TOO SMALL

We believers like to assume we know the definition of all the churchy words, but when we are called on to define one, we often stumble over our words.

It seems like people feel pretty confident about "faith", though. 

"Faith is just believing in the truth that Jesus died for your sins."

And "gospel"? People might be a little more hesitant, but eventually you would get a definition something along the same lines:

"The gospel is the good news that Jesus died for your sins." 

But what do we do when our assumed definitions make no sense in a particular Scripture passage? Do we even notice?

The Apostle Paul opens his letter to the church in Rome by praising their faith. He says their faith is "proclaimed all over the world" (v.8)! 

He goes on to explain that he is eager to visit them, in part that he and they "may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine" (v.12).

Wait a minute. If faith is just mental assent to some propositional truth about Jesus, what exactly does Paul anticipate upon arriving in Rome?

    Paul: Hey, guys! Do you believe Jesus died for your sins?

    Romans: Yup. You?

    Paul: Sure do! 

    Romans: This is really great. Very encouraging.

    Paul: I know, right? I'm so glad I came.

But there's more. Paul then throws us for a loop with his use of the word "gospel". He says another reason he would be excited to visit the church in Rome is because he is "eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome" (v.15). 

Wait. Have they not heard that Jesus died for them? 

Is Paul going to Rome to be encouraged by their belief that Jesus died for their sins and THEN tell them that Jesus died for their sins?

Either Paul is really confused about what "faith" and "gospel" mean or ... we are.

Could it be our own definitions of "faith" and "gospel" are too small?