeners each week.
Foundations of Truth with Dr.
Timothy Mann is supported inpart by Luther Rice College and
Seminary, equipping men andwomen for ministry through
biblically faithful theologicaleducation.
As a leader in online learning,we are grateful for their
(24:21):
partnership in helping carrybiblical truth farther.
Welcome to Foundations of Truth, the
(00:02):
biblical teaching ministry ofDr.
Timothy Mann.
Our mission is to help you buildyour life on the unshakable
foundation of God's Word, rootedin Scripture, anchored in the
grace of the gospel of JesusChrist.
Each week, Dr.
Mann opens the Bible to bringclarity, conviction, and
encouragement for everyday life.
There's one New Testament letterthat takes us on an
(00:24):
extraordinary journey from theutter ruin of fallen humanity to
the breathtaking heights of thegrace and glory of God.
Today on Foundations of Truth,we continue our series From
Guilty to Glory, a journeythrough the book of Romans.
And this is the second half ofthe opening message, the gospel
that shook the world.
Here now is Dr.
(00:45):
Timothy Mann.
SPEAKER_03 (00:46):
Paul felt an obligation to all men, all
people.
Just as we need to feel a burdenfor the whole world, all people
groups.
Every person.
Paul could not free himself fromhis debt until he had told as
many people as possible.
The good news of salvation inChrist.
(01:08):
He says in verse 15 that he'seager to visit them.
Eager.
Now he says he's eager to visitthem.
Now it's interesting, there'stwo different Greek words that
are translated ready in theEnglish Bible.
(01:30):
One means prepared.
As in Acts 21, 13, where hesays, I am ready to die at
Jerusalem for the name of theLord Jesus Christ.
The other one, though, that'sused here in Romans 1.15 means
eager with a ready mind.
Paul was not eager to die, buthe was prepared to die.
(01:51):
But he was eager to visit Romethat he might minister to the
believers there.
And it was not, listen, it wasnot an eagerness of a sightseer.
Oh, I want to go see Rome.
I've heard about it.
I want to go see Rome.
No, it was not the eagerness ofa sightseer, it was the
eagerness of a soul winner.
Someone who's going to take thegospel.
(02:12):
Well, after reading these fiveevidences of Paul's concern for
the Christians at Rome, thesesaints could not help, surely,
but give thanks to God for theApostle Paul and his burden to
come to them and minister tothem.
Actually, I want to remind you,I want you to understand that
the letter to the Romans inwhich Paul explained the gospel
he preached was actually hisletter of introduction that
(02:36):
prepared the believers for hisvisit.
No doubt false teachers hadalready gotten to Rome and they
were seeking to poison theChristians against Paul.
Some would say that he was atraitor to the Jewish nation.
Still others would twist histeaching about grace and try to
try to prove that he actuallytaught loose living.
(02:59):
No wonder Paul was eager to getto Rome.
No wonder he wanted to sharewith them the witness of the
gospel of Christ in its truth.
But the question would be (03:08):
would the gospel of Christ work in
that great city of Rome as ithad worked in other places?
I mean, would Paul succeed thereor would he fail?
The apostle, no doubt, hadthese, felt these objections and
raised these questions in hisown mind, and that's probably
(03:29):
why he forged a third linkbetween himself and his readers.
He presents his credentials, hetalks about his concern for
them, but then he talks abouthis confidence.
That's what verse 16 and 17 isall about.
His confidence.
He affirmed it.
Let's read it again.
These are really the two keyverses of this passage.
(03:52):
Really of the whole book.
That's the key.
He said, For I am not ashamed ofthe gospel of Christ.
For it is the power of God tosalvation for everyone who
believes.
For the Jew first, and also forthe Greek.
For in it that is the gospel.
For in the gospel therighteousness of God is
(04:14):
revealed.
From faith to faith.
As it is written, the just shalllive by faith.
What a testimony we see here.
He said, I am a debtor, I ameager, I am not ashamed.
SPEAKER_01 (04:30):
What a testimony.
SPEAKER_03 (04:33):
And why would Paul I mean, why would Paul be ashamed
of the gospel as he contemplatedhis trip to Rome?
Why would he even put this inthis letter to the Romans?
Well, for one thing, remember,the gospel was identified with a
poor Jewish carpenter who wascrucified.
(04:56):
The Romans had no specialappreciation for the Jews.
And crucifixion was the lowestform of execution given a
criminal.
I mean, why in the world putyour faith in a Jew who was
crucified?
Rome was a proud city.
And the gospel came fromJerusalem, which was the capital
(05:18):
city of one of the littlenations that Rome had conquered.
You need to remember thismorning that the Christians in
that day were not among theelite of society.
There were common people andeven slaves.
Rome had many great philosophersand philosophies.
