I AM NOT ASHAMED
Romans 1:16-17
This is the third sermon of the series, “Romans: The Gospel Blueprint.”
Paul introduced himself as a slave and apostle of Christ for the gospel. He clarified that the gospel is about Christ, whom the Father promised, and the prophets prophesied long ago, as revealed in the Scriptures. Paul explained that the gospel is about the resurrection of the Son of God (Ro 1:1-5). Paul calls the Roman believers beloved by God and called to be saints (Ro 1:6-7). The apostle expressed his intent to visit Rome and preach the gospel there (Ro 1:14-15). He then states the theme of his letter.
I am not ashamed
Paul stated, “I am under obligation” (Ro. 1:14). Then he said, “I am eager to preach the gospel in… in Rome” (Ro. 1:15). Now, he says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel. It speaks to his willingness to proclaim the gospel despite opposition.[1] Paul will explain in the succeeding verses why he is not ashamed of the gospel.
Romans 1:16a, ESV: For I am not ashamed of the gospel…
Paul admonished Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel. He also asked Timothy not to be ashamed of him as a prisoner because of Christ (2 Tim 1:8). Jesus warned His disciples not to be ashamed of Him; otherwise, He will be ashamed of them before the Father (Lk 9:26).
Power of God for salvation
Paul is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation. The gospel is not merely a message about God’s power; it is God’s appointed means of bringing salvation to everyone who believes.
Romans 1:16b: …for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
The gospel is not limited to the Jews or the Greeks; it is for all types of people, for all tribes, tongues, and nations. The means of salvation for all is the gospel, and salvation comes to all who believe.
Live by faith
In the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed, showing how sinners are made right with Him through Christ.[2] “From faith to faith” means this righteousness is received by faith from the Old to the New.[3] “The just shall live by faith” teaches that the righteous person has eternal life through faith.
Romans 1:17: For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
The apostle cited Habakkuk 2:4 to show that righteousness before God has always been by faith, not by works. By using this Old Testament text, Paul demonstrates that the gospel message is consistent with Scripture: the righteous live by faith.
Application
1. Every believer should not be ashamed of the gospel. We should feel obligated to share it and eager to proclaim it. Let us heed the warning of Christ Himself that He will be ashamed of all who are ashamed of Him.
2. Because the gospel is God’s power for salvation, we must confidently proclaim it to every person, trusting that God saves all who believe without distinction. No one is beyond its reach. No one is outside its call.
3. Since the gospel reveals the righteousness of God, we must abandon all confidence in our own works and trust wholly in Christ. Understand that the righteousness of God is received by faith. The righteous live by faith.
Poem
FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS by Ed Pilapil Jr I am under obligation To proclaim the resurrection I am eager to preach in Rome Salvation is in Christ alone He then said, I am not ashamed Of the gospel that he proclaims Power of God for salvation For the Jews, Greeks, and all nations Salvation for all who believe Therefore, let no one be deceived It is about God’s righteousness It’s never about man’s holiness Paul wrote, the just shall live by faith From Old to New, that is the way From faith to faith, from then ‘til now Believe His word, to Him we bow
Study Guide
1. What are the three affirmations of Paul (I am…)? (Ro 1:14-16a)
2. Why is Paul not ashamed of the gospel? (Ro 1:16b)
3. What is it mean that the just shall live by faith? (Ro 1:17).
[1] Thomas R. Schreiner. Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 64.
[2] John Stott, The Message of Romans (IVP, 2014), Paul and evangelism.
[3] Thomas C. Oden and Gerald L. Bray, Romans, 2nd ed. (IVP Academic, 2014), 30.
