Scripture to Read: Romans 1:16
We all know how rich God’s Word is to us. We know that His Word feeds us, strengthens us, guides us, gives us what we need to be able to walk in obedience to our Lord, and so much more. There are times when we come upon a certain portion of Scripture that has so much “solid food” (1 Corinthians 3:2, Hebrews 5:12–14) that we need to take time to unpack it all. This week we are unpacking some incredible “solid food” from our Lord in Romans 1:16–17. We must be sure and stay focused so that we do not miss anything our Lord has to teach us. We begin Romans 1:16 with this statement, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel.” We should NEVER be ashamed of our Lord Jesus Christ or living His Word and proclaiming His Word. Christ is the Good News, the Gospel. The Gospel is the story of Christ’s birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. As believers we know, or should know, that our lives are meaningless and hopeless without Christ. As followers of Christ, when we truly understand how purposeless, hopeless, and meaningless life is for those who don’t know Christ, that is when we too will proclaim with confidence, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel.” God clearly shows us how meaningless people's lives are without Christ in Ephesians 2:1–3, Ephesians 4:17–19, Romans 1:21, Colossians 2:18, 2 Peter 2:18, and in many other Scriptures. It’s imperative that we proclaim Him.
Challenge & Application
· What has caused you in times past to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ?
· How are you guarding your heart and mind from falling prey to being ashamed but instead boldly proclaiming the gospel?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!