Many Christians may think and say that they are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but their actions beg to differ. They may not boldly declare, or want others to know, that they are Christians because they are not living their lives according to God’s Word. However, the Apostle Paul is a good example and testimony of one who is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. He preached the Gospel to everyone wherever he went. Why was the Apostle Paul not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ?

1. He had a deep sense of duty and obligation to preach the Gospel (Rom 1:14)

The Apostle’s sense of duty to preach the Gospel was accompanied by love. Thus, we too must ensure that while we have the sense of duty, we must also have love. This will enable us to keep preaching the Gospel of God, just like the Apostle Paul. Paul saw himself as a debtor who, with a deep sense of responsibility, wanted to pay off his debt. We too must be constrained by the love of God to pay back our Gospel debt. It was because God first loved us and sent His Son Jesus Christ to come and die on the cross for us, that we can be saved from our sins. Having this love of God will enable us to preach the Gospel to anyone regardless of who they are, for everyone is a sinner in need of the Gospel of Christ.

2. He had an eagerness to preach the Gospel (Rom 1:15)

We must not procrastinate or delay. We must have the eagerness to preach the Gospel of Christ to all, even if they are hostile towards us. For these hostile people also need the Gospel. We must be eager to preach the Gospel everywhere: at our workplace, in school, amongst our family and friends, etc.

3. He had to declare the righteousness of God (Rom 1:16-17)

We must not be afraid or ashamed to preach the Gospel of Christ. Many unbelievers may be aware of their sins, but are unable to get rid of them. Only God alone can free sinful men from the bondage of sin, and to enable them to receive salvation. We must preach the Gospel of Christ because “it is the power of God unto salvation” (Rom 1:16). The Gospel is the good news that can convert sinners into saints.

Only those who hear the Gospel of Christ, believe in their hearts and confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour will be saved from their sins. Therefore, let us not be ashamed, but be bold, to preach the Gospel of Christ to the world.