Unashamed: Embracing the Transformative Power of the Gospel
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth of the gospel and its transformative power. We began by reading from Isaiah 28:16 and Psalm 118:20, which speak of the cornerstone that the builders rejected, a metaphor for Jesus Christ. This cornerstone, though dismissed by many, is the foundation of our faith and salvation. We delved into the story of James Howells, who lost a hard drive containing 7,500 Bitcoin, now worth millions, to illustrate the human tendency to overlook or discard what is truly valuable. This story parallels how many people treat the gospel—either as trash or as a priceless treasure.
We are currently in a series on the book of Romans, and today we focused on Romans 1:14-17, where Paul declares, "I am not ashamed of the gospel." Paul’s declaration is both a call to boldness and a recognition of the offense the gospel can cause. The gospel can be socially, intellectually, and personally offensive because it challenges our pride, our self-sufficiency, and our understanding of the world. Yet, it is also the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Paul's unashamed stance is rooted in his revelation of the gospel's value. He sees it as the ultimate treasure, offering complete deliverance and life transformation. The gospel brings social freedom, intellectual fulfillment, and personal life. It liberates us from the need for human approval, provides the best answers to life's biggest questions, and offers us the righteousness of God through faith.
To live unashamed of the gospel, we need a fresh revelation of its value. When we truly see the righteousness of God revealed in Jesus, our affection for Him grows, and we naturally want to share this treasure with others. Living unashamed means stepping out in faith, knowing that while some may be offended, many will be drawn to the life-giving message of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Gospel as a Treasure: The gospel is often dismissed or rejected, much like the hard drive containing millions in Bitcoin. Yet, for those who recognize its value, it is a priceless treasure that offers salvation and transformation. This treasure is available to everyone who believes, transcending cultural and social boundaries. [26:30]
2. Social and Relational Freedom: The gospel sets us free from the need for human approval. When we understand that we are fully loved and accepted by God, we no longer need to seek validation from others. This freedom allows us to build genuine relationships without the burden of codependency. [48:23]
3. Intellectual Fulfillment: Christianity provides the most reasonable answers to life's biggest questions. It frames our understanding of the world and offers a coherent and satisfying explanation for our existence, purpose, and destiny. This intellectual fulfillment is a testament to the gospel's truth and power. [50:50]
4. Personal Life and Righteousness: The gospel brings us to life by offering us the righteousness of God. This gift solves the deepest questions of our value, purpose, and mortality. When we die to ourselves and accept God's righteousness, we experience the deepest level of satisfaction and assurance of eternal life. [52:29]
5. Living Unashamed: To live unashamed of the gospel, we need a fresh revelation of its value. When we see the righteousness of God revealed in Jesus, our affection for Him grows, and we naturally want to share this treasure with others. Living unashamed means stepping out in faith, knowing that while some may be offended, many will be drawn to the life-giving message of Jesus Christ. [55:30]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [22:03] - Reading from Isaiah and Psalms
3. [22:51] - Prayer for Understanding
4. [24:02] - The Story of James Howells
5. [25:16] - Human Propensity to Miss Value
6. [26:30] - The Gospel as Treasure or Trash
7. [27:39] - Introduction to Romans Series
8. [28:25] - Paul's Thesis Statement
9. [29:17] - Definition of the Gospel
10. [31:00] - The Concept of Being Ashamed
11. [33:55] - Why We Feel Ashamed
12. [34:39] - Paul's Experience with Shame
13. [38:06] - Social and Relational Offense
14. [41:17] - Intellectual Offense
15. [42:17] - Personal Offense
16. [45:01] - Why We Shouldn't Be Ashamed
17. [48:23] - Social Freedom in the Gospel
18. [50:50] - Intellectual Fulfillment
19. [52:29] - Personal Life and Righteousness
20. [55:30] - Key to Living Unashamed
21. [59:52] - Paul's Revelation of the Gospel
22. [01:03:16] - What Happens When We Live Unashamed
23. [01:09:59] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 28:16 - "So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.'"
