Bible Reading

Romans Chapter 1 - Ashamed of the Gospel?

Have we ever felt ashamed of the gospel? Paul certainly didn’t - he makes that clear not only in his writings in Romans, but in his very life and how he chose to lead it.

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5 loaves of bread

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Contents

Self-introduction 

From the beginning of his letter to the Roman church, he introduced himself as a bondservant of Christ, set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1). From Acts, we see that this introduction was not only in words, but in deeds. Paul spent his life furthering the gospel and was willing to bear chains or even die for the gospel (Acts 21:13).

When we are asked to introduce ourselves, what is the first identity that comes to mind? 

Is it our status in this world?

Is it our status as a child of God?

Or is it, just like Paul, our duty as a Christian?

As Christians, we must always remember that we have been granted this status of reconciliation with God, not just to enjoy this status, but to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and to live for good works (Eph 2:10). This is not merely a nice-to-have, but it is our reasonable service. In fact, to live for Christ is what being a Christian is truly about!

Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Paul then goes on to say that he is not ashamed of the gospel, which reveals not only the righteousness of God, but also God’s wrath against ungodliness and unrighteousness (Romans 1:16-32).

What is the gospel to us? When we tell others about our faith, do we tend to focus on the “good” parts - to talk about God’s mercy, love and forgiveness, while avoiding the “less palatable” parts - concerning God’s wrath and judgment, especially on sensitive topics like homosexuality (Romans 1:26-27)?

Or do we simply prefer to avoid bringing up our faith to others, to avoid any potential confrontation?

If so, have we become ashamed of the gospel that is the power of God to our salvation?

Reflections

Let us reflect on our identity in this world. What do we see ourselves as? Are we cognizant of the fact that this world is at enmity with God?

The consequences of the rejection of God listed out in Romans 1:21-32 are clearly seen in the world today. This world is not a friend to grace - in fact, Jesus warns us that the world will hate us (John 15:18-21) and that we have to make a choice to either serve Him or love the world (Matt 6:24).

May we learn to cast aside our love for the world so that we will not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ - the power of God to salvation for us who believe.

Related Topics

Romans

See Also

Romans Chapter 10 - Where will you preach?

Romans Chapter 10 - Where will you preach?

At the point that he wrote Romans 10, Paul likely had a lot of people on his mind.  Some studies estimate that Paul was on his third missionary journey when he wrote Romans, addressing Christians who lived in Rome, where he hoped to visit eventually.  Being on one’s third missionary journey naturally means having gone for a first and second. Indeed, he had.  Unlike some of our church’s missionary journeys today that are limited to one country, Paul’s journeys were peppered across the region of Asia Minor. There were hence many different cities he visited, hundreds or possibly even thousands of believers whom he edified. Not only was Paul’s heart sincere towards these Christians whom he met, Paul also took significant actions for them.  Paul wrote of how he affectionately longed for the members in Philippi (Philippians 1:8-9). To the church in Thessalonica he wrote, “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives . For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil…” (1 Thessalonians 2:8-9). Additionally, he explicitly shared that he prays for the churches in Corinth, Philippi, Colossae, Thessalonica (2 Corinthians 13:7; Philippians 1:9; Colossians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11).  Paul knew that God had called him to be “an apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13), and he set an exemplary example for us of how to be a good shepherd for Christ.  But this was not all. Still, his heart’s desire was for even more people to know our God. In Romans 10:1, Paul writes: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” This is fascinating, especially since Paul had tried to preach the gospel to the Jews previously but was redirected to the Gentiles by God’s hand.  He had done above and beyond what many of us may not even consider attempting with regards to preaching the gospel. And yet zeal to see the Jews saved still compelled him.  This makes me think about our congregation’s heart for evangelism. How often do we channel God’s love for humanity into the action of sharing His word? How much do we burn with desire to see souls saved? Or do we feel languid about our own salvation in the first place? For those of us who yearn to preach but feel helpless that others don’t respond well, we can have our faith renewed with Paul’s perspective. He saw the might and personal efforts of the Lord. ‘But Isaiah is very bold and says: But to Israel he says: Whether to Jew or Gentile, God makes Himself known to them. (See also Romans 1:20; Acts 17:26-27).   In God’s salvation plan, He wants to save all mankind (John 3:16).  Paul saw this unity regardless of race and ethnicity that comes through belief in the one true God, Jesus Christ. Moreover, he saw and was motivated by the blessings that would come to one who followed Christ and submitted to the righteousness of God (Romans 10:3). Do our cultural prejudices seep into our evangelical work, such that we only share the gospel with people of certain races, ethnic groups, tribal identities, or nationalities?  Have we forgotten the goodness of God, the hope of His calling, the power of God to salvation in His gospel?   In Christ, there is no distinction between the Chinese, Singaporean, Indian, Burmese, Iraqi, Austrian, Finnish, the Algonquin people, the Māori, Ghanaian… This year, where will your work of evangelism begin?

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