Romans 1
May 24, 2022
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (v16)
Even though the Hero of the gospel is One who was killed on a cross as a criminal, and the message of the gospel confronts us as sinners, Paul is not ashamed of the gospel. Not only because the gospel is true, but because the gospel transforms. The gospel is the means that God uses to reconcile us to Himself. Even after decades of being a missionary and church planter, Paul has not deviated from his focus on the gospel. Why? Because he has seen (over and over) its power to save and transform lives!
Lord, You know how, early on in my walk with You, the gospel was front and center in my mind and on my lips. But then I went through a period (as a pastor) when I assumed people in the church already knew it – and so I was not as passionate about proclaiming it on Sundays. But by Your grace, You reawakened me to the gospel, so that it took on a prominent place in my heart, and it became the focus of my life and ministry again. Lord, may the gospel never become “old hat” or something that I assume people know. Rather, may the gospel be a treasure that I am unashamedly and clearly proclaiming – to those at Trinity, to friends, to family, to whomever, whenever and wherever!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
