Sunday's Lesson - Not Ashamed of the Gospel

"I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, 'He who through faith is righteous shall live'" (Rom. 1:16, 17, RSV). What do these verses say to you? How have you experienced the promises and hope found in them?

As I read the this passage I am excited by these wonderful words which were written in scripture. Paul is expressing that He first of all is not ashamed of the gospel. The means by which he has been saved is not something which he is bashful or secretive about. Paul is compelled by the gospel which saved him to share it with someone.

For me personally this is why I desire to share the gospel with others. I recognize that good news of what Christ did for us is amazing. I recognize that it so amazing that I should not be ashamed of it and gladly share that with others.

Paul more clearly goes on to say that the gospel is the power of God. The power of God is seen his ability to take sinners and to make then saints. We are able to experience this power by receiving the righteousness of God by faith. Through faith we can be transformed day by day to be more like Jesus.

Do you ever struggle with assurance? Do you have times when you truly question whether or not you are saved, or even if you can be saved? What brings these fears? What are they grounded on? Might they be grounded in reality? That is, could you be living a lifestyle that denies your profession of faith? If so, what choices must you make in order to have the promises and assurances that are for you in Jesus?

I believe that faith is just like any other muscle , and because of this it must be exercised. God gives us little opportunities to exercise our faith , and as we build on then we grow stronger. We must learn to trust God with our lives, and as we trust him we will develop more faith in Him.

Another way to find security in our faith is to share it with others. As we share our faith it make us stronger as well. God is looking for people to use to speak and share His love with lost humanity. As we co-partner with God our faith will be strengthened and we will love and know God more.

Prayer: Father thank you for your gospel. Help us not to be ashamed of the gospel but to be to be transformed by it and offer that same transformation to others. Strengthen our faith daily, we thank you in Jesus name amen.