It’s the Power for Me: Embracing the Life-Changing Power of the Gospel
By Pastor Steven T. Morrow
Scripture Focus: Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”
Have you ever felt stuck—like you’re missing something essential to move forward in life? Maybe you feel like the young car salesman in my story, struggling to close the deals of life. That young man lacked three key things: title, power, and knowledge. But once he embraced these essentials, he became unstoppable.
In Romans 1:16-17, Paul tells us where true power comes from: the gospel. He declares boldly, “I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” The gospel gives us what we need: the title of child of God, the power to overcome, and the knowledge of who God is and who we are in Him.
Dynamic Power in the Gospel
Paul’s words remind us that the gospel isn’t just a story—it’s dynamic power. The Greek word used here, “dynamis,” is where we get the words “dynamic” and “dynamite.” It signifies strength, ability, and transformative energy. When you accept the gospel, you unlock this divine power to change your life.
But what does this power mean for us? Paul shows us two key aspects of this dynamic power:
- Salvation (Soteria): The gospel delivers us from sin and its consequences, transforming our relationship with God and our eternal destiny.
- Transformation: The gospel’s power doesn’t just rescue us; it changes us completely—from our past to our present and future.
Paul isn’t ashamed of the gospel because he’s experienced this power firsthand. It saved him, changed him, and equipped him to live boldly for Christ. And that same power is available to you.
Living in the Power of the Gospel
How do we live in this power? Like the goldfish that thrives in water, we must remain in the "water" of the gospel. When we step out of it, we lose strength and direction. But when we stay immersed, the gospel gives us everything we need to thrive.
The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
The gospel’s power sustains us in every trial. It gives us strength to overcome challenges, grace to heal from past wounds, and courage to press forward.
The Gospel Changes Everything
The gospel doesn’t just change your present; it also redeems your past. Paul emphasizes that the gospel’s power is for everyone—Jew and Gentile alike. No matter your background, mistakes, or failures, the gospel reaches into your history and brings transformation.
Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us:
“Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Through the gospel, you can press past:
- Bad choices
- Broken relationships
- Past failures
Because the gospel’s power is dynamic, it equips you to leave the old behind and embrace a new future in Christ.
Embracing the Power Today
The time is now to embrace the life-changing power of the gospel. It’s time to pray more, study more, and walk more in the will, ways, and Word of God. When you do, you’ll find:
- A new title: You are a child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made.
- New power: Strength to overcome trials, doubts, and even your own insecurities.
- New knowledge: A deeper understanding of God’s love and purpose for your life.
Closing Encouragement
The gospel is for you. Its power is ready to transform your life, redeem your past, and equip you for the future. As Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” This peace is unlike anything the world can offer—it’s a peace that sustains and transforms.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Step into the power of the gospel today and let it change everything. With God’s power, you are unstoppable.
Remember: “It’s the power for me!” Let it be the power for you, too.
