The whole legend about strength coming from spinach began with a comma put in the wrong place, and on that error an entire campaign was built that millions believed. From that story the sermon moves to a world where one false report can shake a stock exchange and where the gospel is often bent to suit its audience. The opening verses of Romans show who is sending this message, whom he is writing to, and why its content is not good advice but good news about what has already been done (Romans 1). Listen and hear why Paul is not ashamed of this one message, and what that might mean for you.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- How does Paul introduce himself in Romans 1:1-17, and what might it have meant to people in Rome that a man of high status called himself a servant, literally a slave?
- According to verses 2-4, what shows that the good news is true, and why does it matter that Jesus is both a descendant of David and the Son of God declared by the resurrection?
- The preacher says the gospel is not good advice but good news about what has already been done for you. How does that difference change the way you see faith and everyday life?
- Martin Luther looked for peace in endless confessions until he understood that the righteous will live by faith. When do you feel unworthy, and what does the truth of a righteousness that comes from God say to you then?
- The Romans tolerated every belief except the claim that there is only one true God. What in our culture makes us ashamed of the gospel, and what personally holds you back from talking about Jesus?
- What one concrete step this week will show that you are not ashamed of the good news: praying with someone going through a hard time, inviting a friend to church, or perhaps deciding to be baptized?
