Week 1 | Day 3
Unashamed: The Power and the Path of Faith
Romans 1:16-17
Paul’s declaration is crystal clear: “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” Why? Because the Gospel is the power of God –which is the only power capable of transforming a depraved life. Thus, the Gospel doesn’t occur by human effort but through surrendered followship to Christ. In Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, God’s righteousness has been revealed and for the transaction to be completed, it must be received by faith alone – teaching us that from first to last, the cross doesn’t merely polish us up, it transforms us from the inside out. Paul understood this power and urged the Romans to live their faith wisely and fearlessly – confident that the Gospel was more than capable to transform any life regardless of background, stature, gender, rank, lostness, or condition. Yet faith is the essential ingredient because without faith it is impossible to know or please God. Faith is trusting what is certain in Christ even when we cannot see it, because the evidence of the resurrection and its ability to transform lives is so overwhelming. Such power is in the cross alone and not in me… for greater is He who is in me.
Application – Living as Christ’s Own
1. Determine to start relying solely on the cross instead of in your own strength.
Stop trying to live the Christian life in your ability and start living it in God’s ability. Pray: “Lord, I bring nothing – I am ptochos (bankrupt). Only Your cross is my power. Next, identify one area where you’ll shift from self-effort to Spirit-dependence today.
2. Continue with living unashamed – fully engage without fear.
The gospel may be rejected, but it will never fail those who trust Jesus. Share your testimony or the gospel with one person this week. Trust God to do what only He can do.
3. Never cease practicing your faith daily – not just at conversion or when it is convenient.
Faith not only saves – it also sustains. This enables us to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding.” Yet, such faith requires our daily step of trust where we seek to obey God’s clear commands in Scripture, intercede for God’s direction and intervention, and possess a willingness to take a Gospel risk when the Holy Spirit moves.
Stop trying to live the Christian life in your ability and start living it in God’s ability. Pray: “Lord, I bring nothing – I am ptochos (bankrupt). Only Your cross is my power. Next, identify one area where you’ll shift from self-effort to Spirit-dependence today.
2. Continue with living unashamed – fully engage without fear.
The gospel may be rejected, but it will never fail those who trust Jesus. Share your testimony or the gospel with one person this week. Trust God to do what only He can do.
3. Never cease practicing your faith daily – not just at conversion or when it is convenient.
Faith not only saves – it also sustains. This enables us to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding.” Yet, such faith requires our daily step of trust where we seek to obey God’s clear commands in Scripture, intercede for God’s direction and intervention, and possess a willingness to take a Gospel risk when the Holy Spirit moves.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I am not ashamed of Your gospel. Thank You that the power to save and to change rests in Your cross and empty tomb – and not in me. Give me faith “from first to last” to trust You, obey You, and share You. Make me steadfast and fearless today. Use Your power to change lives for Your glory – including mine. Amen.
I am not ashamed of Your gospel. Thank You that the power to save and to change rests in Your cross and empty tomb – and not in me. Give me faith “from first to last” to trust You, obey You, and share You. Make me steadfast and fearless today. Use Your power to change lives for Your glory – including mine. Amen.