- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 11,641
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17
The apostle Paul was a master communicator and made frequent use of literary devices. That's especially true when he uses the phrase "not ashamed." What he's really saying is he's "proud" of the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ironically, when you hem and haw, when you cop out, when you never say anything, people are disappointed. Sometimes, they're outright offended that you don't stand up for the Gospel. They want to know what you believe--and expect that you believe it wholeheartedly. And when you boldly but graciously and courageously talk about your relationship with the Lord, they're often interested--even thankful.
True, on the list of seven things God hates bad pride (focused on I, Me, and My). Thankfully, there is also good pride (focused on God at work in through you). That's the kind of pride Paul has in view here. You really have only three choices: Embarrassed? Apathetic? Or, proud?
Which will you choose?
Prayer: Lord, I'm proud of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Fill me with grace and boldness, I pray.
The apostle Paul was a master communicator and made frequent use of literary devices. That's especially true when he uses the phrase "not ashamed." What he's really saying is he's "proud" of the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ironically, when you hem and haw, when you cop out, when you never say anything, people are disappointed. Sometimes, they're outright offended that you don't stand up for the Gospel. They want to know what you believe--and expect that you believe it wholeheartedly. And when you boldly but graciously and courageously talk about your relationship with the Lord, they're often interested--even thankful.
True, on the list of seven things God hates bad pride (focused on I, Me, and My). Thankfully, there is also good pride (focused on God at work in through you). That's the kind of pride Paul has in view here. You really have only three choices: Embarrassed? Apathetic? Or, proud?
Which will you choose?
Prayer: Lord, I'm proud of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Fill me with grace and boldness, I pray.
