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Paul writes to the church at Rome about his desire to visit them, to preach the gospel to them, no matter who they are. He says, “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1.14-17, NIV).[1] Pay particular attention to verse 16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel…” Paul was ready and willing to preach the gospel to anyone, anywhere, anytime. This is where the Psalmist is coming from in Psalm 119.41-48, he is reminded of God’s faithful love, of His salvation He promised to him. Therefore, he is willing to share all God has done and will do to even to those who “taunt him,” because he trusts in God’s Word.
As God shows His mercy and Salvation (saving us from trouble and difficult situations), we can stand firm with proof of who God is and what God will do. God is Truth, His Word is Truth, what Hs says He will do. Knowing the Truth of God’s Word helps us understand more about God. Who He is, what He does, and so on. Putting God’s Word in our heart will help us understand what God’s plans are for our lives. How He wants us to respond to different situations, and to witness for Him. This is especially true when during difficult times or when God punishes us. Following God’s ways will free us to do whatever we want. Now do not miss understand this, because our wants, and desires, when we are walking with the Lord will line up with Him and His Word. Therefore, our liberty or freedom is really not our own but grounded in what God wants for our lives. Reflect on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26.36-46, Mark 14.32-42, Luke 22.39-45). John the Revelator writes, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him” (I John 5.14-15, ESV).[2] See, our will must line up with His will, then our desires will line up with His desires, and our asking will line up with what God wants for our lives. This is what allows us to freely do whatever we want, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having this freedom gives us power and boldness to speak before anyone about who Jesus Christ is. And not just speak, but not be ashamed by what we are saying or what we have said in the name of Jesus Christ. We must love the Word of God. Do you love the Word of God? I know we will read it and might ever study it, but do we love it? Loving the Word of God means we are willing to stand for it no matter what. We will obey its commands, teach it to others, delight in all that it says, and most importantly share it with those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Application
Prayer My Father, My God, My King, I thank You for all You have given to me, especially Jesus Christ Your Son. I am asking for Your wisdom to help me know what to say to others as I begin to share Your gospel in the coming days and weeks. Lord, I know in my spirit I am afraid, but I am turning all this over to You. You are the creator over all things, and You can give me the power to overcome this fear. Lord, help me have the boldness to share Your gospel with each person You desire, and may they be ready to receive what You desire for them to hear. Thank You for all You are doing in my life, in Jesus Christ Name, Amen. [1] The New International Version. (2011). (Ro 1:14–17). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. [2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Jn 5:14–15). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
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