Romans 1:16 – Not Ashamed

^“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

Paul’s declaration is bold during a time when it wasn’t the most popular thing to be a follower of Christ. This is the verse that solidifies for us the assurance that we, too, as Gentiles, are welcome to follow Jesus and receive the salvation he promised.

Context (Romans 1:13-17): Paul’s message to the church in Rome starts with Paul building rapport with them, sharing how eager he is to see them and share the Good News. It sounds like Rome was a Gentile community of believers for the most part. Paul’s acknowledgement would have been very powerful for the Gentiles to be sharing with the Jews in salvation.

Sometimes we take for granted that we have been “grafted” into the family of God. We don’t have to be Jewish by birth to receive God’s favor. We are included because the Jews have blatantly rejected God and denied Jesus. (Romans 11:20)

The message of the Good News is indeed God’s handiwork, and we should share it boldly and unashamedly like Paul. People need to know that God has reached down to save us. God sent his son to die for our sins. Jesus went to the grave and rose again. Just as Paul says, “God is at work.”

Our salvation relies on what Jesus did. Again, God is at work. Our part in salvation is simply to believe in Jesus. Some people have a hard time with the believing part. How are you doing at wrapping your head around the truth surrounding your salvation?

Even all these centuries later, Christians continue to be under attack. Do you feel “ashamed” of your faith, or do you put your total trust in Jesus? Have you ever hidden your faith, afraid people will call you names or stop associating with you?

We all know people who do crazy things in the name of Christianity. They give a distorted picture of what Christianity in the world should look like. It is those actions that should bring shame for sending the wrong message. Scripture is full of instructions on how to live a godly life. That’s a better way to represent Jesus in this world.

Let’s pray. Father God, forgive me for times when I avoid sharing my faith for one reason or another. May I always have your saving grace on my lips, ready to share. I pray that my life and example with help others to find you and trust you with their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.