ï» Back to title page "I Am Not Ashamed!" (Romans 1:14-16) Text Verse: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16) The Book of Romans is one of the greatest books in the Bible. It is the doctrinal book on salvation in the New Testament. Romans is the foundation for all New Testament teachings that deal with salvation in this present age. The theme of the book is justification by faith. The emphasis is placed upon the fact that man is saved by grace through faith plus nothing! There is no doubt that the human author of the book is the Apostle Paul. Paul writes to seven churches, just like John writes to seven churches. Paul writes to Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Most authors agree that the book was written between 58 and 60 A.D. 1. Paul's Biography "PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God." (Romans 1:1) -Paul Considered himself a Servant.
"a servant of Jesus Christ" -Paul was Called to be an Apostle. "called to be an apostle" -Paul was Consecrated unto the Gospel. "separated unto the gospel of God" 2. Paul's Burden "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." (Romans 1:14-15) -Paul was Indebted. "I am debtor" -Paul was Indwelt. "as much as in me is" -Paul was Inclined. "I am ready to preach the gospel" 3. Paul's Boldness "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16) -A Singular Message "the gospel of Christ" -A Strong Message "it is the power of God"
-A Saving Message "unto salvation" -A Simple Message "to every one that believeth" *Let us focus our thoughts upon the bold statement of the Apostle in verse 16, "I am not ashamed!" It would certainly be beneficial to memorize verse 16 as a complete verse. However, this phrase is one that should resonate in the heart of the believer and ring out from the mouth of the believer. May God help us never to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! "As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:33) "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:11) I. Not Ashamed of the Saviour "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38) *I am not ashamed to: A. Speak of Him in Public! B. Seek Him in Prayer! C. Shout His Praises!
II. Not Ashamed of the Scriptures "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38) *I am not ashamed to: A. Stand for Its Defense! B. Study for Its Division! *See II Timothy 2:15. C. Share Its Doctrines! III. Not Ashamed to Suffer for Christ A. The Reality of Suffering "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (II Timothy 3:12) B. The Reaction to Suffering "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets." (Luke 6:22-23) C. The Reasons for Suffering 1. The Good of the Christian
2. The Glory of Christ "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." (I Peter 4:14-16) *May God help all of His people to be able to boldly proclaim, "I am not ashamed!" Evangelist Jeremiah Dixon