Romans 1:15-17

So for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome. 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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “but the righteous man shall live by faith.”

The Right Type of Eagerness

As I prepared this message, I recalled running track in high school—the rush of adrenaline in the starting blocks, waiting for the gun. In many ways, that's where we are as a church. We've endured much, and now it's time to take off in a God-honoring way.

Paul's foundation for excitement with the Roman believers is the gospel itself: "I am eager to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome." This shows the right type of eagerness for moving forward successfully. Successful Christianity—both individually and corporately—is measured by how much glory we give to God. Not by wealth or health, but by the pleasure we take in fellowship with Him. That happens only through living the gospel life.

A church stands or falls based on its love and eagerness for the gospel message. That's what makes a church successful: members zealous and excited for the gospel of Jesus Christ. That's why you attend—not routine, but excitement about your Savior and fellowship with other gospel possessors.

Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Paul says, "I am eager to preach the gospel... for I am not ashamed of the gospel." Because he is not ashamed, he is eager. When it comes to proclaiming Christ's death and resurrection, Paul is utterly fearless. Why? Because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes—to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

This gospel pulls us from the horrors of sin into fellowship with our Heavenly Father. We get God because of the gospel.

Reasons we might be ashamed: We don't know the gospel well enough to articulate it. We're not confident in its teaching. We haven't experienced it. Or we've forgotten it—despite past fervor, consistent Christianity or returning to sin has stalled our zeal.

Gospel fearlessness thrives where we know its power, experience, and enjoy salvation. When others ask why we smile through grief, endure trials with joy, or thank God for suffering, the answer is the gospel. Not shamefully, but boldly: "I count everything as trash compared to knowing Jesus. I am who I am by the grace of God."

This fearlessness shows in service (wanting more gospel, less of self), love for one another (displaying Christ who is preeminent), commitment to church (something valuable to commit to), tithing (to advance the gospel), and enjoyment of church (seeing Christ's power in weakness).

The Instrument of Gospel Fearlessness

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

Faith means being utterly convinced Christ died for me—it is true, real, and powerful.

Seven Marks of Successful Christianity

Here are seven things that give a church—and Christians—success, defined as glorifying God. When individuals commit to these, the church does too.

1. Gospel Proclamation

Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of, in memory of her. (Mark 14:9)

The woman anointing Jesus acted in harmony with the gospel, not hindering it. Do your actions advance or hinder the gospel?

2. Gospel Explanation

By His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

The gospel is Jesus: our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption. Proclaim it to incite faith—by His doing, not ours.

3. Gospel Application

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:5-6)

The gospel's purpose: God's glory. He lavishes grace freely. We respond with praise that glorifies Him.

4. Gospel Maximization

You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? (Galatians 3:1)

Live at the foot of the cross, seeing Christ's suffering for you. Maximize the gospel by recognizing its true height.

5. Gospel Demonstration

Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed. (Romans 3:24-25)

Justified by faith alone, demonstrated by works. Freed from sins we tended to repeat. Christ was punished so we go unpunished.

6. Gospel Saturation

Whether then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

The gospel permeates every area—eating, drinking, marriage, parenting, entertainment. God redeemed all of you, not some.

7. Gospel Preservation

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel. (Galatians 1:6)

I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

Endure by clinging to Him who called you. Seasons of trial don't define success—the gospel does. Trials are worth enduring, relationships worth enjoying, quarrels worth resolving, unity worth pursuing through Christ crucified.