I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
ROMANS 1:16
Introduction:
In order to understand all that is meant by this statement you must look into the Context and background of this chapter here
The Jews had cast Paul off, and regarded him as an apostate
By the wise among the Gentiles he had been persecuted, and despised, and driven from place to place, and regarded as the filth of the world according to 1Co 4:13
But still he was not ashamed of the gospel.
He had so firm a conviction of its value and its truth; He was not Ashamed
He had experienced so much of its consolations, He was not Ashamed
He had seen so much of its effectiveness, that he was so far from being ashamed of it that he gloried in it as the power of God unto salvation.
THERE IS A LOT TO BE ASHAMED FOR IN THIS WORLD
IT SEEMS LIKE NOTHING MAKES MEN BLUSH ANY MORE
A MAN WHO IS A RAPIST – SHOULD BE ASHAMED
THE DRUNKARDS & DOPEHEADS – Wallowing around like wild
animals – SHOULD BE ASHAMED
The Theif who would take everything you’ve got and let your children go hungry – SHOULD BE ASHAMED
LYING POLITICIANS – SHOULD BE ASHAMED
GOSSIPERS AND BACKBITERS – SHOULD BE ASHAMED
The Doctor who would Murder and Unborn Baby – OUGHT TO BE ASHAMED
A Harlot who has no self respect and no respect for the “Sanctity of Marriage - SHOULD BE ASHAMED
Any Scoundrel who would take advantage of a young child and molest them -- SHOULD BE ASHAMED AND OBLITERATED!!!
Men should be ashamed for Crime and Folly
They should be ashamed of their own offences, and of the follies of
their conduct, when they come to reflect on it.
But we should never be ashamed of that which we feel to be right, and of that which we know will contribute to the benefit of our fellow-men.
These are the views of Paul about the gospel; and it is one of his favorite doctrines that they who believe on Christ shall not be ashamed
IF YOU ARE SAVED – YOU SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED OF IT
Ro 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Ro 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Ro 5:5
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
2Co 7:14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed;
but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Php 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
2Ti 1:8
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
SOME SITTING IN OUR CHURCHES USED TO DO SOME TERRIBLE THINGS AND THEY DID THEM UNASHAMEDLY
Some Folks did them Flagrantly, Brazenly & Deliberately
MANY IN THE CHURCH WERE BLATANT SINNERS
MANY IN THE FAMILY OF GOD WERE BOLD SINNERS
BUT ONCE THEY GET SAVED – THEY SIT
THEY DO NOTHING
THEY SAY NOTHING THEY LOSE THEIR BOLDNESS
I’D HATE TO THINK I WAS A BETTER SOLDIER FOR SATAN THAN I AM A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS!!!
If there was ever a Bold Sinner – It was Paul
He was a Murderer of the Christians
He was a Persecutor of the Church
He had an all out war Going against the Early Church
BUT WHEN HE GOT SAVED – HE KEPT UP THE FIGHT – HE JUST CHANGED SIDES
AND HE SAID HERE “I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL!!!”
Paul had Preached in Tarsus – Where he was Born
Paul had Preached in Jerusalem – The Holy CityIn Damascus – the World’s Oldest City
In Antioch – the Golden City on the Orontes River
He had Preached in Ephesus – Where the World’s Most Magnificent Temple Stood – The Temple of Diana
In Athens – The City of the Mind and Home of the Philosophers
And when he wrote the Roman Letter that we are in this morning he was preaching in Corinth the Metropolis of Greece
BUT AT THIS TIME – PAUL HAD NOT YET PREACHED AT ROME – THE HEART OF HIS PRESENT WORLD
It had been his Desire for a Long time
It had been his Ambition to Go to Rome
In Acts 19:21 He said “I must also see Rome”
But Everytime Paul planned to go to Rome – something came up to prevent him
Because of his frequent failures to get to Rome --- There were some who apparently were taking the view that Paul was reluctant or afraid to go to Rome and Preach
It was if they were saying
He can Preach in Jerusalem and Antioch and Athens and Corinth
But he is overwhelmed with the MIGHT CAPITAL OF THE
WORLD
Many were suggesting that Paul might be intimidate by the
Grandeur of the City
It’s Cruelty, it’s wickedness, it’s superstition and Power
BUT PAUL STOPPED THAT ARGUMENT
PAUL WAS WUICK TO SAY IN THE FIRST PART OF HIS
LETTER
VERSE 15 “I AM READY TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO YOU THAT
ARE AT ROME ALSO.
