If you’ve ever had the desire to be powerful in this life, I have discovered the source of true and lasting power. This will not only make you powerful and victorious here and now, but will also guarantee you eternity with Christ.
Introduction
Text: Romans 1:16-17 (KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
People are always in search of power of some kinds. Some seek power in money, some in fame, positions, politics, and some even in the spirit realm. They go to any length to seek the power. But no matter how powerful you’re in this world, nothing that the world offers will last forever or have any eternal effect.
Today, I want to tell about one power that is tested and true. This one has stood all the tests. It is the power that is capable of changing lives. It turns a wretched sinner from an enemy of God to a child of God. It turns the wicked heart of stone to a tender heart of flesh. It gives a new life to a sinner who is dead in sin. We call it the power of the gospel.
People are always in search of power of some kinds. Some seek power in money, some in fame, positions, politics, and some even in the spirit realm.
The Power of God Unto Salvation
Romans 1:16 (KJV): For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
In our text, the Bible says that the gospel of Christ is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” The gospel is presented in words (a message) describing the problems and the penalty of sin against God, and what Christ did on our behalf to save us. The message states that Christ died for our sins, He was buried and He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
But the interesting thing is that this message does not only come in words. The Bible says it also comes “in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). In other words, when this messages is received, it is received with the power that accompanies it, and the Holy Spirit who will use it to convert the heart of the unbeliever.
The power of the gospel can turn a wretched sinner from an enemy of God to a child of God. It turns a wicked heart of stone to a tender heart of flesh. It gives a new life to a sinner who is dead in sin. It is the power of God unto salvation.
Salvation means deliverance from the wrath of God. This by the way is the greatest of all deliverance, and certainly all that you need. You’re forgiven and saved from the penalty of sin, and ultimately delivered from hell, or the lake of fire. Salvation gives you the opportunity to be right with God and the guarantee of eternity with Him. All these are accomplished by the power of gospel.
Salvation means deliverance from the wrath of God. This by the way is the greatest of all deliverance, and certainly all that you need.
To Everyone that Believes
The gospel is powerful, it is the power of God after all, but it does nothing in your life until you have received the message, that is, believe. Whether you are a Jew or a Gentile, young or old, rich or poor, all it takes for the power to change you is for you to believe in it.
John writes in his gospel that many people, even from Christ’s kindred rejected Him. However, there were some who believed in Him. And to these people, the Bible says, are given the “power” to become children of God (John 1:10-13).
Salvation gives you the opportunity to be right with God and the guarantee of eternity with Him.
The Righteousness of God Revealed
Romans 1:17 (KJV): For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The righteousness of God is what we all need to be right with God, or to be justified before Him. This is exactly what is offered in the gospel, “the righteousness which is of God by faith.” This is also what you will receive when you believe. The possession of this righteousness is the indication that you’re saved.
But remember, this righteousness can only be received by faith alone, without the deeds of the flesh. “By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight…” Romans 3:20. The just can only live by faith, and it is impossible to please God without faith.
Now think about this for a moment, the greatest power ever can and will only be received by the least of effort, faith. You don’t have to do anything to be powerful in Christ, only believe. So for some of you who are going about looking for power, look no more. Simply receive the gospel, and you will be very powerful.
You will be guaranteed an overall victory. By that I mean victory over everything. Just to mention but a few, you will have victory over fear, because you’re now a child of God, and He is no longer mad at you (2 Timothy 1:7). Victory over anxiety, because your life is in God’s hands and He will use it to glorify Himself (Romans 8:38-39). Victory over poverty, because you’re now more blessed than you can ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Victory over the power of darkness, the devil and all his hosts, because Christ won it for you (Colossians 1:13-14). Let me not fail to mention victory over death (Hebrews 2:14-15) and the fear of the afterlife (this is common to many), because no matter what happens, you will end up with God (John 10:27-30).
All that to say that if you want to be powerful, then receive (believe) the gospel, and you will be endowed with power from on high.
So for some of you who are going about looking for power, look no more. Simply receive the gospel, and you will be very powerful.
Thank you for reading!
