Series: I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel - 2025-26 Theme

Service: Sun AM Worship

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Phillip Shumake

Summary Not Ashamed of the Gospel

📘 Sermon Information

Sermon Title: Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Instructor: Phillip Shumake

Date: 2025-09-21

Chapter/Topic: Romans 1 — "Not Ashamed of the Gospel" (inferred topic)

🧠Key Learnings

Knowledge point 1: The theme — "Not ashamed of the gospel" as a congregational focus

Paul's statement in Romans 1:16 ("I am not ashamed of the gospel") is chosen as the church's annual theme to set a tone of courage, confidence, and joy. The theme is not merely devotional but invites deep, sustained engagement with the gospel's full implications — doctrinally, morally, and practically — and prepares the congregation to address challenging social and cultural issues from a gospel-centered perspective.

Knowledge point 2: Historical and cultural context of Romans

Paul wrote Romans around AD 57, amid the social and political realities of Rome: a large, opulent city (est. ~1 million people), widespread slavery, public leisure (stadiums, baths, temples), and imperial power. The church in Rome emerged early (Acts 2); tensions existed between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians, exacerbated by Claudius's earlier expulsion of Jews (~AD 49–50) and subsequent return under Nero. Paul writes to address unity between Jews and Gentiles and to ground their shared identity in the gospel.

Knowledge point 3: Paul's introduction of Christ as King and the content of the gospel

In Romans 1:1–5 Paul presents Jesus as the prophesied Son of David, declared Son of God by resurrection, exalted at the Father's right hand. The gospel announces a reigning King whose resurrection validates His authority. Paul's gospel includes the core facts (death, burial, resurrection) and the broader teaching and moral implications (kingdom ethics, grace, transformed living).

Knowledge point 4: Meaning of "not ashamed" in Pauline usage

"Not ashamed" indicates a settled, public commitment and willingness to suffer for Christ rather than hide or deny allegiance. Paul contrasts shameful past choices (e.g., sin) with the deliberate decision to follow Christ (Romans 6:21; 2 Timothy 1:12). He affirms he would repeat his commitment despite suffering.

Knowledge point 5: The gospel as divine power — its character and effects

Paul describes the gospel as "the power of God for salvation." This power is supernatural (not military, monetary, or social), restorative rather than destructive, and sourced in the Holy Spirit. The lecture highlights four manifestations of that power:

• Saves: reconciles sinners to God, dealing with guilt and death.
• Unites: joins Jews and Gentiles into one body.
• Transforms: changes hearts, ethics, families, and social behavior.
• Resurrects/assures: gives hope beyond death, eternal perspective for all life circumstances.

Knowledge point 6: Universal scope and justice of the gospel

Paul emphasizes the gospel is "to everyone who believes — to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." It addresses both Jews and Gentiles, revealing God's righteousness, just judgment for sin, and gracious provision for salvation. Thus it both explains unity in the church and grounds doctrine about salvation.

Knowledge point 7: Responsibility to proclaim the gospel

Paul feels an obligation and eagerness to preach to all groups (Romans 1:14–15). The gospel must be proclaimed faithfully, uncompromised, and to audiences that may be hostile or indifferent. Believers share that responsibility and should not be ashamed to proclaim the life-changing message.

✏️ Key Concepts

Concept 1: "Gospel" (Euangelion)

Definition: The full message about Jesus Christ — His life, teachings, death, burial, resurrection, kingdom, and the implications (grace, morality, hope).

Key Points:

• Includes the core facts (1 Corinthians 15) and the wider ethical and kingdom teachings (Sermon on the Mount).
• Appears across the NT as "good news" about Jesus' person and work.
• Encompasses grace, truth, hope, moral transformation, and eternal promise.

Example / Analogy: Summary: The gospel is not only a ticket to heaven but a comprehensive claim that reshapes identity, ethics, and community — like a new constitution that changes how a nation functions. —— the speaker

Concept 2: "Not ashamed" (Pauline resolve)

Definition: A public, resolute refusal to deny or hide allegiance to Christ, even under pressure or persecution.

Key Points:

• Connects to Jesus' warning in Mark 8:38 about being ashamed of Christ.
• Expresses intentional choice and willingness to suffer (2 Timothy 1:12).
• Contrasts with regret over past sinful choices (Romans 6:21).

Example/Analogy: Summary: Peter's denial at Jesus' arrest shows human weakness; Paul's later claim "not ashamed" models the growth to steadfast confession despite risk. —— the speaker

Concept 3: "Power of God" in the gospel

Definition: A supernatural, Spirit-sourced force that accomplishes salvation and transformation, distinct from worldly power (military, economic, social).

Key Points:

• Not self-generated; it is God's power, often associated with Jesus' miracles.
• Builds up, heals, unites, and restores rather than crushes or dominates.
• Produces conversion, sanctification, and eternal hope.

Example / Analogy: Summary: Whereas Rome's power conquers by force and control, the gospel's power restores and unites — like healing a broken body rather than conquering it. —— the speaker

Concept 4: Jewish-Gentile unity in the gospel

Definition: The gospel creates a single people of God from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, fulfilling prophetic promises and overcoming divisive cultural markers.

Key Points:

• "To the Jew first, and also to the Greek" underscores both priority and inclusion.
• The gospel addresses distinctions, calling both groups to one obedience of faith.
• Practical implications include communal harmony, shared worship, and mutual submission.

Example / Analogy: Summary: The return of expelled Jewish believers to Rome created a renewed, mixed congregation requiring cultural adjustments similar to reintegration of distinct language or cultural groups in a modern church. —— the speaker

Concept 5: Righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith

Definition: God's just character and saving righteousness are made known through the gospel and are accessed by faith; faith is the instrument of righteousness.

Key Points:

• The righteousness revealed explains both justification (how sinners are made right) and God’s judgment.
• "From faith to faith" signals continuity and dependence on faith for both revelation and reception.
• The theme permeates Romans, linking doctrinal truth to practical living.

Example / Analogy: Summary: Like a courtroom where the judge both pronounces justice and provides a legal remedy, God’s righteousness both condemns sin and provides salvation through faith. —— the speaker

🔄 Q&A/Discussion

Question 1: Why did Paul need to say "I am not ashamed" to the Romans? Answer 1: Because the Roman cultural context prized power, leisure, and social conformity; declaring allegiance to Christ meant rejecting prominent human values and could provoke shame, misunderstanding, or persecution. Paul affirms his resolve so the Roman believers would likewise stand firm.

Question 2: How does the gospel help Jews and Gentiles get along in the church? Answer 2: The gospel reframes identity from ethnic or cultural markers to shared faith in Christ, offering a common hope and calling that unites believers into one body and prescribes transformed conduct toward one another.

Question 3: What kind of power is the gospel contrasted with? Answer 3: It is contrasted with worldly power — military, political, economic, and social prestige. The gospel’s power is spiritual, restorative, and transformative, sourced in the Holy Spirit.

📚 Assignments

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