Paul is Saying
You can talk about the Power of Rome – I know the Power of
Rome – I’m a Citizen of Rome
Paul said “I’ve seen the Great Highways and chasm-spanning Bridges”
“I’ve seen the dust of it’s marching Armies”
“I’ve seen the Emperor as he commands his mighty troops”
I know the Power of Rome – BUT I KNOW A GREATER POWER THAN THE POWER OF ROME
AND THAT IS THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL
IT’S THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION
MANY OF YOU SITTING IN HERE TODAY
KNOW THE POWER OF ROME –
You know the Power of the World
You know the Grip that it can have on a Soul
BUT YOU SHOULD BOLDLY PROCLAIM
I’VE BEEN CHANGED
THERE’S A GREATER POWER THAN ALCOHOL
THERE’S A GREATER POWER THAN COCAINE
THERE’S A GREATER POWER THAN PORNOGRAPHY
THERE’S A GREATER POWER THAN THE DEMONS OF HELL
AND THAT POWER IS THE GOSPEL!!!
THERE IS POWER – POWER – WONDER WORKING POWER
IN THE BLOOD OF THE GOSPEL!!!
I’M NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL!!!
I’m not Ashamed of
I. THE CHRIST OF THE GOSPEL
JESUS CHRIST
What is it that makes Him great?
What is about Him that makes you want to follow Him
What is it that makes you want to have Him be a part of your life?
With the Book and movie about the Da Vinci Code coming out in the Past year, it seems like old times.
JESUS IS BEING BASHED IN THIS DAY WE LIVE IN!!!
This is nothing New – THEY’VE BASHED HIM SINCE PAUL’S DAY
Through out the ages there have been many conjectures and much discussion about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Men have been amazed at his drawing power
They tried to figure out this Man who claims the attention of the whole world
They’ve tried to dicipher why he had found an abiding place in the hearts of
countless millions
BUT THERE HAVE BEEN THOSE WHO SAID – I’M NOT ASHAMED OF THIS MAN
SOME MEN WERE NOT ASHAMED TO THE POINT THAT THEY BURNED AT THE STAKE IN HIS NAME
PAUL WAS NOT ASHAMED TO THE POINT THAT HE HIS HEAD CHOPPED OFF
PAUL WAS NOT ASHAMED TO THE POINT THAT HE WAS CRUCIFIED UPSIDE DOWN
JOHN THE BELOVED WAS NOT ASHAMED TO THE POINT THAT HE WAS BOILED IN A POT OF OIL!!!
THERE’VE BEEN A LOT OF VIEWS OF JESUS
Some have sad he was a Mad man
Some have said he was insane
Some have said he was in league with Beelzebub
BUT I SAY HE WAS EXACTLY WHAT HE CLAIM TO BE -- THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS!!!
I’M NOT ASHAMED OF THE CHRIST OF THE GOSPEL
TO THE
Architect, Jesus is the Cheif Cornerstone
Artist, Jesus is All-together Lovely One
Astronomer, The Bright and Morning Star and the Sun of Righteous
Baker, The Bread of Life
Banker, The Supplier of every Need
Biologist, The Life
Builder, The Foundation
Carpenter, The Door and Nail
Cheif, The Chiefest of Ten Thousand
Defendant, The Righteous Judge
Doctor, The Great Physician
Educator, The Teacher
Electrician, The Light of the World
Executive, He’s the Head of the Church
Executor, The Heir of All things
Farmer, The Sower and the Lord of the Harvest
Fireman, The Water of Life
Fisherman, He’s the Calmer of the Seas
Florist, The Lily of the Valleys and the Rose of Sharon
Geologist, The Rock of Ages
Herbalist, A Cluster of Camphire
Historian, The Ancient of Day
Horticulturist, The Tender Plant
Host, The Perfect Guest
Industrialist, The Faithful Worker
Jeweler, The precious stone
Juror, The Faithful and True Witness
King, The Crown and Scepter
Lawmaker, The Law Giver
Lawyer, The Advocate
Lost, The Way
Machinist, The Polished Shaft
Merchant, The Pearl of Great Price
Mortician, The Resurrection and the Life
Musician, The Horn of Salvation
News Reporter, He’s the Gospel, He’s the good tidings of Great Joy
Oculist, The Light of the Eyes
Pharmacist, The Balm of Gilead
Philosopher, The Wisdom of God
Photographer, He’s the Express Image of God
Policeman, The Peacemaker
Printer, The Word of God
Publisher, The Author
Rancher, The Owner of Cattle on a thousand hills
Royalty, The King of Kings
Sailor, The Haven of Rest
Scholar, The Alpha and Omega
Scientist, the Creator of All things
Shipman, He’s the Anchor in the time of Storm
Servant, He’s the Good Master
Shepherd, The Lamb of God
Soldier, The Captain of our Salvation
Student, The Truth
Theologian, The Author and Finisher of our faith
Toiler, The Giver of Rest
Traveler, The Narrow Way
Warrior, A Shield
Zoologist, The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
I’M NOT ASHAMED OF THE CHRIST OF THE GOSPEL
THE WRITERS OF THE BIBLE WERE NOT ASHAMED OF THE CHRIST
The Bible is the Greatest Book known in the World
The Best Seller -- It has changed lives, Fixed Home, Mended broken hearts for centuries
But What makes this Book so Precious is that it’s about Him!!
