When we think about God’s power, we usually call to mind things like His ability to speak the universe into existence. Or perhaps we call to mind God’s ability to raise the dead and to judge all mankind. But there are other aspects of God’s power which have a direct bearing on our lives. The Apostle Paul refers to some of these in his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Rome.
He writes, “ to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers, requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established; that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. Now I don’t desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish. So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by faith.””
In his greeting, Paul says that God loves the people to whom he is writing. The fact that God not only has power but also loves should give us hope. Because God loves us, He will only use His power in ways which benefits us. One way in which He demonstrates this is that He calls us to be saints. The word which Paul uses, means “set apart”. In the context it means “set apart for God” or “set apart from sin.” Obviously, this is something which is beyond our strength and ability. We are sinners. Yet, God not only calls us to be holy, He also gives us the ability to become holy.
Paul prays that the people to whom he is writing will receive grace and peace. We normally think of grace as something which fills the gap between our inadequacy and God’s perfection. This is true, but grace is also a form of God’s power. In another place Paul writes, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” (Titus 2:11-12 NIV) What we are unable to do through our own strength, God enables us to do through His grace.
Peace is another manifestation of God’s power. Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NIV)
Paul goes on to give thanks for the followers of Christ at Rome. The reason for Paul’s thanks is that their faith was being reported all over the world. It is remarkable that their faith was so strong. They did not have the New Testament and probably had never had the benefit of receiving teaching directly from an Apostle. They may not have had the blessing of information that other followers of Christ enjoyed, but they believed what they did know so strongly that their faith became an example. Are we known for our faith? Do people give thanks for it?
Paul also prayed that he would soon be able to visit the church at Rome. What was the purpose for his coming? He writes that he wanted to give the followers of Christ there a gift. We do not know what this gift was. It is possible he was referring to one to one of the special gifts of the Spirit such as speaking in foreign languages, or miraculous healing, which the Apostles were able to distribute by laying their hands on people. It is also possible that Paul was referring to the teaching he wished to give the people as a gift. The important thing is that the reason Paul wanted to give them a gift was to make them strong. All too often church leaders want to draw attention to themselves. Paul’s purpose was to benefit others.
Paul not only wanted to help and encourage the followers of Christ at Rome, he wanted to receive encouragement from them. Even though Paul was an Apostle and had received teaching directly from Christ, he realized that he could still learn from others. This is one of the marks of a great leader. In spite of Paul’s prominence and position, he was willing to listen to others and learn from their faith. He could benefit from them no matter who they were. He goes so far as to say that he is in debt to not only both Greeks and non-Greeks, but also to the foolish as well as the wise! For someone from a Jewish background, as Paul was, this shows amazing humility. In the context, Paul may be expressing that he is obligated to preach the gospel to everyone regardless of their background. However, it is also possible that he is acknowledging that everyone who is in Christ has something to contribute to everyone else. He says as much in chapter 12.
Another reason Paul wished to come to Rome was to preach the gospel there. Before now he had been prevented from coming. But now he wanted to tell the non-Jewish people of Rome about Jesus just as he had in many other places.
This gospel is the most vital message in all of human history. Why is it so important? Paul writes that it is the power of God for salvation. If we ignore the gospel, we cut ourselves off from God’s power. Without that power we cannot be saved.
A second reason the message is important is that it reveals God’s righteousness. It is only through the gospel that we understand what true righteousness is – the standard God expects us to meet – and it is through the gospel we are given the means to attain that righteousness.
A third reason the message is important is that it gives us an alternative to pleasing God through our own efforts. We cannot save ourselves, but placing our faith in Christ will save us.