14
Apr '20
Not Ashamed
14
Apr '20
Romans 1:16-17, “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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
After his conversion the only thing Paul boasted in was the cross of Jesus Christ. The message of the cross was the core focus of his life and ministry. 2 Corinthians 2:1-2: “And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
Not Ashamed
Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel, he gloried in it! He incessantly proclaimed it. Think about it. Paul was….
- beaten,
- stoned,
- imprisoned,
- robbed,
- shipwrecked, and
- hated
All because he was joyfully committed to passionately and accurately preach the gospel to every creature everywhere. Paul was not ashamed of the cross or his Savior. He encouraged his young protégé Timothy to follow his example. 2 Timothy 1:8, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.
There is no shame in believing and living the Good News of Jesus Christ. That message is powerful, for everyone, and the centerpiece of God’s revealed will for humanity. Believe the gospel message, and by God’s grace you will be justified – made right before God in Christ. Behavior follows belief. Daily follow our Lord and Savior in faith and by His grace. We are saved and sustained by God’s grace. When we are tempted to be ashamed, refocus on God and what He has done and is doing in the world, and in us, rather than focusing on our embarrassment.
