Not ashamed of the gospel of Christ

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation

to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  Romans 1:16

Why would Paul feel any shame regarding the gospel?  Where did he gain his boldness so that he was unashamed?  Why does aligning activity with Jesus cause one to be ashamed? 

Perhaps part of the answer to these questions can be found in the definition of shame.

 In sum, 1870/epaisxynomai ("dishonor") refers to being disgraced, bringing on "fitting" shame that matches the error of wrongly identifying(aligning) with something. Bible Hub.com.  Paul had enough experiences of transformed lives that his confidence in the impact of Jesus was unwavering.  He was sure that he was aligning his life with truth and not error.  Doubt had been dealt with in his life.  This is important because telling someone that Son of God died as a criminal on a cross and lives again and makes a difference in a persons life sounds like simplistic foolishness.  But Paul was never afraid to share that story over and over.

The gospel is the power of God for salvation.  When Paul shared the gospel he consistently saw the power of God at work in transforming lives.  Power is invisible, yet its effects are noticeable.  God spoke and the world came into being.  Matter responded to the power of the Word of God and formed itself into the shape of earth.  Just sharing how Jesus defeated sin through the shedding of His blood begins the process of transformation into new birth.

What can we learn from this verse?  Boldness to share the gospel is a characteristic of a Spirit-led life.  Not sharing the gospel could be routed in shame.  Either there is a link between being unsure that the gospel really works or we are embarrassed to be aligned with Jesus.  Remember all of the disciples deserted him on the night of his death.

But we also know that taking the initiative to share with others is to align ourselves with God’s movement in the earth.  Amazing.  Speaking the gospel is saying what God says.  When you begin to see this power change others, your confidence grows to share the story more often.  Conversely, lack of shairing also makes one uncertain as to the reality of this power really working.  Then we begin to believe that God has power, but somehow the power of God eludes the person not sharing.  More sharing, more opportunity to see the power of God for salvation at work.  Less sharing, more opportunity for doubt, confusion and shame.

Father, help us to love the gospel.  Help us to know its power personally and intimately in our lives.  Forgive us when we do not share this good news with those who need to hear it.  Forgive us when we do not follow your leading to share this good news.  May we begin to see the effects of your power to change lives.  We want to see people be born again.  Truly become a new person.

Thank you that your power can not be contained.  It transforms lives into the image of Jesus.  May we be able to see people born again this year in direct response to our taking the initiative to tell them about our Savior, Jesus.