A Place Of Influence

Romans 1 v 1-17

• Rome was a place of influence. People from around the world would come to Rome.
• Rome was mainly made up of servant/slaves and rich people who had great power and influence.
• Paul saw Rome as a brilliant opportunity to recruit great influencers from the city to the faith. He knew if these people came to faith they would have a massive impact for the Kingdom of God.
• Paul is inspiring and challenging the church in Rome.
• He first focuses on the gospel and the message of the cross.
• Paul wants the simplicity of the cross to break through to people’s lives in Rome.
• How bold are we when we go out to love others and bring the good news?
• Paul identifies how the gospel is made possible by presenting Jesus as the only mediator and way to God.
• People want to become Christian; people want to respond to the gospel.
• We should share the message and show the love because of the salvation we have received. 
• We shouldn't just care about our own salvation we should be concerned with other peoples too.
• There is life changing power in the cross.
• 'The same power that raised Christ from the grave lives in me today.'
• Psalm 68 v 28 & 35 - "²⁸ Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before... ³⁵ You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people."
• Changed lives bring hope to others because they are powered by the Holy Spirit.
• Wherever we are we have some sort of influence with peers, our leaders and the people we lead, this could be work, school, university, family...
• God wants us to use our influence to give people an opportunity to encounter God and accept the cross.
• Rome was a tough place to be, but God doesn't call us to a tough or hard place he calls us to impossible situation because only by His power can we overcome in these impossible places and situations.
• Will you use your influence?