Unashamed

Series Title: Journey’s Road Map

Text: Romans 1:16–17 (ESV)

[Introduction]

There’s a story about a high school student who always carried a Bible in his backpack. One day a classmate teased him: “Why do you bring that thing? Are you one of those crazy Christians?” The student smiled and said, “I guess I am. But if what’s in this Book is true, I’d be crazy to hide it.”

That’s the kind of boldness Paul has in Romans 1:16–17. These two verses are the thesis of the entire letter—the heart of Paul’s theology and the spark that lit the fire of the Reformation. Paul wants us to understand one thing very clearly: the gospel is nothing to be ashamed of.

[Point 1: The Gospel Is Power, Not Embarrassment]

Paul writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (v. 16a). This is not a weak message about a soft savior. The word “power” is dynamis—where we get our word “dynamite.” The gospel is an explosive force, the divine means by which God brings dead people to life.

Paul had every earthly reason to be ashamed. The message of a crucified Jewish carpenter was foolishness to the Greeks and a stumbling block to the Jews. And yet Paul declares boldly, “I am not ashamed.”

Why? Because this message isn’t just another idea—it does something. It saves. It rescues. It heals.

Illustration: Imagine walking into a burning building and finding a fire extinguisher labeled “THE GOSPEL.” You don’t sit around wondering if people will laugh at you for using it. You grab it. Why? Because it’s the only thing that can stop the fire. That’s what the gospel is. It’s not a decoration—it’s the only hope for a world in flames.

Application: Are you timid with the gospel? Do you hesitate to speak because you fear looking foolish? Paul reminds us: we’re not offering a philosophy—we’re offering power. The next time you feel embarrassed or hesitant, remember what you’re holding. It's not shameful. It’s life-saving.

[Point 2: The Gospel Is for Everyone Who Believes]

Paul continues, “…to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” This isn’t about hierarchy but about chronology. The gospel came first to the Jews, as God’s covenant people. But it was never meant to stay there. The gospel is radically inclusive.

In a world obsessed with dividing people into categories—Jew and Gentile, insider and outsider—Paul says the gospel tears those walls down. The only requirement is faith: “to everyone who believes.” Not to the moral. Not to the religious. Not to the impressive. To the believing.

Illustration: The gospel is like a feast prepared by the King. The doors are wide open. And the only thing needed to sit at the table is an invitation received by faith. Your background doesn’t disqualify you. Your race doesn’t hinder you. Your past doesn’t define you. Faith is the door, and the door is open.

Application: Are you tempted to believe the gospel is for “church people”? Or that certain people are too far gone? Paul says it clearly: the gospel is for everyone who believes. No one is beyond its reach. Ask God to expand your heart—to see your neighbor, your coworker, the stranger, as someone invited to the King’s table.

[Point 3: The Gospel Reveals the Righteousness of God]

Verse 17 says, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”

This phrase “righteousness of God” has sparked volumes of theological writing. It means that in the gospel, we see how God makes sinners right with Him—and how He remains righteous in doing so. It is both a gift and a revelation. God doesn’t overlook sin. He deals with it fully—at the cross.

“From faith for faith” means from start to finish, it’s all about faith. Not works. Not performance. Not religion. Faith begins the journey and carries it all the way home.

Paul quotes Habakkuk: “The righteous shall live by faith.” In the Old Testament, that was a call to trust God even when circumstances were crumbling. In Romans, it becomes the very definition of a believer’s life—trusting God in everything, forever.

Illustration: Picture a bridge stretching across a deep canyon. On one side is man. On the other is God. The only way to cross is faith. Not faith in faith—but faith in what the bridge holds: Christ. The more you trust the bridge, the more confidently you walk. The more you look down, the more you stumble. Paul says: keep your eyes on the bridge. Live by faith.

Application: Are you living by faith, or are you still trying to earn righteousness by your efforts? Are you trusting God’s righteousness or trying to create your own? The gospel offers you freedom—not from obedience, but from condemnation. Walk in that freedom today.

[Conclusion]

These two verses aren’t just Paul’s introduction—they’re his declaration. The gospel is not a slogan. It is not a niche message. It is the saving power of God for everyone who believes.

Are you unashamed?

Do you see the gospel as power?

Do you believe it is for all people?

Do you live by faith or by fear?

Let’s be a church that lives unashamed.

Because the gospel is worth it.

Because Christ is worthy.

Amen.