Not Ashamed of the Gospel

“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.” (Romans 1:16)

The Apostle Paul made very clear early in his letter to the Christians at Rome that he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was using his faith as an example for them to follow. He is challenging them also not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There were many powerful people, especially in Rome, who opposed Jesus and the way of salvation. However, even in the face of these Paul admonishes them to not be ashamed of the Gospel.

We too should have no shame about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Powerful people make little of our faith, and try to discourage the believers. Sadly, even so called church leaders try to shame true believers because of the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ. Yet, no matter who opposes it we can know with God’s promise that it is His power unto salvation. The Scriptures say, “To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Romans 3:26) When we have faith in his blood and believe on His name we will be justified before God; this is the salvation that is offered to all. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

Dear friend, are you ashamed of the gospel of Christ? When we are ashamed of His gospel I believe that He is ashamed of us. “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 cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38) At church it is easy to not be ashamed of the Gospel, but what about in our daily lives? Do those around us know we are Christians who do we try hide it from them so that we can 'fit in'? When we are ashamed of the Gospel there a few ways it will show itself in our life.

WE WILL NOT BE A GOSPEL WITNESS

When we are ashamed of the gospel we will not participate in the spreading of the Gospel. We will not participate corporately with the church, nor will we participate privately on our own. Failure to be a soul winner is failure to put on the full gospel armor that God intends us to wear as good soldiers for Him. “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” (Ephesians 6:15) What is this gospel of peace? It is not simply being a peacemaker, for the Scripture show us clearly this gospel. “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15) This gospel refers to the gospel that the lost need to hear in order to be saved. 

WE WILL NOT BE FAITHFUL TO GOD

When we are ashamed of the gospel we will not participate in things that would associate us with the gospel. This affects our faithfulness in church attendance, our faithfulness to obey His commands, and the faithfulness of our appearance. When we are ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ we will let our testimony for Him suffer. Jesus identifies the reason for us, “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43) When the Christian craves the approval of his fellow men he cannot help but be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. 

WE WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE IN SERVICE

When we are ashamed of the gospel we will not participate effectively in God’s work. Our attitude toward the gospel keeps us from having the servant's heart that is required for us to serve the Lord as He intended. “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” (Psalm 2:11) When we are ashamed of the gospel our service to God feels like hypocrisy and therefore it is uncomfortable. Our nature will be to limit our time in this situation which by default limits our service to Him and His work. 

In closing, we would do well to examine our own hearts and see if we are truly ashamed of the gospel. Our first reaction will be to deny the notion that we are ashamed, but let our prayerfully search our hearts and see if there is anything in our heart or attitude that is keeping us from being fully on board with our Saviour and His gospel.