2. Psalm 118:20-22 - "This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."
3. Romans 1:14-17 - "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.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 28:16 describe as the cornerstone, and how is it significant?
2. According to Psalm 118:22, what happened to the stone the builders rejected?
3. In Romans 1:14-17, what reasons does Paul give for not being ashamed of the gospel?
4. How does the story of James Howells and his lost Bitcoin illustrate the human tendency to overlook valuable things? [24:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the cornerstone metaphor used in Isaiah and Psalms significant in understanding Jesus' role in salvation?
2. How does Paul’s declaration in Romans 1:16 challenge common social and intellectual norms? [28:25]
3. What does it mean for the gospel to be the "power of God for salvation" as stated in Romans 1:16? How does this power manifest in believers' lives?
4. How does the gospel provide social freedom, intellectual fulfillment, and personal life according to the sermon? [48:23] [50:50] [52:29]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you might have dismissed something valuable in your life. How does this relate to how you view the gospel? [25:16]
2. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the gospel as a priceless treasure in your daily life? What practical steps can you take? [26:30]
3. In what ways do you seek human approval, and how can the gospel set you free from this need? [48:23]
4. How can you engage in intellectual discussions about faith with those who may find the gospel offensive or unreasonable? What are some strategies you can use? [41:17]
5. Think of a specific relationship where you feel the tension of being ashamed of the gospel. How can you approach this relationship differently in light of Paul’s unashamed stance? [33:18]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to step out in faith and live unashamed of the gospel. What is a concrete action you can take this week? [54:44]
7. How can you pray for a fresh revelation of the gospel’s value in your life? What specific aspects of Jesus' righteousness do you want to understand more deeply? [55:30]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Gospel as a Priceless Treasure
The gospel is often dismissed or rejected, much like the hard drive containing millions in Bitcoin. Yet, for those who recognize its value, it is a priceless treasure that offers salvation and transformation. This treasure is available to everyone who believes, transcending cultural and social boundaries. The story of James Howells, who lost a hard drive containing 7,500 Bitcoin, now worth millions, illustrates the human tendency to overlook or discard what is truly valuable. This story parallels how many people treat the gospel—either as trash or as a priceless treasure. [26:30]
Isaiah 28:16 (ESV): "Therefore thus says the Lord God, 'Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.'"
Reflection: Think of something in your life that you initially overlooked but later realized was valuable. How can this experience help you appreciate the gospel more deeply today?
### Day 2: Social and Relational Freedom in the Gospel
The gospel sets us free from the need for human approval. When we understand that we are fully loved and accepted by God, we no longer need to seek validation from others. This freedom allows us to build genuine relationships without the burden of codependency. The gospel liberates us from the need for human approval, providing the best answers to life's biggest questions, and offering us the righteousness of God through faith. [48:23]
Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: Identify a relationship where you feel the need for constant validation. How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval instead?
### Day 3: Intellectual Fulfillment through the Gospel
Christianity provides the most reasonable answers to life's biggest questions. It frames our understanding of the world and offers a coherent and satisfying explanation for our existence, purpose, and destiny. This intellectual fulfillment is a testament to the gospel's truth and power. The gospel brings social freedom, intellectual fulfillment, and personal life. It liberates us from the need for human approval, provides the best answers to life's biggest questions, and offers us the righteousness of God through faith. [50:50]
Colossians 2:3 (ESV): "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Reflection: What is one big question you have about life or faith? How can you seek answers through the wisdom and knowledge found in Christ?
### Day 4: Personal Life and Righteousness in the Gospel
The gospel brings us to life by offering us the righteousness of God. This gift solves the deepest questions of our value, purpose, and mortality. When we die to ourselves and accept God's righteousness, we experience the deepest level of satisfaction and assurance of eternal life. The gospel brings social freedom, intellectual fulfillment, and personal life. It liberates us from the need for human approval, provides the best answers to life's biggest questions, and offers us the righteousness of God through faith. [52:29]
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with feelings of inadequacy. How can embracing God's righteousness bring you peace and assurance?
