A Small Devotional - Romans 1:15-16

“So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”

-Romans 1:15-16

All of the power required to regenerate souls lies in the gospel that you, O Christian, possess. All of the righteousness of Christ and all of the cleansing power of His blood lies therein. What great and glorious news! What utterly and supremely preachable news! Oh that we would aspire as Paul did, to “know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2). That we would be eager to preach! That young men and women would proclaim the gospel, and present the power of God for salvation to all of those who may hear. That the seasoned saints would rely on no wisdom or plausible words, but declare simply the gospel of Christ and him crucified. That all the body of Christ would preach the gospel, so that the words of the gospel are being declared, and the fruit of the gospel is being displayed. God has sovereignly declared that salvation comes through Christ alone!

And so, brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! He has made known His power for salvation to you! Be not ashamed, be not quiet even, but celebrate that God has made a way for you and for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. I will say it again, rejoice! You have died with Christ and have been raised again to new life. Not only rejoice, but rejoice and be eager to preach the gospel. Why do you hesitate? Why are you ashamed? Why do you dread the preaching of the good news of salvation? Perhaps you feel your words unqualified for such a task. And they are! Perhaps you worry that your knowledge is not sufficient. It is not sufficient! Perhaps you fear that you will be exposed as a hypocrite. You are one! Do you imagine this to be a barrier for the power of the almighty everlasting God? For even if you had the perfect words, complete knowledge, and spotless testimony, you do not have the power to change a heart. But praise be to God that His power is present in His gospel. Declare Christ with your imperfect words, utilizing your imperfect knowledge and displaying your imperfect testimony, and God will make the growth. God has chosen to make his bride the Church his vehicle for the spread of the gospel. Preach it, Christian, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.