Why pay attention to what theywould think?
(05:40):
Why pay attention to a fableabout a Jew who rose from the
dead?
That would be what a Rome wouldthink.
SPEAKER_01 (05:48):
What Romans would think.
SPEAKER_03 (05:50):
Christians.
Remember, Christians looked onone another as brothers and
sisters, as all one in Christ,which went against the grain of
Roman pride and dignity.
I mean, to think of a littleJewish tent maker going to Rome
to preach such a message washumorous to Romans.
SPEAKER_01 (06:16):
But Paul was not ashamed of the gospel.
SPEAKER_03 (06:21):
And he had confidence in his message.
And he gives us several reasonsright here in these two verses
why he was not ashamed.
First of all, in verse 16, hewasn't ashamed because of the
origin of the gospel.
It is the gospel of Christ.
That's what he said.
Now, any message that would havebeen handed down from Caesar
(06:44):
immediately got the attention ofthe Romans.
But the message of the gospel isfrom and about the very Son of
God.
In his opening sentence, Paulcalled the message the gospel of
God.
How could Paul be ashamed ofsuch a message when it came from
God and it centered on his sonJesus Christ?
(07:09):
He has confidence in the gospelalso because of the operation of
the gospel.
He talks about that in thesecond part of verse 16.
It is the power of God.
Now listen, power is one thingthat Rome boasted about most.
Greece might have itsphilosophy, but Rome had its
(07:29):
power.
You need to understand that.
The fear of Rome hovered overthe empire like a cloud.
Were they not the conquerors?
Did not Roman legions, were theynot stationed all over the known
world?
(07:50):
But with all of its militarypower, Rome was still a weak
nation.
The philosopher Seneca calledthe city of Rome a cesspool of
iniquity.
Another writer called it afilthy sewer into which the
dregs of the empire flood.
No wonder Paul was not ashamed.
He was taking to sinful Rome theone message that had the power
(08:14):
to change people's lives.
That's what he's doing.
He had seen the gospel work inother wicked cities such as
Corinth and Ephesus, and he wasconfident that it would work in
Rome if it transformed his ownlife.
He knew it could transform thelives of others absolutely
beyond any shadow of a doubt.
He understood it was the powerof God.
I want to tell you, the gospelcan change your life.
SPEAKER_01 (08:37):
The gospel can transform your life.
He's confident.
Another reason he's confident isbecause the outcome of the
gospel.
SPEAKER_03 (08:48):
It says in the second part, the third part of
verse 16, it is the power of Godto salvation.
It was the power of God untosalvation.
Now that word salvation carriedtremendous meaning in Paul's
day.
Its basic meaning wasdeliverance.
Deliverance.
And it was applied to bothpersonal and even national
(09:10):
deliverance.
The emperor was looked on as asavior, as was the physician who
healed you of illness.
That was the idea.
But the gospel's differentbecause the gospel delivers
sinners from the penalty andpower of sin.
SPEAKER_00 (09:28):
You're listening to Foundations of Truth.
Today we begin our journeythrough one of the most
important books of the Bibleever written: the Apostle Paul's
Letter to the Romans.
At the heart of Romans standsthe gospel.
The good news that God savessinners through Jesus Christ.
That same gospel remains theheartbeat of Foundations of
Truth.
In a world overflowing withcompeting voices, shifting
(09:51):
values, and spiritual confusion,this ministry exists for one
purpose (09:56):
to faithfully open the scriptures and proclaim the
truth of God's word withoutcompromise.
If God is using the teaching ofDr.
Timothy Mann to strengthen yourfaith and deepen your
understanding of the Bible,would you prayerfully consider
supporting Foundations of Truthfinancially?
Your gifts help us continuetaking sound biblical teaching
to people who need to hear thelife-changing truth of the
(10:19):
gospel.
Thank you for praying, forgiving, for listening, and
standing with us.
If you'd like to give a gift,you can go online to
foundationsoftruth.net.
That's foundationsoftruth.net.
Now let's return to Dr.
Timothy Mann and the gospel thatshook the world.
SPEAKER_03 (10:35):
Salvation, by the way, is a major theme in this
letter.
Salvation is the great need ofthe human race.
And we need to settle the issuethis morning.
It does not need to be a doubtin our minds.
And I want to say withoutapology or without fear: if men
and women and boys and girls aregoing to be saved, if anybody is
going to be saved, it must bethrough faith in Jesus Christ as
(10:57):
proclaimed in the gospel.
SPEAKER_01 (10:59):
There's no other way.
No other way.
It's confidence in the gospelbecause of the outreach of the
gospel as well.
SPEAKER_03 (11:10):
He says it's the power of God to everyone who
believes.
Everyone who believes.
This was not an exclusivemessage for either Jew or
Gentile.
It was for all men.
