BE NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.

A person that is ashamed is one having a feeling of guilt; one feeling inadequate, embarrassed, or inferior; one that is reluctant to say or do something for fear of humiliation. This person is filled with shame, which can be a very painful emotion when accompanied with negative emotional influences. A fear of dishonor, disgrace, disappointment, and condemnation often accompany the feeling of shame. Shame can be brought on by the acts of others. For instance, one can be ashamed because a friend or relative says or does something disgraceful in its nature. A person can also be ashamed of their own dishonorable deeds.

Once Paul was converted to Christianity, no doubt he was ashamed of his militant actions that he waged against the cause of Christ. At one time or another, we all are ashamed of things we say or do that were injurious to others; or maybe for things we fail to say or do that would have been beneficial. However, we find in the lesson text, that Paul was not ashamed of his mission in life. In the first verse of this chapter he told us what that mission was. He introduced himself to the Christians at Rome as Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, (that was) called to be an apostle, (and was) separated unto the gospel of God (Rom. 1:1). Having preached God's gospel message in many Grecian and Asian cities and provinces of the Roman Empire, he said so as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also (Rom. 1:15). Paul told Timothy that as a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles, he suffered many things; nevertheless I am not ashamed ...(2 Tim. 1:11-12). Indeed, Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

Called to be a servant of Christ, Paul obediently followed this teaching of the Master. To Paul, to his disciples, and to all Christians that will come after Me, (Jesus says) let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. ...Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels (See Mark 8:34-38). Even with these strong teachings of Christ Jesus and the apostle Paul, it is evident that members of the church at Rome needed these admonitions then, as well as the church membership in this present age. The question arises, "Why are members of the body of Christ, at times, ashamed to be called a Christian; ashamed of the gospel of Christ; and ashamed to tell others about the hope of salvation God offers all people who obey His will?"

No doubt some members of the body of Christ fear criticism and ridicule from others that may result in personal humiliation. Maybe the reason for this shame is because the gospel of Christ is not filled with mystery, miracles of men, pomp, pageantry, and entertainment as found in many other "religious" organizations, which false teachers profess to be God's will. The pure gospel message of Christ is down to earth, plain, and simple. There is no self-glorification or personal gain in teaching the plain, simple, and true gospel of Christ. Why, then, was the apostle Paul not ashamed to preach the gospel of Christ? The reasons are simple, and should be the same reasons that we should never be ashamed to preach and teach others the gospel of Christ.

First, regarding the gospel of Christ, it is the power of God unto salvation. And secondly, therein is the righteousness of God revealed. There is no other power under heaven by which one can find the hope of salvation. There should never be shame in telling others the only source of eternal salvation. It seems people take pride in telling others about health foods, diets, and medications that prevent physical disease and give longevity of life on earth. Why shouldn't we receive even more joy in telling others about curing their spiritual sicknesses and giving them a hope of eternal salvation? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and our Savior? Paul writes that Whosoever believeth on Him (Jesus Christ) shall not be ashamed (Rom. 10-11b). God gave that world the greatest gift of all - His Son, Jesus Christ. The plan of salvation He died to establish is found in the gospel of Christ. Its message is the greatest gift anyone can give to another. Of this, Paul was not ashamed. Neither should we be ashamed of being a follower of Christ. .