Text: Romans 1:16-17 (NIV) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
I. Attitude towards the gospel. “I am not ashamed.”
What we see in these words is Paul leaning into his identity as a believer entrusted with the gospel and not shrinking from it.
What helps us to be unashamed of the gospel?
• Remembering the gospel is good news! It is the good news of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:19 is an excellent one-sentence definition of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Remembering how that good news has affected your life personally. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
• Being a person not a persona. Be yourself and not the “image” of what you think a “Christian” is. You are a new creation.
II. The Power of the gospel. “the power of God”
When we speak about Christ as Savior, we are literally unleashing the power of God.
• Remember the Samaritan woman. She met Jesus and after one encounter she led her whole town to Jesus.
The gospel is the power of God, not our effort.
III. The Effect of the gospel.
“Righteousness that is from God.” Not of human origin.
“Righteousness by faith.” Not by works. Righteousness that is not performance-based but faith based.
Terrifying scenario: Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
• What is the will of the Father? John 6:39-40 “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
(From John 14:5-7) Jesus says He is going to prepare a place for us so we can be with Him. Thomas sys to Jesus, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Many of us were like Thomas, we knew of Jesus but didn’t know the way. Jesus said to Thomas what He says to us all: I am the way, the truth and the life.
He came to earth to take care of all the necessary details. To make the necessary payment and to make all the arrangements for our adoption and our citizenship.
And there’s more! Eternal life doesn’t start when we get to heaven. It begins the moment we say yes to Christ.
• John 5:24 “He who hears my words and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and does not come into judgment but has passed out of death into life.”
• The righteousness we have from God not only sets us right with God for heaven, but it also sets the table for us to experience some of the wonders of eternal life here on earth.
The righteousness we receive from God by faith in Christ makes us eligible to receive every spiritual blessing. Our righteousness in Christ makes us suitable residences of the Holy Spirit and according to 1 Corinthians 2:12, He helps us understand the things that God has freely given us.
Conclusion: Attitude, Power and Effect. I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
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