It was for all people.
Because all people need to besaved.
It's for the nations.
Jesus said in Mark 16, verse 15,he said, You go into all the
(11:31):
world and preach the gospel.
That was Christ's commission.
Now, Paul says to the Jew first,I want you to understand, to the
Jew first does not suggest thatthe Jew is any better than the
Gentile, for there is nodifference, he says.
Later on in Romans 2 and Romans10, which we'll see, he says
(11:54):
there is no difference incondemnation or in salvation.
Related to the Jew and Gentile.
The gospel came to the Jew firstin the ministry of Jesus Christ
and the apostles.
How marvelous it is.
I mean, think about that.
How marvelous it is to have amessage of power that can be
(12:16):
taken to all people, to anyperson.
I want to remind you thismorning, we need to settle this
in our hearts today.
God does not command people tobehave in order to be saved, but
to believe.
SPEAKER_01 (12:39):
Not to do better, but to trust Christ.
SPEAKER_03 (12:44):
It is faith in Christ that saves the sinner.
And his eternal life in Christis one gift that's suitable for
all people, no matter what theirneed may be or what their
station in life.
You know, some of us, even asbelievers, ought to settle this
issue in our heart this morning.
Trying to somehow do somethingto make yourself acceptable to
(13:05):
God.
Work harder, do better, tosomehow find favor with God.
You can't do that.
It's not gonna happen.
It's only in his grace thatyou're saved.
And Jesus said the one work, thework of God is this that's
worked in the heart of believeris to believe upon God's Son,
(13:26):
Jesus Christ, whom he sent.
That is eternal life.
So if you're here this morning,you say, Yeah, I'm saved, but
I'm I'm still, I feel such solow down.
You are you're low down, getover it.
That's the grace of God.
SPEAKER_01 (13:41):
Isn't that wonderful?
Let it go and grab hold ofJesus.
Trust him.
Rest in him.
SPEAKER_03 (14:05):
Other commentators may say otherwise, but I would
say that it is.
Romans 1.17 is the key verse inthis letter.
In this verse, Paul announcesthe theme.
The theme of this book is therighteousness of God.
A lot of people try to teach itit's about the salvation of man.
It's not.
The theme of this letter is therighteousness of God.
(14:30):
The theme of this letter is noteven about grace.
SPEAKER_01 (14:33):
The theme of this letter is the righteousness of
God.
Period.
The word righteousness is usedin one way or another over 60
times in this letter.
SPEAKER_03 (14:47):
Righteous, just, justified, any number of ways.
And what he says in this verseis that God's righteousness is
revealed in the gospel.
God's righteousness is revealedin the gospel.
For in the death of Christ, Godrevealed his righteousness by
punishing sin.
And in the resurrection ofChrist, God revealed his
(15:10):
righteousness by applyingsalvation to the believing
sinner.
But the problem today still isthis.
Here's the question.
Here's the big deal, right?
How can a holy God ever forgivesinners and still be holy?
SPEAKER_01 (15:31):
How can a holy God ever forgive you and still be
holy?
Well, the answer is in thegospel.
SPEAKER_03 (15:41):
It's answered in the gospel.
Through the death and theresurrection of Christ, God is
seen in Romans 3.26.
In the death and resurrection ofChrist, God is seen to be both
the just and the justifier.
The gospel reveals that a rightit's a righteousness that is by
faith.
That's what he says.
(16:03):
It's a righteousness of God'sreveal from faith to faith, from
beginning to end.
In the Old Testament,righteousness seemed or appeared
to be by works.
That's what folks thought.
But sinners soon discovered thatthey could not obey God's laws
and meet his righteous demands.
It was never by works.
(16:39):
This verse is quoted three timesin the New Testament Romans
1:17, Galatians 3.11, andHebrews 10 38.
Romans explains the just,Galatians explains shall live,
and Hebrews explains by faith.
There's more than 60 referencesto faith or unbelief in Romans.
(17:04):
I want to give you an overviewof the book as we kind of come
to the end this morning.
SPEAKER_01 (17:09):
Here's where we're headed.
When you study Romans, you walkinto a courtroom.
That's what happens.
SPEAKER_03 (17:18):
And first, Paul called Jews and Gentiles to
stand and be found guilty beforeGod.
And then he explains God'smarvelous way of salvation,
which is justification by faith.
And at this point, he answershis accusers and he defends
God's salvation.
Those who object cry out thisway of salvation will encourage
(17:45):
people to sin.
It's against the very law ofGod.
But Paul refutes them, and indoing so, he explains how the
Christian can experiencevictory, liberty, and security.
That's what we have in front ofus in this great book.
Then chapters 9 through 11 are aparenthesis or a little bit of a
(18:11):
detour.