### Day 5: Living Unashamed of the Gospel
To live unashamed of the gospel, we need a fresh revelation of its value. When we see the righteousness of God revealed in Jesus, our affection for Him grows, and we naturally want to share this treasure with others. Living unashamed means stepping out in faith, knowing that while some may be offended, many will be drawn to the life-giving message of Jesus Christ. The gospel brings social freedom, intellectual fulfillment, and personal life. It liberates us from the need for human approval, provides the best answers to life's biggest questions, and offers us the righteousness of God through faith. [55:30]
Romans 1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you share this treasure with them this week, despite any fear of rejection or offense?
Quotes
1. "If you've lived long enough. You probably have had moments where you missed an opportunity or you rejected something you shouldn't have. And the reason this story about James Howells sort of hits us isn't just the value of what he lost. But it is that human propensity to not notice the value in something at the right time. And to dismiss it too quickly." [26:30] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The gospel is something that we receive freely by faith. That there is literally, you play no part in this power of God unto salvation for all. For all who believe. The only thing that you and I do to experience the goodness of God in his salvation through Jesus is simply and humbly belief." [30:30] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Why does Paul make this declaration that I'm not ashamed of the gospel? Why does he go out of his way here? Like he could have said anything. Paul does not mince words. He puts things there for a reason. And he chose before he brings the hammer down and says this is the gospel and this is the good news. Why does he highlight this word ashamed? Why does he say I'm not ashamed?" [31:00] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The gospel says I am that weak and that helpless. It says that you cannot save yourself. That you need a savior, not a coach. Not somebody to come give you a hand. But you need a savior. That apart from God you can do nothing. You are blind, you are lost, you are wretched, you are poor, you are dead. That's what the gospel says. Ouch! That hurts the pride, doesn't it?" [43:16] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The gospel brings social and relational freedom. It sets me free. How? You might say. Well, I have nothing to prove. I don't have to win your approval. I'm already approved. I don't need your love. Do I want your love? Sure, but I don't need it. I'm loved. I can't be any more loved than I already am. I belong to God. I belong to the family of God. I am already brought in. I'm adopted." [48:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The gospel brings intellectual fulfillment. The gospel sets my mind free. And renews my mind. How so? Well, first, Christianity provides the best answers to life's biggest questions. For the person that will actually do the work to dig and to seek after truth, it is my opinion, and it has been the opinion of some of the most brilliant minds in human existence, that in the marketplace of ideas, Christianity stands alone." [49:52] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The gospel brings me to life. Here's the good news. You know, it offends your pride on the one hand, but when you die to self, you experience the righteousness of God given to you. The crazy thing about the gospel is that, all the while in your life, you're trying to self-justify yourself and to, you know, to be, to matter. And to figure out, like, how am I valuable? And then when you realize that God will place His righteousness on you, I've been given righteousness." [52:29] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When you see and have a revelation, when you see the cross and you see this is what God is like, and it hits you here, and it hits you here, and it blows your mind and rends your heart a mess, when you see that gospel and you see that God is that good and God is that righteous and God is that merciful and God is that holy and he's that just, and he's that glorious and he's that wonderful, when you see it, it causes affection." [56:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When you walk in boldness. And you don't shrink back. That is a space. That is a battleground. How many of you know those moments are a battleground? And the moment where you decide in faith. To take that step. I will not be ashamed. When you do that. That releases faith. And where there is faith. God's pleasure and power comes. A lot of us don't experience the power and presence of God. Because we have very little margin of faith in our lives." [01:03:16] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We have peace in a time when anxiety is at an all time high. Y'all. You can be testifying to the good news and the reality of King Jesus. Just by not freaking out all the time. Amen. Being a non-anxious presence in an anxious society. You're bearing witness to the reality of King Jesus. Not being worried. Not freaking out about who's prime minister or who's president. Like my hope's not there anyway." [01:08:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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