LEARNING DAILY

Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes — the Jew first and also the Gentile.  This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” (NLT)

Many Bible teachers believe this to be the central theme of Romans. Paul is writing to the Believers at Roman, explaining his mission and desire to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people. He writes he is not ashamed of the Good News because in it is the power to bring salvation to everyone who believes. In this gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – not just a set of beliefs but the righteousness of God, His power to save all people who hold on to it.

This power of God at work is the power to save and transform the person who accepts the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is a message of hope, redemption, and love that goes beyond all barriers, to all people. The word “ashamed” means “disgraced” or “personally humiliated;” a person who would be ashamed would be one who has been singled out for trusting in something and that something let him down. When Paul writes he is not ashamed of the gospel, he is writing his confidence in the gospel has not been misplaced or let him down. There is no disgrace in telling others about the truths Jesus Christ Himself has revealed to him. Paul is emphasizing the Good News is not just good advice or moral guidance; it is God’s power to save and change every individual who believes.

This is a verse each Believer needs to take time to consider. Just as Paul placed his confidence in this gospel of Good News, so can you as a Believer. Ask yourself if you are unashamed of the gospel in your life. Are you willing to share how Jesus Christ saved and changed your life, regardless of the response of those around you? It is not just another story; it is the very power of God that saved and changed you. That story may lead to God saving and changing others.

To live unashamed does not only mean a Believer proclaims the Good News. It means the Believer applies it to their life and lives it openly. Paul’s choices in his life supported his message; he did not preach one thing and live another. When a Believer lives like the world wants them to, indulges in things against the Word of God, or deliberately disobeys biblical standards it shows he does not believe the message. Psalm 1:1-2, “When one walks in the counsel of the wicked, stands in the way of sinners, or sits in the seat of scoffers, it is an indication He does not delight in God’s law, nor read/study/meditate on it. Those individuals do not allow God’s Word to penetrate their lives so others see the power of God to change lives.

Proclaiming one’s faith in this world today invites criticism, ridicule, and even to be excluded from many things. Paul’s writing is a call for Believers to hold fast to their faith, to not compromise their Christ-centered beliefs, regardless of pressures from those outside of the faith of Jesus Christ. Be courageous and be unashamed to share your faith. The world needs the hope and transformation that only Jesus Christ can give.