The Gospel Is Not a Band-Aid—It Is the Power to Set You Free

SUNDAY SERMON NOTES

OCTOBER 19, 2025

PASTOR DERK ADAMS

Opening Text

Romans 1:16 (KJV)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God

unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the

Greek.”

Introduction

Too many today treat the Gospel like a band-aid. A band-aid may cover the

wound but it never heals the disease. The Gospel is not a quick fix for guilty

feelings—it is the life-changing power of God that transforms the sinner into

a saint, darkness into light, and death into life. The Gospel demands not a

casual acceptance but a total surrender.

Background on the Text

The Apostle Paul was writing to Rome, the capital of the world at that time.

Rome had wealth, politics, philosophy, and military power. But for all its

glory, Rome was spiritually bankrupt. Temples stood on every corner, idols

were worshipped, sin was celebrated, and morality was in decline. Rome had

power to conquer nations, but it did not have the power to conquer sin.

Paul boldly declares: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” Why?

Because Paul had seen firsthand what the Gospel does. He had once been

Saul, self-righteous, arrogant, persecuting Christians, blind in his zeal. But

one encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road changed him forever. That

wasn’t a band-aid—it was deliverance. Jesus Himself commanded that the Gospel be preached with power and

urgency.

In Mark 1:14-15 (KJV) it says:

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

Notice what Jesus tied the Gospel to—repentance. Not comfort. Not just

encouragement. Repentance. The Gospel confronts sin head-on. It demands

that we turn from our ways and submit to God’s will.

John 8:36 (KJV)

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be

free indeed.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a

new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become

new.”

Key Points

1. The Gospel Is the Power to Break Sin’s Chains

Romans 6:6 (KJV)

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with

him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not

serve sin.”

The Gospel doesn’t just help us cope—it destroys sin’s hold. It calls us to

repent, crucify the old man, and live free in Christ.

2. The Gospel Heals the Wounds Man Cannot See

Psalm 147:3 (KJV)

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up

their wounds.”

Man’s greatest wound is not on the outside but in the heart. The Gospel does

not put a band-aid over brokenness—it gives us a new heart and a new spirit.

3. The Gospel Demands Repentance, Not Excuses

Luke 13:3 (KJV)

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all

likewise perish.”

There is no freedom without repentance. The Gospel calls us to turn

completely from sin and surrender to Christ.

4. The Gospel Is God’s Eternal Standard

Acts 17:30–31 (KJV)

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at;

but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath

appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by

that man whom he hath ordained.”

This message is serious—God will judge the world. The Gospel is not an

option; it is the command of God to repent and believe.

5. The Gospel Transforms, It Doesn’t Just Cover

Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV)

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit

will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your

flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”

The Gospel is not a patch—it is a new creation. It doesn’t just improve

you—it transforms you into someone new in Christ.

Closing Plea

This is the seriousness of the Gospel: it is not a suggestion, it is a command.

It is not an alternative lifestyle, it is the only way to eternal life. It is not a

band-aid, it is God’s power to save, deliver, and set you free. Don’t leave here today patched up—leave here transformed. Don’t cover your sin—confess it and let the blood of Jesus wash you clean. Don’t just hear the Word—repent, believe, and live it.

Closing Scripture

John 10:10 (KJV)

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and

to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it

more abundantly.”

Closing Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the power of the Gospel. Forgive us for treating it lightly or using it

as a band-aid. Help us to repent with sincere hearts and be transformed by Your Spirit.

Break every chain, heal every wound, and set every captive free today. Let us live not

patched but fully delivered by the blood of Jesus. In His mighty name, Amen.