The Bridge · Explore the Bible · Session 1 of 13
Romans 1:13-25 · CSB
The Bridge · First Baptist Church Minden · September 6, 2026 · Taught by Joe
The gospel alone has the power to remove the guilt of humanity's sin.
This is Session 1 of a new 13-session study of Romans, Paul's letter to a church he'd never visited. After introducing himself and greeting the Roman believers (1:1-7), Paul turns to thanksgiving and prayer for them (1:8-12) — telling them he'd long prayed for the chance to visit, to strengthen them, be mutually encouraged, and have a fruitful ministry there like he'd had elsewhere. Today's passage continues that explanation, then pivots to why the world needs the gospel he's so eager to bring.
13Now I don't want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as I have had among the rest of the Gentiles. 14I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish. 15So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith. 18For God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, 19since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse. 21For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22Claiming to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles. 24Therefore God delivered them over in the desires of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen.
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The gospel alone — not our effort or eloquence — carries the power of God for salvation.
Matthew 28:18-20 · Acts 1:8 · Romans 1:16Romans 1:16 (CSB)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek."