Unashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:1-17)
Today, we start a journey together through one of the most amazing books in the Bible. I have so looked forward to the day that we would open this book and begin studying it together. Our theme this year is one another, and we have already studied how Paul calls Christians, "Members of one another" in Chapter 12. This book is full of insights that unite us. In fact, the key verse of the whole book unites us all by our faith in the power of the Gospel.
Romans 1:16–17 (ESV) — “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”
Paul makes it clear that he is not shy about the gospel. Why? Because it is God's power to save everyone, everywhere.
Paul's Letter Introduction
As we look at the introduction to this letter, you might notice that it is a little bit lengthy. Why? Because he has not been to Rome. These Christians have, no doubt, heard of Paul, and Paul has heard of them. But they have never been formally introduced. So Paul lays out who he is, "a servant of Christ, an apostle set apart for the gospel." He also explains who they are to him, "called to belong to Jesus Christ... loved by God... and called to be saints." These descriptions lay the groundwork for a good relationship. That's what Paul is hoping for. Paul makes the good news of Jesus the uniting force that binds everyone from Rome to Jerusalem.
In verses 2-4, he describes the gospel as the good news of God making his resurrected Son the Lord of Lords. Rome just so happens to be the location of the Emperor of the civilized world at that time. These two (Christ and Caesar) seem opposed to one another. But men and women are living in Rome, believing that Jesus is their true king. They defy the Emperor and trust in God's Messiah. So Paul feels connected to them, encouraged by their faith, and wants to strengthen them with a further explanation of the gospel.
Think about this. Some Jews hated the notion that Romans would join God's kingdom. They hated Gentiles, but not Paul. His purpose in life was to spread the good news to Gentiles. This letter was written to do just that. There were some Jews, but a lot of Gentiles in Rome and the gospel is for all of them.
Romans 1:14–15 (ESV) — “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.”
Notice here, Paul says he is obligated. Why? Because he is a slave of Christ. His master's command in Acts 9 was to teach the Gentiles. But, notice that he is also eager to do this. He's eager, and in verse 16 he says, "Not ashamed" to preach the gospel to Greeks, barbarians, wise, and foolish. Why is he eager and unashamed? Because, "It is the power to save the Jew first and also the Greek." He feels this way because this gospel is powerful and great!
The Gospel's Power
Think about what the gospel can do. Think about what he means when he says it's powerful. In Acts, we read that Paul used to be a hardcore Jew. He loved the Jewish people and hated Gentiles. He persecuted Christians and was dead-set against Jesus. But the gospel turned him around. It didn't just save him from death, it transformed him, making him a willing and joyful slave and apostle of Christ. Listen to how he put it.
1 Timothy 1:12–17 (ESV) — 12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
This good news has power, not just to forgive sins, but to transform lives. It defeats spiritual and physical death for everyone who has faith in Jesus Christ. Read these words again, but more carefully this time.
Romans 1:16–17 (ESV) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
The gospel, or good news of Jesus Christ's resurrection and being crowned king, has the power to save everyone who believes it. This truth goes beyond human borders. It shows that God is good and righteous. He is willing to save anyone who will put their trust in Him and in His Son. Good news seems like such a small thing, but Paul says it has great power for those who believe it.
Our Response
So, are you ashamed of the gospel? This is the best news ever heard, Jesus has died and rose from the dead to save and transform you and me and everyone who will trust Him to do it. Don't hide this truth.
We don't hide a good deal or refuse to praise someone who helps us. Why would we hide this? Paul was gripped by what Jesus did for Him. Jesus could have let him die, but He wanted Paul to live. It didn't matter that he was an enemy. What mattered is that he was a soul in need. Paul didn't forget this act of kindness. This good news changed him and made him want to share God's generosity with others. Is this your response to salvation? Are you so grateful that God has been patient towards you that you are eager and unashamed to tell of his goodness to others?
Here is a challenge for you this week. Tell a friend what Jesus has done for you. Maybe tell them about the forgiveness you received, which you didn't deserve, the hope that keeps you going, or the love that changed you from the inside out. Share it, unashamed. This good news, Paul says, has the power to change its hearers. Don't hide it.
Conclusion
Romans will show we don’t deserve God’s love—yet He gives it. It’s His righteousness, not ours. Will you trust Him today and live unashamed? We’re in this together, united by the gospel’s power. Let’s proclaim it!