What is something that you are really proud of in your life? Maybe it is a physical, educational or professional achievement? Maybe it’s your kids or grandkids? Maybe your cultural heritage is a source of pride? Maybe it’s a professional or financial success you’ve experienced in life? Now think about how fun it is to share about those things with others.
As we dive into the book of Romans, Paul the Apostle lets us know that what he is most proud of is the gospel. “That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel… For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:15-16)
But what is the gospel and why is Paul so proud of it?
The gospel is the good news that the God who made us sent his son, Jesus, to become like us, live a perfect life on our behalf, die in our place, and rise again so that we could be forgiven of our sins, adopted into God’s family and know Him perfectly and forever through faith in Jesus.
Look at the two words that Paul uses to describe his feelings towards the gospel – eager & unashamed. The word “eager” in Greek literally means “from passion.” Paul had a deep and personal passion to share the gospel with others.
The word “not ashamed” in Greek refers to the shame that comes from being disappointed or let down by something that was trusted. In other words, Paul is saying that he is proud of the gospel and has absolute confidence in it because it has never let him down.
The reason the gospel has never let him down is because in the good news exists the inherent power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus. Something supernatural and miraculous happens when we share the Gospel. Its effectiveness doesn’t depend on our persuasiveness – it depends on God’s power!
How do you feel about the gospel? How eager are you to share it today?
As we dive into the book of Romans, Paul the Apostle lets us know that what he is most proud of is the gospel. “That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel… For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:15-16)
But what is the gospel and why is Paul so proud of it?
The gospel is the good news that the God who made us sent his son, Jesus, to become like us, live a perfect life on our behalf, die in our place, and rise again so that we could be forgiven of our sins, adopted into God’s family and know Him perfectly and forever through faith in Jesus.
Look at the two words that Paul uses to describe his feelings towards the gospel – eager & unashamed. The word “eager” in Greek literally means “from passion.” Paul had a deep and personal passion to share the gospel with others.
The word “not ashamed” in Greek refers to the shame that comes from being disappointed or let down by something that was trusted. In other words, Paul is saying that he is proud of the gospel and has absolute confidence in it because it has never let him down.
The reason the gospel has never let him down is because in the good news exists the inherent power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus. Something supernatural and miraculous happens when we share the Gospel. Its effectiveness doesn’t depend on our persuasiveness – it depends on God’s power!
How do you feel about the gospel? How eager are you to share it today?
Posted in devo