SERIES OVERVIEW
Powerless—utterly devoid of strength, resources, authority, and the capacity to effect change. It’s the overwhelming sense of being helpless and a feeling we all innately despise. Yes, we hate being weak, vulnerable, and defenseless. We would much rather be self-sufficient, depending on our own strength, wisdom, and abilities. We spend most of our lives striving to reach this position—independence from parents and institutions, financial freedom and wealth, and the ability to do what we want and when we want it. All because we hate being powerless. And the truth is, we are competent enough to achieve most things in life. We have the capacity to accumulate knowledge, strength, influence, and wealth— yes, we can attain power. But there is one predicament in life that all humans, regardless of their effort, will always remain powerless to change—the plight of sin and the ability to save ourselves from its consequences.
Make no mistake about it—the consequences of sin are far-reaching and affect us all (Rom. 3:23). Instead of relationship, there's hostility; instead of blessing, curse; instead of order, chaos. And instead of life, there is the fate we all must eventually face—death itself (Rom. 6:23). No one can escape its frightful grip. It will always overpower and overcome us. The only hope we have against this powerful foe is to embrace the power of another—the very one whom we rejected and rebelled against in our sin—the one who alone has the authority and power to defeat death and give life. This is the good news of the gospel: "it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Rom. 1:16). It is the announcement to a defenseless and helpless world that "while we were still weak...Christ died for the ungodly," and that his death provides "life for all men" (Rom. 5:6,18). And yet this hope only comes to those who embrace their weakness and throw themselves upon to the mercy of God in Christ.
The gospel is incredibly easy to understand and articulate––it's the good news of Jesus Christ–– but on the other hand, it's vastly complex–– it's extensive and sweeping in breadth and depth. That's part of what makes the gospel so beautiful. It's simple enough for a child to comprehend but profound enough for the greatest minds to spend a lifetime mining its depths. The Apostle Paul understood this reality. He could define it in a single statement as the truth "that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3), or he could write an entire doctrinal treatise on the subject matter. And this is precisely what he does in his letter to the Romans. As one pastor comments, Romans is "the fullest, plainest and grandest statement of the gospel in the New Testament."1 It’s why the great Reformer, Martin Luther, could boldly claim the letter as the "chief part of the New Testament," not only worthy of being memorized but whose contents Christians should engage with "every day, as the daily bread of the soul."2 Indeed, the contents of this letter may be the most consequential for Christians to understand, believe, and apply to their lives.
Join us for our new teaching series as we study the book of Romans and consider "The Gospel of God's Power." Together we will explore the meaning and depth of the gospel, not only as the truth that saves us but also as the power which transforms who we are and how we live. Its implications are far- reaching, from how we worship, love, and serve within the church to how we engage a broken and evil world in need of the same good news. As we marvel once again at the simple yet complex jewel of the gospel captured in this letter, we will join the Apostle Paul and the saints throughout the ages in declaring: "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:33,36).
