Romans 1:16-17 and the True Gospel

Opening Remarks

• Privilege of being here with the congregation.
• Personal health challenges: two heart surgeries last year.
• Gratefulness expressed by John MacArthur at the G3 Conference.

The Gospel as a Strawberry Patch

• Story illustration: Journey from enjoying real strawberries to artificial flavors.
  • Real strawberries vs. processed/artificial strawberry products (e.g., strawberry slush).
  • Analogy: The gospel has similarly been simplified and distorted over time.
• Transition to the Gospel: The true flavor of the gospel has become unpalatable to some due to distortions.

Distortion and Fading of the True Gospel

• Historical Context: Loss and recovery of the gospel over decades.
• Movements like the Church Growth Movement shifting focus from the gospel.
• The Gospel Trend: Became a fad, leading to its dilution and eventual misrepresentation.
• Examples of Misrepresentation: Social justice labeled as the gospel itself.
  • Irony: Many such groups that claimed to recover the gospel are distorting it.

Call for Gospel Clarity

• Importance of distinguishing the true gospel from its implications.
• Addressing postmodern distortions and misrepresentations.
• Example from Ibram X. Kendi on Liberation Theology vs. Savior Theology.

Examination of Romans 1:16-17

• Verse 16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel..."
  • Paul's historical context: Arrested, beaten, persecuted.
  • Contrast with modern reverence and acceptance of preachers.
  • Common temptation to sugarcoat or shy away from the gospel for societal approval.
• Modern Day Examples: Responses to COVID-19 vs. BLM protests.
  • Highlighting contradiction and perception of essential actions.

Paul's Charge to Timothy

• 2 Timothy 4:1-5: Preach the word irrespective of season and challenges.
• Avoid being ashamed of the gospel.
• Cling to gospel clarity despite societal pressures.

Confidence in the Gospel

• Power of God for Salvation: The gospel is sufficient for all problems and situations.
• Scriptural Support: 1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-25.
  • The word of the cross as the power of God for those being saved.
  • Avoiding the trap of thinking people need something beyond the gospel.
• Practical Examples: Marriage troubles, parenting challenges, church growth.

Being Indiscriminate with the Gospel

• Addressing liberation ideology and identity politics.
  • Jesus as a representative of the oppressed vs. the savior of all mankind.
  • Personal anecdote with a TV host on pictures of Jesus.
• Cultural Context: Need for a biblical worldview over identity politics.

Rooted and Grounded in the Gospel

• Importance of the Gospel: It is everything – justification, sanctification, and glorification.
• Dangers of Deviating from the Gospel: Liberation ideologists like Robin DiAngelo and Ibram X. Kendi.
  • Gospel as the cure for all individuals, regardless of social location.

Conclusion

• Call to reject perversions and uphold the true gospel.
• Illustration: Return to the true sweet taste of the gospel, emphasizing continual reinforcement.
• Recap of the gospel message: Creation, fall, redemption, and restoration through Jesus Christ.