I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel

“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often intended to come to you (and was prevented until now), so that I may have some fruit even among you, just as I already have among the rest of the Gentiles. I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. Thus I am eager also to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, “The righteous by faith will live.”” Romans 1:13-17 NET

It is undeniable that Paul's journey to Rome was orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. Despite his deep yearning to connect with the Christian believers in Rome, he encountered persistent barriers that kept him from fulfilling this desire. These challenges were not mere obstacles; they clearly illustrated the Holy Spirit's protective hand, preparing Paul for the divinely appointed moment. This purposeful intervention was designed to serve the needs of the believers in Rome and propel the gospel message forward with greater impact.

Paul’s heartfelt desire to offer a spiritual blessing to the Roman church opens up many possibilities. In today’s context, this could be imparting spiritual gifts such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, healing, or increased faith. The possibilities are numerous and diverse. and of these gifts or others could significantly empower the local church on its faith journey. His encouragement alone might have been transformative for many congregations, enabling them to fully embrace the profound impact of God’s spirit. This would lead to physical renewal and deep spiritual empowerment, equipping them to live lives fully devoted to God’s divine purposes.

I strongly believe that Paul sought a direct and personal encounter with the believers in the church of Rome to vividly illustrate the transformative power of Christ that already existed in their lives. His goal was to make the reality of Christ Jesus unmistakably evident among them, enabling these young believers to truly know and experience Christ through their relationships with one another. Paul envisioned a dynamic community where the power of Christ was not only recognized but also profoundly displayed. In doing so, each believer could deepen their understanding and love for Jesus Christ while actively supporting and uplifting one another in that same divine love.

I believe that Paul sought to unveil the profound simplicity of the gospel, allowing it to flow unencumbered by the chains of rules and regulations that instill bondage and fear. As someone deeply versed in the law and its demands, Paul understood this reality intimately. He boldly urged people to leave the law behind, abandon the burdensome physical practices of compliance, and instead listen to and obey the Holy Spirit as He inspires each heart. This obedience to the Spirit, who guides, comforts, and empowers us, opens the door to true freedom, overflowing joy, and deep, abiding love. In the light of God’s perfect love, there is no place for fear to thrive.

Paul's calling was so powerful that it defined his identity and served as the driving purpose of his life. As a former Pharisee, God transformed his extensive knowledge of the law into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. This profound change opened his eyes to his unique role: uniting the very nations that had been cast aside by God at the Tower of Babel. Unbeknownst to him, he was not just the first to embrace this calling, but the pioneer of missionary work among the Gentiles. Paul's extraordinary mission continues to inspire us today, enabling us to experience God's boundless love and receive the gift of salvation extended to all who believe.

Paul's unwavering confidence in the gospel of the Kingdom was not just a personal conviction; it was his relationship with Jesus that propelled him into a vital mission that would change the course of history. He saw the seventy nations surrounding Israel not merely as distant lands but as the rebellious, long-lost, rejected nations of Babel, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 32. The powerful message of the gospel is that God longs to restore every nation through Christ. Paul’s vision was laser-focused, shaped by his own knowledge and experience and the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit. He did not contemplate other world continents or their expanding populations, as those realities were outside his awareness at the time.

Yet, emboldened by Paul's example, countless others answered the call to foreign missions, transforming Paul’s singular journey into a dynamic collective movement. This remarkable evolution from a personal quest to a global mission continues to flourish today, underscoring the profound and lasting impact of Paul’s efforts to reach nations near and far.

The powerful message of the gospel is that we stand in the righteousness of Jesus Christ rather than relying on our own. He sacrificed His life for us so that we could truly live through Him, made alive by His precious blood. We have no reason to feel ashamed of the gospel; instead, we can embrace it with the same confidence as Paul, knowing that this message of salvation is potent and available to everyone, not just a select few. Each person is cherished by God, treated as a treasure individually and collectively, in ways we are only beginning to grasp. Unlike our love, which can fluctuate with our moods and emotions, God's love remains steadfast and unwavering. God is love—simple yet profound—and His character is unchanging; He is who He is, and His love is constant and everlasting.

The powerful truth that Christ dwells within us underscores a profound reality: we were once spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins, but through Jesus, we are restored to vibrant spiritual life. Just as a corpse cannot utter a word, a dead person cannot possess faith; it’s utterly impossible. Yet, Christ brings us to life, allowing us to fully acknowledge our fallen nature while experiencing a miraculous rebirth that transcends human understanding. This transformation is nothing short of being born again into a dynamic new existence in Christ.

In this powerful rebirth, we are empowered to stand boldly as sons and daughters of God, immersed not in solitude but connected as integral members of a larger spiritual family. We are joint heirs with Jesus, sharing in the immeasurable treasures of God’s unfathomable love for us. This life-altering gift offers us hope and purpose that surpasses our wildest dreams, reminding us of the profound depth of God’s love for each and every one of us daily.

Stephen Barnett