Because there were Jewishbelievers in these Roman
assemblies, and they wouldnaturally ask, What about
Israel?
How does God's righteousnessrelate to them in this new era
of the church?
And in these three chapters,Paul gave a complete history of
(18:32):
Israel, past, present, andfuture, and deals with his
election and predestination.
These kinds of issues.
This begins with dedication toGod, continues with ministry in
(18:54):
the church, then obedience tothe government.
He also told Jews and Gentiles,strong and weak, how to live
together in harmony and joy.
And then in the closing section,Paul explains his plans and
greets his friends.
That's where we're headed.
And when you sum it all up, thebook of Romans is saying to us,
(19:16):
this is how to be right.
SPEAKER_01 (19:21):
Right with God, right with yourself, and right
with others.
The righteousness of Godreceived by faith makes it
possible for us to live rightlives.
(19:45):
We need it today.
Are you?
It's righteousness, my faith.
That's it.
If you've not gone that way,you're not right with God.
(20:08):
Are you right with God?
Maybe you're in this room thismorning and say, Yeah, I I
trusted Christ.
I'm a Christian.
I need to ask you anotherquestion.
Are you ashamed of the gospel?
Are you ashamed of the gospel?
(20:28):
That's evidenced in your life.
How do you live?
What you say?
It's one thing to say in theory,oh no, I'm not ashamed of the
gospel.
How do you live that out?
How is that real in your life?
Are you right with God?
(20:50):
And are you ashamed of thegospel?
I hope you're ready for Romans.
SPEAKER_03 (20:58):
Would you bow your heads with me, please?
Just bow your heads and meditateon the truth of God.
What the Holy Spirit might havesaid to you through his word.
You would have to be honest withyourself, and you would say, you
know, Pastor, I'm not right withGod.
I've never truly trusted Jesusand Him alone.
(21:22):
I do not believe that I'm aChristian.
Oh, but I want to be.
I truly want to follow Christ.
I challenge you this morning.
Believe on Jesus.
Repent of your sins.
Turn from your way of livinglife and yourself and turn to
(21:42):
Christ in your life.
SPEAKER_00 (21:44):
Thank you for joining us today for Foundations
of Truth, the biblical teachingministry of Dr.
Timothy Mann.
If you'd like to hear thismessage again or get more
biblical resources or give afinancial gift, you can do so
online atfoundationsoftruth.net.
That's foundationsoftruth.net.
If you've been encouraged by theteaching of Dr.
Timothy Mann on Foundations ofTruth, here's an opportunity to
(22:07):
meet him in person.
Join Dr.
Mann Saturday, September 19th,10 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
At From My Library to YoursChristian Bookstore in Port
Orange for a special authorevent featuring his book, Save
Understanding God's Work in Us.
There'll be book signing,conversation, and brief talks
with a QA at 1015 a.m.
(22:27):
and 1.15 p.m.
That's Saturday, September 19th,at the pavilion next to Massage
Envy in Port Orange, Florida.
SPEAKER_02 (22:35):
Before we close today, I want to tell you about
a resource that I believe willbe a genuine help to you.
I've recently published my firstbook, Saved, Understanding God's
Work in Us.
In over 30 years of pastoralministry, one of the questions
I've encountered more thanalmost any other is this.
How can I know that I am trulysaved?
It is a question that deserves acareful, biblical answer.
(22:56):
That is exactly what this bookis designed to give.
Saved, understanding God's workin us, walks through what the
scripture teaches aboutsalvation, what God has done for
us, what he is doing in us, andthe assurance that every
believer can have because of hiswork.
If you want to understandsalvation more deeply, stand on
firmer ground in your faith, orbe better equipped to share the
(23:17):
gospel with someone you love,then this book was written for
you.
You can find it on Amazon,Barnes and Noble, and Books a
Million, and pretty muchanywhere you buy books.
Just search, save, understandingGod's Work in Us by Dr.
Timothy Mann.
I pray it strengthens yourfaith.
Thanks for being with us today.
God bless you.
SPEAKER_00 (23:35):
Foundations of Truth with Dr.
Timothy Mann is supported inpart by Cat Care Clinic, located
in Ormond Beach, and servingfamilies with thoughtful and
compassionate veterinary carefor cats.
We're grateful for theirpartnership in helping carry
biblical truth farther.
We're thankful for AMN Plumbing,a local ministry partner serving
the Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach,Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach,
(23:59):
and surrounding areas withDependable Plumbing Service.
Their support helps makeFoundations of Truth available
to more listeners each week.
Foundations of Truth with Dr.
Timothy Mann is supported inpart by Luther Rice College and
Seminary, equipping men andwomen for ministry through
biblically faithful theologicaleducation.
As a leader in online learning,we are grateful for their
(24:21):
partnership in helping carrybiblical truth farther.
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