Romans 1:16-17
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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Have you ever done something that you are ashamed to admit? You probably have a negative emotion when you think about it, and you are remorseful and repentant.
Paul says he is not ashamed of the gospel because he believes the gospel message without guilt or remorse. He is not embarrassed that he follows the one true God. He has no guilt or sense of humiliation because Jesus is his Lord.
This is how every Christian should respond to the gospel!
The world will shame you for believing the truth. The hardness of a sinner’s heart hides the goodness of God and the salvation needed for their soul. They are children of this world and will respond harshly towards the God of light.
The righteousness of God is revealed through the life and message of Jesus Christ. Do not be discouraged when you meet persecution and do not be ashamed of what you believe. For truth will stand against attacks from this world. Jesus is the cornerstone on which faith stands, and joy in him exceeds joy in this world.
As you seek God today, look to him to give you confidence and encouragement when you face shame and humiliation for your faith. Be strong and courageous to stand by your faith and live for the truth of the gospel!
-Pastor Brett
This jumped out to me today. Do not be discouraged when you face persecution. Having just stepped away from being persecuted in my teaching career, this gives me great hope. Truth is standing against this attack. What a blessing it is to be able to face this with Jesus at my side. I am thinking of yesterday’s sermon. The experience of abiding with God/Jesus and finding the blessed status of pleasures forevermore.