Martin Luther rediscovered the Gospel through these verses. Today, we too need to be reminded that the Gospel is the only hope for the world and the basis of our salvation. There are many things in this world that people look to for confidence, hope and strength. For Paul, the Gospel gave him freedom from being ashamed, but it also was the source of his being shamed. How do you react to the shame of the Gospel? Do you hate those who shame it? If so, you will be of no use for the message of the Gospel. No matter how others saw him, Paul still felt under obligation to preach the Gospel. We too must continue to preach even to those who shame the Gospel. We cannot love this world in our own strength though; it is only possible through the love of Christ being poured out to us by the Holy Spirit. The Gospel provides all the power we need our weakness. We do not have the strength for salvation; it is only the Gospel that can provide this power. The Gospel transforms from the inside out. Sin is so deep that it is only the Gospel that can deliver us. The Gospel reveals the righteousness of God through the cross and through faith. Because of sin, we deserve the wrath and punishment of God. But through the redemption that is in the cross of Christ, we are set free and delivered. Righteousness is given as a gift through faith. We don’t work for this gift, only receive it. Paul encourages us not to turn to works or religious efforts for righteousness but that our works will be the fruit of our righteousness. The righteous continuously walk by faith. So where do you place your confidence? Your hope? Be reminded that the message of the Gospel alone is the source of our salvation.