Someone said that he Bible is a Hymn Book -- It’s about him
Someone said that the Bible is a History Book -- It’s His--Story
Every Book in the Old & New Testament Testifies about Him!!!
THE WRITERS OF THIS BOOK WERE NOT ASHAMED OF CHRIST
You can’t open this book up without seeing Jesus on Every page
I’m glad Today that Jesus is the theme of the Bible
From Genesis to Revelation -- Jesus is the Theme of the Bible
The Bible has one theme, one melody, on harmony, one song from Genesis to Revelation and that is Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God
The Bible is the inspired Word but Jesus is the Incarnate Word
The Bible is the Written Word but Jesus is the Living Word
In Fact one of the Names of the Lord is the Word of God
John said “in the beginnig was the word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Same was in the beginning with God -- All things were made by him and without him was not anything made that was made.
And on down a little bit further he said, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory as of the glory of the only begotten full of Grace and truth.
THE WORD IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!
When Jesus Comes back riding that blazing White Stallion in Revelation 19 his name is the Word of God
So the Bible is the Written Word But Jesus is the LIVING WORD
You Cannot take Jesus out of the Bible and still have the inerrant, inspired, infallible Word of God
If you were to take Jesus out of the Bible -- It would be like taking the stars out of the Space
If you were to take Jesus out of the Bible -- It would be like stripping the leaves off of the tress
If you were to take Jesus out of the Bible -- It would be like taking the birds out of the Air
If you were to take Jesus out of the Bible -- It would be like trying to drive a Car without any Gas
Cause Jesus is the Unction,
and Jesus is the Theme,
and Jesus is the Subject,
and Jesus is the Foundation of the Precioud Word of the Lord.!!!
The Jehovah of the OT is the Jesus of the NT
The Angel of the Lord in the OT is the Jesus of the NT
In the OT he was a Mystery but in the NT he is now manifested
The OT is the NT Concealed and the NT is the OT Revealed
The OT has 1 Message -- Someone is Coming
In the NT there are 2 messages -- Someone has Come and is Coming again
In the Old and in the New -- He is the Living Word of GOD
Every Book in the Old & New Testament Testifies about Him!!!
THOSE 40 WRITERS OF THE WORD OF GOD WERE NOT ASHAMED OF THE CHRIST!!!
Genesis--he’s the Seed of the woman that’s gonna bruise the head of the serpent
Exodus--The One who leads his people out of Bondage
Leviticus--Our High Priest that knows our infirmities
Numbers--Knows where all of his children are
Deuteronomy--He’s the one that fulfilled the Law to every jot and tiddle
Joshua--Captain of the Lord’s Hosts
Judges--He’s the One with Perfect Judgment
Ruth--Bridegroom that’s going to take us from the field of this world
I & II Samuel--Anoints us for battle
I & II Kings--Wins all our Battles
I & II Chronicles-He’s the one that they said the 1/2 has never been told
Ezra--Scribe -- He knows the Word -- IN FACT HE IS THE WORD!!!
Nehemiah--Rebuilder of the torn down wall
Esther--He Evens the Score
Job--He’s a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother
Psalms--He’s the Song of my heart
Proverbs--He’s the Wisdom of God
Ecclesiastes--He’s the Preacher that they said about never a man spake like his man
Song of Solomon--He’s the Lover of my soul and he’s altogether lovely
Isaiah--He’s the Lord, high and lifted up
Jeremiah & Lamentations--Weeping over the sins of his people
Ezekial--He’s coming with Chariots of Fire
Daniel--He’ll be with you in the Fiery Furnaces & the den of Lions
Minor Prophets--He was the One they were looking for
Matthew-Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins
Mark--He’s the humble Servant
Luke--Physician that can heal all your diseases
John--He’s God incarnate, come down from Heaven like an Eagle
Acts--He’s Holy Spirit that indued with power
Romans--He says Whosoever will may come
I & II Corinthians-Takes care of all Church Problems
Galatians--He’s the End of the Law
Ephesians--He Adopted us and made a full grown son
Philippians--He’s the one I’m living for
Colossians--He wants the preeminence in ur life
I & II Thessalonians--He’s Coming with a Shout
I & II Timothy--He’s the encourager to the Pastor
Titus--He’s the Grace of God that brings salvation to all men
Philemon--He takes the Slave off the slave block and says pt that on my account
Hebrews--He’s the Better Saviour with a Better Sacrifice, that’s going to take us to a Better Land
James--He’s the one that Gives Crowns
I & II Peter--He’s Joy Unspeakable and full of glory
I, II, III John--He’s the Advocate that we have with father
Jude--He’s coming with 10,000 saints
Revelation--He’s coming back on a white Horse, going to destroy Satan and the wicked and we’re gonna rule and reign for a thousand
years
To many Jesus is a Grand Subject for Painting
To some he is the heroic theme of a poem
To others a beautiful form for a statue or a good thought for a song
But to those who have heard his voice and have felt his pardon
He is music, He is light, He is warmth, He is joy, hope, and salvation!
