Romans Chapter 1

As we read through the letters of Paul, we will find that there are so many teachings that it could take months to even talk about it all. And admittedly, some of the lessons are better left for preachers or ministers to expound on.

But I truly believe that as we read with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, different parts of each chapter will resonate with us at other times. And each time we read, we will gain a little more. May God guide our walk with Him.

For today’s chapter, I would focus just on Romans 1:16.

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. 

But before that, let’s see how Paul starts off by introducing himself.

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 
~ Romans 1:1 ~

Paul – a bondservant of Jesus. Not just that, but also an apostle – someone who is sent. And separated to the Gospel of God.

Just one short sentence tells us a lot about Paul. He a bondservant of Jesus.

Do you know what bondservant means? A bondservant is a slave. In some Bibles, the word bondservant is the translation of the Greek word doulos, which means “one who is subservient to, and entirely at the disposal of, his master; a slave.” Other translations use the word slave or servant.

It means that his whole life is at the disposal of his master – Jesus. He is wholly dedicated to Christ in his service. His life is not his own anymore.

He is also an apostle – sent by Jesus to do His work. To preach to the Jews and Greeks – the whole world basically.

And he is separated to the Gospel of God. It means he is consecrated to God. Consecration has the meaning of dedicating oneself to the service and worship of God. And to be separate, holy, purified from the world.

And Paul did all this for the Gospel of God.

This brings me to the main verse today in Romans 1:16.

Paul was not ashamed of this Gospel of Christ. And he firmly believed that it is the power of God to everyone who believes.

What made him so bold to share the good news despite all the hardships, persecutions, and tribulations?

And are we like Paul, to dare to go out and evangelize, not being ashamed?

Today is the 1st night of our year end Evangelistic Service in Adam. Have we invited anyone?

Or are we ashamed to share Christ? Does the mere thought of sharing Jesus scare you and make you nervous to open your mouth when presented a chance?

Paul was never ashamed and we should never be too.

When I looked at Paul’s confidence and boldness, it draws me back to verse 1.

Paul was called by Jesus to turn from a persecutor to a believer. And that brought about a complete transformation in his life.

So much so that he now dedicates his whole life like a bondservant, recognizing he is sent, as someone who is no longer a part of this world, to the world – so that everyone can be like him – a new man in Christ.

The question for us is this: “has believing in Jesus brought about this same transformation?” And if it has not, then why?

Despite the fact we are baptized, we still do not wholeheartedly believe in the Gospel.

Do we still want to live our lives as part of the world instead of being separated from it?

While we know the Great Commission, we always think this is for others like the preachers, and not for us.

These are questions for us to think and reflect as we come to the close of another year.

Can we be like Paul, to be no longer ashamed of the Gospel?

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