Verse: Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Devotion
When I read this verse it inspires me in two ways. First, I want to live my life unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to be unafraid to share this message with others. I want to be unafraid to live my life in a gospel centered way. I don’t want to be someone who is swayed by trying to please people or be approved by people just for the sake of being approved. I want to live my life dangerously committed to the cause of the cross. Of course not in a way that is belligerent and mean-spirited, that’s not at all what I mean. I mean, am I willing to love people like Jesus does, sacrifice for others, be generous with others, share my life with others? But also, am I willing to also to be different? Am I willing to hold fast to a set of beliefs that is different, while not becoming arrogant or angry, but holding those beliefs in love and grace?
The second way it inspires me is how Paul says “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Paul is unashamed because he has full confidence in the Gospel. This is TRUE. And it WORKS. Sometimes I need to be reminded that the Gospel still works, do you? The message of Jesus offering the free gift of salvation still changes lives. Sometimes it is tempting to think that with all the public discontent with the church, that maybe our message is outdated or irrelevant. But the opposite is true. It is just as powerful today as ever. And people need him now as much as ever!
How convinced are you of the power of the Gospel to change lives today? Do you fully believe it is the answer that all people are looking for and longing for (even if they don’t know it)? And how are you choosing to live as a result of that?
Author: Christian Dunn
Recent Comments