Are you ashamed of the Gospel?
Have you ever felt ashamed to share the Gospel, the Good News, of our Lord Jesus Christ? Be honest with yourself. Have you ever felt foolish addressing unbelievers in what you believe? Ever felt fear, trepidation or uncertainty in sharing the Good News of your faith with those who disbelieve? If so, read till the end.
I’ll be honest first, I have struggled with that in my walk.
What is the Gospel? It is this, Jesus Christ was the Son of God who came to earth fully man and fully God who paid the penalty of the sins of the world and offers life eternal and forgiveness of sins to all who believe. He was raised from the dead and is now sitting at the right hand of God and will one day come back to judge the living and the dead. That is the truth of Scripture.
Paul says this,
1.Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
2.2 Timothy 1:8
“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”
Why would Paul need to reference shame concerning the Gospel? Perhaps it is because the message is strange to those who are not saved. It’s foreign and alien to those who reject Jesus.
What can we learn about this from Scripture?
1.1 Corinthians 1:18
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
2.1 Corinthians 1:27
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
In other words, the reason the Gospel can feel odd and strange compared to this world is because God intended it to be so- he choose what sounds foolish to shame those who hold onto human wisdom and reject the wisdom of God.
So, Dear Christian, remember that the message of the cross will come across as foolishness to those who are perishing but there is hope…
1.2 Thessalonians 2:14
“He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2. Romans 8:30
“And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
Among us are those whom God is calling to himself and this Gospel message will be heard by them and by their faith they will be saved. Yes, many will laugh and sneer at you but some will listen and be saved.
But remember…
Romans 10:14
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
Preach the Word. Share the Good News. Throw off whatever shame you feel. God is with his servants.
God bless you in this week.
