Righteousness that Saves!

The Good News about the Bad News

Romans Series

PBC 2025

Text: Romans 1:15-18

This morning, we are wrapping up Paul’s introduction to the book of Romans (1:1-17). Romans is the longest of Paul’s letters, and this introduction is longer than any of his other introductions.

Paul links this extensive introduction (1:1-17) with an equally extensive conclusion (15:14-16:27) to frame the two sections of the letter within this overarching structure. 

We will miss important truths if we rush past the four verses before us this morning because these verses lay the foundation for everything Paul will share with us throughout the rest of Romans. They clarify why Paul is so eager to reach Rome and help us understand why we, as believers, need to hear the gospel repeatedly. Most importantly, these verses express the central idea in Paul’s mind as he begins to write the greatest letter ever penned. If Romans is indeed the greatest letter ever written, then its theme must represent the most significant topic ever discussed! 

This theme can be summed up in this simple sentence:  The gospel is the good news of God’s unstoppable power to save people from His wrath through a particular kind of righteousness He offers to anyone willing to believe the gospel according to His Word.

I. The __________ __________ of God to __________ His People (1:16)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 

1. The gospel has the ability to deliver, which is what we need most and cannot achieve in our own strength or capacity. 
2. This power is unstoppable because it originates from God’s immeasurable might and boundless strength – it will not and cannot fail to do what God has promised and purposed.
3. This gospel will save anyone who believes because God has purposed and promised to deliver Jews and Gentiles!

So, that is the first phrase we want to explore: Paul is unashamedly confident in the gospel because it is God’s power to save or deliver people. But why do these individuals need this deliverance?

II. From the __________ __________ of God (1:18)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 

• God is furious and wrathful.  He is very angry. And He is currently revealing (present tense verb) His anger and wrath upon ungodly and unrighteous people—those who fail to meet His moral standards or violate His commandments.
• In other words, the wrath of God falls upon unrighteous individuals who commit unrighteous acts and whose hearts and lives are defined by an internal unrighteousness that is inherent to their very nature!

1. Who has acted so wickedly to deserve God’s Wrath?
2. Why is the wrath of God so serious?  

So, if God’s wrath is coming down on people like you and me because of unrighteousness, how does the gospel deliver us and make us safe from God’s righteous anger and furious wrath?

III. By means of a __________ that __________ __________ God (1:17)

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

This is the most important question a person must answer because their eternal destiny hinges on the response. Thankfully, Paul explains exactly what we need to understand about the type of righteousness required and how we can attain it for ourselves!

1. This Righteousness comes __________ __________
   For in it (the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed
2. This Righteousness is __________ __________ by __________
   For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith
   • The kind of faith that is required to receive this righteousness is not merely creedal – it must be confessional!
   • Creedal faith – 
   • Confessional Faith – 
3. This Righteousness __________ to __________
   For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith

While this sounds like incredibly good news, two concerns need to be addressed if we are to stake our souls’ eternal destiny on the gospel Paul presents in these two verses.

• First, what biblical authority does Paul have to make this claim?
• Second, will this gospel actually deliver me on the day of wrath when I stand before God to be judged?

IV. __________ to the __________ of God (1:17)

as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

1. The __________ __________ to which Paul points:  Habakkuk 2:4
2. The __________ that __________ this citation:
3. The __________ that God kept His __________:  (three biblical examples)
   • Habakkuk’s testimony:  (3:16-19)
   • Jeremiah’s testimony: (Jer 39:15-18)
   • Daniel and his three friends’ testimony (Daniel 3, 6)

Conclusion – How should we respond to news like this?

1. Make sure your Faith is __________!  
2. Be __________ of Your Faith!  
3. Share your Faith __________ with Others!  

Will you commit to sharing the gospel with someone this week?