03/12/2025
THE POWER THAT CONQUERS SHAME
Romans 1:16 ( #10)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (KJV)
I. THE GLORY OF THE GOSPEL DECLARED — “I am not ashamed”
Paul begins with a triumphant confession. He stands unashamed before emperors, philosophers, and priests because he knows the Gospel’s divine origin and eternal worth.
1. Shame is the great silencer of the soul.
Many may overcome fear but not shame; yet Paul glories where others blush. The message of a crucified Saviour may appear foolish to the wise and offensive to the religious, but Paul calls it “the power of God.”
2. True faith transforms shame into glory.
The apostle’s words imply not only absence of shame but presence of holy pride—“I esteem it the highest honour that God can confer upon me to preach this Gospel, though it cost me my life.”
3. Courage of conviction marks every true witness.
Ministers and members alike should echo Paul’s cry: “We are not ashamed of the Gospel!” To preach, profess, and practice the truth boldly is the calling of all redeemed men and women.
The world may call it foolishness, but in Heaven it is the crown of wisdom.
II. THE GOSPEL IN ITS DIVINE ESSENCE — “It is the power of God”
The Gospel is not human advice, moral reformation, or emotional persuasion—it is power.
1. Its Efficacy — “It is power.”
Like a kaleidoscope turning in the light, each turn of the Gospel reveals another glory. It conquers darkness, transforms sinners, heals the broken, and raises the dead soul to life.
2. Its Divinity — “It is the power of God.”
Not the energy of man or angel, but the operation of the Almighty Himself. The same power that created the world now re-creates the heart.
Originated by God — not conceived by human wisdom.
Carried by God’s Spirit — “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” (Zech. 4:6)
Sustained by God — it never fails wherever faith receives it.
3. Its Unseen Agency — The Spirit and the Word together.
The preacher is but the instrument; the Word is the organ; the Spirit is the living breath. Do not idolize the messenger nor despise him, for through such “earthen vessels” God conveys His saving power.
III. THE OBJECT OF THE GOSPEL — “Unto salvation”
God’s power in the Gospel is directed not toward destruction but redemption.
1. Power in Creation displays His majesty;
Power in the Flood displays His judgment;
Power in the Gospel displays His mercy.
2. It saves from the penalty of sin — “Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.”
3. It saves from the power of sin — breaking chains of lust, pride, and fear.
4. It saves from the presence of sin — one day glorifying the believer in His image.
No human law can cleanse the conscience, but the Gospel purges it by blood. It does what the sword cannot—it changes the heart.
IV. THE SCOPE AND CONDITION — “To every one that believeth”
Its Impartiality — “To every one.”
The Gospel knows no boundary of nation, race, or intellect. Paul, once the narrow Pharisee, now beholds a wide horizon—to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Its Conditionality — “That believeth.”
Faith is the door through which divine power enters. It is not faith in faith, but faith in Christ crucified, buried, and risen (1 Cor. 15:3–4).
The Right of God to Fix the Terms.
Salvation is God’s work, and He alone determines its way: not of works, not by birth, but by believing. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” (John 3:36)
V. THE DIVINE ORDER — “To the Jew first, and also to the Greek”
The historical order — The Gospel began in Jerusalem (Acts 2), where the Jews heard it first. Yet from Acts 13 onward, as they rejected it, the message turned to the Gentiles.
The dispensational order — Israel, the good olive tree, was cut off for unbelief, and Gentiles—wild by nature—were grafted in by grace (Rom 11).
The missionary order — Still, God’s heart remains for both: “to the Jew first,” for His covenant is not forgotten; “and also to the Greek,” for His mercy has no frontier.
The same cross bridges both worlds—the chosen nation and the world of nations.
VI. PRACTICAL LESSONS
The Gospel conquers prejudice.
Paul, once the persecutor, became its preacher. The same Gospel that overcame his hatred can still melt the hardest heart.
The Gospel conquers persecution.
Neither prison, poverty, nor scorn could silence its message.
The Gospel conquers ignorance and idolatry.
It dethroned the gods of Greece and Rome; even today it topples false religions by truth’s light.
The Gospel empowers every believer to witness.
Men preach from pulpits; women preach through their lives and testimonies. Every redeemed soul is a voice of the Gospel’s power.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION
What the world calls weakness is God’s weapon of victory.
A dying Saviour is the living power of God.
A despised message is the hope of nations.
And those who truly believe will never be ashamed.
“The Gospel is not merely the news of salvation—it is the salvation in power.”
Let every Christian therefore declare with Paul:
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!” Are we? Then we should preach it!
Dec. 1, 2025
