Scripture:
Romans 1:16-20 NKJV
[16] 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. [17] For in it, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” [18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, [19] because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. [20] For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
Observation:
In light of recent events. I found that the Holy Spirit knows just how to lead. I posted 2 videos yesterday and hope you all had an opportunity to watch them. I know they were a little lengthy, but they were definitely worth watching. With the tragedy of someone who lived his life not only in the limelight but in a fashion for Christ, that was not only bold and persuasive coming to an end, on top of the 2 videos that were posted it seemed the only place to go this morning was Romans chapter 1 and verses 16 through 20. But we still have to ask ourselves what does it means to be ashamed. It’s a little different than shame itself. I looked the word up just so I had a proper understanding of what was being said here in these few verses. Its meaning might bring a little more clarity to the scripture. Paul was probably one of the best writers in his time. He didn’t just randomly put words in his letters that did not serve the truth he was getting across. The word that he used meant to be misaligned or connected to a losing or defeated team. It carried with it a note of confidence and security. When Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, he was saying… I’m on the winning team. Following that by the words… for it is the power of GOD to salvation for everyone who believes. Puts the responsibility of it back in the hands of the one who put the plan into action by sending HIS one and only son. What is being said is that it’s the simple gospel that holds the power of salvation. It holds transforming power. It makes an old wretched man into a new creation. The statement for the Jew first and then for the Gentiles is not a statement of separation but an all-inclusive gospel. It’s for all who believe. In verse 17, Paul continues by saying that GOD’S righteousness is revealed through it… from faith to faith. But what does that mean, and how does it play out in our lives? The just shall live by faith. That may leave some of us with questions. I believe what is being said is that as the gospel takes root in your life, you will not want to stay in the same condition that the LORD found you in. That thought seems to be supported in verse 18, men who suppress the truth through unrighteousness. Men who know the truth that is in the gospel yet continue to prevent the grace that is attached to it. Backing up the the beginning of verse 18, there is a very important statement made, and we don’t need to miss it. The statement goes along with the gospel. The simple gospel. Christ died for you, and when you put your faith in that, it will transform you. That is the power of GOD unto salvation. Why else would Paul say in Philippians, chapter 2, and verse 12? Continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Verses 19 and 20 make it clear. God has revealed HIMSELF to man simply by the way things are made, and what we know about HIM is manifested in us. The way the world is made shouts out that only a perfect creator could have done that. Just a fun fact: Did you know that the gospel is told in the stars? Well, it is… again, it’s just another way that GOD has shown us HIS great love for us.
Application:
If you know Jesus Christ as your LORD and SAVIOR, you are on the winning team. You have no reason to fear. Even if you lose your life for that. You have gained a life spent with Christ. The end of the flesh is not the end of us. We should stand in confidence knowing that Christ has risen from the dead. HE is no longer in the tomb. GOD the Father brought HIM back to life. Yes, a lot of people saw HIM on the cross. Some even held the nails that placed HIM there while others hammered them in. But those nails did not hold HIM there… love did. Love for you and me. The crazy thing is HE did exactly what HE said HE would do. HE rose from the grave, and that same power that GOD used to bring HIM out of the grave is inside every believer in the gospel. The power unto salvation. From faith to faith. But what does that mean? From faith to faith? Over the last several years my faith has grown. What I know about GOD is being manifested in the way that I live. It’s happening to you as well. You just may not be aware of it. GOD’S grace that is tied to the gospel is taking effect in your life. HE is calling you and me out of our sin. From one stage of HIS glory to another stage of it. Like a potter making a vessel for honorable use. Shaping and molding it for the purpose HE has for it. From faith to faith. As we plant the mustard seed of faith a tree grows. In that same fashion, our faith grows. Our confidence in the gospel grows. As we are shaped through it, we become empowered by it. Seeing our lives change right before our very eyes, leaves us with no choice but to have confidence in what Christ did for us. We have been brought from the death that sin produced to the life that Christ died for. Here is my point. Allowing GOD’S grace to shape you into the image and likeness of HIS son is the power of the gospel. The question is are you using grace to stay how HE found you??? Or to shape your life. So that HIS glory and salvation are seen. I am not ashamed.
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for the way you think of everything. Not one detail has been missed. Everything hinges on the fact that your son paid a debt that HE didn’t owe because we owed a debt we could not pay. You have given us new life through what Jesus did. You gave us victory over death. The power of salvation through the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ your son. You have done something the enemy didn’t see coming. A power that can not be defeated. The victory is already ours, all we can say is thank you. As you build in us the faith you have always created us to have. All we can do is walk in the victory that you one for us. Victory over death hell and the grave. Thank you for the newness of life. May the old man continue to be placed in the grave daily. What an amazing GOD you are. The same power that you gave your son you also gave us. In Jesus name thank you.