I’M NOT ASHAMED THIS MORNING OF JESUS!!!
HE’S A FRIEND WHO NEVER FORSAKES YOU
HE LIFTS YOU UP WHEN OTHERS TRY TO PUSH YOU DOWN
No matter how many times you take a burden to him he never grows weary but he takes them and relieves you of the weight
Who like Jesus can mend a broken heart
Who like Jesus can care for the homeless orphan
Who like Jesus can welcome the Prodigal back home
Who like Jesus can walk through the Streets and heal the blind eyes and
Touch the Deaf Ears
Who Like Jesus can illuminate a cemetary filled with Graves
Who Like Jesus can take a poor Lost harlot of the Streets and make a queen unto God
Who Like Jesus to see our need of a Saviour and kiss away our Guilt
THAT OLD OLD STORY OF JESUS AND THE BIBLE, THE MANGER AND THE CROSS WILL NEVER DIE.
It’s Just as strong today in my heart as it was 2,000 years ago when the Virgin Mary wrapped her new born Christ in Swaddling Clothes and laid him in a Manger.
That Same Spirit that came from that little Stable in Bethlehem has circled the Globe.
Little Children have clustered at his knees
Men and women have forsaken all to take up their cross and follow him
Culture whispers “We know that thou art a teacher come from God
Empires fling their crowns and scepters at his Feet
Seething Seas throw their dripping arms around him when they hear him say peace be still
There may be another Michael Jordan,
There may be another George Washington
There may be another Thomas Edison
There may be another Bill Gates
There may be another Babe Ruth
BUT THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER JESUS!!!
I’m not ashamed
I. THE CHRIST OF THE GOSPEL
II. THE CROSS OF THE GOSPEL
Paul didn’t say I’m not ashamed of the Christ
He said “the gospel of Christ”
There are many who will praise Christ as a teacher, as a beautiful character in history, perhaps even as divine – But Are Ashamed of the Gospel
BECAUSE THE GOSPEL MAKE THEM A LOWDOWN SINNER
The Gospel Message is Forgiveness of Sin through Faith in the Crucified Christ!!!
I’m not Ashamed this Morning of the Cross of the Gospel
It’s One thing to believe that Jesus is the Son of God – It’s Quite another thing to believe you are a child of Sin & Satan and need to be made a Son of God!!!
But I’m Not ashamed of the Cross
I gladly Link myself to it!!!
I gladly Associate myself with his sufferings!!!
I Gladly Connect My Life with his Death!!!
On a Hill far away stood an old Rugged Cross
The Emblem of Suffering and shame
And I love that Old Cross where the dearest and best
For a World of Lost Sinner was slain
O that Old Rugged Cross so despised by the World
Has a Wondrous attraction for me
For the Dear lamb of God left his glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary
SO I’LL CHERISH THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
TILL MY TROPHIES AT LAST I LAY DOWN
I WILL CLING TO THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
AND EXCHANGE IT SOME DAY FOR A CROWN
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
I’m not ashamed to Say I believe in the Birth of Christ
the Death of Christ
the Resurrection of Christ
I’m not ashamed
I. THE CHRIST OF THE GOSPEL
II. THE CROSS OF THE GOSPEL
III. THE COMING OF THE GOSPEL
The Gospel is not Just about his Birth
His Death – His Resurrection
There’s more to the Gospel
He Ascended to make intercession for us
He’s Coming again
In a World where we are mocked for believing such
I’M NOT ASHAMED
There are Scoffers who act as if it’s a fairy tale
There are those who live as if tomorrow will always be there
But I’m not ashamed of his Coming
2Pe 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days
scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Just as it was in the Days of Noah and Lot – WE ARE THERE TODAY
Men living after Pleasure
Ignoring the Signs of the Times
BUT I’M NOT ASHAMED
I’m Not Bowing my head in defeat
I’m looking for a Bright tomorrow – HE’S COMING
Aren’t You glad this Morning that You know the Gospel
GET EXCITED ABOUT IT
GET STIRRED UP AND TELL SOMEONE ELSE ABOUT IT!!!
