“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
The name Lance Armstrong is a very familiar name to the sports world. Especially to those in the sport of cycling. From 1999 to 2006 he won 7 consecutive Tour De France titles. However, this day he is facing the charges of taking banned drug enhancements. I do not know if he is guilty or not. But I do know he is facing great shame.
This day, “All of us have those things that we are ashamed of.” Things we did in childhood, things he did before being made new creations in Christ, and saddest of all, ‘things we have done after coming to Christ.’ However, we can live in peace and joy because our sins are removed by the blood of the lamb, I John 1:9.
This morning the Apostle Paul writes about “Not being ashamed.” As a church we have begun a new book in our More for Christ readings. We will spend the next two weeks in the book of Romans.
Paul begins chapter one with a wonderful greeting as well with a wonderful stating of his purpose in writing. As I read this chapter, I sought fresh eyes from the Lord. As I read these familiar verses, I was amazed at how Paul was living a life without shame. A life that magnified the gospel in which he was not ashamed. Here is a simple outline to follow as well as and application to our lives in taking inventory:
1. Paul is a servant of Christ Jesus, Vs: 1-7
Paul is called to be and Apostle and He is chosen to be and Ambassador of Christ. All of this happened in Paul’s life because of grace. This grave given changed Paul from a sinner to a servant. His goal was to make Jesus famous in the world.
2. Paul is serious about Christ Jesus, Vs: 8-15
God was witness to how serious Paul was in his service to God. We see Paul’s seriousness in praying for the church in Rome. We see his seriousness in proclaiming the gospel to everyone. He was under orders and under obligation (I Cor. 9:16)
3. Paul is simplistic in Christ Jesus, Vs: 16-17
In Paul’s viewpoint, the gospel is for everyone. The gospel has the power to save anyone and God’s purpose in saving men is for His name to be made famous in the world.
All of this happens by faith as sinners follow Christ. For me, the best way to live with shame is to by faith live as a servant who is serious about the simplicity of the Gospel. Will you be perfect? The answer is no! But you will be progressing in Christ because this is the power of the gospel. And oh, by the way, “You will not be ashamed.”