This week we said goodbye to a Louisiana Legend but more importantly a legendary man of God.
There was a time when Phil’s life was spiraling, but for the unwavering faith of Miss Kay who never gave up on him, and a faithful sister, Jan, who sent a preacher to a bar to share Jesus with him, stating, “if you convert Phil, he will convert thousands.”
Once Phil grasped ahold of the love of Jesus and His grace that saves, he never looked back. His love for the Lord was unwavering, and he made sure everyone around him knew where his heart stood.
Above all else, Phil cared most about helping lost souls find Jesus.
His transformation impacted not only his own life, and the life of his family but the lives of countless others.
In 2018, Phil launched his own podcast, Unashamed with Phil & Jase Robertson, with his sons Alan and Jase.
We live in a world where truth is often traded for popularity, and faith in Jesus can seem out of place—even offensive.
- Sometimes, it’s easier to hide than to stand.
- That’s not new.
- When Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he knew what it felt like to face opposition.
- Rome wasn’t a friendly place for Christians.
But right in the heart of that powerful empire, Paul makes a bold declaration:
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”
Brief context of Romans: Paul writes to a church he hasn’t yet visited, longing to share the gospel and encourage their faith.
Set the tone: In a culture increasingly hostile to Christian truth, what does it mean to live unashamed of the gospel?
I. The Gospel Defines Our Identity
Imagine traveling abroad with a passport that proves your citizenship.
- No matter where you go, no matter how foreign the place, your passport identifies where you truly belong.
- It gives you rights, protection, and access.
For believers, the gospel is our “passport” that declares we belong to the kingdom of God.
- That identity gives us confidence, security, and belonging in a world of confusion.
(vs. 1–7)
Paul, a servant[a] of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David[b] according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We live in a world obsessed with identity.
People are constantly asking, “Who am I?” and looking for answers in career, relationships, sexuality, politics, and personality.
But Paul reminds us that for the believer, our identity is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In just seven verses, Paul lays the foundation for how the gospel defines who we are.
A: Identity Begins with Calling
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.”
- Servant: Paul introduces himself not by status or achievements, but by relationship—he is a doulos (bondservant) of Christ.
- Called: His mission and identity are not self-made but divinely given.
- Set apart: Identity includes purpose—Paul is set apart for the gospel, not just by it.
Your worth isn’t in what you do, but who calls you. You are called by God to belong to Him.
B: Identity Is Rooted in God’s Eternal Plan
“…which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son…”
- The gospel is not a new idea—it’s the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan.
- Your identity in the gospel is not accidental; it’s part of God’s story through history.
Your life is anchored in a bigger story. You are not random—you are part of God’s promised redemption.
C: Our Identity Centers on Jesus
(vv. 3–4)
“…who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power…”
- Jesus is both human and divine—Son of David, Son of God.
- His resurrection validates who He is and defines who we are.
- Our identity is not in our family tree, but in His.
Jesus’ identity secures ours. If He is Savior and Lord, then we are redeemed and commissioned.
D: Identity Leads to Obedient Faith
(v. 5)
“…to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations…”
- The gospel calls us to respond—not just with belief, but with obedience.
- Our new identity produces new behavior.
True identity transforms how we live. We obey because we belong.
E: Identity Is Shared Among the Saints
(vv. 6–7)
“…including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ…”
- Belonging: We are not isolated individuals; we are called into a community of grace.
- Loved and called: Our identity includes being recipients of grace and love.
Your identity in Christ includes being part of a family. You’re not alone—you’re chosen and loved.
Paul’s introduction is more than a greeting—it’s a declaration of identity. The gospel:
- Calls us,
- Roots us in God’s story,
- Centers us on Christ,
- Moves us toward obedient living,
- And places us in a community of grace.
What defines you? Your career? Your reputation? Or your relationship to the gospel of Christ?
You are someone who belongs to Jesus Christ (v. 6). That is your truest identity.
“The gospel doesn’t just rescue us from something—it calls us to something.”
II. The Gospel Fuels Our Purpose
(vv. 8–15)
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers,[a] that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians,[b] both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
Paul isn’t just writing an introduction here—he’s giving us a glimpse into his heart. These verses show us what it looks like to live with purpose that comes from the gospel. Paul’s life is centered on Jesus, and that shapes everything—his prayers, his relationships, his goals, and his mission. And it can shape ours too.
A. The Gospel Moves Us to Be Thankful
(vv. 8–10)
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you…”
- Paul starts with thankfulness, not complaints or demands.
- His gratitude is rooted in Jesus—it’s not about what people have done, but what God has done through them.
When the gospel shapes your heart, you become more thankful.
Prayer becomes a response, not just a reaction.
B. It becomes our purpose to Encourage Each Other
(vv. 11–12)
“I long to see you so that I may give you a spiritual gift… that we may be encouraged together.”
- Paul wants to help them grow in their faith.
- But he also expects to be encouraged by them.
