Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first… I. JUSTIFY THE HIGH CLAIM HERE MADE FOR THE GOSPEL. Paul was not ashamed of — 1. Its origin. The advocates of other systems had reason to be ashamed of their origin. 2. Its sentiments — (1) Of God. God is light, love, purity. (2) Of man. His degradation, guilt, helplessness. (3) Of salvation and of the influences of the Spirit to make that salvation known with power to every heart. (4) Of a future state. Which of these sentiments can cause shame? 3. Its practical tendency. It is a system of purest morals springing from the purest motives — gratitude and love. It shows us a temper without a flaw, and a life without a stain; and it says, "We ought to walk as He also walked." 4. Its efficacy. The efficacy of the ancient systems was nothing. But the gospel is "the power of God to salvation." II. WHO ARE GUILTY OF BEING ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL? One would suppose that none could ever be ashamed of it; but, alas! there is reason to fear that some are. 1. Such are those preachers and writers who know the truth, but conceal it by specious arguments. 2. In the social circle how many are ashamed of the gospel! 3. In private life there is not that attention to religion which there should be. Young Christians are too often ashamed because of the sneers of those around them. (B. Rayson.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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