259 - Even More Jesus, Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie, Romans 1:16-17

“The Gospel Is…” (Romans 1:16–17)

In this episode we unpack Paul’s thesis for Romans: the gospel is God’s power to save because it reveals God’s righteousness. We trace how salvation is offered to everyone who believes, why “the righteousness of God” is good news (God’s character, God’s saving action, and God’s gift), and how the just live—now and forever—by faith.

Romans 1:16–17; 3:22, 26 • Ephesians 2:5 • 1 Corinthians 1:18 • Romans 13:11 • Philippians 3:9 • Habakkuk 2:4 • Galatians 3:11

The gospel is God’s powerful means of salvation because it reveals His righteous way of putting sinners right with Himself—received by faith alone. “The righteous (by faith) shall live.”

• Unashamed of the Gospel (v.16)
  Paul’s confidence despite opposition; the gospel is God’s power, not self-help.
  Goal: full salvation—justification, reconciliation, redemption, transformation—past, present, future.
  Scope: offered to everyone who believes; to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.

• Why the Gospel Saves (v.17)
  It reveals the righteousness of God—the thesis of Romans.

  • Attribute: God is righteous and just; at the cross He is “just and the justifier.”

  • Activity: God keeps covenant, rescues His people, defeats evil.

  • Achievement/Gift: a righteous status from God, granted by grace through faith.

• Received by Faith
  Habakkuk 2:4 in context: trust God amid injustice.
  Paul’s application: the one declared righteous by faith truly lives.
  Structure of Romans: chs. 1–4 (faith → righteousness); chs. 5–8 (righteousness → life).

• The gospel doesn’t merely offer power; it is God’s power.

• Salvation is comprehensive: rescued from wrath and restored to God.

• God’s righteousness is not earned; it’s given.

• Faith is the empty hand that receives Christ—and then walks in new life.

1. Where are you tempted to be “ashamed” of the gospel, and why?

2. Which aspect of God’s righteousness (attribute, activity, gift) most encourages you today?

3. How does “the righteous by faith shall live” shape your week practically?