- Gospel relationships are never one-sided—they go both ways.
God gives us each other for a reason.
We’re stronger when we help each other follow Jesus.
C. The Gospel Gives Us a Desire to Make a Difference
(v. 13)
“…that I might reap some harvest among you…”
- Paul wants to see lives changed—that’s the “harvest.”
- Even when plans don’t work out, he stays focused on what matters.
- His purpose isn’t about success—it’s about spiritual impact.
Gospel purpose isn’t about being busy—it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives.
D. The Gospel Purpose Fuel a Sense of Responsibility
(v. 14)
“I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. …”
- Paul feels a deep sense of responsibility to share the gospel with everyone.
- He doesn’t pick and choose—his message is for all people.
- He’s not motivated by guilt, but by grace—he’s received so much, he can’t keep it to himself.
When you understand what Jesus has done for you, you want others to know too.
We carry the gospel, not as a burden, but as a gift.
E. The Gospel Makes Us Bold and Ready to Go
(v. 15)
“I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.”
- Paul is eager, not hesitant.
- He knows even believers need to hear the gospel again and again.
- The gospel isn’t just the starting point—it’s the fuel for everything.
If the gospel is real to you, you’ll want to share it—with believers, with nonbelievers, with everyone.
Are we passionate to share the gospel and strengthen others? Who are we praying for, investing in, or reaching out to?
III. The Gospel Is God’s Power
(vv. 16–17)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,[a] as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
When a vaccine is created, it doesn’t matter how detailed the research or how eloquently it’s explained—its power lies in what it does.
- It’s not just good advice; it’s effective action.
- It goes into the body and does what nothing else can do: it heals, it protects, it changes outcomes.
The gospel isn’t just spiritual information—it’s transformation.
Paul calls it the “power of God for salvation.” It doesn’t just inspire; it saves.
- Paul doesn’t just talk about the gospel—he stands on it.
- These verses declare the heart of his message and his mission.
- The world often mocks or misunderstands the gospel,
- Paul makes it clear: he is not ashamed.
Why? Because the gospel is the very power of God to save everyone who believes.
A: The Gospel Tells Us We Are Accepted by God
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
- Fear and shame often comes from wondering, “What if I’m not enough? What if people reject me?”
- But the gospel declares: God already knows you completely and still loves you completely.
- In Christ, you are forgiven, accepted, and secure. That frees you from needing the approval of others.
Courage comes when you know you’re already loved by the One whose opinion matters most.
How amazing is this…… The man who once tried to destroy the church is now writing to believers, eager to preach the gospel to Rome. Why? Because he experienced its power firsthand.
B: Paul Reminds Us That God’s Power Is Behind Us
“…for it is the power of God for salvation…” – Romans 1:16
- You’re not sharing your own ideas—you’re sharing God’s power.
- The gospel isn’t fragile; it doesn’t need us to defend it. It changes lives because God is in it.
- That gives us boldness—even if people resist, God can still work through it.
We can be unashamed because the gospel doesn’t depend on our strength—it carries its own.
3. The Gospel Gives Us a New Identity
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…” – Galatians 2:20
- When you believe the gospel, your identity changes: you are in Christ.
- You’re no longer defined by your past, your reputation, or your success—you’re defined by what Jesus did.
- That frees you from living for the approval of the world.
You don’t have to impress people—you already belong to Jesus.
4. The Gospel Puts Us in God’s Bigger Story
“…for the sake of his name among all the nations…” – Romans 1:5
- The gospel gives us a purpose bigger than ourselves.
- You’re not just surviving life—you’re part of God’s mission to bring salvation to the world.
- When you remember that, shame starts to shrink.
God gives courage to ordinary people because He’s writing an extraordinary story through them.
Conclusion:
If you saw someone’s house on fire and knew their family was inside,
- Would you hesitate to shout?
- Would you worry about how loud or awkward you sounded?
- Of course not. You’d speak up—urgently, boldly, and without shame—because their life is on the line.
Paul says he is “under obligation” to share the gospel—not out of guilt, but out of love.We speak up, not because we’re pushy, but because we know what’s at stake. The gospel isn’t a lecture—it’s a lifeline. And silence isn’t kindness—it’s neglect
You don’t need to muster up confidence on your own. You don’t have to be fearless by nature.
The courage to live unashamed doesn’t come from personality—it comes from the power of the gospel.
Because of the gospel:
- You know who you are—you belong to Jesus.
- You know why you’re here—to bring His hope to a broken world.
- And you know what you carry—the power of God for salvation.
- You are not defined by your past, your performance, or your popularity.
- You are defined by the One who died and rose again to make you His.
- You are not alone—you are part of a people called and loved by God.
- And you are not powerless—you carry the very message that saves.
So don’t be ashamed.
Be anchored. Be ready. Be bold.
Because the gospel is more than a message—it’s the power of God, and it’s worth giving your life for.
“The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)
“You don’t have to shout to be bold. Just don’t be silent.”
