Romans: Not Ashamed

Romans 1:16-17

What stops you from sharing about Jesus with others?

• Are you concerned a person may ask a question you can’t answer?
• Are you afraid of being rejected?
• Do you fear someone might think you are a religious fanatic?

Many reasons can prevent people from sharing their faith with others. However, we learn from Paul in his letter to the Romans that he is compelled to share the message (Rom. 1:14). He can’t imagine staying silent about the most crucial message for both now and eternity. 

In today’s passage, Paul summarizes Jesus' message. These verses set the theme of the book. Let’s take our time to carefully work through this passage. 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel… (Rom. 1:16a)
Jesus said, “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory…” (Luke 9:26; Mark 8:38). Perhaps Paul was thinking of Jesus’ words when he declared, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel.”

Paul understood that having a message that included a crucified Christ was “a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles” (1 Cor. 1:23). But he was neither ashamed nor hesitant to share the content of the gospel, even if it meant facing rejection or persecution (1 Tim. 1:12, 16, 18). 

So, what is the content of the gospel?

The word “gospel” is derived from the Greek word euaggelion. It technically means “news of victory.” This word was used for soldiers returning from war, proclaiming that the enemy had been defeated. It represented news of victory brought with great joy. 

The military victory implication changed to a spiritual triumph on the day an angel announced, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). The news of victory was realized when Jesus paid the penalty for sin on the cross. Paul wrote to the Colossians:

Colossians 2:13-15
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Sometimes we wrongly think that the gospel is simply telling others about how to have a relationship with Jesus. We say, “I shared the gospel.” But that’s just the starting point. The gospel encompasses the entire process of the Christian life, which includes coming to know Jesus (salvation), growing in our relationship with Jesus (sanctification), and ultimately seeing him face to face (glorification). Tim Keller said it well.

Belief in the gospel is not just the way to enter the kingdom of God. It is also the way to address every obstacle and to grow in every aspect. The gospel is not just the “ABCs” but the “A-to-Z” of the Christian life.[1] 

When Paul says he is not ashamed of the gospel, he means he is unhindered to share with others how to know Jesus and how to grow in him.  

…for [the gospel] is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… (Rom. 1:16b).
The reason Paul is not ashamed to share the “news of victory” is that it contains the power of God for salvation. After sin entered the world, God promised to send a Savior (Gen. 3:15). When the time was right, Jesus came and died for our sins on the cross (John 3:16). The Holy Spirit opens our hearts and minds to believe and then empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God (John 14:15-17). All this happened and continues to happen by the sovereign power of God. This power transforms lives!

And this “news of victory” is for everyone!

For in [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed… (Rom. 1:17)
Through the work of Jesus, everyone can experience and enjoy the “news of victory.” The gospel allows us to experience God’s righteousness by trusting in Jesus. Let’s break this down.

The righteousness of God is a “right standing” that only he provides. We are unrighteous and separated from God because of our sin. We cannot have a right standing with God on our own. We will learn later that none of us, by our own accord, is righteous and we don’t naturally seek a relationship with God (Rom. 3:10-12). This righteousness that God provides comes about when the Spirit opens our hearts and allows us to believe.

Paul often uses the words “righteousness” and “justify” throughout his writings. In English, the words are different, but in Greek, both “righteousness” and “justify” are related words.

“Righteousness” is the Greek word dikaiosynē. “Justify” is the Greek word dikaioō. So, in Greek, “righteousness (dikaiosynē) is the noun[2], and “justify” (dikaioō) is the verb.[3] “Justify” means to “declare righteous.” 

Because of Jesus’ work and God’s stirring in our hearts to believe in his work, the Father declares us righteous. We are no longer guilty. That is the power of the gospel!

Bible scholar Robert Utley explains the breadth of righteousness. He writes that God declares us righteous through the work of Christ (forensic righteousness), freely gives us righteousness through the work of Christ (imputed righteousness), and provides the indwelling Spirit who produces righteousness in us (ethical righteousness). Christ is the one who restores fellowship between humanity and God (relational righteousness). [4]

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith (Rom. 1:17).

The right standing we have with God is from “faith for faith.” Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 to show that believers come to Christ through faith and keep living by faith until their last breath. As the NIV translates, “a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.” 

A believer has a right standing before God, provided by God through the work of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit. That’s the “A-to-Z” power of the gospel. That’s why we can say with Paul, “I am not ashamed of the gospel!”

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 1:16-17. Consider the power of the gospel.

Talking to God: Is the power of the gospel shaping not just your message—but your whole life?

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