Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

The gospel is about sacrifice. It came as a sacrifice, it lived a sacrifice, it ended in a sacrifice… if we do not share the gospel in a sacrifice mindset (that it will cost us) then we will never share the gospel - we will just share salvation. i.e. I want you to know about Jesus, but only if it is comfortable for me to share it and it does not cost me anything… that is anti Gospel. - im only sharing it because its comfortable to me… its not really about the gospel- its about me… uh oh! 

The highest form of selfishness is a man content to go to heaven alone! JC Ryle

V. 16 ASHAMED

epaischunomai: To be ashamed, to feel shame

Original Word: ἐπαισχύνομαι

Word Origin: From the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon" or "on") and the verb αἰσχύνω (aischynō, meaning "to be ashamed”).

In sum, 1870/epaisxynomai ("dishonor") refers to being disgraced, bringing on "fitting" shame that matches the error of wrongly identifying (aligning) with something.

I.e. I will not be the one who identifies with someone who is afraid or ashamed to share the gospel.

BUT - epaisxýnomai (from epi, "on, fitting" intensifying 153/aisxynō, "disgrace") – properly, I will not be like someone "singled out" because they misplaced their confidence or support.

Dumb it down for me: Paul is saying I will not be the one who stands before God and is the one who was afraid or ashamed of sharing the gospel. 

V. 16 POWER

Meaning: (a) physical power, force, might, ability, efficacy, energy, meaning (b) plur: powerful deeds, deeds showing (physical) power, marvelous works.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb δύναμαι (dunamai), meaning "to be able" or "to have power."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H3581 (koach): Often translated as strength or power, used to describe God's creative and sustaining power.

- H1369 (geburah): Refers to might or strength, often in the context of God's mighty acts.

Usage: Dunamis primarily denotes power, strength, or ability. It is often used in the New The early Christians understood dunamis as the transformative power of God at work in believers, enabling them to live out their faith and witness to the world.

HELPS Word-studies

1411 dýnamis (from 1410 /dýnamai, "able, having ability") – properly, "ability to perform" (L-N); for the believer, power to achieve by applying the Lord's inherent abilities.

(1411 /dýnamis) is needed in every scene of life to really grow in sanctification and prepare for heaven (glorification). 1411 (dýnamis) is a very important term, used 120 times in the NT.

The power of God - This expression means that it is the way in which God exerts his power in the salvation of people. It is the efficacious or mighty plan, by which power goes forth to save, and by which all the obstacles of man’s redemption are taken away. This expression implies,

(1) That it is God’s plan, or his appointment. It is not the device of man.

(2) It is adapted to the end. It is suited to overcome the obstacles in the way. It is not merely the instrument by which God exerts his power, but it has an inherent adaptedness to the end, it is suited to accomplish salvation to man so that it may be denominated power.

(3) It is mighty, hence, it is called power, and the power of God. If is not a feeble and ineffectual instrumentality, but it is “mighty to the pulling down of strongholds,” 2Co 10:4-5. It has shown its power as applicable to every degree of sin, to every combination of wickedness. It has gone against the sins of the world, and evinced its power to save sinners of all grades, and to overcome and subdue every mighty form of iniquity,

Dumb it down for you… it is the super steroid for your life.

Jesus shares the gospel and moves in power

The disciples in Mark 9, 10 share the gospel and move in power

In Acts they share the gospel and move in power

Power for every occasion- miracles, healing, financial, wisdom, protection, relationships…