In what ways can you overcome shame in proclaiming the gospel? Romans 1:16—Our Foundation “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and then to the Greek.” Recognize the Gospel’s Power, Not Your Performance • The message itself carries God’s power (1 Corinthians 1:18). • The Word is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), so results never hinge on your eloquence. • Remember: you are simply the messenger; God supplies the effectiveness (Isaiah 55:11). Remember Your New Identity in Christ • You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). • You have been crucified with Christ, and He now lives in you (Galatians 2:20). • You are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood…that you may proclaim” (1 Peter 2:9). • Shame fades when you view yourself the way God does—accepted, commissioned, and empowered. Rely on the Spirit’s Boldness • “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). • God “has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). • Therefore, “do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:8). Replace Fear with Love for People • “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). • Ask God to “pour out His love into your hearts” (Romans 5:5), so compassion overrides embarrassment. • Seeing others as eternal souls in need of rescue reframes awkward moments as sacred opportunities. Rehearse the Gospel Daily • Preach it to yourself each morning—Christ died, was buried, rose, and reigns (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Memorize core verses: Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9-10. • Share personal testimonies with fellow believers to keep the message fresh and joyful. Remain in Christian Community • Regular fellowship “stirs up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Corporate worship and small-group accountability normalize gospel conversations. • Celebrate stories of successful witness, and pray for one another’s ongoing courage. Respond in Simple Obedience • The early church “could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). • Obedience breeds confidence: each act of sharing shrinks future hesitation. • Leave outcomes with God; your role is faithfulness, not fruit-counting (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Resources for Continued Courage • Prayer—ask specifically for boldness (Acts 4:29-31). • Scripture—daily intake fuels conviction (Joshua 1:8). • Spirit—walk in step with Him, and He will prompt and empower (Galatians 5:16, 25). |
    |